I stumbled into the woods, my feet feeling heavy after my argument with Osckar. Eventually, after wandering aimlessly I came across a boulder next to a rather large tree and slumped to the ground. My walk had somewhat calmed me down but it didn't take away from the betrayal and sense of loss that loomed over me like a heavy cloud. I was just glad for the time to myself, to finally just be alone without the pressuring thoughts and gazes from everyone.

I stared into the trees, wishing I could be someone else in a far-off land without any worries or grief.

A part of me understood that Osckar was only doing what he thought was best for his pack at the time. There could be more to his story that he hadn't told me but his attitude was downright sour. He was used to treating his pack members like dirt and had the audacity to put that on me, especially after everything I'd been through. He'd seen it all for goodness sake! I knew of the witches though, they could be cunning and cruel, their deals always sealed with a double-edged sword. At least that's what I've been told by my father.

I had one advantage over the witches though, they didn't know I existed but I wasn't sure how long that would last. Osckar had dealings with them and I was sure they'd make it their business to know who he'd been mated with once word spreads across all the packs in a fifty-mile radius. I didn't have much time to hatch a plan. Maybe even an escape plan, one that would leave me alone and packless but at least everyone else would be safe.

I dropped my head into my hands as I realised that it wouldn't guarantee their safety. The witches were smart and I would somehow find myself right back here, maybe chained up to post ready to be beheaded.

And then there was Osckar, that lying asshole who ordered the murder of my parents. I gritted my teeth at the thought, he didn't even have the guts to tell me when he realised who he'd killed. What they meant to me. My stomach lurched at the thought of his face. How would I ever be able to trust him again? How could I know that he wouldn't do anything to me? I knew we were mates and no matter what choices I made fate would have us tied together. We were meant to cross paths, to stay together forever. This was meant to be it for me, he was all I had.

I leaned my head on the trunk of the tree and closed my eyes slowly, letting myself drift off.

I was walking in the back garden with my dad, his arm wrapped around my shoulders as he pulled me close to whisper harshly in my ear.

"Your blood will call out to the ancestors, and when you really need it, help will come."

"Won't you be there to protect me?" I asked.

"I might not be there all the time," He sighed, "But I will leave you prepared, I've taught you not to always rely on someone saving you. At times when there is no hope you just have to believe in yourself, you must never forget what's inside you. Remember you are more than just a werewolf, you have the traits of three creatures, human, wolf, and witch."

I nodded feeling slightly more confident.

"Just repeat that over and over until you really believe it, you are more than a wolf, and one day I know you are going to be one of the greatest."

"Dad, you're just saying that because I'm your daughter."

He laughed,"No, my father said the same thing to me and he was right, others may not see it but I am more than just my position. Other packs have said I'm the best beta there is."

"Only because you were supposed to be the alpha, it's a sign of respect dad, they know of the dominance you exude."

"It's not just dominance that makes up an alpha, it's the ability to find solutions to impossible situations, to be understanding and compassionate towards your pack mates. Most of all is to protect each and every one of them without fail."

"You can't save everyone."

"No, but you can try." He smiled at me "Never give up, because the moment you do, you've failed yourself. Now finish reading my letter, it'll give you the strength you need for the weeks ahead."

I frowned, "I'm scared."

"So was I, but I pushed on, I'll be there every step of the way."

I heard a twig snap and swirled towards the sound, then I heard it again.

"Wake up!" my dad shouted.

I jolted awake, immediately springing into a crouch ready to run at the first sign of danger, it had gone dark, I must have been out for a while. A shadowed figure emerged from the trees to my left, its hands were raised in surrender. There was a slight breeze and the familiar scent floated in my direction, it was Osckar.

I relaxed and leaned back into my original position and watched him approach slowly as if he was approaching a prey animal. When he stood at the edge of my boulder he stopped, his jaw clenched as he thought of something to say.

"I'm sorry." He said, his voice sounding sincere. "I had no idea that it would come to this, if I had known I wouldn't have done it."

"I know." I whispered "But what's done is done. It might take a while for me to actually forgive you fully but at the moment we have bigger problems."

He let out a weighted sigh, his hand coming to rest over mine, he gave it a gentle squeeze and I let my hand slip out from under his. His cheek twitched and I knew that was all the hurt he was going to show.

"It's not all your fault, this was a long time coming," I said, hoping he got my emphasis on it all, it wasn't forgiveness just an observation, "It's time to finally put this to an end."

"How are we going to do that? You said it yourself that the witches are tough to beat as it is. They have magic that can easily immobilize us."

I shook my head "I don't know yet but I might know where to get the answers."

I stood and walked a few steps before looking over my shoulder.

"Come on we have a lot of reading to do."

...

"This is the book and letter my dad left me," I said holding the items in my hands, "He said I could find some answers in here, but I'm not entirely sure it can protect us."

We were sitting on our bed opposite each other, our legs were crossed and I placed the book down in the middle so it was between us. I held the letter in my hand as if the words could burn through my skin.

"Have you read the letter?" Osckar asked, watching me intently.

"I read the first paragraph, I couldn't finish it."

He ran a hand through his hair, "You should just read it all. If there's anything in there that can save your life I'll do it."

He looked me in the eye and I watched him for a moment, not sure if I should really believe everything he says.

"I know." I eventually said, but there was no faith in it at all.

I unfolded the letter and found the place where I'd left off, reading aloud.

"When you open the book, it will appear blank but it's not. That's the beauty of being what we are, we possess some magic, just a little, not much from my experience but just say these words and the writing will appear.

Reveal to me what is unseen

Do this with your hand held over the closed book then open it again and there should be writing.

Being on the run from the witches of old is not the best life and I do hope that when you find your mate he'll be understanding when you have to move again. This is not my dream for you, my dream would have you living your own life without always looking over your shoulder. And if the time comes when you have to finally face them, I want you to use all that I've taught you to stand up for yourself and never give up. We never give up, no matter how tough things get, and remember you are not alone there are others who will help.

I love you sweetheart

By the end my voice was trembling, I placed the letter down and took a deep breath before looking at Osckar.

"Well, it didn't say much about how to keep you safe." He said, folding his hands in his lap.

I cracked a smile, "No it didn't, but apparently I have magic."

"We need to find out about these others he mentioned that will help us."

"Should I try it out?" I asked, looking at him for support, my hand ready to hover over the book.

He nodded.

Relaxing I place my hand over the book that was still placed in between us on the bed. I stared at the back of my hand unsure if I was doing it right.

I spoke loudly "Reveal to me what is unseen."

I don't know what I expected but nothing happened, no wind blowing through my hair, no lights flickering uncontrollably. I didn't feel a rush of power surge through me like in the movies or something, just pure and utter silence.

"Did it work?" Osckar whispered

"I don't know," I said leaning to flip the book open.

And there it was, a page filled with writing and an image of my grandfather, below it was his signature. I quickly flicked through the rest of the book, watching as the previously blank pages filled with text.

"It worked, it actually worked," I said laughing as I looked at the book.

"Now the only thing left is to read this thing and hope we find the answers we are looking for."