CARA’S POV
The minutes stretched on after Debby left, leaving me alone in the cottage. My heart raced with anticipation, a mixture of fear and excitement swirling in my chest. I’d been cooped up for so long, suffocating in this small Cottage with nothing but my thoughts that I didn’t want to remember.
The idea of stepping outside, of seeing something beyond these dull and plain walls, was a blessing I would embrace with joy.
Finally, I heard the soft crunch of footsteps on the forest floor. Debby emerged from the dense woods, her arms filled with clothes and a few bags that resembled a hunter’s box. I peered at her with a confused look, but her face was a mix of determination and calm, which somehow reassured me.
“My lady,” she began as she entered the cottage, “I’ve brought what you’ll need for your disguise. We’ll have to be quick and careful. It’s important that no one recognizes you.”
I nodded, eager to begin. The sheer idea of going against the so- called master that has only caused me pain bought me a twisted joy.
Debby handed me a simple yet elegant dress, unlike the ones I had been wearing. It was made of soft, durable fabric in muted tones that would blend well with the natural surroundings. There was also a hooded cloak, which she explained was essential to hide my face and scent.
As I changed into the new clothes, Debby worked on preparing a mixture of herbs and oils. “This will mask your scent,” she explained, applying the mixture to my skin with gentle hands. The smell was earthy and fresh, a blend of pine and something floral I couldn’t quite place.
Once I was dressed and my scent was masked, Debby stepped back to inspect her work. “Perfect,” she said with a satisfied nod. “No one will know it’s you. Now, let’s go.”
I pulled the hood over my head, the fabric soft against my skin. “Where are we going exactly?” I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity.
“To the Mafians’ wolf pack, the pack where you’ll probably stay from now on,” Debby replied, her voice lowering as if the very mention of the name required caution. “It’s a secret place, hidden from the outside world. Only those accepted or trusted by the Master are allowed to know about it.”
My heart fluttered with both excitement and fear. The name itself sounded ominous, yet fascinating. I had heard rumours of rogue packs that operated outside the traditional structures, but I never imagined I’d be so close to one. “Thank you, Debby, for this,” I thanked her truthfully. She was basically disrespecting her master for my sake.
Debby led me out of the cottage, and for the first time in days, I felt the cool breeze against my skin. The forest was dense, the trees towering above us as we walked. The path we followed was narrow and winding, almost as if it were intentionally designed to confuse anyone unfamiliar with it.
As we walked deeper into the woods, I noticed how the landscape changed. The trees grew thicker, the air more fragrant with the scent of pine and moss. It was as if we were entering a different world entirely. The sounds of the forest, birds chirping, leaves rustling, filled the silence between us, adding to the surreal feeling of the journey.
After what felt like an eternity, Debby stopped in front of what appeared to be a solid wall of trees and vines. I looked around, confused. “Is this it?” I asked, puzzled by the lack of any visible entrance.
Debby smiled, reaching out to touch a specific vine. With a quick, practised movement, she pulled it aside, revealing a hidden pathway. “This way,” she said, motioning for me to follow.
We stepped through the opening, and I felt a chill run down my spine. The path was narrow and dark, the trees above forming a thick canopy that blocked out most of the sunlight. The ground was soft beneath my feet, muffling our steps as we walked.
Suddenly, the path opened up, and I found myself standing at the edge of a vast, hidden valley. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight before me.
The valley was stunning, unlike anything I had ever seen. It was like a natural fortress, surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests that provided perfect concealment. But what truly took my breath away were the structures nestled within it. They were not the crude, makeshift shelters I had expected from a rogue pack. Instead, there were beautifully crafted buildings, made from wood and stone, that blended seamlessly with the environment.
The entire place was alive with activity. Wolves in human form moved about with purpose, their movements fluid and coordinated. Despite their rogue status, there was an undeniable sense of order and community here. While adults worked on various tasks, some tending to gardens, others crafting tools and weapons, children played near a sparkling pond, their laughter echoing through the valley, adding a warm glow to the environment, making it seem like any other normal pack.
I stood there, in awe of the beauty and harmony of the place. The smell of rabid dogs peculiar to rogues wafted through my nose. The pack members were not the wild, lawless rogues I had known; they were living together and communicating like normal wolves.
“This…this is the Mafians’ wolf pack?” I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away from the scene before me.
“Yes,” Debby replied, a note of pride in her voice. “This is our home. A place where we are free to live as we wish, without the strict rules of the traditional packs. The Master built this for us, for those who had nowhere else to go,” she said with eyes filled with worship at the mention of the Master.
As we walked deeper into the valley, I noticed the way the pack members greeted Debby with respect, their eyes filled with warmth and familiarity. They spared curious glances at me, but none questioned my presence, likely because of Debby’s reassuring presence by my side.
“This place is beautiful,” I said, still in awe.
“It is,” Debby agreed, a smile tugging at her lips. “But it wasn’t always this way. It took years of hard work and sacrifice to build this haven. We are a family here, bound not by blood, but by our shared struggles and dreams to be accepted.”
I felt a pang of envy as I watched them. This was what I had always longed for, a place to belong, where I wouldn’t be judged for my weaknesses or cast aside because of my rank. Here, the rogues lived in a way that defied the cruel stereotypes others held about them. They were not savages or outcasts; they were survivors, thriving in a world that had tried to break them.
“The Mafians wolf pack has the Great Hall. Here is where most of the pack activities are performed, including important discussions over meals,” Debby explained, pointing toward a large building. It was at the centre of the valley, its architecture intricate and imposing. It was clearly the heart of the pack, a place where decisions were made and the elders resided.
But we took a turn, immediately going the opposite way. “We have to hide from the Beta. As long as he doesn’t see us, then our secret is safe, and the Master won’t know that you left without his permission,” Debby whispered to me seriously.
I nodded in understanding as we made our way to a small building. As we reached the entrance, Debby paused, turning to face me.
“Before we go in, I need to warn you,” she said, her expression serious. “This place, while beautiful, is also dangerous. The Mafians wolf are not like other packs. They live by their own rules, and not everyone here will be as welcoming as those you’ve seen. Stay close to me, and do exactly as I say. Understand?”
I nodded, swallowing the lump of fear that had formed in my throat. “I understand.”
Debby gave me a reassuring smile before leading me inside. Immediately, the strong smell of liquor assaulted my senses. I widened my eyes, looking at Debby, but she just smiled at me. “Relax, Cara. You’ve been traumatised these past days. Just allow yourself to relax.”
As we entered the main hall, I felt the weight of eyes on me. Pack members gathered around a large table, deep in discussion. The interior was just as impressive as the outside, warm, inviting, yet undeniably the place was filled with rogues laughing and drinking away. The sight brought a smile to my face. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to let loose.
“Two shots, please,” Debby signaled to the bartender, a bulky man with wild hair who looked to be in his 50s. “Aye aye,” he replied, causing the two of them to laugh. Judging from their actions, Debby must have known the bartender closely.
“This is Cara,” Debby introduced me, her voice calm but firm. “She’s under my protection.”
“Oohh, a new beauty. Why haven’t I seen a face like that before?” he asked, peering at me with wild, unconcealed eyes.
“Yeah, she’s a new member who works in the infirmary,” she lied with ease.
“Hoho, newbie, if you need anything, come to this uncle,” he said before going to pour drinks for other people.
Debby guided me to a seat at the far end of the room, where I could observe without drawing too much attention. I looked at her with a curious expression. “We came to see someone, right?”
“No, no… He’s just my very good friend. His name is Geoffrey,” she replied. I decided to let it slide. We sat there, enjoying the busy and boisterous atmosphere. As I watched the faces of those who had built their lives here, I realised that I was no longer just a weak, frightened Omega. These people were strong, resilient, and unafraid. If I was going to survive, I had to drop my walls and mingle.
I was enjoying myself, it was a good break from my predicament. At some point, I allowed myself to relax, laughing at the jokes and discussions flying around the room.
The bell over the bar door jingled, signalling a new customer. A group of hefty young men, who looked like soldiers, stepped inside, immediately catching my attention. Among them was a tall, imposing figure. His eyes were sharp, assessing the bar with a mixture of curiosity and caution before making his way to a secluded table that seemed designated for him.
But as I looked around, the room remained in its merry atmosphere, as if the others were oblivious to the hefty men who had just walked in. I turned to Debby, only to see her face filled with horror.
“Who are they?” I asked, my voice low with unease.
“He’s Gareth, the Beta of the Mafians wolfs pack,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
I had only one thing in mind ” we were in trouble”.