NEVER TRUST HIM

Ophelia POV

"How far is this camp?" I asked for the umpteenth time, my voice breaking the silence.

It has been hours now if I am not mistaken. Walking all along with any destination. Am I not being cooked now?

The Ryker guy glanced back over his shoulder, his angry eyes gleaming into the night. “Far enough to keep unwanted visitors out, but close enough to strike if needed,” he said. His voice was rough and tough but not unkind. “We'll be there soon. You're not afraid of a little walk, are you?”

His words were smooth and his way of putting words kind of amused me. It was suddenly to my liking.

I narrowed my eyes but bit back a retort. I was exhausted and every muscle in my body ached after the fight with the rogues and my endless work.

But still, I refused to show my weakness, especially in front of someone like Ryker, a wolf who had everything under control and strength.

Finally, the trees parted, revealing a hidden clearing nestled in the heart of the forest. A shaft of cabins and tents was arranged in a circle around the fire.

“This is it,” Ryker said, stepping aside to let me take in the sight.

My eyes beamed with a little strength as I checked out the place but a little hesitation filled in. I scanned the faces of the wolves around. They were rough-looking, lean but there was a feeling of bond in their midst.

“You brought someone new,” a woman called out, striding toward us. Her auburn hair was tied back in a loose braid, and a scar curved along her jawline like a crescent moon. She eyed me with suspicion. “Who is she?”

Before I could talk Ryker interrupted.

“Ophelia,” Ryker said simply, his tone offering no argument. “She’s with me.”

I raised my brows at him, flabbergasted by the situation.

How did he know my name? I never recalled telling him anything about Ophelia…so?

The woman raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on my glowing chest where the Shadowmark pulsed under my skin. “With you? That’s new. You usually don’t bring anyone here, Ryker. And not particularly shadowmarked.”

“I make exceptions,” he replied curtly.

The woman snorted, giving me one more glare but stepped aside, giving another once over before disappearing into the camp.

Ryker turned towards me. “Don’t mind her. That’s Mara. She’s not used to new faces, but she’ll come around.”

I crossed my arms, feeling a little uncomfortable. “How do you know my name? I didn't recall telling you my name and what is this place?.” I asked, checking the camp out again.

He softly smiled, “Well, when someone decided to hide her name. I have my way of finding.” He said with a proud smile, earning a frown from me.

“This is no joke. You are a harm to me if you do this. I don't joke with my stuff.” I warned and he raised his hand in surrender.

“I didn't interfere in your stuff, but I did see that your mate, Alpha Eric, laid allegations on you.” He whispered and my eyes widened.

“You don't expect me not to get to know you. You might be a spy sent to us.” He said and I sighed.

“I am done here. I can't stay with a pack that can see through me.” I replied angrily and made a move. I expected him to say something but he didn't even make a sound.

“When you aren't displaying then you come around. As you asked earlier, this place is a sanctuary, for wolves like us. Those who don't belong to packs anymore. Either because we were rejected, or because we chose to walk away.” He smoothly said and I looked around again, noticing the careful watchfulness in the eyes of the wolves.

They moved with purpose but I knew they never let their guard down, as if they were ready to fight at a moment.

“Why bring me here?” I asked.

His expression hardened and I could see his jaw tightening. “Because I’ve seen that mark before,” he said, his gaze flicking to My chest. “The Shadowmark. It’s not just some fancy symbol…. it's power. And power like that is a target.”

I frowned instantly. “You've seen it before? On who?”

I watched him hesitate, his amber eyes darkening with emotions I didn't know. “Her name was Lyra,” he said quietly. “She had the Shadowmark, just like you. She tried to use it to unite wolves, to fight back against the packs that had cast her out. But she didn’t know how to control it. It... consumed her.”

My chest tightened at his words. With the weight of his words, it surely meant that the Lyra girl meant something to him. “What happened to her?”

“She was killed,” Ryker said, his voice rough. “By wolves who feared what she could become. And by her power, which turned against her when she lost control. I failed to nurture her. Even though I knew the consequences I didn't move an inch to help her. Or, maybe I tried and it was fruitless because it was too late.”

His words settled over me like a ton of bricks and I touched the glow of the mark over my heart and my hand, my mind now racing rapidly.

I had felt the power within me, wolf and untamed, but I hadn't realized just how dangerous it could be. It healed me a while ago and I didn't even process it.

Ryker stepped closer, his gaze piercing. “If you don’t learn to control it, the same thing will happen to you.”

“And you think you can teach me?” I asked, my voice tinged with hope.

He smirked faintly, “I can try. But it’s not just about the mark, Ophelia. It’s about who you are. This camp, these wolves, they’re survivors. They’ve been betrayed, beaten down, and cast aside, just like you. But they didn’t give up. Neither should you.”

I held his gaze “Why do you care what happens to me?”

I asked and his expression grew serious. “Because I’ve seen too many wolves like us destroyed by the packs that were supposed to protect them. And because you have something worth fighting for, whether you realize it or not.”

My heart clenched at his words. I wanted to argue, to push him away, but the truth of what he said was too close. Too scary. Was I ready to bear this cross?

Well, no I couldn't choose anymore.

“Fine,” I finally said. “Teach me. But don’t expect me to trust you just yet.”

Ryker nodded, his smirk returning. “Fair enough.”