Most of my old pack knows; I guess Alex never had a chance to dispose of the pregnancy test. But no one understands why I would run away from Pine Paw, run away from being a Breeder. I left everything behind to protect my pups. I may be sixteen, but I know what is right and what is wrong. Being hunted and chased by these wolves is wrong. Being forced to accept my Alpha’s seed and produce his heir is wrong. Becoming a Breeder is wrong. Everything Pine Paw did leading up to this moment is wrong. It is because of all these wrongs that I ran and will keep on running.
The safe-haven I call the town line finally comes into view, bringing renewed hope into my being. I take the chance to pick up speed and rush into the safety net. I feel some resistance at first as if some invisible force is trying to keep me out, but I keep pushing forward, and soon I am safely across, relief causing my nerves to settle down and with a sigh, I stop running and catch my breath. I turn around to face my pursuers with a smug grin, slowly walking backwards as I take in each of their faces.
“You will never have this pup, and I will never be a part of your pack again!” I growl out at Sam, wrapping my arms around my stomach protectively as I continue to walk backwards. So far, he only knows about one pup, and I would be damned if I let him learn that I am carrying twins.
“Look, Laina, we can talk. Just come back to the pack.” Sam pleads, his body nervous as he keeps looking around. Something is off about him, but then again, I have a feeling that Sam isn’t playing with a full deck of cards in his mind and that he hasn't had a right and stable mind for a while.
“How about no.” I smile triumphantly and turn on my heels, walking down the road towards the town. I can hear Sam and his warriors calling out to me. They are begging me to return to them and stop walking to town—I ignored them all. I know they just want me back because of the pups inside me, believing I am only carrying one. I am in no mood for their tricks and mind games. Instead, I want a poutine.
I travel along the side of the road, coming up on the sidewalk when I find one, and take in the forest surrounding the roads. It is a pleasant walk, and not having to worry about being pursued for the time being makes it easier to enjoy the fall-coloured forest. I enter the small town with my two duffle bags and keep an eye out for anywhere that might sell poutine. Many of the places were commercial restaurants like McDonald’s and Tim Horton’s, but neither could give me the satisfaction I needed. Then I see it and begin grinning like a Cheshire cat when the colours of a red and white checkerboard sign of a vintage-looking diner appear like some form of Messiah. I walk into the small place with lighter steps and sit at a booth, placing my bags beside me and taking out my worn-out leather wallet and placing it beside me on the table.
“Long day?” I jump when a waitress quietly comes up on the other side, her face sympathetic as she takes in my tired appearance and worn-down bags. I take in her pristine white apron, her brunette hair pulled into a large bun on top of her head and a short, long-sleeved checkerboard dress that compliments her figure perfectly with her red high heels.
“Very, being pregnant is hard work.” This gets the girl laughing, and I couldn’t help but smile. It felt nice talking to someone not trying to capture you.
“I have three of my own, so I know the feeling. Do you know what you’re having?” The waitress’s friendliness brings whatever frazzled nerves I have remained down to a calmness I've missed. Being on the run for four months of my pregnancy took its toll on me.
“Twins, that’s all I can tell you.” The waitress nods and flips open her book, taking the pencil from behind her ear.
“So what do you want, darling?”
“Poutine with extra cheese, a vanilla milkshake, and plain cheesecake, please.” She smiles at my order, shaking her head in amusement as she takes it down on the notepad in her hand.
“That’s what I got all the time when I was pregnant with my kids. It’ll be ready in a few.” With that, she leaves to ring in my order and I heave another sigh while relaxing in the booth. From what I can tell from my walk into town, this small town is quiet with a peaceful community, and it looks like my old pack can’t come here. It is a paradise in a world of darkness that sends a light of hope just made for me. Maybe, just maybe, I can find a home of my own and raise my pups.
“What do you think of living here?” I ask my protruding stomach, rubbing it gently and smiling when I feel some movements.
“Yeah, I like the idea too.” I laugh. The idea that I have found a place I can call home and raise my babies in has my eyes watering with tears of joy. Pack or no pack, I will make it on my own and raise these babies, and if being in this town means I can do so here, then so be it. I felt safe the moment I crossed the town line, and this feeling of being safe is what I need in my life. I can send a message to the college I applied for, explain my situation and hopefully transfer to a nearby community college to get my degree.