Chapter 2 The Encounter

Amelia had grown accustomed to the rhythm of the forest, the rustle of leaves, and the calls of distant creatures. For months, she had lived in solitude, hiding from the world, seeking solace in the embrace of nature. But today, something changed.

As she crouched beside a small stream, cupping her hands to drink, her ears caught the sound of footsteps. Her heart quickened, and she froze, every muscle tensed with apprehension. Were they from her pack? Had they found her?

She listened intently, the murmurs growing louder as the voices drew nearer. They spoke of an Alpha, one filled with rage, heartless and cruel. Fear gripped her, and she struggled to control her breathing, hoping against hope that they weren't here for her.

Damien, Alpha of the Dark Moon Pack, prowled through the woods with his packmates, his senses attuned to every scent, every sound. The whispers of his companions filled his ears, painting a picture of a tyrant ruling over his pack with an iron fist. It was a description that resonated with his own experiences, memories of a past he wished he could forget. He knew what it turned him to, a heartless werewolf with no mercy.

And then he caught it, a scent so intoxicating, so tantalizingly familiar that he couldn't resist. With a predatory grace, he traced it to its source, his steps silent as he closed in on his prey.

Amelia's heart hammered in her chest as she sensed his approach, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. She spun around, but it was too late. Strong arms encircled her, pulling her close, and she found herself staring into eyes as dark and stormy as the night sky.

"Who are you?" Damien's voice was low, commanding, and she trembled beneath its weight. "And what are you doing here?"

She tried to speak, to explain, but fear choked the words in her throat. She had heard the stories of the Dark Moon Alpha, tales of his brutality and ruthlessness. And now, here he stood before her, his gaze piercing her soul. “What are they here for by this time?

"She's one of them," one of Damien's packmates growled, his voice tinged with suspicion. "I should take you to the Pack house. There your fate will be decided."

“What are you going to do to me? Just let me go and I'll never show my face again, please.” Amelia begged.

“Quiet! Damien barked at her, you should be quiet and be thankful I didn't kill you instantly at that time I saw you. One more word from you and I'll end you.”

Amelia trembled at that and wondered what would become of her.

“Even my father doesn't bark at me at home.” Her brow raised high as she thought.

As they walked, the forest seemed to close in around them, the trees whispering secrets that Amelia couldn't decipher. Damien's presence loomed large beside her, his every movement exuding power and authority. She stole glances at him when she thought he wasn't looking, trying to glean any clue as to what fate awaited her.

Damien's mind churned with conflicting emotions as he led the mysterious girl through the woods. He couldn't shake the feeling that her scent drew him near.

Her scent, a tantalizing blend of wildflowers and rain, stirred memories he had long tried to suppress.

“I don't want a second chance mate.” He thought to himself.

As they reached the edge of the clearing, Damien's packmates fell into step behind them, their eyes watchful and wary. The rest of the pack had gathered, their murmurs falling silent as they caught sight of their Alpha returning with a stranger in tow.

Whispers rippled through the crowd as they took in the sight of the girl, her hair tangled and wild, her clothes torn and dirt-streaked.

“She looks forsaken.” A pack member commented. There were only murmurs because the Alpha entrance is their fear.

"Who is she, Damien?" The question came from Marcus, Damien's second-in-command, his voice edged with concern. "And what does she want?"

“You don't ask me questions” his eyes turned making Marcus move back as it would occur in a fight.

Damien hesitated, his gaze flickering to the girl at his side. She stood tall, her chin lifted defiantly, despite the fear that lingered in her eyes.

Damien ordered Amelia to be taken to a room.

"I found her in the woods," he said finally, his voice steady. "She claims to have no pack, no home. The rest of my decision is not yours to know.

As the evening descended, casting long shadows across the clearing, the atmosphere in the Dark Moon Pack's territory grew tense. The arrival of Amelia had sparked a flurry of speculation and gossip among the pack members, each one offering their own theories about who she was and why she had appeared out of nowhere.

Some whispered that she was a spy, sent by a rival pack to gather information or sow discord. Others speculated that she was a lone wolf, cast out from her own pack for some unspeakable crime. But no matter the rumors, one thing was clear: Damien's decision to bring her into their midst had set the pack on edge.

Amelia, meanwhile, on the life fate had bestowed on her.

Seeking solace, she asked to go to the outskirts of the clearing, where the trees offered a measure of privacy from prying eyes. The room is nothing different from why she had to run from her pack. She felt suffocated in the room she was locked in with tight security.

“What does he even want with me?” She thought.

“Get me out of here.” She screamed, her voice echoed through the passages.

A watchman heard her and went in, telling her it's better to keep quiet so as to not annoy the Alpha.

“I want to leave,”she yelled.

Murmurs were heard from the entrance and the door drifted open

“Did I not tell you not to say a word.?” He groaned as he could sense her scent yet