Ivy
Alpha Harold was away from some meeting for only a few82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC7hQYQAqa
days. In that few days of knowing he was away; the air and demeanour of the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdkWz4fdWD
territory was light and playful. Catori was a great distraction and Ivy spent82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKYRTUX24O
the time getting to know James and his wolf Arwen. James still sat outside of82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfztpGtjaDx
the door of the bedroom, like a trained puppy dog, too scared of the outcome if82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PzBfxac04
Alpha Harold were to come home early. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosoefcwdWC
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It allowed them to talk constantly, and he would bring Ivy his favourite foods82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrvSduwRQK
that he liked to cook. Ivy learnt that James wasn’t born there, his mother was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA5p7Znuw3
a Lycan and his father a wolf. Lycan’s don’t like cross breeding and banished82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3PkpA47DT
his father, keeping his mother in the pack to breed with one of their own.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcjGgmG74j
James then became a strong Warrior; he never went to school because Harold82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fJIT2tXlv
always expected him to train. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOJreR3JPb
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It was Luna Katherine that took James and his father in, going against the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OpYx0XMvz
advice of Harold. However, Harold had the final say of James’ contribution to82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB012kw0GeS
the pack. James had also explained to Ivy that this pack worked very82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhR62rMc9r
differently to that she was used to. They have armoured Soldiers, not Warriors.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCu0lFKFDd
They were not peaceful and that all Soldiers were to present in their82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv2QzVlpM6
wolf-selves and James was concerned that some might not even be able to get82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLIUxRDc4a
back to their human forms. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAgcK8pZxY
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James had always been grateful of Harold taking him in and has never questioned82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcOZwNXecR
anything the Alpha has done. Until stealing Ivy. Now that he is the Alpha’s82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo8X1UA1uj
Beta, James told Ivy that his father couldn’t be prouder. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBTjfSZ3TI
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They spoke in length of hopes and dreams and Ivy shared that she really wanted82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTGutM6U5l
to find her own mate, in her own time but she was stuck there. James82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNdaaqme7x
accompanied Ivy outside when Harold was away and explained to her what happened82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnegX5PkUGT
to the forest. He said that Harold went mad when he found out that Katherine82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKqXEWMhRY
was terminally ill, and he expected her to pass. Harold locked her in the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMIuSHfgCB
fortress with no windows, so that nothing could get to her like germs and other82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLj74AbCtg
sicknesses. He wanted her to live as long as possible. All the pack’s resources82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXZRAQe0iu
that surrounded the pack hall and what seemed to be the castle, went into82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6ehTiB8dH
building and solidifying the territory. What was left was a vast desert82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQPuIlH8qg
wasteland of dirt and sand, with a trickle of a river. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wtfVyMMXG
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Harold’s territory died to prolong their Luna’s life. Ivy thought that it was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREGb3urCvy
poetic but did not solve her issue; the man he had become.
Ivy wasn’t expecting Harold home so early, but he must82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajHfZmQ9V7
of returned late in the night. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGUpdH54Oq
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“Ivy wake up! I can smell him!” Catori warned. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaDoZqpZ9Z
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The warning alerted Ivy and her eyes flung open and wished that he wouldn’t82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl0ejmxR4l
come to the room. The sound of boots made their way up the stairs and towards82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPR9BlFsJC
her door. She held her breath and prayed to the Moon Goddess that James was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qvjSQeZbC
still there. Ivy tried to connect with James through a mind-link. She was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8itsdMB0m0
relieved to have felt his presence, but he had her blocked. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XtGJqpy8F
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“Catori, see if you can talk to Arwen.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeZBW6Wfof
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“James m’boy! Oh, how I have missed you,” Harold announced, “You would not82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08guaVrbbG
believe the time I’ve had.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJdMVogijC
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“How is my pretty? Hasn’t given you too much drama?” he continued. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReVQ5DEnUr
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“No sir, she has come quite accustomed to her quarters,” James replied. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfTXGq80YI
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“Great! That’s just great, well when she wakes soon, you can tell my pretty82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS5T95r5A6
little bitch that it’s her birthday, and my ceremony day,” Harold sneered. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BARXTeh1y
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“Yes, Alpha.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7jkDcB6Ba
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Ivy was thankful that she connected with James. He sounded remorseful when82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1O1EBQC1T
replying to the Alpha but she felt sorry for him when he must deal with the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v0d9o50Pn
wrath of Harold. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxhEbhZTrq
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Ivy tossed and turned in her bed, unable to shut off and tried to get comfortable.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbUWfbDfTb
James sensed her restlessness.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASnnYanpJ9
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“Go to sleep Ivy,” he sent. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfkCyyquBa
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“I can’t now, knowing that he is home,” she sent back. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gvzW0yLQC
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Ivy looked at the clock, it was 1:00AM, Happy Birthday, Ivy she muttered82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aShx9iONG
to herself. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kEBHMBcSH
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“Happy Birthday Ivy,” James sent.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP3iNeU7Ci
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It made her smile. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHWdwBd07S
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“Thank-you James.”
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Ivy still had her eyes closed tightly, barely awake,82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVBEURiPGd
but she could feel someone standing over her. She could feel their eyes82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2fTwB7OVh
staring. Almost immediately, her closed eyelids were burnt with a bright light,82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9xPYh2Rw0
seeing stars. Once Ivy had come to full consciousness, the same twenty women,82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQgbeiNqXl
that escorted her to her room on the first night at Harold’s castle, stood82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ9g9EXjSu
around the bed. The lights were turned on, but they looked different, almost as82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAiwv31LoH
if they walked back through time. Their hair was washed, brushed, and pulled82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYxC0XUfLx
back into buns. The women wore gold and dark green robes which accentuated each82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT1TFi7ZMz
of their curves. Ivy could make out their skin tones now that they were clean82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8imXK6vDzD
and had scrubbed off the dirt that initially made them look like they were82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIDsr1rkxJ
brown and ashen in colour.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMk6VsY0U3
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“Happy Birthday ma’am, sorry to disturb you but we need to get you ready for82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4BYmBxoYe
the ceremony today,” said the first woman, her expression not changing. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIheQ1CF7CK
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“Thank-you, what time is it?” asked Ivy.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ty8yoBlcj
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“The time is 12PM ma’am. We tried to let you sleep as much as possible.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQNx58FXC3
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The woman glared at Ivy with fear in her eyes, as if waking her up at 12PM was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKESvSs3mG
a crime. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d3k3XfcFp
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“It’s okay,” Ivy assured her, “What time is the ceremony?”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4fsds2wvb
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“7PM ma’am.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWurMeZRU3G
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“So what is first on the agenda ladies?” 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqxle00U0d
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Ivy clapped her hands together and bounced out of bed. She giggled at the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuinSl1El9v
frightened faces staring back at her by her sudden burst of energy and82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSfYjC1LLs
enthusiasm. Might as well get this over with, she thought to herself. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0LbDRt3vI
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Ivy tried to calculate the next seven hours in her mind and what they could82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rUyEDRKbz
possibly be wanting to do in that time, just as two of the women wheeled in a82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgW6RRY2SS
cart, sporting a large cloche accompanied with a bottle of champagne with one82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcL8abeK9m
glass. Ivy’s stomach flickered at the thought that Harold might have a nice side82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPzMsg9TZq
and that she just needed to find it. She lifted the cloche to reveal the most82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkHRQsD1LA
amazing cake she had ever seen. It was decorated with wildflowers and all kinds82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSjOGYSB10
of different coloured icing and fondant. On the top was a message scribed with82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLttMp9B6Bg
buttercream. Happy 18th Birthday, Luna. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomUOZd6Wdi
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“Did Harold send this?” Ivy asked. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qb5WvMgzl
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A different woman stepped forward this time with a dismayed expression. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEX8vtjAsZ
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“Beta James, was up all night making this for you,” she confirmed, but was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXNXm4xQZ1
eyeing Ivy suspiciously. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe3xhpzejY
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“Please tell him thank-you, the gesture is much appreciated.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStCALzLnkf
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The woman nodded her head and left the room abruptly. Ivy wasn’t disappointed82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPSGw2iXOJ
in the gift, nor who made it but because she had high hopes that today would82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweHypl1ieW
not leave her doomed. The remaining women were making a fuss throughout the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1U7CEBxjR
rest of the room as Ivy watched. A couple started to run a bath and gather some82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVNDPJMHEf
items in the bathroom, three started making the bed, two more were preparing82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLQnJChd5Q
hair styling tools and placing them on the drawers, three were going through82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPhaYeojYs
the drawers and packing Ivy’s things.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhqQtpFYkR
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“Excuse me?” Ivy asked. The woman stared at her rudely, as if Ivy was wasting82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5L4MwCLUG
her time. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjcCtpK6t8
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“Why are you packing my things?”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ4rvuQavt
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The woman scoffed at her, as if she were a child. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOXxviCiXr
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“How can you expect to be Luna, ma’am and in a separate room to the Alpha?”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8HcZEZFm2
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Ivy hadn’t thought that far ahead. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIQ3ySPYQg
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“Shit,” she said out loud. The women stopped what they were doing and stared at82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYmvpixNRb
her for swearing. The remaining women, who Ivy hadn’t even realised had left,82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8GQE1sMwc
broke the silence by coming into the room carrying a gown, her gown. It was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfxuSJxber
beautiful and Ivy hoped that it wasn’t Luna Katherine’s. The woman who brought82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclyy7Y2Yjr
it in sensed Ivy’s thoughts.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOhHbeh0G3
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“This is new, chosen by the Alpha.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOrNPwEhBX
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The news brought a smile to Ivy’s face, and she couldn’t help but continue to82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87f7zRhZmQ
stare at its beauty. The gown was gorgeous, ivory in colour and the lace82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4XfonuItt
bordered the chest piece, which dipped slightly into a heart-shaped bodice.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowOhuz6HS5
This truly looked like a wedding gown. Ivy ran her hand through the fabric and82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCdwAQ8pR0
appreciated the beading, it was so soft. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseQIYdYLF3
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“Bath time ma’am,” said a woman emerging from the bathroom, startling Ivy.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3RHp1e3Ct
Seeing her jump, the woman backed away. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcYD1pnbj4
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“It’s okay, you just startled me,” Ivy said turning to her. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWQoLN2yU5
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She proceeded to remove her clothes and untied her messy ponytail from the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ481engVAJE
restless sleep and walked towards the bathroom. She opened the door and the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YOtioNdho
steam hit her body and instantly made her feel warm. The bath was enticing even82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81nRHcsN41
with the whispers and the bustle of the other’s organising everything for the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOff1W1wTC
next few hours, in the other room. Ivy stepped into the bath and sunk into the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWRcQ8g82R
hot water that was filled with buttermilk and honey. She instantly relaxed with82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbqV2ebuFF
the aromas. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSh6R18Y5A
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“You feel so calm with our fate, Ivy?”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLtua5fvcZ
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“I am enjoying this moment. Patience. We shift tonight, Catori and that82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNghbTolEr
is my ceremony, nothing to do with this Alpha.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21f1z0rYqU
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Catori purred with happiness at Ivy’s words and the contentment rippled through82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmTRnYxBw8
her. Ivy was excited to shift under the full moon tonight, the night that she82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQgWMfvJHg
can completely become one with her wolf. Other kids that she went to school82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB16FnGIlxN
with always said that it felt like you truly got to know your wolf and their82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWGH4hfX7A
intentions. The running apparently was the best part. That is what Ivy prepared for. She decided that tonight was a ceremony for her, and far as she82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KV3aFLfCU
was concerned, Alpha Harold bought her a very expensive gown, to rip to shreds82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik1LC5xgJT
while shifting. The thought made her laugh. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CMPhnpamg
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There was a tap on the door, which Ivy knew was a signal that she had spent too82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaUJErEV3r
long in there and needed to get out to fit the tight schedule. She was now82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDgR7Rlk7G
aware that small talk didn’t interest the women, so Ivy just let them tell her82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar3OUBjlvB
what to do and where to go so that they felt like they are doing their jobs82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoZjmCsVBa
according to their orders. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbv7YQdPBR
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Ivy was poked and prodded with hair clips to hold her hair back from her face.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2ADuMyFgS
One woman burnt her with a flat iron, trying to curl her hair. It hurt so bad82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKG37qRzwm
that Ivy’s first instinct was to growl at her, followed by holding a wet cloth82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW1GevtxK9
over it so it didn’t blister. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6EWlYQpjl
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Her hair was finally finished, and the women slowly spun the chair so that she82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbse21BSDi
was facing the mirror. Ivy gasped quietly at the person staring back at her.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56V8wstjOA
She looked like a porcelain doll, with her translucent skin and her blonde hair82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD5CxwMLYS
pulled back tight. The curls in the bun looked perfect, there was not a strand82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3GLDKI2Uo
out of place. Ivy found it hard to recognise herself. The first thought that82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71FgnniA1v
ran through her head was the disappointment that her father couldn’t see her82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1fTuMXqAO
like this. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the time on the clock, it’s82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOctTginChh
6:15PM. Where the hell has the day gone? 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzGMkD0Bwd
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Behind Ivy the gown was being lifted gently off the bed and five women were82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd27T5WfJt
preparing the bodice, for her to step into. They helped Ivy from the chair and82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw9h80NtwE
gently helped her hold her balance as she stepped into the gown. After what82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH3iDAQlDn
seemed like forever of pinning and getting in and out of the dress so that it82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2td4Hp4DlQ
was perfect, Ivy heard the zip slide up the back and she was finished. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWxqyw7bz5
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxJR1LKASq
The loud bugles outside blew, signally the pack to gather before the ceremony.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY7ZgHVsNe
Ivy’s stomach suddenly filled with butterflies, with what she was about to do.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAvqkD5DGo
The butterflies quickly turned to nausea, and she ushered for something to82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE43g2fR9jm
vomit into. A woman rushed and grabbed a water bucket from the bathroom and handed82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVHYjLPYu1
it to Ivy just in time. The woman that stood next her, patted her mouth clear82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbS9g8o7JX
and then quickly checked the dress for splash back. She smiled, letting Ivy82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuF38AfgXX
know that they were in the clear and the dress was fine.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6h3Zmg62i
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWDxphj0lg
Beta James appeared in the doorway and Ivy noticed how quickly her nerves82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzlg5JC5ul
dissipated. He let out a grunt, to make his presence known and the entourage of82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD0wPZtz4l
women quickly gathered their things to leave. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqDeBA64iI
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS95v8r9NaS
James could not stop staring at Ivy.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVec33tpau1
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9OakBwhak
“What?” Ivy asked, “It’s like you have never seen something so beautiful?” she82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MyJvIm9pp
continued to tease. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCocKtEfakw
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon7jdVfXXK
“You do look spectacular, Luna,” he answered with a smile across his face. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uVgpeusFj
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax2HlWAEJG
“I am not your Luna, James.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy9H4S8ylL
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz60Ba0ZnS
He looked at Ivy perplexed with her response, but then his face changed with82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgzafoVQlB
worry. Remembering what he came into the room for, James looked behind him, up82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3ZccNYfAA
and down the hall to make sure everyone had left, and then closed the door82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5feJ23Tay
behind him. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wkviGN2GC
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYaecZoCvY
“What are you doing James? Is this the part where you reveal your undying love82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox73rEOVNA
for me? We had a great time together but -,”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOL3LNUIW5
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuk2VXGDve
“Shh Ivy, I don’t like you… I mean in that way, I’m giving you an out,” he82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcCS1ZGz9K
blurted, relief washed over his face, like he had deliberated this for a long82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHbJzwZGnY
time and now its finally off his chest. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50Z3B4ReyB
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNJEhalsFa
“You’re what?”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAGUbQmmyF
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zJZ41gOri
“You heard me Ivy.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnHSxI1Hj4
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpufNvil8t
James moved closer to Ivy with his hand outstretched. Her gaze turned to his82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWjZfByyFr
hand, and he unclasped his fist, revealing a key. James noticed her confused82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqagxllHtQf
expression. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF3CbKSLrP
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCltfXno1V0
“I have thought long and hard about this Ivy, what he is doing to you and what82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNJOJErDrI
he wants to do to you is completely out of line. I am putting my neck on the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXfTHWqrml
line for you by doing this, please take it.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTXKU7Q3Ej
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxdLWkTiFF
“The key only unlocks the room though?”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLbKjusJsC
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJFiOVgPgv
“No, this is the master key for the pack house, and the grounds.” 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6XcXwWU9U
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH1q7OKz6w
James shook the key at Ivy as if it were burning his hands. She slowly took the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNelNZSgcc
key from him, and her mind ran circles as to how and when she could get out of82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4wbwzpqXt
there. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAysaW7UijL
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGM0nvnP7E
“The master key?”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v2TXhYFPk
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wxwct70VV
James nodded his head and turned his back to open the door. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMkeqZZKTH
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcARSEw2SZ8
“Wait!”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dcOICWGiF
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbew8dDzuPx
He turned his head to allow her to continue talking. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY9qRGnuu1
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa4tVZYaJr
“This…this key, you said is the master key for the grounds. Does this unlock82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsriKU3XO4z
the mechanism in the gate?” 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboNEWkQH3n
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDWIzO25zl
James nodded again and walked out of the room. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW5Lb3739k
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hkCNwAiCO
“Ivy, this is the way out, leave…now!”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNcwNLwOhC
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdjovZBHht
“I must choose the right time, to allow us time to run and get out safely into82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdyj9iMCr4
the woods, it’s about a two-kilometre run.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7cX7IqYFW
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MEP4m9h9I
“But the moon, the shift.” Catori felt anxious and rightfully so. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSCJKL7lV4
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShGahyyok2
“Harold needs to hurt, too,” Ivy confirmed. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ue8dW0hgN
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36MgJM0Cml
As quickly as James had left, the women returned, which forced Ivy to hastily82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7kr6HUVi6
tuck the key within her bodice, out of sight. The bugles sounded again, and Ivy82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVbIorDyyB
knew it was time for her to head towards the banquet hall for the ceremony. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HdUYE5bBR
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjXKKXczAo
The women escorted her from the room and down the stairs in silence.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXrzqVdRb2
Traditionally her father would be waiting, so that he could walk her to the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIluj4ZXOH
doors and escort her to her new mate, but instead there were a large gathering82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujsmI47NGN
outside of the hall. Ivy’s heartbeat quickened as they fell silent and turned82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qwcee2CHm
to look at her with their heads bowed. The fear crept in, and Ivy stood up82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJipWm7mfn
straight and accepted their good graces. She walked through the crowded hall of82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP1ZJMO3Og
pack members, each one with their necks bared as she passed until she made it82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMtfSQHyQL
to the huge glass banquet hall doors. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP4EDm1v1O
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0CNWR5nFX
The doors were already opened, and Ivy could see Alpha Harold at the end of the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY2aKUYQnX
isle, barely dressed to impress. He sneered and licked his lips as he looked at82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY4zGx3zx7
her, with his eyes trailing up and down at her body. Ivy felt disgusted and82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZyVtGYEjh
angry. She tried to hide her feelings and continued to walk towards him. Ivy82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxjPRjERmf
made it to the end without running back, but the sight of the man made her feel82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpocCIOYwAS
like she broke out in a rash. She walked to the alter and stood next to Alpha82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xPjcfMJIh
Harold, looked across at him and smiled. He returned her gaze and smiled back,82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBdu7AZYCZ
then proceeded to place his hands on her ass. Ivy had to fight the urge to kill82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDCKtF0O4U
him. Catori growled in her mind and Ivy could almost feel her hackles raised.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRYvd98AYv
If they could shift, she would have and let Catori kill him. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvnYw7EL2R
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzLTF04DQ6
Harold turned to face the pack members that were gathered in the hall, and82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4apOoAMPv
guided Ivy with his hand to do the same. Ivy searched longingly for James in82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GrW1hRePd
the crowd and spotted him in the back corner. They made eye contact, and James82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRJiZ9fhOZ
gently nodded his head, like Ivy was supposed to understand. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxm8DgOKOu
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu89Tk5aeGU
“Thank you for being here tonight, my beautiful pack,” Harold addressed82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7PZGkeSFa
everyone. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqahnN41d0d
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhc4fOROJl
“Tonight, I will choose our new Luna and take her in as my Chosen One. May her82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U26o9za40
beauty allow us to rule strong and may it bring down our enemies. May my seed82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHoQvBBgkI
be forever planted in her,” he chuckled. Bile rose in Ivy’s throat and fear82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFSuaWgDUW
overwhelmed her as she listened to the rest of the pack share the joke. Except82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH07EU5TYSu
she knew that he wasn’t joking. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPjpTY2XnV
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr3lcbZdkF
“What do we do Catori?” Ivy mind-linked her wolf, “I don’t want to do this82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFAZ5yX12J
anymore, I thought I could be strong enough and escape later.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2YbAB08up
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOyIEvEEeu
“Reject him.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRjQDB1ota
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1r72BADts
Rejection was the ultimate embarrassment and the thought added to Ivy’s already82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUeKsFjU9m
nauseous stomach. She felt like she was going to vomit again but managed to82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXZRc5186P
hold it down. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Vx3q98WT
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXTmGrFb44
“He hasn’t made you pledge before, so you have to accept him as your Alpha.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxlZgBYhxM
Say no.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtGVbMs2EM
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwLrij0Uui
“I, Alpha Harold, of the Barron Pack, present to you, your new Luna!”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVjXtG7WGx
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY4zCKVWdY
They all cheered. Ivy thought that she couldn’t possibly take away their hope. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3vEUlNvaI
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fE5e9bKch
“I, Alpha Harold, declare Ivy Sinclair, Luna and Chosen Mate of the Alpha!”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZvIN15OUP
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBr3g3dW02
The pack howled, cheered and carried on until Harold silenced them. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTN4KCMGJs
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbTmSq1nZT
“Ivy, don’t do it. No, reject him!” Catori pushed. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5SKK4Rw33
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqibKBeABI
Ivy’s head felt like it was tearing in two as the pack bond was trying to82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W6H4vTrai
complete once she accepted her role as Luna. She could hear Catori whimper with82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1kVTVRuxE
the pain. Ivy held her hands to her head and dropped to the floor. The pain was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QB3Xl0ezv
unbearable. Harold knelt down next to Ivy and whispered. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk4HYfRHgD
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hevzh9PJj
“Say yes, accept it and the pain goes away and then I can mark you here at this82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASyUCRiQuP
alter in front of everyone.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfOA7kRhE7
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP3cctlQpB
Through her fingers that held her face, she could see his jagged, broken teeth82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf3Du3YFxy
between his parted lips as he smiled. She could smell his horrendous breath82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsZgnKagCm
of booze and age. Ivy saw his hollowed cheek bones and felt his anger rise as82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSU3Jo8YBF
his heartbeat increased. The pressure within Ivy’s head made her eyes feel like82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNFAYlaUUh
they were going to burst out of her skull. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSkZ8eWKcX
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4070ZHyDdi
“IVY! REJECT HIM!”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFZhnt7rJa
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGRiQl8PJL
She heard what sounded like low rumbles of thunder in the distance and felt82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCmxBDRfar
like an alien was trying to escape her body in the most horrendous way82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrMZcKsADR
possible. Catori tipped Ivy over the edge with her incessant nagging and anger82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudlM3JH77x
boiled over. All Ivy could do was scream in release.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLzF1PsSSf
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid91PkIcQn
“AAAAAAAAAAARGH!” she shrieked. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85g5FmnBmO
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3TtcfaphW
Ivy managed to lift herself from the floor, gasping with every breath, and82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjRn38sWD0
stared straight at Alpha Harold. He looked horrified and angry all at once. His82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FnqWKL4J3
face was bright red, and he looked like he was going to burst, and she could82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ0IthiKDg
see his veins in his head pop out over his temples. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndffJHFYWO
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuzdEEY1RQ
“I, IVY SINCLAIR, DAUGHTER OF ALPHA ALAN, REJECT YOU AS MY CHOSEN MATE,82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKTHOl3U9h
HAROLD!” she screamed at him. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAsZkOyKp4
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VwWbkMm11
“Run.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdldaycXK8G
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCubqZ8Mzx
Ivy’s mind settled from the bond that was trying to form and the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6MXz0InJ4
circulation around the pack ceased. It happened quick enough for her to regain82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5I6dE0d6N
composure and she ran. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkGQDh7alR
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhPVewQk9i
“STOP HER!” Ivy heard from behind.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDWPB2N7AM
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjJ3HeHIPE
“STOP HER NOW!”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHZar7WG0Q
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVtfmMBcyJ
Nobody moved an inch to stop her but allowed her free passage straight out the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48CCtzmvJl
door and towards the front entrance. To Ivy’s surprise the Sentinels opened the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IkzqqOJ5C
door and she scrambled down the great, big steps outside. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrToZLLHNr5
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWceLzsv9cP
“GET HER NOW! JAMES CHASE HER!” Harold’s voice roared after Ivy as she sprinted82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb6EF6y943
towards the gates. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKoNicNj3z
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxWrJtqo4X
As Ivy ran, she looked to the sky, it was bright red and dark clouds82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX22QqZXitv
were forming around the territory. The gates got closer and Ivy pulled82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrIspGEBhF
the key out of her bodice so that she could pull the lever up but she was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai2j8DMFa2
stopped in her tracks. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqNAsCKDwY
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCvjzVYTL1
A Sentinel had emerged from the side of the tower as if to stop her. Alarmed,82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI7ycUV9Re
she instantly skidded to a stop along the gravel, and he threw his hands up as82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIwu4HPxqC
if reassuring there was nothing to fear. Ivy used the moment to quickly catch82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCcLUiiL2n
her breath. She turned to see James racing after her. Ivy glared at the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUX6dR5Wgn
Sentinel, who was instantly caught off guard and scampered to throw the lever82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJW42p6M5p
down to open the gate. Ivy didn’t have time to evaluate his odd reaction, she82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3URKkGYvV
focused on the opening gate and as soon as there was enough room to squeeze82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspYx1wGQXP
herself through, she did. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4fpYY1lJp
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsb36Tbw13
“IVY!” James called out. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmE0LS2fpi
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HmEtRqakf
She turned her head to looked and him and he stopped running, looking82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAqpUMD9Sq
completely startled too. He turned back and ran towards the fortress. What82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKTu0Mqrfj
the hell? 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8nhymYydv
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyGMLEx7E0
It didn’t matter now; she was free, and Ivy began to imagine the army that82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHdxyS8wh3
Harold would be preparing. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqNlft0BYK
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrtYb1kkqG
Ivy was exhausted but she had to keep running because the moon was rising, and82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaLTzjWnrx
she would begin to shift soon. She needed to be somewhere safe. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KlwpEHSVb
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOa9mhSwnN
In the distance, it was like Harold’s pack finally woke up and realised what82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPCUWmJjEg
happened. The bugles sounded but this time not for celebration but for a hunt. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgd2rwQfsM
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLyZA9oKxG
Ivy used the training that the old Chief explained in a session once. She82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj8EIPMi6U
changed direction constantly and soaked herself through as much water as she82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2GV2S4ezn
could in hopes to mask her scent. Harold and Ivy were not bonded so he didn’t82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TXfhObPZm
have the magnetic pull to her that a bond would create. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI81J9Wwcw
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The thunder rumbled in the distance, coming from the direction that Ivy was82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7sGnfsx1M
running too. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1ohhd0jGW
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Excitement filled her as she is fast approached the edge of the forest. The82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvtK6Yvkqj
forest looked dense which was good for coverage. The only issue was, Ivy had no82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAAZGvP8pq
idea where she was. The moon rose quickly, and it was red,82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYEsQo7rJP
like the sky reflected the colour of the dirt.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkDwC3HSLx
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1qWSXTMlY
“No time to stop now Ivy, I can feel the change coming along,” Catori82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30fZYh6j27
urged. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1mB3kcFEz
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyz3KOnnDL
Only stopping to take a breath, Ivy continued into the forest. Once, far enough82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV8skgNZX3
in, it was eerily silent and cool. Ivy’s eyes took a moment to adjust as the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLnZTDYxb7
canopy of the trees blocked out some of the red, tinged light. Nearby she heard a stream running through the trees and she started to head towards it. Her82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeTN9K2T8u
father had told her, that no matter where you were, if you were lost, find82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvWPofLOJE
the stream, and follow it down and it will take you to the next82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0aBDDtdWn
territory. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKZ749830y
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When Ivy reached the trickle, she took a moment to sit and hydrate. She scooped82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFB0ArVuXF
fresh water into her mouth, and the gentle breeze brought a chill to her bones82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIIONzJFYp
as it went through her soaked gown. On the other side of the riverbed, there82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfEgU6tso4
was a rock face which had a protruding top which almost looked flat. Ivy82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHttz1hYox
focused on her surroundings with her senses. She closed her eyes to listen to82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA9ylR42lS
the breeze. The wind was getting trapped somewhere, with an echo and she knew82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoDXa9aYGP
there had to be a cave above. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qRp7Tdvf0
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Ivy crossed the river and saw an old makeshift path that led through the rock82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfw57NKS3y
face. She followed the narrow path and at the end there was a steep incline.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfDghybL9D
Putting her faith in the forest now, she began to climb the steep ascent and82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvSkdVqYwV
with much relief there was a cave opening over the ridge. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhFsO0vjSS
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By this time Ivy was exhausted, her body trembled, and the moon became larger, like it moved towards her. She fell to the ground from her own82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aBfmITo3p
weight and could no longer stand. She opened her eyes, and her vision blurred slightly, and Ivy knew it was time. The shift. Blurred eyes were Catori82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchdHIDOSyH
coming forward to take control and Ivy’s pupils dilated rapidly. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wuHi1WTrg
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uogLfZWO5
Ivy’s fingers felt the dirt underneath them and she felt every nail tear as82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaX5pdIoSQ
Catori pushed further forward, forcing the shift, with claws emerging where82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhw0i9Yi3t
Ivy’s fingernails once were. The pain was awful, but she tried to stay as82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovmgBnS15F
silent as she could, from fear of being hunted. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPJnxsplG9
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“Hush Ivy, this will be all over soon. I am trying to make this as quick as82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXbE5jv1Ow
possible,” Catori purred, easing Ivy’s body. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzmmykacMG
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Catori pushed forward again, and Ivy felt every single bone in her back crack82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UM6MkiKAZ
and pop. She couldn’t help but scream out in agony. Her legs felt like they82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW3EHTdWtr
were snapping. Another pop and another scream. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuevIhXNNCu
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“Oh, please Cat,” Ivy begged between breathes, “Make this stop.”82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPT2w0JhmC
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With each new scream, there was a crack of lightening and a crash of thunder.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ6b54rjNk
The process was far worse than anyone had ever described to her. One last push82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5gnPw4NeK
from Catori and one last scream from Ivy, it was over. 82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ8OjuX1hW
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Catori stood up panting and proud as ever. She thrust her chest out and with a82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcyaWZDDYq
break in the brewing storm, she let out the most beautiful, shrill howl at the82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdIEdTEFl7
moon.82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT7Ub9CZiM
82Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm671uhagY
“Ar-ooooooooooooooo.”
