Chapter 2 Ian

Leah's POV

I ran. That was the only solution I could think of for my safety and that of my child.

If Aiden's parents were still alive, I might have sought refuge with them, but ever since they passed away, Aiden doesn't listen to anyone anymore.

"Oh, moon goddess, be my aid," I silently whispered as my stomach rumbled and my back ached.

I had been walking for four days, feeling exhausted and hungry. I ran out of food on the third day after leaving the pack. I really hope I can get to any neighboring pack for refuge.

My legs trembled from tiredness, but I had no choice but to keep walking. Even though I had gotten my wolf, I didn't want to shift because I heard it could be dangerous for a pregnant she-wolf.

I just didn't want to do anything that might cause harm to my unborn child. I heard the sound of water, and I ran in its direction. I eventually saw a river and was so glad and happy that I could finally drink water.

As I kept drinking, I heard footsteps walking close to me, and I became alert. I brought out the kitchen knife I took along with me since I had no access to the pack's weaponry room.

"Woah, please calm down, I am not here to fight you."

I saw a man emerge from the trees. He was tall and handsome, had ruffled hair, and one golden tooth.

"Who are you? Who sent you?" I asked, trying to act strong and brave. I was scared that he could be one of Aiden's trackers. He had a lot of them, and they often helped him carry out jobs outside the pack. They were like his own mercenaries.

If he was one of them, then I was doomed. I have served Aiden for three years, and I often saw some of his trackers whenever they came to the pack for business. They appeared highly skilled and would carry out any job for money.

"What are you talking about? No one sent me and who are you?" He inquired. I didn't utter a word and stared at him.

"You sound distressed and tired, are you running away from someone?" He inquired, but I refused to say anything to him.

I still held on to my knife, waiting to see if he would do something odd. I didn't want to be caught off guard.

"Listen, you are within my pack's borders, and I can help you if you want, but you need to talk to me," the man pressed again, confused by my silence.

"What is the name of your pack?" I finally asked. His body movement doesn't seem like one with ulterior motives, so I let my guard down a little.

"Shadow Moon Pack," the man answered.

I didn't know I had already gotten to a neighboring pack border. The Shadow Moon Pack were not core allies to the Blood Moon Pack; maybe I could seek shelter here.

"Why do you want to help me? You don't know me."

I tried to find out more about this man who suddenly offered to help me. He wouldn't possibly just want to help a stranger just like that, right?

"As I mentioned earlier, you look like you need a helping hand, and I am willing to help. I just felt pity immediately I saw you."

"Is this how you help strangers that cross your path?" I asked because his reasons were just not valid enough for me.

"Listen, if you don't want my assistance, it's fine. Just be careful and watchful. This border is not safe at night. Rogues have frequently been spotted around here," he advised, turning to leave.

Did he just mention rogues? They were the worst of them all!

I got scared and immediately followed him. "Please hold on, I want to come with you," I finally said.

"Why? Why would you want to follow a stranger like me?” He questioned me in the same tone I used earlier.

"Look, I am sorry for the way I spoke to you, I was just being careful."

"Are you running away from someone?" he asked again.

I couldn't tell him my story. I didn't want anyone to know that I came from the Blood Moon pack, so I had to fabricate a lie.

"I fled from my mistress, who often mistreated and beat me up. I couldn't continue living with her, so I ran away."

"I am so sorry about that. Which pack are you from?" He questioned.

"I am sorry, but I can't tell you that at the moment," I replied, not wanting to disclose my identity to him.

"Okay, it's fine. I believe you are still scared, and you don't trust me yet. Let me start by introducing myself. I am Ian."

"Leah," I replied.

"It is nice to meet you, Leah. Come on, let me take you to my home. I am sure you must be very tired and hungry too," Ian said, offering a kind smile.

He tried to engage me in a conversation as we walked, but I wasn't interested. I didn't want to unintentionally disclose any information that could put me in trouble. Telling him my real name was already a wrong move.

"Don't worry, Leah. I am sure you will enjoy your stay with me. I meant my pack. You don't need to worry about anything," Ian said.

"Thank you very much, Ian. I sincerely appreciate."

"You are welcome. Don't worry, we will get to my home soon enough." I continued walking with him, taking one turn after another until we finally got to his home.

“We are here, “ he announced. I looked around and saw a decent, isolated cabin.

"You don't live close to your pack's house?" I inquired because most packs tend to build their homes close to the Alpha's home known as the pack house, but his home seemed isolated and there was no sign of any house nearby.

"The kind of business I do requires privacy. Enough about me, come and sit down. I made beef soup before leaving the house. Let me warm it up for you," he said, going into his kitchen.

Soon enough, the tantalizing aroma of beef filled the cabin, and I couldn't help but salivate.

He offered me the meal, and I ate to my heart's content while he watched me with a weird smile on his face.

Ian's words about the kind of business he does that requires privacy, his isolated cabin, and even the way he weirdly stared at me were red flags I should have noticed if I wasn't so blinded by the food and shelter he provided.

I never knew that Ian's extended act of kindness towards me would turn out to be the worst fate I ever imagined.