Chapter 5

The early morning light filtered softly through the canvas walls of the tent, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The fire had died down to embers, leaving a comforting warmth in the air. As I lay there, still wrapped in the blanket Mia had draped over me, I could feel the soreness in my body beginning to ease.

But that sense of peace was short-lived when the flap of the tent rustled, and two figures stepped inside. My heart leapt into my throat as I recognized them instantly—Alpha Rollins and his Beta, Liam. I've heard about them of their bravery and handsomeness.

Alpha Rollins was a tall, imposing man, his presence commanding the space as soon as he entered. His dark hair was cut short, accentuating the sharp lines of his face. His eyes, a piercing shade of icy blue, seemed to hold an intensity that could freeze you in place with just one look. He was dressed in a dark, tailored shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders, and a pair of black pants that emphasized his powerful frame. Every movement he made was deliberate, exuding a quiet, deadly confidence that spoke of both strength and control.

Beside him, Liam was a stark contrast. Though nearly as tall as Alpha Rollins, Liam had a more relaxed demeanor. His hair was a lighter shade of brown, tousled and falling slightly over his forehead, giving him a more approachable, almost boyish look. His hazel eyes, however, were sharp and calculating, taking in every detail of the tent as they entered. He wore a simple gray t-shirt and jeans, the casual attire not diminishing the underlying strength and alertness in his posture.

They moved with purpose, crossing the tent to where I lay, and I felt a knot of anxiety tighten in my chest. Alpha Rollins’s eyes locked onto mine, and I couldn’t help but feel exposed, vulnerable under his intense gaze. Liam’s expression was more neutral, but I could see the curiosity in his eyes as they flicked over me, assessing the situation.

“How are you feeling?” Alpha Rollins’s voice was deep, resonant, with a timbre that commanded attention. It wasn’t just a casual question; it was an inquiry laced with authority, as if he expected a full report on my condition.

I swallowed, my throat still dry, but I forced myself to sit up a little straighter, ignoring the dull ache in my head. “I’m... better, thank you,” I managed to say, my voice still weak but steady. “The healer here has been very kind.”

Alpha Rollins nodded slightly, acknowledging my words, but I could tell his mind was already moving on to more pressing matters. “Good,” he said, his tone brisk. “You were found unconscious near our borders. What were you doing there?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. I could feel both men’s eyes on me, waiting for an explanation. My heart raced as I struggled to find the right words, to explain what had happened without sounding like a complete fool.

“I... I was just walking,” I began, my voice faltering slightly. “I didn’t realize I had crossed into your territory. I’m sorry if I caused any trouble.”

Liam exchanged a quick glance with Alpha Rollins, a silent communication passing between them. The Beta’s expression softened slightly as he spoke. “You were found deep in the forest, far from any trails. That’s not just a casual walk, Emily.” His tone was gentle, but there was an underlying firmness to it.

I felt a wave of shame wash over me, and I dropped my gaze to my hands, which were clenched tightly in my lap. “I didn’t mean to go so far,” I whispered. “I just... needed to get away.”

“Get away from what?” Alpha Rollins’s voice was sharper now, a hint of suspicion creeping into his tone.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. The truth was messy, complicated, and I wasn’t sure I could trust them with it. But there was something in Alpha Rollins’s gaze—an unwavering, almost predatory focus—that told me he wouldn’t settle for anything less than the truth.

“I was rejected,” I admitted quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. “By my own pack. I was humiliated and cast out. I didn’t know where else to go.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of my confession. For a moment, there was silence, and I could feel both men processing what I had said. I dared a glance up and saw that Alpha Rollins’s expression had shifted slightly—still intense, but with a flicker of something else, something I couldn’t quite read.

“Rejected,” he repeated, his tone more thoughtful now. “By your own pack. Why?”

I bit my lip, struggling to hold back the emotions that threatened to spill over. “I’m... different,” I said finally, choosing my words carefully. “I haven’t... shifted yet. Everyone else in my age group already has, but I’m still... wolfless.”

There was a long pause, and I could feel the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on me. I forced myself to meet their gaze, bracing for the inevitable judgment, the dismissal that always followed when others learned of my “condition.”

But instead of the scorn I had expected, Alpha Rollins’s expression remained unreadable. He studied me for a moment longer, then exchanged another look with Liam, whose brows were furrowed in thought.

“So, you were wandering the forest, alone, after being rejected by your pack,” Alpha Rollins summarized, his voice even. “And you ended up here.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. My hands trembled slightly as I clutched the blanket around me, trying to keep my emotions in check.

Alpha Rollins considered this for a moment, then finally spoke. “You should have shifted by now,” he said bluntly. “But you haven’t. That’s a problem for most packs. They see it as a sign of weakness.”

His words were matter-of-fact, without any hint of mockery or pity. It was just the reality of my situation, laid bare.

“Yes,” I agreed, my voice trembling. “They do.”