The Guardian and the Rose.

She ran through the darkness of the forest, hoping that the shadows that were the massive trees that made up Elfwood forest would swallow her whole in it's dark embrace so she could finally be at peace. Now at the age of eighteen, most she wolves of the same age already had found their mates and were starting the next chapter of their lives. But not Niorah. It had been relentlessly beaten into her since infancy that she would always be alone. She had no mate that was destined for her and made just for her. After all, as her parents and the entire pack constantly reminded her, the goddess above would not make a mate for a worthless, unlovable, excuse of a wolf. It would be beneath her to do so. Niorah's father was the Alpha of her pack. Actually he was the Alpha of every single pack in existence. Yes her father was the king of the werewolves. And her mother was the queen. Which in normal circumstances, would make her the princess. Unfortunately Niorah's mother and father had abused and neglected her almost from the moment she took her first breath. From the time she learned to walk her parents had forced her to be a slave. Which in the wolf community was the lowest rank in the pack. Instead of loving her and treating her like the precious treasure she was, her parents did the opposite. Instead of showering her with love and affection, they spewed nothing but hatred and absolute venom at her. She had endured all the beatings, the verbal and mental abuse until that very night. She had finished her daily chores and was in the servants bathroom to shower off all the dirt and grime from the days activities. She had just began to lather shampoo into her waist length mahogany hair, when a pair of strong male hands wrapped roughly around her waist and violently pinned her to the wall of the shower. She knew instantly who had such a rough hold on her. It was not the first time Cal Strong had attempted to force himself on her. "You won't be able to escape me this time you worthless b***h. The Alpha had the last person who'd dared to help you executed. No one will keep you from me now bitch." At that moment Niorah felt a sudden surge of courage and when his hand traced down to her center, she reared her head back and smashed the back of her head into Cal's face, instantly breaking his nose and knocking out a few of his perfect pearl white teeth. She stomped down on his foot as hard as she could and then ran as quickly as she could, barely stopping long enough to pull her night gown over her head. And now she still continued to run. She knew they would come after her. A slave had just destroyed the face of a very high ranking wolf. Cal was her father's beta. Second in command. Suddenly, Niorah stopped. She picked up a new scent. One she had never smelled before. And what was more, it was the most intoxicating smell she'd ever smelled in her life. Suddenly a horse shot out in front of her, making her scream in fear of being crushed by the animal. She shrunk back in absolute fear and utter horror. The man on the horse was a wolf also, and an Alpha. A fresh wave of fear and utter painc washed over her, as she watched the stranger wolf dismounted his horse and approached her. She instinctively raised her arms to protect her face expecting him to strike her. "Oh sweetheart, it's our mate." Her wolf Mystrall yelped, utter joy and relief filling her voice " And he wants us dear one do not be afraid he is not your father." Her mate promised her. Niorah slowly put her arms and hands and looked full on into the eyes of the purest blue she'd ever seen in her life. He reached out and touched her cheek. And then he said the one word she'd lost hope of ever hearing. " Mate "