The Rogue Alpha's Detective Mate

Cassandra Kane. It had been a week since Cassandra last found the time to run through Hill Park, a green oasis near her townhouse in Inwood, Manhattan. She had lived here since she was eighteen, finally free from the foster system that had shaped much of her early life. For Cassandra, the park was more than just a place for exercise; it was a sanctuary where she could clear her mind and reset. Since joining the NYPD at nineteen, after graduating from the police academy, running had become a vital outlet for the stress of her job. Now, at twenty-five, and a detective at the 34th precinct, she found the need for these runs more pressing than ever. The crisp night air greeted her as she stepped outside, the coolness brushing against her skin like a soothing balm. She typically preferred morning runs, finding solace in the early light, but this week had left her little choice. The new case she was working on had been all-consuming, a tangle of clues and dead ends that left her mind racing long after she left the precinct. She knew the risks of running through the wooded park alone at night. As a detective, Cassandra was acutely aware of the dangers lurking in the shadows, but an itch of restlessness thrummed beneath her skin, urging her to move. Sometimes, she swore she could hear a faint voice in her mind, a whispering suggestion to run, as if something deep inside her needed the release. Locking her front door, she slipped one wireless earbud into her left ear, allowing the familiar hum of her favorite playlist to accompany her. With her phone secured in the side pocket of her leggings, she descended the steps and began her jog toward the park. The rhythmic sound of her sneakers hitting the pavement was a comfort, a steady beat that matched the cadence of her breathing. Though she was careful to keep one ear free to remain aware of her surroundings, the part of her that had seen too much in her line of work wouldn't allow complete immersion in the music. The park was quiet, the path winding through the trees like a serpent. The dim glow of streetlights flickered through the canopy, casting long shadows that danced across her path. This was her happy place. Whenever she was stuck on a case or overwhelmed by emotions, a run through these familiar trails helped her find clarity. The freedom of movement, the rush of adrenaline—it was like therapy. It wasn’t just about escaping; it was about confronting her thoughts head-on. As she jogged, Cassandra’s mind raced over the crime scene she had examined earlier that day. A young woman, her life tragically cut short, lay at the center of a mystery Cassandra was desperate to solve. Usually, she had a knack for reading crime scenes, picking up on details others missed. It was a skill that had earned her respect and rapid promotion within the department, but this time, she felt stumped, a nagging frustration gnawing at her resolve. Reaching the far end of the path, she turned around, slowing her pace to a walk as she caught her breath. The soft glow of her smartwatch illuminated her wrist as she checked her pulse. Just as she began to relax, a low growl echoed from the woods, snapping her out of her thoughts. She froze, scanning the dark expanse around her, every muscle tensing in anticipation. Her gaze flicked to the exit, calculating her odds of making it there before whatever was in the woods could reach her. Before she could decide, a whimper broke through the night, drawing her attention back to the shadows. From the underbrush, a large black wolf limped onto the path, its massive form silhouetted by the moonlight. Cassandra's breath hitched. She had never seen a wolf outside of a zoo, and this one was enormous, its sleek fur as dark as the night sky. Its honey-colored eyes gleamed with an eerie, almost human-like intelligence as it collapsed onto the ground, whimpering in pain. “Holy s**t,” she whispered, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the creature with a mix of awe and trepidation. It didn’t seem aggressive, more... desperate. She scanned the area, half-expecting another wolf to emerge from the trees, but none did. The lone wolf’s whines grew softer, its gaze fixed on her with an imploring look that tugged at something deep within her. What the hell am I supposed to do? she thought, pacing nervously. She wasn’t a vet, didn’t even have a pet, but something about the wolf’s vulnerability stirred a protective instinct she couldn’t ignore. Cautiously, she approached, keeping her movements slow and deliberate. “Okay, big guy,” she murmured, kneeling a few feet away. “If you bite me, you’re on your own.” The wolf sniffed her hand tentatively before giving it a gentle lick. Cassandra let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Alright,” she said softly, “let’s see what we’re dealing with.” The wolf extended its injured leg toward her, and she carefully inspected the wound, her fingers deftly probing for any other injuries. Despite its size and the wildness of its appearance, the wolf remained still, its eyes never leaving her face. There was something almost reassuring in its steady gaze, as if it understood her intentions. “You’ve been around people before, haven’t you?” she mused aloud, more to herself than to the animal. “You’re not as wild as you look.” After a thorough examination, Cassandra stood, contemplating her next move. “I can clean this up at my place,” she said, glancing toward the path leading out of the park. “But you’ll have to walk with me. I can’t carry you.” To her surprise, the wolf nodded—an actual nod—and slowly rose to its feet, favoring its injured leg. Cassandra blinked, momentarily stunned by the gesture, but quickly recovered. “Okay, let’s take it slow.” The journey back to her townhouse was painstakingly slow, every step deliberate as the wolf limped alongside her. When they finally reached her front steps, Cassandra bit her lip, considering the challenge ahead. “Alright, big guy,” she said, positioning herself beside him. “Let me help you up these stairs.” Together, they managed the short climb, the wolf leaning into her as she supported its weight. By the time they reached her door, she was breathless, her arms trembling from the effort. She unlocked the door and guided the wolf inside, the warmth of her home wrapping around them both like a cocoon. “Make yourself comfortable,” she said, pointing to a spot on the living room floor before hurrying upstairs to grab her medical kit. “Seriously, Cassandra,” she muttered to herself as she rummaged through the cabinet. “You brought a wild animal home. What are you thinking?” When she returned, the wolf was lying on its side, its golden eyes following her every move. She knelt beside it, opening the kit and pulling out antiseptic, cotton balls, and bandages. “This is going to sting,” she warned, holding up the bottle. “Please don’t bite me.” The wolf huffed softly but remained still as she carefully cleaned the wound, its head resting in her lap. As she worked, Cassandra felt a strange sense of calm wash over her, as if the simple act of tending to this creature was somehow soothing her own restless spirit. “You know,” she said, her voice light with humor, “this is a first for me. I don’t usually kidnap wild animals and play nurse.” The wolf made a sound that almost resembled a snort, and Cassandra couldn’t help but laugh. There was something about this moment, unexpected and surreal, that made her feel... connected. Once the wound was cleaned and bandaged, she sat back, brushing a hand over the wolf’s thick fur. “There,” she said softly. “All patched up.” The wolf nuzzled her hand in response, a gentle, grateful gesture that made her heart ache in a way she didn’t quite understand.