Imelda’s Forbidden Love

Chapter Three

Imelda’s Pov

"Alpha Caleb, I must report there is a Bloodmoon exile hiding here," I heard Tristan say the next morning. "It is this spy she-wolf from Bloodmoon Pack, Imelda. She may bring danger."

I froze in the woods near Tristan's quarters where I had slept, furious he would betray me to his Alpha.

"This is grave news," Caleb replied. "Bringing spies into our land threatens all we have built."

"Imelda is only one female," Tristan said. "Surely she poses little harm to our strong numbers."

"We cannot take risks!" Caleb said angrily. "Guards! Find and capture this outsider!"

I ran in panic as heavy paw steps thudded behind me. But the Alpha warriors tackled me down fast. They dragged me bleeding and dirty to the gathering circle in the pack camp.

Everyone stared and pointed as Caleb's guards held me between them. Some pack members growled threateningly. Mothers pulled their small pups back in fear.

I spotted Tristan at the front of the crowd. His eyes looked sad but he did not speak to defend me before his leader.

"Here is the Bloodmoon spy from our enemy!" Caleb shouted, his voice booming. "What plot has brought you crawling onto Crimson land?"

The pack animals jeered and snarled insults at me. But I raised my chin bravely. "I only sought refuge here after unjust banishment!" I shouted. "I mean no harm!"

Caleb laughed coldly. "Lies from a deceitful lone wolf! Why should we believe anything you say?"

More angry calls rose from the crowd. Caleb's mate and some council elders sitting near him conferred quietly. I shook hard in the guards' firm grip, fearful of what my judgement would be.

Finally Caleb raised his paw for silence. "We will imprison this intruder until the council decides a suitable punishment!" he declared. "Any mercy will only come if she cooperates fully!"

The pack cheered wildly in approval. As Caleb's warriors dragged me to a small dirt prison den, I caught Tristan's eyes again amongst the chaos. Rage boiled up hot inside me.

He betrayed me to cement his position through mating! I had risked everything to return to him! I would make Tristan regret ever choosing his rank over our love!

They chained my neck and legs so I could not move easily. Caleb himself slid the prison den door closed, sealing me in frightening darkness. I laid there alone, trying not to tremble as I wondered what fate awaited me now...

The next many days dragged by very slowly for me locked in the prison den. I had only dirty water and hard, moldy bread to eat. My body was sore all over. The chains around my neck and legs rubbed my skin badly. Sleeping on the cold hard stone floor gave me great pain. I cried very often, feeling so alone and afraid I would die forgotten here.

One afternoon, I heard the loud metal door scrape open. I expected to see Alpha Caleb or his big scary warriors. But instead a very handsome young wolf with golden fur shyly walked inside.

"Hello prisoner," he said gently. "I am called Myron. I am Caleb's son and helper beta to our pack."

I stared in surprise as he came closer to me. Myron moved with smooth grace, and his sweet hazel eyes watched me very curiously instead of the anger and hate like the other wolves. He had a kind, calm way that made my racing heart relax some.

"I am named Imelda," I replied carefully. Though Myron seemed different, I was still wary trapped unable to move.

"No need for fear with me here," Myron said, seeing my body stay tense. "I only want to know your story." He slid a bundle of items in front of me.

I unwrapped delicious meat, soft bread, and clean fresh water - the first good meal I had seen in so many suns stuck in here. Myron smiled kindly as I ate the food quickly in my hunger. I felt thankful for his unexpected niceness to a hated prisoner.

From then on, Myron visited me almost every day. He brought tasty food and asked about my life outside. No one had shown care or interest for me since being caught. Talking to Myron gave me comforting again. And I learned Myron was very smart and well loved by his pack, though seen as too sensitive by his harsh father sometimes.

Soon Myron stayed longer to share meals or talk more with me. He would sit very close so our fur was touching. At night he stayed to cuddle and keep me warm, holding me gently in his strong, safe arms. His affectionate way lit new butterflies fluttering in my chest.

One evening Myron nuzzled my cheek tenderly and asked what outcome I thought his Alpha father and council planned for me as punishment. Fear grabbed my belly tightly again, dreading what they might decree.

"Caleb seems a very firm, cruel wolf," I admitted. "I fear he will order death to remove an exile and spy like me." My voice shook saying the grim possibility out loud.

Myron's eyes flashed with alarm. He put his paws firm on my shoulders as if to shield me from any harm. "I cannot allow that!" he declared strongly. But unsureness crossed his face then.

"Even as Caleb's own pup...can you change his mind if he demands I die?" I asked, scared and anxious.

Myron paused, appearing deep in worried thought. "I...I do not know for certain," he admitted at last. "But I vow I will try my absolute best to spare your life." He pulled me close and kissed my forehead as I cried into his warm fur, terrified of my fate now resting in hostile paws...

A sudden noise outside the cell interrupted our moment. Myron tensed, his gaze flickering towards the approaching footsteps. The door creaked open, revealing the imposing figure of the Alpha. “What is going on here?" the Alpha demanded, his eyes narrowing as they landed on us. Myron stood protectively in front of me. "Father, we need to talk. “The Alpha's expression remained stern. "Talk about what, Myron?"