Chapter 5: Scent of the Ruthless Alpha
Natalie~
I had always heard stories of wolves who lost their packs. Some were tragic, others deserved, but I never imagined that I would become one of them. Walking away from the Silverfang Pack that night, the cold air biting at my skin, I didn't realize just how cruel the world outside my pack could be.
I traveled to the nearest pack territory, exhausted and starving after days of wandering. My feet were blistered, and the clothes I'd been banished in were little more than tattered rags. When I reached the border of the Mooncrest Pack, I was hopeful. Their reputation for fairness was well-known, and I thought, Maybe here, I'll find refuge.
The guards stationed at the border stopped me immediately. "State your business," one of them barked, his eyes narrowing as he took in my disheveled appearance.
"I'm seeking sanctuary," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I've been cast out of my pack, but I mean no harm. I just need a place to stay."
He stepped closer, his nose flaring as he took in my scent. The moment his face twisted into a grimace, I knew.
"You carry the scent of Alpha Darius," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Why?"
"I didn't choose this!" I snapped, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. "He marked me against my will—"
"I don't care how it happened," he interrupted, shaking his head. "We don't want trouble with the Silverfang Pack. Move along."
"Wait," I pleaded. "Please, I'm not here to cause problems. I just need a place to rest—"
"Go!" he barked, his growl cutting me off.