Chapter 1 -

"Gunfire!"

I muttered under my breath as the distant shots echoed through the trees. Leaves rustled above me. I crouched on a branch, hidden in the canopy, watching black-clad soldiers move like shadows toward the pack compound.

"They're here," I whispered, gripping the handle of my blade. "About damn time."

"They're raiding the compound", I heard one of the Blood Moon pack members say below. "Orders straight from the Alpha King."

I smirked. "So, the King finally got tired of waiting for an invite."

The soldiers spread out, eight remaining outside while one squad entered the packhouse. I dropped silently to the ground, crouching behind them with my blade at the ready.

Crack. One down. Thud. Two down.

"Enemy-!"

Too late.

I spun, kicked, dodged a wild punch, then slammed my knee into his groin. He dropped like a stone.

"Dumb wolves", I muttered. "All muscle, no strategy."

"Seize her!" one barked.

Three rushed me. I backflipped over the first, landed on my feet, swept the second, elbowed the third.

"Damn rogue's fast!"

Another came at me.

"You boys don't learn, do you?" I said, ducking his swing and landing a clean kick to his head.

Then a voice boomed across the compound.

"ALL SOLDIERS, STAND DOWN."

They froze. Just like that. Obedience drilled into their bones.

I stood tall, eyes fixed on the figure stepping through the chaos.

He had presence. Command. Power that bent the air as his voice echoed like thunder.

"I am Alpha King Conrad. This pack is under investigation for mistreatment and violation of the Werewolf Rights Act. Alpha Blake and his family will be transported to the Royal Moon pack and tried for these crimes."

Blake knelt in silver cuffs with his Luna and sons. His lip curled when he saw me.

The Alpha King face softened, and a small smile crossed his lips. "That was quite impressive. So, who might you be".

"She's just some rogue bitch", Blake spat.

Crack. A soldier punched him so hard his head whipped to the side. He coward on the ground whimpering.

I chuckled. "He's not wrong."

Conrad's eyes narrowed. "You fought like a trained warrior. What's your name?"

"Didn't you hear?" I shrugged. "Just some rogue bitch."

His jaw tensed. "Rogues don't defend packs. They destroy them to gain power and control."

"Oh?" I arched a brow. "So, why are you here?"

"I came to protect," he said firmly. "We've brought medical care, food. Your pack will be registered and cared for. If a suitable Alpha isn't found-"

"You'll handpick a new one who is obedient to you?" I cut in.

"I don't want obedience", he said. "I want stability. Safety."

"For wolves like us?" I laughed coldly. "We've never had rights. Don't talk to me about your precious act."

He took a slow step toward me. "What's your name?"

I snarled back. "Not interested in bonding, Your Majesty."

"I'm not here to dominate you."

"No?" I challenged. "Then why call yourself King? Kings demand obedience, do they not."

His voice dropped. "True Kings only want loyalty and respect."

I stared him down. "Those are earned, not demanded."

A gust of wind blew past me-carrying my scent straight to him.

His nostrils flared. His pupils dilated. His wolf surged to the surface, glowing with his golden gaze.

He staggered back half a step. "Mate."

I froze.

No. Hell no.

He took a step forward. "You-you're-"

"Not. A. Chance," I growled, turning and sprinting for the trees.

"Wait!"

I didn't.

I vaulted up a trunk and leapt from branch to branch, wild and fast.

"Track her!" he shouted. "Don't lose her!"

I heard the panic in his voice, the Alpha command behind it.

But I wasn't listening.

I wasn't his.

I wasn't anyone's.

And I would never be a prisoner again.