(Jane, age 21, present day)

I stared down at the cabin. It was in the middle of nowhere. Just like I was now. If this went wrong, nobody would be coming to my rescue. Nobody would hear.

The wind picked up, sending my hood down to my shoulders, my hair taking flight in that which flowed around me. I stood still amidst the breeze. Some strands flew around my head and crossed through my vision, but nothing could keep me from seeing that building, in seeing the small barred window, shining of silver in the moonlight.

I felt the anger roll through me again.

It was stronger this time.

They took something that belonged to me. Someone I truly cared about. Someone I had loved since I was a teen.

No.

It was before then.

Practically from the moment we met…

A kid.

We’d just been kids.

Friends.

Pen pals.

Then, we’d found each other.

Truly discovered our place.

Discovered that we were more than just friends.

We’d already missed too many birthdays, too many holidays in recent times. It seemed all too unfair for him to go off and then not come back… for this to happen.

I missed him.

They took him from me.

I grit my teeth in a silent snarl. My fingers curled slowly into fists.

We would’ve seen each other weeks ago had they not done that. He would’ve been back home by then.

I was determined to return him to my arms.

To our packs.

Whatever it took.

I didn’t care anymore if this revealed everything we had tried to hide. Everything we did hide. For all those days… all those years.

But if our enemies now managed to know that which our friends and family didn’t, well, what was the point in hiding it now?

Let them know.

It was about time to tell them anyway.

In fact, it would’ve already happened.

Weeks ago, when he was supposed to return. We were going to tell them all then. That had been the plan. And in an odd way… it still was.

I walked closer, to my fate, to my heart… I swore to myself I wouldn’t leave empty-handed. I couldn’t. There wasn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for him. After all, he was my true mate, my one love in this life. I wouldn’t lose him to anyone, not a friend, nor an enemy.

He was mine to protect.

And mine to save.

Each step was like torture.

Relief.

Pain.

Hope.

Not a sound came from anywhere around or within the dim interior.

I smiled when I heard the faintest of noises behind me.

I couldn’t help it.

Someone had discovered my presence here.

I had it all planned out.

I’d been careful.

I’d gotten his note and understood every word.

But, it had been far too long since I’d heard his voice and seen his smile.

The desire in me, to see him again, to hold his hand, to hear his voice in my ear…

To see those numerous stars, reflected once again in his eyes…

I closed mine, remembering how it felt with him at my side.

The complete comfort of simply being at his side. The calm in hearing him say my name, as much as it made my heart pound when he leaned in close without touching me at all. The giving in… to one touch and another. Our hands fit just as perfectly as our hearts.

I wanted that back.

All of it.

Now.

They stepped closer behind me, thinking they were going to get the drop on me.

I’d let them think so.

I’d let them think whatever they wanted… anything but the truth.

As it was… all according to my plan.

Take me to my mate and his parents. Let me in that house. Show me the key to their freedom. There was no way I was leaving without them.

Oh no.

They’d have to kill me to keep me away.