Chapter 2

• Chloe POV
• It is almost midnight when I pull into 1822 woodland hills. The house is secluded and far away from the usual hustle and bustle of the city. I am used to city life, but this will be a welcomed change for me.
• I park my car and get out. I see someone moving toward me. "Sister!" Cane yells as he comes off the front porch toward me. I run to him. He bear hugs me and picks me up off the ground. "You made it," Cane says.
• "It was a long drive. You are way out here," I say.
• Cane looks around at the vast nothing. "Yes, it is peaceful and quiet. I love it out here. You can stay here with me until you get on your feet. I know you like the city life, but living out like this is wonderful," Cane says.
• I grab my backpack and purse off of the passenger seat. "I am exhausted and starving. I hope you have something good to eat. I did not stop for anything but some drive-thru chicken," I say.
• Cane takes my backpack. "Come on in, and I will get you fed. You want a beer?" Cane asks.
• "Sounds great," I say.
• Cane and I walk onto the massive porch that wraps around his log cabin. He opens the door for me, and we go inside. The living room is decorated in a rugged manly decore. This is all, Cane. We were raised in the city, but he always loved hunting, camping, and being close to nature. He is a lot like our father.
• "This is amazing," I say.
• "Yeah, well, I wanted something to remind me of papa's lodge. I always loved going there when we were kids," Cane says.
• I follow him into the kitchen. Cane grabs a beer out of the refrigerator and hands it to me. "Thanks," I say.
• "I took tomorrow off to help you get settled and show you around town. Shadow Creek is small. The Arden firm is the biggest employer in this area. The owner wanted a small town to set up, and he is a great guy. He was happy to employ you after I told him what was going on with you," Cane says.
• I sit down at the table while Cane makes me something to eat. "I hope you did not tell him too much. It is embarrassing," I say.
• Cane sets a plate down in front of me. "Leftovers, but it is good. Do not be embarrassed. Things happen, and we all need help," Cane says.
• "I know, but it is embarrassing that I let it go on as long as it did," I say.
• Cane touches the side of my face. "I am going to kill that bastard if I ever see him," he says.
• I start eating the food Cane fixed me. "This is so good. Did you make this?" I ask him.
• "Yes. I cook every night. It helps me relax after work. The job is not stressful, but sometimes our clients can be a little bit of a pain in the ass," Cane says.
• "What exactly will I be doing there?" I ask.
• "You will be working for me at first. You can branch out into other offices after learning the ropes, but you will start with me. I will teach you everything about the business," Cane says.
• "Sounds good. I am thankful for your help, Cane," I say.
• We sit in silence while I finish eating. I am exhausted. I know Cane wants me to tell him everything that happened, but I cannot get into everything yet. I am not ready to talk about it. I only want to put it behind me and move on from here. Maybe out here in the middle of nowhere, I can start over far away from Jackson and his hold on me.
• "Where is my room?" I ask as I put my plate into the dishwasher.
• "Down the hall and on the right. You have a private bathroom. Make it your own. Do whatever you want to your room and bathroom. The master is upstairs if you need me. Tomorrow I will show you around Shadow Creek and take you by the office to set you up in the system. You can meet Mr. Arden. He is a nice guy. He is a little arrogant, but that is because his father is the Alpha of the Shadow Creek Pack," Cane says.
• Cane did not tell me his boss is a wolf. I take a deep breath and choose my next words carefully. "Cane, you should have told me," I say.
• "I was afraid you would not come, and you needed my help," Cane says.
• "I do need your help, but you know it is hard for me to be around wolves," I say.
• Cane walks toward me. He puts both hands on my upper arms. "Chloe, we are part wolf, and it is time you get over everything that happened so long ago. There are some wonderful wolf packs, and not all packs are like the ones that raised us. Give it a chance. If you want to leave after a month, I will help you relocate," Cane says.
• I grab my backpack and start walking toward the bedroom. "I am sorry I did not tell you," Cane says.
• I stop, turn around and smile at Cane. "It is okay, Cane. I know you want to help me, but the wolves scare me. It does not matter that we are part wolf. Wolves killed our parents, and now I am going to work for an Alpha's son," I say.
• "Wolves did kill our parents. Bad wolves killed our parents. The Shadow Creek Pack are great wolves. They welcomed me here and have helped me so much. When I went to Mr. Arden about you, he offered to help. He did not have to help you, but he did. All I am asking is that you give it a chance," Cane says.
• "Okay, Cane. I trust you and your judgment. I will give it a chance," I say.
• I take my things and go into the bedroom. The room is massive. I lay my things down on the desk in my room. I need a shower, but it can wait until the morning. I need sleep more than anything.
• I get my phone charger out of my bag. I put my phone on charge next to the bed. I take off my pants and bra. I pull the covers back and get into the bed. I am too tired even to put on pajamas. I cover up and close my eyes.