Defying the Rogue Alpha

Zoe took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she prepared to reveal a tiny part of her past. She glanced at Dennis, his eyes filled with curiosity and concern, and felt a surge of warmth. The bond between them was undeniable, but the shadows of her life loomed large. "I’m an assassin for the Alpha King of the North," Zoe confessed.

Dennis’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. "I’ve heard of him," he replied, attempting to lighten the mood. "A greedier version of my brother."

She offered a small, appreciative smile, grateful for his effort to ease her discomfort. "I was given an assignment I couldn’t complete," she continued. "I had to leave. Made my way west. I heard there’s an organized rogue pack around, and here I am."

Dennis reached out, gently lifting her chin so their eyes met. "You’ll be safe here," he assured her. The intensity in his gaze made her heart flutter, a sensation she wasn’t accustomed to.

Zoe’s eyes flickered towards Lucas and Ava sitting beneath a tree in front of the pack house. From their brief encounter earlier, Zoe had learned Lucas could be a maniac. He could go extremes to make his point. He was known in some circles in the north. Alpha Lucas Raventhorn of the West, the conqueror of territories, never lost a battle. "Who is the woman with your brother?" she inquired, nodding in their direction.

Dennis followed her gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips. "That’s Ava," he explained. "She’s his mate, his Luna-to-be. They’ve had their share of challenges, but they’re working through them. She’s a good woman. I’d like you to get to know her."

Zoe’s mind raced. Her target was the mate of her newfound mate’s brother. The situation was more complicated than she had anticipated. She had three choices: complete the mission and reject Dennis, return empty-handed and face execution, or become a deserter and risk her father’s wrath. The last option was perilous; her father would stop at nothing to find her.

She knew one thing for certain: she had to keep the amulet far away from Ava. With it, Ava could ignite her power, and that was a risk Zoe couldn’t afford.

"Hey... you seem distracted," Dennis observed, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand.

"Nothing," Zoe replied, forcing a smile. "Just taking everything in."