In a world where werewolf clans are governed by strict rules and unyielding traditions, Rhea, a rebellious young woman, discovers a secret that changes everything: she's the chosen mate of the fearsome alpha, Darius. But there's a catch-Darius has already promised his loyalty to another, and breaking that vow could destroy the pack. Torn between desire and duty, Rhea finds herself drawn to Darius's raw power, but their love is forbidden. As a dark force threatens to tear the pack apart, Rhea must decide if she will fight for her destined place by Darius's side or sacrifice her future to save the pack from ruin.
Chapter 1 1
Rhea stood at the edge of the dense forest, the towering trees casting long shadows in the fading light of evening. Her breath was shallow, a faint tremor running through her limbs as the chilling wind whipped through the branches. It was here, in the quiet isolation of the forest, that her life had been torn apart.
Her parents were gone. The rogue wolves had come like shadows in the night, killing without mercy, and now, Rhea was alone. A human girl in the midst of werewolf territory, with no family and no allies. She had always known this day would come-knew the dangers of being close to the pack's border-but nothing had prepared her for the brutal attack that had left her nothing but a survivor.
The pack was her only option now. They might not have been kind to her kind in the past, but they were the only ones who could offer her safety. Her heart pounded, a mix of fear and desperation twisting inside her chest. She had to find them. She had to find someone who could help her.
Rhea's feet moved almost without thought, each step carrying her deeper into the heart of the forest. The sounds of the woods surrounded her-rustling leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the occasional snap of a twig. But there was something else, something darker hidden within the layers of noise. A growl, low and ominous, echoing through the trees.
Her pulse quickened. She wasn't alone.
Panic seized her, but she fought it back, forcing her legs to move faster. She had to get to the pack. They were her only chance. She had heard rumors, whispers from travelers, of the powerful Alpha of the *Emberclaw* pack. They said he was ruthless, a leader who ruled with an iron fist, but also a protector of his people. Maybe, just maybe, he would show mercy to her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by another growl, louder this time. It wasn't just one wolf-it was several. Rhea froze, her body stiff with terror. The wolves had caught her scent.
Her breath came in sharp, frantic gasps as she turned and bolted. Branches whipped against her face, tearing at her skin as she raced through the forest. Her feet barely found purchase on the uneven ground, and she stumbled, falling to the ground with a sharp cry. Pain shot up her ankle, but she pushed it aside, scrambling back to her feet. She couldn't afford to stop.
The wolves were getting closer. She could hear their paws pounding against the earth, the rustle of fur against leaves, the growls growing louder with each passing second. Rhea's heart hammered in her chest as she pushed herself harder, desperation flooding her every movement.
Then, just as she thought they would catch her, a figure appeared in front of her-tall, imposing, and terrifying. His eyes glowed a fierce amber, and his body radiated power. He was a wolf, but not just any wolf. This was no ordinary creature of the woods. His fur was dark and thick, his muscles rippling beneath his skin. His presence was overwhelming, and Rhea's breath caught in her throat.
The Alpha.
Before she could react, the wolves chasing her came to a sudden halt. The Alpha raised a hand, his voice a deep, commanding growl.
"Enough."
The pack of wolves, all of them much larger than Rhea, lowered their heads in submission, backing away as the Alpha stepped forward. Rhea stood frozen, her heart racing as she met his gaze. She had heard stories, but seeing him in person was a different experience entirely. His presence was suffocating, as if he was the embodiment of the forest itself-untamed, fierce, and in control of everything around him.
"You're on *Emberclaw* land," the Alpha said, his voice like gravel, rough and cold. "State your business."
Rhea swallowed, trying to find her voice. She had no plan, no strategy for this moment. All she had was a desperate plea for survival. "I-I need help," she stammered. "I've lost everything. Please, I need to speak with your pack, with your Alpha. My family-my parents-they're dead. I'm alone. I don't know where else to go."
The Alpha's amber eyes flickered with something-an emotion she couldn't quite read. He studied her for a long moment, his gaze unwavering, before turning his head slightly.
"Jace," he called, his voice commanding. One of the wolves stepped forward, a tall figure with dark fur. The Alpha nodded toward him. "Take her to the den. The elders will decide her fate."
Rhea opened her mouth to protest, to explain further, but the Alpha's gaze silenced her. There was no arguing with him. He was the ruler of these lands, and he was offering her nothing more than a chance at survival. She had no choice but to follow his command.
Jace's gaze softened ever so slightly as he approached Rhea, his eyes filled with something akin to pity. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder, guiding her toward the den. She followed in silence, her mind racing, her body tense. She had no idea what would happen next, only that she had to play along-at least for now.
---
Rhea was led deep into the forest, the thick trees towering overhead, blocking out the remaining light of the evening. They passed through a series of narrow paths and hidden trails, until at last they reached a secluded clearing. The air here was thick with the scent of earth, of wolves, of power. She could sense the pack's presence before she even saw them-the air was charged with a raw, untamable energy.
The den was not what she had imagined. There were no grand stone buildings, no luxurious accommodations. Instead, a large clearing was surrounded by the pack's makeshift homes-tents, cabins, and small shelters that blended into the natural surroundings. A fire crackled in the center, the glow casting eerie shadows on the faces of the wolves gathered around it. Their eyes gleamed in the firelight, and Rhea felt them watch her as she was brought before them.
The Alpha was seated at the far end of the clearing, his posture rigid and unyielding. His dark eyes never left her, and she felt the weight of his gaze pressing down on her, making it difficult to breathe. Her heart hammered in her chest, and for a moment, she felt like a prey animal in front of a predator-vulnerable and small.
Jace stepped aside, leaving Rhea standing alone before the Alpha and the elders. The Alpha's expression was unreadable, but there was an air of authority about him that made it clear that he was in charge. No one spoke, the silence stretching between them like a living thing.
Finally, the Alpha spoke again, his voice cutting through the stillness like a blade.
"What is your name?"
"Rhea," she replied, her voice trembling despite herself. "I-I'm human. But I didn't come to cause trouble. I just... I need your help."
The Alpha studied her for a long moment, his amber eyes never wavering. Then, without warning, he stood, his tall figure imposing in the dim light.
"You have no place here," he said coldly. "The laws of the *Emberclaw* pack are clear. Humans are not allowed in our lands."
Rhea's heart sank. She had heard the rumors, but she hadn't believed them. The Alpha's heartless rule, the pack's iron grip on their territory-she had hoped for something different, but now it seemed like her only chance for survival was slipping away.
But before she could speak, the Alpha continued.
"However," he said, his voice now filled with a surprising calm, "I will give you one chance. If you wish to stay, you must prove yourself. The Emberclaw pack does not take in strays without a reason."
Rhea swallowed, her head spinning with the weight of his words. This was it. Her survival depended on this moment.
She had no choice but to prove herself worthy of their mercy.
Chapter 1 1
11/12/2024
Chapter 2 2
11/12/2024
Chapter 3 3
11/12/2024
Chapter 4 4
11/12/2024
Chapter 5 5
11/12/2024
Chapter 6 6
11/12/2024
Chapter 7 7
11/12/2024
Chapter 8 8
11/12/2024
Chapter 9 9
11/12/2024
Chapter 10 10
11/12/2024
Chapter 11 11
11/12/2024
Chapter 12 12
11/12/2024
Chapter 13 13
11/12/2024
Chapter 14 14
11/12/2024
Chapter 15 15
11/12/2024
Other books by Jackson Will
More