Chapter 1

I ran in a circle to make sure they wouldn't follow my scent. Once I was certain they wouldn’t be able to track me down, I shifted into my human form and quickly got dressed. Grabbing my backpack, I climbed up a tree.

Soon, I saw a group of wolves running after me, tracking my scent.

"How long are you going to keep running?"

I rolled my eyes. My wolf spirit and I had had this argument so many times that it was starting to get old. Ignoring her, I rested against the tree, watching as the wolves ran around, trying to follow my trail.

I was a rogue, and packs considered rogues a threat, so they hunted them down. I had been a rogue for years, ever since I ran away from home after my parents’ deaths. All I ever knew was how to take care of myself—forced to rely on my own instincts and independence. Now, I was used to this life, constantly moving. The idea of pack life bored me, and I had no interest in it.

It had taken me a long time to convince my wolf of this. One thing we always disagreed on was a mate.

I hated the idea that one day I would find my mate, that I would no longer be independent. I despised the thought of needing someone else to survive. The moment a wolf finds their mate, their entire mindset shifts—they become so dependent on that person, it was almost sickening. My wolf, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to find her mate.

"Once we find our mate, your carefree, independent days are over."

I huffed loudly at her words. Apparently, I made too much noise because the wolf below me snapped his head up, his sharp eyes locking onto me. Then, he howled, calling his pack.

I remained frozen in the tree, unsure of what to do as more wolves gathered beneath me. They growled, their eyes filled with predatory intent. Then, they started kicking the tree with their hind legs, trying to shake me down.

I did the only thing I could think of—I jumped.

As I leaped from the tree, I shifted midair into my white wolf, shredding my clothes in the process. I landed roughly on the ground, snatched my backpack in my mouth, and bolted as fast as I could.

I looked back—wolves were right on my tail.

I turned my head forward just in time to slam into something hard. My body jolted backward from the impact. Dazed, I lifted my gaze and locked eyes with a massive midnight-black wolf standing in my path, growling.

My wolf whispered in awe. Alpha.

She wanted to bow, but I refused.

More wolves circled around me, blocking every escape route. The black wolf moved behind a tree and shifted. When he stepped back into the clearing, my breath hitched.

He was gorgeous.

Dressed in black jeans and a tight white shirt that barely concealed his muscular chest, he had tanned olive skin that glowed under the sunlight. His dark brown hair was messy but effortlessly attractive, as if he hadn't even tried to style it. His features were sharp and defined, his nose slightly crooked at the bridge—evidence of a past break. His eyes, smaller yet piercing, studied me intently.

The only thing I refused to look at was his gaze.

"Shift, rogue, and explain why you’re traveling so close to our pack." His Alpha voice was commanding, leaving no room for argument.

I saw no point in resisting—there was no escape. Wolves blocked every possible route. So, I moved behind a tree and shifted, pulling clothes from my bag and dressing quickly.

When I stepped back into view, I kept my eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. I had learned long ago never to look a male wolf in the eyes. The eyes were windows to the soul. The moment you locked eyes with the right—or, in my case, the wrong—person, you just knew. You knew they were your other half.

And I refused to be bound by such a thing.

"What is your name, and why are you traveling so close to my territory?" His deep voice carried authority, his towering presence making him even more intimidating.

I chose not to answer.

"Look at me when I’m talking to you!" he snapped.

"Just look at him, Iris," my wolf begged, desperation lacing her voice. It was as if she knew something I didn’t.

Before I could react, he grabbed my chin and yanked my head up, forcing me to meet his gaze.

The moment our eyes locked, I felt it.

A shockwave of electricity surged through me. My breath hitched, my entire body paralyzed by the overwhelming emotions crashing into me. My soul recognized his. He was mine, and I was his. Our destinies intertwined, bound by fate itself.

I wanted to fight it, to reject the connection. But I couldn’t look away from those deep baby-blue eyes.

"Mine." He growled in satisfaction.