EPISODE 4N
The cold wind bit into my skin as I trudged deeper into the forest, each step heavier than the last.
My limbs were sore, drained of strength after giving too much blood. I could still feel the dull ache pulsing through my arms. The pup limped beside me, its small frame brushing against my ankle as if sensing my pain.
“It’s okay,” I told the little pup.
The scent of oxen drifted through the damp air, earthy and familiar. I followed the trail until I found a clearing where a herd grazed lazily beneath the towering trees. I spotted a lone ox straying away from the group, its horn chipped and its left leg limping slightly.
I crouched, biting back the dizziness, and let my wolf senses take control. My bones ached, refusing to shift, so I remained in human form as I lunged from the bushes.N
The ox noticed me too late. I slammed into its side, grabbing onto its fur as it bucked and roared. My nails dug into its hide, and I pulled with all the force I had left. It shook its massive head, knocking me back. My body hit the ground hard, the breath rushing from my lungs. Still, I stood. Blood trickled down my temple from the fall, but I didn’t stop. I lunged again, dodging its horns and slashing a long wound along its flank. It roared in pain, rearing back. I used that moment to grab onto its back, stabbing a crude knife between its ribs. The ox let out one final cry, its legs trembling before collapsing with a heavy thud.N
I stumbled back, my vision swimming.N
Rain began to fall, soft at first, then heavier, turning the soil into mud. The sky darkened, thunder rumbling above the treetops. I felt cold, not from the weather, but from the emptiness inside me. My knees buckled, and before I could brace myself, I crumpled beside the ox, my cheek pressed against the wet earth.N
The pup whimpered. Its cries cut through the storm. It barked, then yelped, running in circles around my motionless form. It nosed at my cheek, trying to wake me. Then, with sudden urgency, it turned and ran.
From the darkness of the trees, a figure stepped forward. The pup froze, growled weakly, but then sniffed the air and barked louder, with recognition. The man lowered his hood, surprise flickering in his eyes.N
“Alpha!” He called over his shoulder. “It’s the missing pup! We’ve found it!“N
Two more men joined him, dressed in dark cloaks, their eyes scanning the clearing. They rushed forward when they saw the pup’s injured leg.
“It is hurt,” one muttered. “Someone should have found the pup. The injury has been bandaged.”
The pup bit onto one of their sleeves and tugged hard, whining.N
“It seems to want us to follow it. Should we go?“N
They all look at the Aipha. The Alpha nodded. The pup barked more and they hurriedly followed.
It led them straight to me, lying unconscious beside the felled ox. The men’s expressions changed instantly from surprise to alarm.
“She’s freezing,” one said, kneeling beside me.N
“She killed the ox on her own?” another whispered, astonished.N
“No time to talk. We need to bring her back. Now.“N
They worked quickly. One carried me while another picked up the pup, and the last shouldered the ox. The storm raged on, but they moved fast through the forest, heading toward the pack’s camp.N
Meanwhile, back in the pack house, Rachel paced across the living room, arms crossed and temper rose. Night had fallen, and still, I hadn’t returned. She slammed a dish on the table hard enough to crack it.N
“Where is that woman?” she barked. “Mara needs to eat! She was supposed to bring meat before sunset!“N
Mara sat quietly on the couch, hands resting on her slightly swollen belly, her face pale. “I can eat something light, Rachel. Really. I don’t need ox meat….
“You’re pregnant!” Rachel cut in sharply. “You need strength! That girl should’ve been back hours ago. She’s probably lazing around like the ungrateful parasite she is.“}}
Mara bit her lip, her expression unreadable.
Ronan stood by the window, one hand resting on the sill, eyes locked on the trees swaying in the rain. He hadn’t spoken for minutes, hadn’t moved either. His silence was heavy, oppressive.
Rachel noticed. “Don’t tell me you’re worried about her, she scoffed. N
*She’s out there in the rain, Ronan muttered.#
*So, what?” Rachel snapped. “She should’ve been back. If she’s dead, that’s her own fault.“%
Mara turned to her, eyes wide. “Don’t say that. She helped me. She gave her blood… We owe her-
Rachel waved her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. You don’t owe her anything. If anything, her death would make it easier. Once she’s gone, your bond with Ronan will form naturally,”
The air in the room shifted
Ronan tumed around slowly, his eyes flashing with the weight of his Alpha dominance &
“Enough” he said, his voice cold and deadly calm “Bella is my bonded mate. Whether you approve or not, that is the truth.“%
Rachel recoiled, but her pride kept her defiant
*She can’t give you children,” she hissed. “Would you still choose someone banen over the future of this pack?**
7:03 PM
Ronan didn’t answer. He turned back to the window, jaw clenched, and said nothing more. The tension remained thick until the door swung open and one of the patrolmen entered, soaking wet and breathless.
“Alpha!” he called out. “There are strangers at the border. They’re not hostile…, but they’re carrying someone. And…” he paused, glancing at Ronan. “It’s her. It’s Bella.“}
Ronan’s heart dropped.
“And she seems…” The scout looked away, afraid to deliver the news. “She seems dead.“}
