CHAPTER 5

NICHOLAS: ALPHA OF THE FORESTHOWL PACK

The woods had always been my sanctuary. Ever since I lost her, my mate, this was where I found solace—a space where the towering trees and gentle rustle of leaves allowed me to breathe, even if only for a moment. Away from pack duties. The pain of her absence never truly faded, but the forest’s quiet strength reminded me that life, no matter how cruel, continued.

I walked along the familiar path, the moonlight filtering through the dense canopy above. 

 My wolf stirred within me, restless as always, but I kept him leashed. He and I had been at odds since her death. He wanted to move, to fight, to feel alive. I wanted to grieve in peace.

I stopped by a clearing, leaning against a tree as my thoughts consumed me. The moon hung low, bathing the forest in its silvery glow. My heart ached, a dull, constant pain I had grown used to, yet I couldn’t bring myself to let it go.

A sudden rustling snapped me out of my reverie. My wolf perked up instantly, his senses alert. I turned toward the sound, my eyes narrowing as I scanned the darkness. The forest was alive with creatures, but this noise was different.

Carefully, I moved toward the sound, my footsteps light and deliberate. As I parted the underbrush, I froze.

A girl stood a few feet away, her figure barely visible in the moonlight. Her clothes were torn and dirt-streaked, hanging limply on her thin frame. Her hair fell in wild waves around her shoulders, and even from this distance, I could see her trembling.

She turned suddenly, her eyes darting around as if sensing my presence. Before I could step forward or say anything, she ran off. .

I followed, my curiosity overpowering my hesitation.

“Shift now and give a hot chase.” My wolf suggested. 

 The girl moved quickly, her bare feet barely making a sound as she darted through the trees. I kept my distance, watching as she reached a large oak tree and stopped, glancing around nervously.

Then, to my astonishment, she began to shift.

Her body shimmered as her human form melted away, replaced by the sleek figure of a wolf. Her fur was a pale silver, almost white, and it gleamed in the moonlight like liquid starlight. She looked fragile yet strong, her movements graceful as she padded around the tree.

I stayed hidden, watching as she sniffed the air, her ears twitching. She seemed to sense me again, her eyes scanning the shadows. My wolf stirred within me, drawn to her presence in a way I didn’t fully understand.

When she shifted back into her human form, I took a step forward, unable to stop myself.

Her back was to me, and I saw her fumble for the pile of clothes she had left near the tree. But before she could dress, I spoke, my voice calm but firm.

“You’re on my land.”

She gasped, spinning around to face me, her hands instinctively covering her chest. Her eyes were wide with fear, and I immediately regretted startling her.

“I didn’t mean to frighten you,” I said, holding up my hands in a gesture of peace.

Her cheeks flushed as she scrambled to grab her clothes, turning away from me as she quickly pulled them on. Despite her efforts, I couldn’t help but notice her form—delicate yet strong, her skin marred by bruises that made my wolf growl low in my chest.

“Who are you?” she asked, her voice shaking slightly as she faced me again, her arms crossed over her chest defensively.

“I’m Nicholas,” I replied. “Alpha of the ForestHowl pack. You must have wandered far to end up here.”

Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of my title, and she dipped her head in what I assumed was an attempt at respect. 

“I’m sorry, Alpha. I didn’t mean to trespass.”

I studied her, noting the way her hands trembled and the fresh tear tracks on her cheeks. 

“What’s your name?”

“Tiara,” she whispered, barely loud enough to hear.

“Tiara,” I repeated, testing the name on my tongue. It suited her, though there was a fragility in her voice that tugged at something deep within me. 

“Why are you here? Why are you…” I paused, gesturing to her bruises, “…like this?”

She hesitated, her eyes flickering to the ground. 

“I didn’t prepare my stepsister’s bath water early enough,” she said softly, her voice breaking. 

“So I was punished.”

I frowned, anger bubbling in my chest. “Punished?”

She nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “It’s nothing new. They’ve always treated me this way. My stepmother, my stepsister… even my father.”

Her words hit me like a blow. I had heard of cruelty within packs, but to hear it from her own family… My wolf growled again, his fury matching my own.

“Why do they do this to you?” I asked, stepping closer.

Her hand moved to her neck, brushing against something hidden by her collar. 

“Because of this,” she said, her voice barely audible. 

“A mark I was born with. They say it’s a curse.”

She broke down then, her tears falling freely as sobs wracked her body. I didn’t think; I just acted. Closing the distance between us, I pulled her into my arms.

She stiffened at first, but eventually, she melted into the embrace, her hands clutching at my shoulder as she cried into my chest.

“It’s okay,” I murmured, stroking her hair gently. “You don’t deserve this. None of it.”

For a moment, we stayed like that, her tears soaking into my shirt as I held her close. My wolf was strangely calm, as if her presence soothed something in him.

When her sobs subsided, I pulled back slightly, meeting her tear-filled eyes. 

“Come with me,” I said, my voice firm. “To my pack. You’ll be safe there.”

Her eyes widened in alarm, and she shook her head vehemently. 

“I can’t,” she said, her voice trembling. 

“If I don’t go back, they’ll come for me. A war could start, and your pack…”

She trailed off, her eyes pleading with me to understand.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I didn’t want to let her go, but I couldn’t force her to stay. “If you ever need help,” I said, my tone serious, “come to me. No one will harm you under my protection.”

She nodded, her gaze filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered.

She turned.

“Don't let her go!” My wolf pleaded.