The Rogues Bargain

The moonlight was hidden behind dark clouds casting little light on the earth. Caden, alpha of the Blackclaw pack, moved silently through the woods. His senses were sharp, extra alert for danger. There were whispers of a rogue in his territory, a rogue with a deadly reputation. If there was one thing Caden hated, it was the chaos and troubles rogues brought with them.

He hoped to get to meet his target, thankfully he would not have to wait long.

Wren’s was exhausted as she pushed herself through the forest, each step she took a painful reminder of how far she had run. The trees around her disappeared into thin air as she navigated the woods, and the sound of distant howls sent fear deep down her spine, a constant reminder of the dangers that lurked deep in the woods. They were closing in, the Merciless rogue hunters.

She could not afford to slow down, not now, never. Her sharp eyes scanned the forest ahead, searching for an escape route, but the territory was unfamiliar. She was in another pack’s land, though her destination, but the thought of going there brought fear into her heart. Blackclaw territory. That knowledge sent another jolt of fear through her. She had heard stories about their alpha, a man whose name alone was enough to silence a room.

Caden.

The howls grew louder, closer, forcing Wren to pick up her pace and run more wildly. Her body screamed for rest, but she knew what would happen if she stopped. Death, or worse. The rogues showed their captives no mercy.

The end of the forest gave way into a clearing, more like a opening with a center, There stood a masculine figure. Broad shoulders, dark hair, and eyes that lit up in the darkness. Caden. Even in the dim moonlight, his presence was commanding, almost otherworldly.

A flash of silver movement in the woods nearby caught Caden’s eye. There was a woman, blood streaked steadily across her arms, her silver hair wild as she stumbled forward. She spun, her gaze fierce, lips pulled back in a snarl. Caden froze in his tracks, he knew that face from rumors.

Wren. She was infamous for eluding packs and hunters alike, a ghost in the night.

Before he could call out, she stumbled, more like she slipped, dropping to her knees. He saw the way her body trembled, exhaustion etched across her face.

“You’re trespassing,” he said, his voice deep and deliberately cold.

Wren straightened, forcing her breathing to steady. “I know.”

“You’re Caden, right?” Her voice was hoarse but fierce, it was a tone that reeked of defiance.

“Then you know what that means right” He replied, ignoring her question as his hand rested casually on the hilt of a dagger at his side, but the tension in his stance told her he was ready to strike.

Heavy thumps of footsteps behind her brought her to reality.

“They’re coming,” she said quickly, turning her head toward the forest behind her. “Rogue Hunters, If you don’t help me, they’ll be here in minutes.”

Caden’s eyes narrowed. “And why would I risk my pack for a rogue and one I barely know at that?”

Wren took a step forward, her expression pure steel, ignoring the threatening growl that rumbled from his throat. “Because if you don’t, you’ll regret it and I can offer you something in return.”

His silence was unnerving. He didn’t blink, didn’t move, just watched her with keen attention. Finally, he spoke. “I’m listening and …”

She spoke before Caden could reply, She beat him to it and without wasting any time, She wasn’t pleading, rather she was bargaining as she went straight to the point

“I’ll become your Luna,” she said, the words sharp and deliberate. “You protect me, and I’ll give you what you need to keep your pack strong.”