four

Chapter 4 

Leena's Pov 

“Let me go! You promised to take me to the human lands, why did you bring me here?!” I struggled against Avin who held my waist tightly, dragging me through the gates with him. This was the third time I had tried to escape and each time, I was caught and brought back here. 

Avin and Kevin had brought me to their pack against my will six days ago. I had no idea that they were leading me farther and farther away from the human lands until the smell of different werewolves assaulted my nose. It was that moment I realised that I had been brought to a land that was filled to the brim with werewolves. 

“I said let go of me! Put me down! Put me down quickly!” I yelled, however, without a word, Avin leaned down and with one movement, hoisted me up on his shoulders. Stunned, I couldn't say a word at first but by the time I recovered my voice and mobility, I began to hit his back, thrashing wildly against his body. 

“Runaway, if you don't want me to throw you out of the window, behave yourself and stay in your room just like I asked you to.” I clenched my fists, seething with frustration as Avin carried me effortlessly through the pack’s grand halls. His nonchalant attitude only fueled my anger. 

"Put me down, you brute!" I shouted, kicking my legs, but it was useless. His grip was firm, his stride steady.

The other pack members barely spared us a glance as we passed. It was as if this was an everyday occurrence. My cheeks burned with humiliation, but that only strengthened my resolve.

“You can’t keep me here forever!” I hissed. “I’ll find a way out, and when I do, don’t expect me to come back.”

Avin let out a low chuckle, the sound rumbling through his chest, “You don’t get it, do you, Leena? This isn’t about what you want anymore. It’s about what the pack needs.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, “I don’t care about your pack. I didn’t ask for this, Avin. I don’t belong here!”

Finally, he stopped, setting me down in front of a heavy wooden door. Before I could make a run for it, Kevin appeared from the adjacent corridor, blocking my escape route.

“You’re wasting your energy, little Runaway.” Kevin said coolly, his piercing gaze locking onto mine, “We’re not letting you go, Leena. Not now, not ever.”

I crossed my arms, my defiance wavering under his stare, “Why? What could you possibly want from me? I’m not even part of your pack!”

Kevin exchanged a glance with Avin, something unspoken passing between them. Then he sighed and gestured for me to follow him into the room.

“Enough games, come with me. We don't need to discuss stuff here.” Kevin's hand shot out to grab my wrist, pulling my inside 

Despite my better judgment and also because I couldn't extricate myself from his grip, I followed them inside, my heart pounding. The room was large, lined with bookshelves and maps pinned to the walls. At the center stood a round table with several figures seated around it, pack elders, judging by their stern expressions and commanding presence.

As soon as I stepped inside, their gazes shifted to me, some wary, others calculating. I felt like a mouse trapped in a den of wolves.

Kevin motioned for me to sit, but I remained standing, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, “I’m not staying here.” I said firmly.

An older man at the head of the table cleared his throat, “Leena, there’s something you need to understand.” He began, his voice deep and steady, “You are not just any wolf. You are a pack guardian rare and sacred role.”

I blinked, completely thrown off about  the fact that they knew about it. Why did they find out? How did they find out? And seeing how sure they were, then it was of no use to lie about it. 

“So? What does me being a pack guardian have to do with you?” I crossed my arms. 

“Well, as it seems, you are a pack guardian but have you ever thought about what pack that you are supposed to guard?” Kevin questioned, raising an eyebrow. 

“Of course I've been told. The name of the pack I have to guide is the Moon Eagle Pack and they…” I blinked, they were all staring at me. Why? Why were they staring? And then I realised…

“This must be the Moon Eagle Pack… No. I'm not interested. I didn't ask for any of this! Can't it just be taken back?” I stared at Avin with panic. 

Avin stepped forward, his gaze softening slightly, “Leena, I get it. You didn’t ask for this, and it’s unfair. But the pack is at war. If you help us, we’ll help you. We’ll give you the resources and information you need to get revenge on your old pack.”

My heart stuttered at his words. Revenge. The thought of finally making them pay for what they did to me ever since I was there was intoxicating. But at what cost?

“And if I refuse?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kevin’s eyes darkened, “You won’t refuse. Because you know as well as we do that you don’t have a choice.”

I looked around the room, my chest tightening with the weight of their expectations. They wanted me to help them win a war, to protect their pack, to be something I didn’t even believe I was capable of being.

But the promise of revenge lingered in my mind like a siren’s call.

“Fine.” I said finally, my voice trembling but resolute, “I’ll stay. I’ll help you. But when this is over, I’m gone.”

The elder nodded, a hint of relief crossing his face, “Agreed. But know this, Leena, once you embrace who you are, leaving won’t be as easy as you think.”

I swallowed hard, unsure if I’d just made the best decision of my life, or the worst, but it was only time that was going to tell.