The Alpha

Scarlet's POV

I go back to the closet and grab a leather jacket off a hanger and put it on before zipping it up. With how cold it is, I would love to put on a scarf and gloves too, but I'm worried that would hinder my ability to scale across the exterior of the very tall building I'm in. Goddess, I must be crazy. I inhale slow and deep before nodding with determination. I lock my bedroom door just in case and head to the small balcony. "Okay... okay.... You can do this." I mumble as I try to psych myself up.

Holding onto the railing, I hoist one leg over and then the other. I take another deep breath and force myself to not look down. Werewolves heal fast, but a fall like this would crush me beyond repair. "This is ridiculous. Go back inside before you kill yourself," my wolf scolds.

"Shut up. Don't distract me."

"Don't be stupid and then you don't have to worry about it. You should just tell our mate what you know."

"No way! He'll go in there guns blazing like last time," I argue.

"You mean claws drawn?"

"Shut up! You know what I mean! What if next time Jo or Will are the ones that get in the way? Then what?" I insist. My wolf finally quiets. She cares about Jo and Will too and has finally realized there is no talking me out of my decision.

Before taking the first step onto the ledge, I reach up and make sure my grip on the ridge above me is secure. After that, I move my feet one at a time and get myself positioned so that my nose is practically touching the exterior stone wall. The wind is strong this high up, stronger than I had originally anticipated. My grip tightens as I think of what would happen if a random gust of air was the cause of my demise. Slowly, I inhale deeply before blowing it softly from my lips. Once I've calmed my nerves, I begin to inch my way toward the fire escape cautiously. I can feel my palms getting sweaty and my heart rate accelerating. My anxiety is through the roof right now... well, figuratively speaking.

When I finally reach the fire escape, I hastily clamor over the rail and sink into a crouching position in the corner as I try to catch my breath. Oh my Goddess. That was terrifying. Once I've managed to get my bearings, I begin the long trek down the stairs. Despite being in pretty good shape, I have to stop multiple times. Meanwhile, I keep looking over my shoulder and keep my head on a swivel. I don't want anyone to see me. I'm not sure who all knows who I am so being caught in the city could be potentially dangerous. Not to mention, Ethan is going to be furious about this. Luckily, the escape isn't close to the windows and is somewhat hidden from the other buildings around it. Hopefully, my luck will hold up and I'll make it pass the borders and back to packless territory.

I try my best to remain hidden in shadows and dark alleys as I make my way toward The Scourge. Whenever another wolf gets too close I quickly hide and wait until they are gone. It seems to take forever, but eventually I make it back and enter the familiar path to the shelter. Blood stains the stone walls of the buildings on either side of me and the same goes for the gravel path. "Scarlet! Oh my Goddess! You're alive!" Rebecca, Annie's mom, says as she runs up to me and throws her arms around my neck, pulling me in for a tight embrace.

pat her back soothingly. "Yeah, I

heard from one of the others that they saw you get stabbed! But when we were collecting our lost members you weren't there. We didn't know what

figure out exactly what I mean. Luckily, she can tell that it's not a topic currently up for discussion and she chooses not to pry. "Who all did we

us packless. Bernie had a mate and two pups to take care of. Mr. Luckett and Mr. Garber had both been warriors when they had been part of a pack and were always teaching some of the younger wolves. I hurry to wipe away a loose

gazes turn towards me. Before I have the chance to do or say anything I'm plowed into and lifted from the ground in a tight embrace. The smell of mint and clover surround me and I wrap my arms

is holding me so close that I can feel his heart thudding against my chest. It feels so nice to see him again. I've missed him so much and my body seems to instantly

He purses his lips together and I'm sure he has noticed how worn

hand on my chest where the necklace should be. "Shit! It must

before

lot to catch you up on. But first,

Jo coming up to me as she wipes her flour-covered hands off on her

her and give her a hug. "Oh Jo! It's so good to

it is. But where the hell did you

explain everything. I promise. But is there somewhere that we can talk in private?" I ask her softly as I try to avoid prying ears. It's hard to do in a room full of werewolves with enhanced senses, but the dining hall is once again loud so hopefully no one is paying attention to us. Jo looks around, seeming to be hoping the same thing before she jerks her head over to the door. Will and I immediately follow her as she leads us through the kitchen and into one of the large pantries. She instantly shuts and locks the door before turning to me. With

*****

asks with a wide-eyed expression of utter

I agree with a

Technically speaking, there are no rules in The Scourge. People tend to do whatever they want. As long as they aren't hurting anyone, no one really cares. However, most of us tend to help out and take care of each other. Ray and his gang have never really included themselves in our little community though. They take advantage of our kindness and eat the food we provide and such, but they don't help out. They tend to cause more trouble than they are worth and this time it cost innocent lives. The Crescent Moon Pack will be seeking retribution against the wolves that killed some of their men. I can't let anymore innocent wolves get killed in the crossfire. So, I need to find out if what my gut is