Chapter 22

I hug Gran tightly as we say our goodbyes. It’s almost dawn, and I have to be out of this territory, or my life is forfeit. “You be careful, girl. I know you’re a strong ‘un. Sleep in your wolf, you’ll be warmer, and you’ll be able to get away should somethin’ happen.” She pulls back and holds my face in her hands. Her eyes sparkle as she looks over my face. “I’m proud of you. You always been a good, strong girl, stronger e'en than you know. You deserve better than what you got. Take care of yourself.” I nod and hug her one more time. I’ve just found out that I have a grandmother, but now I have to leave her.

I wipe my tear away. “Thank you for everything, Gran. I’ll miss you.”

Gran nods once, but I can feel her sadness. “Get a going. You’re running out of time.”

I sling the backpack on that she packed for me and jog at a brisk pace. I have to get to my waterfall before sunrise. At this rate, I don’t think I’m going to make it. I stop and strip down. I throw my backpack on and shift.

My wolf form is much faster, and I’m light on my feet. I charge through the woods as fast as my tiny body can manage. The backpack weighs me down, but still, I push on. The light begins to break over the rocks; I push myself harder. Howls of the guards ring out around me. I’m almost there. Faster, faster. My legs ache, and my breath is getting harder and harder to catch. I smell the water, and I know I’m close. I push myself with everything I’ve got. I can feel the guards chasing behind me.

I put on a burst of speed and run faster than I ever have before. I hear the water splashing down, and I leap over the boundary just as the sun peaks in the sky. The howls stop, and I know I made it. I turn around and watch the movement of the foliage as the guards leave.

I slow my pace until I’m beside the water. I shift then take off the backpack and lay out to catch my breath. I wipe my brow, and my heart rate slowly begins to steady. I dip my hands in the water and splash my face. I’m about to scoop up a drink of water when I see a pair of eyes watching me. I stop and wait for any movement, ready to run again if need be. The eyes slowly step closer without crossing the border, and I recognize the small smoke gray wolf.

“Peter,” I call out. Another wolf steps beside him—he’s a sandy brown color and much larger. I assume it’s Weston. Both wolves stand still and watch me. “Peter, I’ve been banished. I have to go. You’ve been my best friend. Thank you for being there for me so many times. I’m so sorry about your parents. I know how much you love them. I’m going to miss you. I love you.” I wipe my eyes of the tears that have slipped down my cheeks. My jaw continues to quiver as Peter’s wolf whimpers and then turns away. “Weston, please take care of him. He needs you now more than ever.” Weston’s wolf nods then rushes after his mate. I don’t know if he hates me, but at least I got to say goodbye. I wipe my eyes and then make myself get to my feet.

I slip into my hollow to collect my treasures. I have a picture of my parents in a locket that was my mother’s and a pocket knife that was my father’s. It’s the utility kind that has all kinds of gadgets, including a tiny compass in the handle. Thank you, Daddy. I pack up the rest of my things then slip back out. My father is alive and out there somewhere. I have to find him. Gran told me that I need to head east.

I climb the rocks around my waterfall. It’s only about thirty feet of large boulders, but I’ve never climbed it before, and it’s harder than I thought it would be. The rocks are slippery, and my feet keep sliding off. I have to rely heavily on my arms that are weak and shaking, but I keep pushing myself.

I’m proud of myself when I make it to the top. I look over the beautiful forest that seems so far away. I know that on the other side of this ridge is Ashton’s pack. I close my eyes and let out a breath. “Ashton, I hope you’re alive and that your father forgives you. I’m sorry that we can’t be together. Although it kills me, I know I have to let you go.“ My heart aches at the thought of never seeing him again. My chin tremors as sobs escape along with my tears. My body slumps down to the ground as my agonizing grief consumes me. I hold me knees to my chest and rock, my emptiness consuming. Oh please, Moon Goddess, let him live. I can’t bear the thought of him dying. His father wouldn’t kill him, would he?

I sob my heart out as the sun rises higher and higher. It’s straight above my head and beginning to burn my skin. I swallow down a drink from the rushing water as it topples over the edge. With shaking hands, legs, and arms, I pull myself to my feet. I look over the Canyon Ridge territory one last time. My voice is a whisper on the breeze. “You were the best thing to ever happen to me. I love you, Ashton. Goodbye.” I kiss my fingers and send my love out into the universe, knowing I’ll never see him again.

I’ve been walking for hours. My legs are tired, and I have no idea where I’m going. I find a fallen log and plop down shrugging out of my backpack. I have no idea what Gran packed for me. There’s no time like the present. My clothes are tightly rolled up and crammed inside the largest of the pockets. I zip up that pocket and open the next. It’s filled with my toiletries and essentials, including food. The last pocket contains my envelopes and another piece of paper. I scrunch my brows as I pull it out. I close my eyes and let out a grateful breath. Gran, you’re the best. I look over the map and try to figure out where the hell I am, but more importantly, how to get to the town that’s circled in red.

According to the map, there is a river that leads into the town. It’s separate from the river that leads to my waterfall, so I’ll have to find it eventually. I pull out the pocketknife. I look around me and try to get my bearings. I have no idea how long I’ve traveled, nor how long it will take to get to the town. Once there, I have to figure out how to find my dad. I've never been around humans, and the thought of it is terrifying, even more frightening than pissing off Hunter.