It was a couple of days after Christmas and I found myself sinking into a depression. Until now I had been able to keep strong about the William situation. I put the blame of all of my feelings on my wolf and decided all I had felt was nothing more than a high school crush. I had picked up the habit of going for a run when ever I felt like I was drowning to get me out and change my focus and everytime I  managed to ignore the feeling of being watched. Mum had taken James to the small apartment she was now renting nearby and due to my bitchy mood I was glad he didn't have to be around me like this. For the most part my grandparents left me alone too but I could tell they were worried. No one knew what had gone on in France. Well not the whole truth. Even Jocelyn couldn't get it out of me.

I missed William, but I wouldn't admit it was coming from me and not the wolf. I missed Eric and Freddy, even Marcus and Finn. I had just gotten out of the bath and got dressed when I got a message from Andrea. 'Broken up with Derrick, can I come stay for new years xx' For the first time since Christmas I smiled. The prospect of getting Andrea and Dylan back together was looking very promising. My wolf was beyond annoyed I'd care more about them being together than helping ourselves with our own issue. I messaged her back that it was fine and knew we'd have to do something awesome for New Years. Texting Jocelyn she knew of a party happening in some new fancy club so would see if her Dad could get us tickets in. With that sorted I gave Dylan the heads up, leaving him to plan mission get Andrea back. I know, we need a better code name; one that didn't explain the whole mission so obviously but he ignored my attempts at one. By bedtime I was happy to escape from reality.

Elizabeth walked around the forest, hoping for a sign of William. Nothing was around, not even the deer or rodents often seen in these parts. She was about to give up when a scream echoed through the night. Instantly she started to run towards it and before long she came face to face with Penelope. The girl stopped, looking at the similar person before her and as a howl broke out in the night she started running, grabbing Elizabeth by the hand to be dragged along with her.

Penelope's legs were aching, her lungs burning with each gasp of air she took as they ran faster and faster. A branch caught the fabric of her dress bringing her to a quick stop as she tripped onto the earth hard. Turning the branch ripped through the fabric as she pulled it free but he was getting closer. She felt it. Elizabeth looked behind them curious of who they were running from as she helped Penelope  up.

"Run! He is coming!" Penelope gasped fearfully and they continued to run. Elizabeth looked over at her in wonder, watching as her hair flew out behind her as she sprinted, the full moon the only light as it broke through the trees. The similiarities were uncanny. They couldn't hear the footsteps behind them anymore but they didn't stop, not until they were certain they were alone.

Finally they slowed, breaths coming short and fast. Penelopes chest ached as the corset still around her waist cut into the skin. She felt faint, her mouth dry as her eyes burned. Tears had dried on her face and finally she was able to look at the girl beside her in wonder. She didn't think she was real, her hand had been to light to hold and unlike her own breathing, no mist was left in the air. Was she a ghost? Was she here to help her? Not sure she knew it wouldnt be fair to put her at risk too.

"Keep running, he is coming but he won't catch you" she instructed. Hesitantly Elizabeth nodded and kept going in a different direction as Penelope stumbled on, always listening to the sounds in the forest around her. Then she heard it. The howl was close and she knew he only did it to tease her. With no where left to run she saw a hollowed out tree and decided to try and hide in there. She had just lowered herself to the ground to crawl in her hair was yanked upward, pulling her head back she screamed in surprise and agony. He had found her.

Elizabeth heard the scream and froze. Turning back she couldn't not go to help. Carefully she went back, her hands covering her mouth as she watched Penelope kick and punch at him before looking into 'Mathews' smirking face, she spat at him. He slapped her hard in response causing her to fall to the ground and quickly pinned down. The pain from his slap throbbed in her skull, her vision going blurry as he roughly grabbed her face in his hand and forced her to look at him.

Parker had Penelope. Elizabeth went to run forward before stopping as his words floated into the night as their hot breath mingled with the cold air around them.

"If only you had loved me," he whispered. He could feel her hearts frantic beatings from her chest, her fear was thick in the air around him. Her tears began once more as she looked at him fearfully.

"I do love you. I will. Please, please don't kill me Mathew" she begged. He loved it when they begged. It was amazing what people will offer you in return for their life.

"I really wish that were true" He kissed her without the gentleness he had shown her earlier. The charming man she would flirt with years ago gone and in his place a monster. He bit her lip and the metallic tang of her blood entered her mouth. Gaging she tried to push him away unsuccessfully before he kissed her again.

In a swift movement he was off her and confused she opened her eyes looking around. He stood staring down her, his obsession was one he could not explain, he had never felt like this towards anyone but she was not his. He knew that but he couldn't resist her like she had resisted him. It was time to end it.

"Run" he ordered, smirking as he watched the confusion on her face before he shifted. Seeing his wolf she scrambled up and ran again. Adrenaline coursed through her veins but it would not help her now. The grey and white creature sniffed her scent curiously, but his mind was already made up. He sprinted after her and in a few strides she was pinned below him once more. Her scream echoed into the night and silence returned moments later as he left her bloodied and torn body alone on the path.

Elizabeth ran over as his wolf slunk away, the sight before her unlike anything she could have prepared herself to see. It was to late, she couldn't help Penelope now. Just as she was about to vomit from the sight and the anxiety that filled her, she heard his steps coming back and looking up to meet his eyes her blood ran cold. The wolfs tongue flicked out over his muzzle, taking the bits of evidence staining his lighter fur away. His eyes were dark and lacking any recognition of her, of anything really. Stuck in his gaze she screamed as something grabbed her ankle and free of the trance they had been in the wolf restarted his approach. The torn and bloodied body of Penelope looked up her desperately.

"Run" she croaked, clawing at Elizabeth's leg as the wolf knocked her over, pinning her as he had Penelope. But she wasn't scared anymore, something changed inside her. Looking him in the eye she welcomed the death he was sure to bring, accepting her fate and just as he went to serve the final attack the scent of William came to her. 'Mine' a voice in her head screamed and feeling a renewed sense of power, her white wolf appeared in her place under Parker. He looked at her surprised and in that moment of hesitation she launched herself at him, her own fangs ripping into the softness of his throat and with a shake of her head Parkers limp wolf fell to the ground beside Penelope. It was then Williams black wolf appeared from the darkness of the forest. His light eyes took in the scene before his muzzle tilted to the sky; his song filling the night. Doing the same she joined in as a chorus erupted around them and the pack joined in.

I woke up drenched in sweat, my body aching from the desperate run. Parker had killed her. He had killed Penelope. But I had then killed him. Would history repeat? Would he be able to kill me or was it a sign of what was to come? It was just a dream but now the main question lingered in my mind. Could I kill him? Something in me was attracted to him, no matter how much I tried to deny it. But killing him? It was to much to comprehend, that I could kill someone or somewolf. I got up and headed into the bathroom. It was a little before five in the morning and I decided to go for a run as I always seemed to do now when my mind went racing off on its own. My body protested the activity as after my dream, my joints were already sore but I ignored it and ran on.

I ran through Hyde Park and past the ice skating rink, making a mental note to take James there soon, when my wolf became alert. I slowed to a walk, using a nearby bench to stretch and kept an eye out for any movement. Nothing happened so I kept running. My wolf whined and urged me to turn around so using agility I didn't know I possessed I slowed slightly and jumped spinning around to look behind me. A movement by some trees caught my attention and I headed over. My wolf urged me on but calmed right down, seeming almost excited. A glimpse of blonde made me know who it was instantly.

"I should have you arrested for stalking," I snapped at him, but my grin was too hard to try and hide. Eric looked at me sheepishly and I jumped onto him in a hug.

"I have missed you so much" I mumbled into his black fleecy jacket. He looked much better than when I last saw him a few days ago. It felt like months.

"I've missed you to. Don't just leave like that again ok?" he kissed the top of my head gently and returned my hug. His smell was so familiar and comforting, I could stay like that all day.

"What are you doing here?" I soon asked, finally stepping away.

"Looking for you. I guessed you had come back to London and it's taken my wolf two days to find you. When I saw you running I wasn't sure how you would react to me finding you so decided to follow and find out" I smiled; touched by the fact he had come looking for me.

 "Are you alone?" I asked, and was instantly disappointed as he nodded, looking guilty.

"No one knew where you went and your note was cryptic. I was following your Mum but she managed to loose us until I went to the airport and her scent was faint. My wolf wouldn't give up though so I came home and here we are!" he waved his hands around and I nodded.

 "Home?" I asked confused. Didn't they live in France? 

"Yeah, we're based nearby. We only go to France to check on William. We don't usually stay so long but well things change" He shrugged as if it was no big deal but I knew it was. The mention of William had my heart going and my wolf interested but I ignored it all. 

"Stay with me?" I was sure my Grandparents wouldn't mind and was thankful when he agreed. It was nice having him around, I really did miss him. We continued to run and I noticed the backpack he had with him. Not thinking much more about it we headed back to my Grandparents home. We had just gone into the foyer and were taking off our shoes and jackets when he tensed. He went by the window of the front door and looked out scanning the area.

"Parkers around here, I could smell him outside. Have you seen him?" he asked cautiously, making sure the door was locked as if that would help. I told him about Christmas Eve which left him angry but Ieventually I had calmed him down. I showed him to one of the guest rooms and left him to shower while I did the same. I had just slipped on a sapphire long sleeved mini dress which had been a present from my Mum, over my black leggings when I heard a commotion down stairs. I quickly ran out, jumping down the stairs to at a time. Hitting the marbled tiles I skidded in my black socks along the floor, the group in front of turning to watch as I stumbled. Instantly Eric was in front of me stopping me from completely falling and before I could thank him Dylan was trembling about to shift beside me.

"You can't just come in here and touch her" He growled, and at his word, Eric responded the same way. What had I come down to? Why was Dylan even here? My Grandfather looked just as annoyed, as my Grandmother seemed amused.

"For the hundredth time she invited me here! I am stronger than you, do not threaten me or I will hurt you. Understand?" Eric's own challenge was received and finally Dylan shifted into his brown and white wolf. I knew Eric was not only bigger but stronger than him and he was right. He would hurt Dylan. Eric looked at me lost, I could see his wolf wanting to take over but Eric was managing to hold on by a thread. I went to Erics side coming between him and Dylan, who only growled at my actions. I glared at him, hoping it would work like last time. I could already sense his uneasiness, his gaze dropping to the tiles, as he didn't dare look me in the eye. Finally he sulked off into the lounge room and I breathed out relieved.

 "Who is your friend honey?" My Grandmother asked curiously, unphased by it all.

"Eric this is my Grandmother, Kathryn Lowell and my Grandfather Henry Lowell" I introduced. Eric instantly lowered his gaze and extended his hand politely. They both shook it lightly, my Grandfather watching him cautiously.

"How do you know him?" My Grandmother asked, still being nosey. Her eyes moved between us wondering. Did she think every male I knew would be my mate?

"He isn't what you're thinking" I snapped at her, she laughed nodding and went towards the kitchen, Grandfather behind her.

"Come on, let's go check on Dylan" Eric walked ahead of me entering the room first. Dylan had shifted and sat in his pajamas on the sofa. The pair eyed each other up for a moment before I interrupted.

"Dylan, Eric, Eric, Dylan" I waved my hand between them as I gave introductions. They both nodded and as I sat down Eric made sure to sit between us protectively. I couldn't help but giggle, the whole sitauation was bizarre.

 "Eric, Dylan is my neighbor and I've known him my whole life" I explained, Eric seemed to relax slightly at our familiar relationship but Dylan still sat sulking like a child.

"How do you know Eric?" he asked me, ignoring Eric completely. I rolled my eyes, knowing he did it to only stir him up further.

 "She is my Alph...." I quickly cut him off but it was to late. Dylan jumped out of his chair looking at Eric.

"Alpha? You have a pack scent, she doesn't. How is she your Alpha?" he demanded. Not liking the control Dylan was taking Eric stood up and growled at him warningly. Dylan relecuttantly back down, looking at me expectantly. He had guessed before that I could be Alpha, why did he know question it?

"Looooong story" I muttered, not wanting to go into it right now. Dylan waited a few moments before finally getting up to leave when he realized I wasn't going into it now. 

"Call me if you need me. I saw him follow you in and panicked" he whispered as he left the room. Sighing I looked at Eric who still sat tense until Dylan had left the house.

"Breakfast?" I asked and we headed into the kitchen.

Later on that day after visiting James while Mum went out, I was on my way to the airport to pick up Andrea. I decided to bring Jocelyn along too, not for company but because she had demanded to meet her 'competition'. Seeing the red hair from the crowd coming down the tunnel from the plane I jumped up and down waving my arms so Andrea would see me. She laughed embarrassed at my greeting and headed over. I have her a massive hug, and she must have missed me too as she hugged me tightly back.

Jocelyn coughed to interrupt and grinning I introduced them. Thankfully by the time we got to the baggage claim all three I us were chatting as if we'd always known each other.

"Um, And, how about we grab a coffee before we go? I have something I need to tell you" I asked slowly. She nodded not picking up on my nervousness and we headed to Krispy Kreme. Once we had our coffee and donuts we took a seat and I decided to come clean about Dylan.

"So being back home has been great. I have been able to catch up with some old friends too, like my neighbor" Andrea listened while picking apart her rocky road and Jocelyn watched anxiously.

"That is good Beth" Andrea smiled, popping some of the chocolate covered marshmallows in her mouth.

"Yeah. He is pretty great and grown up ALOT since I last saw him" She shot me a curious look as emphasized a lot. "He used to be this little nerdy thing and I used to get in trouble at school for standing up for him. He makes stupid decisions too but underneath it all he is a good guy"

Both were looking at me like I had three heads.

"Just saying" I took a bite of the chocolate and strawberry masterpiece as Jocelyn looked at me coyly.

"Sounds great Beth. What's his name?" She said innocently looking at Andrea. Andrea raised her eyebrow at me waiting for an answer, her face tuning serious.

"DylanHelmsley" I mumbled quickly, not daring to look at Andrea. Her laughter soon broke the tension and I looked at her confused. I think she was in shock.

"Come on, it is funny non?" But her laughter soon ceased as she started to cry. Instantly Jocelyn and I were at her side trying to soothe her and finally she stopped.

"I need a drink," she mumbled and we all nodded. Getting her stuff together we went back to the car and headed home.