Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

K endra

I woke to the warmth of Rowan’s arms wrapped around me, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my cheek, the rise and fall of his chest as he slept. For a moment, I allowed myself to sink into it, to savor the safety of being close to him, the way his presence made me feel protected, wanted. It would have been easy to stay there, to pretend that this moment could last forever.

But as reality began to creep back in, so did the voices—the words of the guards echoing in my mind, like a constant, gnawing ache that refused to be silenced.

They’re thinking of taking them at eighteen now… production’s too low… we have to maintain the numbers…

I swallowed hard, my heart tightening painfully as I thought of Mariah and Lia, my friends, the only people who had been like family to me in that hellhole. They had always been there, looking out for me, for each other, even when the world had fallen apart around us. And now, because of me, because I’d managed to escape, they were still there—waiting, unprotected, and unaware of what was coming.

The thought of them being taken, of them suffering through the horrors I’d barely survived, twisted something deep inside me, something that refused to let me stay here, safe and warm while they faced that nightmare alone.

I had to go back. I had to warn them. I couldn’t leave them behind, not like this.

I turned my head, glancing up at Rowan. His face was relaxed in sleep, softened in a way I hadn’t seen before. Even now, even in the soft light of the afternoon sun filtering through the canopy above us, he looked so strong, so capable.

And I knew he’d try to stop me if he knew what I was planning. He’d tell me it was too dangerous, that we’d find another way. But there wasn’t any other way.

Not before it was too late.

Taking a shaky breath, I slowly, carefully, began to untangle myself from his arms, wincing as his grip tightened instinctively, as if even in sleep he didn’t want to let me go. I waited, heart pounding, until he relaxed again, his breathing evening out, and then I slipped free, moving with the same caution I’d learned from sneaking around the compound at night.

I couldn’t afford to wake him. Not now.

I stood, my legs trembling, and looked back at him one last time. My heart twisted painfully in my chest, and I fought the urge to reach out, to touch him, to say goodbye. But I knew if I did, I wouldn’t be able to leave. I wouldn’t be able to walk away from him, from this.

I’ll come back , I promised silently, the words catching in my throat. I’ll find my way back to you.

I turned, picking up my dress from the forest floor and pulling it on, covering my nakedness. Then I slipped through the trees, moving as quietly as I could, forcing myself not to look back. Each step felt heavier than the last, as if some invisible force was pulling me back toward him, but I kept moving. I had to.

For Mariah. For Lia. For the girls who hadn’t been given a chance to fight.

The forest grew darker as I ventured deeper, the shadows swallowing me up, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. My heart hammered in my chest, the fear and doubt gnawing at the edges of my mind, but I pushed it aside, focusing on one step at a time, one breath at a time.

The further I went, the colder it became, and a chill settled over me, but it was nothing compared to the icy dread that had taken root in my stomach, the fear that I wouldn’t make it in time. That I’d be too late.

Please , I prayed, even though I didn’t know who I was praying to. Please let me get there in time.

I kept moving through the forest, my legs aching, my heart pounding in my chest with every step. The chill of the morning air sank into my bones, and I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to ward off the cold. The thin clothes I wore from the compound were barely enough to keep me warm, and with every passing minute, doubt gnawed at me, the fear that I wouldn’t make it in time.

But then, through the thick curtain of trees, I saw a cabin, nestled among the pines, half-hidden by the overgrown foliage. The wood was worn and faded, and one of the shutters hung crooked on its hinges, but it was there. I felt a flicker of hope, and I moved toward it, my steps quickening, my breath catching in my throat.

I paused at the door, my fingers trembling as I pushed it open, and it creaked, the sound loud in the stillness of the forest.

I stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the faint light filtering through the cracks in the walls, and for a moment, I just stood there, taking it all in. It was small, one room with a stone fireplace, a single wooden table, and a bed pushed against the far wall, covered in an old quilt that had seen better days. But what caught my attention were the clothes scattered across the floor, the boots tucked neatly beside the bed, as if someone had left in a hurry, never to return.

I moved quickly, my hands shaking as I picked up the clothes—a flannel shirt, a pair of sturdy jeans, thick woolen socks that looked like they’d hold up against the cold. They smelled faintly of pine and smoke, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt as I stripped off my dress and pulled the new clothes on. But the warmth that spread through me was worth it, the fabric soft against my skin, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket.

I slipped my feet into the boots, lacing them up, and to my relief, they fit perfectly, the leather well-worn but strong. They were heavier than the shoes I’d worn before, but I welcomed the weight, welcomed the protection they offered, and I couldn’t help but feel a little more prepared, a little more capable of dealing with what lay ahead.

I glanced around the cabin one last time, hoping for something more—a weapon, a bag I could use to carry supplies—but there was nothing else, just the silence and the lingering scent of woodsmoke. I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and stepped back out into the forest, the boots crunching over the fallen leaves and twigs as I moved.

The air felt colder now, and I pulled the flannel tighter around me, feeling the weight of what I was about to do settle over me like a shroud.

I wasn’t going to let Mariah and Lia face this alone. I wasn’t going to let anyone else be taken.

And with that thought burning in my chest, I turned and continued onward, the wind biting at my cheeks, the shadows of the forest stretching out before me, leading me back to the place I’d fought so hard to escape.

The hours dragged on as I moved through the forest, but I couldn’t stop. The sun hung low in the sky now, its rays barely cutting through the thick canopy of leaves above me. Shadows stretched across the ground, and the air grew colder, but I pressed on, ignoring the ache in my legs, the way my muscles screamed for rest. I had to keep going. I had to make it back to the city before it was too late.

But then, somewhere behind me, a twig snapped.

I froze, my heart lurching into my throat, every nerve in my body going on high alert. I strained to listen, to hear anything beyond the wind rustling through the trees, but there it was again—the faint sound of footsteps, slow, deliberate, matching my pace. Panic surged through me, and I took a step forward, then another, picking up my speed, hoping it was just an animal, or that I was imagining it.

Hoping it wasn’t Rowan or something worse.

But then I heard it—an unmistakable growl, low and menacing, coming from somewhere behind me.

I broke into a run, my breath catching in my throat as I tore through the forest, branches whipping against my face, my heart hammering in my ears. I didn’t dare look back, didn’t dare slow down, because I knew what was behind me. I could hear them now, the soft padding of paws against the forest floor, the growls growing louder, more insistent. Whatever was following me was hunting me.

No, no, no…

My lungs burned, my legs screaming with every step, but I pushed myself harder, faster, ducking beneath branches and leaping over fallen logs, ignoring the sharp pain that flared in my side. I had to keep moving.

I had to get away.

I stumbled into a clearing, my breath ragged, my pulse pounding in my ears, and for a moment, I thought I’d lost them. I ducked behind a large boulder, pressing myself flat against it, trying to quiet my breathing and make myself as small as possible. I could hear my heartbeat thudding in my ears, deafening in the silence, and I squeezed my eyes shut, praying they wouldn’t find me, that they’d lose my scent and move on.

The forest fell silent. I held my breath, every muscle taut, waiting, listening.

Then, from the other side of the boulder, I heard it—a soft, low growl, followed by the sound of something heavy shifting through the leaves.

I didn’t have time to react. I didn’t have time to think. Suddenly, teeth sank into the fabric of my shirt, yanking me backward, and I screamed, thrashing as I tried to break free. I kicked out, my foot connecting with something solid, and the wolf let out a snarl, but it didn’t let go.

“Let go of me!” I shouted, my voice hoarse, desperate, but they didn’t listen. I felt another set of teeth clamp down on my arm, not hard enough to break the skin, but enough to make me cry out in pain, enough to force me to stop fighting.

Within seconds, the rest of the pack emerged from the shadows, surrounding me, their eyes glowing faintly in the fading light, their growls rumbling through the air. There were at least five of them, maybe six—too many to fight off, even if I’d had the strength to try.

“No,” I gasped, struggling as they dragged me to the ground, pinning me in place, their breath hot against my skin, their teeth bared. “No, please…”

One of the wolves shifted, its body twisting, bones snapping, fur receding until a man stood before me, tall and broad, his eyes glowing that same eerie yellow. He stared down at me with a sneer, his lips curling back to reveal pointed white teeth.

“Thought you could run, little human?” he taunted, his voice dripping with amusement. “Thought you’d get away?”

I tried to pull away, but another wolf’s teeth dug into my shoulder, holding me still, and I felt the hot sting of tears prick at my eyes.

“Please.” The word was barely more than a breath, my voice shaking. “I have to?—”

“To what?” he cut me off, his gaze narrowing. “To warn your little friends? To lead them to safety?” He laughed then, the sound harsh and cruel, echoing through the trees. “You’re not going anywhere, girl.”

I thrashed, trying to break free, but the wolves tightened their grip, holding me down, forcing me to face the reality of it—I was trapped. And as I looked up at the man towering over me, as I saw the way his eyes gleamed with satisfaction, I felt the weight of it settle over me, heavy and suffocating.

I’d failed.

They dragged me through the forest, my feet scraping against the ground, my struggles useless against the strength of their grip. The sun sank lower and lower, until the last of its light was swallowed up by the shadows, and the cold began to seep into my bones. The wolves kept going, their eyes forward, their jaws clamped tight around my arms and shoulders, as if I were nothing more than prey they’d caught in a trap.

As they carried me away with them, the only thing I could think about was Rowan. My body ached, every inch of me protesting against the rough way they pulled me along, but the pain in my chest was so much worse. It twisted and tightened with every step they took, a deep, throbbing ache that grew stronger the further they dragged me away from him.

Rowan .

His name echoed in my mind, over and over, until it was all I could hear, drowning out the sounds of the wolves’ growls, the rustling of leaves, the snapping of twigs beneath our feet. I could still feel the warmth of his arms around me, the safety and strength that had enveloped me, and it made everything about this moment feel colder, emptier. I’d only known him for such a short time, but somehow, he’d become my anchor. And now that he wasn’t here, now that they were tearing me away from him, it felt like I was being ripped apart, piece by piece.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the forest, the wolves, the fear that gnawed at the edges of my mind. But all I could see was his face—those dark, intense eyes, the way they softened when he looked at me, as if I were something precious. I thought about the way he’d held me, the way his voice had wrapped around me like a blanket, telling me I was his, that he’d never let me go. And now here I was, being dragged away, and he wasn’t here to stop it.

The thought sent a wave of panic crashing over me, and I fought against the wolves’ grip, thrashing wildly, desperate to break free and run back to him. But they were too strong, their claws digging in deeper, forcing me forward, away from him.

Finally, they stopped in a small clearing, the moon rising above us, casting everything in an eerie silver light. One of them shifted again, his bones cracking, fur receding until he stood as a man, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Stay here,” he ordered, and then they bound me to a tree, the rough bark biting into my back as they tied ropes around my wrists, my arms stretched above my head until I could barely breathe.

I watched them warily, waiting for the moment they’d come back for me, waiting for whatever fate they’d decided I deserved. But instead, they melted into the shadows, their eyes glowing in the darkness, their forms barely more than silhouettes against the trees. They were watching me, waiting, and I felt a shiver of fear crawl up my spine.

Almost like they were using me.

As a trap.

I didn’t know how much time passed—minutes, hours—every second dragging on longer than the last. All I could think about was Rowan.

How I hoped he wouldn’t come so they couldn’t hurt him—or worse, kill him.

My body ached, my wrists burning where the ropes dug into my skin, and I felt the tears slipping down my cheeks, though I fought to keep them back.

I have to be strong. I have to…

A sound cut through the darkness—soft, barely more than a whisper. I jerked my head up, straining to see, my heart leaping into my throat, and then I felt it—warmth, familiar and comforting, reaching around the tree and curling around my belly.

In an instant, I knew it was him.

“Rowan…” I breathed, my voice trembling, and he emerged from the shadows, his eyes glowing that deep amber that sent a wave of relief crashing over me. “You… you found me.”

He was at my side in an instant, his hands working to loosen the ropes, his fingers brushing over my skin in a way that sent shivers racing down my spine.

“Of course I did,” he growled softly, his voice low and rough, filled with something that made my heart skip a beat. “Did you really think you could get away from me?”

I swallowed hard, trying to fight back the tears that threatened to spill over. “I thought…” My voice broke, and I shook my head, trying to focus, trying to keep my composure. “I thought you wouldn’t know where I went.”

His eyes flashed, and he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear.

“I’ll always find you,” he murmured, and there was a promise in his voice, a fierceness that sent warmth flooding through me. “You’re mine, Kendra. Nothing and no one will ever take you from me and when I get you out of here and somewhere safe, you and I are going to have a long discussion about what happens to little mates who run off without a word and get themselves into danger needlessly.”

Before I could say anything else, before I could ask how he’d found me, he pulled back, his expression hardening, and I saw the shift in him—the way his muscles tensed, the way his eyes narrowed, as he focused on something deep in the woods.

“Stay here,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ll be back.”

“Don’t! It’s a trap!” I shrieked, but that didn’t stop him.

He moved so fast that he quickly became a blur in the darkness as he leaped toward the wolves that waited in the shadows.

The first one didn’t even have time to react. Rowan’s fist collided with his jaw, sending him crashing into a tree, the sound of bone shattering echoing through the clearing. The wolf tried to rise, his body shifting, fur sprouting along his skin, but Rowan was on him before he could finish, his hands wrapping around the wolf’s neck, twisting with a sickening crack.

I watched, unable to look away, as Rowan moved through the clearing like a force of nature, his movements fluid, powerful, like he’d done this a thousand times before. Another wolf lunged at him, claws flashing in the moonlight, but Rowan ducked, driving his elbow into the beast’s gut. He grabbed the wolf by the fur, slamming his knee into his snout, and blood sprayed across the ground, dark and shining in the moonlight.

Three more wolves circled him, their eyes glowing, snarls ripping from their throats. One charged, claws extended, but Rowan sidestepped him, grabbing the wolf’s leg and twisting, using the momentum to throw him into the others. They crashed to the ground in a tangle of limbs, and Rowan didn’t hesitate—he leaped forward, his fists a blur as he struck, every blow landing with the precision of someone who’d spent a lifetime fighting, a lifetime surviving.

One of them managed to grab him, claws digging into his side, and I felt my heart lurch, felt a cry tear from my throat, but Rowan didn’t slow. He snarled, and with a surge of strength, he wrenched himself free, his elbow slamming into the wolf’s nose, and the sickening crunch of bone filled the air. He spun, his leg sweeping out, knocking the last wolf off his feet, and then Rowan was on him, his hands around his throat, his expression cold, merciless, as he squeezed.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away. I held my breath.

And then, just like that, it was over. Rowan stood over the bodies, blood dripping from his hands, his chest rising and falling with every ragged breath. He looked like something out of a nightmare—something wild, dangerous, but my heart swelled with relief and with something else I couldn’t quite name.

Something I wasn’t ready to name…

He turned to me, his eyes still glowing, still fierce, and in two strides, he was in front of me, untying the ropes and catching me as I fell into his arms.

I buried my face in his chest, my body trembling, my heart racing, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe. Safe in his arms. Safe in the knowledge that he would always come for me.

“Let’s go,” he murmured, and I nodded, clinging to him as he lifted me into his arms.

I couldn’t help but tremble as his words echoed in my mind.

“You and I are going to have a long discussion about what happens to little mates who run off without a word and get themselves into danger needlessly.”

I swallowed hard, wondering what that could possibly mean, but I clutched at him even tighter.