The wind carried the scent of pine and blood as I backed away from the monster who had once sworn to protect me. Lucien stood tall and proud, a hunter relishing the moment before his kill. His eyes, golden and savage, locked onto mine, and the mate bond sizzled like a chain of molten iron between us.
"You thought you could run?" His voice was smooth, deceptively calm. "From me?"
My heartbeat thundered in my chest, and instinct took over. "I don't belong to you."
His lips curved into a cruel smile. "You'll always belong to me, Sienna."
A growl rumbled from behind. The stranger—the silver-eyed wolf who had found me first—stepped forward. His body tensed, ready to strike, his eyes locked on Lucien.
"She's under my protection now," the stranger said.
Lucien barked a laugh. "Do you even know who you're challenging?" He flexed his hands, his claws extending. "I'm Alpha of the Blackthorne pack. This omega is mine."
"An alpha doesn't claim a mate to destroy her." The stranger's eyes narrowed, his muscles coiled like a spring. "I've hunted wolves like you before."
"Then you'll die like the rest."
In a blur of motion, Lucien lunged.
I barely had time to gasp before claws clashed against claws. The two wolves collided, a brutal tangle of strength and fury. Growls and snarls filled the air as they fought for dominance.
"Run!" The stranger's voice cut through the chaos.
I didn't need to be told twice. I turned and fled into the darkness, the forest blurring around me as I pushed my body to its limit. Every instinct screamed for survival, every breath burned with desperation.
Branches whipped my face, and my bare feet pounded the earth. Behind me, the sound of battle raged on. My heart ached with every step, but I couldn't stop.
For my pup.
For freedom.
I broke through the trees and stumbled onto a narrow path. The moon hung low, casting a silvery glow on the ground.
"Where do you think you're going, Sienna?"
The voice came from everywhere and nowhere.
My heart froze as shadows shifted around me. Wolves—Lucien's pack—emerged from the darkness, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
A tall, lean figure stepped forward. Beta Kellan, Lucien's second-in-command. His sneer was sharp enough to cut stone.
"Alpha said to bring you back alive." Kellan's smile widened. "He didn't say in one piece."
Fear surged through my veins, but I lifted my chin. "You'll have to kill me first."
He chuckled. "Oh, we won't kill you, omega. But we'll break you so badly you'll wish we had."
The wolves closed in, their growls vibrating through the ground. My pulse raced. Fight or flight—both seemed like losing battles.
I clenched my fists. I had no claws, no strength to overpower them. But I had something stronger.
Determination.
I stepped back, eyes darting for an opening.
"Make it easy on yourself, Sienna." Kellan's claws gleamed as he advanced. "There's nowhere to hide."
"You're wrong."
Before he could react, I spun and bolted into the darkness once more.
The forest became a maze of shadows and sharp edges. Every breath was a struggle, but I couldn't let the exhaustion claim me.
A howl pierced the night, chilling my blood.
Closer.
They were faster. Stronger.
But I had something they didn't.
I felt it before I saw it—the river. The roar of rushing water filled my ears as I skidded to a stop. The current was fierce, a twisting serpent of icy danger.
The wolves were almost upon me.
I took a step toward the water, heart hammering. I had no choice.
I jumped.
The water engulfed me, its cold grip squeezing the breath from my lungs. The current pulled me under, spinning me like a leaf in a storm. I clawed for the surface, my chest burning with the need for air.
Don't stop. Don't give up.
For my pup.
I broke through the surface with a gasp, my lungs heaving. The river carried me downstream, away from the snarls and snapping jaws of Lucien's wolves.
For now.
The cold seeped into my bones, but I clung to the promise of escape.
When the current finally slowed, I crawled onto the muddy bank, my body trembling. My muscles ached, my skin was scraped raw, but I was alive.
I pushed myself to my feet. Every step was agony, but I forced myself forward. The forest was silent now, but the danger was far from over.
A rustling sound made my heart lurch.
I spun, fists raised.
The stranger was there, his silver eyes glowing in the dark.
"You're persistent," he said.
I staggered back, my vision blurring. "Stay away."
He held up his hands, his voice calm but firm. "I saved you once. Let me help you now."
"I don't need help."
"You need a pack." His eyes never wavered. "A real one."
"I don't trust wolves," I whispered.
"You should trust me."
"Why?"
He stepped closer, his presence a steadying force. "Because I know what it's like to be hunted."
I swayed, my strength failing. "Who are you?"
The stranger's gaze hardened, a flicker of something ancient and powerful crossing his face
"Damien." He said softly.
The name hit me like a lightning bolt
"Damien Blackthrone."
Lucien's brother
The one who vanished
The one whispered about fear and reverence
He was supposed to be dead.
"Why—"