Sage

“Sage! Please come out, sweetling. It’s important!” I hear my guest call to me through the door.

“Leave me alone!” I bite back.

I’m still mad at him for the disrespectful comments he made earlier. Even if I do go weak in the knees at hearing him call me “sweetling.” Suggesting I’d let Cassius or any Alpha use me as a sex toy was a step too far.

I may be inexperienced, but I read romance novels. I know what a “fuckboy” is, and it’s not Cassius. Implying I’m too stupid to know the difference is just insulting!

“Please!” He’s scratching at the door now and his voice is closer, his tone pleading. “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. It wasn’t my intention. But we really need to talk.”

I crack the door, peeking through the thin strip of space to find him just on the other side of it, staring back at me with those slate eyes, unreadable emotions swirling in them. I sip air in short little gasps. Why does being so close to this man make me feel so . . . warm? I have to fight the urge to fan myself.

“There you are, sweetling.” He murmurs, deep and rumbly, and I feel it in my core. But his next words douse the building fire. “I think we might have a problem.

“I heard a noise outside so I looked out the window. I only saw her back but someone with long black hair was running into the woods. I think she may have heard us talking or even seen me. I could be wrong, but the woman's clothes were nicer than anything the wolves in this area are wearing. I can’t think of a reason anyone from the inner circle would come this far out if they weren’t looking for something specific.”

“Oh no! If she tells someone, they’ll come for us. No one can find you here!” I pace the room, my voice rising as I speak. “What do we do?”

“Hurry back to the packhouse and pretend like nothing happened. Just go back to work as you normally would” He suggests. “Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself.”

“Okay! I’ll go now!” I say, already heading for the door.

But he grabs my wrist and pulls me back so hard I smack into him, bouncing off his chest. “Stay safe, sweetling.” He cautions, looking in my eyes as he kisses the back of my hand.

He seems to come back to himself, dropping my hand like it burned him. I don’t have time to think about why that might be, dashing out the door to begin my mission.

I’m almost to the packhouse when sirens blare all around me. Uniformed warriors storm into the yard and fan out everywhere. I duck behind a tree, listening to their general barking orders.

“Rogues have breached the border! I want everyone on alert. Try to bring them in alive!”

I whirl around in a panic, heading back the way I came while dodging the guards who seem to be everywhere. People are pouring from their homes with their weapons poised, the whole pack on high-alert. My body aches and I’m out of breath, but I don’t stop.

I can’t let them catch my new friend. For both our sakes.

Alaric

“What’s going on?” I jump to my feet when my little savior bursts through the door.

Some of her wounds are bleeding, the scabs torn open. She’s only just starting to heal and obviously pushed herself beyond the limits her wounded body could handle.

“Rogues!” She spits out between ragged breaths. “They’ve breached the border. The guards are combing every inch of Blackthorn land, hunting the intruders. You have to go before they find you here!

“Please! If they find you here, you’ll be killed. I would die if anything happened to you. You’re my first real friend and I can’t lose you!”

She flings herself into my arms and I rub her back awkwardly, doing my best to soothe her. I’m not the least bit scared of what this pack’s Alpha or his guards might try to do to me. But I’m also not ready to reveal who I am or why I’m here, so it’s best I go before that becomes a necessity.

But for some reason, the idea of leaving her behind doesn’t sit right with me. An Alpha is meant to care for his pack, no matter who they are. And this Alpha is clearly doing a shit job of that.

She clings to me so I hug her tighter, careful not to crush her broken ribs, hoping it’s comforting enough that she’ll be willing to let go. Instead, her little fists twist into my shirt and she sobs into my chest. It melts the ice around my stone-cold heart the tiniest bit.

I don't understand why I’m so drawn to her, so reluctant to leave, but I know I have to. “You’ll be alright, sweetling.” I reassure her. “Be careful. Keep yourself safe, okay?”

“I’ll try.” She agrees, leaning away to give me a shy smile. Then her nostrils flare and her smile fades, “Do you smell that? What is that? It almost smells . . . electric, like the electricity in the air before a thunderstorm.”

Shit! I don’t even realize I’ve let my aura slip out until her eyes glaze over, her expression a little dazed. It would be overpowering for a young omega like her, especially one without a wolf. I reel it back in before she gets too overwhelmed.

I let her go and step away. I don't know why I lost control, but I can’t risk it happening again. “I don’t smell anything.” I lie, then send her away. “You better go now, back to the packhouse where it’s safe. If there are rogues wandering these woods, you shouldn’t be out here alone.”

She hesitates for a minute, then finally agrees with a reluctant nod. I stand there watching as she walks away, wondering what it is about the tiny girl with the delicate features and strange, violet eyes that calls to me the way she does. My emotions are locked down tight. I never lose control, but I did today, with her.

Shaking off the concern those thoughts bring, I head back inside. In the end, it doesn’t matter. I’ll probably never see her again. Grabbing what remains of my tattered jacket, I head back across the Blackthorn border, towards home.

Sage

By the time I reach the packhouse, a crowd has gathered. The Alpha stands outside on the stone steps, the imposing stone façade of his home adding to his aura of power. The dead bodies of three rogues lay on the ground at his feet, an offering from his loyal guards.

The pack waits with bated breath to hear him speak, to explain these frequent invasions and his plan to stop them, to keep our people safe. I press up on my tiptoes, trying to see over the throng of people. Cassius stands next to his father. And by his side, a self-important smirk on her face, is Daphne.

As far as chosen mates go, Cassius could do so much better. Everyone knows she only wants him for his money and power. I don’t know how he can’t see it.

He should be with someone who loves him for who he is on the inside. Someone who would make sure he knew everyday how wonderful he is, not use him for what he can give them. Not that Daphne would ever let anyone get close enough to show him the appreciation he deserves.

Daphne scans the crowd as if she’s looking for someone. Her eyes lock with mine and I see the evil lurking just under the surface. Her smirk spreads into a wicked grin before her expression turns grim, full of contempt and feigned horror.

“It was her!” She accuses, pointing one manicured nail straight at me. “She let them in!”

She can’t mean me, can she? I’m terrified of rogues. I almost let my handsome stranger die because of that fear. I would never conspire with them.

But the crowd parts like the Red Sea around me, everyone staring at me suspiciously. I don’t understand what’s happening. I’ve done nothing wrong. Surely they can’t believe her.

“Wh-, what?” I stutter, cowering under their scowls and glares.

“Daphne, that’s a serious accusation! We cannot convict her on that statement alone. Please tell us exactly what you saw.” Cassius’ voice carries above the crowd.

Hope flares that he’ll come to my rescue. Surely he sees through her ridiculous claims. She doesn’t have any proof because there is none. Maybe he’ll even punish her for lying.

The crowd is roaring, demanding answers, but Alpha quiets them with one raised hand. A hush falls over the yard as everyone hangs on Daphne’s every word. I want to scream at them to open their eyes, to see her for the evil witch she is, but they’re all under her spell.

“I noticed her acting strange lately.” Daphne preens under the pack’s attention, dramatizing every word. “She’s been stealing food from the packhouse kitchen and rushing off like she was meeting someone. So I followed her and discovered she’s been harboring one of them in that little shanty of hers!” The entire pack audibly gasps at that.

“What? No! That’s not-” I yell but the Alpha’s command forces me to stop.

“Quiet!” He barks. “Bring her to me!”

I stand my ground as the guards rush toward me, knowing I have nothing to hide. The pack closes in around me, eager to witness the spectacle. I beg and plead for them to listen to me, but no one does. No one would dare defy their Alpha, not for a wolfless omega like me.

I go willingly as the guards drag me forward, helpless to do anything else. They throw me at the Alpha’s feet and not even Cassius bothers to help me up. I’m completely at their mercy.

Now that even Cassius has abandoned me, I can see my situation for what it is, hopeless. I’m a wolfless omega, worth less than nothing to the pack. Of course they’ll believe Daphne’s lies over me.

“Stand!” Alpha orders and my body complies.

He leans in, drawing in deep breaths to scent me then recoils as if he’d been pushed. His face turns crimson and his fists ball in anger. But I don’t understand why? Do I smell that bad?

He bends low and speaks in my ear, so low only I can hear him. “You’ve been in the presence of a powerful wolf. I can sense his aura on you and he is no rogue. Who was it?” He demands. “Who is conspiring to take over my pack?”

“N-, no, Alpha! I swear. I’ve conspired with no one. I’ve never met anyone powerful.” I plead with him to believe me.

“Fine, you ungrateful whore! If you refuse to answer me, maybe a night in the dungeon will loosen your tongue.”

“Please! I’m telling the truth!” I sob, but he ignores me, stepping back to address the crowd.

“The aura of another wolf surrounds this girl.” He announces. “She smells of him still and he does not carry the Blackthorn scent. She’s guilty of treason! Take her to the cells to await her punishment!”

“No!” I scream. “I did nothing wrong! Cassius, please help me!”

But when he looks at me, his eyes are cold and he turns away, leaving me to my fate. Daphne loops her arm through his, leaning into him and smiling victoriously as she leads him away.

“He wasn’t a rogue! He was my friend!” I continue screaming but no one listens.They all just cheer as I’m dragged away.

I finally give up, my voice raspy and my throat raw from screaming. I’m tossed in a tiny cell, nothing but concrete walls and a cold hard floor. Left to wonder how many hours I have left to live.

Sage

“C-, C-, Cassius. Th-, Thank G-, G-, Goddess!” My teeth chatter so hard my jaw aches, making speech difficult. But despite the bone-chilling cold, my heart warms at the sight of him. “P-, p-, please, h-, help me!”

“Oh, little bird. What have you done?” He tsks as he closes the cell door behind him.

His tone is almost giddy and there’s an excited glint in his eye that makes my stomach swoop nervously. The friendly, caring Cassius, the one who always has an easy smile for me, is nowhere to be found. My eyes dart around the small space but there is no place to hide. Just a concrete room, bitterly cold and empty.

“N-, nothing.” I stammer as I shrink away, scooting into the farthest corner. “I s-, swear!”

“That’s just not true, now is it?” His calm words belie the violence I see simmering just under the surface, waiting to be unleashed. “I don’t want to hurt you, little bird. But I’ll have to if you won’t tell me the truth.”

I don’t believe him. He wants to hurt me, is going to hurt me, no matter what I say. But I beg anyway. “Please, Cassius!” I break out into sobs, red-hot terror instantly heating my frozen form. “I don’t know any rogues!

“I saved a man who’d been injured by rogues. He stumbled into the pack to hide from his attackers. He was just an omega, so weak his aura was undetectable. I wasn’t involved in any conspiracy, I swear!”

“Lies!” Pain explodes across my cheek, so intense I’m sure my eyeball will burst from the socket. He shakes out his hand, knuckles stinging from the brutal strike. Then he snatches my arm in a bruising grasp and yanks me to my feet. “Get up!

“If you refuse to cooperate, I’ll just have to make you!” He shoves me face first into the wall, pinning me there with one hand as he rips the back of my dress down with the other. “Don’t fucking move!” He barks and I’m forced to obey.

“Wh-, what are you doing?” My voice trembles as I listen to the sound of him removing his belt.

“I’m going to show you what happens when you lie to me. I’m going to beat the truth out of you!” He answers, a gleeful edge to his tone.

How could I have been so blind to this side of him, never seeing the heartless, cruel demon lurking underneath? It’s the last thought I have before the unforgiving leather of his belt cracks across my back, my knees buckling from the sting.

He whips me again and again, unrelenting lashes that rip and tear at my flesh. I scream and sob until my lungs seize from the agony, but still he flogs me. Even though I’m still bound by his command, I’m so weak my body gives out and I collapse on the hard concrete. But he doesn’t relent, kicking me between lashes.

Someone pounding at the metal door to my cell grants me a reprieve. He pants from the exertion expended on my punishment as he crosses the room and drags open the door.

“Alpha, it’s time. Your father says to bring the prisoner to the square for execution.” I hear a voice say. I know I should be terrified, begging to be spared. But I welcome death if it will end this torture.

“Look at her! She can’t walk! You don’t expect me to carry the traitorous bitch do you? Pick her up and take her yourself.” Cassius snarls. “I need to clean up. Don’t kill her until I arrive. I have a special farewell planned for her.”

Footsteps echo in the room and then I’m lifted from the floor and flung over a man’s shoulder. Pain flares but I only manage a whimper before I pass out completely. When I wake, it’s to the jeers of the pack, calling for my death. I’ve been placed on my knees, my hands tied behind my back, and my head lolling on my chest, unable to face my accusers.

“Let this traitor’s death be a warning to you all. ConspiratorsIf you conspire with rogues, you will be caught and you will pay with your life!” The Alpha bellows out over the crowd.

“Father, wait!” Cassius interrupts and a foolish hope surges in my chest. But after the way he just beat me to a bloody pulp, I should have known better. Of course he’d want to gut me one more time before I die. “I have something I’d like to say to the wolfless bitch before you end her pathetic life.

“I, Cassius Blackthorn, future alpha of the Blackthorn pack, reject you, Sage Starling, as my mate and future Luna.”

I thought the sting of his belt left me in agony. But the pain of his rejection is soul-crushing. The scream that tears from my lips pierces the shocked roar of the crowd, a gut-wrenching, desolate sound. But Cassius just laughs.

He knew! All this time he watched the hatred and abuse I suffered every single day. He knew I was his mate and he did nothing!

Cassius never wanted me, never believed in me the way he pretended to. He was always waiting for this moment, this chance to reject me when it would hurt the most.

I’m glad I’m about to die. This heartache, this emptiness is more than I can bear. There was never much happiness in my world to begin with, but what there was is crumbling around me, in ruins.

I want to scream, to rage against the unfairness of it all, but all I can manage is a hollow laugh. A brittle sound, ready to shatter just like I am.

As the Alpha extends his claws, ready to rip out my throat, ending my life, I close my eyes and think back to my happiest memory, something to hold onto so I don’t fall apart. I remember my handsome stranger, my only true friend. He was gruff and moody, but also kind, and so gentle with me.

I hope he made it home safely, wherever home is. I wish I could have seen him one more time. I wish his beautiful face could be the last thing I see before I die.

I expect the blow to come any moment, but instead a deafening roar thunders “Stop!” The force of the command takes my breath away. I crack an eye open to see the Alpha frozen with his claw in the air, about to strike, and the entire pack knocked to their knees with the weight of it.

“Who dares kill this woman?” My savior bellows.