"I need help."

  Those were the only words I could force out. The girl in front of me frowned, her brows knitting together as if expecting more. But I had nothing else to say.

  So I said it again.

  "I really need help."

  I was a rogue, a lone wolf, and I had stumbled into this pack's territory looking for refuge-just for a little while. I just needed a place to rest, to gather my strength. I prayed she could help.

  Her expression softened as she studied me, concern flickering in her eyes. I must have looked awful-filthy, exhausted, desperate. Finally, after what felt like forever, she spoke.

  "I think I can help," she said slowly. "But first... do you mind telling me your name?"

  I hesitated before answering. "Rex... Rexxona."

  "Alright, Rex," she said with a grin, as if we were already friends. "Not to brag or anything, but my brother is the Alpha of this pack-Alpha Aries. And this is the Awoke Pack, in case you were wondering. I think I can pull a few strings for you."

  Internally, I celebrated.

  I had heard of the Awoke Pack before. They were known for their ruthlessness-but only toward hunters. Rogues like me, as long as they weren't causing trouble, were usually spared.

  "Oh, and I'm Rose, by the way," she added, her bright smile never fading. "We should stay here until the party's over. It's better not to draw attention to ourselves."

  I nodded in agreement, and we settled into an awkward silence. The minutes stretched on as we waited. The distant sound of laughter and music finally began to fade.

  "I think we can go now," Rose said, stepping out of our hiding spot.

  As we walked toward the clearing, a figure approached us from the opposite direction. His presence was impossible to ignore-strong, commanding.

  Alpha.

  I tensed, bracing myself.

  My past encounters with Alphas had never ended well.

  Alpha Aries' POV

  Life as an Alpha without a Luna was hollow. For three years, I had endured that emptiness, my heart fractured by loss. My parents pushed me to take another Luna, but I couldn't do it. Not after her.

  Three years ago, hunters had taken my mate from me during what should have been a simple hunting trip. Her death shattered me. It took everything in me not to lose myself completely. Instead, I turned my grief into purpose, into rage, into power.

  The Awoke Pack became feared for a reason. We showed no mercy to hunters.

  Tonight's gathering was just another one of my parents' attempts to make me "move on." My father's birthday was a convenient excuse to throw a celebration, an opportunity to parade potential Lunas in front of me.

  I wasn't in the mood for socializing, but it was my father's night. I wouldn't deny him that.

  When I arrived, all eyes turned to me, and the crowd dipped their heads in respect. The weight of my position pressed against me, a reminder of my duty-and my isolation.

  Forcing a polite smile, I took my seat at the family table. My gaze swept the gathering, taking note of every face, every movement. Then I frowned.

  Rose was missing.

  Turning to my mother, I asked, "Where's Rose?"

  She gestured toward one of the houses near the pack grounds. I made a mental note to check on her later, but for now, I focused on my father as he stood to give his speech.

  The night dragged on, the party finally winding down. That's when I spotted Rose, her bright pink outfit impossible to miss as she weaved through the crowd.

  But she wasn't alone.

  A girl walked beside her, moving carefully, like she was trying not to be noticed. As they drew closer, my eyes locked onto hers.

  Her gaze was a piercing shade of blue-so intense, it sent a strange jolt through me. Something about her felt... different.

  I shook off the sensation and turned to Rose.

  "Where have you been?" My tone was firm, but not unkind. Then my gaze flicked to the girl beside her. "And who is this?"

  Rose opened her mouth to explain, but the girl spoke first.

  "I'm Rexxona," she said. Her voice was steady, but there was something underneath-weariness, guarded strength.

  At the sound of her voice, something inside me shifted.

  For the first time in years, I felt something.

  Perhaps this party wasn't a waste after all.

Alpha Aries POV:

  Her introduction was powerful just like her presence.

  "I'm Rexxona. Nice to meet you, Alpha Aries."

  She dipped her head slightly, a respectful bow. I was taken aback by her boldness but masked it immediately. I was Alpha, after all.

  Before I could respond, Rose spoke up.

  "She's a rogue seeking refuge. She asked me for help, so I thought I'd bring her to you for permission."

  Rexxona quickly added, "I'm sorry for intruding, but this was the nearest pack I could find."

  There was something about the way she spoke-calm, controlled. Not like a desperate rogue pleading for shelter. There was a quiet strength in her posture, something unspoken in her gaze. It unsettled me.

  "Give me a minute," I muttered, grabbing Rose by the arm and pulling her aside.

  "You know nothing about her, and you want me to just let her stay?" My voice was firm, low enough so Rexxona wouldn't hear. "She could be a threat to our pack for all we know."

  "I know, I know," Rose whispered back. "But I trust her. I can't explain it, but I feel some sort of connection with her. I know we'll be good friends." She placed a hand on her hip, tilting her head stubbornly. "Just trust me on this, Aries. If anything goes wrong, I'll take full responsibility."

  I sighed. Rose wasn't one to vouch for just anyone, and she rarely asked me for anything.

  "Alright," I said reluctantly. "If you say so."

  Returning my attention to Rexxona, I kept my voice steady. "You can stay. As long as you follow the pack's rules, we won't have any problems."

  Her shoulders relaxed slightly, relief flickering in her eyes. "Thank you," she said, her tone sincere. "I promise, I won't cause trouble."

  Rose grinned, clearly pleased with herself.

  Just as I turned to leave, something caught my eye-the worn book she held against her chest. She gripped it tightly, almost protectively. My curiosity deepened.

  Who was this girl? And why did she feel... familiar?

  Shaking off the thought, I walked away, mind-linking my Beta and Third. There's a visitor in the pack. Make sure the others know to avoid any unnecessary surprises.

  But even as I pushed the thought aside, the unease remained.

  There was something about her... something I needed to understand.

  Rexxona's POV

  The pack house was overwhelming. Large, grand, and unfamiliar, filled with scents and sounds that weren't mine. But for the first time in a long time, I felt a sliver of relief.

  I had a roof over my head.

  And, for now, I was safe.

  Rose led me up to the third floor, opening the door to a small but cozy room. "I'll grab you some clothes and food," she said with a smile before slipping away.

  The moment the door clicked shut, I let out a slow breath, dropping the book onto the bed. My fingers brushed over its worn cover, guilt twisting in my stomach.

  Stolen.

  But I couldn't let it go. Not yet. Not when I still didn't know what it truly meant.

  I quickly tucked it under the bed, hiding it from view.

  Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I froze.

  The girl staring back at me looked like a ghost-dirty, hollow-eyed, broken.

  Tears welled up before I could stop them.

  No.

  I clenched my jaw, wiping them away roughly. "I don't have the luxury of crying right now."

  Stripping off my filthy clothes, I stepped into the shower. The hot water stung against my skin but washed away the grime of my journey. The warmth soothed me, even if it couldn't erase the weight I carried inside.

  When I stepped out, a pink nightgown lay neatly on the bed, along with a tray of food.

  I smiled faintly. Rose.

  The food was incredible-or maybe I was just starving. Either way, I devoured it, my body finally relaxing as the hunger subsided.

  Sleep tugged at me, but I had one more thing to do.

  Grabbing the empty tray, I made my way downstairs toward the kitchen.

  The moment I entered the dining area, the room fell silent.

  Wolves turned to stare.

  Their gazes were heavy-curious, cautious... some openly hostile.

  I kept my head down, moving to the sink to place my dishes inside. I didn't want to linger, didn't want to push my luck.

  But then-

  "Rexxona!"

  Rose's voice cut through the tension like a blade. She bounced toward me, grinning. "You didn't have to bring that down! I was going to pick it up!"

  "It's fine," I said quickly. "I wanted to thank you, anyway. For the clothes, the food... everything. You didn't have to, but you did."

  Rose beamed, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, please. It's no biggie. I know we're going to be good friends."

  I hesitated before nodding. "I hope so."

  Turning, I retreated upstairs.

  Back in my room, exhaustion finally won.

  I collapsed onto the bed, thoughts racing.

  Tomorrow, I'd meet the pack officially. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew one thing for sure

  I had to be careful.

  As my eyes drifted closed, the book beneath the bed felt like a ticking time bomb.

  Whatever secrets it held... they wouldn't stay hidden for long.