Alpha's Rogue Mate

Kat's POV

Here I sat on a small bend, shivering in the freezing cold, feeling like I'd been waiting for the train forever. All I wanted was to leave this awful town behind. It was like a prison, filled with memories that haunted me. I craved a fresh start, something to look forward to in life, maybe even finding my mate, though I knew it was a long shot. I didn't even have my wolf to keep me company; or maybe I didn't have one at all.

Leaving was a sneaky move; my parents wouldn't even notice I was gone, and even if they did, they probably wouldn't care. They were just as mean and uncaring as everyone else in this place. When a werewolf turns 16, they shift for the first time under the full moon. I was excited to meet my wolf, to finally get to know that other part of me. But when the full moon came and went, nothing happened. No wolf, just disappointment.

When werewolves turn 18, it's expected they find their mate. Every three years, under the Super Blue Moon, our pack hosts a magnificent ball, inviting all unmated males and females aged 18 and up to hopefully find their other half. It's believed that during this rare lunar event, the Moon Goddess's influence is strongest, helping us find our soulmates. It's odd, though. Despite being created by her, I've been denied a wolf, meaning no mate for me. It's a lonely feeling, contemplating a future without love. Perhaps my destiny lies in a human town. It's a daunting thought, but maybe that's where I truly belong.

Not long after my 16th birthday, pack members started spreading rumors, saying my parents snatched me from a human town nearby. But that wasn't true. They were as shocked as I was about my missing wolf. My dad, who was the Beta of our pack, faced the same ridicule as me. Things got worse; pack members started causing trouble, breaking our windows and showing up with pitchforks and torches in the middle of the night, just to cause my family trouble.

The Alpha gave my dad an ultimatum: if I didn't get my wolf by my 18th birthday, we'd be kicked out of the pack. I couldn't let that happen. My twin brother, Henry, was set to become the next Beta, and I couldn't bear to jeopardize that for him. This year was especially significant because it marked the hosting of the grand "Super Blue Moon Ball"-his opportunity to find his mate. He deserved his chance as Beta, and he deserved to find his soulmate too.

Tomorrow was the big day, my 18th birthday, and I'd been wrestling with what to do for weeks. Eventually, I settled on running away and becoming a rogue as my best shot at a fresh start. Whether my wolf showed up or not was no longer my family's problem. I didn't want them to suffer just because I was different. My best friend, Madaline, had always been there for me, even though my wolf never appeared. But her family didn't see it that way. Her dad, who was the Alpha's Gamma, didn't want her hanging around with someone like me. He thought it would make their family look bad. So, we had to keep our friendship under wraps. As much as I loved Madaline, I couldn't bring myself to tell her I was leaving tonight. I didn't want anyone coming after me. Instead, I left her a note in our secret spot, hoping she'd understand that I was doing this to keep everyone safe.

I sighed with relief as I heard the faint sound of the train whistle in the distance. Finally, it was about time it showed up. I'd bought my ticket as soon as I got to the station, closing my eyes and randomly pointing to a place on the map. It was a risky move, not knowing anything about where I was headed. But at that moment, I just didn't care. The ticket guy had said it would be a 6-hour journey, but the train was running late. It had been four hours since then, and I was getting antsy. I was worried about being spotted trying to leave. The train station was on the edge of our pack's territory, right in human territory. They didn't know about us, and if they did, they'd probably try to wipe us out.

As the train rolled into the station, the hustle and bustle of people disembarking filled the air. Patiently, I waited with my bag in hand, ready to board. My possessions were meager-a few changes of clothes, some toiletries, and an extra pair of sneakers. Alongside these essentials, I carried my hard-earned savings, about $2500 scraped together from various odd jobs I'd taken over the years, minus the cost of my train ticket.

In our pack, everyone had a role to play, but without a wolf, I found myself shut out from any respectable employment in town. Undeterred, I quietly ventured into human territory, offering my services as a babysitter, handyman, or anything else that came my way. I knew I had to find work as soon as I arrived, as my savings wouldn't last long. Even if it meant roughing it for a while, finding a job and a place to stay was my top priority.

As the conductor approached, asking if I was ready to board, I couldn't hide my excitement. Stepping onto the train, I made my way to my seat by the window, tucking my bag between my legs since there was no overhead storage. Despite the cramped quarters, I felt a sense of relief knowing my belongings were safe.

With a heavy heart, I listened to the conductor's call of "All aboard, last call!" as the train prepared to depart, knowing that perhaps a few passengers who had disembarked earlier might need to reboard. As the train's horn sounded one final time, a sense of anticipation filled the air, and we slowly began to pull away from the platform.

With a heavy heart, I pressed my face against the window, soaking in the sight of the familiar scenery rushing past. The trees of the forest blurred into a mosaic of green, each one a memory etched into my heart. Despite the sadness that enveloped me, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the landscape of Moon Rise, my hometown, now dwindling in the distance.

It felt like bidding farewell not just to a place, but to a tapestry of memories and moments, each one cherished and irreplaceable.

Kats POV

Just as the ticket attendant had predicted, the train arrived at my destination precisely 6 hours after I boarded. At the time of purchase, I had insisted on not knowing the name of the town I randomly selected. I simply asked the attendant to print me a ticket and stuffed it into my pocket until the conductor requested it. Now, there it sat in its little holder on the seat in front of me. Leaning forward, I retrieved the ticket and briefly glanced at the town's name: Sun River Grove. It sounded like the polar opposite of what I had just left behind, and I couldn't help but laugh to myself at the irony.

I grabbed my bag and stepped off the train, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about what lay ahead. As I exited, I was met with a breathtaking scene. The landscape was stunning, with towering mountains in the distance basking in the sunlight, their snow-capped peaks gleaming against the clear sky. I couldn't help but pause, letting my bag drop to the ground as I took in the beauty around me.

The train station was bustling, situated right in the heart of Sun River Grove. It was a far cry from the quiet station I had left behind. Surrounding me were various shops and businesses, each adding to the lively atmosphere of the town. There were charming boutiques selling clothing, a cozy bakery wafting the scent of freshly baked goods, a friendly-looking bar, a welcoming hotel, and even a quaint post office. The thought of using that post office to send a letter back home to Madaline crossed my mind, though I couldn't shake the guilt of leaving her without saying goodbye.

Beyond the shops, the streets were lined with colorful houses of all shapes and sizes, creating a picturesque scene. With my bag in hand, I made my way towards the hotel, planning to rent a room for a few nights. After freshening up, I would begin my search for a job. While I knew it wouldn't be easy, the prospect of starting anew in a town where I was unknown filled me with hope.

The hotel's interior was adorable, radiating a cozy farmhouse charm that instantly won me over. Approaching the front desk, my eyes caught sight of the "Help Wanted" sign displayed prominently. Behind the desk sat a lovely elderly woman with soft gray hair, her face adorned with gentle lines that spoke of a lifetime of experience. Rising from her chair, she greeted me with a warm smile and a friendly voice.

"What can I do for you, my dear?" she asked kindly.

"I was hoping to rent a room for a few days. I'm new in town and thought I'd freshen up before hitting the job market," I replied, subtly hinting at my need for employment.

"Oh, I see," she pondered, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Do you have any experience working in hotels, dear?"

"No, ma'am, I don't," I confessed. "But I'm a quick learner and always ready for a challenge. Back home, I did a bit of everything-babysitting, odd jobs like repairs and painting-to earn my keep."

She paused, taking a moment to mull over my words, her expression thoughtful as she considered her response.

"Well, it sounds to me like you've got a pretty good work ethic, dear, so you're hired," she declared with a warm smile, reaching over to remove the "Help Wanted" sign from the desk. "Follow me, and I'll show you to your room. You'll be handling odd jobs around here. There's a lot of stuff that needs fixing, and as you can see, I'm not as young as I used to be."

She led me to a door that I suspected led to my room. "When I need a break, you'll be filling in for me at the front desk and cleaning rooms as well. We mostly get travelers passing through and the occasional patron from the bar who's had one too many. It's not as busy as it once was, so for now, I'll start you out with a list of all the repair work that needs to get done. Can you handle all of that?"

"Yes, ma'am, it's no problem," I replied confidently.

"Good. Since you'll be working here, I'll provide your room for you free of charge, and I'll pay you $5 an hour for each shift you cover for me. Plus, I'll pay you for each repair job you complete. Does that sound fair?"

"Yes, ma'am, that sounds more than fair. I'm just grateful to have found a job," I said gratefully.

"Now, go on in and get yourself cleaned up. Don't worry about starting today. Take a look around the town, have a drink, enjoy yourself. You must have had a long and tiring journey. You can start your duties first thing in the morning."

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, grateful for the opportunity. She inserted the key into the door, turned the lock, and then handed me the keys. "It's not much, but it beats sleeping on the streets," she remarked before turning to walk away. Oh and before I forget "My name is Patricia Delany, my dear," the elderly woman said kindly, turning her attention to me. "And what is yours?"

"It's Katherine Fay Ma'am. All my friends call me Kat, though," I added with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Katherine Fay," Mrs. Delany replied warmly. "See you first thing in the morning," she added before disappearing around the corner, leaving me standing there, keys in hand, feeling a sense of relief and anticipation for the new chapter that awaited me.

I entered the room and took a moment to soak in the simple yet welcoming atmosphere. Against one wall stood a tidy twin-sized bed, adorned with fresh linens that looked inviting. Beside it, a small pine end table held a lamp, casting a soft glow in the room. Through the window behind the bed, I could see the town below, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Nearby, a small table with two chairs beckoned for a quiet moment of relaxation.

On the opposite wall, a modest dresser caught my eye, topped with a vintage box TV that seemed like a relic from another era. I doubted whether it still worked, but it didn't matter much to me at the moment. Adjacent to the dresser, a doorway led to a compact bathroom. Inside, there was a snug stand-up shower, a petite sink with a countertop, a toilet, and a mirror reflecting back the simplicity and warmth of the space. Despite its small size, the room felt cozy and comforting.

Feeling eager to see the town, I unpacked my few belongings quickly. Once I was done, I took a fast shower to freshen up before heading out for the night.

Kats POV

As I stepped out of the hotel, I waved goodbye to Mrs. Delaney. She had been kind enough to offer me a place to stay and a job without knowing much about me, and for that, I was truly grateful. It had almost slipped my mind that today was my 18th birthday, but any fleeting joy was quickly overshadowed by the onset of a migraine. Part of me wanted to use it as an excuse to stay in, but I pushed the thought aside. Tonight, I was determined to celebrate and find out if the choice I made to leave home was the right one.

Walking down the paved streets of Sun River, my stomach growled, reminding me that it had been a while since my last meal. I decided to head to the rustic-looking bar nearby to grab a bite to eat and have a few drinks before turning in for the night.

The door to the bar was wedged open with a brick, like it had been yanked from the outside in a hurry. As I approached, I couldn't shake the feeling that the place had seen better days. Bricks littered the ground, and claw marks marred the door's surface.

Even though everyone I'd met so far seemed human, doubts crept in. What if this was another pack territory? Would they accept a rogue like me, or would they chase me off? Pushing the thoughts aside, I tried to convince myself it was just a bear problem. Chuckling at the idea, I stepped inside, ready for a meal and a drink, hoping to forget my worries for the night.

The moment I stepped inside, the music blared loudly, and the atmosphere felt tense. All eyes turned toward me, and I couldn't help but feel like I didn't belong. It was as if they could see right through me, sensing something different. Pushing through the crowd, I made my way to the bar, trying to ignore the glares burning into my back.

After what felt like an eternity, the bartender finally made his way over to me. "What can I get for ya?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Um, can I get a burger and fries? And a Jack and Coke?" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nervousness coursing through me.

"Sure thing, miss. I'll be right back," he responded before disappearing through the door at the other end of the bar.

Scanning the room, I saw that most of the patrons had gone back to their own conversations and activities, paying me no mind. But one person stood out in the corner, not blending into the background like the others. He was tall, his figure imposing, with muscles that looked as solid as rock. His eyes, dark and intense, seemed to lock onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine. Despite the noise and commotion around us, it felt like his gaze was the only thing that mattered, drawing me in with its intensity.

I struggled to tear my gaze away from the mysterious man in the corner, but his intense stare seemed to hold me captive. There was something about him that drew me in, something I couldn't quite place.

Suddenly, a voice from behind me broke the spell, and I turned to see the bartender returning with my burger and drink. "That was quick, thank you," I said, taking a sip from my drink.

"Not a problem. Can I get you anything else?" he asked, his tone friendly.

"No, I think I'm good," I replied, my attention shifting back to the mouth-watering burger in front of me. As he began to walk away, a sudden urge made me call out, "Wait, actually. Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what is it, sweet cheeks? Want to ask me out on a date? I'm sure my service could be equally as quick," he joked with a laugh, and I felt my cheeks flush slightly.

"Uh, no," I stammered, feeling flustered. "Can you tell me who that guy is over there in the corner? He's been staring at me since I walked in, and it's starting to make me uncomfortable."

As the bartender glanced over, a hint of uncertainty flickered across his face before a smile broke out. "That's Alph... Alexander," he corrected himself. "He's in charge of everything around here."

I could feel the tension in the air as he hesitated, perhaps unsure how to address the man whose intense gaze had unsettled me. Determined to gather more information without revealing my own secrets, I kept my focus on fitting in. The last thing I wanted was to be ousted if they discovered I was a wolfless rogue.

"So, by 'in charge,' do you mean he owns everything or is he more like a sheriff?" I inquired, trying to get a clearer picture. Despite my curiosity, I suspected I wouldn't receive a straightforward answer.

Before he could answer me, chaos erupted from behind me. The tall mysterious man looked furious for some reason, and all I saw was him running out the door.

I decided that the information wasn't important. It's not like I was ever going to see him again. Starting tomorrow, I would be busy working at the hotel down the street. I resolved to simply enjoy my birthday instead.

I finished my burger and lifted my glass for another round. After a few minutes, the bartender returned and refilled my glass.

"How was your burger, sweet cheeks?" he asked as he mixed my drink.

"It was the best burger I've ever had, thank you," I replied gratefully.

"I'll be sure to pass along your thanks to the chef," he said with a smile. "By the way, my name is Jake. I manage this place. I spend most of my nights here with this rowdy crowd." He gestured around the room with a half-circle motion, indicating the patrons.

"Kat, I'm new here. Just arrived in town this morning, actually. I'm staying at the hotel down the street. Mrs. Delany was kind enough to give me a job helping her fix the place up," I introduced myself, feeling a bit more at ease with a few drinks in me.

"I'm surprised she hired you, being human and all," Jake remarked casually. "She's been looking for someone to help her out for years. I figured the place was going to fall beyond repair before she ever hired anyone."

His comment irked me, and I felt a tinge of irritation. "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, trying to keep my tone steady. "We're all human, so why does it matter that she hired me of all people? Maybe she just knew that I had the skills required to do the job."

I noticed sweat starting to bead on Jake's forehead, and I knew he realized he had made a mistake. I decided to wait patiently to hear the excuse he would come up with to cover his slip of the tongue.

"That's not what I meant," Jake stammered, his voice uncertain. "I meant to say, I'm just surprised she hired a woman to do that job, that's all."

I raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile as I watched him squirm. "So, now you have a problem with women? You don't think a woman has what it takes to do a job you think belongs to a man?" I challenged, knowing he was only digging himself deeper into a hole.

Before Jake could respond, a sudden pain ripped through me, causing me to wince. I hurriedly finished my drink, feeling a wave of nausea wash over me. Excusing myself, I made my way towards the ladies' room, but the line was long, and I was still feeling queasy. Deciding I needed some fresh air, I slipped outside.

The cool night air felt soothing against my burning skin as I leaned against the wall, trying to steady myself. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was nearly midnight. With a sigh, I made the decision to start walking back towards the hotel, hoping the pain would subside soon.

As I trudged along, halfway back to the hotel, an unfamiliar sensation crawled beneath my skin, a prelude to the transformation I had long awaited. Was this the moment? Was I finally awakening my wolf, or was it merely a figment of my imagination? Fear crept in, knowing the consequences of revealing my true nature in this human-dominated town.

With a sense of urgency, I veered behind a nearby building, seeking refuge from prying eyes. The pain surged again, relentless and intense, threatening to consume me. I fought to stay conscious, but it was a losing battle. In the blink of an eye, darkness engulfed me, swallowing me whole.