BANISHED BY THE ALPHA, NOW THE ROGUE PACK TREASURE

How should they be?

Hunter’s POV

It's like babysitting a child. At first, all I felt was annoyance when she disappeared after lunch—again. I grumbled to myself as I started following her scent, thinking I’d find her wandering off somewhere harmless. But this time, her trail led straight into the woods. The irritation drained away, and something else hit me hard. My chest tightened, worry gnawed at me, and I bolted, heart pounding harder with every step. What if she were in danger?

She was in the river, her hair wet; the sun hit her skin, and I stared.

Stop drooling; say something nice to her, Hex encouraged me.

No, what am I going to say? Can I bathe with you?

He let out a growl. yessss…

Hold the hormones; she doesn’t even know we exist yet. I tried to shake off the sudden rush of nerves and decided I’d walk there and tell her about the danger of going alone in the woods, simple, right? My heart was hammering in my chest, ears roaring with each pulse. The undergrowth crackled beneath my boots, sharp pine needles brushing against my jeans, the earthy scent of moss and wet leaves grounding me as I pushed forward.

The river’s cool mist drifted through the air along with the distant babble of water on stones. I got halfway there, rehearsing what I would say, when she walked out of the river. For a split second, sunlight danced on her wet skin, beads of water slipped down her collarbone, and her upper half was out of the water, exposed. The air felt heavier, thick with the scent of the river and her warmth.

My brain stuttered, my face went hot, and everything inside me seized up. I stood there, absolutely mortified, heat prickling across my skin until I felt like my entire body was on fire. Madison covered herself fast, the slap of water against her arms echoing in the quiet, and I jerked around so quickly I nearly tripped over my own feet.

Sorry, I just wanted to let you know it's dangerous to come alone…fuck.

Oh, smooth, Hex said. She’s going to believe that.

Beta Hunter, I’m sorry if I broke the rules, she said, and I waited for her to tell me to turn. She walked to me after she put her shirt back on.

I didn’t mean to…

Her cheeks turned pink. Hex sighed.

Did Luna Adele send you? She asked as we walked back.

Yes, she asked me to keep an eye on you, since you don’t know the land…

Interesting, how did you find me?

Uhhh…

Busted, Hex said, laughing.

Scent, of course, you’re new here, stands out.

What is my scent like? I always wanted to know. My…she stopped. Her head dropped, and she took a deep breath.

Like rain and summer, and a hint of wild rose, I told her. Madison stopped.

What? Really? They always told me I smell bad because I work on the engines…

Can I rip his head off? I thought, a low growl rumbling inside me. Hex was right there in my head, agreeing with me, his voice like a shadow overlapping my own thoughts. The danger in these woods, I continued out loud, is wild boars and beasts. She gasped, eyes wide, then looked at me and lost her footing on a rock. My arms moved before I could think, catching her and pulling her against my chest. Holy f**k. Hex, do not lose control. My warning echoed in my mind, but his restless energy pulsed under my skin. Her scent burned through me, bright with want. The need to hold her, protect her, roared in both of us.

She pulled away and looked at me with her big eyes. Sorry, and thank you for…

Yeah…you’re really clumsy. Watch where you’re going. I said it too harshly, and I felt bad. It's uneven terrain, not really your fault.

We arrived at the mechanic shop, and MJ was smirking. Do you want me to wipe that f*****g smile off your face? I whispered to him.

Beta Hunter, calm down. I will let you know if she needs help. Promise.

Good, go to work then. I looked at her as she lifted the welding helmet; our eyes met. She smiled.

Madison’s POV

I’m still embarrassed. Beta Hunter saw my boobs, great. He seemed made of stone; he didn’t make it weird.

Luna Adele is the kindest person to have checked on me. Every time I’m around him, it's like I’m losing my senses; my heart rate goes up. Yeah, I’m scared of him. What do you think, Rune?

I’m so weak, Mad. I need more time, she barely managed to say. I sighed.

He stood there and stared at me before I put on the welding helmet. He is so intense. I smiled.

After I finished what MJ asked me, an idea popped into my head. Can I use the welding machine for something personal?

Like what he asked, looking sideways at me.

To make something for Luna Adele and Alpha Vance.

Only after work, and don't get me in trouble. I’m doing this because you’re the best mechanic I have.

But I’m the only mechanic here.

Exactly. Now we go back to work; we have two more cars.

" Bring it on,” I said as he smiled. I love challenges.

After work, I went behind the atelier, looked for metal scraps, and laid them on the floor. I got the welding equipment and got to work. I was getting tired, so I decided to continue tomorrow.

I closed the shop's large doors. Turned to see Beta Hunter’s angry face. I got scared.

Madison, why are you so late here? Did MJ make you work more than…

No, of course not. I didn’t realize how late it was. I didn’t mean to break the rules.

It's not about the rules; Madison is about you eating your meals and socializing with the pack.

Oh, I said, confused.

We work like one, we fight like one, and we bleed like one.

You’re scaring me now. The words came out before I could stop them.

His eyes soften a little. Let’s get to the kitchen before they lock it up. As we walked, I looked at him, the tattoos covering his arms. Hunter's black hair was wild, and he smelled like danger. This man was intense.

Is something bothering you, Madison?

Can I ask you something? Why is everyone so nice to me?

He stopped in place. I don’t understand the question. How should they be?

Nothing, sorry, I asked.

I want to know, he said, if you are willing to share with me. The whole story…