THE ALPHA'S DEFIANT MATE

The scent of blood filled the air so much that it was thick and suffocating. Several screams echoed in the distance, and they were all familiar voices, the ones of people I loved. My legs refused to move as I stood frozen in the center of the carnage. The dead bodies of the family were littered on the ground, and their lifeless eyes stared back at me in accusations and condemnation.

"Dad! Mom! Sera!" I called out their names one after the other, but none of them responded.

My entire world of the sixteen-year-old me came rumbling as the realization dawned on me. They had been brutally murdered beyond recognition. Their bodies were filled with claw marks and holes.

Before I could register the scene, a low growl rumbled behind me. I turned slowly, my heart pounding against my ribs. His eyes were golden and bright. It carried a ruthless and predator-like look that scared the life out of me as it locked with mine. I was standing right in front of the monster that destroyed my family.

"Run, little wolf," he whispered, his voice was smooth as silk, but it carried a spice of wickedness.

I tried to listen to him. I really did try to run, but the second I turned, a sharp pain shot through me as a set of claws sliced into my back. I gasped and tumbled forward, my hands slipping on the blood-soaked ground. The world spun, and right then...

I woke up.

Gasping, I sat upright with a bolting speed. I was thickly drenched in sweat. My hands trembled as I clutched the thin blanket that had draped down my body. My heart was slamming hard against my chest with every breath I took.

The nightmare never changed. It was the same every single night. The same scene, the same fear that wrapped around me like a noose, choking up my breath.

I exhaled sharply and ran a hand through my damp hair, forcing my pulse to slow down.

It was just a dream.

But it wasn't. It was a memory, one that has refused to fade no matter how many years had passed. I was now twenty, but I couldn't escape its clutches no matter how hard I tried.

The small clock on my nightstand glowed at 3:47 a.m.; it was too early to be awake and too late to go back to sleep. With a sigh, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and pressed my bare feet against the cold wooden floor. My apartment was a tiny, one-bedroom space above the bookstore where I worked. It wasn't much, but it was mine, and I cherished it a lot.

And more importantly, it was safe.

For the last four years, I'd been running from pack lands, from rogues, from anyone who might recognize my scent. I had spent the first two years wandering from town to town, barely staying long enough to settle. At some point, the exhaustion caught up to me. When I stumbled into this small human town nestled between mountains, I knew it was far enough from werewolf territories to keep me hidden and safe.

So, I did something I never thought I would do. I stayed here.

I built a routine, a life around an entirely new environment and style. I became Aria Laurent, the quiet girl who worked at the bookstore and always had her nose buried in a novel. The girl who never stayed out late or attended any social events. I blended in till I almost faded. I smiled when required, spoke only when necessary, and kept my head down.

I had no friends, no ties. Just the way I wanted it and how it should be.

Suppressing my wolf side was the hardest part. I struggled so hard with it before I could master it. Every instinct inside me rebelled against it. The urge to run through the woods, to shift and feel the earth beneath my paws as I bask in the moonlight, to stretch my senses beyond the fragile limitations of my human form, all gnawed at me every day.

However, shifting meant I would be putting my entire life at risk. If even one wolf caught my scent, my cover would be blown without any delay. So I buried that part of me, locked her away so deep that sometimes I wondered if I was more human than wolf now.

I grabbed the glass of water from my nightstand and took a slow sip; my hands were still trembling slightly from the remnants of my nightmare. I needed to get out of my head, so I stood to my feet, walked over to the small window above my bed, and peered outside. The town was still quiet at this hour.

I shook my head and turned away from the window. I headed to the bathroom, where I splashed cold water on my face. I wanted the chill to wake me up into reality so I could stay focused. My reflection in the mirror was pale and drawn. My eyes were surrounded with huge dark circles as my long black hair clung to my damp skin.

I could barely recognize myself anymore. I was like a wandering ghost.

With a sigh, I dried my face and pulled on a hoodie before heading downstairs. If I wasn't going back to sleep, I might as well get some work done. The bookstore was my sanctuary and abode. The scent of paper and ink was comforting because I lived my life around it; it made me forget my worries for a while.

I unlocked the front door and stepped inside, flipping on the dim overhead lights. Books were lined on every shelf, stacked neatly, and each one was holding a world far safer than my own.

Grabbing a box of new arrivals, I set to work, unpacking and shelving them. The routine was comforting, and it kept me sane.

Minutes turned into hours, and before I knew it, dawn crept through the windows, and the store was painted in its golden light.

"Finally," my heart leaped for joy

The bell above the door jingled as my boss, Mrs. Porter, shuffled inside.

"You're here early again," she noted, raising a brow.

I forced a small smile. "I couldn't sleep, so I decided to put my time to good use."

She eyed me for a moment before sighing. "You work too much, dear. You should take some time for yourself. You need a lot of rest, you look like a haunting ghost right now,"

"I like working."

She shook her head but didn't push further. That was another reason I liked Mrs. Porter. She doesn't pry, and she didn't lie about her last statement. I was looking terrible.

I finished shelving the last book and stretched. "I'll go grab some coffee before we open."

The pure morning air filled my lungs as I inhaled them furiously. The streets were slowly coming back to life as shopkeepers set up displays and early risers headed to work. It was peaceful and calmed the raging storm in my head.

Everything looked normal, so why did I feel so uneasy?

"Get a grip!" I shook my head, tapping my face lightly with my palms.

I rubbed my arms slightly, trying to shake off the feeling. A creepy feeling had been making me unsettled for a few days now. It was as if someone was watching me but I dismissed it as paranoia at first, even though I knew something wasn't right. Every one of my senses was alert at the slightest provocation and it was frustrating.

I glanced around, searching for something, anything that would explain this lingering unease. Nothing seemed out of place. Everything was perfect, but the feeling didn't go away.

I turned sharply, scanning the area, my wolf instincts sharply clawing to the surface.

Nothing was in sight. No one was there; everyone was busy going about their lives. Still, my heartbeat quickened. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to breathe slowly.

"Maybe I was just imagining things. Maybe I am just sleep-deprived and on edge from my nightmares," I comforted myself as I marched to the café.

The feeling of being watched didn't go away; it only grew stronger. Every time I stepped outside and every time I walked down the street, I could feel an invisible gaze burning into my skin, and it was getting scarily uncomfortable.

That morning, the smell of fresh bread wafted from the bakery, mingling with the sharp scent of coffee from the café next door. It was a powerful combo that I would have loved to push down my throat, but I just enjoyed it and walked to my destination.

I tugged my coat tighter around me, glancing over my shoulder as I reached for the knob and pushed open the door to the bookstore. The small bell chimed, and the familiar scent of aged paper and ink instantly soothed me.

I had gone for an early morning run to relieve my stressed brain, and it worked. I was feeling so good and hyper as I came back into the bookstore.

"Was there a long queue at the café? You spent a lot of time," Mrs. Porter remarked from behind the counter, her gray curls bouncing as she unpacked a shipment of new books.

"Everybody wanted a taste of the morning coffee," I replied, flashing a smile.

She gave me a knowing look. "or you went for a quick run?"

She caught me, so I just decided to come clean. "I did. I just went for a quick run."

She tsked, shaking her head. "That's perfect. You need to take care of yourself when you are still young. Look at me losing everything at a very fast pace."

Her words made me chuckle, but it disappeared as fast as it came. "I'm fine," I reassured her.

Ignoring her disapproving glance, I busied myself with restocking shelves. Then, the bell above the door jingled.

I turned to see a total stranger stepping inside. He was tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a dark coat that did nothing to soften his intimidating presence. His hood was pulled low over his face, but even from where I stood, I could feel the intensity of his gaze.

"Who is he?" I thought to myself as I scanned him from head to toe.

His movements were slow as he wandered through the aisles; his fingers were grazing the spines of the books without real interest in any of them. He had moved from one section to the other till he finished strolling the bookstore.

"You can't find what you want? Is there anything you are looking for specifically, sir?" I came to his rescue

He didn't react to my question, so I let him wait for a while. He continued with the search until I had to step in again, but he met me in silence. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to keep shelving books as if I wasn't hyper-aware of his every step.

"Can I help you find something?" I asked again, keeping my tone neutral.

The man paused, lifting his head just enough for me to see the sharpness of his jaw. The shadow of his stubble cast along his skin. His lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile.

"No," he said. His voice was deep and smooth. "Just browsing through them."

Something piqued me about his appearance and behavior. He wasn't here to shop. He was here for something else. The trembling feeling of being watched washed over me again. My instincts screamed at me, warning me to get out and run, but I forced myself to stay still, gripping the book in my hands so tightly my fingers ached.

He lingered longer for a while, moving from shelf to shelf with a tensed slowness.

"Alright, let me know if you ever need me," I said and turned to leave for my seat.

Just then, a faint but unmistakable scent caught my nose. He was a wolf!

My chest clutched tightly at the thought of it. No packs were supposed to be near this town. I had specifically chosen the place because it was hidden perfectly from the werewolf territory. What was he looking for? Was he also looking for a refuge like me?

I took a slow breath, forcing my pulse to become steady. He may just be passing through the town, and he wasn't looking for me, I concluded. Even though I knew that it was too much for a coincidence.

After what felt like an eternity, the man finally made his way to the door. He paused, glancing over his shoulder, and locked eyes with me.

"You should be careful, Aria," he said softly. "Dangers are lurking in the night."

My blood ran cold. My throat squeezed in horror. Before I could respond, he was gone, the bell above the door jingling behind him.

I stood frozen where I stood; my breath hooked my throat.

He even knew my name. I clenched my fists, my nails digging hard into my palms.

They had found me.

"I have to leave. I have to flee this instant," my head kept screaming

But as I stared at the door, my body refused to move. I was so tired of running.

For the first time in years, I had built a life and a fragile sense of normalcy. The thought of tearing it all down and starting over made my chest ache. I wasn't ready.

However, choosing to stay meant risking everything. I closed my eyes, exhaling slowly.

I needed to think. I needed to prepare because whether I ran or not, the past was finally catching up to me.

The smell of the damp earth mixed with the ones coming from the pine wood filled the cold air. Everyone had gone to sleep, and all the stores were closed. I stayed late at the bookstore, consumed with the thought of being caught.

The stranger's warning kept lingering in my thoughts, and I could barely focus throughout the day. Mrs. Porter had left a few hours ago after warning me strictly to have a good rest that night. But how was I to rest in all of these?

Finally, I summoned up the courage to leave the bookstore. My boots were clicking softly against the pavement. I had to pick up a package that was delivered to the store next to us before closing for the day.

I clenched my fists, inhaling slowly to keep my nerves calm. trusting my instincts was one of the things my mother taught me as I grew up as a wolf.

A rustling noise came from behind. I stopped abruptly, my heart hammering hard as I listened, but there was nothing. I quickened my pace, my breath hitching as I reached my destination.

I picked up the package and turned to head back when a low growl cut disrupted the silent atmosphere. Fear gripped me, which was certainly not human.

I spun around just in time to see a huge frame coming from the dark part of the street. It was a man with shining yellow eyes approaching me at a very fast rate. I could recognize it; it was a rogue.

I took a step back, and my legs were ready to take off anytime soon. My heart was almost popping out of my ribs at this point.

"You thought we wouldn't find you so soon?" he said with a low voice that added to my fear.

Before I could register the situation, another one moved to his left, then another to his right. They kept appearing and closing in on me. I thought that was all, but there were more. Four, five!

"You are not so special; do you think you were? You thought you could blend perfectly with humans?" The leader sneered, stepping forward. His pungent scent, which smelled rotten and wild, hit my nose forcefully.

"Keep your distance from me right now," I warned, forcing my voice to harden.

My fingers twitched at my sides as I dropped the package with me. My hands were itching for a weapon I didn't have.

He chuckled. "Why? You want to run?" His gaze raked over me in a slow and dirty motion that made my skin crawl. "You smell like power, little rogue. You are not just any wolf. What are you hiding?"

I bared my teeth instantly. "Nothing, so please leave me alone, and let's stop this."

His grin widened as he released a sharp and cruel laugh. "Feisty. Just like I want them,"

With a snap of his fingers, they lunged at me, but I was also ready. I moved on instinct, ducking under the first attacker's swipe and slamming my elbow into his ribs. He grunted, staggering back, but another was already on me before I could blink.

I twisted, barely avoiding his claws as they slashed through the air where my throat had been a second ago. I would have dropped dead if I hesitated in the slightest bit.

A frustrating growl escaped my lips as I kicked out, my foot connecting with a knee. A sickening crack echoed in the dark and quiet night. The rogue howled in pain, collapsing, but there was no time to bask in the small victory. Another one charged into me, sending me sprawling onto the cold pavement.

My shoulder screamed in pain, but I rolled quickly, dodging the sharp claws that embedded into the spot where I had just been. They were determined to drill a hole through me. Although I was outnumbered, I had survived worse, so I decided to fight till the end.

I lashed out, my fist colliding with the jaw of the closest one. The rogue staggered, giving me enough time to launch myself to my feet, which I appreciated.

By this time, my breath had become ragged, and my muscles were screaming in protest, but I couldn't stop. Because stopping meant dying, and I was not ready to die.

One of them lunged again. This time, I wasn't fast enough. His claws raked across my arm, tearing deep into my flesh. I bit back a cry, using my momentum to drive my knee into his stomach. He doubled over, and I wasted no time, grabbing the back of his head and slamming it against my rising knee.

He crumpled, and I was left with three of them. Quickly, they circled me, waiting for the right time to attack me. Blood dripped down my arm, but I barely noticed.

"You're a tough one," the leader mused, rolling his shoulders. "But you're getting tired. I can smell it."

I gritted my teeth. He wasn't wrong. My limbs felt heavier, and my breathing was now uneven, but I needed to finish what had started.

I attacked first this time, catching them off guard. I spun, driving my elbow into one's throat before whipping around and kicking another in the chest within a blink of a second. For a moment, it seemed like I had the upper hand until the remaining rogue tackled me from behind.

We hit the ground hard, and my breath rushed out of my lungs. His claws dug into my shoulder, pinning me down while I trashed as I tried to shake him off.

"Were you thinking you would win?" he hissed into my ear.

Then, suddenly, his weight was off me in a flash.

My vision failed to capture the fast movement and flash of silver that happened next. One of the rogues' bodies hit the pavement with a loud thud, making me flinch.

The face was a new one entirely. He was tall and powerful, and his presence was dominating. The aura coming from him was so strong that it filled my entire nose. The fate of the rogue who was slammed hard on the floor made the others rethink their decisions and stand still.

"Leave right now," the newcomer commanded; his voice was powerful and solid.

For a second, they hesitated, but then they bolted, disappearing into the darkness.

I pushed myself up; my whole body was aching, and my gaze finally landed on my rescuer. Immediately, my breathing froze!

No! Not him, please!! Not Damian Blackwood!!!

My eyes were caught in his golden eyes that refused to disconnect from mine. My fear had finally happened. I was staring at my past right in front of me helplessly.

"You're coming with me," he said. It was a command, and I had no option, but his tone assured me that.