Chapter 4

Willow’s POV

I kept running with everything in me, praying that the paralyzing pain of the rejection would give me enough head start.

Once he chases me in his wolf form, there is no way I would be able to outrun him.

His words kept playing in my head.

“I did it for you.”

Denise, Father, everyone in the park lost their lives because of me. They were right after all; I really am a curse. And I ruined everything.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, suppressing the cry threatening to break out of me. I had to focus on running. I didn't care where I was going, how far I was running, or in which direction; I just needed to keep running. I ignored the pain from the stabs of dried sticks tearing away at me. I forced myself to keep going, driven by sheer willpower and the primal instinct to survive.

Exhaustion was already biting at me; at this rate, I will be caught any minute now. I had to think of a plan and fast. Even though I have gained a lot of distance, Dwane and his men could easily follow my scent.

I came to a sudden halt; even in the dark, this part of the forest was evidently different, covered in giant trees. I could hide behind them, but I would be found out easily, and then it hit me—instead of hiding on the ground, I could confuse them with the trees.

I repeated the process of rubbing my scents on each tree, moving in zigzagging movements, creating a maze of scents. I found a tree with thick branches and began to climb, my muscles protesting with each movement. I got high enough and steadied my breath, waiting.

I could hear their voices as they approached. Dwane had underestimated me and ran in his human form instead of his wolf form.

I could tell he was regretting it from the way he was barking out orders to his subordinates.

“Spread out; find her. Alive. She is around here somewhere; her scent is strongest in this area.”

Thanks to the full moon, it is easy to make them out from high up on the tree.

“I want her found no matter how long it takes. Keep looking and don't stop; she has no wolf and can't heal herself. She is hiding in a spot somewhere. We just need to sniff her out.”

My breath hitched in my throat; what if he had already caught on? I started to doubt my plan as his men kept sniffing around in circles trying to locate my scent.

“Alpha, this territory…” one of his men started

“Shut your mouth and find her already,” Dwane snapped at him before he could finish.

“You are trained fighters, yet we have been searching for a weak, frail little thing without any result. Are you not ashamed?” he fumed.

“I'm sorry, Alpha.”

“Then keep searching!

“My sweet mate, I can sense you around here, this dangerous game of hide and seek you have chosen to play. I hope you will be able to take the punishment I have for you when I eventually find you. But I have chosen to be merciful if you come to me on your own.”

I blocked my ears from his taunts and clung to the big tree for dear life. I didn't know if the goddess was for me or against me, but I needed to believe that I was still alive for a reason.

Hours passed, and it was getting to the crack of dawn. They had been searching all night.

Dwane’s men were already starting to get frustrated and impatient. Being dragged out on a goosechase after fighting for hours will definitely get any wolf angry and worked up.

“We can't search any further or stay here longer than this." I heard one of them say 

“Alpha, remember whose territory we have been in; it's getting riskier by the minute to still be here; we are tired and worn out; if we are found by that crazy wolf, it will only be a massacre. And it will be within his rights since we are here illegally.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw as he considered their words. I could see from his stiff movements that he wished to stay but decided against it and agreed to their demand.

I waited for a short while before carefully dragging my limp body down the big tree. Whoever owns this territory, the idea of being on his ground was enough to make Dwane leave.

That means I could try and move further into the territory; if I end up getting killed, death at this rate is better than a life as Dwane’s slave. At least I will be proud knowing I put up a good fight.

I dragged myself on the damp forest floor, pulling myself with every bit of strength left.

Just as I started to move, a sudden burst of laughter made me freeze. My heart sank as Dwane emerged from the shadows.

“You just keep amazing me, sweet mate; you really thought you could outsmart me?” He taunted, his voice a cruel mockery.

“I knew you were hiding around here, but it sure was very clever to climb that tree. Leaving your scents on different parts of the ground, then climbing up so the wind spreads it in the air. I surely underestimated you.”

Defeat, pain, and tiredness came at me in crushing waves as I crumbled on the floor.

“Ple…please” I begged, my voice scratchy and trembling.

“Now that's just pathetic,” he sneered.

“I should start your punishment here, but it's best when we get home. Now get up!”

“Wait!” I said, breathing weakly.

“Before you take me, I just have a question.

If I hadn't been on that mating ground, if I hadn't been mated to you, would you still have attacked my pack?”

I needed to know just how much guilt I had to carry.

He merely laughed loudly before cupping my jaw.

“Oh Willow, you just don't get it, do you?

I knew you were mine the first day I saw your father torturing you. Seeing how well you took your father’s beatings, I just knew I had to have you. Obtaining a healer was all it took for my father to accept my plan to annihilate your pack.

Mating with you sure had been a surprise; I hadn't expected you there. My plan was to bring you the head of your father as a gift when I come to take you from the packhouse. I am a lot more fun than your boring father.”

Then he whispered closer to my ears.

“I promise, a beautiful world of colors is waiting for you by my side.”

Disgust crawled in me, making my skin pickle. 

“You are sick.” I spat

“Only for you, my darling, now let's go!”

He roughly dragged my arm; my legs were already giving out as I struggled to move behind him. 

Suddenly, the air around us tightened. I heard a frightening growl and rustling in the bush. Dwane growled back in response, looking around, his grip on my arm tightening.

Then I saw him, a figure emerging from the darkness, his presence commanding and fierce. Tall, broad, and muscular, his eyes glowed with an intensity that made me shrink in fear. 

His gaze moved to Dwane, who took a cautioned step back. 

Then he let out a big angry growl. His deep voice low and menacing.

“Who do you think you are threatening someone in my territory?”