Chapter 2 Saved From The Rogue

CHAPTER TWO

~~FREYA ASHWOOD~~

I pulled the back door shut quietly and made my way in between alleyways to get to the banquet.

The alleys were quiet, not a single person in sight.

A gush of wind that blew past had me wrapping my arms around myself to ease the cold.

“Find your mate. It’s your only means to escape.” Mother’s words echoed in my head for the umpteenth time.

The town hall was a good mile and a half away, but I needed the walk, needed the cold air to clear my head, to reassure myself before stepping into the banquet.

“No one hunts for a mate in a rag like that”. I recalled the stinging words, yet again.

I squeezed my eyes shut against the unwelcome echo. My mate wouldn't care. He couldn't care. If he rejected me based on a faded shirt and secondhand sneakers, he wouldn't be the kind of mate I needed to save me from this life.

The pack lands bordered a dense, ancient forest. The main road cut between the woods and the cleared fields, but as a shortcut, many wolves took a smaller trail that skirted the forest edge. It shaved off fifteen minutes. But I needed time to myself, so I took the longer path.

Usually, there would be the distant howl of a wolf, the chirping of crickets, or the sound of a late running vehicle. But tonight, it was eerily quiet.

A smell suddenly stung the air.

My nose wrinkled instinctively. It was blood. Fresh blood

My pace faltered. My weak wolf whimpered in the back of my mind. We were taught the dangers of the woods, the threat of Rogue wolves who had been cast out, driven mad, and who attacked without a reason.

I tried to rationalize it. Maybe it was a deer, wounded by a hunter.

Maybe a fox.

But the scent was too strong. One I knew instinctively, was not from a normal forest animal. It was the scent of an enraged Rogue.

My heart hammered against my ribs, suddenly loud enough to drown out everything else. I stopped dead.

I didn't have time to turn back. I was closer to the town hall now than the way I came.

"Keep moving," I whispered to myself, forcing one foot in front of the other, trying to keep my movements silent.

Almost immediately, I heard a movement.

I froze, scanning the wall of trees beside me.

Nothing.

Then from behind, a shape emerged. It was massive, much larger than any average pack wolf.

Its fur was dark, its eyes glowed with a terrifying, mindless hunger. Saliva dripped from its bare teeth.

It was a rogue and it was staring right at me.

Panic locked my muscles. I couldn't run. I couldn't scream.

It launched itself out of the trees, covering the ground between us in two attempts

My survival instinct took over as adrenaline busted within.

I threw myself sideways, hitting the dirt path hard just as the Rogue’s huge jaw snapped shut where my head had been moments before.

I scrambled backward, a desperate, whimpering sound escaping my throat.

The Rogue turned, its chest visibly heaving.

It was preparing for a second, killing lunge. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for what’s to come.

Except, nothing did.

I opened my eyes in time to see another larger wolf, slamming into the Rogue with a scary force.

The next minute was only the sounds of snarls, growls and tearing flesh.

Frozen in terror and disbelief, I watched as the new, grey, with a final movement, bit hard into the rogue neck.

The Rogue immediately fell limp, letting out a final whine before collapsing onto the ground.

The grey wolf stood over the lifeless body of the rogue, its breath coming in deep rasps.

Then, slowly, it lifted its head and its gaze landed directly on me.

It was the most terrifying, yet strangely captivating, moment of my life.

I couldn't move. I just returned the stare.

Seconds after, I blinked

There was no pull.

He wasn’t my mate.

I looked away, disappointment flooding my mind.

I was still huddled in the dirt, bruised and a little shaky.

I reached into the back of my pockets to retrieve the wrapped bracelets I initially intended to give to my mate. I’d give it to this man as a token of my appreciation.

His golden eyes raked over me, but there was no warmth. They were cold, narrowing with a flicker of pure hostility. He looked at me like I was a nuisance he’d accidentally stepped on. Without a word, he turned his back on me and walked away

"Please, stop!" I stated, running after him.

I ignored the stinging pain in my palms and knees as I made the attempt to run after him.

“Please!”

His size made his strides long and effortless, while I was left awkwardly bouncing, my lungs already screaming for air.

“Stop! Just a second!”

My foot caught on a thick, exposed root.

My body pitched forward, and I landed heavily, a harsh grunt escaping my lips as the air was knocked from my lungs.

I scraped my chin.

My sight blurred with frustrated tears.

He didn't slow.

He didn't pause.

He didn't even turn his head.

I lay there for a moment, clutching the bracelet.

Shortly after, I forced myself to stand, dusting the dirt off my faded jeans.

The clock was ticking. I still had to find my mate.