CHAPTER 3

Seeking refuge 

—

"Stop right there," the warrior growled, stepping in front of us with a hand on his sword. "State your business."

I and Kathy had arrived at the pack and we're quietly sneaking in when we were caught by some guards parading the pack walls.

"We come in peace," I said immediately, keeping my voice steady. "We’re just seeking refuge."

I and Kathy quickly raised up our hands in careful surrender.

The warrior narrowed his eyes. "Refuge? What kind of trouble are you running from?"

I could feel Kathy tensing beside me.

 "We're not trouble, I promise" she snapped. "But you’ll be in trouble if you don’t let us talk to your Alpha."

“Is that a threat?” He asked, drawing his sword.

I and Kathy immediately stood in defence.

Before things got worse, another voice, deep and firm, cut through the tension. "Alec, stand down."

The warriors parted as a tall man with sharp eyes and an air of authority approached. His black hair ruffled in the wind, and every step he took spoke of power.

Alec went to him and whispered some things in his ears, he then turned his gaze to use.

“I heard you were asking after me.” His thick voice called out.

He was definitely the Alpha.

"I’m Alpha Ryker," he said, his bodysteady. "Who are you, and what do you want on my land?"

"I’m Vesper, and this is Kathy, my best friend" I said. "We left our pack and are stranded, we need a place to stay."

His dark eyes scanned between us. 

"Why did you leave?"

"That’s a long story," I admitted.

He crossed his arms. "I’m listening."

"Look," Kathy cut in, her voice sharp, "the leadership of our old pack was rotten. We just want a safe place to live, away from all that."

Ryker’s lips twitched as if he found her boldness amusing. "Follow me," he said.

The warriors stayed on edge, but they let us pass as we followed the Alpha through the pack grounds. Wolves moved about, casting curious glances at us. The pack looked well-organized, peaceful even.

"This place is amazing," Kathy whispered.

I nodded, trying not to get my hopes up too soon.

We reached a large house at the center of the territory.

 Ryker opened the door and motioned for us to enter.

Inside, warmth from a roaring fire filled the room. Everything was simple but comfortable.

"Sit," Ryker said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

We did as told, and Ryker sat across from us, leaning back slightly.

"Now," he said, "tell me the real reason you left."

I swallowed hard.

 "The Alpha rejected me in front of the whole pack," I confessed quietly. "Staying became impossible."

His face wore a dark look.

 "Rejection is harsh. But being driven out because of it? That’s disgraceful."

"There was more to it," Kathy added. "The pack elders had their schemes. Staying wasn't safe."

Ryker's eyes lingered on me for a long moment. "What do you expect from my pack?"

"Just a chance to live in peace," I said earnestly. "I’ll work hard, prove myself."

Ryker’s expression softened just a bit. "You'll stay under observation for now. My Beta will assign you tasks. If you earn the pack's trust, we’ll discuss a permanent arrangement."

Relief washed over me. Was that his way of saying we were allowed to stay here?

"Thank you," I said sincerely, before he could have a chance to change his mind.

"You’ll need rest," he added, standing up. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day."

As he left the room, Kathy nudged at me. 

"Well, that went better than I expected."

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. "Yeah. It did."

But deep down, I knew this was just the beginning.

I walked across the training grounds, looking around at the wolves practicing. Some were hitting pads with their fists, while others were sparring, moving fast and strong. The sound of their punches and growls filled the air. It felt so different here, much more intense than what I was used to back at my old pack.

My eyes kept moving over the wolves, but then I saw him.

Ryker.

—

Ryker’s POV

The moment I saw her, something in me shifted.

There she was—this woman with a strength in her eyes despite the obvious pain she carried. Most wolves who showed up at my borders seeking refuge looked desperate, but Vesper stood her ground with quiet dignity.

I didn't like distractions, and I sure didn’t need one now. My pack came first. Always.

But as I walked back toward the training grounds, her face stayed in my mind.

"You okay, Alpha?" Alec asked as he matched my steps.

"Fine," I replied, keeping my voice steady.

"You sure? You seemed… interested in that Vesper woman."

I shot him a look that should have shut him up.

Alec grinned.

 "Hey, I’m just saying. It’s been a while since someone caught your attention."

I ignored him, focusing on the sounds of wolves sparring in the distance.

Back at the training grounds, I pushed myself hard, trying to shake off the strange pull I felt toward Vesper. But it clung to me like a stubborn scent.

Later at the training ground, as I stood, I couldn't help but think about her.

There was something about her that captivated me—something more than just a pretty face.

I wasn't the kind of Alpha who got caught up in emotions. After losing my mate, I’d sworn off anything that even hinted at weakness.

But Vesper was different.

She wasn’t just here for refuge; I could feel it. There was a story she wasn’t telling, and I wanted to know what it was.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to focus on the responsibilities waiting for me.

But no matter how hard I tried, one thought lingered:

Vesper, she had such great impact that no one else ever had.

I had just defeated the last warrior and pinned him to the ground when I heard a soft voice call out my name.

Ryker!