Page 9 of Fated to the Rogue

Whether out of fear of facing the truth, or due to how weak I was after my forced premature change, my knees failed meand I fell onto the sand. I was panting and sweating as my mom approached me, her heart beating almost as loud as mine. She put a robe over my shoulders, and I clenched tightly onto its velvety fabric. Shaking, I didn’t know how I found the strength to get back on my feet, but when I did, my gaze immediately landed on my father.

In his eyes, I saw confusion, as well as a hint of pity - the worst an Alpha could be offered.

The next second, his voice thundered as he turned to the baffled crowd. “Everyone! The run will be postponed. You may return to your homes now.”

Dad’s words might have sounded like a suggestion, but his authoritative tone left no room for misunderstandings. I didn’t miss the sympathetic look Alex flashed at me before she helped lead the wolves out of the beach.

“Beta Warrick. Gamma Hudson.” My father’s elite team took a step forward as the other members dispersed. “To my office.” Lastly, his rage-filled eyes turned to me. I could only pray his anger wasn’t directed towards me. “You too, Zephyr. Let’s go.”

Despite the bloody mess of emotions I was at the moment, I tried to show no fear. In an attempt to keep my dignity, I struggled away from my mother’s grasp and followed my father’s command. As I walked past Malin and Zach, I noticed the concern in their expressions from the corner of my eyes, but they didn’t say anything, and neither did I.

On my way to the Alpha’s office, I tried to collect myself. But no matter how many breaths I took, my lungs never got enough air. No matter how hard I tried to focus, my vision remained blurry. My chest continued to move up and down as my heart continued to beat erratically. Why was this happening to me? Why was my wolf a female?

“Will you stop making a fuss already? I said I could-”

“Stop! Shut up!” I screamed louder inside my head when the she-wolf spoke again. I could feel her rolling her eyes, but thankfully, I didn’t hear her voice again.

Once we reached the top floor of the pack house, my father opened the door to his office. He stood in front of his desk, his back to me as we walked inside. For the first few seconds, there was only silence, until he slammed his fist against his desk, easily splitting it in half. When I shuddered in surprise, my mother pulled me closer as her instincts to shelter me kicked in. Not from Dad, but from what we were about to discuss.

“Something must have gone wrong…” he whispered, lost in thought. “This is a mistake. It has to be.”

“I’m sure we will figure it out.” Mom’s words were directed to my father, but her tranquil blue eyes were focused on me. “Zephyr, my boy, did your…wolf, say anything?”

I shook my head. “I didn’t let her. I forced her to retreat.”

“You can’t force me to do shit, muttonhead!” The she-wolf surprised me. I thought I was blocking her out; maybe I let my guard down in my distress. She scoffed.“You’re pretty stupid for an Alpha, you know?”This time, I just ignored her.

“Oh, honey, I can’t imagine how dazed you must be right now…” My mother ran her hands through my hair, offering me a sympathetic smile in an attempt to soothe me. “I know it must feel weird, but perhaps you should let her speak.”

Her suggestion made me hesitant. Everyone turned to me with expectation in their eyes. In the end, I sighed, realizing I wanted to get answers more than anyone else in this room. Taking a deep breath, I readied myself for what I had been avoiding until now.

“Alright, mutt. This is your chance to explain what’s going on,” I demanded.

“You think I did this? I’m in the same boat as you are!” I was taken aback when the she-wolf growled. “Besides, I have a name, you know.”

What was up with her attitude? She had just ruined the most special moment of my life; she had no right to be angry. As much as I wanted to take my anger out on her though, I realized arguing wouldn’t get me anywhere. In a second of clarity, I tried to remember what she had told me her name was.

“Dawn,”I uttered at last. Her ears fell back, denoting she was pleased with my change in attitude. “Can you tell me why you and I have been paired together?”

“I…” She looked away, lowering her voice. “I can’t.”

“Just like I thought, you’re full of crap.”

“Just listen, damn it!” Since I had no other choice, I did as she said. “I can’t answer your question because part of my memory was wiped.”

“By who?”

“By the Moon Goddess,”she revealed without hesitation. “She doesn’t want either of us to know until it’s time.”

“Time for what?” I asked, but again, she stayed silent. I immediately understood she didn’t remember that either.

“You and I, Zephyr… We’re part of something big. Bigger than either of us,” she whispered, mystery filling her voice.“Diana meant for us to find each other. We were destined to be together.”

“I can see that.” I clenched my fists as anger rose into my throat again. “What I can’t understand is why the Goddess cursed me with you!”

“What is she saying?” Dad’s question interrupted my conversation with my wolf. There was hope in his expression, and it hurt to know I would destroy all of it, but I couldn’t lie to him.

“She said there’s no mistake, that the Moon Goddess had every intention of pairing us together. She can’t tell me why though.”

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