C4 The Rogue Wolf?

....

Diane intentionally waited for all the maids to evacuate the room before setting to leave. She had told them nothing about the Alpha's order to leave so she wanted to move quietly. She had decided on going to the human world to give it a try. She'd learn control over time and do her best not to get caught. Diane was almost out the pack's gate when the all too familiar scent hit her again. One that stimulated fright impulsively. Panic settled in, adrenaline pulsed through her veins, prompting her to run. To escape for her own safety but it was too late. It was already here. Her feet were glued to the ground, unmoving, her wolf winced, cowering as much as Diane did. She managed to get a grasp on herself, took a step back with every step the rogue took towards her. She never once thought of the possibility that the Rogue would be on rampage in this pack too. Rumor had it that it only Disturbed Crescent Pack for some unknown reason. Diane's feet soon stumbled on an obstacle. Her heart raced erratically as she hit the ground, Her back scraping against a tough gravel of the Stealth Pack's territory. The rogue wolf stood over her, his shadow lengthening over her figure. Blood curling screams escaped her lips and she cried for help. Unfortunately, everyone had gone into hiding. The pack's warrior was also nowhere to be seen. Diane clutched her bag, holding it closer to her chest, mentally preparing herself for what's to come... Death... The rogue doesn't let any of his victims go back alive. It kills them cruelly. She might have been lucky the first time, she doubts it'll be the same today. Diane's expression swarm with confusion when she noticed the rogue looking down at her with a curious expression when infact it should be launching its attack already. Although, Diane did try to back away again, but her strength failed her.

As the rogue wolf drew closer and began sniffing her, she realized that it wasn't trying to harm her.

To her surprise, the rogue wolf was gently nuzzling her neck. She couldn't believe her eyes. The wolf was showing her affection. Her tensed shoulders relaxed and she decided to take it as a bait to lure it. Maybe if she presented Alpha Asher the wolf, the freedom she's been seeking would be granted to her. She'd pay her adopted parents all the money they had used to bring her up the whole ten years of living with them, start a little life of her own.

As the wolf continued to sniff her, she realized that it wasn't just smelling her scent. It seemed to be communicating with her in some way. She could feel it probing her mind, trying to understand her thoughts and emotions.

As the rogue wolf pressed its nose against her forehead and closed its eyes, she felt a surge of energy coursing through her body. It was as if the wolf was passing on some kind of knowledge or wisdom that she had never experienced before.

The moment was abruptly cut short by the squish sound of an arrow which attached the wolf's neck. Diane gasped, staring back to where the attack came from. She was met with another surprise when she saw Alpha Xavier. He had another arrow aimed at the rogue wolf. An overwhelming sense to protect it from any more danger surged through her. She scrambled to her feet, positioning herself in front of the wolf.

'What the hell are you doing? Get down now!' her mate growled, glaring murderously at her.

By the time she succumbed, the wolf already pulled away and disappeared into the shadows. Diane was left feeling bewildered and confused. There's definitely something more to this whole situation than it looks.

The fear she felt earlier embraced her again. Except this time it's no effect of a rogue wolf. The Alpha's eyes were dark with rage. She stared at the ground, unable to meet his angry gaze.

'Did you just throw yourself in the way?? Trying to protect a blood thirsty rogue wolf?!!!' he thundered.

'I .. it .. I'm...' Diane stuttered..

'Isn't that the most wanted wolf in the Crescent Pack?!'.

'It is' she said in a small voice.

'I'll have them throw you in the dungeon for getting in my way! I would have caught that!'.

Diane fell to her knees. 'It was unintentional. Please show some mercy'.

~~

And so, Diane's boring, bully filled life continued. With every passing day, it got worse with absolutely no body to come to her rescue. Her wolf was weak, making it impossible to fight in very crucial times. For days now, she has not crossed paths with the Alpha. Something that's an actual blessing for her. At least, she was free of those dark, heated, and hostile glares of his. The garden continued to remain her only source of solace.

Diane was heading back to the mansion after spending her free time in the garden when she overheard two girls talking about the launch of a new restaurant in the pack. Due to the opening, the restaurant needed staff and at least three vacancies are available for whoever is ready to fill in. Diane saw this as a great opportunity to work and earn a keep for herself.

She immediately started to trail behind the girls.

'Excuse me? Please can I know where exactly the restaurant is located?' she politely asked, a small smile on her face.

Rather than getting responses from them, she was unapologetically ignored.

'I can't believe the outcast of the pack wants to talk with us..' one of the girls scoffed while walking away.

Diane fondled her fingers and took it upon herself to find wherever the restaurant is... The scorching sun did nothing to hinder her search. Barely two hours later, she found it. A small restaurant with a bill board outside of it, indicating the words 'Raisin restaurant'. Diane wondered what that meant. She shook the thoughts away and proceeded in, hoping she would get a chance to do it.

She pushed open the door, causing the little bell hung on it, to ring.

'Welcome to raisin restaurant. What can we help you with'

A man Diane suspected to be the owner mentioned, rushing close to her and leading her in, in a gentle manner.

The closer he was to her, the more Diane felt uneasy and more aware of herself. Her mind was braced, expecting some kind of rejection once she steps into the restaurant or maybe a hostile treatment since everyone around here does that to her. Even the Alpha. She smirked inwardly.

'I'm here to apply for the vacant position in the restaurant.' Diane responded, wrapping her arms around herself. He definitely sensed her unease and in reaction, he moved farther away.

'Great. There was only a slot left.'

'What slot, if I may ask'

'A kitchen assistant. I'll let you have it if you're interested'.

She nodded enthusiastically. 'I definitely would. I want it! When do I resume? Can I start now?'

The man cocked an eyebrow. 'You're that excited to start?'.

Diane nodded.

'My name's Eric by the way'

'And I'm Diane'

He brushed his long beards with his fingers, as if considering the perfect answer to respond with.

He inclined his head affirmatively. 'I might need a little help since Xavier and Ace would be visiting today. Those two sneaky boys!' he chuckled excitedly.

Diane froze in her spot, sure she heard him mention the Alpha's name.. 'Did you say the Alpha's going to visit today?'

He nodded, not noticing the glaring horror plastered on Diane's expression.

'Yes, alongside his little brother'

Her eyes widened with curiosity. 'The Alpha has a little brother?'.

At her question, Eric casted furtive glances at her. 'Are you new here? What are you? Every wolf in this pack knows the Alpha got a brother. Aren't you one of us?'.

A bile formed in Diane's throat and she rubbed her sweaty palms together. Maybe she should have kept the questions to herself. Would he take back his words and send her home once he realizes she was sold to this pack? Maybe call her an outcast like the others?

The tensed aura abruptly subsided when the door bell rang.

'Ohh. There you are'...

The scent that lingered that instant made Diane seek an enclosed place in the restaurant. Somewhere she could stay till the Alpha leaves.

While she tried scurrying away, Eric decided to introduce her. Worst situation.. worst timing.

'Come over, Diane. Since you know nothing about the Alpha's brother. I should introduce you'

Diane felt she was going to explode any moment from anxiety. This is wrong. The Alpha's going to feel so displeased once he finds out about her presence here.

'Like he hasn't distinguished your scent already' her wolf scoffed.

Diane reluctantly turned, her gaze fixed on her feet as she walked towards the table.

She swore she could sense the Alpha's anger towards her when she arrived the table..

An awkward moment of silence passed, one which made Diane feel extremely uneasy. Eric's laughter broke the silence, lightening the aura.

'She must be a very shy one' he came up with an excuse for her.

Eric nudged her shoulders. 'You should look up and see for yourself, Diane'.

Mustering all the courage within, Diane gazed up. Luckily, she met with a curiosity filled eyes, rather than one glazed with contempt. Dark wavy hair, short bangs, grey eyes. Diane took mental note immediately. The Alpha's brother looks nothing like Xavier. There was no trace of resemblance. Diane felt the color rise to her cheeks when his lips curved into a fine smile.

'Hey. I'm Ace' his baritone voice uttered. As if that wasn't enough, he extended his palms for a handshake.

Diane swallowed hard, Slowly taking his waiting hand. 'I'm Diane Stanfield.'

'He's handsome and seems nice' her wolf whispered. 'Much better than your so called mate. Isn't he?'

'I guess I'm not so popular around here since you know nothing of me'

Diane let out a nervous laughter. 'It's my fault for not knowing a high personality like yours' she responded, feeling herself start to relax.

He winked. 'That's okay. I promise'

'Are you both playing ignorance or you really are unaware that your hands are still locked!' Xavier growled in annoyance, utterly displeased at the sight before him.

~~~

'Are you both playing ignorance or you really are unaware that your hands are still locked!' Xavier growled in annoyance, utterly displeased at the sight before him.

Diane quickly withdrew her palm, bowing in respect. 'Forgive me, Alpha'. She was literally shuddering. The last thing she wanted right now was to get on his bad side. She doesn't want to be sent packing out of the pack, lest she encounter some danger on her way out.

She heard Ace giggle before referring to his brother.

'Why? Does it bother you?'.

Xavier snorted. 'As if'.

More moment of silence surpassed and Diane stayed glued to her spot, waiting for the one order that would make her walk away..

'What are these bruises on your arm?' Ace enquired, bringing more attention to her.

Diane cussed under her breath, simultaneously bowed her head lower. 'It was my mistake. I tripped and fell'.

'You should be careful next time'

Diane fled at the opportunity to flee the table once the duo started chit chatting with Chef Eric. She busied herself with cleaning utensils, counters. Places that were already clean. On few occasions, she'd stare up to see the Alpha glaring at her disdainfully. Few more minutes in the restaurant, Diane quickly found an excuse to leave the restaurant and promised to resume earlier the next day.

Relief washed over her once she was out of the restaurant, short of the Alpha's hate. She trudged down the road to her home, quietly hoping no one would find a reason to bully her. Fortunately, she made it to the mansion without attracting too much of attention.

....

Xavier watched her intently as she scurried out of the restaurant under the guise of a stomach ache. One he knew better than believing. Ace nudged his shoulders.

'She's such a respectful one, isn't she?'

'All wolves are meant to be respectful to the Alpha of their packs. Don't you think so?'.

Ace narrowed his eyes, suspicions revving within him. 'Why are you unusually cold towards her?'.

Xavier transferred his gaze to his brother, sipped a little from his Iced Americano coffee. 'Because she isn't from this pack. She's a wolf of the Crescent Pack, brother'.

'And so? I thought y'all have come to a truce'

'That doesn't mean they are to be trusted. Have you forgotten what they did to us?'.

Ace heaved a sigh, rubbing the side of his chin. 'It was all a misconception. They thought we had her'.