noun ~ betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature

POLLUX

I muttered another apology, blinking at the barista. "Yes, I'd, uh, like a drink."

Eyebrows furrowed, the person with Clover's eyes stared at me. Was it perhaps Clover's sister? Did Clover have a sister so similar looking?

"Okay. Let me guess... Lemonade or... a coke?" They grinned.

The voice was higher, more feminine than Clover's. And yet...

Fuck, I needed to get myself together. Slowly, piece by piece, I pulled on my mask and shook off the nerves. Clover's clone didn't recognise me; it may not even be them.

"Five o'clock, right?" I mused.

The woman laughed softly, and my eyes dropped to the name tag. Lilith.

This wasn't Clover.

"Cappuccino with a shot of caramel, please." I insisted. "And one of the blueberry muffins."

Lilith blinked, but nodded. "So that's a..."

Her voice trailed, her fingers hovering over the till. She seemed to stare at it before shaking her head and tapping at the screen. Even that was digital now, and she placed a card machine before me to tap my card onto. Wincing through a smile, Lilith passed me my receipt. I stepped to the side, but she was quick to interrupt.

"I will bring it over to you."

I thanked her, turning to eye the room. Securing my hat on my head, I avoided the odd few looks. I knew it wasn't exactly polite to wear a hat and sunglasses inside, but in my defence, the sun was still bright outside and echoed around the room.

Various chair legs and even some damn fairy lights covered the large window, blocking the amazing view of the lake. I still chose a round table nearby, staring through the huddles of people as they cooled down from the summer sun.

Kicking out my feet, I stretched my legs beneath me as the coffee machine whirred in the background. My stomach still clenched uncomfortably, but the café was so different. It was almost like I was in an entirely different place.

That wasn't Clover. I was fine, this was fine. Everything was fine.

My ears caught the sound of shoes scraping across the floor, and I shuffled back upright in my chair. Lilith came around me just as I was uncrossing my feet, and I caught sight of her clothes. She wore an apron, of course, but beneath that was a solid black blouse and tight blue jeans. I tried to hide the distaste as I clocked onto the ballet flats on her feet.

How women could wear those was beyond me. They had no sole, no comfort, just squashed toes and blisters.

"Here you go, sir," Lilith murmured, placing the saucer down before me. "Pretty view, isn't it?"

"It is." I agreed. "It's a shame the window is blocked."

"It never used to be," she chimed, her voice holding a familiar sadness. "After the revamp, it was changed to fit more tables in."

Revamp? She didn't say change of ownership. So did that mean Clover still owned it?

I shifted as Lilith grew too close, but the movement caused her hair to flutter. Being in such a dangerous place full of unforgettable memories, I reigned in my sense to not look so out of place. My gift was permanently on lockdown around humans, but that simple movement had my body fall into shock.

Lilith pulled away from me with a smile, only for her face to crumple as I stared up at her. "Are you sure you are okay?"

It couldn't be. But it could be. It was a scent I would never forget; one of coffee, evergreens, and joy. Yet, it intermingled with something else, someone else.

"Sir?"

I swiftly turned my head away, not wanting her to see my face so closely.

"I'm fine." I croaked. "Thanks."

Lilith blinked, and I avoided looking directly at her. I kept my feet firmly beneath the table, because no doubt she would recognise my boots too. The hat hid my hair, and the glasses blurred the green of my eyes. Clover loved to stare at me as we lay beneath the stars. They knew my every spot and scar. The only thing Clover would not know about was my half-ear, because that happened the night I fled.

The night that my entire life was ruined.

***

I didn't stay in the café long, escaping the moment the coffee and muffin were in my system. I kept it together for the entire walk through town, and the moment I got remotely close to the dirt path, I ran. My steps were hurried and unsure as I tumbled through the sparse trees, the chopped weathered stumps a faint reminder of why they got rid of so many.

Falling to my knees by my backpack, I let out a shaky breath. I removed the hat and glasses from my head, breathing harshly to combat the emotions tumbling out of me. It was too much. I wouldn't cry; I wouldn't give the past the satisfaction.

I needed to cool down, needed to distract myself. My legs ached, my knees shaking as I stood to full height. Securing my bag to my shoulders, I stumbled through the wilderness and toward the lake. Sweat tumbled from my brow at the exertion, holding back the claustrophobic tightening of my fear.

It took me ten minutes to scale the hillside, reaching the edge of the lake with a soft groan. There were only a few people around, so I knew I wouldn't look too out of place. Even so, I stuck to the spot nearest the trees and slowly removed my boots and clothes. Remaining in just my boxers, I threw myself into the water. It was cold and the moment my head was submerged; I felt instant relief from the sweltering heat.

That's all it was.

It was just hot today.

No other reason.

Definitely nothing to do with Lilith and Clover.

The lake was surprisingly clear, and I resurfaced with a sharp gasp. The teenagers in the distance glanced at me briefly before returning to their game of chicken. I spread out my limbs, chest heaving for breath as I stared up at the sky. The sun was slowly getting lower, the sunset soon coming. I didn't spend long in the café after recognising the similarities between Lilith and Clover, but I didn't want to act too out of character and bolt from the place.

I didn't want them to come after me again because when they did; it destroyed me. The rules took away everything I thought I had. Because of trust, or lack of.

I clenched my eyes shut, hoping to clear the image of sobbing Clover from my mind. But it never left. It remained tattooed on the underside of my eyelids for the rest of eternity, as deeply engrained as the betrayal in my soul.

four years ago

I really had fucked up.

Revealing my beast to Clover was something that should've never happened.

Even as I fretted over their sleeping form, I was uncertain about what would happen when they woke. I did not expect all to be well. Clover's fear of the woods and wolves was strong. But I at least expected a conversation, not to be kicked out of our home.

Now I sat in the trees, trying to shield myself from the torment of rain. It was heavy and loud, large cold droplets soaking my clothes. But I couldn't move. I couldn't stray too far from Clover. I didn't want to move.

My mind raced with thoughts, my hand grabbing my hair in frustration.

I shouldn't have done it. I should have just growled and run away.

But I thought, for a split second, that revealing myself would make things better. Clover knowing what my difference was would bring us together. She would understand me more; understand why I travelled so much.

"I have a secret that I can't tell anyone. If I told someone, I fear it would be the end."

Those were the word I once said to them, and I never knew I would come to find the truth in them. The end truly has come, and I feared that nothing good would come of it.

I hoped I don't get sick from this damn fucking rain!

Through the tumbling of thunder and the rampant rain, I heard footsteps. They seemed to creep, but I couldn't smell them. If it wasn't for their heavy footfalls, I would've been none the wiser. They were close, covered by the storm. My body tensed, my gift spluttering to life as the sense of a threat sank into my bones.

Raising my head toward the various footsteps, I found a crowd of people coming through the trees. Staying where I was, I watched them warily as they came to a stop fifty yards away. I counted sixteen men, three women, and an awake Clover. Their brown eyes were wide and wary, hidden behind a large male figure.

"Is this him?" The male in question asked.

Clover didn't speak, nodding once.

"Pollux?" He grunted.

"Can I help you?" I wondered, speaking loudly so he can hear me.

"You are not welcome on these lands."

His hands flexed around the gun on his hip, and my eyes followed the movement. I noticed everyone else had some kind of weapon, and my stomach churned with unease.

"What have I done?" I wondered.

I haven't hunted on their land, haven't intentionally harmed anyone. Clover passing out was not my intention. And the flowers I took... I thought they were just abandoned!

"You are not human. Leave these lands before we have to use force."

"I haven't done anything." I insisted, rising to my feet.

The movement caused him to grab his gun, glaring as he pointed it at me. My eyes were wide, flabbergasted, as I looked into the dark eyes of the man threatening me. He wasn't the only one; various people around him pointed things at me. Fucking hell, someone even had a damn bow and arrow!

"You need to leave." He warned.

"Why?" I demanded, my heart racing in my ears. "Why are you pointing weapons at me? All of you against one isn't exactly fair, is it?"

They muttered amongst themselves at my words, and the man in the centre grunted a sharp laugh.

"Your kind doesn't deserve anything else."

"My kind?" I blinked, flabbergasted. "What exactly is my kind?"

He glared as I took two steps closer, flexing his grip on the handle of his gun. I assumed he was the leader, as everyone else glanced at him with uncertainty. I was being bold, calling his bluff, which would probably get me killed if I wasn't careful.

"Beast." He murmured. "This land is for the humans. My ancestors claimed this land and cleansed it from your curse, and left us behind to protect it."

Hunters. Just like Clover had mentioned.

"Curse?" I shook my head. "I am as much of a human as you are."

"Hardly." He snarled, lip curling with disgust. "Your kind are all the same. You kill the innocents and kidnap our young adults."

"I highly doubt that." I snapped.

I bet I could find all of those 'kidnapped' women if I searched pack lands hard enough. Wolves didn't just take people, and rogues were too sporadic to think about hunting in a human village.

The sound of his safety releasing made me pause, and I glanced at Clover. The man grunted, stepping in front of them. I shook my head, running my hand through my drenched hair. They all wore coats, protected by the rain in their waterproofs. The trees shielded most of them from the rain anyway, but it was a stark contrast to my drenched state.

I could feel the icy chill seep through my clothes, soaking my skin. I would be cold for hours after this, but I didn't care. How was I supposed to leave Clover?

"Clover?" I weakly called, opening my gift.

"You do not address us." The man snapped.

My gift shuddered. I hated the feeling of anger, and his was primal. I knew he was serious from how deeply routed it was. Clover, however, was harder to read. But right now, they were scared. And it wasn't at the guns, or the violence, but at me.

I hated it.

I hated that I scared them.

It shouldn't have come to this.

But why did Clover do this? Why did they rat me out to the hunters? I thought we were different; that we actually cared so deeply for each other. Fuck, I loved them!

Was it just a game? Was Clover playing me?

My shoulders hardened as I stared the gunman right in the eyes.

"I think I deserve to speak to the person who sold me out." I quipped. "Or are they too cowardice to look me in the eye as their family kills me?"

The gunman cursed, throwing insults at me as he waved his gun. I glared at him, rigid with anger. My wolf bristled, wanting me to destroy them. He was a serene wolf, wise with his age, so for him to feel even an ounce of anger made me rethink my next steps.

"Clover?" I called again.

Brown eyes peered around the male, their face emotionless. But I knew Clover did not care anymore, and with that realisation, I pulled back my gift. Clover didn't care; Clover didn't love me.

"Go, Pollux." They snapped.

I wasn't Lux anymore.

Turning back to the gunman, my jaw tensed. "You seem to do a lot with that gun other than shoot it."

Too fast to comprehend, a gunshot sounded. I ducked at the last minute, but it didn't stop the harsh hiss of pain that shot through my skull. The bullet knocked me to the ground, blood oozing down my neck and temple. Dazed, I gazed up at the dark skies.

Despite being shot in the fucking head, I didn't feel the pain. It was just... nothing compared to the pain in my heart.

Betrayal.

It was all I felt.

My heart hardened with its own armour, my fists clenched at my sides. I was heartbroken and felt the sorrow consume me from the inside out.

Shakily rising to all fours, I spared one last glance towards Clover before shifting into my fur. My eyes hardened as Clover held my gaze, unable to tear their eyes away as I landed on all fours. My clothes shred with the change, gasps sounding from those around me. It didn't take long; none of the snapping bones or agony that came with a werewolf shifting and that made them hesitate. It was a shimmer, a magical hum that shuddered across my skin like gooseflesh.

Clover's eyes widened, lips parting with shock. But I didn't get a moment longer, because the crowd soon started to shout and charge toward me. My teeth locked around my bag in my escape, legs bunching as I climbed the hills.

"The trees are sparse because they chopped them down to deter wildlife." Clover had said, standing atop a stump as they gazed at the stars.

There was nowhere to hide. Not even in the density of evergreens. The dirt path ended higher up the hills, and I ran that way. Bullets whizzed past my large form, a few grazing my back as I scaled the hillside. A bow landed directly by my shoulder, and I was grateful I dodged it at the last second.

Humans couldn't climb, so the more my claws dug into the ground, the safer I became.

Away from the danger.

To safety.

To home.

Away from Arleybay.