Chapter 0147
Damien
From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was different. My mate. A wolf. And yet, she deserved far better than someone like me.
I watch as she moves swiftly around the Alpha, her every step calculated and precise. She’s quick, sharp, always thinking ahead.
Her dark hair is loosely tied back, stray strands escaping to brush against the nape of her neck. When her gaze meets mine, I catch the slightest fleck of light brown beneath her left pupil before she quickly looks away, turning her full attention back to the Alpha. A small smile tugs at her lips as the rhythmic sound of heartbeats fills the room.
That moment of joy causes her scent—ripe strawberries—to intensify, and for a brief second, I wonder if she would taste just as sweet.
Dane pushes past me, but I barely register his presence. My focus remains on her, watching the way her lips move as she scolds them both.
Once she gives the all-clear, I finally voice the question that has been lingering in my mind since I first detected Neah’s pregnancy.
Raven’s reaction is instant—daggers in her glare as if I’ve committed some unforgivable crime. Her response is sharp, and curt. "No."
Dane’s unusual red eyes flick toward me, and I recall what he mentioned earlier—Raven isn’t particularly fond of Lycans. Maybe the idea of being mated to one disgusts her.
Without another word, I step out of the room, giving them space. But I don’t leave entirely. Instead, I take up a position just outside, standing guard. Whether she acknowledges it or not, protecting the Alpha is my duty.
Dane steps out a few moments later, closing the door behind him. "The question you asked—it's been brought up repeatedly by the bastard rotting in my dungeon. That’s why she snapped at you."
I exhale through my nose. "Didn’t mean anything by it." I’m not the kind of man who apologizes easily, but I need him to understand—it was just curiosity. If I don't reject Raven, those pups will be my nephews. My family.
"The prisoner… he’s the one after the pups?" I ask.
Dane gives a slow nod. "He’s also the one who had Jess taken from the house. And his brother? The one you left for the Rogues."
"Right."
Dane’s expression softens just a fraction. "Thanks for convincing Neah to get checked out," he mutters. "Just give my sister some time—she was rejected by her first mate."
That surprises me. "You knew?" I had planned to keep that fact quiet, at least until I figured out whether Raven and I could even make this work.
Dane smirks. "She’s my sister. Of course, I knew." He claps a hand against my back. "Like I said—just give her time."
Her first mate was a fool for rejecting her.
As Dane steps back inside, Raven exits, taking his place in front of me. Her dark eyes lock onto mine, studying me intently before they flick down my frame.
"You want to protect Neah?" Her voice is quiet, but there’s an edge to it.
"Yes."
"Why?" She raises an eyebrow, her lips pressing into a thin line. "She has Dane. She has the entire pack."
"She’s our lifeline. The last pureblood."
Raven crosses her arms, her brow creasing in thought before she exhales heavily. "If you’re planning to reject me, just get it over with. I have work to do."
I say nothing, simply watching her.
Her irritation grows with each passing second of silence, fury sparking in her gaze.
"Fucking Lycans," she growls before spinning on her heel and storming off.
I glance back toward the Alpha, then decide to follow Raven instead.
She moves quickly across the grounds, disappearing into the forest. Do people here not tell anyone where they’re going?
I keep my distance as I track her. She weaves between trees, dragging her fingers along the bark, marking them with her scent. It takes me a moment to realize she’s doing it as a precaution—as if she expects something to happen.
"He’s an asshole," she mutters to herself.
Then, softer, "No…"
I frown. Who the hell is she talking to? There’s no one else here.
She reaches a stream, kicking off her boots and rolling up her jeans before stepping into the cool water. Her eyes glaze over as she continues her one-sided conversation, frustration lacing her words.
I listen, amused. She isn’t linking the Alpha—only mates and other Lycans can do that. But whoever she’s speaking to knows about our bond.
Who is it?
With her focus elsewhere, she doesn’t notice me emerging from the trees—or the presence that lurks just beyond the clearing.
A twig snaps.
Her head jerks up, her eyes locking onto mine, but I haven’t moved.
The sound didn’t come from me.
"Raven," I say, my tone even. "Get out of the water and come to me."
She doesn’t move, glaring defiantly.
"Now."
She hesitates, then turns her head slightly—just in time to see the bushes rustling behind her.
Slowly, she backs toward me.
When she’s close enough, I grab her shoulders, turning her to face me.
"Run," I tell her. "Find Dane."
For once, she listens.
She bolts just as the Rogue Lycan emerges.
It’s hunched low to the ground, moving on all fours. The Rogues have adapted, using all their limbs to propel themselves faster, making them even deadlier.
Drool drips from its snarling mouth. Its claws dig into the dirt as it stalks closer.
It inhales deeply, scenting the air. "A whole pack of wolves," it sneers.
A cold realization settles over me. I should have warned Dane. The Rogues haven’t just lost their ability to shift back—they’ve learned how to speak.
"You’re not welcome here," I growl. "Leave now, or you’ll end up like the others."
The Rogue chuckles, but it steps back into the shadows. Its heartbeat slows as it retreats, fading into the distance.
"Shit."
This one is the worst of them all.
It doesn’t just kill—it savors the suffering of its victims, drawing out their pain for days. I’ve seen it firsthand.
Because I was the one who used to bring it food.
Footsteps pound through the forest, the scent of Raven reaching me before she does. She isn’t alone—Dane and several others are right behind her.
Dane reaches me first, his red eyes scanning the area. "Where is it?"
"It backed off."
"You led it here?" he demands.
"Apparently."
"Why didn’t you kill it?" A man with long dark hair steps forward.
I sigh. Only Mallory knows the truth, but they deserve to hear it now.
"Because," I admit, "he’s my younger brother."