chapter 4

Emma's pov.

It all started with a small thing that made a wave of nausea in the mornings, the sudden exhaustion that pulled me down like a heavy anchor creating an overwhelming sense of unease.

For some weeks now, I have ignored the signs, chalking them up to stress or bad food.

But one special morning made another shocking experience as I leaned over the side of the stream to wash my face.

I realized I was pregnant. This came like a wave of lighting striking my heart and sending shivers around my body.

I was pregnant yet not happy; I couldn't be pregnant with a stranger I barely knew.

The world seemed to freeze, making my hands tremble as I placed them on my stomach; I was barely able to comprehend what this meant.

The previous night, I allowed myself to forget my pain and escape from its reality had left me with more than just memories. I could imagine myself carrying a pup.

"No, this can't be possible. How am I supposed to do this?" I whispered to the wind as tears began streaming down my face. "I'm an outcast rogue who's very lonely. So how can I raise a child in a world that wants us deaf?"

The silence of the wind did not answer, but it reminded me of what I already knew. I couldn't stay here and even let my past catch up with me or risk my pup growing up in the shadow of my failures.

Days turned into weeks as I prepared to leave the forest that had been my hiding place. Survival wasn't an easy thing but I managed, scavenging food and avoiding anyone who might recognize me.

Every step was filled with fear; coming out in public would take some longer processes of observation to avoid intruders or spies; I wasn't doing this for myself alone but for the tiny life growing inside of me.

One evening, as I rummaged through an abandoned cabin for supplies, I heard voices. My heart stopped.

"Did you hear what Damien's planning?".

The name alone was enough to make me freeze. "What would he be planning?" I whispered to myself, hiding myself to eavesdrop on more information.

The memory of Damien's rejection kept flashing in my mind, my Alpha, my mate. The man who rejected me and threw me out like I was nothing.

"No," Another voice replied. "But whatever could be his plan, is going to be big because the Devonshire pack had been gathering rogues, and they are not being subtle about it".

"Rogues? Damien hates rogues. What's he up to?".

"That's one of the issues we need to figure out because he's not just gathering them; he is also leading them."

A shiver ran down my spine. How could Damien be the leading rogue? I was the same rogue he rejected.

This doesn't make any sense. The Damien I knew despised anyone who wasn't part of the pack.

I pressed myself closer to the wall, straining to hear more, but the voices faded as the strangers moved on.

My mind raced. Whatever may be Damien planning it wouldn't be of good deeds.

The next morning, I sat by the edge of a cliff, staring out at the endless forest below. The wind carried the faint scent of pine and rain, but it couldn't calm the storm inside me.

I had two choices: continue running and protect my pup from afar, or return to the pack that had rejected me and face whatever Damien was planning head-on.

"This could be more dangerous than I think." I stood still contemplating". "But why does it have to be this way?" I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

"Emma! Is that you?" a deep voice said from behind me in excitement. "Waw!

I never thought I'd see you again".

My heart was pounding as I whipped around. Standing there was a man I didn't recognize, but his scent told me he was from the Devonshire pack. His dark eyes glinted with curiosity, and a smirk played on his lips.

"See me again, How? And Who are you?" I curiously asked, demanding an answer, keeping my voice steady despite the fear creeping into my chest.

"My name is Vincent," he said, taking a step closer. "And you're the infamous Emma, the rogue who broke Damien's heart."

"You must be joking. Do I break his heart, or he broke mine?" My anger rises but deafening.

"I'm sorry if I got you pissed off," he swiftly apologized.

I stiffened. "What do you want?"

"Well, seeing you today has made my day, there's nothing much to be requested," he said with a shrug.

"Ok, that's good for you, if you don't mind excuse me". I said, trying to avoid him.

"Wait a minute," he interjected, intruding into my space. "I Just thought you'd want to know that Damien hasn't forgotten about you. He's been talking about you a lot lately."

My stomach churned. "Why would I care?"

"You don't have to say that, Emma; Damien still has you in mind."

"And what's my business with that? If he did he wouldn't have rejected me"

"The Alpha had made, and he's ready to put things for your sake; I beg you, Akira, don't turn him down," He said, his voice low and convincing.

"It's late, too late for an adjustment; tell him I say so."

Vincent tilted his head, studying me like a predator sizing up its prey. "Because whatever Damien's planning, you're a part of it. Whether you like it or not."

The words haunted me long after Vincent disappeared into the trees. What did Damien want with me? Why would he involve me in his schemes after everything he'd done?

As the days passed, I found myself unable to shake the feeling that I couldn't run forever. My pup deserved better than a mother who was always looking over her shoulder. If I wanted to protect my child, I needed to face my past.

But as I packed my things and prepared to head back toward the pack I once called home, one question lingered in my mind:

Would I be walking into a trap?