05

SIENNA

By dawn, we reached rogue territory, and the first thing that hit me was how cold everyone seemed. Not that I expected anything less. I was a trespasser after all.

“Wow. They look like they’re about to mob me or something.” I whispered, moving closer to him.

“Did you expect a welcome party, princess? You are from the Silverfang pack which means you are the enemy. Best to stay calm and courteous.”

“You really should have just left me in the woods if the intention was to bring me here to die.”

“Hmm. I guess I realized it was better you died in my hands, publicly enough.” Rhys spoke with so much venom in his voice I didn’t doubt him one bit.

The rogues and the Silverfang pack had a longstanding war, one that wouldn’t easily be forgotten. It only took the grace of the Moon goddess that we weren’t yet at war but I had a deep feeling that with any slight misunderstanding, both packs would lose it.

Being from the SilverFang Pack made the rogues hate me for reasons I didn’t know, reasons that all bordered on the long standing hatred both packs had for each other.

“You bring this vermin into our pack.” one of the rogues spat out, blocking the way.

One look at the rogue from Rhys had him scurrying away but I knew that wasn’t the last of it. There were several more from where that came from and me being here was only the beginning.

He took me to a chamber, which was even better than I had expected. I had low hopes of being given a semi decent accommodation but the room he had placed me in was far above my expectation.

“Do not think you’re welcomed here because of this treatment. My people hate you and I’m the only one standing between you and death by their hands. Be nice and respectful to them.”

“Well, that’s comforting to know. Noted.”

It wasn’t funny but I knew if I didn’t laugh, if I didn't make light of the situation, I would end up dying of depression before the rogues got to me.

“I’ll be back later to show you to dinner.”

And without another word, he left. Now, I was left alone in the medium sized room that seemed to be like a prison room for me. I had sealed my fate. It was either Damon or this and the goddess knew that I'd choose this over and over again if it meant saving the lives of my pups.

I walked around, touching everywhere to see if there was some sort of hidden camera anywhere but there were none. I was paranoid to that extent, blaming it on the kind of life I was exposed to while growing up.

“I’m telling you. You all have to trust in me, in the fact that I have never failed you.”

Rhys.

Even in my dreams I could recognize his voice anywhere. I walked towards the door from where the voices seemed to be coming from. Placing my ear on the cool wooden frame, I listened in. My heart raced when I heard several angry voices, rogues threatening to kill me. I knew I shouldn’t be surprised but hearing this again just proved to me how serious they were about killing me if given the chance.

“You know our history with the Silverfang pack and what they’ve done to us over the years. Are you willing to take that chance on us Alpha? No matter how innocent she might look, a Silverfang pack member will always be one and there’s no telling what evil she’s got up her sleeves.” A male voice, much deeper than Rhys said.

“I understand Marlo and trust me when I say I've got eyes on her every minute. She wouldn’t lift a finger without my knowledge, so be rest assured that I've got this covered.” Rhys said.

I backed away from the door, just as I heard footsteps coming in my direction. My eyes filled with tears but I was determined not to cry. This was even more frustrating than I had imagined. I was not only a prisoner within my own mind but now, I was at the mercy of the rogues who didn’t regard me as anything.

“Hello.” A voice broke into my thoughts.

I dried my eyes as quickly as I could as I smiled lightly even though it was fake. Through my tear streaked face, a woman, nonetheless beautiful, stared back at me with an irritated look on her face.

“You must be Sienna.” she mocked.

She walked further into the room, and seeing her just told me all of this was even going to be harder than I anticipated. Even without knowing who she was, I could tell she already saw me as a competition but what competition? I was only here to save my pups and my life.

“I’m Elira, Luna of the pack and Rhys’ mate.” she said, extending a hand.

I took it timidly, watching for any sign of foul play but the irritated look still remained on her face. She didn’t like me, that much was certain.

“I’m Sie-”

“I know.” she said, cutting me off.

“I-”

“Look, I don’t know what your mission here is but whatever it is, I suggest you stay away from me and my man. I don’t want any trouble but if you decide that’s what you’re bringing then prepare to be burned.”

She gave me a sugary sweet smile as if that would somehow lighten the weight of her words. All I could do at that moment was nod meekly. Truth was, I didn’t know what to say. I’d been warned before by the unfriendliness of the pack members and now Rhys’ woman had warned me point blank, sealing whatever doubts I'd had of this place. I did not belong here.

“Oh boy… I'm sorry Elira…”

“It's Luna to you.” she said, cutting me off again.

“Luna-” I paused, taking in a deep breath. “I’m not here to cause any trouble, believe me. I’ll try as much as possible to get out of your way.”

“You better or else-”

She was cut off by Rhys walking in at that moment, a look on his face I couldn’t figure out. He had changed from the hunting clothes he had on before to a black robe that just screamed royalty.

“What’s going on here?” he asked.

“Oh nothing honey, I was just introducing myself to Sienna here and telling her all about our pack.” Elira said sweetly, a far cry from the scornful woman who had spoken before.

How she had changed so quickly from being irritated to this supposed angel scared the living daylights out of me.

“You’re even worse than…” I whispered.

“What did you say?” she asked, a warning look in her eyes.

“I said… that’s right, she was just letting me know all about the pack.” I quickly agreed.

“I see… Rhys said.”

I could bet with everything I had that he didn’t believe me but he was going to let matters die, for the sake of peace.

“Dinner is set,” he said before walking out.

“Remember Sienna, stay out of my way and we’ll be good friends.”

She left without another word, leaving me feeling desolate and alone as ever before.