Rejected by My Alpha, Claimed by Destiny

Chapter 3

Maliyla’s POV

With a heavy heart, I walked away from the pack border. The only comfort I got was the fact that I no longer had to deal with all the dirty looks or nasty words people said about me. I was free from the emotional and mental burden I had been carrying. Yet, I was still alone and out in the open, without protection from the wind, rain, or even more dangerous rogues.

The situation left me trying to figure out where to go and what to do. I felt lost and scared, but I knew I had to keep moving. Safety was my top priority as I searched for a place to spend the night. The nearest pack was a few miles away, and walking all night was not an option.

It would have been easier and faster if I could shift, but since Erick rejected me, my wolf had disappeared. Taking a deep breath, I started walking toward the neighboring pack, feeling increasingly desperate with every step.

I was sure I'd be able to find a place to rest for the night, but I was running out of time. Erick forcing me to leave at night was the cherry on top of everything. I knew he was aware of the dangers I'd face out here. We had previously encountered rogues in the Blood Rose Pack, many animals that were killed for sport.

Even more painful was the fact that my parents hadn't said a word to me.

As I made my way through the forest, I looked for any form of shelter. After some time, I found a small stream. I was so grateful because I was thirsty.

Pulling out a canister, I took the top off and dipped it into the stream, filling it to the top. Once it was full, I lifted the canister to my lips and drank. The cool water running down my throat felt refreshing, especially since it was a warm evening.

When I lowered the container, I noticed a cave entrance just across the stream. I hadn't seen it before because the entrance was covered in vines.

After quickly refilling the canister, I crossed the stream, making sure not to make too much noise. I would rather not draw attention to anything that might be lurking nearby. I remained on high alert as I walked through the water, constantly looking around for signs of danger.

My heart raced as I heard a twig snap to my left, but it turned out to be nothing more than a small animal. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued making my way up the bank.

Reaching the entrance, I put my bags down and parted the vines. Once I cleared a small gap, I quickly gathered my things and went inside.

I was grateful I had brought my cell phone. Initially, I had considered leaving it behind because I figured no one would call me. No one had even texted me to check if I was alive, but the light it emitted meant I didn't have to stumble around in the dark.

As I walked through the cave, I figured going to the back would be the safest option. No one would come all the way back there, or so I thought.

I slowly made my way to the back and eventually noticed a faint light coming from a corner. Cautiously, I approached it and saw another entrance leading outside.

The cave had two entrances, which I figured could be both a blessing and a curse. It would provide a quick escape if I needed to run, but it also meant anything could enter through there.

I decided not to dwell on the latter possibility and get some rest.

Glancing at my phone, I saw it was just past midnight.

"I guess this will do for the night," I said aloud as I dropped my bags and curled up into a ball.

Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't help worrying about what lurked in the shadows. Placing my phone back in my backpack, I tried to push the thought away and eventually drifted off to sleep.

After a few hours, a loud growl awakened me.

Quickly, I grabbed my phone and jumped to my feet. Two glowing eyes caught my attention in the darkness, and I knew I wasn't alone.

Using my flashlight, I shone the light toward the source of the growl, revealing a large, menacing wolf.

Quickly, I grabbed my backpack and ran toward the other cave entrance. Even though the opening was small and narrow, I forced my way through, scraping my forehead and shoulder in the process.

I could hear the wolf growling and howling inside the cave.

Since rogues don't communicate the way we do, they become feral after being alone for a while, even though they were once part of a pack, just like me.

After squeezing through the opening, I ventured back into the woods. I could hear other rogues howling in the distance.

Rushing forward, I adjusted my backpack and dashed ahead. The woods were dark; all I could see was moonlight peeking through the trees.

I ran as fast as I could and eventually found a small clearing. After catching my breath, I looked around, trying to figure out where I was.

Suddenly, I was shoved hard from behind. I felt a pair of teeth sink into my leg, and I screamed in pain.

Blood oozed from my thigh as I reached for whatever I could find. When my fingers brushed against a rock hidden in the leaves, I grabbed it, turned around, and struck the wolf in the head.

The wolf yelped and backed away as I tried to stand, my leg throbbing.

I winced in pain as I took a step, only for another wolf to leap onto me and sink his teeth into my shoulder.

I screamed in agony.

The wolf was too fast. As I scrambled for the rock, his claws sank into my back, pinning me to the ground.

At that moment, I was helpless.

Just as I was about to accept my fate, I heard the roar of the rogues' cries, and suddenly, they were gone.

Standing far in the distance, I saw a WOLF silhouette.

As it approached, my vision began to fade, leaving me with one final image: a blue-eyed man.