Chapter 3. On the Run

The moment the words left my mouth, Rexxona collapsed to her knees. Her pain was visceral, slamming into me like a blade straight to the chest. Rejection could destroy a she-wolf—I knew that. But what I didn’t expect was for Rexxona to lift her head, her eyes burning with a mix of heartbreak and defiance.

She didn’t scream. She didn’t plead.

She just ran.

Shock rooted me in place for half a second before instinct kicked in. “Don’t let her escape!” I barked at my warriors.

Even as my wolf howled in protest, I chased after her. I told myself it was for the pack—that her powers were unpredictable, that we needed answers. But deep down, I knew the truth. I couldn’t bear to let her go. The rejection had been a moment of desperation, a way to calm my pack.

At least, that’s what I told myself as I ran after her.

Rexxona POV

My heart felt like it was shattering with every step, but I didn’t stop. The pack I had fought to survive in now hunted me like a fugitive. The mate I was destined for—the one person who was supposed to love and protect me—had cast me aside as if I meant nothing.

The words echoed in my mind, relentless and unforgiving:

"I, Alpha Ron Jaxon, reject you as my mate and Luna."

Ria whimpered inside me, our bond throbbing like an open wound, her pain as raw as my own.

I clenched my teeth, pushing my body harder. My chest burned, my legs screamed in protest, but I wouldn’t stop. I couldn’t. My powers had flared to life back at the pack house, proving just how uncontrollable they were.

I tightened my grip on the book I had risked everything for. It was my only hope—my only chance at understanding who I was and why I was born with these cursed abilities. I refused to let it go.

The air shifted.

A new scent filled my lungs. My instincts screamed in warning. Another pack’s territory.

I skidded to a stop, my breath ragged, my body trembling from exertion. A twig snapped somewhere to my left. My pulse spiked.

I spun, ready for an attack.

A cat.

A damn cat, lazily padding across the forest floor as if I wasn’t standing there, barely holding myself together.

The tension in my limbs gave way, and my knees buckled. Relief, exhaustion, and heartbreak crashed over me at once. My hands clutched the book to my chest, its weight grounding me against the storm raging inside me.

The rejection still clung to me like a sickness. It hadn’t killed me, but it lingered like a festering wound. I hated that I could still feel the pull toward him. That Ria still whined for him.

“Seems like someone’s still sore,” I muttered, my voice thick with bitterness.

Forcing myself to my feet, I shoved the pain aside. I had bigger problems.

The pack’s territory was eerily silent. The houses stood still and empty, their quietness gnawing at my nerves.

Where is everyone?

Then, I heard it—muffled voices, the hum of music drifting through the air.

I crept toward the noise, keeping low, and hid behind a cluster of trees. My breath hitched at what I saw.

A party.

The pack was gathered in celebration, music blaring, wolves laughing and dancing as if the world hadn’t just shattered around me.

My stomach twisted, both with hunger and something deeper, something raw.

"Way to go, Rex. You still have the luxury to be hungry in a situation like this."

I shook my head. The distraction was a gift. It gave me a chance to slip inside one of the empty houses, to find food, safety—something.

Then I felt it.

A presence.

A chill ran down my spine.

"Damn it. I’ve been caught."

I spun, dropping into a defensive stance, my heart hammering.

A girl stood before me, dressed head to toe in bright pink, her smile wide, her energy almost painfully cheerful.

She tilted her head, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before. Who are you?”

I froze. Running wasn’t an option—not now. Not with the entire pack nearby. I had to be smart. As I studied the girl, an idea formed.

She was my best shot at survival.

Taking a shaky breath, I let exhaustion and pain seep into my expression. Not a difficult task, given my current state. My tangled hair, dirt-smeared face, and tear-streaked cheeks only added to the effect.

My voice trembled as I spoke.

“I… I need help.”

"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.