CHAPTER SEVEN: THE STRANGER IN THE WOODS

MORRIS’ POV

“Alpha Morris, are you listening?” My beta asked me. It was at that moment that I snapped back to the present. The members of my council stared at me, some with concern and others with annoyance.

I have never zoned out of council meetings. I have never zoned out of anything that concerned my duties as the alpha kind. Even before the title was bestowed upon me, I was always fully invested. But today was different. 

I couldn’t get my mind off that woman. 

Sharon… 

When she had woken from her slumber, I didn’t expect her to be more beautiful than when she was asleep. For most women, the reverse was the case because they always appeared so peaceful during their slumber.

But Sharon? My goodness. 

I expected her eyes to be hazel or something. Her blue orbs took me off guard. They reminded me of the calm sea on a sunny day. So tranquilizing. There was something hypnotic in the way she looked at me, the way she batted her lashes and looked at everything and everyone with uncertainty.

She reminded me of a fragile being that needed protecting. And I was more than willing to be that protector. But why? I just knew her for a couple of hours and the majority of that time she was unconscious.

It was strange.

She wasn’t my mate. I have met my mate and I do not intend to have another. But she really did give the characteristics of a match made by the moon goddess herself. A divine union. 

What am I even thinking?

“Forgive me, what were you saying?” I asked the members of my council. Kelly cleared his throat and repeated his question.

“Do we have your approval for the annual recruitment program and the youth capacity building scheme? These are the details drafted by Councillor Ragnar and Alex,” my beta said, sliding the document over to me. 

“The youth capacity building scheme and the annual recruitment program are both wonderful ideas we could implement to strengthen our pack. I will make sure to go through the document and consider the terms and conditions to make it possible. I will communicate my response to you all,” I said curtly before rising to my feet. 

The rest of the council followed my lead, bowing respectfully as I exited the board room with Kelly trailing behind me with the document.

“Summarize that document, I only want to know the conditions involved in order for implementation to take place,” I said and Kelly nodded in understanding.

“Very well, alpha.”

“If there are other pressing matters let me know through our mind link. I will be heading off into the woods, I need to go for a run. I wish not be disturbed,” I said. He nodded once again.

“Understood, your grace.”

We parted ways and I stepped out of the foyer, bathing in the warmth of the setting sun. A perfect time to go for a run.

“Are you ready?” I asked Ren whose tail wagged with excitement.

I let him take control, drifting into the background as he got down on all fours. He bolted out of the palace and sprinted deep into the woods. He relished in the feeling of having his fur kissed by the wind and adrenaline that coursed through his veins.

We knew every nook and cranny of this forest. Not only have we been doing patrols in this forest, but we basically grew up here. This is the forest that connected us to the earth. It was a special part of us and neither of us would ever get tired of it.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar, yet seemingly familiar scent hit our nostrils. Ren’s paws came to a halt as he sniffed the air. That scent was not common around these pets but I felt like I knew it from somewhere.

Without offering so much as a second thought, he followed the scent. He sprinted towards the scent, freezing once again when his eyes fell on its origin.

It was her.

Sharon.

She laid curled up beside a tree. Her arms wrapped around her belly like she was trying to protect herself. Like that would do anything against a pack of vicious, blood thirsty rogues. Why on earth is she even out here?

Ren inched towards her, nudging her with his snout. The second they made contact, she jolted awake. Her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets when she saw us, and she shrieked with fear. I noticed how her arm clenched even tighter around her belly as she pressed her back to the tree.

She must have a really upset stomach.

“Stay back! Don’t come any closer!” She screamed, picking up a stick to serve as her weapon. I don’t know if I should find that funny or concerning. 

I pushed Ren to the background and took charge. The next time I lifted my gaze, her cheeks were as red as freshly harvested tomatoes.

Oh, that’s right.

I’m naked.

Shooting her a wolffish grin, I said, “Pardon me.”

I rose to my feet and located one of the trees that bore my mark. I have clothes hidden beside almost every tree in this forest for situations like these.

By the time I returned, wearing nothing but a pair of black pants, she was already on her feet and on the move.

“Hey, wait!” I called out and she froze in her tracks. When I caught up to her, I noticed she had grown a bit pale. “Funny seeing you here again.”

“Yeah,” she said, chuckling dryly. “What a coincidence.”

My eyelids narrowed to slits. “Oh, I wouldn’t call it a coincidence. Where did you say you are from again?”

She pursed her lip. “Like I said, around.”

“Well, I’m starting to think around doesn’t have a distinct location,” I said and she parted her lips to say something but ended up sealing them shut.

I can’t believe I am doing this but…

“Look, you don’t have to give an explanation right now if you don’t want to. It’s clear that you are quite far from home. How about you come back with me, get cleaned up and well rested. Then maybe I can take you to this ‘around.’ How does that sound?”

The reluctance in her eyes was evident. But it was clear she did not have much of a choice. 

I don’t know why I was inviting a pregnant stranger into my home, but every fiber of my being was prompting me to help her. 

And that is exactly what I will do.