Chapter 6

Ellie's POV 

I opened my eyes wide at what was in front of 

me, my supposed mate was holding Crystal lovingly, and worse, they were set to marry. 

How could this happen? This was suppose to be my mate, my union and my marriage. 

I shifted backwards, my heart beating so fast as  it were going to chatter any moment.

Horror, sadness, pain, regret and heartache overshadowed me at that moment. 

I didn't know what to feel  at that moment. Should I be angry at father for setting Crystal up with my mate? 

At Crystal for marrying him? But then again, she didn't know. 

But still, the pain of seeing her with my mate was to much for me. 

If I stayed any longer i might cause a scene. I didnt want that. 

At that very moment, I took to my heels and ran out of the party. 

I ran as fast as my legs could take me, into the woods.

Tears dropped to my face likerain battering me. I screamed at the top of her voice, letting out my frustration. 

I yelled in pain, suddenly the weather changed, and a heavy storm came, bringing with it thunderstorms and lightning.

My last hope to leave this pack behind me was gone; my mate was gone. How could life be so unfair to her, just why......?

My chest was on fire. Every breath hurt, like my ribs were caving in, but I kept running. I didn’t know where, I didn’t care—just away. Away from them. 

Away from the pain that was clawing its way up my throat like it was trying to choke me.

I could still see it when I closed my eyes.

 Her.

 Him.

As engaged couples. 

Letting my stepsister marry him. 

I wanted to scream. Throw up. Curl into a ball and disappear. But I did none of that. I just ran. Tears blurred my vision, branches ripped at my arms, but none of it touched the ache in my chest—the tearing, twisting bond that was punishing me with every damn step.

I didn’t even realize I’d crossed the boundary. Didn’t smell the shift in the air until the growl came.

Low. Hungry.

I froze for a moment. “Rogues.” Panic surged through my veins. 

I was alone in the forest, and no one could help me. Why do I always get myself in this situations. 

And as if my night couldn't get any worst, it just did. 

Four rogue wolves, circled around me like vultures, eyes locked onto me like they already knew I was easy prey.

 And they were right. My wolf—my stupid wolf—was curled up somewhere inside me, and refused to grow out. 

I was vulnerable and easy pickings for them. 

I tried to move, to back away, but the fear won't let me. 

I just stood as one of them lunged at me, his sharp claws extended. 

 I was dead.

 I knew it.

 And honestly? For a second, I didn’t even care.

But then—

 Boom.

Something massive hit the rogue, sent him flying into a tree so hard the crack echoed through the forest.

Silence.

The other rogues froze, and that’s when I felt it—like a punch to my chest. Power. Dominance.

 Alpha.

My breath caught in my throat as he stepped forward, muscles tense, eyes sharp. His presence alone was suffocating. I should’ve been scared, but all I felt was the bond snap into place so hard it made me dizzy.

Alpha Ryan… my mate.

My heart twisted.

 Another one?

 Seriously?

But his face—God, his face—was nothing like what I dreamed a mate would look like. No relief. No warmth. Just hard lines, a clenched jaw, and eyes full of anger.

“Are you insane?” His voice was deep, rough—pissed. “What the hell were you thinking?”

I flinched. His words stung more than they should’ve, cutting into the raw parts of me that were already bleeding. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I couldn’t tell him—couldn’t say I was running from him because he chose my step sister, Crystal.

He didn’t wait for an answer. He grabbed my arm—strong, rough, but not cruel—and started hauling me back through the forest like I was some dumb pup who got lost.

“You could’ve died,” he muttered, voice tight like he was holding back more. “Out here alone like that. Careless.”

That word.

 Careless.

It made my throat close up, because yeah. Maybe I was. Maybe I deserved it. Maybe if I wasn’t so useless, he wouldn’t have picked her. Maybe if I was stronger, I wouldn’t be here, being dragged back like a stupid child.

“I—I didn’t mean to…” I tried to explain, but my voice cracked. I sounded weak. Small.

Pathetic.

He glanced at me, just for a second, and I swear I saw something flicker in his eyes—like he felt it too. Felt me. But it was gone before I could hold onto it.

“Your father did tell me you were the careless one among you sisters.”

He added. 

I flinched. Father told me that. Why? Was he trying to make him hate me. 

Neither of us said anything else. He just kept walking, grip firm, pulling me out of danger—dragging me away from whatever almost killed me. Not that he knew I was already dead inside.

When we got to the edge of the territory, he let go like I burned him.

“Next time, don’t be stupid,” he said, but it wasn’t as harsh. Maybe that was pity. I don’t know.

“May I ask you something?” I said, my voice cracking. 

“Sure. Make it fast we both need to get to your pack.”

“Yeah… May I ask how you knew I was in trouble?” I asked, and for a moment, I saw a hesistation in his eyes. 

But why? 

“It doesn't matter. Your safe that's what matters the most.”

Inodded, swallowing hard, trying not to cry—because God, I was so tired of crying. I turned fast, before he could see me break again, but I felt it. His eyes. Watching me the whole way back.

He was soon to be my brother in law… 

Except he was my mate.

 And he saved me. Right after getting engaged to Crystal.