Chapter 3
1041 Words
_Lyla's POV_
The warmth of the inn’s fire was comforting as I sat quietly at the table. The kind innkeeper, Clara, bustled about, her hands quick but steady as she brought me a steaming bowl of stew and a thick slice of bread.
“Eat up, dear,” she said, placing the food in front of me. “You look like you haven’t had a proper meal in days.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely audible.
The stew was rich and hearty, the warmth spreading through me with each bite. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until now. Clara gave me a soft smile and returned to her place behind the counter, giving me space but keeping a watchful eye on me.
For a moment, I allowed myself to believe I might be safe here. The inn felt like a haven, its cozy walls shielding me from the pain and fear I had left behind. But that fragile sense of peace was shattered when the door burst open, slamming against the wall.
A group of rough-looking men strode in, their laughter loud and crude. The smell hit me immediately—wolves.
My body tensed, and my wolf stirred uneasily. These weren’t pack wolves like Dorian and the others. They were rogues, their scent wild and untamed.
“Clara, my darling!” one of them called out, his voice dripping with mockery. He was tall and burly, with a scar running down his cheek. “Miss us?”
Clara stiffened but forced a smile. “What can I get you boys today?”
The leader smirked. “How about some of your… personal attention?”
The other men laughed, the sound harsh and grating. Clara’s smile faltered, but she stood her ground. “You know I don’t tolerate that kind of talk here. If you’re hungry, I’ll bring you food. Otherwise, you can leave.”
The leader’s smirk turned into a sneer. “You’re feisty. I like that.”
Anger bubbled in my chest as I watched them harass Clara. My wolf growled softly in my mind, urging me to act.
“Leave her alone,” I said in a firm voice.
The room went silent as all eyes turned to me. The leader raised an eyebrow, amused. “And who are you, little girl?”
“I said leave her alone,” I repeated, standing up. My heart pounded, but I refused to back down.
The leader chuckled, stepping closer to me. “Oh, we have got a brave one here, boys. What are you gonna do, sweetheart? Bite me?”
The others laughed, their voices grating on my nerves.
Without warning, the leader grabbed my arm, his grip painfully tight. “Maybe you need to be taught some manners.”
That was the last straw. My wolf surged forward, and before I could think, I shifted. My clothes tore as fur replaced skin, and a snarl tore from my throat.
Clara screamed, backing away as the men stumbled back in shock. The leader recovered quickly, a cruel grin spreading across his face. “Well, well. Looks like we have got ourselves a little fighter.”
He shifted too, his form towering over mine. His pack followed, their wolves surrounding me. I knew I was outnumbered, but I couldn’t back down.
The fight was brutal. I dodged and lunged, my teeth snapping at anything I could reach. I landed a few blows, but there were too many of them. The leader was relentless, his strength far greater than mine.
He slammed me against the wall, and I felt something crack. Pain shot through my body as I crumpled to the floor. Blood pooled beneath me, the metallic scent filling my nose.
My vision blurred, and my breaths came in shallow gasps. I knew I couldn’t win. This was it.
“Moon Goddess,” I whispered in my mind, “if this is the end, please make it quick.”
The door slammed open again, and a deep voice rang out. “What the hell is going on here?”
Through the haze, I saw him—a man with piercing blue eyes and brown hair that glinted in the firelight. He was tall, his broad shoulders radiating strength. Behind him stood a group of men, their stances ready for battle.
The rogue leader shifted back into his human form, glaring at the newcomer. “This isn’t your business. Get out.”
The man’s gaze swept over the scene, his jaw tightening. “You’re harassing humans and attacking a wolf. That makes it my business.”
“We’re wolves,” the leader sneered. “We don’t meddle in human affairs.”
The man stepped forward, his presence commanding. “What you’re doing is dishonorable. You’ll pay for this.”
He turned to the men behind him. “Lucian, Jason, take care of them. I’ll handle her.”
Handle me? I didn’t understand what he meant until he crouched beside me, his face softening as his eyes met mine.
“You’re hurt,” he said, his voice gentle.
I tried to speak, but no words came out. My wolf stirred weakly, her voice faint but excited. “Mate.”
My heart skipped a beat. Could it be true?
The man gently lifted me into his arms, his touch careful as if I might break. His scent washed over me—warm, earthy, and calming.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his brows furrowed with concern.
I managed a weak nod, but he wasn’t convinced. His gaze dropped to the blood staining my fur. “s**t,” he muttered under his breath.
My wolf was restless, her excitement growing. “He’s our mate,” she said.
I stared into his blue eyes, the truth sinking in. He was my mate. My second chance.
Second chance mates were rare, almost unheard of. Most wolves who were rejected spent their lives alone, unable to move on. But somehow, the Moon Goddess had given me another chance.
He looked at me, his voice soft. “I’m going to help you. Just hold on, alright?”
As the world around me faded into darkness, his voice was the last thing I heard.
- Writer
