The Outcast's Mate

The deer ran, It didn't just run, it fled in panic as if sensing something dangerous was near. Raven Cross watched closely, feeling an ache in her heart. That's what they all do. Run. She had been exiled and in the three years of her exile, she had learned solitude, the warmth of belonging to a pack, a family was all gone, now she's just a shadow. She chased after the deer and killed it. The deer had no chance against her and yet her ache hurt still. Carrying the deer on her shoulder, she started her journey home. The cave she was staying in wasn't far from a river, which meant the air should be pure, but as she came closer, the air changed. She smelt wolf blood, rage and pain. Then she heard a roar and some growls… her cave wasn't empty. She dropped the deer and crawled forward. She saw five wild wolves cornering a massive black wolf. He had quite the appearance even while wounded. His eyes shone golden and she recognized him instantly. Lucian Storm. The Alpha Heir. He was losing the fight even with his strength. He had a deep cut on his side. Now the wolves were moving in to finish him. Raven shot forward like a bullet, giving a warning growl and the wolves turned. She was slender in the moonlight but promised danger. She threw her hunting knife into the shoulder of the wolf going for Lucian’s throat. As it shrieked, she ran forward and delivered a swift kick to its knee while scratching its nose with her sharp claws. Lucian turned and bit one of the other wolves, breaking its bone. The tide turned quickly. They quickly defeated four of the wolves and the last and smallest escaped before Raven could finish it. It fled with a terrified glare. Everywhere became silent except for both of them breathing. The black wolf turned. The air crackled, a man now lay there breathing hard. She found herself staring into his golden eyes, feeling breathless. You're trespassing, he said. You're in my territory, and you're bleeding out in it, she replied. He looked at her carefully and recognized her. Raven Cross, the exile. She shuddered as she heard it. The first time she had heard her name in three years. I have left that life behind, your fight isn't mine. Leave before you attract more trouble, she said and ran back into the trees, ignoring her frantic heartbeat. Miles away, the wolf who escaped stumbled onto a clearing on the Stromcrest side of the border. A black wolf shifted into a woman and stood before it. Report, she said. She was Selene Blackwood. The rogue trembled. Lucian is alive. A female saved him. An outcast. She fought like a beast. Selene smiled coldly and said to herself. Well now, the game has just become interesting.