Chapter 4 A Rogue Pack of Women?!

The forest grew quieter as the trio ventured deeper into the dense undergrowth.

The rogue wolf, now in human form, led the way with confident strides, her golden eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight.

Jade and Sofia followed closely, their breaths labored from the frantic escape.

After what felt like hours, they reached a small clearing where the rogue gestured for them to stop.

“This is safe for now,” she said, her voice low and steady.

Jade cast a protective glance at Sofia, who sank to the ground, clutching her knees.

Jade stood tall, her instincts sharpening. “Who are you, and why did you help us?” she demanded, her tone firm.

The rogue met Jade’s fierce gaze without flinching. “My name is Lyra,” she said simply. “I’ve been watching your pack for weeks. You’re not the first to need rescuing.”

Jade’s brows furrowed, suspicion lacing her voice. “Watching us? Why? And how did you know tonight was the night?”

Lyra crossed her arms, her expression hardening. “Your father’s reputation extends far beyond Oregon, Jade. When I heard about the arranged bond with that alpha, I knew you’d try to run. You just needed a little help.”

Sofia, still catching her breath, looked up from her spot on the ground.

“Where are you taking us?” she asked cautiously. Lyra crouched beside her, her golden eyes softening.

“There’s a compound in north Texas,” she explained. “It’s a sanctuary—a pack of rogues, all women who’ve escaped lives like yours. It’s safe, far from your father’s reach.”

Jade folded her arms, skepticism flashing across her face. “And you expect us to just trust you? What’s in this for you?”

Lyra’s jaw tightened, and for the first time, a hint of vulnerability slipped into her voice.

“I was once in your position. Someone saved me when I thought all hope was lost. Now, I return the favor.”

Jade’s suspicion wavered, but only for a moment. “Even if we get to Texas, my father will still find us,” she said bitterly.

“We’re still tied to the pack. He can track us through the bond.” Lyra’s gaze darkened, her voice turning grim. “I know. That’s why the bond has to be severed. Tonight.”

Sofia stiffened, panic flashing in her eyes. “Break the bond?” she echoed, her voice shaking. “That’s impossible—and dangerous!”

Lyra’s expression softened, but her tone remained resolute. “It’s the only way to survive. The bond ties you to the pack’s energy, but it also makes you vulnerable. As long as it’s intact, your father can track you, control you—even from a distance. Breaking it will hurt, but it will also set you free.”

Jade exchanged a tense glance with Sofia. The idea of severing the bond was terrifying.

Pack bonds were sacred, an integral part of their identity. But the weight of what they were running from left little room for hesitation.

Jade stepped closer to Lyra, her voice steady despite the fear simmering beneath her surface. “How do we do it?”

Lyra studied her for a moment before speaking. “There’s a ritual. It’s painful, but it’s quick. It will cut your ties to the pack completely.”

Sofia clutched Jade’s arm, her voice trembling. “Are you sure about this?”

Jade took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. “If it’s what we need to survive, then we don’t have a choice.”

Lyra nodded and gestured for them to sit, pulling a small satchel from her side.

Inside were herbs and a jagged obsidian knife, tools for the ritual that would sever their bonds forever.

The ritual began, and the pain was unlike anything Jade had ever felt—an agonizing, fiery pull in her chest as the invisible ties to the pack were torn away.

Sofia whimpered beside her, but Jade gripped her hand tightly, silently reassuring her they would endure this together.

When it was over, Jade felt the absence of the bond like a hollow space in her soul.

But with the pain came a profound sense of freedom—a severance from the control her father had wielded over her for so long.

Lyra stood, her golden eyes studying them both with quiet approval. “It’s done. You’re free now.”

Jade’s legs were shaky as she stood, but she squared her shoulders, determination burning in her eyes. “Then let’s keep moving. We have to make it to Texas.”

With their bonds severed and a newfound sense of autonomy, the three women set out once more, heading toward the sanctuary Lyra promised, ready to fight for their survival—and their future.