BOUND BY FLAMES

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Laura

The forest was unnaturally quiet. Or maybe my heartbeat was just too loud, too fast that it drowned out any noise from inside.

Either way, the stillness of the quiet night did nothing to quell my erratic nerves.

The soft rustle of leaves and chirping of crickets was my only form of solace at this point as I moved carefully, picking herbs for my stepmother, Stacy. My satchel hung over my shoulder, already half-filled with mint lavender, hibiscus, and wolf's nightshade.

But tonight wasn’t about her ridiculous demands. Tonight was about my f*****g freedom.

For years, I had endured Stacy’s cruelty and Viviana’s constant bullying.

They had taken everything from me, my home, my family, my dignity, but tonight, I was done. I was going to take my life back.

Every spare coin I’d managed to save was hidden in my satchel, and I finally had enough to leave.

My plan was simple. I’d find another pack and offer my skills as a healer and hopefully be allowed to stay for as long as I could, make enough money before coming back here to take back what belonged to me.

I was so close now. The edge of the woods was so close and beyond it, was the road to freedom.

I knew I was possibly going to encounter rogues but I was prepared. I had something that could cause damage to them and I didn't even need to fight. I was too weak too.

The edge of the woods was just a few feet ahead, the road just beyond it.

My heart slowly began to race as I stepped closer to it. I could almost taste the freedom in my mouth and yet I was afraid. I had no idea that I would even make it on my own out there. I was prepared for anything, yet I couldn't stop the fear that was creeping in.

No, this was exactly what I wanted. I knew it would be scary and I had made peace with it.

I got to the edge of the woods and took a sloppy path down to the road.

I stepped into the road, about to cross, when I heard a piercing sound from the other side of the road. I looked over, frozen in place as I saw blinding headlights directly glaring and coming at me.

I barely had time to react. The roar of an engine filled my ears, and before I could move, the car slammed into me hard and sent me into the air and back on the floor.

***

Warmth surrounded me when I woke up. The bed beneath me was soft, too soft– almost feathery. I had never laid on anything softer.

Golden lights danced across the walls. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming. Then reality set in.

This wasn’t my room…

I sat up, wincing as pain lanced through my body. Bandages wrapped my arms and legs, but I had no memory of being treated or needing to be treated.

I blinked in confusion, taking in my surroundings.

The fire crackling in the hearth, the ornate paintings, the faint scent of pine in the air, it all felt expensive and foreign.

Where was I?

I asked nobody in particular.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my body trembling as I stood. My satchel was nowhere in sight, and panic twisted my gut. My money, s**t, my only chance at freedom—had been in there.

Had I been kidnapped?

Oh goodness!

Maybe I was captured by rogues.

If that was the case then it was goodbye to my money forever.

Okay, okay…calm down Laura. We might just be wrong. Let's take several deep breaths and think of a plan… if I was in a rogue house and I was still alive? Chances are they didn't want to kill me yet. So, I still had a chance to plan some kind of escape.

Taking a deep breath, I moved to the door and opened it cautiously. The hallway outside was grand, with high ceilings and soft, golden lights. My bare feet made no sound against the floors as I crept forward, trying to find an exit.

I would have to forget my money for now. It's better I was alive than dead but the more I examined the place, the more I realized the place was way too grand for a rogue house.

This seemed more like a rich fancy house in a pack than one in the woods.

I turned a corner, glad that I had finally found an exit but I instantly collided with something solid—someone.

Strong hands steadied me before I could fall. I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. The man towering over me was like nothing I’d ever seen. Dark eyes, sharp features, and a presence so commanding it made the air around him feel heavy.

I took a step away from him but he wouldn't let me.

His eyes pierced into mine like he was trying to read my mind. I squirmed but was unable to take my eyes off him. His eyes were hypnotizing and his scent seemed to waft into my nose and control me. I felt my body gravitate towards him and a power, primal need to make with him came over me.

What the hell?

And then it hit me.

He was my Mate.

The bond struck like a lightning bolt, making my wolf stir wildly within me. I stared at him, my chest tightening. He was my mate.

He frowned, his dark eyes narrowing. “Mate,” he growled, his arms tightening around my arms, his eyes glazing over with desire.

“I don't understand. How did I get here?”

I asked.

“You were not watching where you were going and allowed yourself to be hit, you were careless.” He said, letting go of me like he just remembered where he was.

“I beg your pardon?” I asked in disbelief.

“You hit me.” I said, remembering when I had been hit.

“You are an Omega, you will not tell an Alpha what is right or wrong.”

I gasped at his mean words and retreated into myself, stepping away.

He was an Alpha?

My mate was an Alpha?

“You are an Alpha?” I blurted out.

“Alpha Dylan to you.”

My breath caught at the name and I froze in fear.