Chapter 1
IAN
The tugging on my arm pierced the veil of sleep. “Ian! Ian, wake up!” Eliana’s voice, though soft, held an urgency that made my eyes open instantly.
I blinked, trying to focus on her worried face. “Eliana? It’s too early for this. What is it?” I asked, pushing myself up from the bed.
The gleam from the morning sun filtered through the cottage window, painting her blonde hair in a soft glow.
“Alpha Dean sent for you,” she said, her hands twisting nervously in the fabric of her nightwear. “They’re going on a wolf hunt. He wants you to come.”
I sighed. A wolf hunt. Just what I needed. I had always preferred the quietness of the woods, compared to the chaotic, bloodthirsty thrill of the chase. But it was important.
Being the head of the Beta came with a lot of responsibilities. Although I didn’t get a lot of respect from the others, Alpha Dean made sure I was treated with the utmost respect, and soon, they began to give me the respect I deserved as their head.
“Alright,” I said, forcing a smile for Eliana’s sake. “Give me a moment to get ready.”
She nodded. “I’ll make some breakfast.”
As she disappeared into the kitchen, I rose and dressed quickly. My heart wasn’t in this hunt. I had built my life away from the pack for a reason. After our parents were killed by the rogue packs many years ago, I had vowed to protect Eliana with my life and create a haven for us, far from the unending violence that seemed to plague our pack.
I found Eliana setting out plates on our wooden table. The aroma of fried herbs and wild berries filled the air, giving me a sense of comfort. “You’ll need your strength.”
After breakfast, I rushed out to join my colleagues who were waiting for my command to move out, but Alpha Dean wasn’t there yet. It was rare to see Alpha Dean join us for hunting, but lately, he had been a part of it.
I walked into his chamber to inform him of our readiness, but there he was having sex with one of the omegas, Sally. Sally was his favourite mistress and, according to him, she satisfied him better than his Luna. immediately. I rushed out of his chamber, apologizing.
“I'm sorry, alpha. I didn't know….”
“It's fine, Ian,” he cuts in. “You can take a few lessons from me while you wait for your mate,” Alpha Dean teased.
He grabbed his ropes and beckoned Sally to leave his chambers.
“The squad is waiting for your command, sir,” I said. “I'm surprised you'll be joining us for the hunt today. Eliana told me this morning.”
“Of course, it's my duty to be out there, protecting my pack, don't you think so?” He said.
I simply nodded as we made our way to the forest. The gathering was already in full swing when we arrived at the edge of the forest.
“Alpha,” one of the wolves began. “We’ve tracked a large rogue wolf, it's been terrorizing the outskirts of our territory. We need to take it down.”
My stomach churned at the thought of killing another creature, even a rogue. It filled me with a deep sense of unease.
Dean assigned each of us to groups and outlined the hunt's strategy. I was placed to scout the area, tasked with tracking the rogue’s movement.
As we went further into the dense forest, the air became thick with tension. The others were eager, their senses heightened, but I, on the other hand, felt a heavy weight in my chest.
The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, but beneath it all, I could feel the primal energy of the hunt. Hours went by, and the sun had begun to dip below the horizon. Finally, we picked the trail left by the rogue. It was still fresh, leading us deeper into the woods.
The rogue was large indeed, as they had described it; its tracks were deep and powerful. We followed it cautiously until we heard the growl echo from behind the trees.
The rogue emerged from the dense, a very big wolf with dark, matted fur and glowing yellow eyes. The rogue was cornered, its fear and aggression radiating in the air.
The others lunged forward, their claws and teeth bared. They fought against the rogue fiercely, their snarls and growls echoing through the forest.
My hand hovered over my shifted claws in hesitation. The violence was overwhelming. I watched as the rogue struggled with all its strength, but we brought the rogue down. It fell to the ground, its body limp and lifeless.
As we returned on our back to the pack. Alpha Dean pulled me aside. “Let's go for a walk,” he said.
We headed far away from the others until we got to a small clearing. An innocent young deer came out of the woods in search of grass, and immediately, Dean turned to me and smiled.
“Let’s see who gets the first kill,” he said.
“I’m winning this time,” I said as I made my way to the deer. Dean was behind me, chasing the animal.
The deer who had noticed us fled for dear life, but it was too late. I struck the deer down with my claws, and it fell to the ground whimpering as blood gushed out from its side.
“Nice movie, Ian. You win again,” Dean said, patting my shoulders. “You need to teach me that move when we go hunting next time.”
“I’m glad you finally admit that I’m better than you at hunting,” I teased. “Come prepared for lessons next time.”
Dean beckoned one of the guys to carry the deer as we made our way back to the pack.
Suddenly, I heard a creaking sound from the woods. I turned towards the sound, but I saw nothing. Disappointed, I ran to meet up with the rest of the wolves when I heard the sound again; this time, a soothing scent filled the air. I turned again and saw a woman hiding in the woods. Zev, my wolf, was restless now and growled uncontrollably.
I turned in her direction, but she was gone; I followed her scent as she ran; she was faster than I could imagine.
"Ian! Ian!!!" Dean called out, but I was long gone. I didn’t know why I chased after this woman, but something felt different when I laid my eyes on her.
Dean chased after me after asking the rest to return to the pack. He kept calling, beckoning me to turn back, but I paid deaf ears to his words; finding her was important. I was closer to her now, but she still wouldn't stop.
"Stop, I’m not going to hurt you," I pleaded, but she wouldn't listen.
We were gradually coming to the end of the ridge when she stopped; I lost balance and fell from the ridge.
She quickly grabbed my hands, stopping me from falling off the ridge.
My wolf, Zev, was growling nonstop the whole time, and her scent ignited something I never thought I would feel in a long time.
She tried to pull me up, but our hands were sweaty and slippery. I was losing grip and was beginning to lose hope.
“Mate,” Zev growled louder.
My heart stopped for a minute. ‘Mate,’ I thought. Slowly, I let go of her hand and gradually fell off the ridge.
