Chapter 4

Escape

My boots thumping on the ground, I raced as quickly as I could. I knew I had to leave the group, but I had no idea where I was heading. Leave Cassian and his rejection behind. Stay away from Alpha Blackwood's perverse schemes.

The trees seemed to blend as I ran. My knee was skinned on the uneven ground when I slipped and fell. But with my pulse thumping in my chest, I clambered to my feet and continued to run.

After running for an unknown amount of time, I finally saw a light in the distance. With my legs hurting and my breath coming in sharp gasps, I staggered over to it.

I saw a little cottage tucked away in a clearing as I came out of the woods. Warm light spilt from the windows, and smoke floated languidly from the chimney.

My pulse thumping with fatigue, I staggered over to the cabin. When I got to the door, I banged on it in the hopes that someone would respond.

A familiar face emerged as the door cracked open. The renegade wolf that had been observing me from the shadows was Luca.

He whispered, "Aria," his eyes narrowing in worry. "What's wrong?"

I staggered forward and fell into his embrace. "Cassian," I said, breathing in sharp bursts. "I was turned down by him. in front of the whole group.

With a flash of rage in his eyes, Luca drew me in and held me tightly. A whisper, "You're safe now," he said. "I've got you."

I had a wave of security as I stood there, encircled by Luca's arms. I knew it was just temporary, however. Alpha Blackwood and Cassian would do whatever it took to achieve their goals.

And what they wanted was me.

I fell into a plush sofa as soon as Luca ushered me inside the cabin. I happily took the glass of water he gave me, experiencing the relief of my dry throat.

Something odd caught my attention as I sat there, gasping for air. Strange symbols and artefacts were carved into the ceiling and walls of the cabin.

"Luca, what is this place?" My curiosity drove me to enquire.

Luca grinned, amusement glimmering in his eyes. "Ariana, this is a secure home. A location where you can conceal yourself from the pack's secrets.

Curious, I arched an eyebrow. "And what secrets do you know, Luca?"

Luca drew forward, his grin widening. "Ariana, I am aware that you are not your typical werewolf. I am aware that you have the secret to releasing an age-old force that has the potential to permanently alter the trajectory of our planet."

As Luca's words lingered in the air, I experienced a chill. What was he trying to say? What was the ancient force he was referring to?

We both jumped as a loud boom reverberated outside before I could ask any enquiries.

"What was that?" With my pulse pounding with terror, I enquired.

Luca's body tensed as he straightened up, his gaze narrowing. "I don't know, but I think we're about to find out."

A person loomed at the doorway as the cabin door sprang open while he was speaking.

"Aria," the apparition snarled, its very furious eyes staring at me.

A wave of panic swept through me, and I sprang to my feet, prepared to protect myself.

However, I saw something that made my heart skip a beat as I gazed into the figure's eyes.

It was Ronan, the opposing pack's Alpha. And he had a strong, determined expression on his face as if he would do everything to keep me safe.

However, from what? And why?

Ronan snarled, "Aria, you're coming with me," his eyes bursting with ferocious passion.

My heart thumping in my chest, I refused to back down. I spit, attempting to sound braver than I was. "I'm not going anywhere with you," I said.

With a strong purpose in his gaze, Ronan took a step towards me. He growled, "You don't have a choice," "Ariana, you're in danger. And the only one who can keep you safe is me."

Despite my lack of interest, I arched an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?" I insisted.

Ronan glanced across at Luca, who stood quietly behind me. Ronan snarled, "You're not safe with him," "He's not what he seems."

A wave of bewilderment washed over me. What was Ronan discussing? When I had nowhere else to go, Luca had taken me in and shown me kindness.

However, Ronan grabbed my arm and drew me close before I could ask him any questions.

Then he hissed, "Come on," "We don't have much time."

When I attempted to get free, Ronan's hold was like a vice. With my pulse racing, I staggered after him.

I saw a pack of wolves, their eyes shining in the moonlight, waiting for us as we came out of the cabin.

"Who are they?" Trying to distance myself from Ronan, I urged.

Growling, "They're my pack," Ronan said. "And they're here to protect you."

A wave of bewilderment washed over me. Why was Ronan treating me so nicely? And by "protect" me, what did he mean?

However, Ronan drew me in front of him before I could ask him any questions, his eyes blazing with a ferocious intensity.

He snarled, "Aria, I know you don't trust me," But the only one who can protect you is me. And I'll go to any lengths to keep you safe."

Ronan's words lingered in the air and sent a chill down my spine. What did "whatever it takes" mean to him? And what was the source of his possessiveness?

We all jumped as a loud snarl reverberated across the jungle before I could ask any enquiries.

"What was that?" With my pulse pounding with terror, I demanded.

With a focused gaze, Ronan drew me in closer. He snarled, "It's Alpha Blackwood," "And he's not happy."

Alpha Blackwood sprang out of the darkness, his eyes flashing with rage, and I felt a wave of horror wash over me.

He growled, "You'll never take her from me," in a caustic tone.

Ronan drew me behind him as his angry eyes flared. Growling, "You'll never have her," he said. "She's under my protection now."

Alpha Blackwood threw himself at Ronan, his face contorted with anger.

We all jumped as a tremendous bang reverberated across the woodland before they could collide.

A huge grey wolf with sharp golden eyes was what it was.

And it was headed directly for us.