Chapter 35: A Close Encounter Lucas POV

I could still hear the rogue's growl as I went further into the trees. "Traitor, Oliver will know you're after her." I had just barely made it through, and now I was thinking if I had done the right thing.  

It felt like each step I took was heavier than the last. No one would believe that I had a pack, and I would be seen as a rogue by two people. But finding her was more important than all of that. Anna.  

It wasn't enough to stop me, even though she tried very hard to hide her scent with plants and a thin trace. There was a strong, clear pull toward her that kept me going.  

After hours of walking through an unknown area, the jungle began to thin, revealing a small settlement hidden in a clearing. Voices were whispered on the wind, and chimneys curled with smoke.  

I squatted down and looked around. This was it. She must have been this way.  

At the entryway stood a lone guard, a large wolf with a piercing look. He had a relaxed stance, but his presence made it clear that newcomers were not welcome.  

I couldn't take the chance of strife. Silently, I moved around the perimeter until I found a weakness in the palisade. A part of the aged and ancient wood was narrow enough for me to pass through. I slid inside and pressed my sweat-soaked scarf to my face.  

It was a small but busy settlement. Wolves wandered around, some engaging in group conversation while others took care of evening chores. I tried to blend in with the dark by keeping my head down.  

Then I caught sight of her.  

Anna was standing close to the middle of the community, her stance rigid and her hair short. Like someone trying to blend in, she moved mechanically while carrying a bag of firewood.  

I gasped. In some ways, she looked stronger, but she also carried a heavier burden. Her eyes had a darkness in them, a tiredness that had never been there before.  

I wanted to call out to her, to let her know that she was no longer alone. However, I couldn't. Not quite yet.  

I discovered a spot close to a pile of crates where I could see her clearly but stay hidden. She moved with care and didn't talk much to others around her. The majority looked unconcerned, but one wolf, a tall, thin male with sharp green eyes, kept a close watch on her.  

I grew nervous at the way he examined her. This must have been the Beta.  

The neighborhood fell silent as the sun sank below the horizon. Only a few guards were left to patrol the perimeter while the wolves retreated to their cabins. I stayed hidden, keeping my gaze fixed on Anna.  

She stepped into a tiny house close to the settlement's edge, shutting the door behind her. After waiting a few moments, I approached slowly while staying in the shadows.  

Through a small window opening, I caught a glimpse of her perched on the edge of the bed. She had her hands gripped tightly in her lap and her head bent. Her shoulders drooped under an unseen burden, and she looked worn out.  

The desire to see her was nearly overwhelming, and I tightened my hands. However, I felt I couldn't take the chance just yet.  

A sudden movement drew my attention. The Beta neared Anna's cabin, his face gloomy and enigmatic. My pulse accelerated as I watched him pause at the door and knock, his knuckles banging sharply on the wood.  

Anna slowly opened the door with an intentionally neutral expression. "Yes?"  

The Beta didn't care to be nice. "We need to talk," he stated with a strong tone.  

Anna's palm tightened on the doorframe as she paused. "About what?"  

The Beta dropped his voice and took a step closer. "Who are you really?"  

My heart was racing as I watched the exchange.  

"I told you already," Anna answered calmly. "My name is Lia. I am a lone wolf fleeing attacks by rogues."

The Beta's eyes grew strained. "You think I'm dumb?"  

Anna's fingers turned white as she tightened her hold on the doorframe. "I have no idea what you're talking about."  

"Don't play games with me," he yelled. "You move like a skilled fighter, not like a desperate recluse. And that mark on your wrist..." He looked down, and I felt sick to my stomach. "You don't see that very often."  

Anna's gaze was unreadable as she quickly concealed her wrist behind her back. "You don't need an explanation from me."  

The Beta took a step closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "It won't go well for you if you lie. Do you understand?"  

I felt my muscles clench while Anna held her ground, keeping a steady gaze despite the tension crackling in the air.  

"Are we done here?" she asked with a cold tone.  

The Beta stared at her for a long time, looking for any sign of weakness in her eyes. Then, without another word, he stepped inside and closed the door.