FATED BEYOND THE PACK (rejection and redemption)

The moon hung high in the starless sky, casting its pale glow over the shadowed forest. A cold wind whispered through the skeletal trees, the brittle leaves rustled beneath my steps, my pale-white skin shimmered under the moonlight, every step I make dulled by exhaustion and sorrow.

I left the pack at dawn, though I felt like my heart was fractured beyond repair, I had no choice but force myself to leave, afraid that everyone would see me and that would add to the grave humiliation I had last night.

I sighed as the memory of last night burned in my head, I flinched when the a harsh voice of Alaric echoed in my ears.

Yes I have expected Alaric to reject me, but I've never expected that it would be as painful as this, it's as if every word he had said to me last night, in front of the whole pack was burned in my chest, like a stain I can't erase.

"I Alaric Barlowe, Alpha of Shadow Walker Pack, reject you, Brielle Fox, as my mate and Luna of this pack."

The words had pierced deeper than any fang, and now, I wandered alone, my hand carrying my clothes, the only possesion I had into the unknown.

I dared not to look back. There was nothing left for me there. No warmth, no love, only the shame of rejection and the whispers of those who had witnessed it.

I continued walking, and the deeper I ventured into the forest, the more the air thickened with the scent of something unfamiliar.

I knew this was dangerous land.

I also knew that the further I go, the closer I get to the Dark Forest. A place where rogues roamed, and shadows concealed things far worse than loneliness.

But fear did not touch me, I had already lost the most precious thing I had, my place in the pack.

I sighed at the thought before stoping for a minute to catch my breath. But I suddenly froze when a twig snapped in the distance.

My ears twitched, and my muscles coiled, ready to fight or flee. Instinct took over, it felt like it was enough to push past the sorrow that clouded my heart.

I could not afford weakness, not here...

Not now.

I whispered to myself before I my eyes carefully roamed the darkness of the forest. Then I suddenly catch my breath, my heart began to pound eratically beneath my chest when an unfamiliar smell sourrounded me, I knew it was a warning.

I was not alone.

I whispered again, my heart pounding as fear started to gnawed at me.

Something moved within the trees, watching, waiting.

I was ready to flee, when a warm strong hands pulled me by the arm making me scream in shock.

"You're alone."

I stopped fighting when I heard a familiar voice, his voice deep and commanding.

I lifted my chin defiantly and there I saw him, handsome, strong, powerful.

King Marcus...

"I-I can handle myself."

His lip curled slightly.

"Against an enemy hiding in the trees?"

My ears flicked back.

"Y-you saw?"

The warriors around him exchanged glances, but King Marcus's expression didn't change.

"We smelled him before you did."

He answered lazily before finally letting go of my arm.

I tensed.

"Then where is he?"

One of the warriors, a massive brute with a jagged scar over his brow spoke gruffly.

"Gone. The coward fled the moment he caught our scent."

My jaw clenched. I hated being caught off guard. Hated being saved even more.

"I didn't need your help."

King Marcus steped closer, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse race.

"That's not what your heartbeat says You are afraid."

I scoffed, refusing to be intimidated.

"I wasn't afraid, I was ready to fight when you showed up."

A smirk ghosted across his lips.

"Why are you alone anyway? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is? Do you know where you are?"

"Ge-getting closer to the Dark Forest."

I whispered softly.

"You shouldn't be wondering here alone."

"You shouldn't care."

His warriors bristled at my defiance, but he only chuckled, low and dangerous.

"I think I should."

I crossed my arms. "Why should you?"

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he spoke. "I am Marcus, King of the Lycans. The safety of the people under my territory should always be my concern."

The air between us crackled like lightning. My nails dug into my palms.

Yes...

How could I ever forget? He's the king... How foolish I am to even talk to him this way?

I whispered to myself, thinking about his simple reminder about who he was.

"We've met last night. Shadow Walker Pack."

He said, he tilted his head, watching me, intrigued.

"What's your name?"

I met his gaze unflinchingly.

"Brielle Fox."

His smirk deepened.

"Brielle."

He repeated.

"I heard your Alpha called you Foxy."

He added as if testing the name on his tongue.

"You're far from home, Foxy."

"So are you."

I countered.

His eyes gleamed.

"I am the King, I go where I please."

My heart pounded against my chest, my instincts warring between fight and flight.

Yes. Marcus, the Lycan King and his warriors maybe saved me from an unseen threat, even saved me from more humiliation in the hands of Alaric and the rest of the pack last night, but that didn't mean they were my allies.

So I chose to hold my ground, I am not willing to show weakness.

King Marcus studied me for a long moment before speaking again.

"You interest me, little wolf."

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"I am no wolf... And I'm not little."

King Marcus let out another chuckle, but this time, it was dark and knowing.

"No..."

He said, his eyes full of ammusement.

"I suppose you're not."

He added then smirked.

Why do I suddenly feel like the dangerous forest so full of hidden threats, suddenly became and felt like the least I should be worried about?

I asked myself in silence.

I immediately looked away when I saw him staring at me.

"You shouldn't be wandering the forert alone."

King Marcus repeated the previous warning, I bared my teeth.

"I don't need your concern."

He took another step forward, his warriors forming a protective semicircle behind him.

"This forest is dangerous. Even for you."

"I can handle myself."

I snapped, trying to hide the fear I slowly starting to feel.

One of the warriors, with a long blonde hair laughed.

"A lone she wolf against the beasts that lurk here? Unwise."

Marcus silenced him with a look before turning back to me.

"Come with us. You'll be safer in my kingdom."

I growled, my muscles tensing.

"I appreciate the offer, King Marcus, but I don't need your protection."

His jaw tightened.

"This is not an offer little wolf. It is a command."

He said, his voice posing danger, I took a step back, fury flashing in my eyes.

"I am not part of your pack. You have no right to command me."

I said then I looked away when he watched me close for a long moment, then sighed.

"I have every right when you are a lone wolf in my territory."

My heart pounded. I knew I coulnd't fight, and even if I could, it's not against an entire group of Lycans, especially not against their King. I wouldn't stand a chance.

Besides, It moght be a little embarrassing to admit, but I have already come this far away from Shadow Walker Pack and I still don't know where to go.

I flinched as I quickly thought about actually coming with them.

But still, I hated being forced.

"I won't be caged!"

I warned, my voice steady despite my racing pulse.

Marcus's gaze softened, just slightly.

"I do not intend to cage you, Foxy. I intend to protect you."

He said, I could no longer hide the shock in my reaction after hearing his words then a deafening silence stretched between us.

I couldn't even pay attention to the warriors who shifted impatiently, waiting for their King's decision to be enforced.

Then I finally exhaled sharply. I had no choice.

"Fine!"

I bit out then I glared at the warrior with the blonde hair after I heard him chuckle playfully.

"But I'm not staying forever."

I turned my attention back to King Marcus. I agaid looked away when his lips curved in a faint smirk.

"We'll see."

And before I even know it, I already found myself walking beside the Lycan King and his warriors.

Almost drowning in what felt like their unwavering protection.