Chapter 4 On the run

The moment the words left my mouth, Rexxona collapsed to her knees. Her pain was visceral, slamming into me like a blade straight to the chest. Rejection could destroy a she-wolf-I knew that. But what I didn't expect was for Rexxona to lift her head, her eyes burning with a mix of heartbreak and defiance.

She didn't scream. She didn't plead.

She just ran.

i

Shock rooted me in place for half a second before instinct kicked in. "Don't let her escape!" I barked at my warriors.

Even as my wolf howled in protest, I chased after her. I told myself it was for the pack-that her powers were unpredictable, that we needed answers. But deep down, I knew the truth. I couldn't bear to let her go. The rejection had been a moment of desperation, a way to calm my pack.

At least, that's what I told myself as I ran after her.

Rexxona POV:

My heart felt like it was shattering with every step, but I didn't stop. The pack I had fought to survive in now hunted me like a fugitive. The mate I was destined for-the one person who was supposed to love and protect me-had cast me aside as if I meant nothing.

The words echoed in my mind, relentless and unforgiving:

"I, Alpha Ron Jaxon, reject you as my mate and Luna."

Ria whimpered inside me, our bond throbbing like an open wound, her pain as raw as my own.

I clenched my teeth, pushing my body harder. My chest burned, my legs screamed in protest, but I wouldn't stop. I couldn't. My powers had flared to life back at the pack house, proving just how uncontrollable they were.

I tightened my grip on the book I had risked everything for. It was my only hope-my only chance at understanding who I was and why I was born with these cursed abilities. I refused to let it go.

The air shifted.

A new scent filled my lungs. My instincts screamed in warning. Another pack's territory.

I skidded to a stop, my breath ragged, my body trembling from exertion. A twig snapped somewhere to my left. My pulse spiked.

I spun, ready for an attack.

A cat.

A damn cat, lazily padding across the forest floor as if I wasn't standing there, barely holding myself together.

The tension in my limbs gave way, and my knees buckled. Relief, exhaustion, and heartbreak crashed over me at once. My hands clutched the book to my chest, its weight grounding me against the storm raging inside me.

The rejection still clung to me like a sickness. It hadn't killed me, but it lingered like a festering wound. I hated that I could still feel the pull toward him. That Ria still whined for him.

"Seems like someone's still sore," I muttered, my voice thick with bitterness.

Forcing myself to my feet, I shoved the pain aside. I had bigger problems.

The pack's territory was eerily silent. The houses stood still and empty, their quietness gnawing at my nerves.

Where is everyone?

Then, I heard it-muffled voices, the hum of music drifting through the air.

I crept toward the noise, keeping low, and hid behind a cluster of trees. My breath hitched at what I saw.

A party.

The pack was gathered in celebration, music blaring, wolves laughing and dancing as if the world hadn't just shattered around me.

My stomach twisted, both with hunger and something deeper, something raw.

"Way to go, Rex. You still have the luxury to be hungry in a situation like this."

I shook my head. The distraction was a gift. It gave me a chance to slip inside one of the empty houses, to find food, safety-something.

Then I felt it.

A presence.

A chill ran down my spine.

"Damn it. I've been caught."

I spun, dropping into a defensive stance, my heart hammering.

A girl stood before me, dressed head to toe in bright pink, her smile wide, her energy almost painfully cheerful.

She tilted her head, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I don't think I've seen you before. Who are you?"

I froze. Running wasn't an option-not now. Not with the entire pack nearby. I had to be smart. As I studied the girl, an idea formed.

She was my best shot at survival.

Taking a shaky breath, I let exhaustion and pain seep into my expression. Not a difficult task, given my current state. My tangled hair, dirt-smeared face, and tear-streaked cheeks only added to the effect.

My voice trembled as I spoke.

"I... I need help."