Alone

LAKE

The forest is thick with dense brush and large trees with huge trunks. Lynne has been running nonstop all night.

We stop by a cool stream that runs through our path. Lynne gulps up the cold liquid and collapses on the dirt floor. She’s breathing very heavily, and I can tell my wolf is at her limit.

Lynne’s exhausted state allows me to shift back into my human form. For whatever reason, the fact of my body being completely bare doesn’t faze me.

I sit in the stream and close my eyes. The water running over my form helps with the exhaustion.

This is the longest time Lynne has been allowed to be out since I can remember. It took a lot out of me.

My eyes flutter open to the light-blue sky peeking through the tree limbs. Clouds peacefully move on their merry way as the sun is beginning to heat up.

I rinse off my body and begin walking downstream. My feet squish over the soft, muddy bank. A breeze picks up, making my body shudder with goosebumps.

Lynne is on high alert as I climb over a fallen tree. This place is more than likely infested with rogues.

Once over the tree, I smell the air.

Once I left my pack’s territory, I could tell my senses were heightened. My eyes are more than likely fully dilated, making them two black spheres with a white outline.

These are signs that I’m officially considered a rogue, one of the more dominant ones, to be exact. Since I was born to be a luna, I’m not surprised.

Multiple scents fill my nostrils. A pack of rogues just passed through here not too long ago. They headed west, so I guess I’m headed east.

***

It’s been a few hours of walking, sitting, and even hunting. Lynne took down a fully grown male deer about an hour ago.

She made sure to eat as much as she could. The blood’s scent was sure to attract other rogues.

Lynne is currently in control. This area has a heavy presence of rogues. My wolf refuses to take any chances.

The sun is setting as Lynne finds a small cave covered with vines to sleep in. She gathers various supplies of leaves, grass, and branches for a bed.

Once my wolf is satisfied with the placement, she circles and lies down.

The cave has a damp smell. I can hear the dripping of water deeper in the cave. It calms my mind enough to let exhaustion set in.

Lynne sends reassuring pressure through our connection. I know she won’t let anything happen to us. My consciousness is fleeting as Lynne looks into the night.

***

This morning, I wake up with sweat beading down my back. My body is shaking. I can feel my bond with the pack deteriorating. Especially with Lucas.

I’m not feeling any negative emotions from this, though. If anything, I have a sense of freedom. I’m finally getting free from all the pain and sadness.

I brush the twigs and dead grass away from my body and stretch. Deeply inhaling, I catch a scent of someone unfamiliar.

“I know you’re there,” I announce. “No use in hiding.”

When no one emerges from the brush, I stand and walk out to the cave entrance, annoyed. From the strength of the scent, I can tell the person is a male rogue.

“Come on, I don’t have time for this. Just come out and face me.” I’m not lying. I have a lot of stuff to do in order to make this cave suitable to live in.

“You have a sharp nose,” the male replies as he walks out from behind a nearby tree.

He’s strongly built with long hair and sharp facial features. He wears nothing but a pair of old blue jeans and old sneakers.

“What do you want?” I ask coldly. My irritation is growing now. “I have things to do.”

The male just laughs lowly and smirks. “It’s been a while since I came across a female with such power. Especially for a rogue.”

I roll my eyes. Males are all the same to me. They only focus on their own needs and animal instinct.

“I’m not going to screw you, Tarzan,” I say bluntly. “So go on your way. I’m a busy woman. I can tell you were an omega. I don’t want to hurt you, so leave.”

“Female, you don’t understand what I’m here for.” Tarzan pushes his hair to the side. “My leader has been looking for someone who looks exactly like you. I’ll be rewarded for just bringing you.”

I struggle not to laugh. I’ve been a rogue for only twenty-four hours, and there’s already someone thinking I’m another weak female.

“I don’t believe I’ll be going anywhere with you or anyone.” I brace myself. “I’m better off alone.”