Mellisa's POV

My weak body pushes forward in the cold rain, my clothes completely drenched. Four wolves nip at my ankles, angry scars sting like fire.

My bare feet hit the rough forest floor. They knew what they were doing. A sharp pain pierces the sole of my feet.

I fall forward, and feel a sharp nudge on my back. Another hard shove makes me crawl desperately towards the borders.

“Enough!!!” Noah materialises from nowhere. “You all know that she is weak already. No point in being ruthless.”

“You can stand,” Noah motions towards me.

“You're almost at the borders,” He says approaching me. “Be strong, Luna. The moon goddess be with you,” He whispers in my ears.

I drag my feet, giving one last look at the place I once called home. I venture into unclaimed territory, leaving all of that behind.

By now the rain had died down, I stepped into puddles since I can barely make out anything in the dark.

My throat feels dry and my tummy rumbles loud. How do I survive in the wild?

“Little rabbit, what are you doing out here, all alone?” A deep sinister voice pulls me from my thoughts.

Rogues!!! Shit how much more unlucky can I get this night.

I whip my face to the side and see a broad figure of a man.

I take a quick step backwards, but two strong arms hold me in place. “It seems our hunt is successful, the prey walked right into our claws.” Another male that smells like rotten fish says behind me.

“She's kinda hot you know, maybe we can have a little fun then….”

“Don't you dare, we take captives to the camp. That's the instruction.” A third male comes out of the shade in the trees.

“But….”

“No buts, Gregory we are headed straight to the camp. It's an order, you know the consequences of breaking it.” The third male seems to be the leader of this little group.

Gregory gave a loud huff in frustration, but stayed silent. The one that called me ‘Little rabbit’ was silently watching the entire interaction.

Gregory grips my arm tightly, and pulls me deeper into the forest. The other two follow closely behind probably so that I wouldn't make a break for it.

We walk for what would seem like hours. My feet give way and I trip, barely holding up on two feet. Gregory keeps pulling me.

“Let's better camp here for the night, we'll continue in the morning.” The leader gestures at a clearing ahead of us.

Gregory pushes me forward and I drop rather clumsily on the wet forest floor. ‘Little rabbit’ as I have nicknamed him, stumps forward, placing a torch in the middle of the clearing.

My eyes burn slightly at the sudden light, this makes me close them. I open them after some seconds, readjusting to the light.

My eyes veer towards the first guy I met in the forest. “You're asking for trouble staring at me like this, little rabbit.” His stained teeth show in the now lit clearing.

I stare at the floor to avoid getting on his bad side. My stupid curiosity got the better of me.

“Viper, come on, tie the girl up, then come let's talk.” The leader calls out from ahead pulling him from me.

Viper, as he's called, uses a long rope to bind my hands and feet together.

He inches close to me and says,“We'll finish this later,” a sinister smile appears on his lips. His heavy footsteps went farther until they were far enough.

No need to tie me up. I know I'm fated to die, I'm not good enough for anyone, not even my mate. I'm totally worthless, I wish these rogues will just kill me and be done with it.

“This will be a hefty price for us. She walked right into our hands.” The leader mutters softly.

“I know right. Main reason why we want to have some fun before handing her over.” Gregory grumpily says, spilling spit from his mouth.

“I said no!!! The less damaged merchandise is, the more money it'll fetch us.” The leader says with authority.

He pulls to his feet, then gives me a once over, “Don't try anything funny, or else you'll hate the outcome.”

After saying this he walks to a corner of the camp and rests his head on his hands, gazing at the fire.

Viper and Gregory follow too. Soon the entire place is quiet but for the insects and birds chirping.

My eyes slowly drift to sleep, I slip into oblivion.

***

A stinging pain rouses me from my sleep. Rough hands cover my mouth and only muffled sounds come out.

“Shut up, don't make a sound.” Viper says looming over me.

“You wanted this too right,” he continues. His hands hover all over my body.

Tears fill my eyes and spill out. Why am I so unlucky? What have I done to deserve all this?

“We'll be done before you know it, let's just get this clothes out of the way.”

A loud tear reaches my ears. How did the others not hear it?

No, I've lost it all but not anymore. I'd rather die than let this stranger take advantage of me.

I began to struggle more than just lay limp, this seems to have infuriated him.

“Well I tried to be nice, but I guess I'd knock you out and have fun.” His hands moved from my body to my throat, my eyesight began to go blurry.

Soon I had no strength left, a loud feminine voice echoed in my head. “Wake up, I've stayed hidden long enough. This time we fight, for too long have we been taken advantage of.”

Strength surged in my veins. What is happening? My muscles begin to constrict in odd angles, excruciating pain shoots through my body.

A loud scream disrupts the serenity of the night. It's from my lips, I can hardly believe it. I'm finally shifting but without anyone.

My small hands are replaced by paws and I'm lying flat on the floor, gazing at my attacker.

His lips tremble, “How is this possible? A white wolf in existence?” By now the other two had woken up alert but all had perplexing looks on their faces after giving me a glance.

“You know I always hated it when you get hurt. But, I would use these miscreants as examples.” My wolf's voice resounds in my mind filled with fury.

It's like I'm staring at my actions but unable to control my body. I guess this is how others feel when their wolves take over.

I leap forward and pounce atop my attacker, Viper. My teeth tore into his neck in seconds he laid motionless.

Sharp pain shoots through my left foot, a large dusty brown wolf bites on my ankle. I used my right paw to kick him off, he landed hard against a tree.

I shift my focus to another black wolf, slightly bigger than the first. He stalks me like I'm some prey.

I patiently wait and once he leaps forward I target his neck and rip it out.

I walk to the brown old that is replaced by a human body, Gregory. Gurgles escaped his lips, it seems a branch had wound into his neck, soon he lay motionless as well.

“What's your name?” I ask my wolf, still in awe and fear of what just happened.

“I'm Selena, it's so exciting to finally meet you,” my world is already spinning from exhaustion.

“I'm so tired,” I mutter.

“We need to go though, this place isn't safe. I sense pack borders not too far off.”

My legs buckle and I involuntarily change back to my human form.

“Are you still here?” I ask Selena. I'm scared of being left alone, at least now I have someone on my side.

“I'll always be here, Mellisa. Save your strength and run as fast as you can, it would seem we have company.”

Without sparing a minute I run, exhaustion seeps into my legs. They felt so heavy, soon I heard loud paws hit the ground.

They are gaining on me. It's still dark but I can see a large oak tree ahead.

“You're almost there, Mellissa. Run! The borders are by the oak tree,” I push myself hard.

I jump past the tree line and crumble on the ground.

My eyes get blurry but I am able to see a silhouette of a wolf and then a loud howl resounds next to me. I slowly drift into oblivion.

Mellisa's POV

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The annoying sound floods my ears as I gain consciousness.

Where am I?

The last thing I remember is that the rogues seem to have caught up with me.

I slowly pry my eyes open, gradually adjusting to the brightness. I have tubes attached to my chest and arms. It seems I'm at a clinic or something.

I slowly sat up in order to get a better view of where I was.

“Selena, are you okay?” I called out.

“Yes! I was so worried. But I'm glad you're okay.” She answers at the back of my mind.

“Well, we have a lot to catch up on. Like why have you just appe….”

The sound of the door knob twisting open, distracts me from our conversation. A tall black haired woman sashays in, her heels clicking on the ground.

She gives me a beautiful smile and stands beside me.

I pull back slightly weary of the bulky female just by me.

“Hello, I'm Dr. Freda. How are you doing this morning?”

“Ermmm, I'm fine. Just a bit of pain. Where am I?” I asked in apprehension.

“You're at the Octavuis pack infirmary, you were brought in unconscious.”

“How long have I been out for?”

“About one month. You scared us a bit.”

A pull in a sharp gasp, “What? That was long.”

She then checks my vitals and backs up writing something on her pad.

“Everything seems really good. You'll be out of here before you know it.”

Her eyes then went unfocused for a while it would seem she is mindlinking someone.

“I just told the Alpha and Luna that you're awake. But, you need a lot of rest, I'll leave you to it.”

She spins and walks towards the door, then takes a pause. “If you need anyone just press on the red button by your bed.” With this she twists the door knob and walks out.

I take a deep breath and put my head against my pillow. The Octavuis pack are known for their ruthlessness towards rogues, why then are they being kind to me?

“Not all things are as they seem, Mellisa,” Selena mutters in my head.

“What do you mean?”

“Sometimes we judge books by their covers. You of all people should know how wrong that turns out most of the time.”

I nod in acknowledgement. “I was about to ask why you never showed up until now.”

She sighs and says, “This is why.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your body couldn't take it if I had appeared, you might have died. That's why you were unconscious for so long.”

“Oh, now I understand. I know young wolves at the pack were exhausted after their first shift but I was shocked at the length of time I was out.”

“You are special, Mellisa. It's sad that the members of our pack and even our mate didn't realize that fact.”

A sharp pain shoots through my chest at the thought. So much has happened, what I need to do now is to get past it. I don't know how though.

“You are not alone anymore, Mel. Can I call you that?”

It feels so good to have someone by me. I don't really care what she calls me.

“I don't mind. In fact, no one has called me that since Mom died.”

“You are much more than you can ever imagine. Don't let anyone make you feel any different.”

“Thank you, Selena. I'm so happy you came into my life.”

“You know there's one more reason why I made my presence known.”

“What would that be?”

“You know you don't have to speak out loud right? I can hear your thoughts even. And to answer your question, it's a surprise.”

“Come on, I don't like surprises. Tell me.” I say with anticipation.

My eyes droop slightly, my body suddenly feels so heavy.

“Sleep well, Mel. We'll talk later, when you're well rested.”

***

Low voices fill my ears as my eyes slip open. The voices sound clear now that I'm awake.

“Hello, there. How are you feeling?” A sweet feminine voice resounds beside me.

I turn my face to the right side of my bed. A beautiful curly brown haired with hazel eyes had a soft smile on her face. She seems to be in her 40's.

I shoot upright, pressing my back against the wall away from her.

“Who are you?”

“I'm Mona the Luna of this pack.” She gestures towards a large middle-aged man built like a tree.

“That is my mate, Dave the Alpha of the Octavuis pack.” He gives me a simple nod. His aura is so strong, I've hardly felt anything like this before.

“How are you feeling, my dear. You gave us quite the scare.” She says soothingly.

“I…I'm fine, thank you.” I stutter.

“I'm glad to hear that. You're safe, Fred here was the first to see you at the border and brought you to safety.” She nods towards a man by the door.

He throws me a goofy smile. “Lucky for you, my handsome self was at the borders. You gave those rogues a run for their money.”

I chuckle softly at his playful demeanour, it seems this isn't so bad.

“Well, what's your name?”

“I'm Mellisa. Mellisa Wright.” I answered after a short while.

“Where are you from, Mellisa? A young shewolf as yourself shouldn't be on unclaimed territory especially at that time of the day.”

Fear grips me. I don't know whether to tell the truth or not. If I tell them I'm banished they'd definitely think I'm some trouble maker.

“Mellisa, did you hear me?” She asks, staring at me intently.

“Yes. Ermmmmm, my mate rejected me and errrrmmmm yeah that's it.”

“Are you sure that's all?”

“Selena, what do I do?” I ask my wolf.

“Tell them the truth, if they don't want us we can likewise leave.” She answers with conviction.

“I was also banished.” I say, closing my eyes, waiting to see their reaction.

“What crime did you commit?” Alpha Dave gently nudges his mate away from me. I would have also done that.

“I was accused of betraying the pack. But I didn't do it, I promise. It was all a mistake. My mate wouldn't believe me so he rejected me and banished me.”

“What pack are you from?” Alpha Dave asks.

“The Red Crescent.”

“That's not too far from here, your mate should be the Alpha then since he had the right to banish you.” He then turns towards Fred. “Do the needful.”

“On it, Alpha.” Fred then walks out of the room shutting the door behind him.

I nod briefly at his assertion. The Luna is staring at me with an expression I can't discern.

“How did you run into the rogues, last night?” The Alpha continues. This is more like an interrogation.

But I don't blame them at all, this is kind compared to how the Red Crescent treats rogues.

“I ran into three rogues not long after being chased off my pack lands. I was able to escape but it seems they called back up. Thank you for saving my life.”

“It's okay. In fact I feel we'll get along quite well.” Luna Mona reaches out and holds my hands in hers.

For the first time since I got here, I broke down and my loud sobs filled the room. Everything was so overwhelming and this is the first time someone showed me care in a long time.

The Luna pulls me in and holds me to her chest. “Let it out, sweetie. You'll be alright.”

My sobs die down to little whimpers. Her hands gradually move up and down.

A knock on the door makes me pull away from her.

“Come in, Freda.”

The door knob twists and she walks in. Her steps inch closer to my bed. She stands right by me.

“Good evening Alpha,” She bows slightly in respect. “Luna,” she bows again towards the Luna.

“Well the test results are out and it would seem you're right, Luna.” Dr. Freda says giving the Alpha couple a look.

“Can I go ahead and tell her?”

“Go ahead, Freda.”

She then drops the bomb on me.

“Mellisa, you're pregnant.”