Chapter 6: A Warning

Val’s POV

The ominous howl echoed through the forest, silencing every other sound. Even the wind seemed to hesitate, as if it, too, feared whatever lurked beyond the treeline.

“Stay behind me,” Ragnor commanded, his voice low but unyielding, laced with an authority that left no room for argument.

I hesitated, clutching the pup tighter. “Ragnor, what’s out there?”

His eyes stayed locked on the darkness, sharp and unrelenting. Every muscle in his body was taut, ready for whatever danger approached. Finally, he muttered, “Something worse than a rogue.”

Worse than a rogue? Panic twisted my stomach, clawing its way into my chest.

Before I could press further, a figure emerged from the shadows, its presence sending a chill down my spine. This wasn’t like the rogue that had attacked me. This wolf didn’t snarl or lunge. It simply stood there, its coat a mottled gray streaked with black, and amber eyes gleaming with unsettling intelligence.

Ragnor growled, his posture shifting, hands flexing at his sides. “Zane.”

The name hung heavy in the air, dripping with animosity.

The wolf began to shift, its form melting into that of a man. Zane’s features were striking, almost regal. His sharp jawline and easy smirk gave him an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. He moved with a predator’s grace, his amber eyes never leaving Ragnor.

“Ragnor,” Zane drawled, his voice smooth and mocking. “Fancy seeing you here, playing the hero.”

“This is my territory,” Ragnor bit out, his tone sharp and territorial. “You have no right to be here.”

“Ah, but you see, I’m not here for your territory.” Zane’s gaze flicked to me, sending an icy shiver down my spine. “I’m here for her.”

My heart stopped.

“Over my dead body,” Ragnor snarled, stepping in front of me, shielding me from Zane’s predatory gaze.

Zane’s smirk widened. “That can be arranged.”

The air between them crackled with tension, dominance radiating from both of them. It was suffocating, a storm about to break.

“You’ll leave now,” Ragnor said, his voice dangerously calm, “or I’ll make you regret ever stepping foot here.”

Zane chuckled darkly, the sound sending a chill through me. “Always so dramatic, Ragnor. But I didn’t come for a fight—not yet.”

“Then why are you here?” Ragnor demanded, his tone icy and unyielding.

Zane’s eyes flicked back to me, his smirk fading into something darker. “To deliver a message. She’s more valuable than you realize, Ragnor. Protect her all you want, but others will come. And when they do, your precious pack won’t be enough to save her.”

The weight of his words was suffocating, dread pooling in my stomach.

Ragnor’s growl deepened, his body vibrating with restrained fury. “You’ll regret this, Zane.”

Zane’s sinister smile returned. “We’ll see.”

Without another word, he shifted back into his wolf form and vanished into the shadows as swiftly as he had appeared.

For a moment, silence reigned. Then Ragnor turned to me, his expression grim.

“Who is he?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“The leader of the Blood Fang Pack,” Ragnor said, his tone clipped. “And my greatest rival.”

Fear gripped me. “Why would he want me?”

His jaw tightened, and his gaze turned steely. “Do you think I know that? Let’s stop playing dumb, Val! You must never—ever—cross the border again. Understood?”

I nodded, swallowing my confusion. “I’m sorry for causing you trouble,” I murmured, my voice small.

Ragnor’s expression softened, surprising me. “Don’t be sorry. Stop caring for others more than yourself. Your weakness will get you killed. Don’t let compassion cloud your judgment.”

His words stung, but I nodded again, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“Come,” he said, shifting into his wolf form with fluid grace. He crouched low, silently commanding me to climb onto his back.

“I… I can walk,” I whispered weakly.

He growled softly, a rumble of impatience, and I knew better than to argue. Carefully, I climbed onto his broad back, clutching the pup and his thick fur as he rose to his full height.

Moments later, we were bounding through the forest. The ravine faded into the distance, replaced by the crisp air of open woods.

At the pack’s edge, Beta Tasya waited with a group of warriors. Her sharp gaze narrowed on me, jealousy flashing in her eyes.

“Alpha,” she said, her tone clipped. “Your face is bleeding. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Ragnor replied coldly, shifting into human form while keeping me in his arms.

“I can walk,” I said softly, mortified by the attention.

“Let me take over,” Tasya offered, her words more a challenge than kindness.

“You mustn’t,” he replied, his tone final. “I’ll take care of her.”

Tasya’s lips thinned, but she bowed. “Shall we resume patrol, Alpha?”

“You will,” he commanded. “I’m taking her home.”

“But—”

“Do not question me!” he growled, his voice thunderous. Tasya flinched, shifting into her wolf form before leading the warriors away.

As her glare faded, Ragnor’s focus returned to me.

“Let’s go,” he said, his voice soft yet firm. He began walking toward the packhouse, holding me steady.

For a fleeting moment, I imagined belonging there—in his arms, by his side. But the thought vanished as reality crept in.

“Never… ever make me worry about you again,” he murmured, tilting my chin until our eyes met. His gaze was fierce yet protective, sending my heart racing.

“Yes, Alpha,” I whispered, hope flickering faintly in my chest.

“One more thing,” he said, his voice low and deliberate as he leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin.

I froze, captivated by the intensity of his gaze.

“Do not come to the rejection ceremony tomorrow,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Understood?”

Wait… what? My heart sank as confusion and hurt swirled within me. Why would he forbid me from attending?

I searched his face for answers, but all I saw was the dominance of an Alpha whose orders demanded obedience.

What could I possibly say to that?