Maura

Fuck. Rogues.

I knew they were prowling the outer areas of the pack’s territory, but I didn’t stop to think I’d run into any this close to home. I struggle, and the nicer one tightens his grip just a little as I pretty much back myself into the tree like I’m trying to climb it backward. If I had a wolf, I’d have scented them long before I slammed into their chests. Now, I can’t decide if I’m more terrified or intrigued. Most rogues don’t look like gods…but these two do.

“Let me go,” I grit out, turning my head just enough to meet the light, captivating eyes of the man holding me.

“She’s a fierce little wolf,” he says with a smirk. “That’s unexpected given how small she is. Relax and don’t run, and I’ll let your arms go. Understand?”

I nod, clamping my lips closed and forcing myself not to bolt the moment the pressure of his hands disappears. He steps around me, and I calm down enough to really take the two of them in. They’re similar but different in a lot of ways. Both are tall with dark hair and muscles that go on for days. The eyes are just different shades of brown. It’s the look in them that is the most telling. Alejo is severe in a way that’s beyond intimidating. Not like Godrick, but still enough to send a chill down my spine. The other man is softer, his eyes more welcoming, trusting.

“We can’t just let you go running back to your friend Godrick and tell him we’re around,” Alejo says with a grin that makes me worry about losing a limb to those jaws.

“And if you run, I won’t stop him from killing you,” the other man says, causing Alejo’s vicious smile to widen slightly.

“Don’t worry,” Alejo says in a low voice, “I’ll make it quick.”

I can’t stop the way my entire body trembles at his threat and the deep richness of his voice. Honestly, I’m not sure which feelings I’m reacting to, but I know damn well I’ll never go back to Godrick.

“Whatever you have going on with Godrick, I want no part of. I’m just trying to get the hell out of here and as far away from him as I can,” I say, steeling my voice, trying to sound confident despite their overwhelming presence all around me.

They glance at each other, clearly having a conversation without speaking. Alejo is frowning, his energy tense and troubled. The other one seems more reflective, like he’s truly considering what I’ve said.

The nameless one sighs. “I’m sorry. We can’t just let you go. Godrick counts his women, we know that. When he realizes you’re missing, he’s gonna come looking, and we can’t risk him finding us.”

With shaking arms, I push myself off the ground and step right in his face, not touching him but getting close enough to feel the heat coming off his skin. “Well, I’m not going back, so I guess you get to kill me after all.”

***

Beck

I take in the woman in front of me. Though she’s standing her ground, there’s no hiding the condition she’s in—the fear in her voice, the way she trembles even when she’s trying to seem strong.

It gives me no pleasure.

“We’re not going to kill you,” I say, trying to keep my voice easy and soft so as not to put her on edge even more.

“You just threatened to,” she snaps, her eyes narrowing at me slightly.

“I’m not saying we can’t kill you,” I say with a small smirk, “but we aren’t going to kill you for refusing to go back to that asshole.”

She glances next to me, her eyes widening a little. “I don’t think your friend agrees.”

“Beck and I have planned to take on Godrick for a long time,” Alejo says. “You complicate that, and I don’t like complications.” He turns away, leaving the aura of his frustration all around me.

Alejo’s allowed himself to be consumed with taking down Godrick for more months than I care to admit. This woman is a bump in our plan, but he needs to slow down a little anyway. Switching gears from his focus isn’t his strong suit, though, and there’s no denying that. Something tells me the woman isn’t going to run, so I move away and gently grab Alejo by the shoulder.

Killing her won’t fix shit, Alejo. You know that. I mind-link him to keep our conversation private. Despite how enticing the she-wolf smells, she can’t be trusted yet.

Alejo growls low. I know that, Beck. But he’s either going to come looking for her or we send her back and he’s going to kill her.

We could take her with us. I stare at him for a moment, and he averts his eyes to anywhere but me or the woman. This is a big decision and one we need to agree on before we put ourselves and those we protect at risk. I can’t deny that something in me wants to take her with us.

After a few moments, Alejo brings his gaze back to meet mine, his eyes flaring and tight. “Fine, but I have one condition.” He glances behind me, and I know he’s looking at the woman. “If she tries to run before we agree, I kill her.”

Smirking, I clap him on the shoulder before turning around to face the woman. “Good news: You’re coming with us…”

“M-Maura,” she manages.

Alejo steps next to me, and his aura moves through the space. “Now, shift, little wolf.”

I step back, anticipating her shift, but instead, she winces. Instead of shifting, she trembles harder, her eyes filling with dread, fear, and what I can only describe as shame…

Fuck. Something is stopping her from shifting…but what?

***

Maura

My whole body trembles so much it makes my teeth chatter. Wrapping my arms around myself, I step back, my eyes going to the ground. Damn it. They’re not going to want to help someone like me. Of course, Alejo had to figure out my biggest secret and greatest weakness so damn soon. I’m broken, wolfless, unable to scent or shift… I’m a failure.

“An Alpha gave you an order,” Alejo says in a deep and annoyed tone.

Shit, he’s an Alpha… I’m fucked.

Beck steps toward me. “Alejo, stop. Can’t you see she’s traumatized? It’s stopping her from shifting.”

“Beck—”

The other man, Beck, holds his hand up and Alejo stops talking. Beck turns to me and moves forward like he’s approaching an injured animal. He lowers his voice. “Hey, it’s okay, Red. Look at me. You can ride on me.”

His presence washes over me. It may not be as forceful as Alejo’s command, but it’s still the command of an Alpha, and my mouth hangs open as my eyes dart between them.

“Y-You’re both Alphas?”

A growl rumbles beside us, and I turn, realizing that instead of Alejo standing there in his human form, he’s replaced by a massive and undeniably beautiful black wolf. I can’t take my eyes off him. His coat shines in the moonlight as he moves forward, and instinctively, I want to run my fingers through his fur. He moves past me, jerking his head in an upward motion.

Turning to follow him, I jump back in shock at the beautiful golden-brown wolf standing where Beck was a moment ago. He’s just as beautiful, his fur sleek and full. I want to bury my face in it like a feather bed. He nips at my heels, making me jump back, but then lowers his chest to the ground, his eyes darting to me and then over his shoulder.

I hesitate, and Alejo nudges me from behind with a low, forceful growl.

“Okay, okay,” I mutter, “I’m going.”

Throwing my leg over Beck’s back, I weave my fingers into his fur, holding on tightly. I’m barely settled when he springs forward, and I panic a little, pressing my body flat against him. Flashes of Alejo running with us move in and out of my line of sight. He truly is a beautiful wolf, even if his disposition isn’t so nice.

Beck picks up speed as we get deeper into the forest, and I find myself trying to hold on tighter, but worrying that I might hurt him if I pull too hard. The last thing I want to do is fall off his back, though. The faster he goes, the denser the forest seems to get, and branches hit my face and arms, stinging as we go. I press my face into Beck’s fur as much as possible to shield myself.

For the first time in forever, I feel oddly safe. Beck beneath me is inviting, comforting…things I can’t remember if I’ve felt before. But how can that be?

I’m not a fool, though. I don’t know Beck or Alejo at all, and in the back of my mind, I can’t help but wonder if I just traded one prison for another.

What the hell do I do if this one ends up being worse?