The Rogue's Fate

by Missy De Graff

  Mia pushes him away from me and continues, "No, I was going to say we have other guys looking for a mate too." She turns and winks at the tall blond guy with emerald-green eyes.

  Chapter 6

  Caiden

  Watching Mia and Lucinda embrace, I rack my brain for a memory of how they know each other. My shoulders tense and I focus on their interaction. I flash a look to Mia with furrowed brows and she mindlinks me and says,

  “This is Cinda, the rogue I told you about.”

  Taking a deep breath, my shoulders relax. Lucinda has to stay. Not only is she my Beta’s mate, but she saved Mia's life.

  Standing a few feet from Lucinda, I notice her posture has relaxed. She’s smiling and laughing with Mia and Gavin.

  “So, find out anything interesting about the vixen?" Sammy asks through the mindlink.

  "Someone Mia met during her time away," I say.

  "Is she going to stay?" Looking over my shoulder at Sammy, I shake my head at his wide-ass grin. Rolling my eyes, I chuckle. I know exactly what he’s thinking. He hasn’t found his mate yet, and maybe if he finds the right person—but no, Lucinda is not the right person for him.

  Nodding, I give him my signature Alpha look that says this conversation is over.

  Sammy and I were best friends growing up. Some would say we were inseparable. Everyone thought I would name him as my Beta when the time came. But through the years we drifted apart, and when the time came, he wasn't there. I know he has hard feelings over my decision—choosing an outsider over one of our own. And he’s not the only one with those thoughts. But I did what I did for the good of the pack. I can’t explain it, nor do I need to defend my decision. Sammy is an honorable man and a good friend. I know he will always stand by my side, no matter what life throws at us. If only he knew all the horrible things life is capable of.

  "Can we trust her?" Sammy asks after a minute of silence. I glare at him, but he continues, "With the number and severity of rogue attacks on the rise—"

  "Enough." I raise my hand to silence him.

  Sammy's eyes darken and a deep crease forms in the center of his forehead as he says, "Whatever you say, you're the Alpha. I'm not second-guessing you, but is that really the smartest thing? She's a rogue. And just this morning a group of rogues that previously trespassed said they were looking for someone.”

  “How quickly your mind changes. Just a minute ago you were–”

  “Whatever. Bud do you really think it’s a coincidence?"

  What do I know about her, other than what she told me? Which could all be a lie. Is Dylan really her fated mate? I’ve known him for four years, and he has never mentioned it. He has never spoken of his past. Not that I have ever asked about it; sometimes, somethings are better left in the past.

  Whatever reason he was wandering stray when he found me, makes no difference. What he did for me…No lawless cruel rogue would’ve done what he did. No one else understands because they don’t know the whole story, nor will they ever. But he earned his position with the loyalty he showed me that day.

  Dylan has been a stand-up Beta, but if it is true—everything Lucinda said, the things Dylan has done...

  Shaking my head, I close my eyes and lick my lips, the taste of bitterness filling my mouth. If what she said is true, actions like that against a fated mate, are not the traits of a Beta I want in my pack. We don’t turn our back on our fated mate.

  "Look, I'll stay until we get the rogue attacks under control and our borders protected. Then I'm leaving. I need to at least try and find my mate, or any mate if I’m being honest,” Sammy says.

  Nodding, I keep my attention fixed on the ground. We’ve had this conversation several times over the past few years. As much as I don’t want him to leave, I won’t stop him.

  Power flows through the room, overpowering my senses and I’m pulled from my thoughts. I sense a struggle between Lucinda and Dylan. They’re locked in a stare, him with amusement and mischief in his eyes; her with pain and anger.

  “He could be dead.” I flinch at the harsh words that drift on the air.

  My eyes grow narrow as I take in the scene unfolding in front of me. Dylan and Sabrina are only inches from Lucinda. Stepping closer to her, I place my hand on her lower back and realize the power is radiating from her. Sniffing the air around her, I glare at Dylan and then smirk—she is a strong wolf with Alpha potential. How did I not notice before? Dylan’s squints at me in question.

  So is that it? He can’t handle a woman more powerful than him. I hope that’s not the case, it’s so childish. I grab Lucinda’s waist, pulling her closer to me, allowing my Alpha to calm her inner wolf.

  "You're her, aren't you?" someone asks from the group. Looking around, Eva steps forward. My eyes involuntarily close and I take a deep breath. Standing this close to Lucinda, I inhale her intoxicating scent. She smells of mint and sweet honey. I’ve come to take comfort in the fresh, sweet smell that radiates off her. Opening my eyes, I study Lucinda's face.

  "Who?" Lucinda asks, her smile fading away.

  Lucinda’s body stiffens as Eva talks.

  "The girl from Mia’s stories. The one who's searching the country in hope of finding her fated mate." Eva's eyes sparkle with admiration as she speaks. She’s a romantic. I fear if she doesn’t find her fated mate in our Pack within the next few years, she’ll leave to search for him. Eva will never survive on her own.

  "Not everyone is meant to find their fated mate," Lucinda says. "Sometimes you have to go forward and create your own destiny."

  "What about Fate?" Eva asks, her high cheekbones dropping to a slim, flat surface. "The Elders—"

  “I know what the Elders say. That we have a mate who's been marked for us by Fate. Someone that drives our desires. When the Fated Mates bond, their union will make them stronger and more powerful." Lucinda takes a breath and the entire room is silent, waiting for her to continue. "But why sacrifice your lifetime searching for your Fate that you may never find? You should live your life and forge your own destiny."

  Eva blinks back tears, and the room stands in an awkward silence.

  Tugging at Lucinda's hand before anyone has a chance to debate her, I say, "Come on, I'll show you to your room."

  “Room?” Dylan asks letting go of Sabrina.

  “Yes, she’ll be staying with us for a while.” Rolling my shoulders back, I dare him to challenge me. He turns around and drags Sabrina into the kitchen. Sabrina turns over her shoulder and blows me a kiss as she walks away.

  “We’ll go shopping tomorrow, okay?” Mia says, pulling Lucinda into another embrace. Lucinda nods, but the smile on her face doesn’t reach her eyes. What is she hiding?

  “Come on, it’s been a long day.” I guide her upstairs and down the hallway. "Mia and Gavin are the first door on the right and Dylan is next." I point to the doors as we pass. "You'll be staying in the third room on the right. It's the guest room. And here we are." The door slides open and I gesture her inside.

  As soon as we enter she turns into my chest and slumps in defeat. I wrap my arms around her, not knowing what else to do.

  Chapter 7

  Lucinda

  Turning into Caiden's chest, I whisper, “Thank you.”

  “Things will get better,” he says, squeezing me one last time before holding me at arm’s length. “Now, get some rest. If you’re going shopping with my sister tomorrow, it will be more exhausting than running in the forest with me.”

  Biting my lower lip, I grin. “Your sister?”

  He nods. Tilting my head, I let one side of my mouth rise into a half smile.

  His stare plunders through my soul as if he were searching for something. When his focus intensifies, a bead of sweat drips down my spine and I divert my attention to the ground.

  My fingers find the hem of my shirt and I begin to fidget.

  “Mia is my friend, the one I came to find. She told me she had a brother, but didn’t menti
on he was the Alpha.” I tilt my head to meet his questioning eyes and offer a weak smile.

  “I wasn’t Alpha when she left,” he whispers, looking to the ground. Studying his face, I notice the fine stubble of his five o'clock shadow. Damn, that is sexy.

  "Who is it that you're running from?" he asks in a steady tone.

  "Someone I don't want to see again."

  "And does this someone have a name?" Caiden asks with a stern voice.

  I don't want to talk about Felix, not now, not with Caiden. Now that I found Mia, I need to talk to her first.

  Crossing my hands over my chest, I set my jaw and narrow my stare. "Does it matter?"

  The deepening crease in Caiden's forehead and small twitch on the left side of his jaw are the only signs that this was not the response he wanted.

  "Unlike a rogue lifestyle, I have an entire pack to look after. I am responsible for their well-being and ensuring their safety," he says and his eyes soften around the edges.

  "You're worried I've put your pack in danger by coming here." My shoulders slump forward and I stare off into nothingness behind him. If Felix finds me here, God help this pack.

  A light touch of his fingertips on my chin sends small electric shocks speeding through my body. And a small twitch in his right eye lets me know he felt it too. He lifts my chin, bringing my face only inches from his. His eyes are wide and his pupils are fully dilated—the Alpha in him is demanding my attention.

  "Yes, you're correct. I am worried about endangering my pack. I like to know who and what is a threat. I don't like being blindsided." He takes a deep breath. "But you saved my sister, the only family I have left. And for that, I promise I will provide protection from whatever or whoever it is you're running from."

  He lets go of my chin and takes a step back. A chill runs down my back at the distance he put between us.

  "Now get some rest, we'll talk more tomorrow—if Mia allows it," he says with a smile. "She has an entire day of shopping planned for you two."

  I know there’s tension between us. It lingers on the air. His Alpha doesn’t like being denied, and he wants to know about Felix. Sigh. No, I can’t talk about Felix with Caiden, not yet.

  Trying to ease the tension in the room before he leaves, I whisper, “I don’t like shopping."

  His lips curl into a brilliant smile and his laugh echoes in my ears. It’s a gentle sound, relaxing and peaceful. It’s also contagious, and before I realize it, I’m giggling too.

  “If you need anything, let me know, I’m just across the hall,” he says giving me one last smile before walking out the door.

  Looking around the room, I take in my surroundings. The bed is huge; the largest I have ever seen. An urge to dive into the pile of pillows and curl up in the comfort of the fluffy white down comforter overtakes my sanity. But then I notice the extra-large window above the bed and a smile creeps onto my face. I will still be able to sleep under the twinkling lights of the night sky. There are two doors to the right—one is a walk-in closet, and the other is my own bathroom. Heaven.

  Smiling at my reflection in the mirror, I splash cool water on my face. Things could be worse. I take comfort in the softness of the towel as I pat my face dry. It has been a long time since I’ve had such luxuries.

  But my mood turns sour as his familiar sweet scent infiltrates in my nostrils. The hair on the back of my neck stands up and my muscles tense. Turning around, I meet his green eyes and lopsided grin as he lounges on my bed with his arms tucked behind his head.

  “Lux, what are you doing here?” Dylan asks. His grin fades and his eyes fall into a distant and empty stare.

  As I walk closer to him he sits up, but his shoulders slump forward.

  After everything he's put me through, why do I even bother with him? I curse the sentimental side of my damned heart! Stay strong. Even if he is all I have left from home, he's still an ass.

  "I didn't follow you here, if that's what you're thinking," I say, crossing my arms in front of my chest and stopping a few feet from him.

  "It did cross my mind." His lips curve into a tight pucker.

  "How did you become Beta? You're such an ass."

  "Only to you," Dylan says. Lying back down, he puts his hands behind his head and looks to the ceiling.

  Glaring at him, I clench my jaw. Over the years I’ve learned to control my temper. I had to in order to survive on my own, especially since I crossed paths with Dylan so often.

  Each meeting was by chance, but nonetheless, it was always the same song and dance. He pushes me away, we’re best friends, we’re more than friends, and then he turns into an egotistical jackass. This time will be different. Because this time I don't give a damn.

  "I feel so special," I mock. "And why is that again?"

  Dylan growls. "You know why."

  "Tell me again, how does it help you feel better?" I ask.

  He pounds his fist on the bed. "It just does, okay!"

  Rolling my eyes, I throw my hands in the air. "You're impossible!"

  "And irresistible." He smirks.

  “Don’t push your luck,” I say. His smirk turns into a boyish grin and he flashes his dimples. This is his signature smile and always sets my heart on fire. Sigh. Why does everything have to be so complicated?

  "So, why are you here?" he asks.

  Studying his posture, I know his inner wolf is not happy. May as well get it over with and deliver the bad news.

  Shrugging I say, “I have nowhere else to go.”

  Dylan releases a breath and says, “Why don’t you go home? After all this time, I’m sure your dad will let you—”

  “He’s not Alpha anymore,” I whisper. This is harder than I thought it would be. I close my eyes to fight back the tears. But I'm exhausted from keeping my emotions in check and being strong for so long. My shoulders slouch and roll forward as the tension in my back releases.

  Dylan opens his arms out wide, reaching for me. Crashing into his chest, I release all the tears that have built-up on this subject—remorse and guilt over the incident that lead to a massacre.

  “What happened?” He coos while rubbing my back. All the nonsense about mates is forgotten and we are childhood best friends once again. After all, they were his pack too–his friends and family.

  “A few weeks ago they were attacked by a band of rogues. No one survived.” His body stiffens, wrapping his arms around me tighter, pulling me closer. I knew one day I would see Dylan again and would have this conversation. But I’m not prepared. I’m not ready to tell him his father is dead and it’s all my fault. I can't tell him the truth, not now.

  Dylan rests his chin on my forehead and rocks us back and forth in a slow motion, as if he were rocking a baby to sleep. My entire body ignites with an internal flame. Sharp tingles roll over my skin, causing goosebumps to run rampant. My wolf begins to take over. My heartbeat quickens and the surging connection between our wolves draws me closer. I nuzzle into his neck with my nose.

  “Lux,” he whispers in his smooth, sweet voice. Our faces only inches apart. I raise my eyebrows, blinking away any remaining tears and lean closer to him.

  He rests his forehead on mine, our noses brushing each other. He closes his eyes and his chest rises, pressing against mine as he takes a deep breath. Opening his eyes again, he places his hands on my shoulders and gently pushes me away.

  “This,” he says motioning between us with his thumb and pinky finger, “isn’t going to happen.” My head falls in defeat.

  “I know.” My pained voice is barely audible. My shoulders roll forward and I fight to hold back my wolf's despair. I’m frustrated that I allowed my wolf to take over, and shameful that he knows I still care. I quickly snap out of it.

  “What happened to us?” I ask. He stares into my eyes. Our eyes lock and his deep green orbs probe my soul—searching for something. “We were best friends growing up—inseparable.” He reaches for my hand, rubbing circles on
the back with his thumb.

  “Things change. People change.” He pulls my hand to his lips. He softly kisses my knuckles before letting go and taking a step farther away from me.

  “How long are you staying here?” he asks, all prior tenderness gone from his voice. Dylan the asshole has returned.

  “If I stay, are you leaving?” I ask. He nods.

  I would love nothing more than to stay. With or without Dylan, in all honesty, his presence is only a minor irritation. But I know I cannot stay more than a few days, a week at most. And that’s stretching it. Who knows where Felix is. Caiden is right, he has a whole pack to worry about. I can’t take a chance of Felix finding me here, or this pack will meet the same fate as my own.

  “I’ll be leaving soon,” I say, "but not just yet."

  “Why?” he asks, tilting my chin up with his index finger, making me look at him. Blackness streak through his sapphire eyes and I know he is fighting to stay in control. His wolf wants his mate. Knowing the pain he must be going through right now, caused by denying his wolf of his mate, makes my heart a little lighter.

  Turning, I lean against the edge of the bed. “Mia wants to go shopping tomorrow." What I don’t say is that I want the security that Caiden promised me.

  “Fine,” he says with a strained tone. “Just keep your distance.” His fists clench and his body tenses. Out of instinct, I reach out to stroke his chest, trying to calm him down. Grabbing my wrist, he holds it for a minute before pushing it away.

  “Don’t. Please don’t touch me again,” he says through his teeth. Narrowing his eyes, he walks past me and closes the door behind him.

  After he leaves, I collapse on the bed. Tears pool up, but I refuse to allow them to streak my face.

  Chapter 8

  Caiden

  Walking back downstairs, I’m pleased to find that Mia and Gavin have ushered almost everyone out of the pack house. Only a few stragglers remain, and Mia is talking with them.

  Thank you. I say to Mia through the mindlink.

  You owe me. She says back. Kitchen. Now.