Chapter 3 Forbidden Love
1224 Words
Alpha Leo
“What if someone sees us?” I withdrew from Nathan and took a few steps backward.
The forest air felt heavier than usual, thick with damp earth and crushed leaves. Even the wind seemed cautious, whispering through the trees instead of rushing freely.
“You fear a lot,” Nathan said as he pulled me back into his arms, but even before he could do anything, I pushed him away slightly.
My heartbeat was loud in my ears, a steady drum of warning that refused to be silenced.
“We are literally at the boundary between Ravenclaw Pack and our pack, the Moon Pack, Nate,” I said as my eyes scanned the area in search of any intruder.
Tall trees rose like silent sentinels around us, their shadows stretching long and deceptive. Any one of them could hide a watcher. Any rustle could be a threat.
“You think I don’t know that?” he retorted. “Well, if you really don’t want to be seen with me, then that is fine.”
His words carried more weight than he intended. They landed hard, sharp enough to sting.
“Leo…” He continued after a brief pause, and I looked up at him in anticipation.
“Why can we not be public about our relationship?”
The question hung between us, fragile and dangerous.
I averted my gaze as an all-too-familiar feeling enveloped me, fear mixed with longing, duty tangled with desire.
“You know the reason,” I said simply as I began to walk away from him. “You know the wolf kingdom frowns at it. It is not acceptable. It’s an abomination, and anyone caught in such an act will be declared an outlaw. It is not accepted, so no one must know about our relationship.
As far as I’m concerned, you are just my right-hand beta… nothing more, nothing less.”
Each word felt like a blade I turned on both of us.
Nathan’s eyes grew distant.
The forest seemed to close in, branches arching overhead like judgmental fingers.
“What is the problem?” I asked, walking up behind him. “What’s wrong?”
He didn’t answer immediately. His body stiffened, attention locked on something beyond me.
I followed his gaze and gasped when I realized what he had been looking at.
A pack of wolves stood a few meters ahead of us. They were about to pounce on a young lady who was already trapped in a net hanging from a tree.
The net swayed slightly, creaking under her weight. Her limbs were tangled, helpless, her scent sharp with fear even from a distance.
They hadn’t noticed us, as we were well concealed by trees and bushes, a perfect hideout where Nathan and I usually found freedom to be intimate.
That same secrecy now felt like a curse.
“That young lady is in trouble,” I said, pointing toward the tree branch where she hung helplessly. “Those wolves are from Ravenclaw, right?”
“Yes, Leo,” Nathan replied, his voice low, cautious, “but I suggest we mind our business. We are outnumbered. We cannot possibly save her, even if we try.”
The wolves circled her slowly, teeth bared, hunger gleaming in their eyes.
“Do you think you underestimate me?” I grabbed his arm and turned him until he faced me. “I am the Alpha of Moon Pack, and until today, no wolf has ever defeated me, not even Alpha Rio.”
Power stirred beneath my skin, restless and demanding release.
He gave a dry smile.
It was the kind of smile that came when someone knew arguing was pointless.
I looked back toward the tree, but the young lady was no longer there.
My blood ran cold, and shivers crawled down my spine.
The net swung empty.
Clenching my fists, I signaled Nathan. “It’s time to teach those wolves a lesson. They are out to have that young lady for lunch.”
The decision settled instantly, heavy and irreversible.
My eyes turned red instantly as I shifted into my wolf form. Nathan did the same, and together we stepped out of hiding.
Bones cracked, muscles tore and reformed, senses sharpened until the world burst into color and sound.
They were already closing in on her when we attacked.
The forest exploded into chaos.
Without hesitation, we struck. I used my claws on delicate areas, ensuring maximum damage without killing.
Flesh tore. Blood scented the air.
“Who are you?” one of the wolves demanded.
I growled, the sound deep and terrifying.
No Ravenclaw wolf had ever seen my true form.
“A wolf who will kill you this instant if you do not retreat,” I warned, striking him on the neck. It was non-fatal, but effective.
Blood spilled freely as he staggered back.
The others, wounded but alive, followed him.
Fear overtook hunger. Within seconds, they were gone.
The forest fell silent once more, as though it had never witnessed violence.
I shifted back into human form and hurried toward the young lady.
“How are you?” I asked as I knelt beside her, though my eyes searched Nathan first.
He smiled, wearing that familiar seductive expression. “I’m fine. Just a few scratches.”
Relief loosened the tight grip around my chest.
I nodded and returned my attention to her.
I gently turned her until her face was angled toward the sky. Sunlight bathed her skin, and I gasped.
She looked unreal… pale lashes, soft lips, an ethereal stillness that made my chest ache.
Without hesitation, I began licking her wounds to stop the bleeding.
“What are you doing?” Nathan asked sharply, as worry lines creased his forehead.
Concern rolled off him in waves.
“What you’re doing is dangerous, Leo,” he added as he knelt beside me.
“Why?” I continued, but he restrained me.
“You know why. You’re draining yourself.”
“Even if I do,” I replied, “I can recover. She cannot.”
The words came easily. The truth did not.
Seeing my resolve, he sighed. “Let me do it instead.”
I stepped aside.
“I’ve never seen anyone this beautiful,” he murmured.
Nathan finished tending to her wounds and turned to me. “She’s not moving, Leo.”
My mind raced through possibilities, instincts clashing with reason.
“I don’t think she’s human,” Nathan added.
“I know,” I said. “She’s a wolf. I’m wondering why she didn’t transform to fight, even when she was clearly outnumbered.”
Questions layered upon questions, none offering answers.
“We’re taking her with us,” I said firmly.
“We can’t,” he argued.
“I wasn’t asking for your opinion, Nate,” I said coldly. “It’s an order. I am your Alpha.”
“I understand,” he replied sarcastically.
“She’s coming with us,” I repeated.
Nathan sighed and nodded. “Who am I to defy your orders?”
I laughed lightly, though my heart raced as I lifted her into my arms.
She felt too lig
ht.
She looked innocent and beautiful. Even as I carried her, she didn’t stir.
My chest tightened at the thought that she might already be dead.
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