---
Shadowhaven wasn't like any settlement I'd ever seen. The structures were a blend of rustic charm and subtle sophistication, wooden cabins nestled among the trees with glowing lanterns casting warm light. The air buzzed with energy—a mix of tension and belonging.
Lucian led me through the settlement, his presence drawing curious gazes. Wolves stopped what they were doing to bow their heads in deference, whispering amongst themselves as we passed.
Who is he? I wondered, but I kept the question to myself.
"Stay close," Lucian said, his voice low but firm.
I obeyed, though my steps faltered as I took in the unfamiliar surroundings. Shadowhaven was alive with activity: wolves sparring in a training ring, children chasing each other through the streets, vendors hawking their wares in a small marketplace. It was a stark contrast to the cold rigidity of Lunaris, where every movement felt monitored, every smile forced.
Lucian brought me to a large cabin at the settlement's center. It stood taller than the others, its dark wood gleaming under the moonlight. He opened the door and gestured for me to enter.
Inside, the space was warm and inviting, a fire crackling in the stone hearth. The scent of pine and leather filled the air. It was simple yet elegant, with bookshelves lining one wall and a massive wooden table dominating the room.
"Sit," Lucian said, nodding toward a chair by the fire.
I hesitated but complied, sinking into the plush seat. My body ached from the night's events, and the warmth of the fire was a welcome relief.
"Tell me why you left your pack," he said, leaning against the mantle.
I glanced at him, his golden eyes unreadable. "I don't owe you an explanation."
"No, you don't," he agreed. "But if you want my protection, I need to know who I'm dealing with." His words stung, but they weren't unkind. Taking a deep breath, I began to speak.
"I was rejected," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "By my mate. He said I was too weak to stand by his side, that I'd bring shame to his pack."
Lucian's jaw tightened, his gaze darkening. "Alpha Kade," he said, the name dripping with disdain.
I blinked in surprise. "You know him?"
"Unfortunately," he replied. "His reputation precedes him. Arrogant, power-hungry, willing to destroy anything—or anyone—that doesn't fit his plans."
A bitter laugh escaped me. "Then you understand why I couldn't stay."
Lucian nodded, his expression softening. "You made the right choice. But you need to understand something, Aria. Running from your past won't make it disappear. Sooner or later, you'll have to face it."
"I know," I said, though the thought terrified me.
Before he could say more, the door opened, and a woman stepped inside. She was tall and striking, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulders. Her sharp green eyes flicked to me, then to Lucian.
"Who's this?" she asked, her tone cautious.
"Aria," Lucian said. "She's staying here for now."
The woman raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Does she know who you are?"
Lucian shot her a warning look. "That's not important right now, Selene."
Selene snorted but said nothing, though her gaze lingered on me, as if assessing my worth.
"I'll prepare a room," she said after a moment, disappearing down the hall.
I looked at Lucian, my curiosity bubbling over. "Who are you?"
He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I'm the Alpha of Shadowhaven."
My eyes widened. An Alpha? That explained the respect he commanded, the authority in his every movement. But it also raised more questions.
"Why would an Alpha bother helping someone like me?" I asked.
"Because I've seen what rejection does to wolves," he said simply. "And because you deserve a chance to prove Kade wrong."
His words left me speechless. No one had ever spoken to me like that before—not even my parents, who had always viewed me as a burden.
"Thank you," I said quietly, the weight of my gratitude settling over me.
He nodded, his golden eyes lingering on me for a moment before turning away. "Rest tonight.
We'll talk more in the morning."
As he left the room, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe Shadowhaven wasn't just a place to hide—it was a chance to start over.
---
Later that night, I lay in the small but cozy room Selene had prepared for me. The bed was soft, the blankets warm, but sleep eluded me. My mind raced with questions about Lucian, about Shadowhaven, about the rogue that had nearly ended my life.
I thought of Kade, his cold eyes as he rejected me. The pain was still raw, but Lucian's words echoed in my mind.
You deserve a chance to prove Kade wrong.
My wolf stirred, her presence a quiet hum in the back of my mind. We're stronger than he thinks, she whispered.
Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away. I didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in years, I felt like I had a choice.
And I wasn't going to waste it.