CHAPTER 3

Time took us by surprise, and there I was on his bed, lying right beside him. I didn’t want to leave, but I didn’t want to be a burden to someone else. He was heartbroken, and so was I, but I couldn’t let it all go after my experience with Christopher. He wasn’t the type to care about me since he had a family of his own, but who am I to judge him? 

I carefully came out of the duvet and grabbed my clothes, which were scattered all around the room. I got dressed up quickly and silently so he wouldn’t notice I was getting ready to leave. Our needs and desires had gotten the best of us last night, and we ended up exploring our inner selves. I couldn’t let him see the true weakness in me and leave like the others. I didn’t want to feel pitied by everyone; I wanted to be my own person and not a dependent one. 

I tiptoed out of the house, closing each and every door slowly and silently. I heaved a sigh of relief upon getting out of his house. He didn’t seem to have woken up, and that was what I wanted. 

I found my way to the town’s armory and managed to get an ax and a sword. They believed I was a member, so they let me have it without any questions. After I was done compiling tools and supplies, I headed to the woods; that was the only place I believed would accept me and make me stronger.

A mile into the woods, I grabbed an ax and began chopping down some trees. After 4 hours, I had only cut down 4 trees. I felt like I had run a marathon; my breathing was harsh, and I felt like my chest was going to jump out of my body. I grabbed the water bottle beside me, and to my surprise, I had gulped down all its contents within 4 hours. Without water, I was going to die of dehydration. Heading back to the stranger’s town was not an option since it was miles away and I would barely even reach a mile in my state.

“Is this how I’m going to die?” I asked myself as I slowly closed my eyes, waiting for death to take me away. Water suddenly trickled down my face, bringing me back to the land of the living. The sight of the stranger right before me made me shiver as I hurriedly stepped back, hitting my head on a branch halfway through.

“Do you need water by chance?” He shook the water bottle in his hands, which was filled with water. 

“No, I don’t need your help. I’m not weak,” I resisted, even though my body needed it. 

“Be a good girl and save yourself from death,” he said, tossing the water bottle at me. My hands moved on their own, grabbing the bottle and pouring the contents down my throat.

“Thanks, but I would have survived on my own either way,” I said, sulking with the bottle still in my hands.

“You can’t hide away your weakness; that’s who you are, and that’s what makes you. Don’t be ashamed of it ,” he stretched forth his hand, hoping to help me get up. I grabbed it, and he pulled me up with little or no strength. 

“The name’s Ashley, Ashley Thompson,” he said, shaking my hand.

“Amanda, Amanda Martinez. Ex member of the Silver Moon Pack, former teacher ,” I introduced, also shaking his hand.

“So you’re a rogue werewolf,” he teased with a smirk on his lips. 

“I’m not a rogue werewolf; I was just banished from the pack for being weak,” I explained, not wanting to be called a rogue.

“You were banished, sent out of the pack for something not worth it. That’s pretty much how being a rogue works—only that they are much stronger than you,” he let out, his eyes glaring at me from head to toe.

“I was banished so the Alpha could save himself from his nonchalant past. That doesn’t associate with me,” I argued, moving closer to him to let him know I’m serious.

“I see. Either way, you’re still a rogue werewolf to me,” he responded with a grin on his face. I wanted to wipe that grin off his face, and I went for it, launching my fist towards him. 

He shifted his body, taking my hand in his and dragging me towards him. Our lips met, and only this time our eyes were open to see it. His hands were holding mine to the back, and his eyes were glaring at mine. I could feel my heart skip a beat as we’re still in the stance. I couldn’t move, petrified by the act. 

He left my hands, and I moved away from him. We both turned our backs on each other, feeling awkward. My heart couldn’t stop remembering his touch; it felt golden and also embarrassing at the same time.

“What were you going to do with the wood you chopped down?” He broke the silence, carrying two of the trees in his hands. 

“That’s none of your business. You can leave now. Thanks for the help. I’ll repay it back one day,” I said, shutting him off.

“Do you think you can chase me off like that?” He moved closer, pinning me to the tree. 

“I wasn’t trying to. Just inviting you to the feast tonight to have your fill and continue whatever the heck you’re doing tomorrow,” he replied with a rather harsh tone, which sent shivers down my spine. I couldn’t reject knowing the strength difference.

“Only tonight,” I accepted.

Everyone in town seemed happy as they all gathered at a golden hall. Food was in excess, and everybody seemed bothered about that. They were all watching the stage, waiting for the leader of the pack, their Alpha. Even. Though I was new, I had gotten the hint that he was a harsh ruler, and everyone feared and cared for him. 

“Here comes the host of tonight’s feast, the Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, Ashley Thompson the Great.”.