Elena’s pov
I roamed the forest without a destination and nowhere to go. I did not wish to go back to the pack. I thought I finally felt something and felt loved but it was another pack that treated me like trash and an alpha who rejected me, again. I did not know how much of this emotional pain I could take. Just then I heard some voices and I quickly hid behind a tree. A few seconds later two guards passed by and from their conversation they were heading to the border. “I'm close to the border?” I asked myself, surprised at how long and how far I had walked. Just then an idea came to me. “I can leave! No one would miss me or look for me and I can escape the harsh judgment from the pack and Oliver” I braced myself and decided to escape from the pack. I walked silently towards the border trying not to draw attention and I would try to jump the wall of the pack and I would be free. I was near the border and I could see the wall. I lay low, trying to avoid being caught. There were a lot of guards patrolling the wall and if I got out of there it would be a miracle. “I can do it!” I encouraged myself, I looked up at the wall and it was at least 20 feet tall. “Fuck, that’s high!” I whispered, “I better get climbing.” I brought out the two pocket knives I always had on me, attached them to the wall and placed my leg on a stone that shot out. I looked like a spider trying to walk. It wasn’t easy but I was almost close to the other side when I slipped and I slid down and I let out a scream which was enough to alert the guards. I fell on the floor with a loud thud “fuck!” The pain of colliding with the floor hit me hard. Just then I heard footsteps approaching, I tried to get up and run but I couldn’t move my body and within a second I was surrounded by guards. My vision blurred, I couldn’t see their faces. My head was spinning, my body aching. I was sure I was being asked a question but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. All of a sudden it went blank. ******** My eyes fluttered open, I looked around the stranger's room. My hands connected to an IV drip and other machines, I tried to get up but my body was hit with a wave of pain. “Damn!” I immediately laid down back and tried not to move, hoping it would stop the pain. The door to the room—that I soon figured out was an infirmary, a woman walked in with a tray and when she saw me awake she rushed to me. “You are finally up!” She said to check my body and my pulse, “Do you feel any pain?” “Ya, my head and all over my body!” I said to her, which she nodded and documented down. “Ma’am, where am I?” I asked but before she could reply a guy wearing a military uniform walked into the room. “You are in the infirmary that’s in the border camp.” He said to me, I looked from him to the nurse and back to him. “You fell from the wall and passed out.” The nurse said to me, making me remember my feeble attempt at escaping. “Ahh, shit!” I said to myself. “You secured yourself a few broken bones and you seem not to be healing which means your wolf is not active.” The nurse gave her report and I lay there waiting for her to finish. “I would recommend some drugs and I recommend bed rest.” She bowed to the man and walked out. The guy's eyes focused on me like he was trying to study me. He walked into the room and stood by my side. “Is anything the problem?” I asked him. “What baffles me is why a girl, with no wolf, would want to escape the pack through the wall. Who are you running from?” he hit the nail on the head and I turned to the other side to avoid his stares “I'm not running from anyone!” I said in a shaky voice. “I see!” The door opened, and another officer walked in and saluted him. “Sir, the Alpha is on his way here,” the guard says and immediately my heart skipped a beat. “The Alpha is coming here?” I asked, fear written all over my face. The two guards exchanged a look but said nothing to each other. “Thank you for the information, you are dismissed!” The first guard dismissed the other and he bowed and left. When he left, the guard turned his attention back to me, “So let's start this again, why are you running from the Alpha?” My eyes widen in surprise at how he knew, “how….did.….you” “I'm in the military, so yes…..your facial expressions gave you away. Now do you want to spill before he gets here, as you know he is a very ruthless person. “I have nothing to say to you!” I pushed back, as I was already planning my escape so I would be out of here before Oliver gets here. He stared at me for a while “I’m Lucas, the third in command in the military” I was surprised by his introduction, “what about you?” he asked “I’m….” “Don't bother to lie, I would know,” he said and I immediately closed my mouth, swallowing hard. After a minute of silence, I exhaled “Fine ... . I'm Elena.” He kept looking at me like he was accessing what I told him, “ it’s nice to meet you, Elena” he said with a smile and walked close to me. He picked up my hand from the bed and held it. “Just lay down and rest, okay?” He said and the next thing that happened was me being handcuffed to the bed. “What are you doing? Let me go!” I screamed but it fell on deaf ears as he left me in the ward screaming like a mad woman, as I waited to face Oliver.Elena’s pov Oliver was on his way to the camp and if I don't get out of here right now, I would have to face him and I was not ready after the rejection. This was not how I had planned this, I was supposed to move away from him and not be delivered to him on a platter of gold.I looked around for something I could use to break the handcuff and set myself free but every movement was met with unbearable pain.“I can't stay here, I have to bear the pain” I said as I tugged at the cuff, which made cuts on my skin. “Fuck, I need to get out of here.” I got up, ignoring all the pain. “I wish this chain could be like cookies and I could break through it,” and just then a bright light appeared, it was so bright that I had to shield my eyes. Few minutes later the light dimmed, leaving me stunned.“What was that?” I asked myself, looking confused. I shook my head and tried to concentrate on the task at hand, and immediately I pulled the cuff, it came crumbling down like pieces of crumbs.“The…
Elena’s POVI felt the surge of panic deep in my bones as I ran, each breath ragged and shallow. My body ached in ways I couldn’t even describe, but the adrenaline rushing through me wouldn’t allow me to stop. I limped forward, pushing through the branches and overgrown shrubs as fast as I could. Oliver was chasing me—I could feel him getting closer, the bond between us pulsing like a magnet pulling us together. I was already weakened by the silver cuffs and the pain in my broken bones. I didn’t stand a chance if he caught me, not with his strength and speed.But I had to try. I had to get away.The sun had fully dipped below the horizon now, leaving only the faint glow of the rising moon to guide my way. The thick forest was filled with unfamiliar sounds—the rustling of leaves, the calls of nocturnal creatures—but nothing was louder than the pounding of my heart in my ears.“Please,” I whispered to the darkness, stumbling forward, “just let me get away…”Suddenly, my foot caught on a
Elena's POVI ran until my legs couldn't carry me anymore. The forest seemed endless, and I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare. Finally, I collapsed onto a rocky surface, getting little injuries and gasping for breath.Oliver's words echoed in my mind: "You're mine, Elena.” I was confused and surprised. I shuddered at the memory. How could he say that after rejecting me? What changed? It wasn't up to a few hours ago when he told me that I couldn't be his mate and here he his claiming me. As the darkness closed in around me, I realized I had to keep moving. The rival pack could still be out there. With newfound determination, I pushed myself up and continued, my senses on high alert.Suddenly, a faint light appeared in the distance. Hope flickered to life within me. As I drew closer, I saw a small cabin nestled among the trees. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney.My body ached from all sides, I staggered to the cabin. My strength was depleted, my mouth dried up, and my body ach
Elena’s POVI woke up feeling a bit stronger but still weak. My fever had broken, but my body ached like I had run for days without rest. The mysterious old woman, Ana, entered the room again with a bowl of hot soup.“You need to eat,” she said firmly, handing me the bowl.I hesitated. “Who are you, really? And why are you helping me?”Ana sat down beside the bed, her eyes studying me. “I’ve lived in this forest for many years, child. The pack wars have affected us all, even those of us who don’t get involved. I help where I can, and I can sense when someone is in need. As for who I am…let’s just say I’ve been around long enough to see many stories like yours.”Her words puzzled me, but I was too tired to press for answers. I took a sip of the soup, the warmth soothing my throat. “You talk like you know more about me than you’re letting on.”Ana’s expression softened. “I know a lot, Elena. You’re not just an ordinary wolf. But for now, you need to rest and regain your strength. When y
Elena’s PovOliver stood looking at me and the old lady in surprise. I was not only standing up to him but I stood my ground.He looked at Ana with a glare “Who are you? And why are you on my land?”Ana walked to a chair, taking a seat, “Young warlord, who I am is not necessary but who are you and why is your fate tied to hers?” Oliver looked at me, then back to Ana “So…..why is my fate tied to hers?” He asked with a tone of sarcasm. “That’s not for me to say but know that she is someone who you would need by your side,” Ana told Oliver, he stood up in anger and glared at Ana.“Elena, you have two minutes to say your goodbye, meet me outside, and let’s go or else I will come in and drag you back,” Oliver said and stormed off from the house.I exhaled, knowing that I had to go back, I turned to face Ana, she had a smile on her face and I instantly felt bad. For the first time in my life, I found someone who treated me like a human and helped me without anything in return.I held her
Elena's PovThe next morningI woke up to the sound of my door creaking open. I groggily opened my eyes to see Oliver standing there with a tray of food. I grumbled at the disturbance, “What do you want?” I asked as I used the pillow to cover my face."Elena, you haven't eaten in over 24 hours. You need to eat something," he said softly.I turned my face away, not wanting to look at him. "Leave me alone, Oliver."He sighed and walked closer to me. "Elena, please. You're weakening yourself. Just eat something."I felt his hand touch my shoulder, and I flinched. "Don't touch me."Oliver's hand dropped, and he set the tray down on my bedside table. "Fine. But know that I'm not giving up on us. We need to talk about what happened.""There's nothing to talk about," I mumbled.Oliver's eyes narrowed. "There's everything to talk about. You ran away, Elena. You were injured and alone for weeks. Do you have any idea how worried I was?"I glared at him. "You were worried? You? After what you d
Elena's PovI couldn't shake Hailey's piercing gaze from my mind, and the unease lingered long after Lucas left. Entering my room, I found Oliver sitting in the armchair, his eyes fixed intently on me."You're still ignoring me, I see," he said softly.I sighed, exhaustion washing over me. "What do you want, Oliver?"Oliver stood up, his movements fluid. "We need to talk about what happened. About why you left.""I left because of what you did," I snapped.Oliver's jaw clenched. "I know I hurt you, Elena. But I want to explain—""No!" I cut him off. "You've had plenty of chances. Now, just leave me alone."Oliver's eyes narrowed “Why are you being so stubborn? Why don't you want to hear me out?” I rolled my eyes as I dropped my bag down on the table, “I just want to be left alone……is it too much to ask?”Oliver stood up “Yes it is…..i'm your mate!” “No…..rejected. So please Leave me the fuck alone.” I challenged him, “So please leave my room.” His eyes narrowed down before he turne
Elena’s POVThe warmth of the morning sun filtered through the trees, casting through the light across the training grounds. I stood in line with the other trainees, my mind still replaying the scene from yesterday. Oliver’s persistence lingered like an unhealed wound, and now Chloe’s sudden appearance left me on edge. The pack members’ stares didn’t help—most of them still saw me as an outsider.“Focus, Elena,” I whispered to myself, gripping the handle of the wooden sword as our instructor barked orders.“Push harder, Elena!” his voice cut through my thoughts. I swung with more force, feeling the strain in my muscles. Each strike was a release, a reminder that I could still fight, that I still had control over some part of my life.As I went through the drills, I caught sight of a figure watching from the edge of the training ground—Oliver. His gaze was unyielding, intense, and unsettling. Every time he watched, it was as if he were silently pleading with me, urging me to let him ba
Elena’s povThe morning sun cast long shadows across the courtyard as I made my way towards Beauty's room. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the fragile hope I still clung to. Maybe I was mistaken. Maybe it was a dirty joke. But all the excuses I tried to make up for her still didn’t add up.Last night's overheard conversation replayed in my mind, each whispered word a fresh wound. Beauty, my best friend, conspiring about my ruined wedding dress. The thought was like a poisoned knife, twisting and poisoning the bond we shared.I found her near her window, sunlight illuminating her face in a way that only emphasized her nervousness. Her fingers twisted in the fabric of her gown, and she avoided my gaze. "Beauty," I began, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to appear composed. "I need to ask you something about last night."Her eyes darted up to meet mine, wide and filled with a fear she couldn't quite hide. "Last night? What about it?""I... I overh
Elena’s povThe silk of the ruined wedding dress still clung to the inside of my eyelids, a phantom weight pressing down on my chest. What was supposed to be the happiest day of my life had crumbled into ash. Oliver had banned Lucas from being close to me, all because of a possessive jealousy that gnawed at him. Beauty on the other hand was nowhere to be found ever since the attack on the pack. I hadn't seen either of them since.I considered going to Oliver’s room but something in me told me that he equally needed the space. After all he was the Alpha and his pack was in danger.Strange people were within our borders. Possible threats to the life of the pack members and the future of the pack. The worst part is his own sister’s involvement in the entire attack.We all needed space to digest this brewing war.I needed to breathe, to escape the suffocating confines of the pack mansion, where every whispered conversation, every sympathetic glance, felt like a fresh wound. My plan was s
Lucas’s povThe wind whipped at my face, carrying the scent of damp earth, a familiar aroma that usually brought a sense of peace. Tonight, it was just another reminder of the land I was sworn to protect, a land that was teetering on the brink of war. The air crackled with tension, thick enough to choke on. Oliver’s order echoed in my mind. How could I stay away from Elena. Easy for him to say. He was the Alpha. He had her. I was just a soldier, a silent observer of his happiness. The wedding postponement came as a relief, a temporary reprieve from the gut-wrenching reality of watching her walk down the aisle towards another man. But it also meant the threat was real, the enemy close.I shifted my weight, the gravel crunching under my boots. Spies. A looming war. All because of Elena and her bond with Oliver. Then I saw her. Chloe.She stalked towards me, a predator in human form. Her eyes, usually a cold, calculating, were burning with fury. “Lucas.” Her voice dripped with venom,
Oliver’s povThe air in the main house thrummed with suppressed rage. My rage. It crackled around me like static electricity, making the pack members uneasy. Spies. Fucking spies. They'd infiltrated our territory, slithered amongst us, and I hadn't caught a whiff of them until it was almost too late."I want every inch of pack land searched," I roared, my voice echoing off the stone walls. “Every shadow, every cave, every forgotten trail. If you find anyone suspicious, anyone who can't give a damn good reason for being here, bring them to me. Immediately."The pack warriors, their faces grim, dispersed with a flurry of murmured acknowledgements. My blood ran hot with fury and a sickening dose of self-reproach. How could I, the Alpha, have allowed this to happen? My responsibility was to protect our people, and I had failed. The door creaked open and Lucas entered. He avoided my gaze, shuffling his feet. The scent of the forest clung to him, usually a calming aroma, but today it only
Elena’s povMy fingers trembled as I tried to smooth out the imaginary wrinkles on the already ruined wedding dress, my mind racing with possible reasons as to why Beauty would betray me. Beauty, my supposed best friend, could’ve been the one that ruined the dress but why would she do that to me?I was still reeling, the betrayal a sharp, stinging wound that refused to heal. How could she? Why would she?The sounds of hurried footsteps and raised voices drifted from outside my room, a grim reminder that the ruined dress was the least of my worries. Chloe was on the attack but no one except Lucas and a few others knew for a fact that she was behind it.I had to do something. Sitting here, wallowing in my heartbreak, felt like a betrayal of its own. I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the ache in my heart and the nagging doubt that whispered, "Something was not right." I slammed the door open and marched into the chaotic hallway."Elena, what are you doing?" Lucas intercepted me, his
Elena’s povThe air in the room was thick with unspoken tension. Lucas’s face, was like an open book etched with a worry that mirrored my own. He couldn’t meet my gaze so it was obvious that he had done something with Chloe. Even though he promised not to."Tell me," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. "Tell me about Chloe. About this deal."He hesitated, his jaw working. He ran a hand through his dark hair, a nervous habit I knew well. Finally, he met my gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of shame and desperation."Chloe… she wants to take over the pack. She’s been planning it for months, maybe even longer."My breath hitched. I knew Chloe was up to something but taking over the pack?"Take over? How?"He shifted his weight, the movement betraying his unease. "She... she has contacts. Connections to the Blue Moon pack."The Blue Moon pack. Our rivals. Enemies, even. A cold dread started to seep into my bones. "And what's your part in all of this?" I ask
Lucas’s pov The words hit me like a physical blow. "We’re under attack." Elena's voice, though laced with urgency, was strangely calm. My blood turned to ice. How did she know? Chloe hadn’t even made her move yet, the plan still in the beginning stages of whispered promises and secret meetings.“An attack?” I whispered shakily.What have I done?My gaze flickered to Oliver, "Lucas," he barked, his eyes narrowed, "have you received any news from the border? Any signs of trouble?"I felt like I was standing at gunpoint. My loyalty to the pack, ingrained since birth, was locked in mortal combat with my consuming quest for the truth about my father. For years, I’d been told he died bravely, defending our territory. But the story Chloe gave and the picture… they all pointed to a different narrative, a darker truth that everyone was desperate to keep buried.Chloe, with her venomous charm and promise of unveiling those secrets, had offered me the key. But that key came with a price: betray
Elena’s povThe scent of sandalwood, Oliver’s usual cologne, slowly seeped into my frantic senses. It was a balm, a tiny island of calm in the hurricane swirling inside me. My heart hammered against my ribs, each beat a frantic drum against the silence of the room.“Easy, Elena, easy,” Oliver murmured, his voice a low rumble against my ear. He held me close, his strong arms a reassuring weight, pulling me back from the edge of panic. “It’s just a dress. It can be fixed. We’ll figure it out.”Fixed? A wave of fresh despair washed over me. The intricate lacework, ripped and shredded. The delicate silk, stained and torn. It wasn't just a dress; it was a symbol of my hope, my future with Oliver. And someone, someone deliberately cruel, had destroyed it. This was more than a warning of what was yet to come.“Who would do this?” I finally managed to choke out, my voice trembling. The image of the ruined gown, a mangled mess of white, flashed behind my eyes.Oliver tightened his grip, his ja
Olivier's povMy heart slammed against my ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. Elena, my Elena, was standing in the closet room, the creamy silk of her wedding dress clutched in her hands. But it wasn't the beauty of the gown that ripped through me; it was the sight of her tears. Each shimmering drop was a shard of glass piercing my soul.Lucas stood frozen beside me, his own face a mask of concern. We had practically kicked the door off its hinges when we heard Elena’s choked sob echoing through the hallway. I hadn't even registered the frantic thudding of my own blood in my ears until I saw her.My wolf was roaring in my head, demanding retribution. Who dared to inflict such pain on my mate? The protective instinct, primal and overwhelming, surged through me."Elena," I breathed, my voice rough with worry. I reached for her, my hands hovering, unsure if I should touch her. She looked so fragile, so utterly broken.She didn't meet my gaze, her eyes fixed on the dress. "It's... it'