Chapter 3 The Ambush

The smell of the damp earth mixed with the ones coming from the pine wood filled the cold air. Everyone had gone to sleep, and all the stores were closed. I stayed late at the bookstore, consumed with the thought of being caught. The stranger’s warning kept lingering in my thoughts, and I could barely focus throughout the day. Mrs. Porter had left a few hours ago after warning me strictly to have a good rest that night. But how was I to rest in all of these? Finally, I summoned up the courage to leave the bookstore. My boots were clicking softly against the pavement. I had to pick up a package that was delivered to the store next to us before closing for the day. I clenched my fists, inhaling slowly to keep my nerves calm. trusting my instincts was one of the things my mother taught me as I grew up as a wolf. A rustling noise came from behind. I stopped abruptly, my heart hammering hard as I listened, but there was nothing. I quickened my pace, my breath hitching as I reached my destination. I picked up the package and turned to head back when a low growl cut disrupted the silent atmosphere. Fear gripped me, which was certainly not human. I spun around just in time to see a huge frame coming from the dark part of the street. It was a man with shining yellow eyes approaching me at a very fast rate. I could recognize it; it was a rogue. I took a step back, and my legs were ready to take off anytime soon. My heart was almost popping out of my ribs at this point. “You thought we wouldn’t find you so soon?” he said with a low voice that added to my fear. Before I could register the situation, another one moved to his left, then another to his right. They kept appearing and closing in on me. I thought that was all, but there were more. Four, five! “You are not so special; do you think you were? You thought you could blend perfectly with humans?” The leader sneered, stepping forward. His pungent scent, which smelled rotten and wild, hit my nose forcefully. “Keep your distance from me right now,” I warned, forcing my voice to harden. My fingers twitched at my sides as I dropped the package with me. My hands were itching for a weapon I didn’t have. He chuckled. “Why? You want to run?” His gaze raked over me in a slow and dirty motion that made my skin crawl. “You smell like power, little rogue. You are not just any wolf. What are you hiding?” I bared my teeth instantly. “Nothing, so please leave me alone, and let’s stop this.” His grin widened as he released a sharp and cruel laugh. “Feisty. Just like I want them,” With a snap of his fingers, they lunged at me, but I was also ready. I moved on instinct, ducking under the first attacker’s swipe and slamming my elbow into his ribs. He grunted, staggering back, but another was already on me before I could blink. I twisted, barely avoiding his claws as they slashed through the air where my throat had been a second ago. I would have dropped dead if I hesitated in the slightest bit. A frustrating growl escaped my lips as I kicked out, my foot connecting with a knee. A sickening crack echoed in the dark and quiet night. The rogue howled in pain, collapsing, but there was no time to bask in the small victory. Another one charged into me, sending me sprawling onto the cold pavement. My shoulder screamed in pain, but I rolled quickly, dodging the sharp claws that embedded into the spot where I had just been. They were determined to drill a hole through me. Although I was outnumbered, I had survived worse, so I decided to fight till the end. I lashed out, my fist colliding with the jaw of the closest one. The rogue staggered, giving me enough time to launch myself to my feet, which I appreciated. By this time, my breath had become ragged, and my muscles were screaming in protest, but I couldn’t stop. Because stopping meant dying, and I was not ready to die. One of them lunged again. This time, I wasn’t fast enough. His claws raked across my arm, tearing deep into my flesh. I bit back a cry, using my momentum to drive my knee into his stomach. He doubled over, and I wasted no time, grabbing the back of his head and slamming it against my rising knee. He crumpled, and I was left with three of them. Quickly, they circled me, waiting for the right time to attack me. Blood dripped down my arm, but I barely noticed. “You’re a tough one,” the leader mused, rolling his shoulders. “But you’re getting tired. I can smell it.” I gritted my teeth. He wasn’t wrong. My limbs felt heavier, and my breathing was now uneven, but I needed to finish what had started. I attacked first this time, catching them off guard. I spun, driving my elbow into one’s throat before whipping around and kicking another in the chest within a blink of a second. For a moment, it seemed like I had the upper hand until the remaining rogue tackled me from behind. We hit the ground hard, and my breath rushed out of my lungs. His claws dug into my shoulder, pinning me down while I trashed as I tried to shake him off. “Were you thinking you would win?” he hissed into my ear. Then, suddenly, his weight was off me in a flash. My vision failed to capture the fast movement and flash of silver that happened next. One of the rogues’ bodies hit the pavement with a loud thud, making me flinch. The face was a new one entirely. He was tall and powerful, and his presence was dominating. The aura coming from him was so strong that it filled my entire nose. The fate of the rogue who was slammed hard on the floor made the others rethink their decisions and stand still. “Leave right now,” the newcomer commanded; his voice was powerful and solid. For a second, they hesitated, but then they bolted, disappearing into the darkness. I pushed myself up; my whole body was aching, and my gaze finally landed on my rescuer. Immediately, my breathing froze! No! Not him, please!! Not Damian Blackwood!!! My eyes were caught in his golden eyes that refused to disconnect from mine. My fear had finally happened. I was staring at my past right in front of me helplessly. “You’re coming with me,” he said. It was a command, and I had no option, but his tone assured me that.