Introduction: The Runaway Bride

Camden Woods raced through the dense forest, her wedding dress trailing behind like a ghostly spectre. Every stride was fuelled by fear, determination, and the lingering effects of the wolfsbane her father had forced upon her.

As a werewolf, she could have easily evaded capture in her wolf form. But the wolfsbane coursing through her veins confined her to her human form, stripping away her true nature and leaving her vulnerable. The thought of marrying someone who wasn't her destined mate was unbearable, even if it meant strengthening the pack alliances.

Pushing herself to her limit, Camden knew she had to reach beyond the boundaries of her pack's territory before her father's men closed in on her. They were swift and relentless in their wolf forms, while she was left to rely on her own two feet. She had to keep pushing, to find sanctuary beyond the border that threatened to trap her in a loveless existence.

Sprinting through the woods, gasping for breath, Camden realized she had no concrete plan. All she had was her determination and refusal to surrender to a life she wanted no part in living. She had left everything behind, except for the ridiculously puffy wedding dress that hindered her every move, a cruel reminder of the life she rejected.

While glancing back, searching for any signs of her pack giving chase, Camden collided with what she initially assumed must have been a tree. Recoiling, she crumpled to the forest floor, pain shooting through her body. Moaning, she held her head, massaging it in hopes that it might alleviate some of her pain. But she couldn't afford to stay down. She knew the pack was likely on her tail, and she had to press on—she had to cross the border.

Summoning her strength, Camden struggled to her feet, tears welling in her eyes as she nursed the bump on the side of her head. That's when she realized the object she crashed into wasn't a tree, but a man. His piercing gaze bore into her, grave and unyielding. He stood there, unmoving, fixated on her. Camden's heart sank, and the tears she had held back now began to pour forth uncontrollably.

"Please!" she begged with genuine sorrow, her voice filled with desperation, "please don't take me back. Just tell my father you couldn't find me. Please, I can't marry him. I can’t go through with this.” Sobbing, she dropped to her knees. Hope faded rapidly as the man continued to stare at her, his face an unreadable mask.

Silently, he reached out his hand, an offer to help her up. Tears streaming down her face, Camden took his outstretched hand and sobbed harder, convinced that her fate was now sealed. Not only would she be forced to marry Jackson, but she would likely also face even harsher consequences. Her father wouldn't take this humiliation lightly. Who knew what he had in store for her? It was only a matter of time before she found out now. A wave of despair engulfed her as her sobs dissipated into silent despondence, rather feeling the overwhelming void of hopelessness as it closed in all around her.

The man effortlessly pulled her to her feet. Just when she expected him to lead her back the way she came, he turned, still holding her hand, and guided her deeper into the heart of the woods.

Confusion filled her mind as she looked up at him through teary eyes. "Where are we going?" she managed to ask with a sniff, her voice wavering with uncertainty. "I know a place where you'll be safe," he replied, his voice deep and gentle, filled with compassion and determination.