Chapter 2

Karen POV 

"I came to save you," she whispered, rushing toward the chains. Her voice was sharp, cutting me off before I could speak again.

Her face was pale in the dim torchlight, but her eyes burned with determination. "I know you’re not guilty, my lady. I couldn’t stand by and watch them kill you. I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner… I was waiting for the right moment, when the guards wouldn’t suspect a thing."

My throat tightened.

"Th-thank you," I croaked, voice breaking.

The cuffs bit deeper into my wrists, but the ache in my chest was worse. She was risking her life for me.

The metallic click of the lock echoed like thunder, and the chains slid free.

"Hurry," she urged, pressing a cloak into my hands. "Before it’s too late."

We slipped into the narrow escape tunnel, breath ragged, footsteps too loud in the silence. Yvonne glanced at me quickly.

“Luna, please stay safe.”

I grabbed her wrist. “Aren’t you coming with me? They’ll suspect you. I can’t let you stay behind.”

She shook her head sharply. “No, Luna. If I vanish, they’ll know. I’ll buy you time.” She pulled me into a quick, desperate hug. “Go. Now!”

I forced my legs to move, ignoring the pain lancing through my body. The trees blurred around me, branches clawing at my skin, but I didn’t stop. I had nothing left in that pack anymore.

The border was close. I knew every inch of this land it was a map burned into my mind. It was easy to avoid patrols, but the border was another story. My heart seized when I saw four massive wolves stationed ahead.

Panic surged. I swerved sharply, nearly colliding with a tree in my frenzy to stay hidden. A chilling howl tore through the night, signaling my presence. My heart hammered. I might outrun these ones, but Xavier or his Beta? No chance.

I risked a glance behind me four wolves were already chasing. My eyes locked on the line of charred bushes marking the border. Almost there.

Just as my foot crossed the threshold, searing pain exploded in my leg. Jaws clamped around me, dragging me back. I screamed, collapsing to my knees, fingers clawing at the dirt. I kicked and fought, but the bite sank deeper.

Snarls surrounded me. One wolf pinned me with its gaze while the others bared their teeth. My heart stuttered in terror.

And then

“Alpha,” they chorused, bowing their heads.

I forced my eyes up. His presence hit me like a storm raw power, commanding and suffocating. My heart fluttered wildly, my vision swimming. Darkness swallowed me before I could even glimpse his face. 

***********

My eyes snapped open, and I gasped. Pain tore through my skull, forcing me to collapse back into something soft.

I touched my temples, breathing through the ache, and slowly looked around. A massive bedroom. A soft bed beneath me. Comfort I hadn’t felt in… I couldn’t even remember. The peace of it broke me, and tears slipped down my cheeks.

“You’re awake.”

The deep voice made my stomach flutter. I sat up sharply, heart pounding, and saw him broad-shouldered, hands in his pockets, staring out the window.

“Where am I?” I whispered.

He turned slowly, and my breath caught at the sight of his sculpted chest and strong arms. His eyes were sharp, unreadable.

“I should be asking what you were doing in my territory,” he said, his tone smooth but laced with authority.

“Mate,” Sally, my wolf, whispered.

“What?” I hissed back at her. “Sally, not now. We’re in danger.”

“Oh, come on. Just admit it he’s hot. Imagine running your hands down that chest. What do you think his abs look like?”

I groaned. “I’ve had enough of you, you horny wolf.” I blocked her voice with effort.

He was still watching me, waiting. “Young lady, I asked you a question.”

“I… I’m sorry,” I stammered. “I didn’t mean harm. I was just… passing by.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re a Luna, aren’t you?”

The word stung. My chest tightened, but I nodded. “Yes. Ex-Luna.”

“Your scent gave you away,” he said with a smirk. Then he turned for the door. “Rest. You’ll undergo initiation soon. You’ll need to prove yourself to stay in

this pack.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. He left without a glance back.