The omega cradled Bella against her chest, her breath ragged as she darted through the forest. Her muscles screamed in protest, but the baby’s tiny, steady breaths kept her moving.
The pack she had once called her own was no more—shattered in a sudden, brutal attack that left blood and ashes in its wake. She had escaped only by the thinnest margin, driven by desperation and the promise she had made to the child.
Each step felt heavier than the last as she reached the edge of unfamiliar territory. The faint scent of wolves marked the borders, and the omega hesitated.
Packs were territorial, unforgiving to trespassers. But with no food, no shelter, and Bella’s safety hanging in the balance, she had no choice.
The baby stirred in her arms, her soft whimper breaking the silence. “Shh, little one,” the omega whispered, her voice trembling. “We just need them to let us stay. Just for a little while.”
She pushed forward, crossing the boundary line and stepping onto the hard-packed earth of a well-worn trail. Almost immediately, two towering figures emerged from the trees. Warriors, their bodies taut with muscle and their golden eyes cold and unyielding.
“State your business,” one of them barked, his tone sharp as his gaze flicked to the baby in her arms.
The omega adjusted Bella’s weight, shielding her instinctively. “Please,” she said, her voice hoarse with exhaustion. “We’re not here to cause trouble. We seek refuge. She’s just a baby—she needs a safe place.”
The warriors didn’t soften. Their expressions remained unreadable as they exchanged a glance.
“This isn’t a sanctuary,” the second one said.
Tears welled in the omega’s eyes, but she refused to break.
“I’ll work for you,” she offered quickly. “Anything you need. I’ll prove myself.” She looked down at Bella, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Keep quiet, okay? Maybe this can be our second home.”
The taller warrior stepped closer, sniffing the air. His lip curled slightly. “You smell like blood and rogues. That’s enough to get you killed around here.”
Her heart sank as she clutched Bella tighter.
“Please,” she begged, her voice breaking. “She’s just a baby.”
The warriors didn’t reply. Instead, they motioned for her to follow, their silence more menacing than any threat. The omega’s legs trembled as she trudged after them, her hope dwindling with every step deeper into the territory.