Warning

LAKE

The house is particularly chilly this morning as I sleepily walk downstairs into the kitchen.

It smells of pancakes and my mother’s amazing homemade cinnamon rolls. I yawn deeply and stretch while sitting next to Riley.

Riley is in her usual Landon shirt with a pair of random Christmas pajama pants. Her hair is still loose and frizzy in her ponytail.

My mother is already dressed and ready for the day. Her hair is in a sleek, low ponytail. She has a natural tone of makeup with her favorite red lipstick.

Her outfit is a simple white cotton sweater and a pair of dark-wash jeans. I assume she’s going to wear the tan booties my father got her for their anniversary.

“Someone slept well, I assume?” My mother smiles widely. I just roll my eyes and smile.

She’s right. Ever since Jake and I have begun to get closer to each other, I’ve been sleeping soundly through the night.

“Are you excited for tomorrow?” Riley asks gleefully. I look at her in confusion as my mother pours me a cup of coffee.

“The Full Moon Ceremony?”

“Ohhh… Totally…” I pull my cup to my face so I don’t have to say anything else.

The Full Moon Ceremony happens when each generation comes of age to take their respective places among the pack. Leaders in particular.

Landon and Riley are to take my parents’ places as head of the warrior division. It’s basically an excuse to have a party in the huge ballroom connected to the pack house.

I’m not a huge fan of parties and crowds of people. Especially after what’s happened over the past few weeks.

“You girls are going to be in the spotlight if I have anything to say about it,” my mother announces. “I’ve waited eighteen years for this. No expense is too much for my girls.”

Riley and I can’t help but smile and thank my mother.

“Where are Dad and Landon, by the way?” I continue to shove a cinnamon roll into my mouth.

“They had a warrior’s meeting this morning,” Riley states. “Something about security for the ceremony.”

My mother takes a sip of her coffee. “A group of rogues have been spotted at our southern border.”

“That’s unusual,” I reply. “Aren’t rogues solitary or something?”

My mother shrugs. “It’s not something for us to worry about.”

It’s always been this way. I’ve never been able to have any access to anything regarding my father’s work.

“Now, what color dresses are you girls—”

My mother is interrupted by a frantic knock on the front door that soon turns into a banging.

“Who could that be this early?” My mother rushes into the living room and opens the door. Riley and I soon hear her arguing with someone.

We both rush in to aid her. Riley is a few steps in front of me as I come around the corner. Lynne stirs as his scent comes through the air.

“I’m telling you as your future alpha to let me pass!” Lucas growls. “I need to speak with Lake right now!”

“With all due respect—”

“You aren’t welcome here,” I announce. My arms are crossed as rage builds up in my chest.

“Lake, I know I’ve not been the best person to you, but—” I put my hand up to silence Lucas.

“You’re right.” I smile coldly. “You’ve been Satan to me. I don’t want anything else to do with you. Jake warned you yesterday.”

Jake’s name is like a lump in my throat. My body tenses uncomfortably at the thought of him. I push these feelings down.

“Screw that asshole!” Lucas grits his teeth. “He’s the one who’s been seen talking to that White Witch!”

I blink a few times before growling loudly. My mother looks at me, and she can see the hesitation behind my eyes. She, again, comes to my rescue.

“You need to ~leave~,” my mother says simply and ushers Lucas out the door.

“This is a warning,” Lucas says without looking at any of us. “That witch is dangerous. And so is that boy you call a mate.”

***

I wander through the forest, trying to clear my mind.

I smile as the damp forest grass presses against my bare feet. The birds chirp as they fly from branch to branch, nature alive and brimming around me.

This is where I feel most at ease.

The fresh breeze blows through my hair, and it brings with it the scent of berries and rainwater.

~Jake.~

~

His scent brings a rush of confusing emotions with it. I should just go and ask him what’s going on. I’m done beating around the bush.

I follow his scent, but then a new one mixes with his. It smells like the ashes of a firepit...and it makes me uneasy.

I crouch low, moving silently as I creep forward. Lynne’s hackles are raised as she growls in my mind.

I settle in the deep shadows of a bush as Jake comes into view. He’s standing in the middle of a clearing, a deep frown on his handsome face.

And he’s not alone.

A figure wrapped in a white cloak stands in front of him. The hood is up so I can’t see their face, but I see some long red hair peeking out from underneath the hood.

~Who is that?~

~

~Is that the witch Lucas was talking about?~

~

“Are you sure you can handle this?” the robed figure asks. It’s a girl’s voice.

“I already told you I could,” Jake says, clearly angry.

“Well you’re doing a horrible job,” she hisses. “It’s already unraveling.”

“I’ll handle it,” Jake growls.

I frown. What are they talking about? I want to get closer, but I’m afraid they’ll see me... and I have a feeling that that would not be good.

“Are we done here?” Jake asks, already turning to walk away.

The girl steps forward and wraps her arms around his neck in an intimate gesture that makes my stomach churn. Lynne growls, begging to be set free so she can tear into this girl.

“Last chance, Jakey,” she purrs.

Jake steps out of her embrace, a look of disgust on his face. “Don’t come here again.” He walks away quickly without looking back.

The girl stays in the clearing for a moment and chuckles softly to herself before turning to leave.

I stay there in the shadows, trying to keep myself together.

It’s happening again.

I can feel the pain and agony opening up underneath me like a dark pit, eager to swallow me whole.