Alpha, wait up! You can't storm out of the party like that!" Marcus, my beta and second in command, yelled after me as I hurried out of the premises and into the forest.
I sighed, ignoring him. He caught up with me and exhaled. "I thought you were having a good time."
"Good time?" I scoffed, my face twisting in disgust as I recalled the abomination I had to endure at that ball. "You call being surrounded by horny and spoiled princesses who want to have a piece of me a good time?"
Marcus shrugged as he hurried after me, his steps measured. "Come on, you need to loosen up a bit. You're the one in need of a-"
"Don't," I stopped in my tracks, frowning immediately. "Don't say it. I do not want to hear any of it," I sighed and looked around the forest with my palm on my forehead. "I think we need to vet the pack; that way, we would be able to know which parties are a waste of time—like this one."
"Come on, Alpha," Marcus said, trying to lighten the mood. "You can't vet every party. Sometimes, you just have to roll with it."
"And roll with what exactly?" I asked, irritation evident in my voice. "A bunch of giggling, immature females who think they're entitled to my time and attention just because they're from a wealthy pack? No, thank you."
Marcus sighed, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Listen, I understand your frustration. But you're the Alpha and ruler of the great Lycan Kingdom. And as the Alpha, it's your responsibility to maintain good relations with other packs, even if it means suffering through a few uncomfortable social gatherings."
I turned to face him, my frustration clear in my expression. "And what of my responsibility to myself? To my own well-being? I am not some toy to be paraded around for the amusement of others."
Marcus nodded, looking understanding but I knew him too well. "I hear you, Alpha. But you must remember that the role of Alpha comes with many burdens, and this is but one of them."
"Enough, Marcus," I said, my tone firm and authoritative. "I've heard your arguments, and I'm not swayed. Let us drop this matter for now."
Marcus nodded, his expression resigned but respectful. "As you wish, Alpha."
Silence fell between us as we continued our trek through the forest. The trees rustled gently in the breeze, and the scent of pine and earth filled the air.
"This is more my element," I muttered, the tension in my shoulders easing.
After a few minutes of walking, I stopped and turned to face Marcus. "I think we should stop moving since we'd have to walk back."
Marcus shook his head. "Let's keep going, Alpha."
"No, we have no…" I trailed off when I suddenly felt uneasy. I could feel my wolf purring restlessly.
"What is it, Alpha?" Marcus asked, his eyes narrowed and his voice dropping to a whisper. He could sense the change in my demeanor, the tension in my body as I stood still, listening.
My wolf was growling now, low and dangerous, sensing a threat nearby. "Something's not right," I murmured, my eyes scanning the surrounding forest.
Without thinking twice, I headed for the woods, my legs moving of their accord as my wolf led me to where the feeling of unrest was coming from. I could hear Marcus calling out to me, but I couldn't stop. I was curious to know why I felt so uneasy and angry for no damn reason.
I halted at a clearing and a low growl escaped my throat when I saw… rogues harassing a girl. Her face was a little concealed due to how they towered over her, but I couldn't deny the pull, the attraction I felt towards her.
My wolf purred in both excitement and anger, ready to rise to the surface and tear these bastards to shreds. My fists tightened as all I wanted to do was save her and teach them a lesson, but I was still at the Nightshade Pack. This was their territory, and she was their responsibility — they were the ones to save her.
It shouldn't be my business, but I couldn't will myself to leave, especially when my wolf was agitated. When one of them squeezed her breasts and she let out an ear-piercing scream, a sudden feeling of possessive and protectiveness seared within me.
Her eyes snapped in my direction and the pain and vulnerability I saw in them made my blood boil, and all I wanted to do was teach them a lesson.
"Let her go or face my wrath!" I growled, my voice low and dangerous.
They paused their assault and turned to look at me. The girl slumped to the ground, and my claws elongated. They dared to touch her… they fucking hurt her. They will pay for it!
I lunged at them before they could utter any words. The rogues scrambled to defend themselves, but it was too late. My claws dug into their flesh, tearing through skin and sinew with a ferocity that would make even the most hardened warrior tremble. Their screams echoed through the forest.
When I was done, I turned to the unconscious girl and bent to look at her. As I stared at her strawberry-blonde hair that scattered all over her face, something moved within me. I brushed the hair from my face and a throaty growl escaped my throat.
"Mate." I heard a whisper, my eyes widening in shock as I stared at her.
What the fuck?
My wolf purred in return. "Mate!" the word came out of my mouth before I could fathom what was happening.
Mate? The heck? How's that even possible? I stared at her in shock as I allowed the discovery to sink in. I've always hoped to find my mate one day, but not in this kind of situation.
I stood to my feet. "No!" I uttered. She can't be my mate. I'm probably hallucinating or maybe something else is happening.
It's better I leave her here. At least she's safe now. One of the pack members might find her in the morning and take her to recover.
I turned to leave, but my wolf howled in resistance. It didn't want to leave without her. I willed myself to move, but I couldn't. A part of me didn't want to leave her here, and I found myself torn.
Marcus, who had been watching from the sidelines, raised a brow.
With a heavy sigh, I turned and carried her in a bridal style. She was so petite, so little, vulnerable and cute that I couldn't bear it.
"Let's go. She needs help."
Marcus didn't argue. He led the way. We located the car, and soon we were out of the Nightshade Pack. The minute we arrived at my Kingdom, I rushed her to the clinic and ordered for her to be taken care of.
I stepped out of the room, tangling my fingers in my dark hair. This wasn't how I wanted this evening to end. I wanted to send her away so bad, and yet I didn't want to leave her all by herself.
I covered my face with my palms.
"Who is she?" I heard Marcus ask and looked up to meet his curious gaze. "I haven't seen you so shaken up like you were today. You were ready to destroy the world after seeing her in such a situation," he said, his eyes dancing around my face, probably searching for answers. "You haven't acted that way towards any woman before, so… who is she?"
I exhaled and said it, even though it felt surreal, and I still couldn't wrap my head around it. "She is my mate."