SHADOW

　　　One moment, I was in the elevator for a run, and the next thing I knew, I was drugged and found myself locked up in solitary confinement by the most arrogant, feral, and ruthless Alpha I had ever met. My last Alpha had no match to this son of a bitch, and I still didn’t know his name.

　　　I felt like I’d been in this four-walled room for eternity. I lost track of time when I didn’t see the sun or moon but only darkness.

　　　The Alpha was true to his word. I was left without food and water to starve me to death, and no lights. It wasn’t a problem, though. A werewolf could see clearly in the dark, but not in a human form. And Kent trained me to control hardship and stress, but not against this man. He went beyond what I had prepared for.

　　　I knew that Alphas were the last people you disrespected because their words were their rules, but his men took me forcibly, and I would be damned if they could force me to do what they desired.

　　　Something about him made me want to bend the rules, get down on my knees, and submit to him. Maybe it was his voice, his command, or his unapologetic power oozing in his aura. And I must admit, he was more gorgeous up close, uptight, and dominant, which had me wondering if he was the kind who let his women kneel before him and do as he pleased before he took them to bed.

　　　I started to feel hungry. My mouth was parched. I felt dizzy as I tried to sit up. I also couldn’t help but think of Kent. He must be worried, searching for me.

　　　I blew a deep breath before I stood up, ignoring the room spinning around me. My knees were shaky, and my breathing was shallow, but I managed to reach the door and bang it.

　　　Moments later, the lights went on.

　　　“Can I talk to anyone? I want to make sure Kent is safe. Please?” That was my first mistake, telling them my weakness and letting them know about my human adopted father, but it was too late to take it back. They already knew.

　　　I leaned against the door and dragged myself on the cold, tiled floor. I could have just wolfed out and shown them what I was, but that was not an option.

　　　They couldn’t know. No one should.

　　　“Are you ready to answer questions?” It was the Beta talking.

　　　“I answered your questions. I want to make sure Kent is safe. He’s human. He has nothing to do with the world we live in.” I licked my dry lips, dragging my breath.

　　　“Then we can’t help you.”

　　　“Is killing me softly satisfy your Alpha? He could just snap my neck and be done with it. Then he can use this room for another rogue he wishes to torture because I’m telling you, I won’t submit to him. I won’t be forced to do what I don’t believe in.”

　　　The door unlocked and pushed me forward, leaving me no choice but to sit down. I didn’t have to lift my gaze to see who just walked in. I felt his powerful presence and his annoying but delicious scent. Somehow, he gave me a little bit of his strength. And it just pissed me off.

　　　“You will change your mind when you see this.” A mocking sneer was in place. His shiny, expensive shoes were the first thing I saw, and then the picture he dropped.

　　　Swallowing hard, I picked it up with my shaky fingers since the white side was the one facing. My sight instantly blurred as the picture revealed itself. 

　　　“No! No, no, no! What did you do?” My harsh tone was accusatory, and I had no intention of being sorry for it.

　　　How did I stand up? I didn’t know, but my heart and body were filled with anger and rage, fueling me with enough strength. My eyes narrowed as I saw red. No matter how weak I was, I could still feel my wolf coming out. My fangs ached. My claws grew.

　　　“Calm your wolf down, or you will get your wish in an instant.” He didn’t even move or flinch. He just met my glare because I was challenging him.

　　　I drew a ragged breath despite my rage. I wanted to claw his eyes out and his handsome face, but I needed to know that truth.

　　　“You hurt the only person I care about most in this world. For an alpha, that’s even low. You wanna kill me, do it,” I said through clenched teeth.

　　　“I thought that image would motivate you, but I didn’t do it. I wouldn’t hurt a human if he didn’t do anything wrong to me and my clan,” he said in a forbidding tone. Clan? How many were they exactly?

　　　“Who did this? Who would hurt him? This is not the work of a human.” I saw the patches, probably claw marks, on his chest. Kent was attacked, and they intended to show their true nature to a human, which was against the Werewolf Council.

　　　“You are right. Who would hurt him? The people after you? And if they found out my men knocked them down three days ago, they would come after my pack. Tell me, who are they, Shadow?”

　　　I slightly shook my head. “I’ve been telling you that I don’t have any idea. I walked out of that life a long time ago. It just happened, I was with Kent in that hotel, and you were there as well.” I wiped my tears. I was not a crier, but I felt terrible for the only family I had left.

　　　“Do you think your old pack will come after you?”

　　　“If they did, they should have done it long ago. I don’t have any idea who would hurt him.” I met his gaze. He had no remorse. I couldn’t see humanity in those icy gray eyes, or this was his way of intimidating a poor, helpless rogue to make him submit. “Please, just let me go. I wanna bring him home and take care of him.”

　　　“No.” One word— just one word made my world crumble.

　　　“What do you want from me then?” My tone was stern, but I didn’t give a shit right now.

　　　“Who are those people?”

　　　“I was tranquilized before I could even see their faces. I was in the elevator, about to go out for a run, before we left town. Do you think I wouldn’t tell you to be with Kent if I knew something? I would do anything for him. You should know that.”

　　　“Let’s say I believe you. I will take care of Kent, but the payment is you will stay here until you pay your debt.” Tempting.

　　　“How long would that be? How can I be so sure you would keep the end of the bargain?”

　　　“I’m an Alpha of Night Stalker Pack, Shadow. I don’t break my words.”

　　　I gulped, diverting my gaze. Everything made sense now.

　　　“Alpha Califf.” I thought I mentioned his name. I only heard about him through my old pack, and he was ruthless, heartless, and tore a wolf apart without a blink.

　　　“You’ve heard about me.” His voice was toned down, which was calming.

　　　“Yeah. In my old pack, Black Arrow.”

　　　“That motherfucker is your alpha?” His voice was harsh and filled with disgust.

　　　I met his gaze as anger filled my chest. His jaw locked hard. “Unfortunately, yes. Keane Locke.”

　　　“I want you to identify the sketches of the men who grabbed you.”

　　　“What is it for me?” I was still negotiating, even if I had no hope of winning this.

　　　“For Kent.”

　　　“I wanna be out of here.”

　　　“No.”

　　　“Out of this hellhole? And I want to eat.” I thought I saw his upper lip curve up, or it was just me hallucinating with hunger.

　　　He took a step forward, closing our gap. It had me gasping as his scent made my skin burn, made me crave his sweet touch, and I’d never felt this physical urge before, and he did, fisting my hair at the back of my head and giving it a hard yank as he cast me a disgusted look. “You will behave and follow my order and respect me just like everyone in my pack.”

　　　“Yes.”

　　　“Yes, what?”

　　　”Yes, Alpha.”

　　　”You will be under supervision. One wrong move, and you will be back here with silver bars.”

　　　“Got it the first time.”

　　　He groaned before he let my hair go and swore under his breath.

　　　“Follow me.” He took me to the huge kitchen, like the one in the hotel where his omegas were preparing food.

　　　“Come here.”

　　　I followed him past through busy cooks. “I’m starving. I could barely walk straight and keep up.”

　　　“Sit.” He didn’t have to bark orders. I was grateful he let me out.

　　　I sat down at the long wooden table. He sat to my left and handed me the sketches.

　　　I only recognized one. “I went to college with him. He and his mate recruited me.”

　　　“Name, Shadow.”

　　　“Jag Powell.” As soon as the bread basket was placed on the table, I grabbed two pieces and took a huge bite. “He’s a scout.” I talked even though my mouth was full. I was so hungry and thirsty.

　　　The next thing placed on the table was a plate of grilled chicken. I didn’t give a damn, even if I sat next to the most powerful Alpha. I had to eat. He didn’t care, though. So I picked one thigh, and the guy from the kitchen placed a plate for me.

　　　“I want water,” I told the man, and he just looked at me.

　　　“Give her water and fruits,” Alpha Califf said.

　　　“Yes, Alpha,” he said before he left.

　　　“Slow down.”

　　　“I’ve been down there for three days without food. Sorry, but I’m starving.”

　　　“So Jag Powell is from Black Arrow?”

　　　“Yeah. He was one of the men who grabbed me?” I looked like shit, probably with sauce all around my lips, but I had no time to be pretty in front of the handsome Alpha.

　　　“Yes.”

　　　“Was that picture you showed me real?” I was referring to Kent’s picture in the hospital bed with bruises and patches on his chest.

　　　“Yes. He had claw marks on his chest. Powell and the rest probably tortured him to give up your location, but they didn’t kill him to send a message to you. The question is why Locke wants you back.”

　　　“I asked the same thing the moment I saw Jag’s picture. I honestly have no clue.” I finished two pieces of bread. I bit another piece of lamb rib. As werewolves, we had strong appetites and consumed loads of carbs to burn up during shifting.

　　　“Think, Shadow. You need to give me something.”

　　　“Or you will leave my only family to be slaughtered by those dogs? I get it, but I couldn’t think of anything. Ask me again after an hour or tomorrow.”

　　　“Is Keane your mate? Did you reject him?”

　　　I narrowed my eyes at him. “Fuck no, but I would be glad to reject him if he were.”

　　　“Language,”

　　　”My apology,” I said with an eye roll.

　　　”Were you two sleeping together?”

　　　“It’s none of your freaking business, but no. We didn’t get to that point. The reason I left was that he wanted to sleep with me. He may have been my Alpha at that time, but I still believed in finding my mate, and he was a useless alpha. He was only good at ordering people around but was reckless, greedy, brutal, arrogant, and only cared for himself.” I chugged down a glass of water. Damn, it felt good. “Unless he changed. What’s your deal with him, anyway?”

　　　“He almost killed my men.”

　　　My jaw dropped. “Well, shit. So we have a common enemy, after all. An enemy of my enemy is my friend. Isn’t that what they say?”

　　　“Who killed your parents?”

　　　“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

CALIFF

　　　I leisurely watched her eat, get those lips dirty, and lick them off clean. There was nothing attractive in it, and talking when her mouth was full, but I couldn’t take my eyes off those lips and her eyes. She was exquisite.

　　　Once she was done, I took her to the room next to mine. I wanted to make sure I had her under close watch.

　　　I opened the door to the room, but I remained outside. “Your temporary room. There are some clean clothes for you.”

　　　“I can just stay down with the other girls. This is a lot.” She looked around. It had a queen-sized bed, vanity mirror, closet, and bedside tables. There was also a bathroom, so she didn’t have to wait and fill in line in the morning.

　　　“You will stay here. No more arguments. Get a shower and meet me in the office.”

　　　“Yes, sir.”

　　　My eyes narrowed.

　　　“Technically, I’m still not a part of the pack or your pack.”

　　　“Don’t make me change my mind.” I locked the door behind me before I could think of something else. “You’ve already done enough damage.”

　　　She quickly opened the door and asked me, “What do you mean?”

　　　“They probably know my men who saved you, and you just brought the enemy right into my territory.”

　　　“Then you should have left me to them than risked your men saving me.”

　　　I turned away before I could say something that would shock her. As far as I knew, she hadn’t figured it out.

　　　Kindra met me downstairs as I headed to my office. “Do you want me to call Mom to get her check-up?”

　　　“That won’t be necessary.”

　　　“So, she’s gonna be a part of the pack, right?”

　　　“She needs to gain my trust, and at this time, she’s nowhere close.”

　　　“I like her, though.”

　　　I snorted. “You like everyone, Kindra.”

　　　“She’s different. Did she mention if she has found her mate?”

　　　I looked at her. “What made you say that?”

　　　“She doesn’t wanna be in a pack. That’s obvious. Maybe she has trauma or may be rejected by her mate. I don’t know, but I will find out soon. Trust me. She will spill the tea.”

　　　“I want you to gain her trust. Tell me everything she tells you. Everything. Understood?”

　　　“So you want my mate to spy on your little rogue?” Duke joined us in the office.

　　　“Do you have a problem with that?” I irritably gazed at him.

　　　“Not at all. I just don’t trust rogues. We have had bad experiences with their kind. But a woman tends to open up to another woman. So Kindra might get something from her.” He showed me another picture of Kent, still in bed but awake.

　　　“I should go. I have a duty later. Do you need anything, Cal?” Kindra asked.

　　　“I’m good. Thanks.”

　　　Duke called her before she reached the door. “Don’t work hard. I love you.”

　　　I wanted to roll my eyes as they kissed in front of me.

　　　Duke sensed me. “You need to get laid.”

　　　“He’s right,” Kindra agreed with her mate before she walked out the door.

　　　I shook my head to get the words get laid out of my head. I dialed Raiden, who was watching Kent right now.

　　　“Alpha, what can I do for you?”

　　　“Put Kent on the phone.”

　　　“Yes, sir.”

　　　“Hello?” Kent’s voice was still weak, but the doctor said he would pull through. Our business meeting that day was to figure out why he was aiding a rogue while he was a human. Without Shadow knowing, she had already put him in danger, and she wasn’t aware that other packs were after her.

　　　“I will ask you one more time. How did you find Shadow?”

　　　“I already told you—”

　　　“Not everything. If you want to live, be safe, and still see Shadow, you will tell me what you know.”

　　　“I found her in an orphanage. She didn’t talk. She was shy or still suffering from her trauma. Later on, I sensed something different in her. That was when she told me. Of course, I didn’t believe it until her eyes glowed. She said her whole pack was killed and watched her father being shredded by a man.”

　　　“A man?”

　　　“She didn’t know him. She was only eight, so I didn’t ask her after that. She had enough pain and suffering for a kid.”

　　　“Why couldn’t I find her birth record?”

　　　“I forged her a new identity to keep her safe. However you find her, I hope you will keep her safe. Tell her I love her, Mr. Stone.”

　　　“What’s her real name?”

　　　“Please?”

　　　“Her real name, Kent. Don’t make me ask you again?”

　　　He drew a shaky breath. He must be in pain. “Promise me—”

　　　“You’re not in a position to make a demand. She is not a member of my pack. So I won’t promise you anything. Her name, Kent.”

　　　“I made a promise to protect her—”

　　　“But you failed on that part. You’re human. You don’t have the strength and power to protect her, Kent. I can, but you have to give me something. If she joins my pack, then she’s under my protection. I protect my people. That’s guaranteed.”

　　　“Raven.”

　　　“Put my man on the phone.”

　　　“Alpha.”

　　　“Tell the nurse to give him pain meds. When he’s allowed to go, send him to California. I will call our allies there that he’s under our protection.”

　　　“I will, Alpha.”

　　　I hung up the call, and Duke’s eyes were still focused on me.

　　　“There’s more to that woman than meets the eye. I can feel that she’s hiding something big, and if I don’t get that information from her within a week, she’s giving me no choice but to punish her and lose her chance for Kent’s protection.”

　　　“You don’t keep prisoners. You don’t take rogues in. What’s so special about this woman?”

　　　“I’m about to find out. That’s why I let her stay in the room next to mine.”

　　　“What?” His eyes widened in shock. “I’m not questioning your authority, but maybe your motives. I mean, she is really different. Her eyes are different. I wish I had that ability to see someone’s aura, but—” He paused, and I waited for him to continue, but he kept his mouth shut.

　　　“But what, Duke?”

　　　“How did she survive as a rogue for years? She could be a spy. Aside from her stinks, I sense something in her, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.”

　　　“I know.” I opened the laptop to email the Allies with her picture and Kent’s. While I was typing, I heard a knock. I already knew who was behind the door. She had my senses heightened.

　　　Duke went to open the door. “Alpha, the rogue is here.”

　　　“Send her in.” I continued typing despite her disruption. “You can go, Duke.”

　　　“See you later.” I sensed Duke glaring at Shadow on the door.

　　　“It’s fine.”

　　　Once Duke left the office, I sent my email and closed my laptop. The door shut behind her, and my body and wolf reacted to her presence, unsettling me more.

　　　My fingers itched to touch her, to comb through her bronze brown wavy hair and tug it before I tasted those lips.

　　　My primitive hunger had my insides churning as I met her gaze, and there was throbbing going on between my legs. I was surprised by how much she cleaned up. She was now the same woman I saw days ago. She wore jeans and a T-shirt I bought for her. Nothing was special about it, just simple, but not when on her.

　　　Shadow stood with confidence despite my dominance being heavy in the air. One thing was clear to me. I began to enjoy her scent, but I was not going to tell her or anyone in my pack.

　　　“Nice office.” It was. My father had good taste in decor and furniture. The dark wood paneling and wooden shelves from floor to ceiling filled with hardbound books made this office rich and classy. “You could add a little personal touch, though. It lacks photos. I suggest Alphas from all generations.”

　　　“I talked to Kent. I have one of my enforcers looking after him. Kindra, my Beta’s mate, will be on duty tonight. Our pack doctor is also there to take care of him. Raiden will bring him to California once he can go home.”

　　　“I wanna see him before he goes home.”

　　　“That can be arranged. I also made arrangements with Kent.”

　　　“What kind of arrangement? Shouldn’t I be involved in this decision about him?” She wasn’t impressed. It was evident in her tone.

　　　“The arrangement is done, rogue. And you don’t question it.” I stated firmly. “I emailed my allies that your adopted father is under our alliance’s protection from today. So, now it’s your turn to pay what you owe me.”

　　　She raised her brows skeptically. “And what’s that?”

　　　“You’re joining my pack and doing as I order you to do?”

　　　“And if I refuse?”

　　　“Kent will die, and so will you.”

　　　“What exactly do I do?”

　　　“For now, you will be my assistant. You know the job descriptions, and you will behave and respect me as your Alpha. Do we have an understanding?”

　　　“Yes.”

　　　“Good. Next week, you will do a challenge. If you pass it, you will be a part of the pack, and I will assign you according to your ability.”

　　　“And if I fail?”

　　　“You will be omega for the rest of your life.”

SHADOW

　　　“No!” I woke up, jolting with my body soaked with sweat, my chest heaving as I caught my breath. I never had a dream in a long time, and I didn’t wish to be that taunting and vicious as I watched everyone die, get murdered, and pile like dead animals ready to be burned.

　　　I was wrong when I thought I would get a good sleep. With my impending challenge approaching, I needed a clear head, or I would lose control and hurt my opponent. I couldn’t and wouldn’t be that person anymore.

　　　With everyone having eyes on me with my every move, I had to prove to them that I was not that kind of rogue in their heads, but I had a feeling that this wouldn’t be easy for me.

　　　It was still three in the morning. Everyone was probably still in bed. I checked the door before I slept last night, and it wasn’t locked like I initially thought. I changed into a hoodie and sweatpants before I headed down. It had been almost a week, and I hadn’t run. The night I wanted to go out, it didn’t go well.

　　　I walked north. My nose in human form wasn’t like in my wolf form. I couldn’t smell threats, but I always trusted my instinct. As I reached through the tall trees, I stripped off my clothes.

　　　I remembered my first turn. It was brutally and excruciatingly painful. I had no one to guide me but Kent, but he was there for me, patiently waiting for my complete transformation. It was worth the pain, and my wolf came to life.

　　　I shifted to my four-legged white wolf and stomped her paws in glee. I felt freer in a wolf form. I jumped over the log, and the sound of my paws patting against the earth gave me the freedom to do a good run. The familiar whistling of the wind rushed through my fur.

　　　For the first time, I was out of Kent’s property,and  I didn’t have to worry about being caught by my kind. As I ran deep into the woods, I found a cliff. My paws dragged against the rocky end.

　　　That was close.

　　　I smelled different werewolf scents, but those were Night Stalker pack members and one distinct, familiar scent. I sat on four, watching the silver glow of the moon washing against the river that separated from the tall trees.

　　　I stayed there for a couple more minutes, thanking the moon goddess before I ran back.

　　　I caught a scent behind the big tree where I hid my clothes. I quickly shifted back and put my clothes on.

　　　“You can’t run alone like that. You’re not yet properly introduced to the pack. They could have ripped you off and thought you were an intruder.”

　　　“Let them try.” I gulped when my skin tingled as his scent became more prominent, and I heard his footsteps getting closer.

　　　“That’s an order, Shadow.”

　　　“How did you find me?” Quickly, I shut my mouth to question the Alpha.

　　　Not liking my answer, a growl rumbled from his chest.

　　　“Sorry.”

　　　“Let’s head back.”

　　　Taking a step forward, I finally showed my face. He was still wearing a deep scowl on his face.

　　　It was a good run, though, worth a try without getting back on that hellhole. Califf was only wearing sweatpants and a shirt, but it had my wolf going crazy inside.

　　　“I was about to go back, anyway.” I slipped and formed my hands into fists in the hoodie’s pockets. His presence and our proximity had my body going bold, losing control of my wolf’s desire. I had to draw a deep breath before I could jump on him.

　　　“Why are you up so early?”

　　　“I could ask the same thing.” I quickly shut my mouth.

　　　Another groan came out from him, but without a word.

　　　“Look, Alpha. I’m still adjusting to the whole thing. I’m used to being alone, but I’ll try to be a good rogue around here. I don’t want trouble.”

　　　“You’re still talking and not answering my question.”

　　　I released a tired sigh. “I had a bad dream and haven’t had it in a long time.”

　　　“What was it all about?” For real? He wanted to know my dream. What if it was wild and something naughty?

　　　“I can’t tell you.” I pressed my lips into a thin line.

　　　“Was that something naughty?” I could feel a smirk in his voice.

　　　“I wish it were, but no. In fact, it was bloody and terrifying. I can still feel the dread crawling in my skin.”

　　　“It was just a bad dream. Maybe you overthink before you sleep last night.”

　　　We reached the compound gate. The pack house was like a fortress in the middle of the forest. The entire place was still silent, just our footsteps echoing at the entrance.

　　　I followed where he went and remembered it led to the vast kitchen.

　　　“Cook something.” He sat on the chair in front of the kitchen island.

　　　“Um. What do you like?”

　　　“Just breakfast, and I want coffee.”

　　　Well, this would be the first payment on my debt. I drew a deep breath before scanning the cupboards, drawers, and fridge to familiarize myself with what was in them.

　　　I started by scooping the ground coffee and filling the coffee maker. I poured water and turned it on. Then I went to the fridge and grabbed a few eggs, butter, fresh fruits, and milk. Then, I grabbed a bag of flour for the pancake.

　　　“Any allergies that I should know about?” I took out a bulb of scallions.

　　　“I’m sure you won’t find any in the kitchen.”

　　　“I was not trying to poison you.”

　　　“I know,” he said with disinterest. And he looked like he wanted to be elsewhere than here, yet he was still sitting.

　　　“Tell me about the challenge. I want to prepare myself. How difficult is it?” I began by making my batter in a large mixing bowl. I knew the werewolf’s appetite, and we were also lucky to have a fast metabolism that wouldn’t make us the size of an elephant.

　　　“You will have a combat fight with the chosen member. Preferably the opposite sex.”

　　　I stared at him in disbelief. “What? That’s unfair. I don’t have the training your men have. And they are stronger than me because I am a rogue, obviously.” While waiting for the pancake maker to heat, I cracked some eggs into the bowl.

　　　“You want to prove you have a place in my pack? Then fight for that place. Prove it to me and them that you deserve to be here, rogue.”

　　　He didn’t have any idea what damage I could do to my opponent if I lost control, and that was what I was afraid of.

　　　I poured a batter into the pancake maker, ignoring the apprehension in my head. I grabbed a pack of bacon from the fridge and placed it in a separate pan.

　　　“Looks like Kent didn’t spoil you at all.” So he’d been watching me scramble in his impressive kitchen, but he never offered to help. What was I expecting? He was the Alpha, and I was a rogue, ending up his omega if I failed the challenge.

　　　“No. He didn’t. After his divorce, he wanted me back in his home. So I cooked breakfast and dinner for us.” I whisked the egg and sprinkled some salt and pepper. I poured a little amount of milk into it. “Did you know about Kent harboring a rogue before we met?”

　　　“Yeah. That was the meeting all about,” he answered without hesitation.

　　　“Did he know?” I looked at him.

　　　“Not until I asked.”

　　　“So that meeting was a setup?”

　　　“I don’t know who you were. I just saw your picture sent to me.”

　　　“What were you gonna do if we met that day?”

　　　“The same thing I did.” His direct answer made my nose flare, and he saw that.

　　　I had eaten half of the pancake. I stacked it on the plate before I made a mean omelet. I chopped some scallions for the garnishing because I had to impress my Alpha that I was not a burden rogue, but I could be of some help in his pack.

　　　Once, I plated the Alpha’s breakfast and poured him a coffee in a big mug. I grabbed a cutlery and set the table before placing breakfast before him.

　　　I prepared for myself since I was also starving after the run. Once I cleaned up my mess, I began digging into my breakfast. I was halfway to my meal, but I hadn’t heard any comments about my inexpert cooking experience. But he was eating silently, and he hadn’t collapsed from his seat if I happened to poison the Alpha.

　　　Once he was done, he stood up, and I watched him leave without a word, but his plate was empty. After I cleaned up the kitchen spotless, I went to my room and took a shower. I missed my old clothes, though. There weren’t many choices to pick from. At the same time, I was glad he didn’t leave me naked or put me in a cage somewhere in his territory to be mauled by his enemy.

　　　I looked outside through the window and found teens and pups probably going to school. I went downstairs and found a few pairs of eyes pinned on me. I didn’t know what to do or say, so I chose to ignore their scrutinizing eyes.

　　　“Hey, rogue. Learn to show some respect to the ranking members if you wanna stay,” said the blond guy around my age.

　　　“Too bad. You just said I’m a rogue, and I don’t know any of you except for Alpha Califf and Beta Duke.”

　　　Before I could turn my back, I was already pressed against the wall, knocking out the air in my lungs, and almost choking my windpipe. I didn’t flinch. Instead, I met his blazing dark eyes. He was an enforcer, and I could smell his rage seeping through him.

　　　Growling, I snarled, “Is this supposed to impress me, scare the shit out of me because you are fast?” He was already distracted. I did a headbutt that caught him off guard. It wasn’t even strong. His head snapped back, giving me a chance to knee him in the forbidden area.

　　　I left, heading to the Alpha’s office, and didn’t look back.

　　　Before I could take another step, I froze in my place as I met the angrier Alpha, glaring his frosty gray eyes at me. If an icy stare could kill, I was dead cold.