Chapter 4
743 Words
The moon hung high above Black Moon territory, casting a silver glow over the towering pines.
Kael Nightshade stood alone on a rocky cliff overlooking his pack lands.
A cool breeze swept through the forest, carrying the familiar scents of pine, damp earth, and his wolves patrolling the borders.
Normally, the peaceful night calmed him.
Tonight, it did nothing to silence the storm in his mind.
He had spent years leading the Black Moon Pack. Every decision he made affected hundreds of lives. Weakness was a luxury he could never afford.
Yet one frightened human had managed to disturb the unshakable control he had built over the years.
He clenched his fists.
"What are you hiding?" he murmured.
The question wasn't directed at Elena alone.
It was directed at himself.
~~~
"Alpha."
Ryker approached quietly, stopping a respectful distance behind him.
"The eastern patrol has returned."
Kael didn't look away from the forest.
"Any problems?"
"None."
A brief silence followed.
Ryker knew better than to interrupt the Alpha's thoughts, but curiosity had been eating at him all night.
"If I may ask..."
Kael finally turned.
"What is it?"
"Why are we watching the human instead of sending her away from our territory?"
Kael's expression remained unreadable.
"Because someone erased her past."
Ryker nodded.
"And?"
"And I don't believe in coincidences."
The Beta folded his arms.
"You think she's connected to the rogues?"
"I don't know."
Kael glanced toward the distant edge of the forest.
"But humans don't accidentally wander into the heart of Black Moon territory."
Ryker couldn't argue with that.
The borders were heavily guarded.
Anyone who crossed them unnoticed was either incredibly lucky...
Or being led there.
~~~
Meanwhile, Elena woke to the smell of fresh bread.
Sunlight streamed through the cabin windows, replacing the fear that had haunted her dreams.
For the first time since entering the forest, she felt safe.
Martha placed a plate on the wooden table.
"Eat while it's warm."
Elena smiled gratefully.
"Thank you for everything."
The older woman sat opposite her.
"How's your ankle?"
"It still hurts, but I can walk."
"Good."
Elena hesitated before asking, "Do you live here all by yourself?"
"I've lived in these woods longer than most people in town have been alive."
"Aren't you afraid?"
Martha chuckled softly.
"The forest knows who belongs here."
The answer only deepened Elena's curiosity.
"You keep talking about the forest like it's alive."
Martha looked toward the window.
"In many ways..."
"It is."
Before Elena could ask another question, three firm knocks echoed through the cabin.
Both women froze.
Martha's smile disappeared.
"I wasn't expecting visitors."
She walked slowly to the door and opened it just enough to see outside.
A young man stood on the porch wearing the uniform of the Ashridge Sheriff's Department.
"Morning, ma'am," he greeted politely.
"We received a report that someone may have gotten lost in the forest last night."
Martha stepped aside.
"I believe you're looking for her."
The deputy's eyes landed on Elena.
Relief washed over his face.
"Miss Hart?"
Elena stood.
"Yes."
"We've been searching since dawn. Your manager reported you missing when you never came home."
She hadn't realized anyone would notice so quickly.
"I'm sorry. I got lost."
The deputy noticed the bandage around her ankle.
"Looks like you had quite a night."
"You have no idea," Elena replied quietly.
He smiled.
"My patrol car is nearby. I can take you back into town."
Elena looked toward Martha.
"I don't know how to thank you."
The older woman embraced her warmly.
"Just promise me one thing."
"What?"
"For the next few days..."
"Stay away from the forest."
Elena nodded without hesitation.
"I promise."
~~~
From the cover of the trees, Kael watched the patrol car disappear down the narrow road.
She was leaving.
His wolf should have been satisfied.
Instead, an unfamiliar emptiness settled inside him.
"Alpha."
Ryker appeared beside him once again.
"Our scouts have returned."
"What did they find?"
"They discovered rogue tracks."
Kael's expression darkened.
"How many?"
"At least six."
"Inside our territory?"
Ryker nodded grimly.
"They weren't hunting."
"They were searching."
Kael's jaw tightened.
"For what?"
Ryker met his Alpha's gaze.
"I think..."
"They were searching for the same human."
A dangerous silence settled between them.
For the first time in years, Kael felt something he rarely allowed himself to feel.
Unease.
Who exactly was Elena Hart...
And why were rogues looking for her before she even knew they existed?
- Writer
