Akira's pov.

“What a great strength and threat you instill in them but you didn’t have to do that,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

“That’s the only way to deal with some animals who refuse to heed instructions,” he said, turning to face me. “Because now, you owe me.”

I frowned. “Owe you? For what?”

“For your life,” he said, his tone serious.

I opened my mouth to argue but stopped. He wasn’t wrong.

“Who are you?” I asked, my voice softer this time.

He hesitated for a moment before answering. “Someone who sees potential in you.”

His answer only left me with more questions. “That’s not an answer and what potential are you talking about?.”

“It’s the only one answer you’ll get; with time, you'll learn,” he said, his expression unreadable.

I felt a pull toward him, looking confused with an inexplicable connection that I couldn’t ignore.

“Thank you for your concern; I appreciate your care,” I said reluctantly, knowing I owed him more than I could ever repay.

He nodded, his eyes softening slightly. “Don’t thank me yet, rogue. This is only the beginning.”

He didn't explain further; he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night as quickly as he had appeared.

I stood there in contemplation, clutching the bread he had paid for, my mind racing. Who was he? Why had he helped me?

The most important part of it, which I was interested in, was what he even meant by “only the beginning?”

“What beginning was he referring to?”

I whispered to myself with much curiosity but I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life had just taken a turn I wasn’t prepared for.

A lot kept me flashing back to my past experiences. I stepped out into the cold night air with much thought in my heart.

What had I gotten myself into?

The cold night wrapped around me as I stepped into the shadowy streets, clutching the bread tighter than I needed to.

Everything looks like a dream. More thought came stripping to my mind replaying his words, his voice, and the way his presence seemed to claim the very air around him.

Meeting a stranger without knowing a few things about him, I didn’t even know his name, yet I couldn’t deny the pull he had on me—a magnetic force I couldn’t explain. It was as if I was enchanted by him.

I walked aimlessly, the tavern growing quieter behind me. The truth was, I didn’t have a plan.

Rogues rarely did. It was all about surviving the day, but tonight felt different.

The eyes of the stranger haunted me, his voice echoing in my mind.

The sound of footsteps behind me brought me to a halt. My heart raced as I turned, my instincts on edge.

“It's me,” he said, his voice low and calm.

I sharply exhaled. “You again, why are you following me?”.

He shrugged his hands tucked into his coat pocket. “It seems as if you missed your direction, are you lost?”.

“I’m not lost,” I said defensively, though I wasn't sure it was true.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. “If you're not lost then what are you?”.

I kept mute without an answer. Instead, I looked away, focusing on the cobblestone beneath my boots.

“Come with me, I've something to show you” he suddenly said.

I blinked up at him. “What?”

“You look famished; you're freezing alone; I know you're hungry. I have a place nearby. You can stay the night” he offered, his tone casual yet firm.

“Are you mocking me? Do I look hungry or homeless to you?” I angrily asked, defending myself.

He swiftly interjected. “Don't think negatively. That's not what I meant; I'm sorry if your thoughts do not correspond to my benevolence.”

For a moment, I hesitated, although accepting his offer felt dangerous, the alternative was spending another vulnerable and exposed night in the cold.

“Why are you so kind to me? To be sincere, why are you doing this?” I asked.

He smirked. “Let’s just say I’m curious about you”.

Curiosity wasn't a good enough reason to trust him, but something in his gaze told me I wasn't in danger—not from him. Against my better judgment, I nodded.

We walked in silence in a small inn tucked away in a quiet corner of the town. He led me to a room, its warmth and simplicity a stark contrast to the harsh world outside.

“Feel at home; you can have the bed,” he said, tossing his coat onto a chair.

I hesitated by the door. “You’ve been so nice to me. How do I repay you?”

He leaned against the wall, his eyes softening. “You’ve nothing to pay for; I noticed there's something great in you, Akira.”

I was astonished by the sound of my name on his lips sending a shiver down my spine. “How do you know my name? But I don't even know yours”.

“That's because you never asked”. He said with a charming smile.

“So what's your name, mysterious stranger, and what great thing do you see in me?”. I asked my voice barely above a whisper.

He kept mute without uttering any words; instead, he closed the distance between us, his hand brushing against my cheek.

The warmth of his touch melted the walls I’d spent years building.

For one night, I wanted to forget. Forget the pain, the loneliness, the endless fight to survive. And with him, I could.

Without another thought, I leaned in, letting the pull between us consume me.

His lips met mine, igniting a fire that burned away every thought but him. His touch was firm yet gentle, as though he understood the fragility of this moment.

The world outside disappeared as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer. Our breaths mingled, and the tension gave way to passion that neither of us held back.

Hours melted into each other, the room filled with whispers, soft gasps, and the sound of two souls colliding in the night. For once, I let myself feel—alive, wanted, whole.

When I woke, the room was eerily quiet. His side of the bed was cold, his presence a lingering ghost.

I sat up, scanning the unfamiliar space. Panic bubbled in my chest. This wasn’t his house—it was a hotel room.

Why did he leave without saying goodbye? And who was he?

Akira's pov.

It all started with a small thing that made a wave of nausea in the mornings, the sudden exhaustion that pulled me down like a heavy anchor creating an overwhelming sense of unease.

For some weeks now, I have ignored the signs, chalking them up to stress or bad food.

But one special morning made another shocking experience as I leaned over the side of the stream to wash my face.

I realized I was pregnant. This came like a wave of lighting striking my heart and sending shivers around my body.

I was pregnant yet not happy; I couldn't be pregnant with a stranger I barely knew.

The world seemed to freeze, making my hands tremble as I placed them on my stomach; I was barely able to comprehend what this meant.

The previous night, I allowed myself to forget my pain and escape from its reality had left me with more than just memories. I could imagine myself carrying a pup.

“No, this can't be possible. How am I supposed to do this?” I whispered to the wind as tears began streaming down my face. “I'm an outcast rogue who's very lonely. So how can I raise a child in a world that wants us deaf?”

The silence of the wind did not answer, but it reminded me of what I already knew. I couldn't stay here and even let my past catch up with me or risk my pup growing up in the shadow of my failures.

Days turned into weeks as I prepared to leave the forest that had been my hiding place. Survival wasn't an easy thing but I managed, scavenging food and avoiding anyone who might recognize me.

Every step was filled with fear; coming out in public would take some longer processes of observation to avoid intruders or spies; I wasn't doing this for myself alone but for the tiny life growing inside of me.

One evening, as I rummaged through an abandoned cabin for supplies, I heard voices. My heart stopped.

“Did you hear what Caleb's planning?”.

The name alone was enough to make me freeze. “What would he be planning?” I whispered to myself, hiding myself to eavesdrop on more information.

The memory of Caleb's rejection kept flashing in my mind, my Alpha, my mate. The man who rejected me and threw me out like I was nothing.

“No,” Another voice replied. “But whatever could be his plan, is going to be big because the Nightshade pack had been gathering rogues, and they are not being subtle about it”.

“Rogues? Caleb hates rogues. What's he up to?”.

“That's one of the issues we need to figure out because he's not just gathering them; he is also leading them.”

A shiver ran down my spine. How could Caleb be the leading rogue? I was the same rogue he rejected.

This doesn't make any sense. The Caleb I knew despised anyone who wasn't part of the pack.

I pressed myself closer to the wall, straining to hear more, but the voices faded as the strangers moved on.

My mind raced. Whatever may be Caleb's planning it wouldn't be of good deeds.

The next morning, I sat by the edge of a cliff, staring out at the endless forest below. The wind carried the faint scent of pine and rain, but it couldn’t calm the storm inside me.

I had two choices: continue running and protect my pup from afar, or return to the pack that had rejected me and face whatever Caleb was planning head-on.

“This could be more dangerous than I think.” I stood still contemplating”. “But why does it have to be this way?” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

“Akira! Is that you?” a deep voice said from behind me in excitement. “Waw!

I never thought I’d see you again”.

My heart was pounding as I whipped around. Standing there was a man I didn’t recognize, but his scent told me he was from the Nightshade pack. His dark eyes glinted with curiosity, and a smirk played on his lips.

“See me again, How? And Who are you?” I curiously asked, demanding an answer, keeping my voice steady despite the fear creeping into my chest.

“My name is Darius,” he said, taking a step closer. “And you’re the infamous Akira, the rogue who broke Caleb’s heart.”

“You must be joking. Do I break his heart, or he broke mine?” My anger rises but deafening.

“I'm sorry if I got you pissed off,” he swiftly apologized.

I stiffened. “What do you want?”

“Well, seeing you today has made my day, there's nothing much to be requested,” he said with a shrug.

“Ok, that's good for you, if you don't mind excuse me”. I said, trying to avoid him.

“Wait a minute,” he interjected, intruding into my space. “I Just thought you’d want to know that Caleb hasn’t forgotten about you. He’s been talking about you a lot lately.”

My stomach churned. “Why would I care?”

“You don't have to say that, Akira; Caleb still has you in mind.”

“And what's my business with that? If he did he wouldn't have rejected me”

“The Alpha had made, and he's ready to put things for your sake; I beg you, Akira, don't turn him down,” He said, his voice low and convincing.

“It's late, too late for an adjustment; tell him I say so.”

Darius tilted his head, studying me like a predator sizing up its prey. “Because whatever Caleb’s planning, you’re a part of it. Whether you like it or not.”

The words haunted me long after Darius disappeared into the trees. What did Caleb want with me? Why would he involve me in his schemes after everything he’d done?

As the days passed, I found myself unable to shake the feeling that I couldn’t run forever. My pup deserved better than a mother who was always looking over her shoulder. If I wanted to protect my child, I needed to face my past.

But as I packed my things and prepared to head back toward the pack I once called home, one question lingered in my mind:

Would I be walking into a trap?

Caleb's pov.

“Caleb, you’ve been brooding all day. What’s wrong?” Victor, my Beta, asked, his voice laced with concern.

I sighed, staring at the mountain range in the distance. “I don't know what came over me, I rejected her, Victor. I pushed Akira away, thinking it was for the best. And now…” I paused, the words catching in my throat.

“What happened now, sir?” He curiously asked.

“I heard Akira is pregnant,” I said, with much tension slotting through my mind.

Victor frowned. “You mean the rumors are true? She’s pregnant?”

“It's hard to believe but I don’t think so,” I admitted, running a hand through my hair. “But what if she is? What if I made the biggest mistake of my life?”

"It's true Sir, Akira is pregnant," Victor said, his voice low but firm as we walked through the forest near the packhouse.

I stopped mid-step, my heart thudding painfully against my ribs. The words struck like a blow, and I couldn’t hide the crack in my voice as I asked, "Victor... Are you sure?"

Victor nodded. "The rumors are everywhere. Some say it’s yours."

“Rumors? Then it is never true if it happens to be a rumor,” I swiftly corrected.

“It is not just a rumor, Sir. There's a truth beneath; I confirm the truth from Darius, who met Akira, confirming her pregnancy.”

“That can't be possible, How?” I said, my chest tightened, anger and regret fighting for control.

I had rejected her and pushed her away when the bond had called for me to hold her close. It was the hardest decision of my life, but I thought I was protecting my pack and my future. Now, the thought of her carrying my pup—it was too much to bear.

"She left because of you," Victor continued, his tone sharp. "But maybe you’ve got one last chance to fix this mess."

I turned away, my thoughts spinning. Could this be the reason for my nightmare? Is there any possibility of making the biggest mistake of my life?

"I did what is expected, I did what's right, what do you even expect me to do, Victor?" I growled, my voice laced with frustration. "I can’t undo what’s done."

"You can try," he said simply. "Or live with regret forever.”

The words hung heavy in the air. I turned away, staring out the window at the forest that bordered our territory. Somewhere out there, Akira was living a life without me. Was she happier? Did she miss me at all?

“Alpha!” A voice called from the hallway. One of the younger warriors burst into the room, breathless. “We’ve got news—about Akira.”

My heart skipped a beat. “What is it?”

“She’s been spotted near the Silver Fang pack,” he said. “And she’s… she’s pregnant.”

The room went silent. Victor’s gaze locked onto mine, and I felt the weight of his unspoken thoughts. My stomach churned. If the rumors were true, if Akira was carrying my child, I had to know.

“Prepare the warriors,” I ordered. “We leave at dawn.”

Victor stepped forward, his expression cautious. “Are you sure about this? Walking into Silver Fang territory uninvited could start a war.”

“I don’t care,” I said firmly. “If she’s carrying my child, I need to bring her back.”

“Your pride is going to get you killed one day,” Victor muttered under his breath, but he followed my orders anyway.

“My pride? What are you talking about, victor?”. I curiously asked.

“With due respect, sir, there are things you need to put into consideration, and you also need to consider the lives of the people in the pack”.

His words struck me; I kept mute, trying to reflect and clarify what he had just said.

“Do you think I’m doing the right thing? Or did I make a mistake?” I asked about pacing around in my office.

Victor leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed.

“You know this: you rejected Caleb for hunting after her,” He simply replied. “Akira deserves better than that”.

His words stung though I wouldn't admit it. As Alpha of the Nightshade pack, I must never show any form of weakness because it's never an option, but the rumors of Akira and her pregnancy and the fact she left the pack haunted me. What If I'd been wrong?

I ran a hand through my hair. “I had my reasons for doing that, and that's best known to me, Victor.”

Victor pushed off the frame and stepped closer with his sharp eyes. “Of what reasons are you hiding from yourself? Is it because Akira wasn't good enough for you? Or were you afraid of what the pack would think?”.

I glowed low, warning him to back off, but deep down, I knew he was right, especially when I rejected Akira as my mate. I had told myself it was for the betterment of the pack.

She was quiet, not the fierce Luna I expected her to be. But now that she's gone there was a hole in my chest that nothing could fill.

Victor softly signed. “Sir, You’ve been restless ever since she left; maybe it's time you face the truth.”

“What truth are you talking about?” I snapped, though I already knew the answer.

“The truth will always be revealed. To be sincere, Caleb, you made a mistake”.

The word struck me heavily, causing me more pain and nightmares. I didn’t sleep that night. Akira’s face haunted me—her soft, sad eyes the last time I saw her. She’d begged me to reconsider and pleaded with me to trust in our bond. But I’d let my pride win.

The next morning, I made my decision.

"Prepare yourself, we’re o

Leaving soon," I ordered my Beta, Victor, who was always ready to challenge me.

"Where are we going?" he asked, arms crossed, his eyes sharp with suspicion.

"To find Akira."

Victor’s lips tightened, but he didn’t argue. "If that’s your choice, Alpha. But you know this won’t be easy. She’s not the same woman you rejected."

I didn’t need him to remind me of that. I already knew I was walking into a storm.

“We've got to act quickly. I care not to know if she's now a beast; the most important thing is to secure my pup”.

“But sir, how do we find her? She might be in a hidden race?” He asked, although his questions prompted my contemplation but I resisted it.

“Stop asking too many questions and follow my orders” I defensively struck back at him.

The journey took us deep into rogue territory. Every mile that passed only added to my nerves. What if she refused to see me? What if the pup wasn’t mine? Worse, what if she’d moved on?