To Love a Rogue

Chapter 2 - Territory

"Rogue" he spat and a low growl began to emit from his throat.

Terrified, I looked back to the office checking Kirsty was well out of the way before quickly raising my hands and lowering to my knees.

"Please don't, please." I whispered frantically as I adopted a pose of submission that I had learned well "I... I... I don't have a pack, yes, but... " I took a deep breath. "But I'm not a threat. This land isn't any Packs Territory, I don't plan to leave, I don't pose a threat. Please."

He continued to growl, but took a few steps forward.

"You're wrong. What is your name Rogue?" I kept my eyes lowered to the floor. The counter between us meant I could see nothing of him.

"I swear, I mean it. I'm not a threat and I am living here peacefully, they accept me, they don't know the truth and they won't. Please." I knew this was dangerous, Rogues living among humans were forbidden in case they discovered us but Rogues on the run were as good as dead. I had hedged my bets and lost. Now I was discovered I would have to rely on this Pack wolf being unnaturally understanding and goodhearted. I felt a tear start to fall down my cheek. It was over, it was all over before it had really begun.

The male wolf barked out a laugh "I can see you're not a threat." Something angry knotted itself in my stomach, he saw my submission as weakness. "What I meant was, you're wrong, this is a Pack Territory and you are trespassing Rogue. What is your name?"

I peered upwards at him, taking in his broad face and dark eyes.

"I have been here over a year, there has never been any markers, another wolf walking through, nothing. How can this be part of a Territory? And I know that there needs to be more than one wolf's word to prove that."

I started to stand, on shaky legs but never quite making eye contact. I knew I had broken no Territory laws here and he wasn't going to intimidate me into leaving now. "If you don't leave soon the humans around here will begin to talk about the man harassing the young woman in the bakery" I challenged him by meeting his gaze and it was his turn to take a step back.

He paused for a long while, and I began to feel uncomfortable, I started to open my mouth to ask him to leave when he finally spoke.

"I begrudge that you're probably right about the markings and wolves. I have also seen no evidence of them." I closed my mouth in confusion, "But this used to be the Territory of the Blue Moon Pack, it should still be the Territory of the Blue Moon Pack and somehow it's been disregarded all these years."

I continued to stare at him in silence. This town had been without a Pack for over 15 years, it was entirely human, but I had a horrible feeling about what he was going to say next.

"The Pack's new Alpha is going to have something to say about this. Give me your name." He was starting to piss me off for all the fear I had about what was going to happen next. He didn't get to come in here one random day and start throwing around his power, new Alpha or not.

"Your Pack, they have forgotten this town for well over a decade and no one has lost anything for it." I swallowed as I realized what I was about to say knowing there would be repercussions. "leave them, and leave me be. Build your Territory up to the town and please, just let me be, I'll never cross the line, I won't do a thing, I just want a peaceful life."

He started to growl again and took a step forward.

"Who are you, to make demands of us? A single Rogue wolf, playing at being Human? Need I remind you that you are breaking bigger rules than just the rules of wolv..." He was cut off as the bell on the door rang again.

Mrs Berridge bustled her way in, with her usual degree of care and awareness. That is to say she took a blind bit of notice. Me and the Pack wolf continued to glare each other down as we both stepped back from our respective sides of the counter.

"Good Morning Hazel my dear, these cakes and my usual loaf please. Are you ok? You're looking quite pale today?" She turned to stare suspiciously up at the stranger to town. "He better not be giving you any trouble?" She declared loudly, which was all Kirsty needed to bring herself out of the office and back onto the shop floor. I took a deep breath.

"Not at all Mrs Berridge, I think the walk this morning was just a bit too brisk. A farmhouse bloomer and your cakes will come to $5.40."

Mrs Berridge tutted at me as she handed over the money and began to lecture me on how young people these days really needed to wear more layers in the cold and that I needed to be more careful as winter approached.

Behind her the man took his leave, staring at me the entire time. "I'll catch up with you soon Hazel, I'll be telling the Boss about what we discussed" He whispered it too low for the humans to hear, but it sent a shiver down my spine nonetheless.

Kirsty gave me a funny look and stared after the stranger down the street. She gave me a once over once Mrs Berridge had been placated and sent on her way.

"Did he say or do anything Hazel?" What on earth could I say to that.

"No, he just, he was a bit creepy is all and I didn't really know what to do." She put a warm hand on my shoulder and gave me an awkward hug.

"You call me out, that's what you do. If it ever happens again, you call me, you got it!" She gave me a big warm smile.

"Thanks Kirsty"

"No need to thank me, we look after each other here. Let me know when Derek swings by for his pastries, I'll have a quick word."

Derek was the local sheriff, and a good guy. But what he could do to protect the town from a pissed off werewolf was next to nothing. I swallowed and nodded.

Nothing good was going to happen, and I had to make a decision quickly.