Page 11

11

Maya

Watching the scenery pass by, I listen to the pups behind me excitedly chat about our soon-to-be new pack and what type of wolves we will meet. David and my uncle have told us a lot about Ivory Fangs, and the one thing that has caught my attention is Beta Kaylee. She’s the youngest beta so far in the wolf world. She is also the Goddess-given mate of my enemy’s son.

“We should be there within the hour,” a voice calls out behind me, making me jump in my seat. Turning away from the window and the endless forest view, I find Ash sitting beside me. His easygoing smile, which I have gotten used to, makes me roll my eyes.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he apologizes.

“It’s fine. I was just lost in thought,” I reply, sighing. “Something has me on edge, and I can’t quite put my finger on it,” I admit.

“Could it be that you’re meeting your mate soon?” my new friend asks. I shrug, running a hand through my hair and returning to gaze out the window. I suppose the anxiety I’m feeling could be that I’m getting closer to my mate. I am twenty-six, after all, and have spent the last seven years of my life hiding away from my kind in case Ramos came to finish the rest of us Harvest Willow wolves off. I haven’t had any chance to meet my mate until now.

“I’m scared to know if it is my mate,” I admit. I’ve never thought about finding my mate in all these years—I’ve been too afraid to bring someone close to the wolves I call my family and risk Ramos finding out. But if my anxiety is because my mate is near, and if they are a part of Ivory Fangs, then maybe I don’t have to be so scared anymore.

“I can guarantee that the wolves we have accepted into Ivory Fangs are good people. Beta Kaylee and Alpha Amelia have made sure of that,” Ash says, placing his hand on my shoulder. I turn back to look at him, seeing a smile on his face as he stares into my eyes. He has a calm yet reassuring smile on his face, and I can’t help but find myself smiling as well.

“I know. Uncle Kurt and David have reassured me of that, too.”

“I know it might be harder for you, considering we have some wolves who came from Oak Fur, but I promise you, these were wolves who were done with Ramos and how he ruled the pack before they left. You can trust them,” Ash adds, squeezing my shoulder before getting up and heading to the back of the bus.

I sigh, running his words through my mind and leaning my chair back. I know Ash is right—most of the wolves in Ivory Fangs came for a second chance, just like us, and I need to go into this new life with an open mind.

I’m at least grateful that my main concern of my small family being separated has been dealt with. Beta Kaylee had proposed putting the fifteen of us in the guest house so we could settle into Ivory Fangs together. I was even reassured that we would have homes built for us if we wanted after settling in.

Ivory Fangs is welcoming us with open arms and trying their best to make us feel at home. I can’t help but feel some happiness. Our group lost our home seven years ago. We were left scared and orphaned by a man who thirsted for power. We know the risk of joining Ivory Fangs—know that the man who took our home from us may one day come and try to take Ivory Fangs as his. But it’s because of this risk that I’m joining—it will be the best way to get revenge on Ramos and avenge Harvest Willow once and for all.

My thoughts wander away from planning revenge against Ramos to thinking about what kind of person Kaylee is. My uncle tells me she’s a strong she-wolf who would be a good friend if I needed one. David has told me stories of Kaylee growing up, and through them, I’ve learned that she’s headstrong but caring, with a no-nonsense attitude. She’s been through a lot since being rejected but still welcomes new wolves with a smile. I know she’s someone I want to be friends with, and I hope that when I meet her, we hit it off right away.

“Everyone, can I have your attention?” Uncle Kurt’s voice calls out over the chatter in the bus, quietening everyone as we turn to give him our undivided attention.

“We’ll be arriving in twenty minutes. I’ve just been linked by Alpha Amelia that there might be Oak Fur spies lingering outside the pack border, but a group of warriors are waiting along the roadside to escort us safely home,” he continues, his words causing anxiety to fill the bus.

My heartbeat quickens at the thought of Oak Fur wolves being so close. Will they be able to scent us? Will they try to attack?

A long howl breaks my thoughts, and I turn to find my wolves slinking into their seats to hide themselves from view.

“That’s just Ricky and a few of our warriors,” Eddison calls out from the back of the bus. “Welcome to Ivory Fangs, everyone!”