Red Haze, page 1
Red Haze
Thank you to my friends and family
For your support.
Copyright © January 2022
Raven Watters
Titles by Raven Watters
Red Haze
Destiny’s Divine Plan
Crazy for his Love
Wings of Desire
Thorns of Time
Promises of Fate
Illusions of a Scarlet Scarf
The Void Between Light and Darkness
Chapter 1
Jacob enters the room. I know this isn’t going to be good. It never is. The wall was hard and unforgiving to my shoulder as he went by. “Why do you have to be such a horse’s ass?” My big mouth just opened again.
“What did you say to me?” The right hook made me spit blood on the floor at his feet. The gut punch came before I could move away. I fall to the floor writhing and gasping for breath.
“Mom and dad shouldn’t have taken you in 3 years ago.” He spat in my face laughing. “The only damn thing you are good for is a punching bag. Now clean that shit up before I get back.”
“Is supper ready yet Jace, I need to get going?” From Jenny Anderson, the youngest child. She is the baby girl, and she knows it too. Jacob, her older brother, sees me as a punching bag. Jacob is one of the cruelest wolves I have ever known. Lemora wants to kill him, but I always remind her of our punishment. I just thank God they don’t have any other children.
The large closet I sleep in smells rancid. My clothes are only a few pieces. Not the type of wardrobe that any girl hopes for. There are occasional books or magazines I enjoy by the light of my little lamp. I wasn’t going to be permitted to eat tonight after the scene with Jacob.
It has been six months since I finished high school. Graduating early was the best thing that could have happened. The others who look down on me and have treated me with all the grace of an animal. Well, animals get treated better. Only 5 more days until I turn eighteen and I can leave the pack if I choose. I choose to leave the pack, but I need to find another pack that will accept me. I can’t be rogue. Nothing good can come of that. The stories of rogue’s are never good.
The ceremony will be in 5 days for our new alpha to take his position. The night of the full moon for the fall celestial. This year is extra special due to the blood moon, and not to mention my eighteenth birthday. I wish my birthday were any other day than that night. With all the wolves around, I don’t want to find my mate and never be able to escape this hell.
“Moon Goddess, please hear my prayers that my mate will not be in this pack. I don’t wish to stay here and continue to be treated like I have been. The mate bond would keep me here. I would much rather not find a mate.”
Derik, the alpha’s son, is by far the best looking, strongest, and most fearsome wolf in the pack. I shiver at the stories I have overheard of the cruelty they have for other pack members. I always keep my distance as to not feel the wrath of their cruelty.
Watching him at the pack functions occasionally lets me dream. There are times I will be watching him, and he will catch me. He will glance at me, and I will instantly disappear, I don’t want to bring any attention to myself.
It is difficult to “really” see the alpha. He has been dating Laura for about 2 years now and she made sure that every girl was privy to that. He is always the center of attention everywhere he goes. How could you miss the man that is about 6-foot 5-inches, hair as dark as night and steel grey eyes. His eyes could melt a hole in you or send daggers through you. Not to mention, the muscles that were busting the seams of his shirts. The jeans were going to be the death of me, with them hugging in all the right places.
Jenny is convinced that Derik is going to be her mate of course, just like every other girl in the pack. Every day she makes sure to look perfect. I have always wanted a sister to hang out with, talk to about things girls talk about. She has always snubbed me. Well, in my opinion, what she was doing to be perfect wasn’t working.
Lemora starts laughing. My wolf at least likes my dry sense of humor. Not many people really get it. My sarcastic mouth and lack of filter get me in trouble way too often. I guess I will never learn. My bruises sported are proof of that. Lemora is my one and only best friend.
I was starting to get worried that I didn’t have a wolf. Most make connection with their wolf around the age of thirteen. Lemora made her appearance on my fifteenth birthday. She says she has so much to tell me when I turn eighteen. I wish she would tell me now. It drives me mad that she can keep secrets from me.
“It is coming right out.” With my snarky impression of her. Jenny turned eighteen today. She requested a light dinner tonight due to going out with her friends for her birthday. I make sandwiches with all the fixings. Jenny gets what Jenny wants. I am really interested to see who the poor soul is that the Moon Goddess mated her with.
She had the perfect body and 5-foot 9-inches, long blonde hair with a perfect complexion. I can’t measure up to that. My dark curly auburn hair with green eyes that change with my mood only pushing 5-foot 5-inches tall. My reflection in the window over the sink is ordinary, I look down at the dishes to finish.
I dry my hands on the rough kitchen towel. I can finally have some time for myself. The clock strikes eleven. I need to run and let Lemora take control for a while. She is pent up in my mind too much. I can usually feel how sad she is. I love the release and freedom to let her take over and run for a while.
A secret that I have been able to hide from the rest of the pack is that I do not have to get undressed to transform. I once remember my mother telling me that we had something special about us that did not require it. This was perfect, considering I didn’t have to worry about stripping down and carrying my clothes in my mouth.
The earth and grass are cool beneath my feet. Running into the moonlight filled forest with my now paws hitting the ground at full speed. The forest smells of musty moss and bark. The pines letting rays of moonlight cast shadows. The trees all around me seem to fly by as Lemora takes control, with all the passion of her freedom she lavishes.
The cool air rushing past my fur sends ripples of electricity through my body. I relax and take in all the sensations that I get from her. A calm rushes over me as I smell water. We are at to our favorite spot by the lake, on the edge of our territory. The water has always been so soothing to me. The silence and yet the sounds of the water on the rocks.
Pine trees line the water’s edge with a small clearing filled with wildflowers. Large boulders along the lake shore are perfect for sitting on with my feet dangling in the water. Not many come here due to the Maken pack territory across the lake. That is all that I have been told. I relax as I don’t have to worry about intruders on my private time to relax.
Overhearing talk from others, I heard they had a new alpha and he had not been to our pack house due to some feud that our packs had a couple of years ago. Alpha Thomas liked our privacy. I had other more important things to do like, clean the house and cook. At least that’s what the Anderson’s thought. I enjoy cooking so it doesn’t bother me much.
Lemora stops at the water’s edge. We look down into the water to see our form of an average size she-wolf with dark auburn, almost red fur that shines in the moonlight. My fur has become redder the older I have gotten. “Lemora, you are the most beautiful wolf I have ever seen.” Lemora chuckles. “I am merely a reflection of who you are my dear. You are more beautiful that you believe you are.”
“You flatter me you know.” Smiling I transform back into my human form. I can always count on her to compliment me. She is the best part of me, as far as I am concerned. She is different than any of the other wolves. Everyone had a gray wolf besides the alpha that was a beautiful jet black. I can’t transform in the presence of others because of my difference. Hence, Lemora not being able to come out often.
I love the fact that I’m different, but also loathe the fact that I am. I don’t have anyone notice that I’m not present at training days. I’m not required to be there due to my status. I do my own training with Lemora. We watch from the shadows and train on our own. I know the generals of defense because of this. I’m a quick learner and I am getting better and stronger.
The moonlight reflects the shimmering of the moon on the still water. The sparkling of the water reminds me of diamonds. I hear the creatures of the night calling to each other. A calm washes over my exhausted body. I lay back on the thick grass looking up at the stars.
I imagine to myself that my parents are up there looking down on me. I miss them terribly, but I can’t remember them. I can’t even envision their faces now. I reach up toward the stars and trace the big dipper with my finger. I start to drift off and decide it’s time to go back and attempt to sleep.
Chapter 2
Draven Maken sat in the dark next to the lake enjoying the tranquility this spot often brought him. Moonlight glimmering off the lake like a mirror. The smell of the pines and water was so relaxing. The hustle and bustle of the days were taking their toll on his nerves lately. Pent up in the house and preparing for the upcoming events. The festivities were to be special this year. Without a mate it didn’t seem to be as special as it should. Good thing he has not had the time to think about it much. The silence was needed and longed for.
Being the alpha of such a large pack has its pros and cons. His pack was the largest and strongest in the territory. The pack has now grown to about six hundred wolves. He had become alpha just a year ago when his father announced him as new alpha. He was starting to give up on f
He completed school and moved to the city to go to college and started his own business. The IT business was booming with all the electronics now. Life here was much simpler and less stressful. Working long hours took away from the loneliness that he felt at times. All the money in the world can’t seem to fill the void of not having a mate. Most of the pack already had children as well. They seem happy but he didn’t have the time to dwell on it.
Draven’s wolf starts to howl in his head. “What is that smell?” Draven starts looking around to find the direction of that overpowering and intoxicating scent of flowers. The smell of sweet roses filled his nostrils. All his senses were tingling and exciting him. “Dragus, calm down my wolf, I can’t concentrate with all of the howling and whining you are doing.”
Dragus had a low growl come out. “Mate.”
The enticement of a good sleep is overdue. Jumping up, I tell Lemora to take over. “We need to go home to sleep.” Lemora howls with excitement and transforms before I can change my mind. Going off trail wasn’t permitted but oh boy was Lemora needing to stretch those legs for a while. I agree and let her take over. No one would be out at this time of the night anyway. No one to know. It’s only illegal if you get caught.
Exhilaration courses through my veins as Lemora continues running through the cool, damp moss-covered forest. The sounds of the night are soothing and invigorating at the same time. The cool of the ground on my paws always inspires me to move faster.
The air moving around us as if we are going faster than we really are. She moves so gracefully and skillfully when jumping the dead twisted logs that littered the forest floor. The air is getting cooler during the nights, but still has the alluring warmth of summer.
I stop dead in my tracks as I can smell another wolf nearby. We are fairly sure there are more than one. I can’t tell right away. Too many odors to concentrate on single ones. Lemora becomes on guard and her hackles stand on end. The dread washed over me. I have never had Lemora act his way. Lemora has her nose in the air sniffing and looking in all directions. She can’t tell where the smell is coming from. It’s everywhere around us. I asked Lemora where we were. She didn’t know either.
We have been running and enjoying the night not paying attention. “I remember that we decided to go off the path. We never should have left the path.” I realize all to soon that I said that aloud. Lemora tells me to be quiet. I was being quiet until my big mouth opened.
Suddenly, I am surrounded by about ten pairs of yellow eyes, teeth bared and low growling. All I can do is stand there, frozen. Lemora is growling with her teeth bared, looking around to each wolf in warning. What is going on? The pressure building in my core threatens to explode. The instant fear is overwhelming my body and senses.
The pressure begins to leave my body from all around me. Slowly coursing throughout me like I have lava in my veins, with my core melting. Pulses start emanating from my core outward, the wolves staring at us stop growling and step back one step.
A glowing red haze surrounds my wolf form. The heat flows from my core scaring me. What is happening to me? My body trembles in fear.
“Stop!” A masculine voice shouts from my right side. On my right is a tree of a man at over six feet, with light brown hair at shoulder length. Stark blue eyes that are piercing and beautiful at the same time, staring at me.
“Where do you come from?” States the man with blue eyes. He must be the alpha. “What purpose do you have here? We have not given anyone permission to be on our land.
“Change to your human form she-wolf, or we will use force on you.” His stare makes me realize I am in big trouble. This is not good.
Lemora continues to be on point and not backing down. “Lemora, we need to do as he says, or it will be worse. We can attempt to fight our way away from them or submit and take our punishment. We don’t even know where we are or what we are at this moment.”
Lemora starts to back down, but not without a groan of disapproval. The red glowing haze surrounding me fades away until it was completely dark again. I transform back to my human form hoping for the best. I felt so vulnerable in my human form.
I have no idea what to expect now. I know you aren’t permitted to go on wolf property without permission or adjoining packs treaty. I know we don’t have a treaty with any neighboring packs. Feeling defeat and scared, but I’m not going to show it. I’m going to stay strong and stand my ground. He may not be my alpha, but respect will hopefully help my situation some.
Chapter 3
I stand firm in my spot, looking straight ahead as to not make eye contact. He’s in my right peripheral. I am already in enough trouble without being disrespectful and staring at the alpha. I am not going to bow my head and have him think me weak and completely submissive, as I should be at this time.
The blue-eyed man holds his hand up and the other wolves move back into the shadows of the pines.
A few moments go by, that seem like an eternity. His approach to me is slow and purposeful. I’m frozen in my spot. Keeping my eyes forward and Lemora is on guard. I guess he does not feel threatened by me or my wolf as he is somewhat alone with me right now.
He continues his path toward me, then stops about ten feet from me. He turns slightly and starts to circle me. My senses are screaming with every movement he makes. He is behind me now. Lemora is staying at ready and hopefully I can control her movements. No one likes to have someone behind them that they cannot see. He enters my peripheral vision on the left slightly. He continues to walk slowly and lift his chin with an occasional sniff of the air. He never takes his eyes off me the entire time.
He speaks, giving me a fright from the silence pounding in my head. “What is your name? I do not recognize you. Are you from the Gannon clan?” He spoke with purpose and low as he continues his journey that leads him standing in front of me. My gaze drops, keeping my head up to avert his stare.
“Well, speak girl.”
My mouth opens but nothing comes out immediately. I close my mouth and clear my throat. “I am Jocelyn Rose Randolf of the Gannon clan. I am sorry for being on your land. It was an accident. I did not mean to trespass as I have. I will leave immediately and not return.”
He continues to gaze at me without blinking once. He starts to make his journey circling me again. The same slow meaningful pace as before. I wonder what the purpose of this is. I suppose he needs to be intimidating to me. It is working, but I don’t want him to know that.
“Were you born into that clan? Who are your parents? I know the alpha of your clan and I know you are not his daughter.” He stops at my right again.
“I am not of that clan. I do not know where I came from. I have been with them for the last three years and have no family. My mother and father are dead.” The reality of who I am not comes crashing around me. I have never said all those words aloud before. Pain ensued in my chest.
There is so much that I don’t know. I was a mere stupid teenage girl when I came to be where I am. I know nothing of who I am. I have never been told anything about who I am or where I came from. I just existed there. Come to think of it, I don’t remember anything from before being there. I never make any time to dwell on such things.
Lemora gives me a mental slap to bring me out of my stupor and sadness I am wallowing in. “I told you that there is much for us to talk about soon. You will get answers. I promise.”
“Our laws state that we imprison any trespassers on our land until they can prove who they are and that they are not a threat to our pack. Do you come willingly with us, or shall we use force?” The words echo in my head that I am now a prisoner. I go from being a maid in one pack to a prisoner in another. I hope there will be some way out of this situation. Especially since no one in my pack knows I am out here. I won’t even be missed until morning breakfast.
I struggle with Lemora, who is not enthused with the options we are given. “I can get us out of this.” I sighed inwardly. “I am willing to go without force.” The alpha raises his hand again and the others come out and form a circle around me.
