chapter 3: A New path

Selena's breath came in ragged gasps as she leaned against a tree, her body trembling from exhaustion and heartbreak. The rejection still burned in her chest, an invisible wound far deeper than any physical pain she had ever known.

Alpha Ryker rejected me.

The words echoed in her mind, each syllable slicing through her like a blade. She had never been strong, never been special in the eyes of her pack. But she had hoped—prayed—that the mate bond would change that. That someone would finally see her.

But now, she was nothing. Less than nothing.

The forest was eerily silent, save for the rustling of leaves in the wind. She had run blindly, deeper into the Dark Moon Forest than she had ever dared before. Fear curled in her gut. Stories of rogues and worse creatures haunted her mind, but at this point, she didn't care. Maybe it was better this way.

A low growl shattered the silence.

Selena froze, her heart stuttering. She turned her head slowly, her body tensed, ready to run. But when her gaze met the piercing amber eyes watching her from the shadows, her breath caught in her throat.

The man stepped forward, emerging from the darkness like a phantom. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commanding, dangerous. His dark hair fell over his forehead, and his sharp features were illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the trees.

"Lost, little wolf?" His voice was deep, smooth, yet edged with something menacing.

Selena's fingers dug into the rough bark behind her as she tried to steady herself. "Who… who are you?"

The man tilted his head slightly, as if amused by her fear. "Kade."

The name meant nothing to her, but the way he carried himself—the quiet confidence, the way his wolf energy crackled in the air—told her he was no ordinary rogue. He was powerful.

She swallowed. "I don't want any trouble."

Kade's lips twitched. "Trouble has a way of finding the weak."

The insult stung, but she refused to flinch. She had spent her whole life being called weak. What difference did it make now?

"Go back to your pack," he said, folding his arms. "This forest isn't safe for wolves like you."

Selena's hands clenched into fists. "I don't have a pack anymore." The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Kade's expression shifted. He studied her, as if seeing something beyond her frail body and tear-streaked face. "Rejected?" he guessed.

Her throat tightened, but she nodded.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Figures."

Selena narrowed her eyes. "Why do you care?"

"I don't," Kade said simply. "But I also don't enjoy watching helpless wolves get torn apart by rogues."

Her breath hitched. "There are rogues here?"

His gaze darkened. "Plenty. And they won't hesitate to rip through a weak wolf like you."

She swallowed hard. Was this really how it ended? Humiliated, broken, only to become rogue prey in the middle of the night?

Kade exhaled, his expression unreadable. "You have two choices. You can stay here and hope the rogues show mercy—which they won't." His tone was blunt, merciless. "Or, you can come with me."

Selena's pulse pounded. "Go with you? Where?"

"I have my own pack. A place where strength isn't just about birthright." He stepped closer, his voice lowering. "You could be more than just the weakest wolf there."

Her heart clenched at his words. Was it possible? Could she really find a place where she wasn't seen as a burden?

Kade watched her, waiting. "Decide, Selena. Because I don't make offers twice."

Selena took a shaky breath. She had nothing left here. No home. No mate. No future.

Her choice was already made.

"I'll go with you."

Kade's smirk was faint but approving. "Good girl."

Without another word, he turned and walked into the darkness. Selena hesitated only a second before following, leaving behind everything she had ever known.

And stepping into the unknown.