Permission to escape - The Rogue Pack

Chapter 1 - Introduction

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Sam turned down the gravelled driveway, her eyes trained on the large building as she approached. It had been so long since she'd been back, at least a year, and despite the familiarity of the chalet, she couldn't help but pick out minute differences. The wood seemed more worn, almost darker against the vibrant background, making the house seem grander, more ominous. The ivy that grew up the side of the house had grown, extending itself into the eaves of the roof. 

Sam stopped her motorbike, cutting off the engine. In the ensuing silence, all she could hear was the chirping of the birds, and the rustle of the wind through the trees. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face at the comforting sense of familiarity that blossomed in her heart as she took in her home. Clambering off the motorbike, a wide grin plastered itself on her face and her insides jumped up and down with excitement as she walked down the last part of the drive.

The packhouse rose majestically at the end of the driveway. Located in the middle of the Canadian Rockies, the solid wooden structure was imposing despite the grandeur of the mountains around it, yet it fit into the scenery, blending in as if it belonged there. A set of stone steps led up to the entrance, neatly trimmed gardens on either side, yet the land around the chalet had been left to grow wild, creating a perfect contrast of civilisation and wilderness that Sam loved. Large ivy plants grew up the sides of the house, yet the front was kept clear, to maintain the incredible view of the valley from the balconies above. At this time of year, the flowers had begun to bloom, filling the air with the thick scent of pollen and covering the house in gorgeous red hues.

Reaching the front door, she noticed how deserted the packhouse seemed. Unlike other packs, members weren't obligated to stay in the house except for two weeks during summer when the annual meeting was held. The meeting, where subjects such as the income of the pack, the upcoming mating season and prospective new members were discussed, was essential to help the running of the pack, as having members across the globe was rather difficult. Sam wasn't surprised that the house seemed so deserted, as members weren't officially expected until tomorrow, yet she was slightly miffed that no one was there to meet her. 

She wandered up the stone steps, appreciating the view as she walked. But despite the beauty of her surroundings, she couldn't help but scan the horizon, on the lookout for anything unusual. It had become a subconscious reaction, born from years of running and fighting, to be constantly wary of her surroundings. Although the mountains were one of the few places she could really relax, that niggling anxiety still resided in the back of her mind.

She pushed open the large oak doors, walking into the surprisingly light entrance hall. Although on the exterior the chalet was a strong unified wooden structure, its interior had been moulded by the personality of its residents and appeared to be a hodgepodge mess of colours and designs that one couldn't help but love. Each room had been designed according to its residents' wishes, with no expenses spared. Not that anyone knew where but the money came from, but Sam had her ways.

Sam sniffed the air. Although there were lingering traces of the scents of other werewolves, she could detect no fresh scent, only an overpowering mustiness. Sam heaved an exasperated sigh as she realised that yet again she was the first one back in time for the two-week meeting that was meant to start in a couple of days. She trailed her suitcases up to her room on the second floor and dumped them down. As she moved through the bedroom, she caught sight of herself in the mirror, sighing at her unruly appearance. She had been travelling quite a while and her ginger curls had become frizzy with the heat of her helmet, her freckled cheeks were flushed and her face shiny. She yanked off her leather jacket in the hope of cooling off, and laid it down on the bed next to her bike helmet. Taking one last look in the mirror, she yanked her hair up into a messy bun, before moving through the house, opening windows to let the sun, and more importantly, some breathable air, into the rooms.