Chapter 3
Lucinda
He grabs my upper arm, but his touch is gentle as he guides me outside and down the porch. We walk toward the tree line and to my surprise, no one follows. I expect wolves to emerge from all directions, ready to attack. But no one does. It is a standard pack rule—Alphas do not like rogues because we threaten their authority.
Rogue wolves get a bad rep because many relish in attacking pack members and pillaging their lands. But some of us aren't like that. Of course, those who aren't don't tend to last long in the wild. It's a miracle I've lasted this long on my own.
"You can run it off," he says as his biceps flex. Is this when he will kill me? I return an intense stare and lift my chin in defiance. Who does he think I am? A silly little girl foolish enough to trust him? A rogue running through his land is sure to cause problems, and I have enough of my own.
"With me," he adds. "I'm in need of a good run myself. But since we won't be able to communicate, stay by my side." He gives me a stern glare with his sapphire eyes. "Can I trust you not to run off?"
What other choice do I have? I nod.
"Good, let's go."
Before he is able to finish his sentence, I begin to shift. My muscles constrict as my fangs tear through my mouth. My arms and legs contort into four muscular legs built for running. My torso and head are last, the vital organs being the most delicate part of the transformation.
My clothes rip from my changing body and fall onto the forest floor. Every facet of my body is broken and reconstructed. For the young, old, or weak, it can be a long and painful process. I am none of those things, so my transformation is quick and effortless.
Living alone in the wild for as long as I have, I am constantly looking over my shoulder. Worrying if I will live to see the next morning. My rogue lifestyle demands that transforming into my wolf be second nature, so my shift happens within the blink of an eye.
I glance at the Alpha, who has already shimmied out of his jeans, and watch a slight grin form on his lips before he shifts into a striking white wolf. Standing in amazement, I admire the creature. The man is attractive, so I should've known his wolf would be equally breathtaking. And his massive size! I always thought at five feet tall on four legs, I was a decent size, especially for a female. But standing next to him, my solid black wolf is dwarfed in comparison, and I feel like a mere pup.
He motions for me to follow and the fur on the back of my neck stands erect. My wolf takes control and my senses are on heightened alert, searching for signs something is amiss. But as we walk deeper into the forest, all appears quiet and she eventually relaxes.
It is a peaceful wood, full of oak trees and evergreens. Our pace quickens until we are running at full speed. I stay next to him, careful to follow his lead.
As we run, the sounds of the forest echo behind me and I take comfort among the chirping birds and scurrying squirrels. And then black wings weave in and out of the canopy overhead, staying parallel with us. That damn bat! Why won't he leave me alone?
***
Closing my eyes, I let the wind ruffle my fur, and I take a deep breath of freedom. Running free through the woods is heaven and was always my favorite pastime as a child. But as a rogue, I quickly learned an important lesson: running through uncharted territory is dangerous. If you value your life, don't do it. Fortunately, I’m fast and was able to escape those chance encounters with the lawless wolves who wander unclaimed territories.
But, in this moment, running with the Alpha through his land, an exhilarating rush of excitement ripples through my body.
After a while, I glance at the Alpha and inwardly snicker to myself. Let's see just how fast you are, Alpha. I surge ahead, succumbing to the need to stretch my muscles, pushing myself to the limit. I’ve always been fast, so when he strolls up next to me, not even panting, my ears pull back. Who is this guy?
Looking at him, I expect to see dark and dilated pupils, but instead, they are clear blue. My heart bursts with excitement; he’s not mad, he’s amused. We run until the sun is low in the sky. We slow our pace as we enter a clearing and stop at a stream. I take a long drink of the cold mountain water.
I notice he’s watching me, his eyes narrow and tiny lines form on his forehead. Is he still trying to decide if he'll kill me?
There’s something familiar about him I can't explain. But I know we've never met. Lowering my head again, I take a slow sip of the refreshing water. If he wanted to kill me, he would've done it already, right? I reach my paws out in front of me and lower my chest, keeping my back still in the air. It feels good to relax and stretch my muscles.
As dusk approaches, he motions with a flick of his head for me to follow. I sit, swatting my tail and stare off into the distance. I can't go back there. Not if Dylan's there. The Alpha in his wolf form towers over me as he moves to block my path. I turn in the opposite direction and walk. This time, he struts up beside me and pounces hard my back, but it is not playful—he is exercising his Alpha dominance. If I were in his pack I wouldn’t be able to resist, fortunately for me, I’m not in his pack.
But he’s blocking my exit, so I lay on the lush green grass instead, resting my head on my paws. Closing my eyes, I think of my next move. Do I still want to plead my case, now that I know Dylan is here? No pack is big enough for both Dylan and me. Sigh. When did life get so complicated?
A warmth spreads through my body starting at my back. Stretching around to look, I see the Alpha has laid down, brushing against me. Our eyes meet and he gives a slight nod. I instinctively turn into him and nuzzle under his chin. What the hell! Why did I do that? I try to gain composure and redeem myself while I take a few spins before curling up next to him. My plan is to keep him close so I’ll know if he stirs while I sleep. I cast one last glance in his direction before staring off into the darkness. I stay awake and on guard until the bright moon shines overhead and then my eyelids get heavy and I finally find sleep under the starlit sky.
***
I wake in the morning just before sunrise and cautiously look around. The white wolf that engulfs me, demands my attention. I admire this beautiful wolf as I stroke his soft, silky fur that tickles my face. Then it clicks—my hands, my face—I shifted. And I am naked! Before I’m able to shift back into my wolf, a pair of sapphire eyes finds me.
Normally, nakedness doesn’t phase me. My family—the Dark Raven pack——cherished it. But I’m naked with a stranger. A male. An Alpha! My stomach flutters as heat rises to my cheeks and I divert my eyes away.
"I'm sorry, this has never happened before," I whisper. He must sense my embarrassment because he flicks his tail, ensuring I’m covered. I pull it close, wrapping it around me as a blanket.
"Thank you." I flash a weak smile. He nods and motions to the woods.
"No," I say. His muscles tense next to my flesh, but his tail doesn't move. "I can't go back there." My head falls forward in defeat. My long chestnut hair cascades over my shoulders and covers my chest.
I close my eyes and take a deep, controlled breath and clear my mind as I exhale. He nuzzles the side of my face and I look up and meet his deep sapphire eyes only inches from my face. He nuzzles me again, and I try for a weak smile, and fail miserably.
"Dylan...he's my mate," I whisper. My body trembles and I cover my face with my hands as unwanted tears reach the surface. A painful lump in my throat makes it hard to breath and I slump over. The soft fur of the wolf's tail that was covering me disappears and the Alpha shifts into human form. His strong arms wrap around me, pulling my body into a warm embrace. Placing my head on his chest, he holds me while a waterfall of tears streaks my face.
All too soon, the sky is painted shades of pink and orange and the morning dew glistens in the sun rise. The Alpha says nothing while I sob into his chest and he holds me tight against him, gently stroking my long hair.
Talking about Dylan has never made me react this way, but then again, I have never talked about it.
I have never said those words out loud. Embarrassed by my weakness, I dry my eyes and try to pull myself together.
When my shoulders stop trembling and my sobs subside, I look up to him. My heartbeat quickens and I grab my stomach to stop my shaking hands. His intoxicating scent fills my nose, only this time, it is not a calming effect. It is the opposite. A tingling sensation courses through my veins, causing a slight tremble.
"It's okay. I won't hurt you," he says. "You're safe with me." Yeah right. I nod, though butterflies flutter in my stomach.
"Thank you," I say when I finally find my voice. I sit back on the ground and tuck my legs under me.
"Don't mention it, just part of the job description," he says with a shrug. Raising my eyebrows, I smirk. That is the worst pick-up line I've ever heard.
"What's your name?" I ask, playing with my hair.
"Caiden. And you are Raven, or Lux?" he asks, looking at me with a raised eyebrow.
"I go by many names. Dylan is the only one who's ever called me Lux. You can call me Lucinda, if you like." I shrug.
"Lucinda, when did you two meet?" he asks in a gentle tone, testing my emotional stability, I'm sure. The way my name rolls off his tongue sends shivers rippling up my spine and I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder.
"We were in the same pack growing up," I say and stare at the green grass under my legs.
"Really?" he asks with a raised voice. "He doesn't speak much of his life before coming here." My muscles tense. "What pack was that?"
"The Dark Ravens.”
“And he took you as his mate?”
“No, he’s my Fated Mate.”
Caiden's eyes soften. "How long have you been on your own?"
"Five years. I went rogue on my eighteenth birthday." He pulls me closer and I relish in his scent as it floats on the light breeze.
"Why did you come here?" he asks. "It wasn't only to seek permission to pass through my territory, was it?" A slight breeze blows and I long piece of grass tickles my knee. I pick it and start tying it in knots. I welcome the distraction, because I’m not ready to tell him about Felix, not after telling him about Dylan. What will he think of me? I can only imagine how that conversation would go.
It’s not unusual for an unmated Alpha to claim another as their own, especially if the wolf’s mate has died. That is what Felix wants to do with me: he is not my mate, but he wants to claim me as his own. The bond won't be as strong as it would be if he was my Fated Mate, but I will still be bound to him nonetheless.
"I'll allow you to join the pack if you want to stay," he says. My eyes dart up to his, full of question and curiosity.
I gasp. "Why would you allow that? Most Alphas would kill or enslave me."
"First, I'm not like most Alphas. Second, you're my Beta's Fated Mate," he says. I close my eyes.
"Beta?" I mutter under my breath.
"You two should catch up, five years is a long time," he says.
"He doesn't want me," I whisper.
"You just found him. Give him time," he coos. "Stay a few days, see how you like the pack." I nod, afraid my voice will expose my true feelings. "Then it's settled. Let's go," he says, shifting his weight to stand.
"No." I cross my arms over my chest.
"Lucinda," he says with his dominant Alpha voice.
"I'm not ready to see him yet," I say, matching his tone.
After several minutes of silence, he says, "I thought you might say that. I opened the mindlink and asked my sister to leave a car, food, and other essentials at a cabin not too far from here. We can stay there this afternoon and drive back tonight." An Alpha that closes the mindlink? Interesting. My lips curl into a smile.
"Deal." I look up to him through my dark eyelashes. I'll do anything to delay the confrontation with Dylan.
"Ready to run?" I nod. But before he stands, he turns back to me and asks, "What did you mean earlier when you said, 'this has never happened before?' What's never happened?"
"I've never shifted in my sleep." He cocks an eyebrow, so I elaborate, "Being on my own, out in the wilderness, in order to protect myself it was always easier to sleep as my wolf. I've never involuntarily shifted back to my human form while sleeping."
"When your wolf sleeps, you don't get quality sleep. They're always on high alert to keep you protected. She must've sensed me and knew you were safe."
"Great. Now she's telling me who I can trust to protect me." I dramatically roll my eyes and flash a playful smile. She may trust the wolf, but I still don't trust the man, no matter what he says.
Caiden starts to laugh and I let out a small giggle. Are we flirting? Damn it. Get a hold of yourself, Lucinda. I can't slip back into the trusting little girl I once was.
"Ready?" he asks after regaining his composure. I nod. We both shift as we stand and I follow his lead through the forest.
After a while, an urge to play overcomes me, and I rush forward. But he turns and catches me by surprise. I am quick and I move enough that he cannot get a good paw on me. I roll out from under him, standing to face off. A low rumble resonates through my body, my eyes wide with excitement. A weak rumble radiates from his chest and vibrates up his throat.
Sweet memories of long ago flash through my eyes, a simpler time when I would play-fight with other pups. Holding my rear high in the air with my chest low to the ground, I wiggle my fluffy black tail.
I quickly scan the area. The clearing is sheltered by the surrounding thick forest. A stream runs down the mountainside, cutting through the pines. We are safe here, time for fun. Stalking toward him, I watch his every move. He lowers his head and I take the opening, pouncing on his exposed back.
Anticipating my move, he catches me in midair and we're dancing; predicting each other's moves, matching pounce for pounce. As if we were pups or long-lost friends, we tumble playfully through the clearing the rest of the afternoon.
When we get to the cabin, I notice a car out front and smell freshly baked cookies, which causes my mouth to water. Cautiously walking to the door, I peek through the window. Caiden doesn't hesitate, he pushes the door open and walks in, motioning me to the bedroom in the rear. Once inside, I see an overnight bag on the bed. After shifting into human form, I plunder through the bag, finding a pair of black leggings and a gray scoop neck t-shirt alongside modest black lace undergarments. Perfect. I head to the bathroom with the bag of toiletries for a quick shower to freshen up.
After dressing, I walk back into the main room ad Caiden turns to me from the small kitchen, holding two plates.
"Hungry?"
"Yes, please." My eyes widen and I grab my stomach as it grumbles. He chuckles and my heart flutters. I could listen to his laughter all night. He sets our plates on the coffee table in the middle of the room, and we sit on the floor in a comfortable silence and eat.
"This is nice," I say, breaking the zen moment of tranquility. "Does anyone live here?"
"It's my place. I stay here sometimes when I need to get away."
"Get away, from your pack?" I ask. He cocks an eyebrow. "Aren't you their Alpha?" His lips twitch and the vein at his right temple pops out. Clearly, I hit a nerve.
If I could stay here, alone, far away from Felix’s wrath and Dylan’s misery… "Can I stay here?" I ask. "It's quiet and peaceful." He smiles.
"No. You need to see Dylan again, spend time with him. Let him touch you, he'll feel it. The bond between fated mates is surreal. It’s not something you can ignore.”
"Oh. No, that's where you're mistaken," I say, blinking back tears. I refuse to shed more tears because of Dylan. The questioning look on Caiden's face is priceless.
Chapter 4
Lucinda
"He already knows about the bond." My voice betrays me and a whimper slips out. "He's known for nine years." A sharp splintering sound fills the room. Caiden's knuckles turn white as he grips the coffee table and the wood cracks under his pressure.
"Ca
iden?" I say. His pupils dilate and begin to swirl a cloudy black. A low growl escapes from his throat, causing me to flinch. And I place my hands on top of his, rubbing circular motions on his rough skin with my thumbs. With a rapid pounding pulsing through my veins, I start to hum. This is how I would calm my father.
"Calm down." I pry his hands off the edges of the table, and place them against my cheek.
"It's okay," I coo, leaning into his palm. He closes his eyes and when they open again, they are clear and ice blue.
"I want to know everything," he says while stroking my cheek with his thumb. But even though his eyes meet my stare, his gaze is unfocused. I don't have his attention.
"Fine, but on one condition," I say. He cocks an eyebrow and my heart flutters. "I stay here, at least tonight."
He nods, and my lips pucker into a playful smile. "But I'm staying too." Darting my eyes away from his, my smile deepens and the butterflies in my stomach return.
"But won't your pack miss their Alpha?" I ask.
"It'll only be two nights since I've been gone," he says with a shrug. "I've been gone longer." His voice trails off into a whisper.
The glassy-eyed look on his face tells me he has spaced out again, somewhere else than here. What type of Alpha leaves his pack for long periods of time to escape into solitude?
We finish eating in silence. I clean up the mess from the coffee table incident. Then I make hot apple cider while Caiden starts a small fire in the fireplace. It is early spring, but the nights are still cool. Grabbing a blanket, I curl up on the couch, and he sits next to me, placing my legs across his lap.
"Are you comfortable?" he asks.
I nod. And he watches me, waiting for me to begin my story.
"I'm not sure where to start. I've never talked about my life before." I shrug and bite my lower lip.
The Rogue's Fate Page 2