I was freaking ready.

I could just see it.

I envisioned myself standing in the Shadow Hunters Pack, donned in their signature black skins, fighting alongside-

"Aella." Finely boned fingers wrapped around my bicep. "You can't go."

I gently shrugged her hand away. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, but it was inevitable. Facing her, I silently traced her delicate features. They were the same features I bore as my own. Her eyes were a shimmering splash of green hues and blue shades, a beautiful azure mess. They were our best features, especially against our golden skin from too much time training under the sun. Our hair was a blue-black shade and ridiculously silky straight, it was almost impossible to curl it.

When I stole a glance of Ma, the beginnings of crowfeet lined the corner of her eyes, and I instantly felt a twist of guilt for not telling her sooner. I had been too selfish. Too greedy. Too focused on the end goal without thinking about the whole process.

But I wanted to do this.

I had to.

"I have to do this Ma. They're not going to stop disrespecting us unless we do something about it. Are we supposed to live in this hell forever? We're not doormats. We're Pack members. We have every right to be treated just as equally as the rest of them." I said softy but just as fiercely so she would understand my point.

I was fed up with our treatment. I wanted a better life for us two. It was the same spiel I gave her each time I became frustrated with our lives but this time, I finally had done something about it. I regretted not telling her sooner with the encounter with the Scout, but I knew that if I told her, she would've tried to convince me out of it. I was tempted to ignore the Scout's offer, but something had happened when he spoke with me in the forest.

I wanted more for us. I desperately wanted a way out and the Scout was offering it to me on a silver platter. The choice had been too good to ignore.

Yet, hesitation still clung onto her delicate features, "I only worry for your safety Aella. The Shadow Hunters are savage. I don't want them anywhere near you. You've heard the rumours."

"But that's only what they are," I grinned, "Rumours." I attempted to lighten up the mood.

Ma rolled her eyes, or at least, did her version of it. The light reluctantly returned to her face, making her appear younger for a split second, "Your smart-ass comments will get you into trouble. I swear I lose hair each time you leave this flat."

The earlier guilt I pushed back came rushing back to the surface and I sighed, relenting a nod. "You're right. Sometimes I get carried away, but I promise you that I'll look after myself and I may even try using a filter for once." I grinned, "Maybe."

I didn't like to lie but I knew myself well enough to know that I was prone to verbal diarrhoea.

A hesitant smile unfurled upon her lips, "I just want you safe Aella. Nothing else. Just refrain from getting into fights. I can still remember your first day in Preschool. Your tiny little knuckles came back pink and scratched from making punching bags out of Alpha Bennett's sons."

I winced, clearly remembering the scenario in my head. I also remembered them crying. Loudly. They had told the whole playground of kids with big, fat crocodile tears rolling down their then plump cheeks, hoping to raise a crowd against me- wannabe coup d'etat fuckers. I silently laughed at the memory. The Bennett twins and I have grown but our dynamic remained the same. At the end of the day, we still didn't like each other. "They deserved it." I muttered, walking to the other side of our flat to my packed suitcase.

We didn't have many belongings. We shared a king-sized bed with a lumpy mattress. I still had a tiny scar on the side of my ribs from a stray spring that had cut through the material, piercing my skin. A bedside table with a cactus sitting in a bright yellow bowl stood near the bed, looking plain. There was a desk pushed to the corner, stacked with plastic containers lined against the wall and filled with our clothes. Our best clothes were hung on a portable rack tucked on the other side of the room. Beside the desk, a door lead to our bathroom. The other room led to our small kitchen which tripled as our living and dining room area.

"Do you have your shuriken with you?" She asked.

"You mean my ninja stars?" I pointed to the belt strapped underneath my shirt. It wasn't that I couldn't say shuriken. Ever since I got my first star at eight, I had instantly called them my ninja stars. Ma had fashioned a protective case for each star I possessed, so when I was taking them out of my belt, they wouldn't draw blood. The case would draw back once the stars were released. It was handy since I collected a few scars as a kid from mishandling the sharpened metals. A few of the weapons I had in my arsenal were hers. She had told me that someone skilful had designed them for her. She had her own collection of weapons, each engraved with an eye, in two triangles. Hence why some of my own bore the same mark of the eye.

"Do you have your other weapons?" She asked.

"Yes, they're all here" I scanned my belt quickly.

"Good, I heard that there was a dead, poisoned changeling found near the Shadow Hunters' Pack. People have been spinning stories about the discovery."

"Don't worry, I'll keep my eyes and ears alert."

"I know you will."

"Really Ma? I'm fairly sure I've been ignoring that rule since I was three."

"And you're going to follow that rule because I don't trust the Shadow Hunters near my baby."

"Ma." I sighed.

I lock up my ratty suitcase. I was still shocked by how sturdy it was despite its wonky leg and missing wheel.

Ma intertwined our hands as we exited our flat, just like she used to do when she dropped me off to Preschool. It was how we gave and shared our strength. Unlike the past, it was my turn to give her my strength. I knew it was difficult for her to let me leave and I assured her with a tight squeeze to her trembling fingers that I was going to be okay.

I was going to fix everything.

The afternoon light had faded into a warm orange, pink and golden weave of colours that spilled onto our dark heads. It made our hair take on a dusky blue shade. Ma said that our hair colour was from a long line of women on her maternal side.

As we continued in silence, I let my mind become settled on the fact that I was leaving this place. If everything went well, I wouldn't be back, and I'd have Ma in tow.

A tendril of hope warmed my chest.

The individuals that were scouted during the Initiation had been announced last week during a Pack Meeting. Three boys and two girls were hand-picked by the Elite Syndicate Scouts, and they expected us to obey summons into the Shadow Hunters' Pack whether Alpha Bennett approved or not.

The Elite Syndicate Scouts were a specialized group of people the Shadow Hunters released to look for talented young wolves to join their enforcement.

It was no surprise that the Alpha's twins had been handpicked. They possessed all the outward qualities for a good Enforcer, especially considering Alpha Bennett took time to train them himself when he was free. It wasn't often but everyone knew when the twins had finished a session with the Alpha. They always looked as if they had been dragged through hell. It was unfortunate their insides were a mess of drama and antipathy.

They were ruthless and that's why the Elite Syndicate Scouts were taken with them.

At first glance, the Bennett boys were tall, muscled and unforgivably intense. They were reckless, but they weren't stupid. They were sly, like fox changelings. It was probably a trait from their Ma who was a literal fox changeling.

The other male hand selected within the Pack surprised everyone. Kian was the only child of the Beta. He was the silent recluse in the Pack. He never appeared at social gatherings, and he wouldn't have been at the Initiation Ceremony. It was a wonder that the E.S Scouts had even discovered him or wanted him to be a potential Enforcer for the Shadow Hunters. He didn't have the muscled form of a typical Enforcer but was all sleek and nimble limbs. Even so, his dad had been so proud when his name had been called. His eyes were moist with emotion and pride for his son.

Casey was the other girl who had been scouted, a had been of Jace's long list of ex-lovers. Their break-up had been public and messy. After the ordeal, people generally avoided her after so graciously bestowing her with the title 'Casey the cunt-eater'. Although we were nothing near friends, I did take down the large posters Jace took to the walls of the school. I felt ill seeing all the crude comments he'd added.

My empathy didn't last long once Casey spilled the beans that I wouldn't go

It wasn't long before people learned she was a closet lesbian. She was another surprise since everyone ignored her until then.

However, my name on the list had been an utter shock for every Pack member.

I was the girl they avoided simply because Alpha Bennett made it so. His word was law, and we couldn't do anything about it.

Long story short, he was Ma's destined mate but having grown up together, Ma had witnessed his ruthlessness. It made her wary every time he unleashed his temper. She kept waiting and waiting to see if he'd change but he didn't. Therefore, Ma had rejected him for another man- my dad. When she returned from college, pregnant with me, he went into a burning rage, and exiled her parents into Rogue status. They'd originally been the Beta couple before he sentenced and replaced them. Ma pleaded with him to let her go too but he couldn't. His wolf couldn't endure it, so he kept Ma as far as possible from the Pack House but still within reach. Since then, Ma rarely ventured outside, unless necessary but when she did, she only received heavy stigma and abuse.

I'd asked her once when I was eight why she hadn't ended up Alpha Bennett. I knew they were destined mates because I overheard a group of adults talking about it. Back then, she only offered a small, sad smile, "I want you to know something baby. You are listening?"

I had been eager, so I had listened. "What is it Ma?"

"Never settle for less than what you're worth. Alpha Bennett and I wouldn't have lasted if I stayed with him. A real man would respect his woman. He didn't respect me."

I nodded but didn't say more. It seemed to pain her to admit the words to me but that afternoon, I had made it my mission to make her laugh until her belly ached.

Pack was supposed to be family, but we were outsiders in a place that should've been home.

Ma never told me about the nameless man who stole her heart and kept it.

Her only response was 'one day.'

As a child, I hadn't been satisfied by the simple answer. I wanted more than two words. I wanted to know how he looked, where he came from, why we weren't in his life...there were a lot of questions. However, I stopped when I realised how much they pained her. So, I buried the questions.

I didn't understand her meaning then and I didn't understand them now which was why I had no qualms entering the Shadow Hunters' Territory.

I knew of Jude Slater, the same man who had gained the Alpha title at a young age after his parent's demise in a Rogue attack.

The man was powerful and was bound to have connections running through the Territories. I was convinced that he would know someone, who in turn would know the man I yearned to see since I found out about dads. If Ma knew I had another agenda for wanting to join the Pack, she would be furious. I couldn't risk her knowing but I couldn't leave out this opportunity to do something about it.

Although she tried to hide it, some days I'd catch her staring listlessly outside our bedroom window, curled into herself like she could barely hold herself together. It was those days I regretted ever asking about him. Her eyes would glimmer with unshed tears and all I could read from her expression was longing for a nameless man.

Ma claimed that my smile was like Dad's one- wide with as much teeth as possible showing.

I hated my smile. I didn't want to share the same smile with the same person who gave her heartbreak.

The Shadow Hunters offered an opportunity to leave, and I was going to take it.

I wouldn't fail in my mission.

"Promise me one thing Aella." Ma stopped just before we arrived at the doorstep of the Pack House where the other potentials stood with their suitcases in hand.

"What is it?" I whispered, noting the serious tone in her voice.

She studied me for a quiet moment. I realized that she was trying to memorise my features, to hold it in her memory banks. I knew after she would say goodbye, she'll go back home and cry later. The thought made me teary, but I ignored the tingly sensation building in my nose.

"Promise me that you'll keep your eyes open, your ears alert, your heart protected, and your words filtered if you can. I wasn't joking about the Shadow Hunters. I've heard that they disobey the Elder's Law and will have no issue killing you if you step out of line. To them, you're an Outsider. You're not yet part of their Pack and they'll show you no mercy compared to their bonded brethren. Do you understand what I'm saying Sweets?"

"I understand."

"Will you promise to at least consider my words then?"

"I promise." I agreed.

Ma led me to the others. The air grew heavy as we joined the group. Ma readily twisted her face away from Alpha Bennett's direction and clung to my hand as we waited silently for transport. I caught sharp glares from Jace and Ace, a dismissive glance from Kian, and a haughty huff from Casey.

All in all, it was exactly what I expected.

The distant rumbling of an engine arose from the thick of the trees. Heads turned as a glossy, tinted black van approached us. Two black Mercedes-Benz followed the van abreast each other, tailing closely at the end.

"In formation Pack." Alpha Bennett's voice jolted us into action.

The vehicle rolled to a halt in front of the Pack House, just as the door to the van opened.

I immediately recognized the man.

He was the same man who'd been on my trail during the Initiation Ceremony and most likely the one who scouted me. Once I had spotted him amongst the throng of people, I pulled him towards me. Often, people came to the Scouts, but I wanted the Scouts to come to me. I always had the upper hand and he played right into it when I caught his attention.

He didn't spare any of us a glance and approached Alpha Bennett first. Neither man bowed which only led to a ripple of discomfort and unease. The intense atmosphere was palpable, I felt like we would choke on it.

"Is everything ready? Speak now if you have questions...or have you changed your mind on any of the recruitment selected?" The last line was obviously a challenge.

When Alpha Bennett refused to reply, I grew rigid. I wouldn't allow him to kick me off. He had no choice either since it would seem like he was rejecting the Shadow Hunter's Alpha, and everyone knew that you had to be on the same side of Alpha Slater if you wanted to live to see the next day.

After a tense silence, Alpha Bennett shook his head, "No changes. Everything is on track."

My tense muscles relaxed. I really had to stop getting so riled up easily, but Alpha Bennett rarely did follow rules. He despised me and I knew that if it was anyone else who wanted me, he would've outright rejected it.

"Good." The man turned to us, and he slowly studied each of us in one long sweep, until his eyes landed on me. His eyes narrowed and I was curious about the sudden look of apprehension that overwhelmed his face. "Greetings Recruits. I'm Seamus, your overseer for your transport to the Shadow Hunters. Alpha Slater has given me strict directions to ensure that you are familiar with the rules before you step into his Territory."

"You honestly think we'll obey rules on foreign ground?" Casey arched a perfectly plucked brow.

Seamus cut her off with an icy glare, "No obedience, I'll leave your pathetic ass here. You think you're top shit here? I guarantee you; you'll be nothing but bait there. You're a mere Recruit. We can always replace you with someone better and with less sass."

Jace chuckled, "You're right there with the pathetic comment."

Casey, who was in my peripheral, shook with fury and a dose of humiliation after Jace's remarks. I thought I even saw a flash of hurt in her gaze, but she quickly dashed the emotion away with a practised snarl.

"Anyone else want to be a Smart-Ass?" Seamus challenged, tapping his loafers against the gravel impatiently.

The man wore sophisticated asshole well.

This time, no one retaliated. Kian looked bored as hell, and Ace just rolled his eyes, glancing at his wrist to check the time.

Yip, this was going to be fun.

"Rule one, don't disrespect anyone who is higher than you in the hierarchy of the Pack."

"Rule two, stay clear of Alpha Slater and his men. Unless you are approached and spoken by one of them, don't bother introducing yourself. Your existence is nothing until you're an official Elite Syndicate member."

"Rule three, no romantic relationships. If you're caught, you're out. We have one exception to this rule- mates. Need I say more?" He raised his chin, scanning over us.

Silence merely replied.

All Packs across Territories recognised the union of mates as rare and sacred. Fated mates were difficult to come by and the rarity of them were something to be revered and cherished. It was why Ma had been ostracised so badly. Everyone knew her mate was Alpha Bennett, but she had refused him, thus 'spitting in the face of the Fates and the Moon Goddess' by severing the mating link. Or at least, that's what everyone had told me since I could understand the gravity of Ma's rejection of Alpha Bennett.

"Rule four, obedience. Like I said, don't fuck it up. Obedience is victory in the end. If you can't follow a simple rule, you're not needed in the E.S. Rules are not fucking meant to be broken, so don't try to justify yourself. Broken rules result in adequate punishment. Be wise to remember that."

"And lastly, rule five. No contact home. If you are caught phoning or contacting home, you're out. The reason for this rule is to stop distraction. Focus is key, and we take that seriously."

"That's bull." Ace muttered, realising he wouldn't be getting some phone sex from his harem of willing girls.

"Deal with it Bennett." He sneered.

"Watch it son." Alpha Bennett warned, eyes flashing dark.

"But that's bull!" He repeated, affronted.

"Shut your mouth right now boy or you'll be whipped red. You've already embarrassed me enough. What did I tell you before we left home? Don't fuck it up and look at what you're doing. Shitting all over it."

Ace crossed his arms and glanced away, properly chastened.