Trespasser In The Dark

Lisa's POV 

It had been a week since I started my journey, wandering through forests in search of a pack I could call home. 

The towering trees surrounded me as I quietly munched on a bag of chips, my headphones tucked snugly in my ears. 

Suddenly, a faint rustling caught my attention. My heightened werewolf senses immediately kicked in. 

I stopped, removing my headphones as adrenaline surged through my veins. The instinctual choice between fight or flight overwhelmed me.

I quickly stashed away my food and listened again. Footsteps echoed in the distance, getting closer. 

Emerging from the bushes were three tall, muscular men, their bare chests on full display. 

The man in the middle glared at me, his lips curling into a snarl. 

“What are you doing on pack land, Rogue?” he spat, his voice dripping with disgust.

I glanced down at my appearance. I wore a simple white gown that fell to my knees, paired with white Converse sneakers and a denim jacket. I had even showered earlier that morning at a roadside motel. Confused, I looked between the three men.

“Answer me! What is your business here?” the one on the left barked, his voice filled with irritation at my silence.

“I-I didn’t know this was pack land. I was just passing through,” I stammered, my tone defensive. The last thing I wanted was trouble.

“Liar,” the third man sneered, his eyes narrowing. “No one just passes through the Dark Crescent Pack. Tell me, Rogue, who sent you?”

I could feel my heart race as realization dawned on her. I had unknowingly trespassed into the Dark Crescent pack, the most dangerous Pack in the entire realm. 

My eyes widened, and before I could explain, the man to my right grabbed me, twisting my arms behind my back.

Panic surged through me, and I stomped down hard on his foot.

The wolf growled in pain, but the man in the middle moved to restrain me. He reached for me, but I reacted quickly, kicking him squarely between the legs. His eyes bulged as he crumpled to the ground, clutching his crotch.

Before I could catch my breath, the third wolf seized me, pinning me in a grip I couldn’t escape. I am trapped now. The wolf I had kicked glared at me, his face flushed with anger. He raised his hand, intending to slap me, but his companions stopped him as their eyes went distant in a mind link.

“Move, bitch,” the injured wolf growled as they began marching me forward, my hands still bound behind my back.

They dragged me out of the forest and toward a looming, dark building that reeked of danger. Even a blind person could tell it was a dungeon.

As we reached the gates, I noticed a man speaking with the guards. His mocha-colored skin gleamed in the faint light, and his muscular frame suited his impressive six-foot height. A thick mop of dark curls crowned his head. Sensing someone watching, he turned around, his dull green eyes meeting mine. They were the color of fading autumn leaves, solemn and unyielding.

“Who’s this?” he asked, his deep voice carrying authority.

The three wolves immediately bowed their heads in respect. 

“Gamma,” they greeted him, and I realized he was the third-in-command of the pack. A Gamma held considerable power, just below the Beta.

“Sir, we caught her sneaking around the borders,” one of my captors explained, venom in his tone. "She claims she was just passing through, but we know better.”

I bit back my anger. “With all due respect, your pack members are lying. I had no idea this was your territory. I wasn’t sneaking around, and I was about to leave when they attacked me.” 

My eyes flared with indignation, glaring at the men who had brought me here. I was innocent of their allegations.

The Gamma studied me quietly, his eyes flicking between my baby bump and my captors, one of whom still limped while another discreetly cupped his groin. For some reason beyond my understanding, he seemed amused. 

“Take her to the Beta. He’ll decide what to do with her,” the Gamma finally said with a slight smirk. “Though, from what I’ve seen, she’s no threat.” He was probably referring to my stomach.

The warriors obeyed, yanking me along once more. 

The journey to the Beta’s office was filled with rough shoves and muttered curses. 

As we moved through the pack’s territory, I couldn’t help but notice the beauty surrounding me. 

Lush green gardens, picturesque shops, and elegant buildings lined the way. It wasn’t the dark, grim place I had expected at all.

When we finally arrived at a grand mansion, we passed through massive mahogany doors into a lavish foyer. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above them, and the decor was tasteful and expensive. Despite the splendor, fear began to creep into my heart. My wolf whimpered as she sensed danger ahead.

We were led upstairs and stopped outside a carved wooden door. 

My heart raced, each beat louder than the last. The men beside me seemed to be mind-linking, their eyes glazed over. 

Moments later, the door opened, and I was shoved inside.

My head remained bowed, my waist-length brown hair hiding my face. I felt an overwhelming presence in the room, strong and commanding.

I heard shuffle of feet and the scrape of seats against the floor 

Just as the stranger opened his mouth to speak, a scent hit me like a freight train. Lavender and mint, fresh and intoxicating. I was nearly brought to her knees by the heady scent. 

I snapped my head up, my eyes locking with him.

Time seemed to stop.

His eyes were the same — warm green flecked with gold. His broad shoulders filled out a black dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal tanned, tattooed forearms. He was breathtakingly beautiful, and I found myself struggling to breathe.

My wolf yipped excitedly. “Mate”.

His cold gaze was instantly replaced by a flicker of recognition and he smiled.

“Hello, sweetheart. It's been a while.” The father of my child greeted me with a sweet, sickening smile.