CHAPTER2
1214 Words
The crunch of leaves beneath my bare feet was the only sound in the strangely quiet woodland. As I attempted to process what had just transpired, my heart thumped in my chest like a drum. I was rejected by Alpha Eric. The person the Moon Goddess had chosen for me, my partner, had given me a disgusted expression.
My vision became blurry from tears, but I continued to run. The cold wind pierced my flesh, and branches scratched at my arms. Even though each stride felt heavier than the one before, I was unable to stop. I would have to deal with the agony that would crush my chest if I stopped.
I stopped dead in my steps when a deep growl pierced the quiet. I turned slowly as bright yellow eyes emerged between the trees, making my breath catch. Next, a second pair. And yet another.
"No," I said as I retreated.
The dark coats of the wolves blended in with the darkness as they came out. Rogues. The air was filled with their growls, and I felt so terrified that my knees gave way.
I stumbled and raised my hands defensively, saying, "P-please." "I don't mean any harm."
I yelled, preparing for the hit as one of them lunged. However, a huge person suddenly materialized and tackled the wolf to the ground before it could get to me.
The man repelled the other outlaws with ruthless accuracy as they snarled and attacked. He moved quickly, calculatingly, and frighteningly.
"Remain behind me!" His voice was powerful as he barked over his shoulder.
I hurried back and watched in disbelief as he eliminated the final outlaw. His labored breathing was the only sound in the jungle once more.
His dark eyes, enigmatic and piercing, turned to face me. With a calmer tone, he said, "You're safe now."
"Who are you, exactly?" My voice trembled as I asked.
He said, "Victor Maddox," and offered to assist me. "The alpha of the rogues."
My stomach turned over. An Alpha gone rogue? My knees were too weak to hold me up, so I took his hand despite my hesitation.
Victor looked at me and remarked, "You shouldn't be out here alone." "For someone like you, the forest isn't safe."
"A person similar to me?" My voice was no more than a whisper as I echoed.
He smiled. Fragile. At risk. Maybe a runaway?
I remained silent, but that was sufficient for him to nod in agreement.
"Come," he said. "I'll make sure you don't get hurt."
I was too shaken to object, but there was something about his smile that made me shudder.
Far away, Eric paced his office like a wolf in a cage back in the Dark wood Pack's magnificent halls.
"What were you contemplating?" Damon's tone was stern, as he ordered.
Eric raked a hand through his hair and snarled. "I took the necessary action". Not her, but a powerful Luna is what the pack needs.
"Laura is her name," Damon stated. She's also your partner. The Moon Goddess is impervious to error.
The wood on the desk cracked as Eric smashed his fist down. "What the Moon Goddess thinks is irrelevant to me"! Damon, she's weak. A slave. How was she ever going to be the pack leader?
Damon crossed his arms and sighed. "Eric, you're fleeing your fear". You rejected her in front of everyone, even though she is your partner. Do you consider yourself strong because of that?
Eric's jaw tightened as he turned away. Anger overcame the guilt that tormented him.
After a lengthy delay, he commanded, "Send out the guards." "Find her and return her." I'll feel guilty if she passes away out there.
Damon didn't dispute, but he did raise an eyebrow. "Anyway, you want, Alpha."
Eric dropped into his chair with his head in his hands as the door shut behind Damon. The picture of Laura's tear-streaked face followed him around no matter how much he tried to defend his behavior.
Victor guided me through the thick woodland in a composed and assured manner. Despite my instincts telling me to run, I followed grudgingly because I lacked the strength.
Victor looked back at me and added, "You're lucky I found you." "Very few people survive a run-in with rogues."
"What made you assist me?" I squinted as I asked.
He paused and looked directly at me. "To put it mildly, I have a thing for lost souls."
I felt uneasy as his smile stopped short of his eyes.
"You know," Victor added in a seductive voice, "you don't have to go back to him." "A partner like you is not worthy of Eric Blackwood."
The mention of Eric's name made me wince. "You know absolutely nothing about me."
He took a step closer and added, "Oh, but I do." "Laura, you're strong". More powerful than you think. And you are worthy of more than shame and rejection.
Although what he said resonated with me, the way he uttered my name chilled me. My wolf stirred uncomfortably because there was something predatory about him.
I stepped back and said, "I should go."
Victor's grin dimmed. "Where do you go?" Returning to the pack that turned you away? Or farther into the woods, where death lurks around every corner?
With all the bravery I could conjure, I said, "I'll take my chances."
I turned and ran before he could stop me, my steps being fueled by adrenaline. Although Victor's voice cried out to me, I chose not to turn around.
Even though my lungs felt like they were about to explode, and my legs were burning, I continued till I came into a brook. I got on my knees and scooped handfuls of the water to drink as it shimmered in the moonlight.
I was astonished to see my reflection in the water. My eyes were wide and haunted, and my face looked pallid.
"Are you okay?"
I was startled by the voice and turned to see a man standing close by. His dark hair fell into his eyes, and his expression was gentle.
"Who are you?" My voice trembled as I asked.
He raised his hands in a peace sign and said, "Calum." "I am merely a tourist." I felt you might need assistance when I saw you.
I paused, but tiredness conquered me. I confessed, "I have nowhere to go."
Calum took a step forward and nodded. "A cottage is close by". You can spend the night there.
"What makes you want to help me?"
He gave a quiet smile. "Because you appear to have experienced enough."
I was too exhausted to protest, but there was something suspicious about his tone. I trailed behind him through the forest till we arrived at a tiny cabin tucked away in the darkness.
The fire's warmth inside was a pleasant comfort. I said my gratitude and curled up on the improvised bed after Calum brought me a blanket and some water.
I noticed Calum observing me from the corner of the room as my eyes got tired.
I felt a shudder go down my spine as his lips curled into a smile.
“Victor will be pleased,” Calum said in a whisper as his eyes sparkled in the firelight.
- Writer
