"MATED TO THE FORBIDDEN ALPHA"

Episode002

SELENE DRAKOVICH'S POV

My face was battered by snow. A fierce wind tore like claws at my cloak. Every layer and every coat was filled with stinging ice. I took another step forward after tightly wrapping my hands around my belly, which was warm and alive, with my heart beating against the cold.

Footprints vanished behind me as I slipped past the ancient border stones. There was no law, no pack, and this land was now rogue. Snowdrifts caused my boots to sink. I exhaled in a fog. I was feeble. I was looking forward to the arrival of my child.

Only a few weeks away from arriving at Kaelan's house. However, I had to leave. Before he discovered me, I had to leave him and this life.

Behind my eyes, I saw a flashback to his warm smile the first time he held me. Our bare feet brushed the moss as we strolled through the forest on our honeymoon. His strong arms were around me when I told him I was expecting a child. Our giggling. He was sure it was ours as he traced the curve of my belly. When the divorce papers arrived, the calm turned to ice as he departed, when everything went cold.

From the west came a storm. I forced my weary legs to move as I pressed harder against the cold wind. Snow covered my heart and covered the forest floor. I pictured the wind howling and calling my name: Luna, Luna. It made sense. I ran beneath a cracked pine, and my wolf stirred.

Another memory surfaced: Kaelan kissed me and whispered that we would become a family, and that he would be the father I had always imagined him to be. However, my skin was no longer warm tonight.

I faltered. Everything became blurry as the blizzard caused the sky to tumble with brightness. I suppressed the arising fear. I had almost left the rogue zone – just a couple more miles.

Then, there was a c***k, a snapping branch instead of thunder.

My heart began to race. I held my breath while leaning my back against a tree. I heard two cautious, low voices – rogue scouts. I went down. My hands were shaking. My leg ached from the onset of frostbite.

They ducked closer. I shut my eyes. I couldn't fight – not right now, not like that. But inside of me, my Luna, my wolf, roared.

They located me.

"Cease. I'll kill the child if you move.

I lifted my chin in defiance.

"Is your blouse covered in blood?"

It was my own, and I put my hand on it, hurriedly stopping blood from spilling. I sounded thin. "You won't."

One scout gave a low laugh. He rubbed his fingers over my belly and pushed my cloak aside.

He was unaware that weakness could contain strength.

I struck him in the knee with my aching leg. He went double. I swung after catching a fallen branch. The other person chuckled once more.

He made a lunge. I took a step back. I bit into the snow. Bone-hitting cold. I was panting. My arms trembled. The infant kicked. Now louder. Defying death, we were two living things.

I forcefully struck the other person's shoulder with the branch. He hissed. Legs shaking, I took a step back. I screamed incoherently. I went after them.

My anger reverberated through the winter forest with my suffering. They swiftly and ugly retaliated. My hood dropped back. My hair cascaded over my face. My face was covered in snow and blood stains. My face was streaked with tears and dirt.

I struck out once more. I faltered. I was positioned between two trees. I caught my cloak. I was immobile.

The scout raised a curved knife.

My heart pounded.

He lunged at me. I shut my eyes, preparing myself for the icy steel.

Then the world trembled with a roar.

It wasn't mine, but I screamed. It was earth-shaking and deep. Overhead, ice shattered. The outlaw let his blade fall. The wind ceased.

I opened my eyes.

Behind the scout, a shape hovered. Tall. Strong. The creature was a giant werewolf, its eyes resembling lanterns. Fur bristled, snow adhered to its mane. The creature emitted a noise that sent a shock wave through my body.

The scout let out a gasp. Then, more quickly than anticipated, the wolf burst into motion.

It broke them up. They were covered in blood, claws, and flesh. The other scout attempted to escape.

The wolf captured him. There was a scream, followed by silence.

I fell to my knees. My throat shut. My stomach churned. Snow spiraled across my arms; I had lost my hood. I gazed. Alive.

Then it got dark.

I was shivering when I woke up. My teeth clattered. It hurt my cheek. I was encased in soft, plush, and thick fur. I lay close to a roaring fireplace on a bed of hides. Sweat and blood were all over my nightgown. I could feel the moisture in my stomach. I hissed. Inside me, my wolf snarled, alive and hot.

I turned over on my side. My ribs started to hurt. I cleared my throat, a constant pain. My wolf whimpered, a mix of strength and fear.

I opened my eyes. A tall, scarred man with a bold bone structure and swollen muscles under a tunic stood in the doorway. He had damp, dark hair. His eyes were ferocious. His pupil-slit eyes were as golden as ours. They were glowing.

He silently observed me.

I forced myself to sit down. I wrapped my furs more tightly. I shuddered. I exhaled sharply.

For now, he refrained. However, his presence was like a dark flame filling the cabin. Every muscle was ready. "Primal," said my wolf. I touched my stomach. Once more, the baby kicked inside me a glimmer of both fear and hope.

Speaking was difficult. I have a dry throat.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice sounding raw.

He took a step forward. He carried a scent reminiscent of night, blood, and earth. His eyes were fixed on mine as he knelt next to me. He paused.

He whispered, "Little Luna, you crossed my land." Neither kindness nor accusation was present. Just be careful.

My heart pounded.

"Why are you carrying my enemy's scent?"

Under his eyes, something flickered. Once more, my wolf whimpered.

I had trouble responding. Once more, the infant kicked. To clarify, I still had power.

I inhaled. "I am not your adversary."

He raised a hand, palm up. I smelt life, fire, and cold. "This smell," he murmured. "Your scent, isn't it?"

My ears throbbed with blood.

My inner wolf let out a whimper. It knew who he was, just as I did.

I took a swallow. I didn't want to be trusted. However, I sensed a twisting sensation.

With the smallest breath, he touched my cheek as he reached forward. A glimmer of warmth tore through the chill.

"Who are you?" I muttered.

He led my hand to the hearth's light. "Call me Harken."

Like a promise, the name struck me.

My wolf whimpered. Bright and wild, Luna stretched inside me.

He got up. I walked over to the fireplace. His face is glowing fiercely. He brushed the snow off his furs. "You're bleeding."

I glanced down. I was blood, sweat, and wet fur.

Tearing his cloak, he tied it snugly but gently around my middle. My wolf shuddered. I touched my stomach.

His soft footsteps filled the quiet cabin. The logs splintered. Outside, the snow clattered.

"Why did you cross here?" he said in a low voice.

I took a swallow. My throat is raw. "I need a place to stay."

He observed me. His eyes grew hot.

And he got close this time. No invasion. An invitation. He turned a wooden cup towards me and put a hand on the table.

I reached out and took a sip. Warm apple cider. My anxiety subsided. Inside of me, my wolf drooled. I let out a breath.

I then ventured a smile.

He grinned with only a flicker.

He had nothing to say.

The air between us crackled. I was still here.

He cleared his throat. "You ought to go to bed."

My hands were shaking. "How about you?"

His gaze grew softer. "I'll observe."

I slept that night to the sound of his breath rumbling and the crackle of fire.

Inside me, tangled with warmth, my wolf curled.

I dozed off.

The following morning, Dawn was golden and gentle. The roof was covered with snow. I had a warm cheek.

His voice, distant and low, woke me up. I opened my eyes. He was warming his hands by the fireplace. He was facing away from me.

I carefully pressed up. He pivoted. His eyes were gentle yet intense.

"Food,", he said. Then they stopped. "Water."

I got up and walked over to the table. I filled a leather flask with water. I gave it to him without looking into his eyes.

He took a sip.

Then I said, "Thank you," in a low voice.

He gave a nod.

Barley bread and a hearty herb soup were served for breakfast. He heated it with fire. My stomach knotted at the smell.

I grabbed a spoon. Swallowed.

Softly, he said," Your belly... It is powerful.

I put a hand there. "She is a warrior."

He hung the word. His eyes grew softer. "Here, she will be secure."

My heart thumped. "Am I safe?"

He didn't respond. I met his face. Something was in his eyes – respect? Risk? Defence?

He cleared his throat.

Behind my eyes, flashbacks throbbed. Kaelan's expression. Our house. I bit my lip.

My inner wolf growled in confusion and recognition.

He gave me a look. "Tell me your name, please."

I took a breath. "Selene."

He gave a nod. "Harken."

In silence, we examined one another.

"You have scars," he added.

I traced my wrist with his finger. I followed the old marks. "Faded."

He gave a head shake. He lifted my arm gently and said, "This one." "It's new."

My throat tightened. I withdrew my arm. "It poses no threat."

He dropped it.

Sunrise painted the walls orange at that moment.

I got up. "I must leave."

He stiffened.

I quickly grabbed the cloak.

He grabbed my wrist. "Remain."

I gave him a look. His eyes grew gloomy.

My inner wolf whimpered.

"I will not allow you to return to danger," he declared.

I gasped.

I looked towards the door. Next, to Harken. Then, to my stomach.

I snuffled my wolf.

Now, what should I do?