Her Mate is a Rogue

CHAPTER TWO: THE SECRET PASSAGEWAY

Alden hailed a cab and climbed in, instructing the driver to take him to the designated address. As the vehicle traveled, Alden remained lost in his thoughts, unaware of the surroundings until the driver's voice broke the silence.

"This is the end of the road," the driver announced, bringing the cab to a stop. Alden peered through the window, confirming that they had indeed reached the end of the road. He cast a quick glance behind, ensuring that no one was following him. The path was deserted, the only source of light being the half-moon's reflection on the still water nearby.

Realizing that he had reached his destination, Alden turned his attention back to the map his mother had given him, carefully studying it for guidance.

"Aren't you a teenager?" the curious driver asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. Alden ignored the question, staying focused on the task at hand.

Alden stared at his driving licence and saw his name 'Fredrick' "Look into my eyes, Mister Fredrick," Alden commanded, his voice firm.

"Why?" the driver questioned, confused by the sudden request. Nevertheless, he complied, meeting Alden's gaze.

"You will forget that you carried a teenage boy to this place. If anyone asks, tell them nothing," Alden compelled the driver, exerting his will over him.

"Okay," the driver responded blankly, his memory altered by Alden's command. Ignoring the unpaid fare, the driver started the car and drove away, his mind wiped clean of the encounter.

Alden let out a sigh, his focus returning to the map in his hands. With determination in his eyes, he moved forward, navigating through the thick darkness until he stumbled upon the entrance of the secret passageway. It was an inconspicuous entrance, one that no one would suspect held such importance.

Pausing for a moment, Alden marveled at the hidden nature of the passageway. It was as if fate itself had concealed it from prying eyes, ensuring its secrecy and protecting those who sought refuge within. Gathering his resolve, Alden took a deep breath and stepped into the covert which was a metallic door.

The driver hummed contentedly as he continued down the street, his mind momentarily at ease. However, his peaceful journey was abruptly interrupted when his gaze fell upon a figure standing in the middle of the road. He slammed on the brakes, bringing the cab to a sudden stop. It was Alden's chasers, the Moonbane Brotherhood.

"Hello, Mister," one of the hunters greeted with a sinister smile. The driver felt a shiver crawl down his spine but tried his best to maintain composure.

"What do you want?" the driver asked, his voice laced with caution and suspicion.

"Have you seen a teenage kid around here? This is where his trail ends, and he is extremely dangerous," the hunter inquired, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

The driver hesitated for a brief moment, weighing his options. "No, I did not," he finally replied, his voice steady despite the underlying unease. His eyes flickered with a hint of hidden knowledge, a knowledge he chose to keep to himself.

"How can you be so sure he hasn't been compelled?" The leader of the Moonbane Brotherhood, questioned sharply. His gaze pierced into the driver's soul, searching for any signs of deception.

The driver maintained his poker face, carefully concealing the truth. "I have no knowledge of any compulsion. I simply haven't seen the person you're looking for."

His brows furrowed in suspicion, a tinge of frustration seeping into his voice. "Keep an eye out. If you come across any information, report it to us immediately. Remember, this individual is a threat to our cause."

The driver nodded, his face a mask of compliance. "Of course, I'll let you know if I come across anything," he responded, his words laced with feigned cooperation. He smirked and drove off.

____________________________________________

Alden stood before the passageway, the building towering over him like a forgotten relic of the past. The metal door creaked in protest as he pushed it open, revealing a pitch-black, musty basement. The pungent smell assaulted his senses, causing him to cover his nose in disgust. Relying on his flashlight, he cautiously stepped into the darkness, its beam cutting through the shadows to guide his way.

As he ventured deeper into the passageway, his steps echoing against the walls, Alden's senses heightened. The anticipation grew with each passing moment, mingling with a tinge of fear. Finally, he arrived at another metallic door. With trepidation, he turned the knob and swung the door open, only to be confronted by a vile presence lunging towards him. Reacting swiftly, he slammed the door shut, narrowly avoiding the impending danger.

"I knew the passageway wouldn't be this easy to find," Alden muttered, frustration tainting his voice. He glanced down at the map in his hands, his eyes scanning its markings. Suddenly, a realization struck him, and he pointed to a specific section of the map.

"Ah, yes," he exclaimed softly, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. He shifted his gaze towards the wall adjacent to him. Stepping closer, he pressed against a particular section, causing it to creak and shift. For a brief moment, his heart skipped a beat as the wall trembled, as if awakening from a deep slumber.

To Alden's amazement, the wall slid aside, revealing a well-trimmed garden beyond. His eyes widened in awe as he beheld the sight before him. Lush greenery flourished in meticulously arranged patterns, vibrant flowers bloomed, and a sense of tranquility permeated the air. It was a stark contrast to the dark and somber passageway he had traversed. The beauty of the secret garden washed over him, offering a momentary respite from the dangers that awaited.

Alden stepped forward, his feet sinking into the soft grass, each step bringing him closer to the heart of this hidden oasis. The scent of nature enveloped him, a refreshing departure from the stagnant air of the underground.

A few metres away, Lily's eyes fixated on Alden with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Who are you?" she questioned, her voice tinged with uncertainty. However, her query received no immediate response. Sensing a need for self-preservation, Lily's instincts kicked in, triggering a transformation within her. She let out a low growl as her body underwent a metamorphosis, shifting into the form of a —

"Oh s**t," Alden muttered as he took a step back.