A DESPERATE ESCAPE

Selena

"I have to leave."

The thought raged in my mind like a wildfire. I stood in my cramped quarters, clutching my stomach, sensing the faintest flutter of life within me. My child. Lucian's child. However, nothing changed. I couldn't stay in the Bloodfang Pack. Not after all.

I took a long breath, bracing myself. I would not allow this pregnancy to keep me here. I had to go. Now.

---

Late that night, I crept through the packhouse, my pulse pounding against my chest. Every creak in the hardwood floors made me freeze, waiting for approaching footsteps. The guards patrolled outside, but I'd spent enough time in this pack to recognize their tendencies.

I approached the back entryway, placing my hand on the hardwood. This was it. My way out.

"Where do you think you're going?"

I spun around, my heart racing. Darius. One of Lucian's most dedicated fighters. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a sneer forming on his lips.

I swallowed hard. "I—"

"Running away?" He interrupted, pulling himself off the wall and approaching me. "Not very smart, little omega."

I forced myself to stand taller. "I'm leaving."

He laughed. "And, where would you go? You belong to Alpha Lucian."

My stomach turned at those words. Belong? No. Not anymore. "I don't belong to anyone."

Darius' sneer faltered. "You really think he's just going to let you go?"

I curled my fingers into fists. "He doesn't care about me."

His attention moved to my stomach, and his demeanor changed. "You're hiding something."

Panic rose throughout me. "Move, Darius."

He didn't move. "Or what?"

I had no choice. I acted instinctively, shoving my knee up between his legs. He let out a choked grunt, doubling over, and I pushed by him, racing out the door.

The cold night air slapped my face as I ran, my heart thumping in my ears. I had no strategy and no destination. I just knew I needed to keep running.

---

The woodland was dark, with the moon barely illuminating my path. As I proceeded through the thick branches, twigs snapped under my feet. I wasn't sure how far I'd run, but my legs ached and tiredness set in.

Then there were voices.

I skidded to a halt and pressed myself against a tree.

"She went this way."

Lucian's warriors.

Fear clutched at my chest. They were close. Too close. I could not outrun them.

I turned abruptly, my breath ragged. Then I saw it: a river up ahead, its flowing waters reflecting the moonlight.

Without hesitation, I dashed toward it and dove into the frigid water. The cold stole my breath, but I pulled myself ahead, allowing the river to carry me away from my pursuers.

---

I couldn't remember how long I drifted until landing on the riverside, gasping for air. My body ached, and my limbs felt heavy.

Then came footsteps.

I tensed, my vision fuzzy, as a stranger approached me.

A man. Tall with bright golden eyes and dark hair. He knelt beside me, his gaze moving to my birthmark and then back to my face.

"You're Moonborn."

I blinked, striving to maintain consciousness. "Who…?"

He flashed a faint, knowing smile. "You're safe now."

I wanted to speak, to inquire where I was, but the darkness drew me beneath.

---

When I awoke, I was in a comfortable bed covered with thick covers. The aroma of herbs permeated the air, and soft lighting flickered around the stone walls.

A voice. Deep and peaceful. "She's awake."

I turned my head and saw the same golden eyes as before. He sat next to me, intently observing me.

"Who are you?" I croaked.

"Alpha Raiden of the Nightshade Pack." His stare remained unwavering. "And you, Selena, are not an ordinary wolf."

I frowned. "What are you talking about?"

He pointed to my arm, where my crescent birthmark was evident. "That's the mark. It is the sign of the Moonborn.

I shook my head. "That's just a birthmark."

He chuckled. "No, it is far more than that. You have the blood of the first wolves. Those chosen by the Moon Goddess herself."

I swallowed hard. "That… that's not possible."

Raiden leaned forwards. "It is. And that suggests you have a bigger destiny than you think."

I wanted to dispute and refute it, but something inside me stirred. A strong, undeniable draw.

"What destiny?" I whispered.

Raiden's expression became serious. "To unite—or destroy—the werewolf clans."

I took in a breath. "That's insane."

Raiden shakes his head. "This is the truth. And you'll have to train if you want to withstand what's ahead."

I paused. "Why are you helping me?"

He exhaled. "Because, Selena, you are meant for more than suffering."

His remarks struck a deep chord within me. I'd lived my entire life as nothing. But now I had the opportunity to become something more.

Can I do this? Can I accept whatever fate has in store for me?

Before I could respond, the doors sprang open.

One of Raiden's guys dashed inside, breathing frantically.

"We have a problem."

Raiden's eyes sharpened. "What is it?"

The man swallowed. "Some warriors are after her."

My heart has stopped.

Raiden turned to face me. "It seems your past isn't ready to let you go just yet."