Prologue

I am running down the long corridor of the mansion, my heart pounding in my chest as I try to catch my breath. The sound of my footsteps echoes off the walls, and I can feel the sweat dripping down my forehead.

I have tried to keep it quiet in the past, but I don't care anymore. I can't let him get me.

Alpha Xavier.

The Alpha of the Silverblade pack takes no nonsense or disobedience. If he knows I'm the one they are after, there will be no doubt I will be sent away to the place I never want to be back again, even if I'm just a nobody to him.

Or worse, I will be punished severely for trying to outsmart him.

It was stupid of me to think that I could hide in this pack without being noticed and that I could pretend to be some random refugee rogue to be offered a random job for serving the pack.

If he knows I have been avoiding him deliberately in the last two months, especially when he was already looking for me, I'll be doomed. I can't be put into the dungeon. No way.

Because I know how harshly he punishes the prisoners.

The long corridor seems to stretch on forever, each step feeling heavier than the last. My lungs burn as I try to suck in enough air to keep me going. But I can't afford to slow down, not when the Alpha is chasing me.

I've done such a great job hiding amongst this pack so far, blending in with the other maids, away from people's prying eyes, but I guess I just got too complacent with myself that I became reckless.

My cover was blown when Alpha Xavier noticed my scent for the first time, and he had been looking for me ever since.

Gosh darn, it!

I hear the sound of footsteps behind me, and I know that Alpha Xavier is getting closer. Panic sets in, and I push myself even harder, my legs screaming with exhaustion.

Finally, I see a door at the end of the corridor. With renewed hope, I put on a burst of speed, my fingers fumbling as I try to get the door open.

But just then, I feel the Alpha's presence behind me.

Oh crap.

My heart sinks as I realize that the Alpha has caught up to me.

"Do you really think you know my place better than I do?" His rich voice and hot breath looming over me send shivers down my spine.

I turn around to face Alpha Xavier, and my hands hold up in a feeble attempt at defense. But I know that it is no use. He is stronger, faster, and more powerful than me in every way.

Alpha Xavier towers over me and stares at me with his cold, piercing grey eyes. He pushes the door open, and I nearly stumble backward and fall on my ass.

But he reaches out and grabs my waist before I fall and then shoves me inside the room. He slams the door behind him, trapping me in the room with him.

Oh, dear moon goddess, I'm so screwed!

"Where do you think you're going, little wolf?" he asks, his voice low and husky.

"I-I was just..." I stutter, unable to find the right words to say.

"Every time I try to find you, you fly away like a little bird. Now tell me, why are you hiding from me?" he growls, his finger lifting my chin slightly. His touch is electrifying, and he is very attractive despite being intimidating at the same time, making me look everywhere instead of his eyes.

I walk backward until I feel the wall against my back. I feel like a cornered animal, and I know that there is no escaping Alpha Xavier's wrath. I can't tell him the truth, but I don't know if I can still survive by playing dumb.

My head spins as I try to think of an excuse.

"I...I messed up," I finally manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He picks up a lock of my hair and twists it around his finger. "Care to tell me how you messed up?"

I feel hot and flustered. What will happen to me now?