Chapter 2 Two

I darted behind the first tree I found, its sturdy trunk providing just enough cover. Crouching low, I pressed my back against the bark, straining to hear the approaching footsteps. Two feet, not four paws. I couldn't decide if that was a relief or a cause for concern. My heart raced as the sounds grew louder... Something formidable was drawing near.

I shrank further into my makeshift refuge, holding my breath and concentrating on the noises. Suddenly, the footsteps halted, followed by a soft splash of water. My instincts screamed that moving from my spot would be a terrible mistake, yet an overwhelming curiosity compelled me to look. I twisted my body, nearly losing my balance, and leaned out from behind the tree.

"D*mn," I muttered, my eyes locking onto the figure crouched at the water's edge.

Bathed in moonlight, he resembled a god. He was the very embodiment of darkness, contained in the most irresistible form I had ever encountered. Enzo might have been handsome, but this man? Every inch of him seemed crafted for one purpose: seduction.

His black hair tumbled in waves, tousled by the night breeze. His features bore an exquisite blend of savage beauty-captivating yet intimidating. Clad in black leather pants and a partially unbuttoned shirt that clung to his muscular arms, I found myself frozen, mesmerized by his broad shoulders, barely concealed by the fabric. I cursed silently, wishing he would ditch the shirt entirely.

What was I thinking? I had a boyfriend-one who would likely become my mate by dawn-and yet, I couldn't look away from the stranger at the lake.

My heart raced as I fought to keep my shallow breaths silent. Staying here felt reckless, but escaping might prove even more dangerous. The man radiated power, and I had no desire to discover its source.

Without realizing it, my gaze was drawn to his long fingers, dipping into the cool water. Then he turned his hands, exposing them to the moonlight...

My heart leapt into my throat. His hands were stained with blood. Nothing about his stance suggested he was hurt, which meant the blood wasn't his. I was an idiot for ogling a man who could easily be an assassin or a killer! I jerked back behind the tree, the motion too loud, too frantic...

A breathy chuckle sliced through the stillness. "Are you enjoying the view?"

I froze, breath caught in my throat.

"Why don't you come out, little one? I don't mind some company."

A shiver raced down my spine, and I couldn't tell if it was fear or something else entirely. His voice was deep and intoxicating.

"I never expected to find a woman wandering these woods at night." His amusement was palpable. "Is this a regular pastime for you?"

Another step followed, then another. Panic surged through me. He was coming closer! I scanned the area, desperately searching for an escape route. My only option was uphill, and I knew my chances of outrunning him in his wolf form were nearly nonexistent...

"General!" called another voice, freezing me in place. "I've been looking for you."

I cursed under my breath, but then I heard more footsteps-retreating footsteps. The dark stranger-the general-was walking away! Seizing my opportunity, I sprinted up the hill. I might have heard a chuckle as I fled, but I dared not glance back. I ran until I reached the sandy road marking our pack's territory, collapsing against a tree, gasping for breath.

My mind raced with chaotic thoughts. Who was that man? The other had called him a general... Did that mean he was a warrior? What kind of pack would send their fighters to a place known as No Man's Land?

I waited for my breath to slow before slowly turning around. Once I was sure I wasn't being pursued, I sighed in relief. But it was premature...

"Gianna! What a delightful surprise!" a chilling voice rang out through the forest.

I recognized that voice instantly. It belonged to Dante, Beta Vincenzo's son and Enzo's friend. I often wondered how Enzo could be friends with someone so revolting. For reasons unknown to me, Dante loathed me more than most.

It seemed that making my life miserable was his sole purpose. Dante was one of the few in our pack who knew about my relationship with Enzo, which likely fueled his hatred for me...

I s*ck*d in a sharp breath and turned to face him.

He wasn't alone; three other warriors flanked him as he approached. I clenched my fists, teeth grinding. "What do you want from me, Dante?!" I snarled.

"To... f*ck exactly," Dante purred, eliciting laughter from his companions.

My eyes widened in disbelief. "W-what?" I stammered.

He shrugged, his snake-like hazel eyes roving over my form. "It's your last night as an unmated, pretty little wolf." His gaze lingered on the haphazardly tied knots of my dress. "You should let us have some fun." He motioned to the three warriors behind him, and in an instant, I was surrounded.

"Don't even think about touching me," I hissed. "You know Enzo and I-"

"Oh, I don't think Enzo would mind us having a little taste." A dark grin spread across his face. "Get her!"

Chills raced down my spine as I clumsily raised my guard. I had never learned to fight, but I would use every ounce of my strength against them. They lunged at me, grabbing my wrists, and-

A powerful rumble reverberated through the woods. No, it wasn't thunder-it was a growl. But what kind of monster could produce such a sound?!

The warriors recoiled, fear etched on their faces as they stared at something behind me...

Sucking in a sharp breath, I turned slowly, and everything inside me froze. A massive black wolf emerged from the shadows, baring its sharp teeth. When I met its gaze, I stumbled back, frozen by the fiery red glow in its eyes. Only the strongest wolves had red eyes. I was face to face with an Alpha...

The black wolf advanced, its gaze locked on me. There was something familiar about it, but my terror clouded my thoughts. A low growl rumbled from its chest, and I swore the ground beneath me trembled. Then, in a swift motion, it lunged, leaping over my head toward the men who threatened me.

"Shift!" Dante shouted, stumbling backward in a desperate attempt to escape.

I stood paralyzed, struggling to comprehend the unfolding scene. Where had this wolf come from? Whoever this Alpha was must have known that trespassing on our land came with dire consequences. And why was this Alpha targeting Dante and his crew?

The black beast seemed to await the others' transformations, but as soon as they shifted, the Alpha sprang forward. One of the warriors lunged for the beast's throat, but the Alpha caught him mid-air, swatting him down with a massive paw before snapping his neck with a sickening crack. The warrior lay lifeless, but the Alpha continued, stepping over the corpse and crushing him bone by bone.

I clapped a hand over my mouth, horrified. Goddess...

Dante and the others stood no chance against this black beast. They were as good as dead... and I would surely follow. Witnessing this Alpha kill would not leave me unharmed.

My legs suddenly propelled me forward, and I ran with every ounce of strength I had. I needed to escape these woods before the Alpha turned its attention to me.

A pained cry pierced the air, making me flinch, knowing another warrior had met a brutal end. Did I regret leaving them behind? Not at all. If the Alpha had attacked me first, they would have relished in watching me being torn apart.

Then I heard a howl followed by a whimper-another death. A shudder ran through me. I didn't want to die like this. I clenched my fists tighter, channeling every last bit of strength into my flight. Finally, I burst out of the forest and didn't stop until I reached the cottage I shared with my father and sister, Livia.

I slammed the door behind me, locking every bolt, even though I knew it wouldn't keep the monster I had seen at bay. I stared at the door for what felt like ages before forcing myself to move.

Turning away, I tuned into the sounds within the house. My father was probably passed out after finishing his bottle of ale, and Livia had likely gone to bed early, hoping to hide any fatigue before the Mating Ball. I let them remain blissfully ignorant of my terrifying encounter. Quietly, I slipped into the bathroom, washed my face and brushed my teeth, then crawled into bed.

My heart continued to race long after I rested my head on the pillow. Anxiety gripped me tightly, robbing me of sleep. I had learned to trust my instincts long ago, and now they screamed with urgency. It felt as if an ominous shadow loomed in the air I breathed, and deep down, I knew I would confront its source at tomorrow's ball...