Auden was supposed to be ordinary. She moved to New York City, became a vet, lived a normal life, and only did the occasional business for her pack. Auden was just about as human as any non-shifting werewolf could've been– Until someone broke into her neighbor's apartment, kidnapped an Alpha's sister, forced her to take action, and she met said-Alpha face-to-face. Things would've probably stayed the same after that – if the Alpha in question wasn't her mate. Forced to join another pack, Auden finds herself trying to find every way to be useful – or even maintain a human life. But when strange things begin to occur, Auden may not be all that she seems. Alpha Lucien is protective. Born to a bloodline of early shifters, Lucien made his vow to protect his sister and his pack at all costs. His pack is secretive. Hidden from most of the world, the Umbra pack has remained quiet and reserved– peaceful even. And being mated to a human wasn't supposed to be problematic – but humans weren't supposed to be hunted by other 'werewolves', if that's even what those 'things' are. Lucien has always tried to stay away from trouble, but his mate may just change all that.
I hauled myself into my apartment, pulled my boots off, hung off my coat, and slung my bag onto the kitchen counter. It landed with a heavy thud and I groaned at the thought of all the paperwork I had yet to even touch.
"Are you sure you aren't gonna come home this week? I miss you," my sister Zaina said through the phone that I had squeezed between my shoulder and my ear. I switched on the lights in my kitchen and reached for a half-empty bottle of wine.
"I can't, I just finished my hours at the clinic which means I have to stay and make sure everything works out well with my little fur patients and our new apartment business. Plus, I haven't finished everything on your stupid checklist. Seriously, Zains? Why did you list clothes? I'm not your assistant." I poured myself a glass of wine before walking over to my windows.
Glittery fragments of snow littered the concrete. The first snow. If I wasn't busy perhaps I could have enjoyed it more. I took a sip of my wine and savored the warmth in my stomach before sliding the door open to my balcony.
"But you live in the city. Meanwhile I'm over here stuck in the middle of nowhere. And of course you aren't an assistant. You know, you could take over for me. Wanna switch places?" Zaina said.
"Not if I was the last woman on Earth."
"Not woman, she-wolf," Zaina said.
"Half-wolf," I corrected, rolling my eyes as I took another sip of wine, "There's a reason I'm living a human life, Zaina. And we both know you just want to be the pampered princess you are."
I leaned forward against the railings and peered down below. There were few people out and about in the cold winter. It wouldn't surprise me if a blizzard came through either. A harsh wind howled through the alleys and I relished the winter wind as it bit into my skin.
New York was hardly ever peaceful. But it had its moments. The sirens in the distance dulled down and I could just barely hear the soft jazz that played in one of the little restaurants down below. I closed my eyes and took a breath.
And then I heard something.
A wince.
A dog's wince.
"You know mom and dad call me Princess for a reason," Zaina's voice droned on. I placed my phone on the ledge and turned my head next door. After a few moments, I heard a heavy thump followed by more wincing.
"Zaina, I'm gonna have to drop this call. I'll call you later. Bye." I hung up.
Another wince then a loud thud to my left.
The balconies were divided by a panel of thick concrete walls for some privacy. But the noises definitely came from next door. I was sure no one lived there. I managed the damn building. I paused for a moment. Another thud, and another, then a muffled shout.
A crash.
And then I heard it. A growl.
Shit.
I went inside, walked over to the kitchen counter, and opened the cabinet below the sink. I pulled out my revolver, a steel gun with a black grip. I checked the chambers – five bullets.
Okay. Maybe you're overreacting. I shook my head. Either way, someone might need medical attention and I was the closest person here.
I took the gun and pressed my ear against the wall of my apartment. I heard movement, a kind of dragging noise – but no voices. Maybe someone was passed out. Or maybe it was just an unexpected new neighbor that got drunk and a friend was taking care of them. A lost homeless person?
I had to check. I tucked the gun into the waistband of my jeans and pulled on a black jacket before leaving my apartment and knocking next door. I knocked three times, paused, and then knocked harder.
"Hey! I live next door and heard some trouble going on. Everything okay?" I asked loudly before following it up with three loud knocks.
I heard it again– something whimpered followed by what seemed to me like muffled sobs. My doubts increased. I placed my right hand on my back, resting my palm on my gun's handle as I heard heavy footsteps come toward me. The door soon opened with a golden chain dangling between me and a scruffy-looking man.
"Sorry, friend's dog is getting a bit out of hand. A friend of mine just moved here and we were just gonna check it out–"
"Oh, well, I'm a vet," I interrupted with a smile, "I can help you if you'd like."
"I don't think that's a good idea, it's not friendly," he said. I smiled wider.
"Listen, whatever is wrong with the dog, I can probably fix. Trust me," I said but he shook his head. "I can't ignore an animal in need," I added.
"Okay, just give me a moment." He shut the door and I waited. I heard muffled noises that sort of sounded like "Behave" and "Shut up." It was as if the guy thought I was deaf. Then again, perhaps it was the werewolf genes. A long while later, the door opened again.
The man moved aside as I went in. The apartment was an absolute mess, the walls were torn up with scratches, the furniture torn to bits and well, it looked like someone rampaged and tore the place up. I almost cursed. And then I smelled it. That familiar scent of iron– blood. It marked the floor leading to a door where I could hear the wincing and panting of an animal. I heard the door close behind me followed by the soft muted sound of something clicking – safety lever.
"You're kidding me," I muttered. Before the man could open his mouth, I turned, pulled my gun out, and aimed.
"Where's the dog?" I asked and he simply gave me a stare. I rolled my eyes before taking a step forward and the man had the audacity to place his finger on the trigger.