Untamable

Chapter 9 Vow

Elizabeth’s POV

"You look scared," Catherine observes, tilting her head at me with the curiosity of a cat eyeing something interesting. "You're afraid of rogues, but aren't you one yourself?"

“I... I,” I stammer, feeling like a deer caught in headlights.

Holy crap She's right, and yet it feels like I've been cast as the villain in a plot twist I didn't see coming.

“She’s only been a rogue for a few days and isn’t used to her new role yet,” Maggie chimes in with a smile my way. "Plus, she’s probably heard myths about rogues, you know, those scary rogue stories—the kind where we're all cast as the terrible monsters.”

Myths about rogues? It’s not a myth. Rogues are certified bad guys. They killed Alpha Huge. I want to argue, but before I can get a word in, a realization hits.

Whether Maggie and Catherine are villains is still up in the air—I haven't known them long enough to judge. But I’m sure I’m not a villain, and yet… here I am, living a rogue life. I am a rookie in this role, though.

I’m officially perplexed.

“It’s a bit of a mind-bender, isn’t it?” Maggie chuckles, like she can tune into my brainwaves.

I nod, feeling more than a little bewildered.

“Totally normal,” Maggie assures me. “Before I met the rogues and joined them, I never thought they'd be the good guys."

So, she's got a backstory too. I probe, “What happened?”

“Pretty similar to your tale,” she confesses with a playful grimace. “I thought I’d found Mr. Right, but he was just using me. When I outlived my usefulness, he ditched me in the wild.”

I frown, puzzling, “But he couldn’t force you to cut ties with your pack. Why not go back, expose him, and get your revenge?”

“Because he's incredibly powerful,” Maggie sighs. “I’m pretty sure even if I went back, he wouldn't face justice. Plus, we have two children, and I feared he’d hurt them to get back at me.”

Mentioning her kids softens her authoritative aura, revealing a hint of sadness.

"I haven’t seen them in over ten years,” she murmurs wistfully. "They must be quite the dashing young men by now.” She takes a deep breath and forces a smile as she dives back into her story. "Picture this: one minute you're tucked into your cozy silk sheets, dreaming away, and the next you wake up in the wilderness—terrifying, right?”

“Absolutely,” I agree with wide eyes. “Like a nightmare with no snooze button.”

“I used to be…” Maggie hesitates, weighing her words, “a pampered noblewoman back then. No survival skills whatsoever—probably like you wielding a spoon as a weapon. And wouldn’t you know it, it was the iciest winter in memory when I got tossed into the wild. I lasted three days without a crumb, surviving by licking snowflakes for sustenance. Then I caught a cold, started running a fever, and blacked out. When I finally came to, I was here, surrounded by strangers—and get this, they were rogues! I couldn’t believe it when I learned they’d saved me. They fed me, sheltered me, and treated me as a friend, not the boogeymen I’d imagined. That's when I realized how wrong I'd been."

Maggie takes a deep breath. “I grew up learning rogues were sworn enemies. Maybe because I’d never dealt with them, I didn’t question it. Reflecting now, I regret the harm I did. Trinity, the leader at the time, reassured me that everyone makes mistakes, and rather than wallowing in guilt, I should find ways to make amends. She was right. So, I stayed, learned their ways, and did all I could to protect them.That was my path to redemption. Before Trinity passed, she entrusted me with leadership, hoping I’d guide the rogues in the future. So, I took the reins and here I am.”

"So, you're like the Alpha of the rogue squad?" I ask, curiosity making my ears perk up.

"Sort of, but way less bossy," Maggie laughs. "Rogues can't stand all that hierarchy nonsense. We’re all on the same level committee here. They follow my lead only because I haven't led us into a squirrel hole yet. If they ever get tired of my face, they can totally vote me off the island—no hard feelings, just democracy in action."

"Aren't they worried you will tie them up with the Luna voice?” I ask, raising my eyebrow.

Maggie chuckles. "Oh, there's a rogue life hack you should know: they're immune to all that commanding mumbo jumbo. Luna, Alpha, Lycan—it’s all 'blah blah' to them. Most rogues are outcasted because they don’t have a wolf, but they’ve actually got the Moon Goddess’s bonus feature—a built-in ‘Nope’ button. However, they’ve spent so long taking orders and never realize they can say no.”

Now it makes all sense why Cherry and Aiden couldn’t command me.

“That’s why Lycans keep their distance,” Maggie adds with a poker face. “It’s not about protecting packs like they claim. They’re just scared someone’s gonna rearrange their neat little throne pyramid.”

I’m still wrapping my head around this rebellious revelation. “But, rogues do attack packs. My dad was killed in a rogue attack.”

“True,” Maggie nods sincerely. “Not saying all rogues are saints. But painting every rogue as a villain is lazy writing. That’s the kind of broad-strokes nonsense Lycans use to manipulate their subordinates.”

“I see,” I say, puzzled but intrigued. “But how do rogues stand a chance if most of them are wolfless? Resisting Alpha commands is one thing, but we cannot do shifting and mind-linking.”

“We might not shift,” Maggie says, grinning, “but the Moongoddess would bless us with something else. We may get brains, lightning-fast reflexes, sharper senses, or a faster healing. We’re like wolves with bonus features. It’s just a shame we’re shown the door before discovering our hidden talents.”

“As for mind-linking,” Maggie pauses, throwing a hint of mystery into her tone.“Let’s just say we have our ways and you have actually witnessed it once.”

“You mean the whistle thing,” I guess, eyeing the shiny noisemaker around Catherine’s neck.

“Bingo!” Catherine chimes in. “We’ve got a whistle language—just like mind-linking.”

“That’s incredible,” I applaud, genuinely impressed.

“Well, whistles aren’t global communicators. Wander too far, and you might just be waving at thin air. So we would mark our stomping grounds with signs to prevent our members from wandering off the map.”

“Some adventurous wolves test the waters, though,” Catherine laughs. “I was on one of those border watch gigs when I saw you doing your best snoozing on a tree.”

“Umm, I was just trying to stay safe,” I feebly explain. “It’s dangerous at night. I have to protect myself from…”

“From what? Rogues?” Catherine jokes.

“I won’t do that anymore.”I say, feeling my face heating up.

“So, what's next on your epic journey?” Maggie asks. “Sapphire Lake?”

“Yeah,” I say, scratching my head.

“For what?” Maggie asks curiously.

“For the views. I heard it’s as blue as a Sapphire, and I want to see if it is true.” I reply.

“Ah, very romantic.” Maggie giggles.

“Sorry to burst the fairytale bubble, but romantic plans never make much sense,” a new voice interjects. Echo gracefully descends from above, welcomed by tail-wagging furry wolves. She gives the gray wolf a scratch, making it nearly purr before it stretches out like it's in yoga class. Echo playfully shoos the wolf aside and takes a seat opposite me, her nose twitching in suspicion. “Who’s been sneaking sips from my cola stash—been you, Catherine?”

“Just a teeny sip,” Catherine grins, feigning innocence.

“A teeny sip? Do you know what I have to go through to shop at a human mall?”

“I’ll replace it soon,” Catherine promises.

“Yeah? And when might that be?" Echo asks, squinting her eyes.

"This Halloween! I'll hit up a costume party and smuggle back a whole trunkful of sugary treasures."

"Aren't you worried about getting unmasked by humans and embarrassing the wolf community?" Maggie chimes in, teasing.

"Nope! I’m going as a vampire," Catherine replies with a mischievous wink.

Maggie just stares in amused confusion, while Echo shakes her head.“Miss another deadline, and you’re on our Black List,” Echo warns.

"Please. You wouldn't dare! I'm way too lovable," Catherine laughs, quickly giving Echo a cheek-smooch. Echo huffs in mock annoyance, theatrically wiping the imaginary slobber away.

“What’s this list about?” I ask, curious.

"Ah, your ex is already on it," Echo says with a glint of mischief. "He's become our poster child for everyone who rubs us the wrong way."

"Seriously?" I chuckle, feeling a dash of vindication wash over me. "What's his designated penalty, then?"

"Depends on his level of jerkiness," Echo says with a smirk. "Aiden's clocked in as a solid level 3. He broke your heart but didn't go full-on villain with physical harm."

I briefly consider bringing up the notorious whipping incident but decide some stories are best left on the shelf.

"Honestly, you kind of let him run amok, giving his ego room to grow into something monstrous," Echo adds.

"Couldn't have said it better," I agree. "But, can I suggest someone else? Cherry’s a whole different breed of awful."

"No dice," Echo says, crossing her arms and saying firmly. "We fight our own battles, not tackle the world's grudge match. You're not part of the rogue crew. Maggie gave Aiden a shoutout out of sympathy, end of story. We don’t owe you anything."

Fair enough, though her bluntness does sting. Perhaps her straightforwardness is the reason why she ended up bouncing out of her pack, I muse quietly.

“How about a name swap—Aiden for Cherry?” I suggest.

"Hmm," Echo ponders, tapping her chin. “Technically yes, but it’ll ruffle my filing system. Plus, if we keep swapping, we might start treating the whole list like a joke.”

“Got it,” I nod. “Rules are rules.”

"Thanks for getting it," Echo nods back.“Now, about Sapphire Lake—that’s Luna Nora’s domain. She has a knack for turning wayward she-wolves into stealthy shadow agents."

"Funny you mention that," I confess. "Joining her squad was my actual plan."

"Ha! I knew it! The lake visit was just your cover story!" Echo exclaims, delighted by her own deduction. "But just so you know, Luna Nora's assassin school isn’t your typical summer camp. It's more grit than glamour. You’re a bit on the lean side—how about bulking up with some training before diving in?"

"Wait, so I can stay here?" I ask, genuinely surprised by the offer.

"Of course," Maggie says warmly, her smile reassuring. "You're more than welcome to hang around with us."

"We can teach you some survival skills," Catherine offers with a kind smile. "They might just help you ace those tests."

"That’d be awesome!" I say, practically glowing with excitement. "How can I possibly repay you?"

"Just one tiny thing," Maggie replies with a wink. "If Luna Nora asks, tell her you picked up these skills from your old pack. Keep us out of the tale."

"I don't get it. Why stay anonymous when you're being so generous?" I ask, puzzled. "If I tell her how awesome you guys are, she might reconsider her views on rogues."

"Ah, if only it were that simple," Maggie replies with a tilt of her head and a smile as dry as toast. "The ‘rogues are evil’ narrative is as ingrained as grandma's secret cookie recipe. Luna Nora might just see you as a special case and demand a meet-and-greet with the rest of us. You’d be stuck in a dilemma."

I have to admit, Maggie's situation sounds pretty convincing. It's a shame though—unsung heroes don't always get the spotlight they deserve.

"It’s all good, kid," Catherine says, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "We've helped loads of folks who know we’re not the big bad wolf tribe. One day, werewolves will let go of their bias against rogues—it just takes time."

I nod, understanding the challenge.

"Alright, before we start training, there's an important ritual," Echo announces, standing up with a solemn air. She gently cuts our palms, allowing the blood to well up. "Now, press your palms together."

Maggie raises her hand to mine, and I can sense the seriousness of the moment.

"Make your vows," Echo instructs, her tone more like that of a guiding sage.

"I, Margaret Evans, solemnly swear by the Moon and my own blood to impart survival and fighting skills to Elizabeth Myers. Should I fail in this duty, may the Moon Goddess hold me accountable."

Feeling a wave of nerves that brings to mind the jitters of my wedding day, I hesitantly ask, "What exactly should I say?"

Catherine leans in, her voice soft and reassuring, "Just promise you won't spill our secrets."

I take a deep breath, focusing on the gravity of the vow. "I, Elizabeth Myers, swear by the Moon and my blood to remain loyal to Margaret and her fellow rogues, eternally grateful for their guidance. If I break this promise, may the Moon Goddess hold me to account."

"The vow is sealed," Echo declares, her eyes burning with a mix of urgency and sincerity. "And just so you know, breaking it would have... unfortunate consequences."

Catherine adds with a playful grin, "Remember, the gods have front-row seats and popcorn, so they're watching us closely."