Chapter 2

Rose's POV 

Squeezing my eyes shut, I braced myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, there was an oppressive silence, a sense of stillness that seemed to stretch on forever. I opened my eyes, tentatively, and was met with an empty space. The mysterious man had vanished into thin air, leaving me shaken and confused.

I stumbled to my feet, my gaze falling upon the gruesome scene around me. The lifeless bodies of my attackers lay scattered, a stark reminder of the violence that had erupted. A wave of nausea washed over me, and I felt my composure crumbling. Folding in on myself, overcome with emotion, I began to sob uncontrollably.

The darkness seemed to close in around me, and I felt utterly lost. I didn't know the way back to the pack house, and fear gripped my heart. But then I heard Laura's voice like a sound from heaven calling out to me. "Rose! Rosemary!"

I lifted my head, my eyes pleading for rescue as I cried out to her. "Laura! Laura!" She rushed towards me, her face etched with concern. When she saw the carnage around me, her expression changed to shock. "Rose, what happened here?" she asked.

But I couldn't form words. I was consumed by fear and panic. "I'm scared, Laura," I whispered, my voice shaking. "I want to go home. Please." Laura's grip on my hand was reassuring as she pulled me to my feet. "Okay, okay, let's go," she said softly, leading me away from the carnage.

As we walked, I glanced back, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious stranger who had saved my life. But all I saw was darkness and trees, shrouded in an impenetrable silence...

Kavian's POV

I stood hidden among the trees, my gaze fixed on the two women as they walked away from the woods. The one I'd saved glanced back briefly, her eyes scanning the darkness as if searching for someone – perhaps me. A flicker of unease stirred within me. I shouldn't let them leave these woods alive, especially since she'd seen my face. it might jeopardize my mission here.

My instincts screamed at me to eliminate them, to protect my mission. I'd never hesitated to kill before; it was just another task to be completed. But something about this girl stayed my hand. When I'd seen those men attacking her, my initial reaction was to let her fend for herself. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, I'd intervened. Now, her safety had become a complication I couldn't ignore.

Her friend had called her a name. What was it?

I whispered the name ‘Rosemary’ to myself, deciding to spare her and her friend's lives for today..

After all, everyone's fate in this city has already been sealed. It's just a matter of time...

Rose's POV 

With me on her back, Laura climbed up to my room with ease, carrying me like a weightless infant. Her movements were fluid and powerful. "Thanks," I said as I came down, still trying to process the events at the festival. The memories of those men and their sinister intentions lingered, leaving me shaken.

Laura's questions were gentle, but I couldn't bring myself to answer. "Do you mind telling me what happened? Who killed those men and how did you end up in the woods?" she asked, concern etched on her face. I shook my head, feeling the weight of my emotions. "I don't want to talk about it," I said, lowering my head to the ground 

Laura nodded understandingly. "Okay, rest. We'll talk about it tomorrow." With a reassuring smile, she jumped down from the window, her strength and agility leaving me in awe. I felt fragile in comparison, a reminder that I didn't possess a wolf spirit like Laura. The moon goddess had denied me that gift, leaving me vulnerable and weak.

The worst part of it all is that what happened today just proves that my father has been right all along, I am not capable of taking care of myself. The first day I went out without his protection and guidance I almost lost everything. I have never felt so useless and worthless in my entire life.

As I lay in the bathtub, scrubbing away the memories of those men's unwanted touches, tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. The flashes of their cruel faces haunted me, and I washed harder, trying to erase the pain. But then, an image of the mysterious stranger with eyes of different colors flashed in my mind. He'd saved me from a fate worse than death, and yet, I knew nothing about him – not even his name. His enigmatic presence lingered in my thoughts all night long....

The next day

I woke up to a throbbing headache, a lingering reminder of the sleepless night I'd endured. The festival and its aftermath had left me reeling, but it was the enigmatic stranger who'd saved me that kept replaying in my mind. His piercing gaze and striking features had seared themselves into my memory.

I left my room, driven by a sudden urge to hug my father and thank him for always keeping me safe. But when I reached his quarters, one of his guards informed me that he'd already left for an important meeting. "The alpha had to leave early, Lady Rose," the guard said, his expression apologetic. I felt a pang of disappointment; Father usually made time for me before departing.

I wandered to the kitchen, hoping to quench my thirst with a cup of water. As I reached for the jug, a gentle touch on my shoulder startled me, sending a jolt of fear through my still-raw nerves. "Hey, relax, it's me," a familiar voice said, calming my racing heart. I turned, and my face lit up with a smile as I recognized the voice. 

Throwing my arms around his tall, slender frame in a warm hug."Tristan! You're back!" I exclaimed, my voice bubbling with excitement.

I only have two friends, Laura and Tristan. They were the only ones father trusted and permitted me to hang out with without much supervision. Laura obviously because her father is the beta and father trusts him completely and as for Tristan he's family had long been allies of ours, and as a result, he had unrestricted access to our pack and home. His father, the alpha of the Moonlit Shadow pack, had stood by my father's side during the brutal battles against the Nightshade Wolves pack 17 years ago that caused my mother's death. My father often credited their support as the turning point in our victory. The cost of that war had been steep, and Tristan's family had paid a heavy price – Tristan lost two of his older brothers in the conflict.

Despite being from a different pack, Tristan had grown closer to us than to his own family. He spent more time in our pack than his own, and we'd grown up together, sharing countless memories. Tristan's adventurous spirit often took him to distant cities and regions, and I'd always envied his freedom. He had been away for close to a month now on one of his escapades, and I'd long yearned to join him, to experience the thrill of exploration and discovery alongside my friend. Without these two people in my life I don't think I would be able to keep my sanity...

Tristan's smile was like a soothing balm, his calm voice a welcome respite in my ear. "Rose, glad to see you're still your radiant, happy self," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he hugged tightly.

Pulling back after a while my eyes sparkling with curiosity. "When did you get back?" I asked, my voice tinged with a hint of reproach.

Tristan's expression turned sheepish. "Yesterday," he admitted, and I frowned, feeling a slight pang of hurt.

"And you didn't bother to come check up on me, your best friend?" I teased, trying to keep my tone light.

Tristan looked taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise. "I was tired from the journey, Rose. I needed to rest," he explained, his voice laced with apology.

I forgave him instantly, my smile returning with a vengeance. "So tell me everything," I urged, my voice filled with the eagerness of a child though I am an adult. "How did it go? I want to hear all about your journey!"

But before Tristan could respond  a commotion erupted outside the compound and Tristan quickly used his body to shield me when someone suddenly rushed into the room but it turned out to just be Adam the guard.

"What's going on?" I asked, my heart racing with concern.

Adam was out of breath. "It's Alpha Damian of Nightshade Wolves pack, my lady. He's causing trouble outside."

My eyes widened in shock. "What? What does he want?"

Adam's words sent a chill down my spine. "You, my lady. He said he wants you."

Alpha Damian happens to be the fearsome leader of the Nightshade Wolves pack he is considered by many as the strongest wolf ever to live as he has been trained in combat since he was a child. He is known for his brutal and violent ways. At just 17 years old, he'd taken the reins of his pack after the war that claimed the lives of his parents. Since then, he'd ruled with an iron paw, shaping his pack into the largest and most formidable force in Ashwood territory.

The Nightshade Wolves were known for their aggression and violence, traits that mirrored their alpha's personality. But what made my life particularly complicated was Alpha Damian's fixation on me. Since my 18th birthday, he'd been relentless in his pursuit, his actions bordering on obsession. I often wondered if his intentions were genuine or if he had an ulterior motive, though it didn't really matter. Yes, he's powerful and handsome, but I don't fancy him; he's too aggressive and violent for my taste...

As Tristan and I stepped outside there stood a tall, muscular figure with long dark hair, he was holding one of the guard's by the neck causing the man's legs to dangle about in mid-air like a puppet on a string. The figure's brown eyes seemed to blaze with a fierce intensity, his sharp jawline and chiseled cheekbones only adding to his intimidating aura. 

"Alpha Damian," I muttered, wondering what had gotten into him.

“He has gone mad," Tristan said and I could sense his worries..

“Where is my mate? Bring her to me," Alpha Damian unaware of our presence kept growling at the guard who he was choking to death.

I know the guard very well, he is a good man with a wife and two beautiful kids. I can't just let him die. Immediately I moved to intervene, not thinking about my own safety at that moment. However an outstretched arm blocked my way. It was Tristan and he shook his head “He is very dangerous, Rose." He warned, his smooth slate grey eyes like polished stones filled with concern for me.

I took my eyes back to Alpha Damian to take in the carnage he had done. He has already taken down four of the guards, leaving them lying immobile on the ground. The man in his hand would make it his fifth victim. There is no denying he is a very dangerous man but I can't just watch a man get hurt plus I know it is me he is after.

“He is going to kill him, Tris," I said, my heart already breaking at the thought.

“Let's wait for backup," Tristan advised.

“It will be too late by then. Don't worry he won't harm me. It's me he wants after all," I said.

“More reason to be more cautious," he said.

“Don't worry he won't harm me here. He's not that stupid," I said, trying to reason with him and after a moment's hesitation he withdrew his arm.

“Be careful," he cautioned.

Without wasting any time I ran towards Damian. “Stop! Please don't hurt him.." 

As soon as Damian saw me a wicked smile formed on his face but he kept on squeezing the man's neck.

“Please drop him, you are killing him." I begged and pleaded.

“As you wish my Luna" He finally let go the guard, who crumpled to the ground, gasping for air.

I immediately rushed to the guard's side, examining him. "Are you alright?" 

The guard could only cough and I carefully helped him sit up.

Seeing the bad state he was in I felt an unusual anger in my heart and I turned to face Damian."What's the meaning of all this? Why did you have to hurt them?"

“That's what they get for trying to prevent me from seeing my Luna; seeing you," he replied his voice completely void of pity or regret.

My face squeezed into a frown. "I am not your Luna." Raising to my feet."I do not belong to you Damian, why do you keep acting like I am yours?" I was both frustrated and annoyed.

"Not yet, but soon you will be," he said, his eyes glinting with a fierce intensity and my blood boiled over.

“Not in this life nor the afterlife," I replied resolutely..

Damian's face darkened, his eyes like two black holes narrowing as he stepped closer to me."You're so beautiful, even when you're angry. You know that?" he said, his voice low and husky but I just frowned.

"You'll surely be mine," Alpha Damian said, his hand brushing against my cheek. I felt a wave of irritation at his touch, reminiscent of the men in the woods. "Don't touch me," I spat, slapping his hand away.

But Damian's grip was swift and unforgiving. He grabbed my wrist, his fingers closing around it like a vice. "Why do you have to play hard to get?" he whispered, his hot breath against my neck sending shivers down my spine. Panic set in, memories of the previous night flooding my mind. "Let go of me," I protested, trying to wrench my wrist free.

Damian's hold remained unyielding. "You're mine," he growled, pulling me close. "You have no choice but to accept it." His earthy scent enveloped me, making my skin crawl.

Just as I thought I'd lose my composure, a calm voice intervened. "She said, let go of her." I raised my head to see Tristan standing before us, his expression serene. "Tristan," I muttered, worried for his safety.

Damian's gaze flicked to Tristan, a sneer twisting his lips. "Ah, Alpha Benjamin's precious son...or should I say last remaining son?" he sneered, his tone dripping with disdain and mockery. Tristan's frown deepened. "Let go of her," he repeated firmly.

Damian's smile was a cold, calculated thing, a thin-lipped smirk that seemed to dare Tristan to make a move. "And if I don't, what can you do?" he taunted, his eyes glinting with challenge. Tristan's voice remained calm, but a hint of anger simmered beneath the surface. "I won't repeat myself again. Let her go."

Damian's words dripped with malice as he continued to provoke Tristan. "You're a brave one, just like your brother. But you'll quickly find out that bravery doesn't equal strength." The mention of Tristan's brother sparked a fierce anger in his eyes, an intensity I'd never seen before. Tristan's palms tightened into fists, and I watched in fear as he seemed to consider fighting the savage alpha.

"Don't you dare talk about my brother!" Tristan's voice was low and menacing, his anger palpable. I shook my head, trying to dissuade him. "No, Tristan," I pleaded, fearful for his safety. Alpha Damian sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "Come to me, boy."