Secrets and Lies
556 Words
The clearing was still.
January stood there, chest heaving, sweat slicking her skin despite the cool night air. The moment her hit had connected, something inside her had awakened, something that wasn’t supposed to be there.
Lucian Draven hadn’t missed it.
The rogue Alpha watched her carefully, silver eyes gleaming with interest. The tension between them had shifted from amusement to something sharper.
"You’re hiding something," he said again, his voice calm but edged with curiosity.
January forced herself to stand taller, masking the unease curling in her stomach.
"I don’t know what you’re talking about," she said evenly.
Lucian’s lips quirked, but his gaze remained sharp. "Lying doesn’t suit you, little wolf."
The gathered Forsaken wolves had gone silent. They were watching too, waiting to see what their Alpha would do.
January swallowed hard. If they suspected she was different, she would become a target. She wasn’t strong enough yet, not to face Lucian, not to escape the Forsaken’s territory alone.
"Whatever you think you saw, it was nothing," she added.
Lucian stepped closer. Too close.
"You think I don’t recognize power when I see it?" he murmured, tilting his head slightly. "I don’t know what you are, but you’re not just an omega."
January’s pulse spiked. He had noticed.
She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. She needed to end this conversation.
"I proved I can fight. That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?" she deflected.
Lucian studied her for a long moment. Then, to her surprise, he smirked.
"Fine," he said easily, stepping back. "You’ve earned yourself a place here. For now."
A murmur went through the crowd, but none of the Forsaken wolves objected.
January exhaled quietly. She had bought herself time.
For now.
Lucian led her deeper into the Forsaken’s territory. The rogue pack wasn’t like any January had ever seen.
No strict ranks. No rigid structure. The wolves here operated on survival and respect, not bloodlines or outdated traditions.
January passed small cabins, training grounds, and a large fire pit where wolves gathered. They weren’t just outcasts, they were a force.
"This is where you’ll be staying," Lucian said, stopping in front of a small cabin.
January eyed him warily. "And if I don’t want to stay?"
Lucian’s silver eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. "Then you’re free to leave."
She stiffened. She knew what that meant. If she left now injured and alone, she wouldn’t make it far.
Lucian’s smirk deepened. "You’re not stupid, little wolf. You know you need time to heal. And until then, you’ll follow my rules."
January held his gaze, forcing herself not to look away.
"And what are your rules?"
Lucian’s expression darkened slightly.
"Stay out of trouble. Don’t lie to me. And don’t try to run."
January’s fingers curled at her sides. So he didn’t trust her, either.
"And if I do?" she challenged.
Lucian chuckled, but there was a dangerous edge to the sound.
"Then you’ll find out why even Alphas fear the Forsaken."
A shiver crawled down her spine.
Lucian turned without another word, disappearing into the day.
January watched him go, her heart still racing.
She was safe. For now.
But Lucian was right about one thing.
She wasn’t just an omega.
And if she wasn’t careful, he was going to figure out exactly what she was.
- Writer
