Chapter 5 In The Woods

ALYSSA

I'm going to make them pay.

I'd been walking in this thick, dark forest for what I'd call hours, but I didn't see any house or a small pack or a rogue camp. Getting a mate was something I'd expected to change my life, and it really did-in a horrible way.

I was finally given the freedom I'd been pleading for, but I'd be tagged as a murderer for my whole life.

And until my mates reject me, I'd feel the constant pain of their activities, hear their voices in my head, and fight so hard to ignore it.

This was the last time I'd act all pitiful and broken.

They didn't care.

They'd probably never.

It was high time I struggled to survive on my own.

Darkness loomed over the earth, the moon-a silver orb-casting a warm glow on the grasses and muddy water I stepped on.

The word "tired" couldn't explain how drained I was right now.

I wasn't allowed to take anything from the pack, not even a piece of clothing to cover up myself from the harsh, cold weather. Hugging my arms around myself, I stared at a cleared spot and wondered if I could rest there till the next day.

I couldn't see the woods clearly.

I was frightened.

I'd always hated the dark as a kid, and to think I'd have to sleep in such a creepy place made goosebumps rise on my skin.

Checking the whole space if it was safe, I inhaled a deep breath, sat down, and leaned hard on the rough bark of the tree. I didn't know if it was right to close my eyes and fall asleep.

I didn't know how to survive in the woods.

I clutched my kneecap close to my chest, shivering as the harsh wind blew against my face.

My mates were clearly in their rooms, jubilating because of my absence, but I was here, struggling hard to survive in this deserted place.

Alyssa Vale officially became a rogue.

I closed my eyes, leaned my head on my kneecap to have a quick nap, but then, a sudden growl made me get up quickly. I glanced around hastily. "Is anyone there?"

The growl filled my ears again and a cold shudder ran down my spine.

Oh, goodness, please save me tonight.

"Is...is-" I suddenly couldn't complete my sentence as a large, towering rouge werewolf slowly stepped into the light. Its black fur glistened under the glow of the moonlight and its amber eyes, god, they seemed to be screaming the urge to kill.

I took a step backwards, knowing I should run as far as I could, but I couldn't feel my legs. It was like they no longer belonged to me.

The beast kept approaching me, each step like a time ticking bomb. This time, I didn't take up to seconds before sprinting through the forest, slamming my shoes on the ground with such urgency as the beast chased right after me.

I felt weak and exhausted, but I knew I couldn't slow down.

If I did, I'd die.

Tears spilled down my cheeks, a splitting headache slashing through my brains. Breathing became harder when a broken twig tore my skin open, but I didn't dare stop.

Deep down, I wondered if this was really the end.

If this was really where I'd end my whole journey.

The leaves rustled behind me and I figured that it would only take a few minutes before the rouge caught up to me. I wiped my tears fiercely, the will to survive like fire in the depths of my bones.

However, as I kept running for almost half an hour, I stumbled upon a dead end. "No." I groaned, turning quickly to stare at how deep the cliff was. It was so dark, I couldn't see a single thing in there.

The rogue halted, too, staring at me with its sharp amber eyes. I didn't know if it was due to how dizzy I was, but I suddenly saw a smirk on its lips. I kept taking a step backwards, glancing at the cliff, as the rogue took large steps towards me.

"Please, spare me." I knew he was completely trapped in the rouge circle. His crime was probably greater than mine. He'd never be able to become human again, not feel emotions again, but I still hoped he could hear me.

"You don't have to kill me." I whispered shakily, taking another step backwards, and for a moment, I forgot it was a beast. Just when I'd expected the beast to spare me, it lunged forward, ripped my shirt with its claws and sank it into my skin.

A cry tore from my lips.

And I did something I never thought I would have.

I pushed myself off the cliff.