The Choice (The Choice Series Book 1) (5 page)

I was looking at my dad when
he spoke, “I know I assigned her to you to make sure you were safe.  She was to report back to me if anything out of the ordinary happened.” 

I look at Amber my eyes wide, “S
o was I just an assignment then?  All those times we hung out, talked about boys, sleepovers.  You were doing it to let my dad know about me?   So when I thought he was dead you knew he was alive.  Why didn’t you ever tell me?  You saw how I mourned him.  Why would you do that?”

Amber
started to walk towards me but I held my hand up to tell her to stop. I could see the tears in her eyes. 

Her voice tremble
d, “It wasn’t like that.” 

My father interrupt
ed her, “I ordered her not to say anything. If you want to be mad at anybody be mad at me.”

“Already there” I said. 

He continued like I hadn’t even spoken.  “Since I am the Alpha she follows my rules.  She was bound by loyalty to obey.  She wanted to tell you but I wouldn’t allow it.  I couldn’t have you knowing.  We were trying to keep you safe.” 

“Keep me safe from what?  Why did I need protecting
?”  I was daring my father to give me a good reason why I should have been kept in the dark.

“For you to understand that you need to know a little history of the packs.  There are four packs in this area. 
Like I said earlier, I lead The Northern Pack and Enoc leads The Eastern Pack. The Southern Pack is led by a good man named William. The Western Pack is the most brutal of all the packs.  It is led by Jeremy’s father Caleb.  Each Alpha leads and protects his pack.  Each pack is also subject to the law of the council, which is made up of the four Alphas.  The council makes sure that all are obedient to the shifter laws.   The laws are in place to protect our society from the outside world.  If someone breaks those laws we deal out the punishments.”

“So you were protecting me from Jeremy? 
Why would Jeremy want me?  I mean I am no one really.  Yes I am your daughter but that doesn’t seem like enough.  Plus he doesn’t even know me. I don’t want anything to do with him.”

I can tell they are nervous by the way my father
gets up from the couch and starts pacing the floor running his hand through his brown hair, and the way Amber is avoiding eye contact. 

“What aren’t you telling me?” I ask
ed, looking at my father, my best friend and the man I can’t keep my mind off of.

“Look you need to know that
Jeremy isn’t the one we’re really worried about, it’s his father Caleb. Caleb is the worst shifter out there. I know from personal experience that he has an extremely short temper.  He is strong and clever.  There have been some shifters who’ve left his pack and sought safety in other packs.  Most don’t get away, they’re reported missing and are later found dead.  He has violated the women of his pack and rules with the old traditions of the fathers.  He uses force to make his pack obey
.
There was even talk that he killed his mate.  It was never proven and most refused to believe it to be true.  The idea of killing one’s mate is just so hard for others to fathom.” 

“
So why doesn’t the counsel step in?  It is your job right?” 

He nod
s, “It just isn’t that simple.  It’s his pack, he can lead them how he chooses and if no one goes against him, nothing can be done.” 

I watch
ed the sofa indent as my father sat down.  “So what is the plan? Can’t we just tell him I don’t want to go with him?”

Letting go of Enoc’s hand I reach
for the water next to the bed. I take a drink just so my hands have something to do.

“
He won’t listen.  You don’t have to go but that’s not to say they won’t try to take you, again.  If they capture you they will bite you to force a change or worse”--- letting his sentence drop. 

“What could be worse than being bitten by force?”  Looking around the room trying to get an idea of what they’re talking about.  I can see tension in Eno
c’s shoulders.  He looks at me and I know what could be worse.  It is written all over his face. 

“So they want
to not only change but mate with me.”  I can’t believe I am talking like them already.  This is all so strange and I want to wake up in my bed like this is all a bad dream. “Why would they want me especially if I don’t want them?”

My father walks over to me grabbing my hand
. “It is because of my bloodline.  If they can force you to have a child, my lineage, our lineage will run in the veins of his child.” 

“
Ahhhh!!! How is that not against the council laws?” My body stiffens in anger.

“It is an old law, if an Alpha chooses to take someone as his mate and is strong enough to do so then it is considered the good of the pack.
Most Alphas wait for their true mate however there are still those who choose the old law. After you were born the council had considered the idea that my child should join the Western pack and mate with Jeremy.  It was a way to free the pack from the tyranny of Caleb and at the same time strengthen the Western Pack.  Before the council could vote Caleb decided that he didn’t want to step down from his pack and let Jeremy lead.  He wanted you and your bloodline to mix with his.  Shortly after was when his mate died.  I knew that he would do whatever it took to make you his.  I did the only thing I could; I left and hid you and your mom from all the packs.  Marie knew that the Western Pack was after you.  She knew that I was still alive and it broke her heart us being apart.  We did it because we love you and wanted to keep you safe.”

“Dad, I have a million questions but this is a lot to process.  Could we ta
lk about this some more tomorrow?”

“Olivia I know this is difficult and you have a lot on your mind but just remember we are here for you.  We will protect y
ou and keep you safe.”

“So that means I will be staying here?  What about my life, my things, schooling?”

James once again looked sad, “I’ve already had all your things moved here to Amber’s cabin.  Everything in your old life is gone.  You can still attend school with Amber if you choose but my first priority is keeping you safe.

I want
to believe him, I just couldn’t.  My life was just thrown upside down.  I had been lied to most my life.  I was attacked and already hurt because of this whole shifter mess.  I nodded my head anyways just to acknowledge that I had heard him.  I was so angry but I had missed my dad. 

With what little strength I had left I asked,
“Dad before you leave, could I have a hug?  I would get up but I don’t have the strength.” 

Befor
e I had finished my sentence his arms wrapped around my shoulders.  My heart broke because even though he lied and I don’t know what is going to happen he is my father.  I can feel that he loves and missed me as much as I love and missed him. 

I can feel his chest shaking my body as he crie
d into my shoulder.  “I love you my little dove and I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too dadd
y.  But I am still mad too, I said wiping tears from my red swollen eyes.  I couldn’t help but glance at Enoc as he gives me an understanding look

As
my father opened the door to leave I saw Enoc follow him.  Enoc said nothing but watched me.  A part of me wants him to stay but another wants to be left alone. I give him a small smile before he closed the door.

I see that Amber
has stayed; she lies on the couch taking the quilt and pulling it over her body.  “If you need me for anything Olivia or if you have any questions please just ask I will answer what I can.” 

“Thanks Amber I appreciate it, I just need some time to think.” 

Letting everything I’ve just learned sink in. I closed my eyes praying that my dreams take me away for a while.  To a time when life was so much easier, before when my mom was still alive. 
Mom I wish you were here.
I rubbed my necklace letting the warmth of it fill my soul as I drifted off to sleep. 

Chapter
4

Two
weeks later my body had finally healed.  I spent most of my time with Amber, Ruth and her family.   I learned a lot about the Northern Pack.  During that time I was introduced to most of the pack members.  Ruth’s daughter, Grace, became quick friends with Amber and me.  She was an amazing healer just like her mother.  Her brother Ryan was my father’s Beta, his first in command. 

The main log
cabin looked more like a resort, than the pack’s headquarters.  The stone around the home helped create a beautiful landscape.  The landscape was decorated with a variety of wild flowers.  Many of them were my favorites. Lilly of the valley, sweet peas, blue bells, forget me nots, yellow snow buttercups and white marigolds. The beauty of it captivated my full attention.  It reminded me of one of the cabins in those fancy magazines.  I loved how the pine trees and bushes surrounded the home.  The back of the cabin had a massive deck that overlooked the swimming pool.  You could also see a trail that lead to the small lake below.  It was amazing. 

T
he main cabin was filled with windows.  There were so many it felt like you were standing outside.  I loved it.  The inside was decorated beautifully.  Amber told me the home had been decorated by Emily, one of the pack members.  A professional decorator and man was she fantastic.  The home was gorgeous.  The large kitchen had two stainless steel stoves and two double ovens.  It also included three fridges that were built into the cabinets. The way it could hold twelve to fifteen people daily was astonishing. A large granite stone fireplace was the focus of the gathering room.  There were three leather sofas, and a few chairs situated throughout.  This was where the pack visited and had meetings. The cabin had a master bedroom and six extra guest rooms, including six bathrooms.  Of course my father resigned in the master bedroom while Ryan occupied another.  A couple of pack members resided in two other rooms.  Leaving two rooms open, one for Enoc and one vacant. 

There was als
o a recreational room in the basement.  It had everything from a pool table, laundry room with six Maytag extra-large capacity washer and dryers, a theatre room with a sixty inch flat screen TV, a gym and even a bowling alley.
Seriously, who has a bowling alley? Ha, my dad does that’s who,
I think smiling to myself.  Around the resort down through the forest were seven other small log cabins.  Their layouts were similar to Ruth’s cabin.  Different trails lead to each individual cabin.  Some were a mile or two away from the main building.   They were usually for those who had children, or even like Ruth who did a lot of work out of her home.  They all had jobs and played a part in the maintenance and safety of the pack.

I could tell they loved James and were very loyal
to him.  My father would always say loyalty is the true form of love.  I remember when I was growing up he would tell me a Bible story about loyalty.  Two women went before a King. Each claiming the infant in front of them was theirs.  They both lived in the same home alone.  The first woman had her baby first.  Three days later the other woman had her baby.  The first said that when she awoke in the morning to feed her child the baby would not wake because it was dead. She said that when she looked down at the baby, she knew that it wasn’t the baby she’d given birth to. The first claimed that the second lady had smothered and killed her baby by laying on it at night and the second woman snuck into her room switching her live baby with the dead baby.  The second woman claimed that the dead baby was the first woman’s and the live baby was hers.  This is what they told the King.  After thinking about it for a while the king asked his servant for a sword.  He said he would divide the child into two.  He then said he would give half to one, and half to the other.  The first woman begged the King not to slay the child but to let the second woman keep the child.  The second woman said, don’t give it to her or me but divide it.  The King then said give the living child to the first for she is the mother.  My father always said that the King knew that the mother would be loyal to her child because she loved him.  Even if she had to give him up and never see him again she would do what was best for the infant. That is loyalty: love and sacrifice. If someone really loved you and was loyal to you, they would sacrifice their own free will to protect you. 

My dad explained t
hat when it came to the pack it was an equal amount of respect.  When the pack was loyal to him, he couldn’t help the desire to protect and serve them.  I knew he would sacrifice his life for anyone of them and in return they loved him. These past two weeks I heard countless stories about the pack and each time his eyes would light up with joy and respect for them.  Even though my Father was the leader he served and loved them.  Because of this they loved and served the pack for him in return. 

Ever since my first day
here Enoc had kept his distance.  I have never felt so confused and embarrassed.  I really felt a strong connection to him when we first met.  Maybe he was just being supportive.  He would observe us but always from a distance.  Amber, Grace and I spent time searching for herbs to replenish Ruth's supply.  After a week we started running a couple times a day.  They would run in wolf form and I would run next to them.  Amber was a beautiful earth brown wolf.  She has always been more beautiful than me.  Her eyes were still the same chocolate brown.  I learned a little bit more about the wolves while watching them while we ran. I observed that when they shift the person is in control of the wolf.  Shifters also have the ability to shift partially.  They can hear, see and smell better.  The wolf is smart and takes on the personality of the shifter.  In reality they’re one.  When they are in wolf form they have the same instincts as a real wolf.  The chase, hunt and kill are priorities for the wolf along with being territorial.  They are very loyal to one another.  Amber explained that if a shifter lets go of their humanity the wolf would take control.  If that happened they could lose themselves.  They would be unable to shift back and they would remain a wolf indefinitely. 

I watched them when I was picking herbs,
running, or sitting by the lake.  Anytime I had free time I would watch them; they were fascinating.   They would raise their ears when they heard noise.  Or their bodies would hum with joy and content.   They played and interacted with one another, jumping, tugging, biting, pulling and chasing each other.  Their eyes would shine when they experienced an overwhelming emotion.  They were always together eating, cleaning, talking and helping one another.  It was nice to see what a big united family they were.  It also made me feel a little sad that I didn’t get to grow up in this environment.  I also noticed the hierarchy in the pack.  Even the Omega’s played a part in the welfare of the pack.  Everyone worked together, serving one another.  They also seemed to resemble their human in wolf form.  The eye color, hair color could be shades different but they all had their own distinct smell.  I know there is still so much to learn.

This morning
after I woke up I went for a run; I was up to three miles now. At first all I could do was walk.  It was difficult but was getting easier.  After my shower I got dressed in my sunshine yellow sundress.  I wanted to wear it because I was happy and yellow was definitely a happy color.  I paired it with some gold sandals and gold earrings.  Of course I left my necklace on.  I headed down the trail to the main cabin to have breakfast with my dad.  It had become a daily routine for us.  He would tell me more about the pack and we would share stories about the years we missed together.  I always met the others at the main cabin because they were usually taking care of their pack duties.  My dad wanted to make sure I had healed completely before he put me to work. 

I enjoyed the way my dress danced around my knees.  It made me feel giddy and I was hoping the way it hugged my body might impress Enoc. The feel of the
gravel, dirt and twigs crunching underneath my feet was satisfying.  Thinking about Enoc started making me feel a little anxious.  He was so sweet and kind the first day I was here and since then he has rarely spoken to me.  It was very confusing.  I wasn’t sure if I had imagined the connection between us.  I wasn’t even sure he had any real feelings for me.

The last thing I
was thinking of was Enoc.  The picture of Enoc in my head, as my body crashed into the gravel.  I didn’t even get a chance to put my hands out to protect my body.  I felt the gravel grate against my knees and forearms.  It stung and blood dripped down my knees.  Rolling over quickly to sit up, I brushed my hair away from my face with the back of my hand to see what or who had knocked me down.  Looking around with panic on my face I saw him.  The gray wolf.

“Jerem
y,” I said under my breath. 

His gray ears lift
ed at the mention of his name.  It almost seems like he smiled but all I saw were his sharp teeth dripping with saliva.  A deep growl came from his chest.  I knew he was warning me.  He moved towards me and I saw a bright light shimmer around him and the wolf was gone.  The human Jeremy stood in front of me. 

“Hello Olivi
a,” he said with his wicked smile. 

Before I ha
d a chance to defend myself his closed fist connects with my face.  The force of it made me fall back.  My head rang and my eyes went blurry.  I reached up and touched my swollen cheek.  He had already spun me into his body.  My back was pressed into his chest.  His hand covered my mouth. I remembered the smell of cloves before he suffocated me making me pass out.  I hated that smell.

Disoriented
I awaken to the smell of a campfire.  It must be early evening because the moon had started to make an appearance.  The stars were starting to occupy and sparkle in the sky.  My mind was still fuzzy and my head hurt.  I opened my eyes and looked around but I don’t see anyone. I did know I was still in the forest because all I could see were trees, bushes and shrubbery.  Warmth from the fire seeped into my back and started to warm my body.  It was almost comforting, until I remembered who had me.

I t
ook a look down and could see my bare legs were tied together with what looked like twine.  One of my golden sandals was missing.  My hands were also tied together resting in front of me.  My wrists and ankles were sore.  I tested the bind to see if I could wiggle out of them.  They were so tight they just cut into my skin.   My dress was ripped at the shoulder.  The dress had slid up past my knees.  I tried moving my body to move it down but all it did was make it rise higher. How was anyone going to find me?  They don’t even know where I am. 

I was d
rawn away from my thoughts by the sound of voices coming from behind me.  I tried not to move which wasn’t difficult.  I steadied my breath, as I focused breathing in and out.  I tried to calm my heart even though it felt like it was going to pound out of my chest.

“Come on man, why did you hit her?  You were just supposed to grab her and leave.  Couldn’t you have gotten her without hurting her?  How is she supposed to trust you or lead our pack?  If you aren’t nice to her she’s going to end up hating you.  Remember we spoke about this, you’re better than him Jeremy.” I heard the fire crackle as a log was dropped on top. 

The lie left his lips
easily.  I know Jason but she was screaming her head off and I couldn’t let her attract any attention.  I know we say that she’s intended to be my mate but you know my father, he will never let me have her.  If it makes you feel better I promise to be nice to her, okay.  Right now I need you to do a perimeter run.  I am pretty sure they haven’t found our trail but we should make sure.” 

“Ye
ah, ok just think about what I said.”  I heard the man called Jason run off into the forest, leaving me alone with Jeremy. 

I c
ould sense Jeremy moving closer.  “I know you’re awake.  Your heart is beating too fast for you to be asleep,” he taunted. 

I d
idn’t respond.  I closed my eyes and pretended I didn’t hear him.  I knew he was directly behind me, when the heat of the fire dissipated from my back.  He kneeled down next to me reaching over my body and grabbed my hair.  He gently pulled it away from my neck and slid his finger down my neck and over my collarbone.  I shrugged away from him as he pulled me over onto my back.  My wrists pulled against the twine making me cry out in pain.  I saw him glance at my chest as he reached towards the torn part on my shoulder.  When he touched my skin I shivered with disgust.  He lifted the necklace off my neck and rested it in his palm.  Wrapping his large fingers around it, he pulled hard breaking the delicate chain.  I watched him as he threw the necklace into the dense forest trees. 

I gasp
ed and looked up into his dark eyes.  I yelled at him. “Why did you do that? Get away from me!” 

A half smile f
ell on his lips and his eyes ignited with mischief.  He looked at me as his eyes turned a dark shade of gray.  He looked up and down making my skin crawl.  His hand grabbed at my ankles squeezing them hard as he turned me towards his body.  It hurt and I whimpered.  I could see blood dripping from my bind.  His fingers started to move up my bare leg.  I started breathing heavily.

“Knock it off, get away from me!
” 

He ignore
d me getting to the edge of the dress.  He started to slide it up.  He was so enthralled with what he was doing he didn’t realize he’s close enough for me to grab him.  I lifted my tied hands up and grabbed his golden hair.  I pulled and yanked trying my hardest to rip it out of his head.