Chapter 3 Broken

Nikita's POV

(Present Day- which is 5 weeks after I met the old woman who rescued me and took me to the Blood Moon Pack. And 2 weeks after the rejection and verdict of my mate, Alpha Tyler.)

Pain sears through my body as I collapse onto the cold forest ground, my breath ragged. My limbs tremble, my wolf barely able to surface after the brutal rejection. The bond is severed, yet the phantom agony lingers like a cruel reminder of what I've lost.

I weep heavily. I can't stop thinking. "Cassandra." My beloved daughter is gone. "How can I kill my child?" I question myself inwardly and I look into the sky.

I want to ask the moon goddess why she has forsaken me. How can she let this happen? Why must I kill my child? My firstborn child? I can't shake off the pain slicing through my chest.

I clutch my stomach, my body shaking as I remember her innocent face. The warmth of her little hands when she'd curl up beside me. The way she'd giggle, calling me "Mommy" in that sweet voice.

And now she's gone. Tears is running non-stop. I try to control it but I can't. The wolves beat me to a pulp after the Alpha Tyler severed our mate bond. I can't stay.

I am cursed to stay as a slave, but I can't. I have no place here anymore. "I have to leave and never return." I say to myself inwardly.

As I stand up to leave, A broken sob escapes my lips, but I refuse to let despair consume me. Not here. Not now. I have to keep moving.

The night stretches endlessly before me, the dense trees whispering secrets to the wind. My wolf stirs weakly, urging me to run, to survive. I drag myself forward, each step excruciating.

I don't know where I'm going, but I can't stay. I know the wolves and Tyler will hunt me, and if I'm caught, I'll be killed. Yet, that is a risk I'm willing to take.

As I walk, I can't stop thinking about Kesler. This is his fault. He cast me into the lion's den. I should have known better than to trust him. I know what will be happening.

On this cold night, Kesler will be wrapped in Alicia's arm as she whispers words of seduction in his ears; her witchery knows no limit. I should've known, I should've seen her for who she truly is.

Now, here I am paying the price of my mistakes. I am homeless and childless, yet I am like a wanted criminal hoping not to get caught or face a death sentence.

I whimper as I drag my legs on the bare ground. The cold night punctures my lungs, but I don't care. I am a shadow of myself at this point.

A snapping twig makes my breath hitch. My head jerks up, my senses on high alert. Shadows shift between the trees, and a scent reaches me-dark, powerful, intoxicating.

My stomach clenches. No. It can't be.

Before I can react, a strong hand wraps around my waist, yanking me against a hard, muscled chest. A growl rumbles near my ear.

"Running already, little wolf?"

"Tyler."

My body stiffens. The mate bond may be broken, but his presence still sends a shiver down my spine. He rejected me-rejected us-but now he stands here, his grip possessive, his breath warm against my skin.

I force myself to meet his gaze, swallowing the lump in my throat. His piercing blue eyes are unreadable, but there's something dark lurking beneath the surface.

"What do you want?" I bite out, my voice hoarse.

His lips curve into a smirk, but there's no amusement in his eyes. "You, of course."

I glare at him, my nails digging into my palms. "You made it clear I'm nothing to you."

His hold tightens. "And yet, here you are, right where I want you."

Rage flares in my chest. I refuse to be a pawn in his twisted games. "Let me go, Tyler."

His gaze darkens, a flicker of something dangerous crossing his expression. "You think you get to decide?"

I clench my jaw, my heart pounding. He has no right to claim me, not after what he did.

My thoughts scatter as he suddenly lifts me off my feet. A startled gasp escapes me, but before I can struggle, his lips brush against my ear.

"You're coming with me, Nikita. Whether you like it or not."

My blood turns cold.

This isn't over. It's only just beginning.