Dark Atlas

People walked the streets completely unaware that the supernatural existed. Over hundreds of centuries, werewolves have wandered these lands without being discovered. They hid in plain sight as ordinary employees, lawyers, doctors, cops and even drug dealers. In this secret society of werewolves there’s also a hierarchy, and no matter where one went on this planet, a hierarchy always called for trouble. The shifter world is ruled by the strongest alphas, and their packs have been following them since beginning of their creation.

However, for this system to run smoothly, all the alphas must follow a code which was created by their ancestors. Although, the one that ruled them all, protected them all and created them, was their goddess, Maya. She was the deity that all werewolves; evil or good worshipped. If someone ever wondered why a wolf howled towards a lonesome moon? It was because that lonesome creature knew that Maya would always listen to his prayers.

Although, Atlas Black didn’t believe in prayer because it didn’t have the power to change what he was; the bastard son of Elias Black. His stained origin was kept a secret from the world because nothing mattered more than this prestigious bloodline. Everyone always envied the alpha of the Black Crescent pack for having four strong sons with his mate Ayla Black. Both of them raised their sons to be ferocious wolves and unyielding men who dominated their city.

But Atlas knew that he was a dirty secret for his parents. His father avoided him because he couldn’t change the fact that Atlas was proof of his infidelity. And his mother, Ayla always stared at him with disdain because he was born from another woman’s womb.

And between them, Atlas had to make a choice. He could either kill himself and end this secret with him or he could stay here in front of their scornful eyes as a reminder of their weakness. He chose the latter option because it gave him more gratification.

However, he didn’t always know this secret. He thought he was just the third son to his parents like any of his other brothers. It was until he was taken as a hostage by an enemy pack and the alpha had told him the truth of his birth. The days he spent in captivity had changed him forever. They made him into a cruel monster who had killed without restraint because he had no other option. Frankly, he never thought his father would rescue him. But Elias had arrived to retrieve him and he showed why he was a powerful alpha by annihilating the entire pack. Although, Atlas knew it wasn’t because Elias cared for him, it was because this pack knew his dirty secret.

Atlas may have gotten in the car with his father that day, but he wasn’t the same after it. He understood the eyes of his mother more than ever. That sinister darkness that consumed him was overwhelming, it took him further and further down this hole that he couldn’t crawl out of anymore. That was when the monster inside him had awakened and the wolf had turned to a beast who quenched his thirst with blood.

Atlas morphed into a monster.

His wolf was feared just like he was and no one could control him, not even Elias.

Except, through the darkness, he had his brothers. He relied on them and he cared for them. They were the only ones that stood by Atlas no matter what. But they didn’t know his truth and he wasn’t sure what they would do if they were to find out.

After Elias was killed and Ayla had passed from an illness, the brothers were left alone to rule the pack. Naturally, Alister, being the first-born son was chosen to be alpha. Unlike their parents, Alister was righteous. He took the burden of being a powerful leader onto his shoulders and protected the pack when enemies around the city were looking to defeat them.

Atlas didn’t give a shit about the Black Legacy though. He only respected his big brother and he would do anything to protect him because there was no one else worthier to sit on the throne.

For years, Atlas did everything he could to ensure that no one could harm Alister or his brothers. He took every bullet or blade that would make them bleed for himself because his tainted blood wasn’t as precious as theirs. The pack prospered like that and it was protected by the four ruthless brothers. Yet, there wasn’t unity in the pack. Atlas could see that they were feared even amongst their own wolves.

But that changed the moment Alister arrived with his mate by his side. At first, Atlas didn’t understand why his brother would want to mate when their own parents weren’t a fated match. They claimed that a mate only brought weakness and it was ingrained in them not to fall into that trap.

Except, Atlas’s mind was quickly changed when he spent time with Bone Barbieri. He was a gentle spirit with a kind smile but there was an honourable defender was under those soft eyes. Bone quickly won over the entire pack and he was the one that brought unity between the wolves and Alister. They feared the brothers a lot less since Bone was with them now.

Honestly, Atlas didn’t really care what people thought of him. They made all sort of tales. But, he was glad that the wolves respected Alister and respected him for all that he’s done.

Bone brought many more changes with him. One of them being the creation of White Rose Institute that was a school for wolves in their pack. It became the haven for many people.

Atlas never thought that a school could become such a vital point for their pack. But he knew that it was because everyone adored Bone and Alister absolutely fawned over his mate. Everyone in the pack knew that their alphas loved each other a lot. That kind of bond was enviable and certainly impossible to find.

Atlas wasn’t allowed the blessing of having a mate. He couldn’t put his disgraced truth onto anyone.

Yet… would he be able to walk away if he saw his mate? His wolf wasn’t one to not claim what was theirs. Atlas hoped for whoever was his mate that she should stay as far away from his pack because if she were to be found by him or his wolf, it would dangerous. He was a possessive man and his wolf was always starving for blood and in search of their next prey. Atlas feared if his wolf laid his eyes on their mate, then it would be seal her fate to them.

A fate that would only end in bloodshed and he couldn’t let that happen.

-Crescent Forest-

Emily Bennett was sitting in a silver Honda Civic while she drove up the large mountain where the Black Crescent pack resided. The day had finally arrived where she would attend the interview that would decide whether or not she could join the pack. She had submitted her application weeks ago thinking that it’d never get accepted. She went to work, and in the hectic schedule of the school where she taught, she forgot all about it. Until, she returned home one night to her loft and there was an email asking her to visit for an interview.

Emily almost dropped her laptop when she tried to read the email to figure out if it was real or not. But at the bottom of the message there were direction’s that she was meant to follow to pack’s territory.

And now, on this foggy day, she was on her way to the pack.

After being a rogue wolf her entire life, she wished to be part of a pack. The life of a rogue was harsh and came with an enormous amount of risk. There have been times that her life has been in danger and she just couldn’t take it anymore. Emily desired to be safe and build her own family one day. So, nailing this interview and securing her spot in this pack was her only hope.

Except, she was sure she was going to ruin the interview if she didn’t get the butterflies in her stomach under control.

Emily pressed the button on the side of the door, rolling the window down and letting the fresh, crisp air of the Crescent Forest into the car. She breathed in the clean breeze hoping it’d calm her nerves. For the most part, it worked and she found solace in the silent drive up into the thick forest while humming a tune to herself.

That was until, she finally arrived at the large gates of the Black Crescent pack territory; they were black with a gold crescent in the middle. It was heavily guarded by wolves and men who held guns. She slowed her car down as she gripped the steering-wheel with both her hands hoping they could see that she wasn’t carrying a weapon and she wasn’t a threat. But she knew that pack wolves were always wary of rogues. That never changed in the history of time.

Emily stopped her car in front of the two guards. She saw the black wolves circling her car and smelling it for weapons or anything else dangerous.

One of guards who held a scowl came up to her window, his gun extremely visible as it sat strapped over his chest and he held it in his gloves hands.

“Good afternoon,” she smiled a little hoping they didn’t kill her without at least asking why she was here?

His dark eyes raked over her face and he didn’t remove his scowl. “Name?” he asserted.

“Emily Bennett,” she answered knowing that being disobedient would only get her in trouble.

“ID,” he held his hand out.

Emily stiffened. “Er- can I reach for my purse?” she asked as she moved back revealing her bag on the seat beside her.

“Yeah,” he answered.

Emily slowly took her hand off the wheel and reached into the tote back to grab her wallet. The brown pouch held her driver’s licence, so she flipped the latch open and took it out before she gave it to him. He grabbed it between his gloved figures and read over it.

“What’s the reason for your visit?” he inquired as he continued to scan the card.

“I was invited for an interview,” she told him. “I have the letter in my bag.”

“Give it,” he said sternly.

Emily wondered if all the wolves here were going to be this terrifying? She shuffled through the bag before pulling out the folder of all her documents. The letter was right on top, so she got it out without letting everything spill because her hands were trembling. She grabbed the paper with the golden seal and gave it to the guard.

He scanned it and his eyes recognized the seal and he gave the letter and her card back to her. She put it away quickly because the gates were opened right then and there.

Emily sighed in relief wondering what that golden seal was and what did it signify that it won over the guard’s trust the moment he saw it. But she didn’t ask any questions and drove her car straight through the gates while she had the chance. There was a path of trees that provided a cover of shade and after the long, hard winter they had here in North Dakota, it was nice to see the green buds blooming on the branches.

Her car emerged on the other side when the enormous territory was revealed. Emily gaped at the sight and lost her breath there for a second. There was parking area on the side, so she quickly put her car into an empty spot before she collided into anyone because she couldn’t believe where she was.

There was a huge field in front of her, but that wasn’t what was intimating. It was the castle that exuded authority in a way that a fallen angel would have. Emily had to tilt her head back just to see all of the castle that was alluring in a mysterious way. She wondered if it was because it was entirely black against the dark green forest and ominous grey clouds above the turrets. However, around the black frame of the castle were beautiful dark hedges with blossoming white roses. They were blooming again after winter, she was sure that they are a sight to behold in summer.

So, this was where the alphas of the pack resided. She had heard stories, but they were all rumours around the city. Nothing compared to the real thing and she was absolutely taken aback.

Emily wasn’t sure what to expect now that she had to meet them.

She grabbed her purse and got out of the car after she had turned it off. She shut the door behind her and fixed her skirt. She chose something simple, nothing too flashy but she tried to dress appropriately. Emily was already a rogue and that could probably cost her a spot in this pack.

Standing by her car, she felt so small. What was she doing here? she sighed. Would she really be able to join this pack when things rarely worked out for her in life? She’s spent her whole life on her own. What was she thinking coming here unprepared and underqualified?

“Ms. Bennett?”

Emily turned and saw a woman in a pink dress walking towards her. She immediately straightened and put on a smile hiding her fears. “Hello,” she answered.

The woman smiled back radiantly. She was beautiful with long blonde hair, curled down her back and she had bright green eyes. The floral dress clung to her figure before it flared down her long legs. She came right up to Emily by the car.

“I’m Poppy Greene,” she held her hand out politely.

Emily took her hand which was warm against her own cold hand, that was a result of her nervous edge. “I’m Emily,” she said. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Poppy’s smile grew revealing her white teeth. “I’m here to take you for your interview,” she said.

“Oh, thank you,” she said before it hit her. “You must be the alpha-female.”

Poppy laughed. “No, no, that’s not me,” she answered.

Emily nodded as her cheeks blushed from making the wrong guess. “Sorry, I just thought-”

“No worries-” Poppy said. “Come, let’s get you to the room.”

Emily followed her and they weren’t going to the castle behind them. She wondered where Poppy was taking her down the massive field. They were walking for a while until they passed an archway of trees and they reached the entrance of a great big castle. There was another one and she wondered just how many there were here? Although, this one was made up from reddish-brown bricks and had arching windows with tall turrets that climbed up one another. It was beautiful in a haunting way. She wondered who lived here?

Poppy went up and opened the great arched door. “In here, love,” she said.

Emily scurried up the stairs and into the castle. Poppy came too and the door slammed shut behind them. The massive foyer was exposed and it was straight out of a gothic novel. The interior was refined with tall pillars, golden floors and a winding staircase. There were even large portraits with golden frames with ancient chandeliers. This place was amazing. But this wasn’t someone’s home because she saw dozens of kids with backpacks walking around and they were politely greeting Poppy who recognized them all by names.

Emily realized then as she saw the great big courtyard with kids sitting on the grass and a man held a book open in front of them. This was a school. Immediately, a smile touched her lips.

“That’s our Headmaster,” Poppy said then.

Emily looked at Poppy before she saw that they were staring at the same man. The one dressed in tailored black trousers and a turtleneck, it contrasted against his porcelain skin. He had golden blonde hair, that was raked back revealing his crystal blue eyes. There was a mysterious charm around him that glowed warmly, it drew her in and she somehow felt safe even just by standing near his light.

“That’s the Headmaster?” Emily said. “He’s quite young.”

Poppy nodded. “The White Rose Institute was his idea when he joined our pack,” she told her.

Emily studied the man. “He joined the pack as well?” she said.

“Well, he joined through mating,” Poppy explained.

Emily glanced at Poppy. “Oh,” she mumbled.

“That’s Bone Barbieri Black,” Poppy introduced.

“Black?” Emily heard that loud and clear.

Poppy looked at her. “Yeah, he’s mated to Alister Black, our alpha,” she explained.

“Then that means, he’s-” Emily froze as her eyes went back to the man in black.

“That’s also our alpha,” Poppy said to her. “Bone!” She lifted her hand and waved it in the air.

The alpha turned his head when his name was called out and his blue eyes landed on them. He held a gentle smile before he looked over at Emily. And she felt his gaze pierce straight through her. There was a soft power in them that was a bit frightening. She could tell that under his composed demeanour, there was a dangerous man who did have the authority to be an alpha of a pack.

He spoke to the class of kids before he shut the book and crossed the courtyard. “Poppy,” he said, his voice surprisingly kind.

“I have brought you Ms. Bennett, like you instructed,” Poppy revealed.

Mr. Black looked at her and he was at least six foot tall. “Hello, Ms. Bennett,” he said as he held his hand out.

Emily scrambled through the thousand thoughts that ran through her head, but she quickly accepted his hand so she didn’t make a fool of herself. “Hi,” she said.

He took his hand back before he looked over at Poppy. “I’ll conduct the interview now,” he said. “Can you take care of the class?”

“Yes, Sir,” Poppy smiled as she took the book from his hands and ran off to read to the class.

Mr. Black turned back to her. “Right this way, Ms. Bennett,” he gestured.

She nodded as she followed him quickly down a dark-red corridor over to another area of the school.

“Do you mind if we were to conduct this interview in the library?” The alpha asked her.

Emily spoke before she calculated her words. “I would prefer that actually,” she mumbled but then she gaped up at him wondering if he took offence.

But the alpha graced another one of his kind smiles. “This way,” he told her.

They went down a series of hallways and finally arrived at a pair of golden doors where there was a beautiful library inside. The dark floors matched the oak shelves where books were lined up perfectly. There was a red rug spread out on the floors and then a section with long brown tables and lamps for kids to study.

“Beautiful,” she mumbled in awe.

“Do you like it?”

Emily met the alpha’s eyes on her. “Of course, this school is amazing,” she said. “It must be lovely to work here.” She wished the school where she worked could put at least half the effort like this one did.

Mr. Black’s smile grew with fondness. “It is fulfilling to teach the pups here,” he told her.

She was sure that it was more than fulfilling.

They reached a table that had papers and books scattered over it while there was a vase of white roses here too, just like the ones she saw around the castle.

“Please, take a seat,” he offered.

Emily put her bag down on the ground while she took a seat on the comfortable chair. Mr. Black turned away towards the trolley on the side that had a tea pot with cups on the side.

“Usually, my mate and I would handle the interview together. But he was called away, that’s why we can be here in the library,” he said as he poured tea into the cups and brought it to the table before he set one down in front of her. From the strong aroma, she knew it was black tea right away.

She lifted her hands and put them around the cup to warm her fingers. The alpha pulled his chair back before he took a seat and grabbed the folder by the lamp. He opened it revealing her resume and application that she had filled out online to join this pack.

“So, Ms. Bennet-”

“Emily-” she told him.

He lifted his blue eyes off the folder and smiled. “Emily,” he said. “You applied to join the pack permanently, correct?”

“Yes,” she nodded.

“And you’ve never been part of a pack before,” he said as he read more of her application.

“No,” she answered. “This would be the first time for me.” She lifted the cup and took a sip of tea because her throat was tightening on her.

“Is there a specific reason you want to join?” he asked. “I’m sure it’s a big change for a rogue wolf.”

Emily glanced down into the dark tea not knowing if she should reveal her encounter with wolves who had mugged her for being a rogue. “It is a big change,” she said. “But, I’ve always wanted to be part of a pack and I just-” she felt a pang in her heart- “don’t want to be alone anymore.” She lifted her head and saw him staring at her. “Sorry, it probably sounds stupid.”

“No, not at all,” he kept a kind smile even now. “I know the feeling and being a rogue isn’t easy.” He lifted his cup of tea and took a sip as he flipped more of the pages over. “Will it just be you joining or do you have family, mate or pups?”

Emily shook her head. “It’s just me,” she told him.

Mr. Black finally reached her resume and that’s when his eyes lingered. “You see, Emily, the reason I accepted your application was for a very specific motive,” he began.

Emily wondered what that was?

“This school is in need of a teacher,” he revealed.

“Oh,” she blinked from the turn of events.

“I saw that you taught at a school in town,” he said. “But if you want to join the pack then I can arrange for you to have job here at the Institute.”

Emily’s heart burst in her chest from the amazing offer he had just presented her. “You would hire me,” she astonished as she put her hand on her chest. “I’ve only been a teacher part-time.”

He nodded. “That’s fine. You are qualified to teach pups and you want to join the pack,” he said. “You meet all the requirements in my book.”

Emily stared down at the tea and wondered how this was even possible? Something this extraordinary rarely happened in her life.

“Is something wrong?” The alpha asked.

“I’m just wondering if this is a dream,” she mumbled making him laugh.

“If you accept the position as a teacher here, then I will process the application for you to join the pack,” he explained. “It’s up to you if you want to make this dream a reality.”

Emily met his earnest eyes. “I would love to, Mr. Black,” she answered.

He shook his head. “Call me, Bone,” he got up from his seat holding his hand out. “Welcome to the Black Crescent pack, Emily.”

She accepted his hand without hesitation just like she had his offer. “Thank you.”

“Come, I’ll show you the school,” he said.

Emily hurried out of the chair and grabbed her purse to join his side. They walked down the different hallways of the school while Bone showed her around some of the places, like cafeteria, classrooms and even the massive gymnasium where a bunch of older kids were busy playing a round of basketball. This school catered to everything and it was beyond any school she worked at during her years as a teacher.

“This school is truly remarkable, Bone,” Emily said as they made it outside now.

He smiled at her. “It’s taken an amazing team to build it,” he shared. “All of the teachers are very hard-working.”

“How many teachers work here?” she inquired.

“Eighteen now that you have decided to join us,” he answered.

Emily was glad that she did.

Bone continued to show more of the school to her and she was surprised that the alpha of the pack was doing all this when he could have easily passed her off to another pack wolf. But instead, he was charming and unbelievably generous, she could feel his enthusiasm for the school as well.

They reached the front doors of the school and they stepped out where she saw the long vines climbing up the brick walls and white roses bloomed along the green.

Suddenly, something rang and Bone took out his phone. “Excuse me,” she told her before he stepped aside to answer the call.

Emily didn’t mind since that gave her a moment to see the field before her. She could see that there were a bunch of cabins along the edge between the trees and shifters were walking around enjoying the day. She wondered now that she accepted the position to teach here, if she would get one of these cabins. Emily’s lived in apartments only, so she didn’t really know what it’s be like to have a cabin to herself.

She leaned on the brick ledge. This would be her new home. A place where she could belong.

“Emily,” a voice called out.

She looked down and it was Poppy again. She waved from the bottom of the steps. Emily waved back and Poppy came rushing over to her.

“So, what did you think of our amazing school?” Poppy asked as she stood with her.

“Amazing is an understatement,” Emily believed. “And I’m grateful to be a part of this school now.”

Poppy’s eyes widened. “You accepted the offer!” she astounded. “I’m so happy to hear that.” She hugged her tightly.

Emily laughed as she hugged her back. She was surprised that a pack wolf was so welcoming and warm. “This wasn’t an offer I could let pass,” she admitted since it was something out of a dream.

“If you want, I can show you the cabin you’ll get,” Poppy offered.

Emily hesitated wondering if she was allowed to wander around the territory? She looked back at Bone who was still on the phone. “I don’t know if I’m allowed,” she mumbled.

Poppy stepped forward and went to Bone, interrupting his call. She asked him something and he gave a curt nod as an answer before she returned to Emily. “Alright, he said we can go,” she smiled.

Emily nodded and followed along Poppy’s side.

They crossed the field slowly over to the other side and she couldn’t help but admire that black castle that came into view again.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it,” Poppy said.

Emily looked down and she was caught staring. “It is,” she answered. “Does the alpha live here?”

“Yes, he does with Bone,” she answered, “along with his three other brothers.”

Emily’s ears perked. “Brothers?”

Poppy nodded. “Alister has three brothers,” she said. “One of them is the beta of the pack.”

“Oh,” she didn’t know that since pack information was kept under strict secrecy for protection.

They made it to the other side of the castle and she noticed that there were a few terraces higher up the castle and she wondered if those were bedrooms for the brothers. It must be nice to live together like that in a home.

“Can I ask you something?” Poppy said.

Emily removed her eyes off the castle and brought it over to Poppy. “Yes, of course.”

“Why did you pick this pack to join?” Poppy wondered. “I mean, there are several other packs in the city.”

Emily remembered the night she was researching the packs and she did read up on the others that were in the city, like the Dark Fang pack, the Scarlet Crescent pack or the Star Night pack which was run by an alpha-female Selene Starling. That pack was also an option since it was operated by a woman. But somehow, when she clicked on the Black Crescent pack, she was drawn to it with her heart and her heart has never led her astray.

“This pack called out to me,” she answered as she viewed the great forest that already felt like home. There was something enchanting that beckoned the wolf inside her and told her that she was set free. “This is… home.”

“I understand how you feel,” Poppy smiled. “This pack has been the home for my family for generations.”

They continued down the trail while Emily listened to Poppy explain how her grandparents joined the pack.

It wasn’t a long walk from the castle to the cabin between trees and then there was a creek too. Then, right next to it was a beautiful dark, oak cabin that faced a serene creek that streamed down different sizes of rocks and pooled into a crystal body of water. She spotted the green hedges that surrounded the front and there were white roses blooming, which were the same ones that encircled the castle. The birds sang in the tall trees while there was a comfortable breeze and she could see the sky right above her. This was beyond anything she could have imagined for herself.

“Here we are,” Poppy presented.

Emily gaped. “This- this is mine?” she didn’t know what to say.

“Yes, this one is yours,” Poppy confirmed.

How was this even possible?

“The cabin is close to the castle so you won’t get lost easily since you’re new to the territory, it will take time to learn the entire area,” Poppy explained.

Emily still had no words.

Poppy went over to the oak stairs and opened the door to the cabin. “The cabin has been furnished,” she looked back but Emily was still gaping at the view. “Come on.”

Emily jerked out of her trance before she ran off to see the rest of the cabin. It truly had been equipped with a kitchen and a living-room right across from it. There were couches, a coffee table and a television. There were even appliances in the kitchen. But no coffee machine, but she had one in her loft. She could bring it over. Poppy showed the second floor that had two separate bedrooms but only one bathroom, which didn’t bother her because it was huge and it had a tub for her to use. She’s never had one and that excited her.

“You will have to get sheets and a blanket,” Poppy explained.

Emily already had both ready to go. “I can do that,” she assured.

“Perfect,” Poppy clapped her hands together. “Now, it’s the matter of you moving in.”

They walked out of the cabin together and stood on the porch.

“I can move in today,” Emily told her.

Poppy nodded. “I’ll let Bone know,” she said.

Emily climbed down the steps when she stopped in front of the hedges to admire the roses. She’s never had a garden before, so she would have to do some proper research on how to take care of these without destroying them.

“Do you like them?” Poppy asked.

Emily nodded before she leaned in and smelled the white rose. “They are beautiful,” she said.

“Bone planted them a while back,” she informed. “He wanted whoever moved in to have a garden.”

Emily’s heart ached in her chest. “He’s very kind,” she mumbled.

Poppy smiled. “Bone has been a blessing to the pack,” she shared. “We weren’t always this way.” Her eyes saddened.

She joined her as they walked back to the castle. “What was it like before?” she inquired.

Poppy went quiet like she was searching through her memories. “We were a pack but we weren’t close,” she shared. “Everyone lived their separate lives and we were terrified of our alpha and his brothers.”

“And now?” Emily prompted.

Poppy’s smile brightened her eyes. “Ever since Bone came, we have barbecues and bonfires with everyone, even the alpha and his brothers join in,” she said. “All of them have changed. They interact with the pack and don’t stay trapped in the castle anymore.”

They castle appeared and Emily laid her eyes back on it.

“Well, all except one,” Poppy revealed.

Emily glanced at her curiously. “One?”

“Atlas Black,” Poppy said a name that sounded enigmatic.

“Atlas,” she whispered it.

“He’s a mystery,” Poppy informed. “No one know what he’s thinking and he’s not one anyone should cross.”

Emily somehow shuddered just imaging what he’d be like if she were to meet him.

“It’d be safe to stay clear of him,” Poppy whispered.

“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind,” Emily said knowing that she didn’t want any trouble with these brothers because she was a rogue wolf and she didn’t need anyone hating her because of it. If she should avoid Atlas Black, then she’d make sure to do that.

They made it to her car and Bone met up with them. Her application to join the pack had been processed and approved. Poppy informed that Emily would move in right away. Bone instructed her to bring her belongings, so she could fit everything into the cabin.

She didn’t want to waste any time. Informing Bone and Poppy that she could bring all of her things by today, they were surprised but pleased by her enthusiasm. So, she drove down the mountain with Poppy who was willing to help and they emptied out her loft in a few hours. She already had empty boxes to use since she knew about the move. Besides, she didn’t have much stuff apart from books, clothes and her coffee machine, that couldn’t be left behind.

By the time the sun had set, she had moved all the boxes into the cabin and she slumped against the couch in relief.

Emily Bennett was officially part of the Black Crescent pack.

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