Chapter 2: Cast Out

"You're trespassing."

From the darkness, low and ominous, the growl vibrated through the woods. My wolf bristled under my skin as my instincts screamed to flee. I stayed on ground. Running was not a choice; not with a life developing inside me nor anywhere to run to.

I grabbed the bag's strap tighter and looked at the shadows. My voice stronger than I felt, I continued, "I didn't come here to cause trouble." "I basically need to pass through."

The man moved fluidly and predatory ahead. Sharp amber eyes shining with malice emerged from the moonlight filtering through the canopy above. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a stone-like icy attitude. His earthy, wild, untamed smell set him out as a renegade.

"Passing through, huh?" His lips curved into a smile, but it lacked humor. "You think you can walk into rogue territory without consequences? You're either brave or stupid, Luna." .

He spat the term stung more than I would have admitted. "Not a Luna," I murmured softly, forcing my chin up. "Not anymore."

His smile wavered, a flash of inquiry bursting through his austere manner. He crossed his arms, his gaze skimming me as though evaluating whether the effort was worth it.

And Why is that?

The lump in my throat tasted terrible on my tongue. I swallowed it. "Because my buddy turned me down."

The piercing and austere laughter of the outlaw broke through the suspense. "So the Alpha could not handle his little Luna and sent you packing. Typical pack wolves—always throwing away what they do not understand."

I stammered but did not react. His comments were too near the reality, and I was not ready to face it. Rather, I moved cautiously back while still staring at him.

Trying to keep my voice cool, "Look," I said, "I don't want trouble. Just let me pass, and I'll be out of your way."

"Out of my way?" he said harshly. "News flash, princess: there's no safe passage here. You're either prey or a threat. You think the rogues will just let you stroll through their lands? I don't see you as much as a threat."

I bristled at his remarks, my wolf deep in my chest ruckling within. "Don't devaluate me."

His smile darkened, his eyes hardening. "Is that a difficulty?"

He surged before I could respond—or withdraw.

I dropped my backpack and changed mid-step, my wolf snapping to the surface with a ferocity I had never known. My claws expanded to meet his in a collision that lit the night with sparks.

He moved quickly, his years of survival without a pack sharping his motions. Still, I was driven by the urge to save my pregnant kid and myself and became desperate. Each of us pushing the other's limitations, our struggle was a whirlwind of snarls, claws, and snapping jaws.

As his claws tore my side, a piercing shriek from me; the sting of pain set off an adrenaline surge. I turned around and caught him off-balance with a swipe.

Enough! he yelled, turning back into his human shape. His chest heaved, and a trickle of blood flowed down his arm, but his look piqued more than it enraged.

I stayed in my wolf shape, low-key circling him suspiciously.

Rising his hands in imitation surrender, he murmured, "Alright, alright." "You have some fighting in you. Maybe you're not as weak as I thought."

Turning back, I gripped my side where his claws had struck. "If you're doing testing on me, I'd like to leave now."

He leaned nonchalantly against a tree, arched a brow. "Not so fast. You’ve made it this far, and you clearly not just some aimless runaway. What's your story, Luna?"

Though the weight of the past twenty-24 hours sat firmly on my chest, the last thing I wanted was to let my humiliation flow to a renegade. Against my better sense, I told him about the rejection, the exile, and the child I was resolved to save.

His body stiffened and his face clouded. "The Alpha turned his mate? For another woman?"

"Yes," I responded, hatred tumbling through my voice.

He shook his head mumbled under his breath. "Parative."

His hostility initially seemed to lessen, then a grudging respect took front stage. "You're brave, I'll say that but guts won't keep you alive out here. If you want to survive, you'll need help."

I scowled, doubt tingling at the margins of my consciousness. And you're providing?

He grinned once more, but this time it was lighter, almost amused. "Let's just say I don't hate the idea of seeing a forsaken Luna proof her Alpha wrong. Besides, you might come in handy."

I did not yet trust him. But I knew I might not have any choice as the wind changed and smelled clearly of peril. His eyes closed and he pointed toward the shadows behind me.

"Stay close," he screamed. "We currently have company."