Remember me..

Embla. My heart pounded violently in my chest, and the forest blurred around me as I sprinted, dodging low-hanging branches that whipped past my face, and vaulting over rocks as if the very earth were trying to trip me. I couldn’t afford to hesitate, not when every step had to be swift and precise. Thankfully, I knew these woods, each dip, root, and shadow, as well as I knew my own hands. Still a sprained ankle now would be the end for me. The thundering paws, hitting the ground behind me grew louder. He was close. I was approaching a small river, and I knew the water would mask my scent long enough to throw him off. Gritting my teeth, I followed its winding path, my eyes scanning for the perfect crossing point, a spot difficult enough to mislead him, but one I could navigate without slowing down. When I reached a suitable section, I plunged in without hesitation. The icy water surged up to my knees, but I barely felt it, my body thrumming with adrenaline. My feet knew where to step, and I crossed with barely a splash, hoping he wouldn’t realize I’d gone this far downstream. On the opposite bank, I paused, heart hammering in my throat, straining to listen. The forest was unnaturally quiet, the kind of silence that promised danger. He was close. Too close. I picked up the pace again and started running, following the river just a little longer before bolting into the forest again. Pushing through the thick underbrush, I knew the border wasn’t far now. Just a little further… Suddenly, something massive and dark slammed into me from the side, knocking the air from my lungs. My body sailed through the air, weightless for a brief second, before crashing into a wall of muscle. He twisted mid-air, taking the brunt of the impact as we hit the ground together, his heavy frame cushioning my fall. In the blink of an eye, he had me pinned beneath him, his massive paws pressing me into the earth. A low growl rumbled from his throat, vibrating through my bones. "Got you, princess," his voice purred through the mind link, dripping with playful triumph. “Yeah, yeah, get your fat wolf off me,” I huffed aloud, trying to push him away. “And stop calling me princess!” He let out a pitiful whimper, his golden eyes glimmering with mock hurt. Drama queen. I rolled my eyes, a small laugh escaping. “You are such a drama queen.” “As you wish, my princess,” his voice teased in my mind. But he bowed theatrically before suddenly darting forward to lick my face, his massive tongue wet and warm. I squealed, pushing at his broad, furry shoulder. “How can you, the big bad Alpha, be such a goof?” He settled beside me, his massive body curling protectively around mine as he rested his head in my lap. Despite his size and fearsome reputation, the sound of a contented purr rumbled from him, startling a giggle from me. How was it possible that the rest of the world feared this bloodthirsty Alpha, while here he lay, acting like a giant puppy? Beneath the reputation, Erik was far more complex than the rumours suggested. He was fair, even kind when he could be, though his hands were stained with blood. Two dead Alphas, his father among them, marked his rise to power. I stroked his fur absentmindedly, my thoughts swirling. “Why are you still in wolf form?” I asked, glancing down at his impossibly large body. His voice chuckled through the bond. ‘Well, someone bolted out the door so fast I barely had time to take dinner off the stove. But if you’d prefer me naked… I can oblige, princess.’ I felt the heat rush to my cheeks. “Yeah, no,” I muttered, though my traitorous mind wandered, imagining his muscular, human form pressing against mine. Not yet. The words slipped from my lips in a whisper, and I turned my head slightly, embarrassed by how the mere thought of him had me blushing. ‘You know,’ his voice was low, teasing, ‘your birthday is soon. Would it be so bad to celebrate a little early?’ Our eyes locked, his gold-and-red gaze searching mine. For a heartbeat, I was lost in his intensity, the unspoken desire flickering between us. My pulse quickened, and I had to remind myself to breathe. Would it be so bad? I knew he wanted me, and the truth was, I wanted him just as fiercely. The only reason he hadn’t pushed was because I wasn’t eighteen yet, and I needed to be certain. I needed to know the truth. “You know why I want to wait.” The words came out on a breath, my voice shaky. I looked away, suddenly afraid of the future, of what I might discover when the truth finally came. ‘You will always be my queen, no matter what,’ he said softly, his voice a soothing balm against the storm of my thoughts. I forced a smile, trying to shake the fear. “And here I thought I was your princess.” My voice was light, but he wasn’t fooled. He could sense the turmoil beneath the surface. I buried my face in his fur, breathing in his scent, earthy and warm, a comfort I desperately needed. His body tensed beneath me. I pulled back, an alarm sparking in my chest. “What is it?” My voice was tight with unease. ‘Something’s out there.’ He stood, his massive form towering over me, shielding me as his gaze fixed on the forest beyond the border, just meters away. “Rogues?” ‘Yes, but there’s something else...’ A howl suddenly echoed through the trees, the sound so filled with anguish that it sent a chill down my spine. It cut off abruptly, plunging the forest into a deathly silence. Erik’s body stiffened further, his ears twitching as he listened. ‘It’s gone.’ His voice was distant, distracted. ‘We should go. I’ll send a patrol to investigate. Something hunted that rogue.’ My skin prickled with unease. “What could hunt rogues like that?” I asked, dread settling in my stomach. ‘I don’t know. But we shouldn’t linger here. Race you home?’ His tone shifted, trying to lighten the mood. “No. I want to run with you this time.” At my words, his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. He crouched low, letting me climb onto his broad back, and the moment my hands gripped his fur, he shot off through the forest. The wind whipped around us, and I could feel the raw power of his muscles working beneath me. It was exhilarating, riding with him like this, feeling his wolf’s strength carry us effortlessly. But I’d never tell him that, his ego was already inflated enough! We reached the packhouse in record time, and as we approached, a few pack members smiled as we raced past. They had accepted him so easily, even though no one knew for sure if he was my true mate. We’d grown up together, Erik and I, though our packs had always been separate. He was the son of Tor, the Alpha of the Eclipse Moon pack, while I was the daughter of Magnus, Alpha of Crescent Moon. Everyone assumed I’d find my mate within my own pack, the future Alpha. But then suddenly my father fell ill. Erik had killed his father and taken control of his pack, ending years of suffering under his dad’s tyrannical rule. Shortly after, my father, too weak to continue leading, asked Erik to take over our pack as well. He believed Erik was my true mate, and that we were destined to unite the packs. So he saw no reason to put the responsibility on his Beta and put the pack through multiple transitions in such a short time. When my father shared his wish, Erik held my hand and told me it was my choice, I would always be his Luna no matter if we were mated or not. But if we were not true mates and I didn’t want him, he wouldn’t take my pack, he would take his pack back to his original pack ground and we would let each pack member decide what pack to stay with going forward. “Embla!” Erik’s voice yanked me from my thoughts, and I realized I had spaced out, still clinging to his wolf. I let go, sliding off his back. “Thank you, Hakan,” I whispered, giving his wolf a final hug before he disappeared around the corner of the house. Moments later, Erik returned, now in human form, his muscular 6 ft 2 frame barely concealed by a loose pair of shorts. Even disheveled, with his dark brown hair falling in soft waves and his forest-green eyes gleaming, he looked effortlessly handsome. I had often wondered how on earth I was lucky enough for this man to fall for me, but I was not the one to question it, I would happily just accept it! He scooped me into his arms without warning, his grin mischievous. “Now, time to get that fine butt of yours onto the couch so I can bring our dinner and smother you in kisses!” I laughed as he carried me inside, but his eyes flashed with that predatory gleam. “Unless,” he whispered, voice low, “you’re planning to bolt again. In which case, I’ll happily hunt you down, love.” His wolf’s golden-red eyes flickered through his own, and I shivered at the intensity of his gaze. He lived for the chase. “No, I’m hungry,” I said, leaning into his embrace. “Besides, I’m ready to admit defeat. I can’t outrun you.” “Not yet,” I added under my breath, smiling. “Yes, you almost made it,” Erik said, his voice carrying a warmth that softened his otherwise commanding presence. “It was clever of you to cross the river that far downstream. You almost fooled me. I thought for sure you’d cross further up, but when I couldn’t catch your scent on that side, I knew something was up. I was just about to turn back, convinced you’d given up on crossing the river at all, when I caught it again, faint, but just enough.” He smiled at me, a slow, proud grin that made my chest tighten. His sharp eyes held mine, and I could see the pride shining there, not just for any trick I’d pulled, but because I’d almost outsmarted him, something no one else had managed to do. The air between us felt charged, and for a second, I couldn’t look away. I knew how competitive he was, how his instincts as an Alpha were always at the forefront, and yet... he didn’t need to win every time. He could set his ego aside, something rare in an Alpha, and simply acknowledge when someone else excelled. It wasn’t just me either; I’d seen him do this with others in the pack, always giving credit where it was due. It was one of the things I loved most about him, this balance of strength and humility that made him not only a great Alpha but the perfect mate. “Thank you,” I mumbled, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. His praise left me flustered, more than I wanted to admit, and I found myself blushing, unable to control it. We spent the rest of the night in a comfortable, easy rhythm. Dinner flowed naturally into watching my favourite movie, the kind we both pretended to laugh at but secretly enjoyed. We talked about the next day, the usual banter and teasing slightly muted by the weight of what was coming. Tomorrow, everything will change. Erik was planning to spend the night at his own house, not staying over or joining me for breakfast in the morning. He wanted me to have time alone with my wolf, to bond with her before finding him again, when the bond between us as mates would be undeniable. As the night wore on, I could feel a subtle tension in Erik that he was trying to hide. His usual confidence was still there, but it wavered slightly like a flicker of doubt had slipped in under his composed exterior. He didn’t show uncertainty often, but tonight, he seemed different, affected by the gravity of what tomorrow would bring. His kiss goodnight was softer, more deliberate as if he were savoring this moment, unsure of what would come next. It felt different, charged with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. There was something in that kiss that left me breathless, a longing mixed with anticipation, like the calm before a storm. After he left, just before midnight to be safe, I went straight to bed. But sleep didn’t come easily. My thoughts churned restlessly, replaying the night’s conversation, the unspoken fears between us, and the mystery of what meeting my wolf would truly be like. Eventually, I gave up on sleep and grabbed the book I kept beside my bed, hoping it would distract me. The words blurred together after a while, and I must’ve dozed off because the next thing I knew, the book slipped from my hands and smacked me lightly in the face, startling me just enough to put it down and turn off the light. ‘Morning, sleepy!’ I abruptly woke, blinking against the sunlight filtering through the curtains. The voice, bright and cheery, was unfamiliar, yet so close, as if someone were right there beside me. I sat up quickly, scanning the room, but it was empty. ‘You are so difficult to wake up, you know that?’ The voice again, clearer now, echoing inside my head. I felt a strange tingle run down my spine, my skin prickling with realization. This was no dream. ‘Seriously, you’ve been waiting for this day forever, and now you forget about being excited to meet me?’ The voice had an impatient edge, playful but insistent. I gasped, the pieces clicking into place. It was her, my wolf. I’d dreamed about this moment, wondered what it would be like, and now here she was, speaking to me as if we’d known each other our whole lives. “Oh my god... it’s you,” I said aloud, feeling slightly ridiculous for talking to an empty room. ‘Yes, it’s me! Finally!’ she replied with a hint of amusement. ‘My name’s Aska, by the way.’ “Aska,” I repeated, testing the name on my tongue. It felt powerful, and ancient, like it held a weight far beyond me. “Nice to meet you, Aska. I’m Embla.” I nearly extended my hand, before catching myself. What was I doing? She was inside me, a part of me. I couldn’t shake her hand. ‘You’re not very good at this, are you?’ Aska laughed, the sound bright and warm, filling my mind with a strange sense of companionship. I couldn’t help but laugh along with her. “No, I guess not,” I admitted. “I mean, it’s not like I’ve had a wolf before.” ‘Fair enough,’ she replied with a playful huff. ‘You’ll get the hang of it.’ We fell into an easy conversation, the kind of natural flow that surprised me. It was strange but also comforting, having someone so intimately connected to me, knowing my thoughts, my fears, and yet being so different from me at the same time. Suddenly, there was a pause, and for a moment, I felt her presence shift, growing more serious. ‘There is something I need to tell you‘ she started, but I cut her off, remembering I needed to find Erik right away. I bolted out of my room and raced towards the front door. ‘No, wait, Embla. There’s something…’ “Aska, it can wait,” I cut her off sharply, my voice taut with impatience. My mind was racing too fast to hear her out. “First, I need to find Erik, then we’ll have plenty of time to talk. Plenty of time to figure everything out.” ‘But it’s important! We need to—’ Her voice echoed in my mind, urgent, but I pushed her aside, silencing her. I didn’t want to listen, not now. My heart was pounding too loudly, fueled by the overwhelming desire to find out if Erik was truly my mate. The need to know consumed me, eclipsing everything else. I bolted through the town, my feet barely touching the ground as I darted between people. Faces blurred past, and I nearly collided with a few, hearing startled gasps and grumbles. “I’m sorry!” I called out, barely glancing back, the words flung behind me as I kept running. Apologies could wait. Everything else could wait, except this. And then, suddenly, I froze. The world seemed to stop with me. An intoxicating scent hit me like a force of nature, something primal and raw, pulling me in. It was the scent of the forest after rain, fresh and earthy as if the earth itself had opened up to release its deepest secrets. My heart raced in my chest, and every nerve in my body buzzed with anticipation. I looked up and saw him. Erik. He had just stepped out of the bakery, his broad shoulders illuminated by the soft morning light. His eyes found mine almost immediately, and that familiar, easy smile spread across his face. The connection between us was instantaneous, electric. Without thinking, I ran to him, launching myself into his arms. My legs wrapped around his waist, and my arms found their place around his neck as if they belonged there. Erik dropped whatever he had been holding and caught me, his strong arms circling my body with ease, his touch grounding me even as I felt like I was floating. “I knew it,” he breathed, his voice low and thick with emotion. His eyes were locked on mine, intense and unwavering. “I knew you were my queen.” Before I could respond, he captured my lips in a kiss that was nothing like the ones we’d shared before. This one was different, hungry, urgent, and filled with unspoken acknowledgement of what we both knew now. We were destined. His lips moved against mine with a fierceness that took my breath away, and for a moment, we were completely lost in each other, the world around us fading into nothing. Then, the sound of clapping and cheering pulled us back. I pulled away, startled, suddenly aware of our surroundings. The entire town was there, watching us, sharing this moment as though it belonged to them, too. Heat rose to my face as I glanced around, embarrassed by the attention, but Erik only laughed softly, pulling me close once more. “I love you, Embla,” he said, his voice steady and sure, even as he gently lowered me back to the ground. “I love you too, Erik,” I whispered, my heart swelling with so much joy it felt like it might burst. But then, pain. A sharp, blinding pain shot through me without warning, cutting through the warmth of the moment. I screamed, clutching my sides as my body contorted, the agony so intense I couldn’t breathe. Panic flashed in Erik’s eyes as he reached for me, but I stumbled back, overwhelmed by the searing pain that consumed every inch of me. What was happening? Suddenly, my bones began to snap and rearrange, the unmistakable agony of a shift ripping through me. But this was different. It wasn’t gradual or controlled, this was violent, uncontrollable. My body twisted and reshaped itself against my will, my limbs elongating, fur sprouting along my skin as I fell to the ground, gasping. I had no idea why or how this was happening so suddenly. I wasn’t ready, not like this. And then, I lost control. Completely. Aska surged forward, taking over. I was shoved to the back of my own mind, powerless, able only to watch as she forced the shift, my consciousness reduced to a mere observer. Erik rushed forward, trying to help, but before he could even touch me, Aska, my wolf, my other half, lunged at him. I screamed internally, horrified, as she bared her teeth and attacked him. Erik, our mate. What was she doing? How could she attack him like this? Erik wasn’t prepared for it, and though he managed to raise his arms to defend himself, the confusion and betrayal in his eyes cut me deeper than any physical pain could. “What are you doing, Embla? Stop this!” he shouted, struggling against the force of my wolf. Aska growled a deep, menacing sound that silenced him. There was no reasoning with her. ‘Aska! Stop, please! What are you doing? He’s our mate!’ I begged desperation clawing at me as I tried to reach her. But she wasn’t listening. ‘I’m sorry, Embla,’ her voice came through, eerily calm despite the chaos she was causing. ‘But I have to do this. You’ll understand later.’ ‘Why? Why are you doing this?’ It was all I could manage, my thoughts barely coherent through the haze of fear and confusion. ‘Because you didn’t listen,’ was all she said before she leapt at Erik again, but this time, instead of continuing the attack, she turned and bolted. I felt Erik’s shock and disbelief reverberate through our newly connected bond, and then the deep, guttural growl of Hakan, his wolf, filled the air. He had shifted. I could hear the heavy thud of his paws hitting the ground as he gave chase, desperate to catch us, to understand what was happening. But Aska was fast, too fast. She darted through the forest, her body a blur of movement, and I could feel her strength, her purpose. She didn’t look back, not once. We reached the border of our territory in what felt like no time at all, and when she finally stopped, it wasn’t out of exhaustion. She turned, glancing back briefly, and I realized with a sickening jolt that she had outrun Hakan effortlessly. She paused at the edge of the border, a moment of stillness in the storm, and then threw her head back and let out an agonizing howl. The sound pierced the air, filled with a sorrow so deep it twisted in my chest. I could feel her pain, raw and aching, but it only left me more confused. What had just happened? Why was she doing this? I was left with nothing but questions, and the weight of them pressed down on me like a crushing force. What was happening?