Fated to defy

Episode5:Rescued

Lyra’s POV

I pounded the ground with my paws as my heart raced with fear while I ran nonstop to get away from Alpha Colin’s men. I had never been this scared in my life and this was because Alpha Colin’s men were closing in on me, their snarls and growls getting louder with every step they took. They had shape-shifted to their wolf form which got me even more scared.

I was exhausted but I had to keep running no matter what. Letting them get to me was a mistake I would never think of making because I definitely know they would never tamper justice with mercy even though I was innocent of whatever they thought I did.

As a paranormal who was new to shape-shifting, I felt a newfound sense of freedom and power. My senses were more sharper than what I could ever imagine and my body moved with grace and speed that I never knew I possessed, until this moment. But despite this, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of dread that was enveloping me. What if they get to me? Will they kill me?

I just couldn’t believe that Alpha Colin would betray my love for him. If only I knew his promises were just as empty as barrel… a getaway to get me laid and proof to his friends that he could have any woman he wanted.

All these while it had always been my cousin, Kaida. No wonder she hated my guts... She hated to see me anywhere close to the Alpha and to even crown it all, she gave me a million times more maltreatment than the head maid ever gave to me.

I stumbled on a broken tree, almost getting thrown over to a deeper part of the woods. I had been running for what felt like ages, my purs aching and my lungs burning seriously. I needed some rest… some food… some water… and something strange that I couldn’t quite place my hand on. I wanted to stop and rest for a while but then I couldn’t. If I did, they would catch up with me and only the moon goddess knows what would become of me.

Speaking of the moon goddess, she definitely deserved a moment of silence as a respect to her supremacy and existence for not letting me to be out to shame. I had forgotten about finding my wolf and accepting my fate as a wolf-less omega and until when I perish but surprisingly, she showed me that dreams come true and there shouldn’t be any reason why I should give up on them.

I gasped for air constantly as I rounded a bend. Seeing them up ahead, I darted to the side, using my knowledge of the woods to evade them. Then I ran past them, using my perked up ears to listen to their confused shouts as they had finally shifted back to their human self.

Thankfully, I heard them change direction and proceeded to head down to a different path. I slowed down, my curiosity getting the best of me. Where were they going? On a second thought, I scratched that. It was a good thing that they were going on another path and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I crept back with my senses on a high alert as I peeked around a tree, finding them gathered around a large rock as their faces showed the light illuminated by the moonlight. What could they be up to?

I quickly exited the place, making sure that none of them noticed my presence. Finding a safe corner and a place secluded enough to hide me, I thought I should take a rest until when they posed a threat again but suddenly, I felt a strange sensation wash all over me. My body began to shift, my muscles aching and my bones realigning. My fur recade and my senses became dull.

I stood up on my two legs, feeling the chill of the cool evening on my naked skin. Looking down at myself, I was shocked at what I saw. I was indeed naked. I had never been naked outside before and the sight alone made me feel vulnerable and exposed.

I began to panic as I realized I had no clothes. I was deep into the woods and it was definitely impossible to get clothes there. I looked around frantically, trying to watch out for traces of probably a human who died and decayed with his clothes on so I could pick them but of course, it was a wild dream to have. No way I would see such. All I saw was trees and rocks which strangely made me start to cry as I felt helpless and alone.

I had never shifted before. This was my first time… although not different from the stories I had heard but then I had no idea how to control it. I didn’t know how to shift back or how to dress myself. Suddenly, my attention got shifted to a part of the woods and I spotted some large leaves on a nearby tree. Using a sharp rock I found on the floor, I cut some of the leaves off and used them to cover myself even though it wasn’t enough but then I could just manage them till whenever as it was better than nothing.

I walked over to a nearby tree larger than the one I cut the leaves from and lay down at its base while trying to calm myself down but my mind maintained its status– racing heavily.

Tears formed in my eyes and threatened to fall but then I fought it back even though I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold it for long.

While I lay there lost in thoughts, I perceived a strange scent that made my heart skip a beat. It was the scent of a werewolf, and it was approaching. Could it be another one of Alpha Colin’s men? I pondered, almost believing it was but then I gave it a second thought, finally coercing myself into believing that they don’t possess such a strong and unique scent.

My senses went on high alert as the footsteps drew closer. Fear gripped me instantly and my heart raced with anticipation. Who was it? I continuously asked myself this question but there was no response. I tried to scramble to my feet, but my legs felt like lead.

But then I heard a tiny soft voice in my head speak to me.

“Don’t panic, Lyra. He won’t hurt you,”

I was confused and taken aback. Who could this be, speaking to me?

“Who are you?” I managed to blurt out in fear

“I’m Tera, your new companion and wolf,” she responded

“My wolf?” I repeated. “N-nice to meet you, Tera,”

I tried to speak again but the footsteps grew stronger then I heard Tera say something about mate which I didn’t quite understand as this stranger was now standing right before me.

I looked up to see a tall, broad-shouldered man standing over me. His eyes were piercing green, and his dark hair was mussed as if he had been running.

He gazed at me for a while as if contemplating whether to help me or not.

“Who are you?” I managed to choke out regardless of how much scared I was

“Hello,” he said with his deep and smooth voice. “My name is Rhyker, and I am the Alpha of the Blackwood Pack,”

I stared at him, unsure of what to say. He seemed different from Alpha Colin with his kinder eyes and gentler voice. But then I could never tell. I needed to be careful.

Rhyker looked at me with concern, taking in my leafy covering and helpless state. I felt a flush rise on my cheeks as I realized how ridiculous I must look. But then his expression was kind and not mocking. “Take my hand,” he said, his voice soft. “Please, let me help you,”

I hesitated, unsure of what to do but something about his eyes made me trust him. I reached out, and he took my hand, his touch warm and reassuring.

As soon as he held me tightly, I felt a calmness wash over me. It was as if I had finally found a safe haven, a place where I could be myself without fear of discrimination, judgement or rejection.

Rhyker smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You are safe now,” he said. “I won’t let anyone hurt you,”

I believed him, and for the first time in hours, I felt peace. Maybe, just maybe, I have found my way out of the nightmare.

He pulled on of his cloaks without delay and wrapped it around my shoulders.

Feeling sort of modest, I smiled at him while nodding in thanks.

His gaze lingered on mine for a moment then he turned and started walking. “Come on,” he said. “I am taking you to my pack,”