Fated to a human

Haylie POV 

I stepped through the door and found myself in another memory, one I hadn't revisited in years. The surroundings told me I was in a hospital. 

My ears caught the sound of crying, and instinctively, I turned toward the source. There, I saw Mathew holding the little me—just five years old—in his arms. My eyes widened at the scene unfolding before me. 

Aunt Camelia was standing nearby, tears streaming down her face. Aunt Amora and Uncle Jacob were there too, their expressions heavy with grief. It hit me then—this was the night my mother died. My breath caught as the memory came flooding back, sharp and vivid. I remembered how Mathew had crouched down to my level that night, his voice steady but soft, telling me, "You must always remember, you are not alone. Everything is going to be okay." 

My heart ached at the sight before me, the pain of that long-ago night rippling through me once more. Tears welled in my eyes as I relived the feelings of being a lost, scared child. I remembered how small and helpless I had felt, as if the entire world had crumbled around me. 

I scanned the room, my gaze flitting over familiar faces, until something caught my eye—a faint glimmer behind Aunt Camelia. It sparkled, drawing my attention like a beacon. I stepped closer and saw it: a round, golden door knob, glowing faintly in the dim light. 

This was the way out. 

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I reached out and grasped the door knob. The cool metal felt solid and reassuring beneath my hand. With one final look at the scene behind me, I turned the knob, pushed the door open, and stepped through. 

I entered another memory. This time, the surroundings seemed familiar yet distant, like a faded photograph from the past. As I stepped further into the scene, I realized I was at some kind of school. My eyes scanned the area, taking in the familiar building, and then it hit me—this was my old school. 

I looked around and spotted myself, now around eleven years old. I was standing in the school garden with another girl. The two of us were deep in conversation, laughter occasionally punctuating the air. 

A smile tugged at my lips as recognition dawned. I remembered this moment vividly now. This was when I first met Claudine. She became my best friend that day, and our bond had only grown stronger over the years. 

Drawn closer by curiosity, I walked toward the younger versions of myself and Claudine. The two of us were chatting animatedly, our voices light and carefree. I stood before them, unnoticed but listening intently. We were talking about homework, school projects, and the little things that seemed so important back then. 

I couldn't help but smile again, feeling the warmth of the memory wrap around me. This was the beginning of something special—the start of a friendship that had shaped so much of my life. 

The memories of Claudine and me surrounded me, wrapping me in a bittersweet warmth. I remembered her now—my best friend. But just as the scene settled, it began to shift. The ground beneath me trembled, and everything around me morphed and blurred into something new. My stomach churned, and my head spun, the disorienting sensation familiar from previous shifts. 

When the world stilled, I found myself standing on the edge of a road. Pine trees lined the area, their towering forms casting long shadows. The air smelled fresh, but the serenity of the scene was broken by the sound of voices—my voice, echoing faintly, and another, a young man's. 

Curious, I followed the sounds, my feet crunching against the gravel as I approached. A bike leaned against a tree near the road, but what stopped me in my tracks was the sight of myself—my younger self, about fifteen years old. 

I froze, frowning as I studied my younger face. It was unmistakable, but I looked hurt, angry even. The emotions radiating from that version of me were raw and palpable. Then I heard myself speak: 

"I cannot do this anymore." 

The words struck me like a blow. What did I mean by that? What was I talking about? Before I could unravel the question, the answer began to unfold before me. A boy stepped into the scene—a young man with dark brown hair. He looked about sixteen, maybe a year older than me at the time. 

"Haylie, don't do this," I heard him say, his voice pleading. My heart skipped a beat as I took in the scene. Then, I heard younger me reply, her voice trembling: 

"If Claudine and you are meant to be, then who am I to stand in your way?" 

My lips parted in shock. Claudine? My best friend? And this boy—was he an ex? I studied him carefully, his face brimming with emotion. 

"I still love you, Haylie," he said, his voice heavy with sincerity. "The thing between me and Claudine... it's complicated." 

Younger me shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. "Titan, what we had will always be special, but I can't do this anymore." 

The boy—Titan—looked devastated. Tears welled in his eyes as he stared at me, his expression a mixture of regret and heartbreak. "Haylie, don't do this," he pleaded again, his voice thick with emotion. 

I watched the scene unfold, memories rushing back in a flood. Titan. I remembered him now. He was my ex-boyfriend. After this moment, we became friends, but this was when our romantic relationship ended. It had been inevitable, especially after I'd caught him kissing Claudine. I'd seen the way he looked at her—the way he hadn't looked at me. 

I turned my attention back to the scene. Younger me stepped backward, shaking her head as she wiped at her tears. "I'm sorry, but I can't," she said, her voice breaking. Then, without another word, she turned and walked away from him, disappearing into the woods, alone. 

I stood there, watching her retreating figure and the heartbroken boy she left behind. This was the end of us—Titan and me. And as painful as it had been, I understood now why it had to happen. 

Liam POV 

I had to find Haylie. I didn't care what my father said—I was going after her, no matter the risks. Her body couldn't just be left out there, lost and abandoned. My wolf growled restlessly in my mind, fully in agreement. We had to find Haylie and bring her back, even if it was only her lifeless form. The thought of her being gone forever, the woman I loved, tore at my heart. But I used that pain to fuel my determination. 

Without hesitation, I opened my link to Titan and sent him a message through our mind link. 

"Titan, meet me in the woods, at our spot." 

I made my way to the place where we had spent so much of our childhood—our old treehouse in the woods. The air was cold, heavy with the weight of what was to come. My wolf, Ace, stirred again, his voice calm but resolute. 

"Liam, just so you know, I'm right here with you." 

"Thank you, Ace," I replied, grateful for his unwavering support. 

It wasn't long before I spotted Titan approaching through the trees. He looked concerned, his pace quickening when he saw me waiting beneath the treehouse. 

"What's going on? You sounded serious in the mind link," he said, stopping in front of me. 

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for his reaction. "I need you to come with me," I said firmly. 

Titan frowned, his expression turning serious. "Go where, Liam?" 

My gaze darkened as I finally said it aloud. "We're going to the mountains. We're going to find Haylie's body." 

Titan stiffened at my words, shifting uneasily. He ran a hand nervously through his hair, his jaw tightening. "Doesn't your father already have a search team out there?" he asked. 

I had expected him to say that. My voice was resolute as I answered. "He does. But I know where she might be." 

Titan's hesitation was clear, but he nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. Together, we would do what needed to be done. No matter the danger, I couldn't leave Haylie out there. She deserved to be brought home, even if it broke my heart to do so. 

"Okay then, I'll go with you," Titan finally said after a moment of silence. 

Relief flooded through me as I looked at my friend, grateful that he understood. "Good, because we're leaving now," I said firmly. 

I stepped back, preparing for the transformation. Ace, it's time. I'll need your strength and speed to find her. My wolf responded with a low growl of agreement, eager to take over. 

The familiar sounds of cracking and popping filled the air as my body began to shift. Muscles tore and bones reshaped themselves as the excruciating process took over. I gritted my teeth, enduring the pain until it finally passed. Within minutes, I was no longer Liam but Ace, my large wolf form standing tall and ready. 

Next to me, Titan began his own transformation. His black-and-white wolf, Skull, emerged moments later, his piercing eyes reflecting the same determination I felt. 

Without hesitation, the two of us launched into a run, our powerful strides carrying us deep into the woods. The rhythmic pounding of our paws echoed in the still air, blending with the rustling of leaves and the soft howls of the wind. The forest blurred around us as we pushed forward, driven by a shared purpose. 

The mountains loomed ahead, their dark silhouettes rising ominously against the horizon. My senses sharpened, Ace's instincts kicking in as he scanned the area for any sign of Haylie. The scent trails were faint but not entirely gone. 

We were closing in. 

Each step brought us closer to the truth, closer to her. No matter what lay ahead, I wouldn't stop. Haylie deserved to be found, and I would bring her home—no matter the cost.