Chapter 5

Chapter 5

 Alpha Gerald's POV

“I need to train more, I will be back soon mother” I yelled in a sweet voice at my mother who sat at the dining room waiting for me to join her but then I needed to go train more.

“Shit! You mean you won't eat before going? It's noon already Gerald, why don't you wait until tomorrow you start” She advised but I had made up my mind so I needed to leave.

“Watch out, I will be back in an hour”.I whispered into her ear, leaving a slight kiss on them before I escaped not wanting her to say any other words.

I ventured into the woods, seeking solitude for my noon training. The misty dawn air invigorated my senses as I ran, my paws pounding the earth.

Suddenly, a commotion broke the silence making me wonder where those commotion were coming from.

Rogues? Where?

I could sense where they are but then I wonder whom they are attacking this time.

So I followed the sense down to the event.

Attacking a lady? Why? What could she be doing here? Maybe she is from my pack and I will do all to help her out” I murmured within myself.

My instincts kicked in.

I sprinted toward the scene, my growl echoing through the forest.

The rogues scattered as I approached, they have always feared me not after I killed their leader.

The lady lay motionless, her arm bleeding.

I shifted into human form, walking towards her to see if she is from my pack but it turns out to be from another pack.

 Where could she be going before she was attacked?

 I wished to help but remembering the cruel rule we have in the pack I couldn't do anything than watch her bleed.

 We are only entitled to bring in anyone from the pack not non members of the Raven pack, I made to walk away but my instinct kept dragging me back to her.

My wolf was ready to help her so I accepted with a condition of hiding her until she recovers. Gently lifting her into my arms.

As I cradled her, a strange sense of protectiveness washed over me.

 I ride her home, talk her straight to my room to avoid my mother finding out about who she is.

Back at the Raven pack, I ordered my beta, Marcus, to tend to her wounds.

 I could have called the pack doctor but then I felt my mother would take it suspicious and mistake me for someone who had an injury there by entering my wound and could find the lady.

"Be gentle," I instructed. "She's been through enough from the rogues" I said feeling kinda pity for the innocent face which lay beside me. 

Marcus nodded, his expression concerned.

As the day passed, I found myself checking on her frequently.

Who was this mysterious lady?

What brought her to our pack?

And why did I feel an inexplicable connection to her? I kept asking myself severally, waiting for her to wake. 

 I was glad she finally woke up but then I ran to lock my door behind to avoid my mother coming on unexpectedly.

She finally stirred with her eyes staring around the room as if she was confused.

 I wasn't so lenient but she had made an act so, I cleared my voice bringing her attention to someone in the room as I sat beside her.

"Welcome back," I said softly.

Her eyes fluttered open, locking onto mine.

For a moment, I saw something there – fear, perhaps, or anger written on them all.

But it vanished, replaced by a mask of determination. Which she grips hard before putting on.

"Where am I?" she asked, her voice firm yet she looked curious and ready to get answers tk her questions but I also have questions to throw at her but then I have to answer hers. 

 “My pack, the Raven's pack “ I replied. "You're safe now and won't be attacked." I replied her sounding nice when I know she wasn't save as I told her

She tried to sit up, wincing in pain.

"Easy," I cautioned. "You've been injured." I said looking at those injuries on her body which Marcus had treated. 

As Marcus helped her with her wounds, I asked:

"What's your name?" 

 It took her a while before she spoke up. "Vanessa," she replied, her gaze avoiding mine.

"And what brings you to our territory?, I mean where were you going before the attack took place" I pressed, trying not to sound demanding.

Vanessa's jaw clenched, I wonder why or could the question which I asked wrong? 

"I was just passing through." She replied, gulping saliva down.

I sensed an evasion in her voice, why it took her so long to reply.

There was more to her story.” I told myself while asking Marcus to leave the room with a signal. 

After he left, I repeated the question, But she wasn't willing to share.

"I want to leave," she said abruptly, standing from where she sat.

My instincts screamed to keep her close but I kept asking myself why?

But I couldn't detain her.

"Very well," I said finally. "But if you leave, there are two rules you must follow:

"First, You can leave freely, two enemies are awaiting you. The rogues which roam freely and my pack members we don't accept non pack members as they are considered to be spies. 

"Second, to be safe then you will have to let me handle things or face them alone.” I said sullenly knowing well how bad it will be for her to leave.

Vanessa's eyes narrowed.

"Why?"

I leaned in, my voice low.

"Because, Vanessa, that is how it has rained down from generation to generation not after my grandfather's kindness betrayed him. 

Her gaze faltered, and for an instant, I saw fear

But then, her mask slipped back into place.

"I'll leave tomorrow," she said.

As I stood, a sense of unease settled within me.

Was I letting her go too easily?

Or was I inviting danger into our pack?