Chapter 5: The Hiding Place (Sabine's POV)

The woods were alive with the hum of nocturnal creatures, the rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of twigs beneath the paws of unseen animals. But none of that mattered to me. My senses were heightened, my mind foggy with a rush of emotions I couldn't control.

I was in wolf form, the change coming over me naturally. The shift had been too quick, too urgent. I hadn't been thinking clearly when I ran, but now, as I padded softly through the underbrush, I could feel the instincts taking over.

Mate.

The word echoed in my mind, sharp and clear-too clear. It was as if my wolf was speaking to me, the words a command, a fact that I couldn't deny. My body, my senses-they all screamed one name.

Owen.

The bond between us had been immediate, the moment our eyes met. But it wasn't just a fleeting feeling. No. It was like my wolf had recognized something in him-something that made it undeniable. I had a mate, and it was Owen, the Beta of the largest pack in Europe.

And yet, I ran.

I pushed that bond down, trying to ignore it, trying to outrun it. But it was there, lurking beneath the surface of my every thought. I wasn't ready.

I paused in a small clearing, my large paws sinking into the soft earth. The moonlight filtered through the trees above, casting silver light across my tawny fur. The woods felt familiar, safe. But even here, there was no peace. Not now. Not after what had happened.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing heart. Why are you hiding?

I wasn't alone.

A low, gravelly voice rumbled inside my mind-one that I knew all too well. It was San, my wolf's older counterpart, the one who had guided me in my wildest moments, the one who kept me grounded when everything seemed to spin out of control.

San, please... I need to think.

Think? San scoffed, her voice filled with amusement. You're hiding. You're running from him, but you know what you're doing isn't right. You felt the bond. You know what he is to you.

I wanted to argue, to deny it. But I couldn't. Because San was right.

I shifted uncomfortably, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. I wasn't meant to be part of a pack. I'm a rogue, always have been. I don't belong in that world.

You belong with him. San's voice softened, her tone almost maternal. We're wolves. We need our pack. You need him.

But I don't know how to be part of that. The words spilled from me, raw and vulnerable. I've always been alone. I don't know how to fit into a world that doesn't want me.

San was silent for a moment, and I felt a shift in her presence, as if she were considering my words carefully.

You've always been alone, but you've never truly been free. You've been running from your own nature, from what you are. He is your mate, Sabine. There's no running from that. You've always known that deep inside, haven't you?

I flinched at her words, the sting of truth lancing through me. It was true. I had always known. Even before I saw him, even before the bond snapped into place, I had felt the pull of something-someone-waiting for me. But I had convinced myself that I could live without it. That I didn't need it.

But now? Now it was too real. Too undeniable.

I paced restlessly, my claws digging into the soil, a deep growl rumbling in my chest. I don't know if I can handle this.

You will, San said firmly, her voice no longer soft, but strong. Because you have to. You're not just some rogue anymore. You're part of something bigger now, Sabine. You can't deny it, and neither can I.

I wanted to argue, but the words stuck in my throat. Instead, I simply stood there, listening to the stillness of the forest. In the distance, I could hear the faint sound of movement-footsteps, slow and deliberate, making their way through the underbrush. My heart clenched. I knew who it was.

Owen, my wolf whispered, her voice softer now, full of longing.

The sound of him drew nearer, and I couldn't help but feel the bond stretching taut between us, pulling me toward him, even as I resisted.

You're still hiding. San's voice returned, but now there was something different in it-something like approval. But don't wait too long. He'll find you. He's already closer than you think.

I froze, realizing that San was right.

The bond was growing stronger, urging me toward him, pushing me to stop running. But I wasn't ready. Not yet.

San, I can't just give in to this.

You're not giving in. You're accepting it. She paused. You don't have to understand it all right now. But you need to stop running from yourself, Sabine. You're not alone anymore. And you don't have to be afraid of that.

I felt a jolt of emotion-a mix of fear, uncertainty, and something else, something warmer. It was as if San's words were starting to make sense.

I wasn't alone. I had him. I had Owen.

I stood still, listening to the world around me. The forest was quiet again, but I could still feel the pull-stronger now, stronger than before. It was time to stop running.

But still... I couldn't face him yet.

Not yet, I thought to myself. But soon.

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