Alpha Damien Replacement Mate

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s later, his warm smile a brief reprieve from the storm. "How are you?" he asked. "I'm fine, Dad," I lied. He didn't notice the red mark on my cheek or the tremor in my voice. Annabel and Luna chatted cheerily as if the morning's chaos hadn't happened. Their laughter was a world I no longer belonged to. Cassidy nudged me mentally. Run, she urged. We need air. I slipped out, heading for my secret forest spot. Once there, I let Cassidy take over. Her silver-blue fur shimmered as she raced through the woods, each step a release from the chains of my reality. She howled the sound a mournful cry of anguish. Freedom. If only it could last. Eighteen. That was the age I'd meet my mate. A glimmer of hope. The thought was bittersweet. Would my mate save me from this life or turn out to be another form of torment? A sudden prickling sensation snapped me back. Cassidy stiffened. We're not alone. From the shadows emerged a rogue, his mangy fur reeking of decay. Cassidy growled."Get Ready to run. The rogue's teeth glinted in the dappled sunlight as he lunged. Run now! Cassidy barked. I bolted, weaving through trees as the rogue gave chase. My lungs burned, and fear clawed at my mind. Was this how I'd die? The rouge was close his footsteps echoing mine, My thoughts flashing to my mother. Just as panic took hold, a thunderous growl shook the forest. An Alpha's growl. The rogue skidded to a halt, knowing he was no match for an Alpha, as he turned tail and fled. I slowed, my heart racing, and turned to see a massive black wolf with piercing amber eyes step into the clearing. Our eyes locked. A pull-intense, electric, primal-shot through me. My wolf whimpered in recognition, but before I could process what was happening, I turned and fled, ignoring Cassidy's protests. Back at the packhouse, I shifted, dressed, and entered, my mind spinni