Madilynne

Madilynne's P.O.V

Shit. North Dakota. I’m still hung on how weeks escaped me, how is that even possible?

“Kole I don’t understand, I was gone for maybe two, three days max. There is no way they could have drugged me that many times without me noticing.” I said, trying to figure this out. It just doesn’t make sense.

“Time is different when you’re in wolf form.” Kole said, turning to walk in the direction of where I assumed the packhouse would be. I decided to follow after him.

“Okay, I guess that’s reasonable.” I shrugged.

“How did you even escape?” Kole asked as we walked.

“The two dumbasses made a pit stop and left the doors unlocked. Guess they felt comfortable since I hadn’t made a move the entire time to run. I mean I guess I couldn’t even if I wanted, since they probably drugged me. The weird thing is, I felt fine when I woke up.” I rambled on as Kole took in what I was saying. Nodding his head as we continued our paced walk.

“Strange, Maybe they didn’t drug you? Maybe your wolf made that happen, saving your energy for when it counted the most.” Kole suggested.

“Ya know, that actually makes more sense than the drugging. But why would he bring me all the way out here?” I asked.

Kole shrugged “He might be planning something, Or maybe your wolf brought you here. If you think about it, it makes sense she would lead you here. Your birth pack would be at risk if you went back, same with Nightshade. Who else does she know? Me. I’m an alpha of a pack. It’s instinctual, really.” Kole supplied his thoughts. Wow, my mind was blown.

I narrowed my gaze at Kole as he spoke turning my head in thought. “How do you know so much?”

“When I was rejected I left my uncle’s territory, I ran and ran and ran. Trying to run from the pain, but I couldn’t. Eventually, I found myself back home. I didn’t have a destination in mind, but my wolf? He took us to the next safest place. They’re smart animals, more than we give credit for.” Koles gruff voice softened as he spoke.

God’s I really had a lot to learn.

‘Is that true willow?’

‘Yes.’ Willow spoke. Her voice echoing in my mind.

“How is Kade?” I asked, my voice breaking as I said his name. A sense of yearning overcame me.

“He’s.. Okay. I don’t know if he’ll ever recover from what’s happened.” Kole spoke honestly with a deep sigh.

“Yeah.” I supplied, wrapping my arms around myself.

“How are you? like, really?” Kole asked, looking directly at me.

“I don’t know Kole, I haven’t had much time to process what’s happened. I’ve lost so many people in my life, One after the other and before I can think of it another thing happens. I just don’t understand the why.” I said solemnly, turning from his view.

“Yeah, I get that. Well, you have a place here Madi. Always, mated to my brother or not. We’ll do what we can to protect you.” Kole stated. A sternness wavering in his voice.

“Thanks, but I don’t want protection. I need to learn how to protect myself. How am I supposed to be an Alpha if I keep running?” I asked with a huff.

“Then I’ll train you.” Kole stated, leaving no room for objections.

“You sure? If Miles finds me you’d be risking the lives of your pack Kole.”

“I’m sure. My uncle would have done the same as my Father and brother have and so will I. Everyone in this pack has been trained since the moment they shifted, we’re all warriors, equals.” Kole said. I could see how proud he was of his pack as he spoke.

‘This is where we belong.’ Willow’s voice whispered as I looked to Kole. Maybe they were right, But Miles would always be a problem. A life-taking problem. Wherever he went, life was sure to be stolen too soon.

Reaching the edge of the Forrest line I finally noticed I was still naked. I groaned, God’s I should’ve stripped my clothes before I shifted. Kole must have sensed my inner turmoil since he passed me a set of clothes. “Here, I know you probably don’t want to walk in there like this.” Relief washed over me.

“Thanks princess!” I smiled up at Kole. He ran a hand down his face and groaned at the nickname “I’m never going to outlive that one am I?”

“Nope, it fits you.” I said laughing lightly at his discomfort as I shook my head.

“Alright, Alright. Get dressed.” He ordered, turning his back.

“You got it, princess!” I yelled from my spot behind a tree, laughing as I did.

“Yeah, yeah. Just hurry up. Don’t need the unmated males going crazy over a nude unmated she-wolf.” Kole yelled back. Stifling my laughter, along with my movements. “God’s could you yell that any louder Kole!” I frantically threw the clothes on my body as Kole’s deep laugh traveled through the trees.

“Ass.” I said walking out, fully dressed now.

“Two can play, Madi.” Kole smiled as he bumped his shoulder against mine.

Walking into the packhouse all movement stopped. Everyone’s head turned in my direction. Nervously I waved to everyone “This is Alpha Madilynne, she will be staying with us. Make her feel comfortable, that applies to you, Mason. Don’t be weird.” Kole spoke.

I watched as Mason’s hand shot up from his seat “Question. Are you single? And how long will you be here for?” Rolling my eyes at his traveling gaze with a smile on my face I addressed him “Eyes up here pretty boy, secondly no. And thirdly, as long as Kole will have me.” I stated gesturing with two fingers pointing at my own eyes. Single? No. My heart will always belong to one shifter.

Mason’s stance changed to defeat as he shrunk in his seat mumbling “Why are all the pretty ones always taken. Lame.” His quiet statement, causing everyone to burst into fits of laughter.

A small smile slipped over my face, he reminded me of Jace.