Genesis had decided to get dressed after that fiasco, which was rather handy, seeing as how two arms looped under her armpits the instant she walked into the kitchen awhile later, clasping together at the back of her neck.

"What the-?!" She spluttered, scowling as she spied the seven guys from before relaxing in the kitchen.

It was at that moment she really wished she'd remembered to bolt the door.

"And where did you come from?" She grumbled, trying to glance back at the eighth man.

"Please relax." The guy with the pale blue eyes sighed. "We're not here to harm you. We simply want to speak with the Father..."

"Why did you try and break the door down, then?!" She challenged, a snarl escaping her throat as she tried to free herself. "And why am I in a headlock?!"

"You should just take it as a compliment." The man holding her said, and Genesis froze.

She recognised that voice.

"I'm afraid we had no choice but to restrain you while we explain things..." Pale blue eyes fixed on her own which widened as she realised who was standing in front of her. "You took down two Alphas in a matter of seconds, so I think that warrants some caution on our part."

"Alpha King Rylan."

"And you are?" He smiled at her, his messy hair spiked up slightly, a few stray black locks falling in front of his eerie eyes.

"Genesis."

"I'm guessing you're a ward of this church..." He tilted his head, staring at her curiously. "You look far too young to have lost your mate and chosen the path of the Sisterhood."

"Correct."

"Are you having some trouble finding your own two feet?" Rylan asked.

"Huh?"

"Most people your age would've struck out on their own by now." He smiled. "Not many go to church either..."

"Well, I guess that just makes me different then." She grumbled. "And could you please let go of me already, Alpha Thorn?!"

"You recognised my voice?"

"Have you slept with her, Thorny?" A green-eyed blonde asked, staring intently at the red-eyed blonde. "I don't see any other way she'd know your voice so well..."

An elbow collided with the blonde's stomach, pale blue eyes glaring down into the green ones. "Stop asking questions like that, Blaze!" Alpha King Rylan hissed. "What goes on behind closed doors stays behind them!"

Blaze turned to him. "You're such a prude... what's wrong with talking about-"

Rylan slammed a hand over his mouth.

"Gah!" Genesis strode towards the door, eager to escape the den of Alphas. "Father Greg will be back soon... feel free to wait around until then."

"Where are you going?!"

"For a run." She scowled. "I feel like I need one."

***

How did this happen?

The thought reverberated around Genesis's head as she ran through the forest on four paws, growling softly at the eight other wolves running with her. Wind ruffled through her black fur, sharp white teeth bared as she ran with the Alphas though the maze of twisted trees and branches.

How many other people would kill for this opportunity?

A lot.

She knew that much.

The Alphas didn't generally run around in wolf form outside the grounds of Blagmoor Castle. Too many of their predecessors had been assassinated for them to be so careless. Besides, not many werewolves bothered changing forms. In fact, most werewolves only shifted once a year for the big annual run, and even then, it wasn't really easy to find the Alphas in all the commotion, let alone run next to them.

Genesis wasn't even sure if anybody would want to try that. Alphas exerted a very powerful sort of presence, one that made every wolf want to roll over and show their belly whenever they got close.

She didn't have a clue why she wasn't already rolling over and showing them hers. Maybe it was because she was stubborn. Maybe it was because they'd toned it down for her.

All she cared about was the run.

She didn't care about the white wolf or the blue wolf running on either side of her, instead-

"Rylan!"

The unfamiliar voice cut through the woods.

"We've got another case!"

The black wolf leading their little pack shot off towards the sound of the voice, a small growl escaping his throat.

A shiver crept up her spine, her fur standing up on end as she felt the odd chill in the air. It was like the elements themselves were telling her that something was amiss.

Whatever was going on, it was serious.

Her paws were moving before she even realised it, chasing after the Alpha King, ignoring the warning grumbles from the other Alphas behind her.

"See if you can pick up a scent." A purple-haired man came into view, clad in a purple coat and thick black boots. "They should still be in the nearby area." He said, his pink eyes narrowing on Genesis as she skidded to a stop.

Wolfish purple eyes narrowed on the small red satchel in the guy's hands, a loud snarl rumbling from her chest.

She recognised it.

She'd visited the orphanage enough times to recognise Kevin's satchel.

And now something had happened to him.

Something must've, otherwise why would his satchel – his most prized possession – be slung over a different person's shoulder.

Her eyes turned crimson, almost glowing, her nose twitching as she scented the air. Her wolf senses were much sharper whenever she went into that red-eyed state.

That was why she immediately smelt it.

Blood.

Not just any blood though.

Blood she recognised.

Little Kevin's blood.

A grim, toothy smile broke across her wolfish face.

He was clever.

He'd remembered what she'd taught him.

"Genie, what if we get lost...?" Frankie asked, staring up at her as she lead the pack of children down the trail.

"You've got your whistles." Genesis smiled. "But if that doesn't work, then all you need to do is prick your finger... I'll be able to smell a drop of your blood from miles away..." She ruffled the girl's hair, glancing over at Kevin before ruffling his. "I'll always find you." She said. "No matter what."

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