Chapter 5 No more running: Alpha Aries

"I need help."

Those were the only words I could force out. The girl in front of me frowned, her brows knitting together as if expecting more. But I had nothing else to say.

So I said it again.

"I really need help."

I was a rogue, a lone wolf, and I had stumbled into this pack's territory looking for refuge-just for a little while. I just needed a place to rest, to gather my strength. I prayed she could help.

Her expression softened as she studied me, concern flickering in her eyes. I must have looked awful-filthy, exhausted, desperate. Finally, after what felt like forever, she spoke.

"I think I can help," she said slowly. "But first... do you mind telling me your name?"

I hesitated before answering. "Rex... Rexxona."

"Alright, Rex," she said with a grin, as if we were already friends. "Not to brag or anything, but my brother is the Alpha of this pack-Alpha Aries. And this is the Awoke Pack, in case you were wondering. I think I can pull a few strings for you."

Internally, I celebrated.

I had heard of the Awoke Pack before. They were known for their ruthlessness-but only toward hunters. Rogues like me, as long as they weren't causing trouble, were usually spared.

"Oh, and I'm Rose, by the way," she added, her bright smile never fading. "We should stay here until the party's over. It's better not to draw attention to ourselves."

I nodded in agreement, and we settled into an awkward silence. The minutes stretched on as we waited. The distant sound of laughter and music finally began to fade.

"I think we can go now," Rose said, stepping out of our hiding spot.

As we walked toward the clearing, a figure approached us from the opposite direction. His presence was impossible to ignore-strong, commanding.

Alpha.

I tensed, bracing myself.

My past encounters with Alphas had never ended well.

Alpha Aries' POV

Life as an Alpha without a Luna was hollow. For three years, I had endured that emptiness, my heart fractured by loss. My parents pushed me to take another Luna, but I couldn't do it. Not after her.

Three years ago, hunters had taken my mate from me during what should have been a simple hunting trip. Her death shattered me. It took everything in me not to lose myself completely. Instead, I turned my grief into purpose, into rage, into power.

The Awoke Pack became feared for a reason. We showed no mercy to hunters.

Tonight's gathering was just another one of my parents' attempts to make me "move on." My father's birthday was a convenient excuse to throw a celebration, an opportunity to parade potential Lunas in front of me.

I wasn't in the mood for socializing, but it was my father's night. I wouldn't deny him that.

When I arrived, all eyes turned to me, and the crowd dipped their heads in respect. The weight of my position pressed against me, a reminder of my duty-and my isolation.

Forcing a polite smile, I took my seat at the family table. My gaze swept the gathering, taking note of every face, every movement. Then I frowned.

Rose was missing.

Turning to my mother, I asked, "Where's Rose?"

She gestured toward one of the houses near the pack grounds. I made a mental note to check on her later, but for now, I focused on my father as he stood to give his speech.

The night dragged on, the party finally winding down. That's when I spotted Rose, her bright pink outfit impossible to miss as she weaved through the crowd.

But she wasn't alone.

A girl walked beside her, moving carefully, like she was trying not to be noticed. As they drew closer, my eyes locked onto hers.

Her gaze was a piercing shade of blue-so intense, it sent a strange jolt through me. Something about her felt... different.

I shook off the sensation and turned to Rose.

"Where have you been?" My tone was firm, but not unkind. Then my gaze flicked to the girl beside her. "And who is this?"

Rose opened her mouth to explain, but the girl spoke first.

"I'm Rexxona," she said. Her voice was steady, but there was something underneath-weariness, guarded strength.

At the sound of her voice, something inside me shifted.

For the first time in years, I felt something.

Perhaps this party wasn't a waste after all.