Chapter 34: A Fragile Refuge. Anna POV

As I stumbled into the clearing, my legs shaking under me, the trees grew thinner. There was a little pack village ahead, a collection of wooden houses ringed by a temporary barrier, tucked away in the valley. As the cool forest air mixed with the flavor of cooked meat, smoke curled languidly from chimneys. My heart was racing. Would they assist me? Or would the lies I had planned be exposed?

I scowled at the sharp edges of my recently chopped hair as I ran a hand over it. The strong herbs I had used to cover up my odor were still slightly visible on my fingertips. Although it wasn't perfect, it would have to do.

I inhaled deeply before moving on, feeling as though a thousand doubts were pressing down on me with each step.

I was stopped at the gate by a piercing voice. "Halt!"

A burly wolf in a worn leather jacket came forward. His piercing eyes looked at every inch of me. "Who are you? Give your name and your objective."

I paused, claiming to be tired to buy myself some extra time. I used the fake name I had practiced in my mind to say, "My name is Lia. I am a lone wolf... For days, I've been evading rogues." In an attempt to sound believable, I allowed my voice to falter.

Eyes narrowing, the guard scowled. "Rogues? Oddly enough, no rogue activity has been reported in this area."

My stomach turned over. I stumbled. "I...I must have been near their territory. I didn't stop to make sure. I just ran."

A big, imposing figure stepped out of the shadows. His eyes were sharp, and his silver hair glinted in the moonlight. I thought to be the Alpha.

"Enough, Kane," he stated in a cool but powerful voice. "Give her access. She appears to be half-dead."

Kane, the guard, complained but moved away. The Alpha motioned for me to follow him, and I gave a little, trembling nod of thanks.

I followed the Alpha to the biggest cabin in the middle of the community. Although the tension in the room was obvious, the warmth of the fire inside was a pleasant reprieve.

The Alpha noted in a controlled tone, "You'll spend the night here. But in the morning, I'll need answers."

My throat was too dry to answer, so I just nodded.

He pointed to a woman who was standing close to the fireplace. "Nora, make sure she has clean clothes and food."

The woman, who looked to be in her mid-thirties, examined me and then gave me a brusque nod. She vanished into another room and returned a few moments later carrying a folded set of clothes and a steaming bowl of stew.

"Thank you," I said in a scarcely heard whisper.

The Alpha sat across from me while I ate, his eyes never leaving my face. "Lia, was it?" he inquired in a lighthearted yet inquisitive way.

I nodded and took a bite of stew. "Yes, sir."

"Where are you from exactly?"

I paused, my thoughts spinning. At last, I said, "East. Close to the ridge."

He knitted his brows. "There is still a long way to go. You're lucky to still be alive."

"Yes," I said, dropping my eyes. "If I hadn't found this place, I'm not sure what I would have done."

He studied me, leaning back. "We'll check on that."

I was roused early the following morning and led to the backyard. A few wolves had gathered, their faces displaying a mixture of interest and mistrust.

"This is Lia," stated the Alpha. "She says she's a lone wolf trying to get away from rogues."

The crowd rang with murmurs. I tried to look weak and unthreatening by keeping my head down.

"She will remain on probation," the Alpha added. "But she'll have to prove herself."

Stepping forward was a wiry man with a scar along his face. "What sort of work is she capable of?"

"Anything," I blurted out. "I pick things up quickly."

He gave a snort. "We'll see about that."

They put me to work lugging firewood, cleaning storage sheds, and helping with dinner preparation, all of which were exhausting. I felt like I had a reason, even though it wasn't glamorous. More importantly, it kept me from attracting undue attention.

Except from one wolf.

A tall, lanky man with sharp green eyes, the Beta seemed to be watching everything I did. His eyes were dangerously piercing, but he never spoke. Despite having my back to him, I could still feel it on me.

One evening while we were peeling potatoes by the fire, Nora noted, "You're doing well."

I forced a smile and replied, "Thank you."

She looked around before speaking very softly. "But keep an eye out for Dax. He has no faith in strangers."

My stomach grew tight. "Why not?"

She stated clearly, "He's been burned before. Just make sure he doesn't have any reason to doubt you."

I ignored her warning with a nod.

I fell into a restless sleep that night due to tiredness.

The mark on my wrist, glimmering with an unearthly brightness, appeared in my dream. It pulsated in the dream like a heartbeat, and every thrum made my body feel warmer.

The room was quiet and dark when I woke up. I looked down at my wrist and sat up, gasping for air.

If I hadn't been looking, I might have missed the softly shimmering imprint because of how faint the light was.

"What is meant by this?" With a shaky voice, I whispered.

Though it didn't respond, the mark's glow persisted, acting as a subtle reminder of the power I was still unaware of.