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Chapter 2 - A Dangerous Place

Sloane

For weeks, Sloane was on her own. She had to fend for herself. Hiding in the forest whenever she could. Going into human towns to try and steal things. Her onesie pajamas were incredibly dirty after a few days, so she ended up shoplifting a sweatshirt.

It engrossed her entire body—the sleeves nearly twice the size of her arms, but at least it kept her warm. Her hair matting as she hadn't brushed it since her pack was destroyed. Worse was the fact that it was starting to get cold.

She didn't know where she was, and she tried desperately to find a pack. But what does a little eight-year-old know? So, she wandered until one day she heard crying.

Sloane followed the sound of tears. The smell of another wolf hitting her senses. It brought her comfort, and she slowly inched her way closer. There was a young boy sitting by a creek bed. His shoulders shaking up and down as he cried.

Sloane stepped on a twig and his eyes snapped up at her. A snarl etching on his lips as his wet eyes fell on the little girl. He only looked to be a year or two older than Sloane. Ragged and sandy hair with bright green eyes.

"You're a wolf," His voice catches. Sloane says nothing. She doesn't know whether to be comforted or afraid. The boy looks back down at the creek. "They killed my parents."

Sloane's breath catches, "Who?"

"I don't know." The boy shakes his head, "They had fire."

Sloane keeps her distance, afraid. "They killed my parents too."

The boy looks at her. He stands up slowly, walking tentatively towards Sloane. The urge to run away hinting at her but she hasn't run into a wolf at all. She hasn't even picked up on a scent. This is the first of her kind that she's seen in weeks.

Her eyes trail behind the boy, there's a large rock formation that's providing a smidge of sanctuary just on the other side of the creek. A small roof and when Sloane inhales deeply, she can smell embers from a fire he had previously.

"Do you...do you want to try and find a pack together?" The boy hugs himself. He has short sleeves on, and it looks like he's malnourished.

Sloane's eyes start to well with tears. "Where do we go?"

The boy extends his hand, "Somewhere safe."

Sloane places her long sleeve in his hand, and he smiles gently. "My name is Joshua, by the way."

She runs her other hand over her muddied face. "Sloane. My name is Sloane Amaris."

***

Joshua and Sloane felt safer together. Less lonely for sure. They didn't have instincts and their wolves weren't developed at all. But at night when the temperature would drop, they would both fit into Sloane's sweatshirt. Their body heat warming them. They moved on as soon as the cold became too much to handle.

Walking through the forest together, trying to pretend like nothing had happened and that this was some sort of adventure. They snuck into human towns—running little heists to steal food. They were so small—so short and dainty. Most people didn't even look at them twice or if they did it was to ask where their parents were. But while one distracted, the other stole.

One day, they found themselves in a strange town. They had been hopping from one place to the other—anywhere that was at the edge of a forest. Joshua kept his eyes peeled but there was an eeriness in the air that didn't quite sit well with them. It was something different.

"We should leave, Sloane." Joshua grabbed her hand, turning around. Two men—one with thinly white skin and red eyes stared at them. The second a bit gruffer—he smelled like a wolf.

"What are you kids doing here?" The red-eyed man asked. His head tilting with interest as he stared idly at the two children.

"Leaving." Joshua pushed Sloane behind him. They went to turn around again, and the red-eyed man was suddenly in front of them. His scent laced with death—it was horrific.

He inhaled deeply, taking in the scents of two little werewolves with no place to call home. "How much do you think we could get for two kids?" He looked up at his friend.

"Two werewolf kids?" The wolf shrugs, "A decent amount. They'll pay more for the girl. Look at her eyes."

Joshua snarled and Sloane turned around. Their backs pushing up against each other. Josh's voice trembling slightly but he tried, "Leave us alone."

"Oh," The red-eyed one says. "How cute. He's protecting the girl."

"You can break that out of him." The wolf laughed evilly into the air.

The red-eyed man takes a step towards them, and Joshua's fear starts to get the better of him. The man's eyes glisten like blood and suddenly he showcases his fangs. Sloane doesn't look, her focus entirely on the wolf.

"Come then." The wolf makes a movement, and in a split second, he's holding Sloane up by the collar of her sweatshirt. Like a runt being picked out a litter.

Sloane screams loudly and Joshua turns. "Let her go!"

Sloane tries to kick the wolf, Joshua hurdling himself as well. More so out of surprise than anything else, the wolf is taken aback. Sloane manages to slip out of the sweatshirt, staggering back in her onesie as Joshua ends up in the wolf's grasp.

Sloane's back hits the vampire, his red eyes glistening with wickedness. "On second thought, maybe a little snack wouldn't hurt."

His fangs extend and Sloane screams again. Before the vampire can do anything, he grunts suddenly. Looking down at his chest where he's been impaled by an arrow. His white face paling more. His veins thickening and appearing like braille on his skin.

"Sloane run!" Joshua yells but the wolf's arm is still latched around his throat and body.

As soon as the vampire falls on the ground, Sloane looks up to see another man. His hair ragged and unkept. Beard a bit too grown like he hasn't shaved in weeks. His eyes black as he pushes his wolf back. In his hands, a bow and arrow that catches Sloane's attention. He reminds Sloane of her father—or at least—around the same age.

"Let the kid go," His voice is calm for someone who just killed a vampire.

The wolf holding onto Joshua eyes the situation. His gaze befalling on his dead friend. He pushes Joshua away from him, letting him stumble on the ground. Turning on his heels and running. The man that saved Sloane watches the wolf carefully. He notches an arrow, waiting for the wolf to shift before letting it fly. It hits him—causing him to whimper—and the archer sighs.

Joshua scrambles to Sloane, pushing her behind him as the archer eyes them carefully. "You kids shouldn't be out here." His voice leveled.

"Thank you." Sloane's voice quiet. Joshua frowns, staring at the bow and arrow. The scent of silver hitting him. It looks like the arrow tips are made of that.

"Go home." The man turns.

"We don't have a home," Sloane admits quietly. The man stills, looking over his shoulder with a frown.

"Sloane, shush." Joshua scowls her.

"He's a wolf." Sloane says.

"So was that man that tried to kill us." Joshua hisses.

"Your friend is right," The man says. He slings his bow over his shoulder. "You shouldn't trust strangers."

"But you saved us." Sloane's voice confused, "No one saved my family. Not even the King."

The man's eyebrows furrow more. He eyes the children curiously—he lost his own family. To the raids that transpired. His pregnant mate—gone. He's been living with nothing for the last few weeks. No purpose, no guidance. Only sadness and despair.

The man crouches down to his knees, to level himself with the children. In a softer voice he says, "I have food. A home. You may not trust me, and that's alright. But if you'd like to come, I can give you shelter for the night and something to eat. Then we can figure out where to send you. There are orphanages that can help."

Joshua and Sloane look at each other. Josh doesn't want to go. His head shaking but Sloane eyes the man. He does remind her of her father. He saved them. That's more than the King ever did.

"What are your names?" He asks them kindly.

"I'm Sloane," She says without hesitation. "This is my friend, Joshua."

He nods, "It's nice to meet you Sloane and Joshua. I'm Kane."

Kane takes a step towards the kids. He's not heartless but his Mate was the one that was good with children. He never thought he'd make a good father, it's why they put off having a family for so long. They were going to have a girl. He remembers going to the ultrasound, listening to the heartbeat. Watching his Mate light up when she was told it was a girl.

Kane stares at Sloane. She may only be eight, but he knows she'll grow to be a powerful woman. Her eyes glisten like a storm. Silver and gray like Athena herself. There's something about her that's going to draw attention. Even the unwanted kind.

"You both need to learn to defend yourselves." Kane tells them.

His eyes fall on the Sloane. "Especially you, Sloane."

"Why?" Her innocence evident.

"One day you'll understand." Kane tells her softly, "The world is dangerous but even more so for girls."

Sloane's shoulders sag down. The urge to cry nearly overtaking her. She pushes herself on her feet, Joshua standing beside her. She holds her chin up slightly—remembering how badly she wanted to save Tommy.

"Can you teach me?" Her voice quiet but defiant.

Kane eyes them both, he stands up. Tilting his head to beckon them forward. "Let's go, kids."

***

We don't have a big training ground or fancy appliances that help me become better, but I don't need it. I stand in the middle of the little semi-circle the men have created. A sadistic smile taking over my lips as I eye them all carefully. They don't want to fight me with my real swords—scared I'll hurt them because they're made of silver.

Instead, we're all holding wooden swords. I wait for one of them to advance, my feet locked onto the earth below me. My eyes focused in front of me as I let my ears listen to what's happening at my sides.

They're afraid, my wolf tells me.

As they should be. I reply with a smirk.

I hear a small shift to my left, one of the attackers finally advancing on me. I sidestep, his sword crossing just in front of me as I pivot, turn, and slam the back of my hilt against his back. He falls to the ground, but I don't have much time to relish before someone else is swinging their sword at me.

The sound of wood clashing echoes through the training ground. Even with five against one, I'm finding their skills to be lacking. It's actually quite annoying when something that's meant to be a challenge becomes a disappointment.

I dodge, meet their swords with mine, clash with them. Hit them with the blunt edge in the stomach, or across the head. One by one, they fall—groaning.

"Well," I say hardly out of breath. "You all need to practice."

I twirl the swords in my hands. What a lost form of art—sword fighting. You'd think wolves are more experienced but they're not. We're too dependent on our wolf forms to ever pick up a real self-defense class. I've found that having a skill in human form has been much handier than shifting and then running around naked afterwards.

"Maybe we should get you a real challenge." I hear Joshua say from behind me. He hardly ever smiles unless I'm around. It makes me grin in return.

In his hands, he's holding my double-sheath. He tosses it towards me, and I catch it quickly as I let the wooden swords fall. The trainees I've wasted around just now getting onto their feet. I'm sure a few have some bruises but in a few hours they'll be gone.

I wrap the sheath around my waist. It brings me comfort now. For years, I thought it weighed too heavy or it would annoy me whenever I couldn't sit properly. Now whenever I'm without it, I feel like I'm missing a limb.

I have two silver swords—one on each side of me. Something that I've noticed has instilled a bit of fear into whoever meets me. It's not known for a wolf to carry silver. I might as well be carrying my death wish.

Kane didn't like me carrying it at first. He said it would give my enemy the opportunity to use it against me. But doesn't that just make it much more exhilarating?

Joshua makes his way to me, eyeing over the disheveled people who are sitting up or walking away with shame. "You need a new challenge, Sloane."

"I know." I agree with him and smirk. My arms crossing over my chest as I look at the men. "I'll have to teach them more though. They suck."

Joshua chuckles, his eyes glistening with a bit of trouble. "Come on then. Kane needs you at the meeting."

Our fingers brush against one another as we walk through the camp. We have so many Rebel camps across the country—at this point it's hard to keep track of it but of course, that's our job. To know where we are. To be able to mobilize. To protect our Rebels as best as we can. To recruit and allocate. To be a refuge.

This one is a little town that's protected by a bubble of magic. We have a Wiccan with us who's able to cast simple, but effective spells. Our little shield blocking us from the outside world. From the outside, we probably look like nothing but forest, but inside, the shield radiates a pink and purple hue over our heads whenever the sun shines on it from a certain angle.

A few kids run past me, their parents smiling at me as we walk by. A majority of us are wolves, but we have other supernatural's here too. Creatures who despise the King. There isn't a whole lot of criteria for wanting to join the Rebellion—some people are part of us simply because they have no place to go. Who are we to deny them of food and shelter?

As long as they follow our rules—which ultimately regards not committing crimes—then they're more than welcomed to stay. After Joshua and I had no refuge, we refuse to turn anyone away.

There's an underlying rule that isn't entirely stated but is somewhat expected. All Rebels must have the Rebel brand. A Celtic sigil that showcases their loyalty to the Rebellion. I'm likely one of the few that doesn't have it. Instead, I wear a necklace with the sigil.

Truthfully, I think it's idiotic to brand ourselves. It makes us a target. Kane see's it as a way of Rebelling against the King. He views it as loyalty and a necessity. We are wolves after all and we wish to belong to a pack. Our sigil is like a pack Brand.

That still doesn't mean I'll be etching it into my skin any time soon. I don't want any Brand. Rebellion or otherwise.

Joshua and I walk through the center of the camp. Everyone has an allocated role. Cooks, maintenance, construction. There are roles and responsibilities but we're a community that ultimately wants to support each other.

Not ever did I think it would grow to be this big. What started as a pipeline dream to single-handedly destroy the Crown has turned into a massive movement. The reality of bringing down King Aiden closer by the day.

Joshua tugs at my elbow, pulling me away from the crowd and the clearing where the center of the town is. He takes my hand as soon as no one is in sight—intertwining our fingers. Guiding me to the edge of the forest until he leans against a tree, his back turned to the camp.

"You know," Josh grins. "It's really hot when you kick ass, Sloane."

I laugh, slowly wrapping my arms around his neck. His arms lacing around my waist as he pulls me closer. Our lips pressing together in what starts as a gentle kiss.

His hand reaches up to cup my face, deepening the kiss enough that our foreheads press together. Our breaths becoming more ragged. I push my fingers through his hair—his lips curving into a smile as we wrestle with our tongues.

For the longest time, we fought this. Afraid of ruining our friendship and our bond over something so trivial as sexual tension and attraction. Until one day, it just blew open like a pressure cooker.

I pull away, grinning. "I thought you said we had to go to a meeting."

"Well, I didn't say the meeting was now." Joshua rolls his eyes, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. I hold onto his shirt, unable to stop myself from smiling.

My wolf loves Joshua. Loves that he's been such a monumental person in our life. The only person remotely as monumental is Kane. But she doesn't love the fact that we're physical. It makes me angry when she gets bitchy over it.

You know he may very well be our Mate, I tell her.

We've heard stories of people finding each other when they're kids. Being Mates for years and never knowing. I find it incredibly difficult to believe that Joshua isn't mine. The odds of us running into each other at the creek bed where just "slim to none" for the Moon Goddess to not have thrown him my way.

Until we have the Glaze, my wolf huffs. I'm not convinced.

You're so old fashioned, I tell her without trying to be overly annoyed.

We've agreed to disagree, and she just let's me be my own person. Instead of annoying me every time Josh and I have sex, she's resorted to shutting herself out completely. Which is totally fine by me.

"We should get there early." I tell him as he tries to kiss me again.

He rolls his eyes, "Always so punctual. For once, we could be late."

"Hmm..." I narrow my eyes at him playfully. "You know, I think if we both showed up late at the same time, with unkempt clothes, it might give away the fact that we're seeing each other."

We're quite sure some people know. Actually, we're certain that many people know. Josh and I have always been close. But recent years have brought us closer. Kane is the only person who knows about our relationship. All the advisors just turn to look the other way. I'm always defending Josh and he's always defending me. So of course, it's conspicuous.

I don't think it would be a big issue if it weren't for the fact that we run missions together. It's hypocritical of us—we never allow people in relationships to run missions together because it can impair their judgement. I think the only reason it works for Josh and I is because we've been working as a team for years now.

"I guess you're right," Josh rolls his eyes. "It's not like we stay in each other's tents or anything. I totally didn't have to do the walk of shame this morning."

I push away lightly, rolling my eyes with him. Both of us laughing softly as we hold each other's hands. Up until we reach the camp, where we let go and make our way to the battle side of the camp—we call it the Arena.

It's where all the warriors are. Where we train our new recruits or where the strongest of us stay. At the end, is the large tent. It's our version of a Council or City Hall.

Josh and I aren't even questioned as we step inside. A few eyes directing towards us as we walk to the war room. Kane is already there. He smiles when he sees me.

It's been nearly eighteen years since he rescued Josh and me. His dark hair is now peppered with silver. There are more wrinkles across his face but by all accounts, he looks great. Much like George Clooney, aging like fine wine and with time.

He's wearing his usual oversized hooded cloak. He's always reminded me of Robin Hood. With his bow and quiver strapped on his back.

"Glad you could make it." Kane smiles softly at the sight of us.

I know that I had a real dad. My actual father. But Kane has filled in his shoes in ways I couldn't even imagine. I know he views Joshua and I as his children. Josh always teases me that I'm the favorite. I admit it full-heartedly—I am.

My wolf feels warm seeing him. I instantly go to his side, looking down at the map of all packs in North America. We have little campsites as well to signify our strongest holdings of Rebels.

Josh takes Kane's other side, his face hardening entirely. Joshua hardly smiles at all when I'm not around.

"Ready for today?" Kane asks me gently. His eyes glistening in my direction.

I offer him a devious smile, "Always."

"Good." Kane chuckles, "I hope you're ready to fight for it."

A few of our strongest advisors sink into the tent. We all convene at the entrance where our chairs are aligned next to one another. A version of council of sorts so that we can discuss all kinds of matters.

I take my seat in my position, Kane takes the head chair. Joshua doesn't like the politics of the matter. He goes to stand against one of the wooden pillars that holds up the tent. His body leaning into it as he watches us with a fine line of boredom and intrigue.

Whenever we talk about missions, Joshua is more than happy to jump in. But if it's administrative tasks, he tends to yawn and get bored.

Once the nine of us are convened, the advisors look towards Kane. "What news do you have from Hala, Kane?"

As the only woman at the advisory table, these men don't take me seriously. I'm just a pretty, young, and reckless girl to them that likes to play with my swords. I'm Kane's surrogate daughter who likes to run missions and partake in politics.

Even then, they know I hold power over them. I make my voice heard, but hardly do I speak. It's better to observe. To speak through someone—like Kane. Who's taken much more seriously than I am.

Only a few people know my true identity with the Rebellion. Kane and Joshua being the two that come to mind. I think some of the advisors have speculations of who Hala is but have never confronted the issue. And why would they? Hala comes up with the plans. Hala is the one that pulls the strings from behind the scenes. As long as what she does works, why would they question it?

Besides, Kane wanted to protect my identity. Everyone in the Rebellion—and even those outside of it—know that Kane and Hala are the founders. There are targets—massive targets—on our backs. No one is going to blink twice if I'm known as Sloane.

Women are underestimated, I grip onto the arm rest of my chair.

Being underestimated gives us more freedom and power, my wolf tells me with encouragement. We know our potential, Sloane.

Kane takes a deep breath. He eyes everyone carefully, his gaze lingering at me for a second. I narrow my eyes at him—barely nodding my head. He notices and takes it as a sign to continue.

"Hala wishes to take action at the King's Ball." His voice loud and clear.

Everyone in the room goes silent. I can feel Josh's eyes on me. Most of the advisors are taking it in. Trying to wrap their minds around the crazy idea.

"That's ludicrous." One of them finally cuts the tension with his words. "That's practically suicide."

Another chimes in, "We would never get a team into the Royal Palace."

"Why on Earth would Hala want this?"

For the first time in weeks, I sit up in my chair. Eyes slowly shifting towards me. My wolf vibrating in my head. Her energy coursing through me in a way they can feel.

"Because..." I say lowly. "I have a source that claims the King has done something horrid. Something that none of us could possibly conjure even in our nightmares."

They all still. Kane eyes me carefully—only he knows. Even Josh doesn't know. He frowns at my words, his body coming off of the pillar. Kane is eyeing me with a small smile. He's proud of me for managing to find this source. Proud that I'm able to voice myself so articulately.

"What has the King done?" One of the advisors asks curiously.

"Best you hear it yourself." I nod at the guard by the door. He nods in return and disappears behind him.

As we wait, Joshua moves to stand behind my seat. The advisors murmuring to one another. Wondering what the King could have possibly done. Josh leans down to whisper in my ear, "Are you sure about this Sloane?"

I look up at him, nodding. The more I think about it, the angrier I become. My back straightening. Having to push my wolf back as she paces and growls in my head. I try to deter her. To remind her that this is why we founded the rebellion.

The tent opens, a young man walks in. He looks different from the first time I met him. He had been on the run for a while. Looking for the Rebellion. He finally stumbled across some recruiters. He told a few of our generals that he needed to speak to the leaders of the Rebellion. He pleaded and pleaded until it became so annoying, I got called in.

The advisors go quiet, all of us leaning back in our seats as the man steps forward. He stands in front of us all—no fear behind his gaze. Just rage and vindication. A lambda etched on his wrist that is slowly disappearing—the Brand from his previous pack.

"Tell us your name," Kane's voice booms. "And who you are."

The man hesitates for a split second. All eyes on him. He notices me, recognizing me. A smidge of relief goes through him as he in-takes a deep breath while I nod at him in approval. His eyes fall on Kane.

"My name is Jake." He says slowly, "I used to be the Beta of the Spartan pack."

"And why are you here today?"

Jake's anger is so clearly coming off of him. He takes a deep breath, his eyes flickering in and out of black as he tries to control himself.

A low rumble in his chest, "To tell you all that King Aiden has the power to sever our souls. To take our wolf away. To turn us human."

***

A/N: How's the debut? ;) ;) Any thoughts or comments?

I'm going to have to use the first few chapters to build on Sloane and Aiden. So just stick with me. This isn't a book where Mates meet in the first chapter or two. It wouldn't be good if it was tbh...plus, you need that character development. Makes the payoff so much better <3

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