The Alpha's Chosen Human

Chapter 6

Morning sunlight spilled through Elena Hart's bedroom window, warming the small apartment with a golden glow.

For the first time since the terrifying night in Graywood Forest, everything felt normal.

The kettle whistled softly in the kitchen as she prepared breakfast, She tied her chestnut hair into a loose ponytail, slipped into her café uniform, and glanced at herself in the mirror.

"You survived," she whispered.

The words sounded reassuring, but they failed to quiet the unease in her heart.

Her eyes drifted to the fading scratch on her forearm.

Yesterday, the wound had been deep enough to bleed.

Now it was almost gone.

She ran her fingers over the smooth skin.

It didn't hurt anymore.

"Maybe I'm just healing faster than usual."

It was the only explanation she could think of.

Grabbing her bag, she locked the apartment and headed for work.

~~~

The café sat on a quiet street in the center of Ashridge. Morning customers filled the room with cheerful conversations as the rich aroma of coffee and fresh pastries drifted through the air.

"There she is!"

Mrs. Benson hurried from behind the counter and wrapped Elena in a warm hug.

"You scared us half to death."

Elena smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry."

"You'd better be."

Mrs. Benson stepped back, studying her carefully.

"You look exhausted."

"I didn't sleep much."

"I don't blame you."

She lowered her voice.

"Everyone in town is talking about the girl who got lost in Graywood Forest."

Elena forced a laugh.

"I guess that's me."

"It certainly is."

Mrs. Benson pointed toward the espresso machine.

"Now enough excitement. We've got customers waiting."

The familiar routine brought Elena unexpected comfort.

She greeted customers, prepared drinks, cleared tables, and tried to push the memories of the forest from her mind.

For a while...

It worked.

~~~

Miles away, Black Moon Pack House buzzed with activity.

Kael strode through the training grounds, watching his warriors spar.

Steel clashed.

Commands echoed.

Everything appeared normal.

Until his Beta approached.

"We've confirmed the rogue tracks."

Kael folded his arms.

"How close?"

"Less than five miles from the eastern border."

Kael's expression darkened.

"They're getting bolder."

Ryker nodded.

"Our patrols also found signs that someone has been watching the town."

"The town..."

"Specifically the café where Elena works."

Kael's silver eyes hardened instantly.

"They know where she is."

"It seems that way."

For several moments, neither man spoke.

Finally, Kael gave a quiet order.

"Double the border patrols."

"And the human?"

Kael hesitated.

"Keep watching her."

Ryker couldn't hide his surprise.

"Without telling her?"

"She doesn't need to know."

~~~

The lunch rush had just ended when the café door opened again.

A man walked inside wearing a dark gray coat despite the warm afternoon.

He removed his sunglasses slowly and scanned the room.

His sharp eyes stopped on Elena.

She offered him a polite smile.

"Welcome. What can I get for you?"

The stranger smiled back.

"A black coffee."

His voice was calm.

Too calm.

As Elena prepared his order, she felt his gaze following her every movement.

It made her uncomfortable.

"Here you go."

She placed the cup on the counter.

"Thank you."

Instead of leaving, the man continued watching her.

"You haven't lived in Ashridge very long."

Elena frowned.

"No."

"I thought so."

"Have we met before?"

The man's smile widened slightly.

"No."

"But I think we will."

Before she could respond, he picked up his coffee and walked out.

Elena watched him disappear through the door.

A strange feeling settled in her stomach.

She couldn't explain why...

But something about him felt wrong.

~~~

Hidden across the street, concealed behind the branches of an old oak tree, another pair of eyes watched the café.

Ryker lowered the binoculars in his hands.

His expression turned grim.

He immediately pulled out his phone.

"The Alpha was right," he said quietly.

"The rogues have found her."

On the other end of the line, Kael's voice remained calm.

"Did they make contact?"

"One of them just walked into the café."

A dangerous silence followed.

Then Kael spoke.

"Do not lose sight of her."

Ryker glanced toward the café window, where Elena laughed politely with a customer, completely unaware of the danger surrounding her.

"I won't."

As he slipped the phone back into his pocket, the rogue from the café paused at the end of the street.

He turned his head slightly...

And smiled directly at Ryker.

The Beta's blood ran cold.

"He knows I'm here."