Her Mate is a Rogue

CHAPTER THREE: WHERE WE CAME FROM

Alden observed in awe as Lily's transformation unfolded before his eyes, her human form giving way to that of a majestic grey wolf. The gamma werewolves had long been known as the strongest after the primordials who myths have said they had gone into extinction, but the grey wolves ranked closely behind, possessing their own formidable power.

"Grey," Alden whispered under his breath, recognizing her strength as he took two cautious steps forward. He swiftly secured the map within his backpack, preparing himself for a potential confrontation with this unfamiliar and transformed stranger.

Without warning, Lily charged toward Alden, propelled by her wolf-like instincts. However, Alden's agility and quick reflexes allowed him to evade her attack, swiftly maneuvering deeper into the garden as the entrance behind him closed and vanished from sight.

"Wow, it vanished," Alden exclaimed, momentarily taken aback by the mysterious disappearance of the entrance. He swiftly turned his attention to Lily, who remained poised to attack. Determined to avoid any further conflict, he raised his hands in a gesture of non-aggression.

"I don't want to hurt anyone," Alden spoke earnestly, his voice laced with sincerity. "I'm just here to find someone and then I'll leave." He hoped that his words would reach Lily, that she would understand his intentions and lower her guard.

However, Lily seemed impervious to his plea, charging toward him once more, driven by her animalistic instincts. Alden let out a sigh, realizing that his attempts at peaceful resolution might be in vain.

"Not again, girl," Alden muttered, steeling himself for the unavoidable confrontation. This time, instead of evading, he stood his ground. As Lily lunged at him, he unleashed a swift and powerful punch, connecting with her form. The impact sent her sprawling to the ground, exhaustion taking hold.

Breathing heavily, Alden approached the fallen Lily, concern etched across his face. He knelt down beside her, observing her intently. In that moment, as she glimpsed Alden's face before succumbing to unconsciousness.

"I hate stubborn and one way-headed people like this," he shook his head, removed the other map his mother had given him, and went his way.

Alden's eyes widened with anticipation as he laid his gaze upon the Alpha's abode, known as The Pentagon. It was a place where the pack's royalty resided, a location his mother had described to him in detail when he was young. As he observed the imposing structure, his attention was drawn to the guards stationed outside. Realizing the need to remain hidden, Alden swiftly concealed himself beneath a cluster of flowers, his eyes darting around, scanning the surroundings.

In the midst of his observations, Lily's voice jolted him out of his thoughts. Startled, he turned his head to face her. "What the—" he exclaimed, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes fixed on the unexpected presence of Lily.

"You hit me once, and I lost my balance. You're not human, so what are you?" Lily's voice held a mixture of curiosity and defiance.

Alden took a moment to gather himself before responding. "I'm not here to answer your questions," he replied tersely, his voice tinged with urgency. "I need to find someone before time runs out. Can you help me find the Evans?" Alden's gaze shifted to the map in his hand, hoping that Lily would recognize the name.

"The Evans," Lily repeated, her voice tinged with recognition. "You mean Michael and Michella Evans?"

Alden let out a sigh of relief, his anxiety easing slightly. "Yes, that's them. Can you take me to them?"

Lily's expression hardened as she shook her head. "I'll take you into custody first," she stated, determination lacing her voice. Her words sent a chill down Alden's spine, his desperation mounting.

"Why?" Alden's voice trembled slightly as he muffled Lily's mouth, attempting to stifle her words.

Lily managed to break free from his grip, his frustration boiling over. "You can't understand! If you do, my mother will die!" he cried out, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and desperation.

"Well, you're going into custody first," Lily declared, her voice heavy with resolution. As her words hung in the air, the guards stationed nearby sprinted toward their location, responding to Lily's outcry.

In an instant, the guards seized Alden, their grip firm and unyielding. Alden's eyes locked with Lily's, his resentment burning deep within him as he silently vowed to find a way to escape his captors, find a way to see The Evans family, and free his mother.

__________________________________________

As the driver who had transported Alden to the secret passageway stepped out of the car, he sighed with a mixture of weariness and relief. His arrival was met with the welcoming presence of three men, each nodding in acknowledgement.

"Welcome, boss," one of the men greeted, his tone filled with deference and respect. The driver nodded in response, acknowledging their presence as he made his way inside.

Curiosity sparked among the men, their anticipation palpable. One of them couldn't contain his eagerness and inquired, "What happened? Did you manage to locate her?"

Shaking his head, the driver replied, "No, the Moonbane Brothers had already reached the location before I could. However, I did come across something of utmost importance."

A flicker of intrigue danced in the eyes of the men as they leaned in closer, awaiting his revelation. "What is it?" one of them pressed, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Her son," the driver began, his voice laced with a sinister undertone, "he led me to the passageway."

A chorus of satisfaction rose from the men, their expressions gleaming with malicious delight. "That's excellent news!" one of them exclaimed, his voice brimming with satisfaction.

A wicked grin spread across the driver's face as he relished in the boy's naivety. "The poor boy thought he had compelled me," he chuckled, a hint of darkness tainting his laughter. "How unfortunate for him."

Turning to his subordinates, he declared, "It's time to return home, folks." His grin widened, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Andras, is heading home. The Evans would have been missing me."