Chasing back his Rejected Mate

I staggered forward into the unknown woodland, the high moon creating an unsettling glare through the dense tree canopy. The sound of faraway howling and the crunch of leaves beneath my boots were the only sounds that disturbed the stillness that clung to me.

I had the unsettling feeling that someone was watching me, and it made my spine tingle. But even though I knew there was no turning back now, I persisted.

Since Zane, the Alpha who ought to have looked out for me, kicked me out of the Crescent Moon pack, I've been running. I was still stinging from the rejection, his betrayal scorching like acid in my veins. I was no longer a pack member and had to fend for myself in this hostile world without the protection of those I had once considered to be my friends. I was a rogue.

Then there was the charge of murder. My life had fallen apart after Zane's loyal advisor, Lila, passed away. It was as though I had vanished from his view when he gave me the finger of judgment. It was so unfair that it made my blood boil. I had spared her life. However, I had to demonstrate it immediately, which required me to live long enough to find the truth.

The air became colder with each stride and the shadows became thicker. My wolf was lurking just beneath the surface, and my senses were on high alert. There was a problem. It was too peaceful, too motionless in the forest. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something moving. My heart was racing in my ears as I whirled around, but nothing was there. Only trees. Shadows only.

"Are you not tired of hiding?"

The tone was rough, low, and brimming with conceit. Whipping around, I saw a figure move out of the shadows and into the soft glow of the moon. He was tall and broad-shouldered, and he had a scar down the side of his face that made him look dangerous. His delight and menace glowed unpleasantly in his eyes. I remained fearless and straightened my shoulders.

"Who are you?"

"My identity is irrelevant," he responded, advancing at a leisurely pace while maintaining eye contact with me. "Little rogue, what matters is that you've ventured into Shadow Den territory."

"Shadow Den". The name made me feel afraid, even deep down. The outlaw group is infamous for their savagery and cruelty. These were no ordinary rogues; rather, they were a pack of wolves that had adopted an attitude of lawlessness and thrived on mayhem and devastation. And now I had entered their territory in some way.

My pulse was racing, but I said in a firm voice, "I didn't come here on purpose." "I'm only going through."

With a low laugh, he circled me, a predator sizing up its prey. "Going through? Is that considered intruding upon enemy territory? Either you're foolish, or you're suicidal.

"Neither," I yelled, my wolf growling in response to the slight. "I'm not seeking conflict."

"Rogues always find trouble," he shot back, his tone lighthearted. "Especially those who appear to be so lost."

Before I could reply, the scarred outlaw was flanked by two additional figures that sprang out of the darkness. Their eyes were piercing and brimming with the same malicious sparkle, and they were just as intimidating. Despite my heart thumping in my chest, I refused to back down. I had to avoid coming across as weak.

One of them said, his voice darkly edged, "So, what are we going to do with her?" His gaze swept across me, staying too long in a way that gave me the creeps.

"I'm not looking for a fight," I stated, maintaining a composed yet assertive tone. "I'll withdraw from your area, and we can act as though this never occurred".

The scowly outlaw chuckled once more, letting out a low, growling laugh that chilled me to the bone. "Go? You're not leaving, little wolf, oh no. There is a cost associated with your trespassing.

Even though my heart was sinking, I forced myself to stay calm. I had survived tight situations in the past, but never one quite like this. I wasn't going to let myself be destroyed by these thugs.

"Whatever you think you're going to do, don't," I said, reversing course and being cautious not to move abruptly. "I'm not by myself." It was a deception.

One I thought they would purchase. The cheeky outlaw's eyes narrowed, and for the tiniest instant, his smile wavered. "Not by yourself?" He looked around as though he thought someone might come out of the trees. It's funny because I can't smell anyone else in this place.

"That doesn't imply they're not nearby," I fired back, attempting to sound more assured than I felt.

The tension built for a moment. I resisted my wolf's urge to come out since I could feel her scratching at the surface. The moment wasn't right. Not quite yet. With a menacing smile, the lanky wolf rogue nearest to me moved closer and gave me a sharp crack of his knuckles.

His eyes brightened, "I say we take her back to the Den." "She might be useful."

"Useful." I shuddered at the sound of the name. All I could do was speculate as to what they meant by that, and it wasn't good.

"No," I replied, taking a step back. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

The renegade with scars on his face cocked his head, his icy grin coming back. "Little wolf, you don't have much of an option."

I was out of time and out of options. As my thoughts raced, looking for a way out, a sound abruptly broke the silence. A howl, low and lengthy and full of power. My breathing became laboured. It was no ordinary wolf.

It was Zane.

The outlaws tensed up, their gaze flitting to the foliage, their fleeting self-assurance wavering. They seemed uncertain for the first time since I'd met them.

I took advantage of the chance.

I just moved without thinking. I had never shifted so quickly when my wolf took over-my muscles tore and my bones broke. I growled and bared my teeth, prepared to fight my way out if necessary.

For a little moment, the rogues paused, but it was sufficient. With my wolf taking over and my advantage due to her quickness and agility, I leapt forward. I heard the outlaws yelling and swearing behind me, but I chose not to turn around. I was unable to.

With my senses sharpened and excitement coursing through my blood, I tore through the trees, my paws banging on the ground. I didn't slow down even though I could hear Zane's roar getting closer and louder. After everything he had done, I was unable to trust him. However, something changed inside of me as I ran. Not only was I escaping the renegades, but also Zane and the Crescent Moon pack.

I had something in my sight as I ran. In the direction of solutions. In the direction of truth.

The forest began to thin, and I bounded into another clearing before skidding to a stop. Zane stood at the edge of the clearing, staring at me with his unfathomable silver eyes. And beyond him? Twelve additional Shadow Den wolves.

Panting and heart beating, I transformed back to my human form as the revelation struck me like a kick to the belly. Zane was not my saviour.

They were being led by him.

And with that, everything in my universe crumbled against me.