Part 1: New Home

These losses hit everyone hard. The hunting party came back just in time to stop the rogues before they reached the kids and me.

That was the day Mark began to change. I had hoped he would recover and go back to normal, but things just kept spiraling.

He made it so the omegas could be treated poorly again, and everything went to hell from there.

I finished packing and looked at the necklace once more, thinking of Janet. She had been the one who gave it to me.

I picked it up and stuffed it into my pocket before running for the front door. The sun was almost set—I was running out of time.

I didn't know where I should go, but I had to start running now. I dashed for the border of the pack territory.

I could hear the laughter and singing fade behind me as I ran toward the border, hoping I could make it in time.

My lungs were burning, and the sun was almost fully set. I knew Mark and his group would be after me soon.

My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my head and hear it in my ears. My legs were growing weak, but I forced myself to keep going.

As the sun fully set, I heard a howl—it was Mark signaling a hunt. I was out of time. They would be on my tail soon.

I looked behind me, panic setting in, fearing they were already on my trail. My foot caught a root, and I went flying to the ground, my suitcase tumbling open.

"Shit! No, no, no, not now!"

I shouted as I frantically tried to shove everything back into the suitcase and close it.

I heard another howl, and it was closer this time.

I looked up to see a wolf just a few feet away, lunging at me. I threw the shirt I was holding in its direction, and it veered off to the side.

I continued running toward the border, leaving the suitcase and everything spilled out on the ground.

As I kept running, I could hear the footfalls of wolves behind me and their growls. One wolf got close, nipping at my legs and hand. It caught my hand and pulled me down.

The searing pain shot through my arm as I was dragged to the ground. The other wolves began to surround me, biting and clawing at me.

The pain of their teeth sinking into my flesh was like fire, the blood trickling from my wounds, warm and thick with a coppery smell.

I thought I was going to die. I was so close to the border, but now, I was prey for Mark's pack.

Just as I was about to sink into the darkness of death, I heard a loud howl. All the wolves surrounding me—Lily and Mark included—backed off. But why?

A gigantic black wolf stood over me, and for some reason, I felt safe. Why did I feel safe?

"Mate," I heard, but it wasn't from the wolf in front of me. It sounded weak and came from within me.

Mate? What do you mean, mate?

I looked up at the giant black wolf as other wolves rushed past, attacking Mark and his pack.

The black wolf looked back at me, leaning his head down. I heard it again. "MATE!" It almost hurt my head—it was like a scream as if something inside me wanted to reach out to this wolf. His eyes—wait, his eyes?

They were a deep sapphire blue. Those eyes were the last thing I saw before I passed out.

Bright!

How bright!

A white ceiling slowly came into focus. Harsh fluorescent lights buzzed overhead.

A thin privacy curtain fluttered by my bed. My head felt heavy, dry even, and my blood barely seemed to force its way through.

A memory flickered—striking sapphire blue eyes, blood covering my face, I... The door to the room opened, and a spicy cinnamon scent wafted in. "Mate!"

I thought, I can't have a mate, right? I believed only people with wolves could have mates.

The handsome gentleman walked calmly to my bedside with a faint smile. He pulled up a chair, sat down, and gently took my hand. His warm touch was comforting.

I immediately pulled away, the gentleness and comfort were scary. I was afraid to get used to it and get hurt by it again.

As I looked back, I saw that he, too, was hurt, trying to hide it in his blue-sapphire eyes.

"Who are you, sir? I'm sorry for pulling my hand away; it just took me by surprise when you gently held it."

The man smiled and shook his head. He spoke with the utmost care a man could have for a woman.

"There's no need to apologize for pulling your hand away. I am King Alderus of the Lycans."

Immediately, I tried to get up from the hospital bed but nearly fell due to the wires connected to the medical machines.

He caught me before I hit the ground, and as I was held in his strong arms, all my worries began to fade. Then, I heard him whisper softly, "Mate."

I lifted my head and met his stunning sapphire-blue eyes; my thunderous heartbeat echoed within.

This feeling could last for eternity, but it shouldn't. I had just gotten out of an abusive relationship...

What would happen if King Alderus got too close to my heart? Realizing I was still in his arms, I started to blush and tried to pull away, but he tightened his hold around my waist.

He rested his head on my shoulder, and I could feel his hot breath on my neck. I wanted to melt in his arms, but I couldn't bring myself to.

He said, "Don't reject me, please! I don't know what my wolf will do if he faces another rejection."

"I am sure you will be able to find someone more capable than me to be your mate."

I heard a low growl emanating from within me, which was surprising. I had no idea what was happening, but the next thing I noticed was that my hand was moving on its own as if it wanted to play with his hair.

Alderus grabbed my hand and kissed it. I didn't want him to stop, and to my surprise, he turned me around to face him.

His eyes were filled with confusion, mixed with a cold, dangerous glare that suggested a perilous outcome.