Chapter 2: Run for My Life

Her words echoed in my mind, sending a chill down my spine.

"Kill her," she had spoken, matter-of-factly, as if she had asked for a plate of food rather than my demise.

The two men advanced, their faces impassive but their purpose unmistakable. I panicked. My body acted instinctively. I whirled around and ran headlong into the woods, my bare feet thumping against the earth as the smell of pine and earth rushed into my lungs.

Branches scraped against my arms, and the cold night air nipped at my skin, but I didn't slow down. Their footsteps were mere inches behind, the thud growing louder by the second.

"You can't keep running, Bella!" one of them yelled.

But I had no plans on slowing down.

The woods were thick, and the moonlight struggled to penetrate the cover above. My wolf, weakened by the emotional shock of Cole's rejection, fought to emerge.

I pleaded silently, Come on. I need you now.

But there was no response. Rejection had broken our connection, leaving me exposed and alone.

A loud crack behind me jolted a surge of fear through my veins. I sprang to the right, dodging between the trees, my breath coming in harsh gasps. I tripped over a root and fell heavily, the jolt knocking the wind from my lungs.

I hadn't time to struggle to my feet when a thick hand closed over my arm and jerked me upright.

"Gotcha," one of the men snarled, the grip like steel.

I lashed out frantically, kicking and scratching, not willing to quit. My nails raked across his cheek, leaving blood, and he cursed, relaxing his hold enough for me to slip away.

I ran once more, this time towards the river I knew was just on the other side of the trees. If I could get to it, perhaps I could lose them.

The roar of running water filled my head as I walked up to it. Not thinking, I dove into the freezing current, the cold taking my breath away. I kicked with all my might, the current tugging at me as if with an unseen hand.

The men yelled behind me, their voices fading as the current swept me down the river. When I finally pulled myself over onto the far bank, I fell, shaking and gasping for air.

As dawn began to break, I staggered through the unfamiliar forest. My body ached, and my mind was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, anger, heartbreak.

Cole's rejection played over and over in my head. His cold eyes. The way he had dismissed me without even hearing my side.

How could he believe Georgina over me?

The sting of betrayal hurt more than the cold water or the cuts on my body. I had lost everything: my pack, my home, and my mate.

But I was not going to let it go this far.

I had to live.

A sound pierced my mind, the sound of hoofbeats beating rhythmically. I braced my body as I huddled behind a tree, watching warily in the direction of the noise.

A rider on horseback came forward, kingly and commanding. The presence of the rider was unlike anything I'd ever encountered—strong, strong, and unbelievably magnetic. When he moved closer, I saw his dazzling golden eyes, which appeared to be able to gaze into my soul.

The Alpha King.

His eyes focused on mine, and I stood still, transfixed, unable to break the contact. Something deep inside of me was awakening, a flame that would not be smothered no matter what I had been through.

"You're hurt," he said, climbing down with fluid ease. His voice was deep and commanding but contained a hint of worry.

I tried to speak, but the words were trapped in my throat.

"Who are you?" he said, his voice softer this time.

"Bella," I struggled, my voice shaking.

The king's face grew black, and a low growl vibrated in his chest. "Bella," he said, as if savoring the name. Then his eyes relaxed, and he reached out a hand towards me.

"Come," he said. "You're safe now."

I wavered, caught between believing this stranger and fleeing once more. But something in his eyes warned me he wouldn't hurt me.

As I put my hand in his, a peculiar heat coursed through me, kindling a spark of hope in my broken heart.