A sinister smile crept on my lips as I ventured into the woods. The early morning sunlight filtering through the trees in golden color. Most werewolves liked to hunt in the evening or night, but I loved the morning and afternoon hunting. It is daring and makes my adrenaline gush. I don't come like a thief in the night, but a master ready to take control.

My eyes darted everywhere like the predator I was, the wind slapping my face, leaves making their rustling sounds, and birdsong echoing in the forest. I stopped on my tracks abruptly. I knew someone was tailing me, but I needed the person to be close enough so I could attack and be on the upper hand.

My claws elongated, and after the count of two, I had pinned the figure to a nearby tree, my claws pressed against the soft skin of his neck, ready to strike.

“Jamie?” I called out, my voice laced with surprise as recognition dawned on me. His unmistakable blonde hair, now disheveled, framed his angular face. His dark brown eyes that once sparkled with warmth now widened in fear.

The shock on my face was replaced with annoyance.

“Hi, Zara,” he mouthed with a grin plastered on his face, his fear now disappearing. I scowled at him and withdrew my hands.

“Didn’t I make it known to you guys that I do not want anyone tailing after me? What if I had lost control and snapped your head?” I growled at him. Still annoyed that he didn't take heed to my warning.

“Well, good news is you didn't lose control, and also I can't leave you all alone in the forest. You know how dangerous it is for us,” he reminded me of the danger here in the forest, his voice laced with worry. I knew he was concerned for me, but then.

“I’m not a kid, Jamie; I know how to fend for myself,” I snapped at him. The smile on his face wiped off; I knew he wanted to oppose me.

Of course, he is one of my closest friends and someone I've saved in the hands of his pack. I understand his concern.

“I could tag along. I know you are strong and all of that, but that won't stop me from being worried; you are our queen Zara, and none of us want to lose you,” He whined while I rolled my eyes.

“I am your queen, and a strong one at that. You and I know I'm good at soloing,” I stated, my arms crossed around my chest.

“See, no one can figure out what pack I am from. I took the herbs that hide our scent, and I'm also stronger and faster. I won't tie you down,” he tried to bargain, but I had already made up my mind.

“Get your blonde ass back to the den and take care of the rest till I'm back. Make sure to look out for dangers, and don't forget to signal for help when it becomes too dangerous; we don't know when those lousy werewolves with packs will attack,” I declared, and he nodded his head. Hesitation is still evident in his dark brown eyes.

“Za—”

“Go now!” I ordered. Time is far spent trying to change his mind. He needed to go so I could go on with my mini mission. He glanced at me one last time before nodding his head in approval and dashed into the woods, back to the place where he came from.

No one must know our hideout, not now.

Once I was sure he was gone, I went deeper into the woods.

***

I crouched low to the ground, my eyes fixed on the patrol group navigating the forest trail. It's a good thing they're out of their pack's borders; it's easy for me to pick them out and do whatever it is I wanted to do.

I covered my face with a mask, my hair styled in a low bun covered with a net. With calculated precision, I began my ambush. Taking a wolf down silently with a swift kick to the jaw, rendering him unconscious.

A swift slash of my claw on his cheeks to draw an intricate, curved line. The next wolf came in too easily; he was caught in a snare I had prepared earlier. As he struggled, I whispered, “Your Alpha’s reign ends soon.” I hit a vital spot on his neck to make him unconscious so I could brand his forehead just as I did to the other one.

As soon as I was done, I heard someone call out to one of the wolves I had made unconscious.

“Caleb!” the voice called out once again, becoming more alarming. As much as I would love to cause a riot in the pack, now isn't the time. As I checked around to see if there's a way to knock out this flamingo trying to call attention, I realized there were four more people together with her.

“Nice,” I grumbled, closing my eyes. Taking all five wasn't an issue; I didn't want any noise. I clenched my fist, knowing I would have to come again next time before my main appearance.

No matter how strong their defense is, I would still have my way around this pack. There are a lot of scores that need to be settled soon.

All of those sick people in this pack, especially the elders, and that power-hungry, arrogant Alpha should wait for my return. I'm not here to only ruin the pack, just like I've done to other packs that I've ambushed, but to rule over this pack. Crescent Pack, the strongest pack of all.

I'm going to make your Alpha plead for mercy; make the elders beg for their lives. There is so much I want to do with y'all, but that's for later, not today. I gritted my teeth, anger boiled in my blood as I took one last look at the pack.

‘Very soon, Zara, the Crescent Pack pack will soon be yours.’ I raised my hand, covering my tracks as I dashed back into the forest.

I sat on the bed looking at my reflection. I was half-naked only wearing a trouser, my eyes glued on the mirror, and my dark shoulder length hair was being packed in a bun by Celine, my soon-to-be Luna. We'd been engaged for years, but very soon we'd be mating.

“You look bothered,” she said, her voice barely audible, but because of our werewolf ability, I was able to hear it. I grunted and closed my eyes when her hands filled with ointment massaged my shoulder. I needed that massage. Celine was right; something bothered me.

It was the rogues.

I've been hearing complaints about how rogues had been attacking packs and ruining them with nobody left out. Rogues had killed those unlucky packs Alpha and placed their heads in front of the pack’s border. They killed some elders, both male and female, and captured the rest of the pack to be taken as their slaves.

Their food stock was stolen; neighboring packs had been worried; they had come to me to join hands with them. Being one of the strongest Alphas, I needed to help the neighboring packs. They've been restless; no one knows who's leading them.

Rumors say they have a leader and that they are increasing in numbers.

“It is good that you are enjoying the massage,” Celine said, interrupting my thoughts, but I said nothing. Her work here is to please me, bear my heir, and do all the Luna duty; there is no love lost between us.

She knows that, and she has accepted her fate. Celine is strong, a strong beta, and her dad, being one of the strongest elders, had helped my dad during the coup with my dad's cousin, so that's why she was the better option to be picked as the Luna of Crescent Pack, and I needed someone who wouldn't ask for love.

Her hands raked down my chest; getting closer to my torso, I flung my eyes open, staring at her through the mirror. She had a seductive look on, biting her lips like she expected the same from me. I didn't mind the sex, but couldn't she read the room? I wasn't in the mood.

“Leave!” I growled, Celine flinched, but she didn't move.

“All you need is good sex, my love,” she whispered into my ears, and I cringed at her words. She should know seduction doesn't work on me.

‘My love!’ It sounded irritating to me. I pushed her hands away harshly; she fell on the bed, almost getting to the floor.

A gasp elicited from her lips, now looking scared because of my glare. She quickly adjusted her clothes and dashed out of the room. I hastily put on my robe and entered the bathroom to shower and have a refreshed mind.

The bathroom was so dark and gloomy; it has been like this ever since I'd fought for the throne. My brother, Lucas, whom I had to kill to end the massacre of the innocent. I let myself immerse myself in the bathtub filled with cold water with my eyes closed. I tried to let everything disappear and succumb into darkness where I wouldn't have to think about the chaos in my past.

***

Emerald green eyes appeared in my darkness, and I jolted up, gasping lightly as I wiped off the water on my face. Pulling my hair to the back, I got out of the bathtub. Those eyes—I shouldn't think about it, not even the owner of those eyes. I have no right to do so; it's been long since I've seen those eyes, and that's how it should be.

A price I had to pay to be the Alpha.

‘Alpha, you need to see this!’ Stefan said through the mindlink that the urgency in his voice was something that I could not take lightly. I pulled over a shirt and trouser and then dashed out of my chambers, not bothered about my wet hair. I walked outside where people were crowded; the crowd made way for me to pass.

My hands clenched to the side when I saw two of my men on their knees; their bodies shivered in fear.

“Why are they on their knees?” I inquired; despite not ozzing my alpha aura or using my dominant tone, my voice still held authority in it.

“Alpha,” one of them said while looking up at me. The crowd gasped, and I furrowed my brows when I saw the intricate drawing on his face. I clenched my teeth, my eyes dashing to Stafan.

The intricate looked familiar; there was no way I wouldn't know who did this.

Rogues!

How come?

How did they get to the bother without my men knowing it?

“We were knocked out while patrolling the pack; she did this on my face,” the one who spoke earlier, Caleb, said.

“She?” I repeated, to be sure I heard the same thing.

“Yes, sir. It was a she, and she told me that the Alpha’s reign is coming to an end.” He responded, and the whole crowd gasped once again.

She?

What audacity does she have that makes her think my reign is going to end soon?

I snorted; the arrogance in the unknown lady was infuriating.

“Was she the only one who came?” I questioned, and Caleb nodded in affirmation.

“Yes, sir. She came alone,” He replied, and I chuckled. She came alone and went back without being caught.

“Did anyone get hurt?” I asked, moving forward to checking the intricate work she did with her claws.

“No, Alpha,” Stefan responded, and I nodded my head. It's clear this was a warning sign from her; I bet she is the one ruling over the rogues.

I never recall any warning signs from the other packs that were attacked; they just came like thieves and then ruined the pack.

I'm intrigued to know what kind of person I'm dealing with. I touched the intricate, anger blazing in my eyes; she came in here and staked her claim.

She thirsts and hungers for fire, and I would be her downfall. No one comes to the lion's den and goes scott-free.

I caught Jamie's wrist as he tried to slink past me. I twisted my fingers around his ear and yanked, pulling him along before he could react.

Getting out of my chambers, he yelled, "Ouch! Zara, that hurts,” he stumbled as I led him through the clearing.

“Can you let go?” He said, still wincing. Ignoring his protest, I gave his ear another quick tug.

“Care to explain why you were following me?” I demanded, releasing him with a scowl. Jamie stood upright, rubbing his ear and casting me a sheepish look.

“What, can't I just make sure you are okay?” He replied, and I rolled my eyes. It was good that he came back after I told him to do so.

Just because I let it slide yesterday morning doesn't mean I won't talk about it when I get back. I was still annoyed because I wasn't able to finish what I'd planned to accomplish.

“Stop thinking I can't handle myself, Jamie,” I scoffed, crossing my arms.

He let out a guilty chuckle, his shoulder slumping. “Look, I'm sorry, Zara. I know you can handle anything, but sometimes I can't help but..." He trailed off, glancing down at his feet.

“I just can't help but get nervous at times; I worry about you, Zara. You just do things at times, and I'm like, is she alright? Not only me, Zara, look around; everyone's worried about you. No one knows what you are going to do next; you just wake up one morning and then dash out without anyone following you; you know how those werewolves are eager to tear us down at any slight opportunity; we are just worried,” he prattled, breathing heavily, and I was just quiet. Looking at me, my people had a concerned expression on their faces.

I bit my lips and closed my eyes. It was hard for me to stay angry at Jamie with his words because there was truth in them. It's not like I'm being selfish on purpose or acting like I didn't want to ask for help or anything; this mission is my purpose, and I needed to do it alone.

I would not want to bring my people down because of this mission; I'd rather they live than die for me, even if they want to.

Crescent Pack isn't like other packs, and the only way for me to move on is to succeed in my mission.

“Worrying about me when I'm perfectly fine only distracts you. Jamie, you are one of my best. If I'm out here, you should keep watch over my people like we agreed.”

He nodded, looking thoroughly chastised, “Alright, my queen. Clearly understood,” he replied, but his eyes sparkled with that familiar playfulness.

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps cut through the silence, and one of my men, Terri, appeared slightly bowing down, addressing me. “Zara,” he said.

“We have the Alpha,” he added, and a sinister smile found its way to my lips. I glanced at Jamie, whose expression had changed, his face growing taut, a distant shadow darkening his gaze.

“Bring him here,” I declared. My voice was calm.

***

Some of my men walked in, dragging a man whose hands were bound in a chain. His head bowed, shoulders hunched, and every ounce of arrogance had vanished. Derek, Alpha of Nightshade Pack, was barely recognizable. I was sure he had fought to free himself from my men, but he hadn't succeeded. With severe bruises on his body and blood dripping from his body, he could hardly walk by himself had it been my men weren't holding the shackles he had on.

The cruel Alpha, who has ruled over Jamie's pack. His ruthlessness was known across many packs, treating those people he deemed inferior as nothing more than pawns or prey. And Jamie… Jamie had suffered the worst of it, tormented, brutalized, and abused under this tyrant rule, stripped of any dignity just because he was born an omega.

What crime was it to be born an omega?

The memory of what my Jamie had to suffer in his hands made my blood boil; all I saw was red, and I just wanted to kill him—a protective instinct flaring up in me.

Derek raised his head, his eyes darting to mine. Fear evident in his face; of course he knew me. I'd paid him a visit some months ago, and I briefly told him not to cross paths with mine; he was trembling, and I could hear his unsteady breath.

Jamie clenched his fist; his entire body went rigid as he glared at the bound man. I could feel Jamie's anger radiating; it was barely contained, and I knew what this moment meant to him.

“Jamie,” I muttered softly, his eyes met with mine. The vulnerability in his eyes touched a deep part of my heart. “This is your moment; you deserve justice.”

He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.

I stepped closer. “Do whatever it is you wish to do with him,” I said.

“Make him feel every ounce of pain he made you feel,” I added, trying my best not to look at the devil.

Derek's eyes widened, his face draining of color. “No, you... can't y-you can't,” he stammered, shaking his head repeatedly.

Jamie lips pressed. “I do not want to do it,” he admitted. I could feel Derek being relaxed at Jamie's words while I looked confused.

“Jamie, you've been waiting for this? Your freedom, don't you want it?”

“I do, but I want you to do it,” he responded. My gaze was on him, and I saw the determination there. I nodded his head and turned to face the monster, who thought he was going to escape from death.

“Jamie, you can't do this. You can't let her do this to me; remember your mom, I sav-” Before he could complete his words, I slashed his neck, his gut coming out and blood gushing out.

How dare he bring Jamie's mom into this?

Saved who?

Making Jamie see how he raped his mother is what he called saved?

I just wish I could make his death slower; I shouldn't have let my anger take over. I should gouge his eyes and break his bones, cut off his manhood, and make him see how I'll feed them to the wild dogs in the cage.

I looked at Jamie to see how he is dealing with it. I know how sensitive calling his mom is, but he seemed fine.

“It is okay; I've come to terms with my mom's death,” he reassured me, and I smiled.

“I am proud of you, Jamie.”

“I am leaving now,” I said to Jamie, my voice steady with a hint of something that sounded like regret. “While I am gone, you are in charge. Treat them all like family. No one gets hurt, no games are played, and no risks are taken. You keep them safe and out of sight.”

Jamie looked at me with widened eyes, trying to mask his feelings. “You do not have to go alone,” he urged, stepping closer.

“Whatever it is, we would face it together,” he tried to my mind, but I shook my head negatively. I reached out my hands to touch his shoulder. “This is something I have to do alone,” I replied, my tone softened but unyielding.

“There are things in my past that I have to face, things that won't let me breathe if I don't. And for me to lead... truly lead... I need to be free from them,” I explained. Jamie searched my face for a moment. I'd already told him before while we were alone that there would be a time I would leave the den to face my past, and today is the right time.

I can't wait any longer, but instead of my first plan, I changed it when I realized this is a battle I need to face alone and not risk any of my family.

“Fine, I'll let you go, but promise me you'll return. I do not want to take no for an answer,” He insisted, and I chuckled while nodding my head in affirmation.

“I promise I will come out victorious,” I promise instead, even if dying is the only way to win, then I'm going to die. Tears slid down his eyes; I wiped them off, and he engulfed me in an embrace.

“We will miss you, my queen. I'll miss you, Zara,” he whispered in my ear, the embrace getting tighter.

“I am going to miss you too,” I muttered and smiled. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pulled away from the hug.

“Time to go, my queen,” he said, placing a kiss on my knuckles. I ruffled his hair and smiled, collecting my bag from him. With one look at the den, I turned and disappeared into the shadows.

***

It was hours later when I crept up on the pack’s territory. I covered my face with a black mask, my hair styled in a bun, and my feet encased in boots. Everything around me was black, blending with the shadows. I moved silently, lighting fires around their perimeter, one by one, letting the flames creep into their path. The smoke filled the air, carrying a faint, almost untraceable scent laced with herbs I added to the flames. They worked fast, spreading through the camp like a plague, leaving them weaker and disoriented, barely able to stand.

I heard growls and howls with confused shouts, moving closer to the pack, bodies falling, piling up each other. Some stumbled trying to get me, but I was faster and smarter. From the shadow I took down people who got in my way; my strikes were precise, calculated, and ruthless, each one fueling the fire that had long smoldered inside me.

One of the pack warriors blocked my way, “An intruder here!” One of them screamed and attacked me without waiting for others. I held his hands, broke his claws, and pushed him away. He tried to come closer, but I snapped his neck at a go. Another charged at me; he was fiercer and faster than the first one; he held my hair, but before he could lose my bun, I kicked him in the groin. He let out a groan, but I cared less and hit him hard on the face. He tried to alert others like the first one did, but I stabbed him in the abdomen.

Blood was cluttering my hands, making me scrunch my face in irritation. Just as I was about to turn in another direction, an arrow was shot at me. I dodged at the right time and then brought out a dagger from my side pocket and threw it at the attacker, and he slumped to the ground.

Finally, my path was cleared until an omega stumbled in front of me, eyes scared, barely breathing. It reminded me of those moments when I had no one to come to my aid.

“Help me,” he mouthed, and something shook inside of me. I heard footsteps approaching. I snapped my head to the sides; there were three of them, and I could easily take them down, but I had other plans in mind.

I brought out an herb that could make the omega last longer before fainting. Once he had inhaled the herb, I gave him a mask to cover his nose so he wouldn't inhale the smoke.

“Bound me and act like you captured me,” I said to him. His eyes widened, but I nodded my head, trying to tell him it's okay. He pressed his lips, looking uncertain. I brought my hands closer, and then he bound me with the shackles I gave him, and then he brought me to the pack, not letting others touch me.

He told them they shouldn't do that. Once we walked deeper into the pack, I smiled at the damage I had caused. It was enough to get the attention of that selfish alpha and also enough to kill some elders.

“Aiden, who's that?” One of the pack guards asked, but the latter ignored him, walking towards the alpha.

“Why did you ask me to bound you? You could have just escaped; I won't even tell anyone I saw you,” the omega inquired, still not grasping why I told him to take him inside the pack. I chuckled lightly.

“It is still part of the plan, kid. I would still achieve whatever it is I want to achieve,” I replied, and he had a confused expression, but he didn't say anything.

“Alpha, I've caught the intruder who caused the flames,” Aiden roared, which caught the angry Alpha's attention.

Just as the Alpha turned his back on me, my eyes lit in horror as I felt my wolf stir up within me.

I'd been angry... No, it was more than that.

I'd been lethal; hearing my pack had been attacked made me feral. My mind zeroed in on nobody as I looked at the smoke in the air; a loud growl elicited from my lips.

I wasn't going to spare that rogue leader who tried to turn my pack into nothing. I heard about the captive of Alpha Derek; he was second strongest after me, but hearing that made me anxious. It made me feel like I had belittled those rogues, and the trespass was aggravating.

All I saw was red!

I wanted to spill blood and make them feel pain.

I'd turn my back to carry the little wolf that had stumbled on the floor. I picked her up and dropped her on the ground, which was safer. There was no time to clean up her tears or tell her things were going to be fine; I needed to tear off their limbs. Seeing my people slumping to the ground like they are nothing—that is—soul crushing.

I scanned around to see if there was an intruder nearby when I heard Aiden's words, “Alpha, I've caught the intruder who caused the flames.”

Turning around, my lethargic aura dimmer as the emerald green eyes came into contact with mine. My lungs froze, and I could not inhale oxygen or even exhale it. Under the dimly lit moonlight, she held her head up; she was something else altogether.

My eyes swept over her; she looked stronger, exuding a darker aura that aligned with her beauty. Even under the mask she wore, those eyes could not deceive me. I took a step closer and tore the mask off her face with my claws.

I shuddered; my breath became unsteady.

She was—ethereal!

She still has the effect on me, but this time it was stronger. The bond was pulling, tugging, and I just couldn't take my eyes off her.

Black.

She was clothed in it from head to toe, blending with the darkness around her, a specter of night itself. Even in the shadows, I could sense the lethargic grace without her moving an inch. It struck me to the core to realize how much she had changed since they'd last seen each other.

Our farewell wasn't something that I could be proud of.

It broke not only her but me.

She was no longer the quiet omega with cute fluffy eyes, but right here she stood as the rogue queen.

No one had to tell me she was leading the rogues; just by looking at her, I already knew it was her. That was my instinct kicking in.

‘Aurora!’ Zade growled in my ears. He was calling her wolf; I think he is trying to connect with her.

“Zara,” I said, my voice barely audible but loud enough for the three of us to hear. My defense was already crumbling; I didn't know what else to say apart from calling her name.

I wanted to touch her. The urge to do so tore me apart, and that because I knew I couldn't do it.

I had no right to touch her; she was formidable.

“Hi Alpha,” She drawled, having a sly smirk on; it was evident that she wasn't the woman I was used to.

Zara was cold—colder than anyone I've ever been with.

She has some calculated look in her eyes; all this was planned and detailed by her.

“What do you want?” I inquired, hoping all she wanted was my head like the other pack. I would gladly let her have it; I do not mind.

She deserves to cut off my head.

“You know why I'm here, don't you?” She taunted, and I nodded my head and broke off the chain that bound her hands. I know I shouldn't do this; I should probably bargain, but I couldn't just fight it.

The guilt is eating me up... Never in my entire life would I know that we would meet, but seeing her give me a chance, a chance to seek forgiveness and pay for my sins.

She chuckled, her eyes hinting with malice, “Aren’t you going to fight? Why are you so boring, Alpha? I had seen you already become feral, and now you are acting all weak. Why?" She mocked, and I bent my head.

She could taunt me all she wants.

“All I ask is to give them the antidote for whatever it is you added to the flames,” I requested while raising my head up. There was a flash of shock on her face; if I wasn't looking at her, I would have missed it.

“Hmmm…” she hummed

“Killing you is no fun, Alpha. I want more than that; I would have asked for a duel, but now I think I want more than that,” she declared and paused her words.

Zara took steps closer, close enough for me to inhale her sweet lavender scent mixed with honey. She stared into my eyes for a while, as if contemplating what to do next.

“I want her head and every one of the elders' heads in here,” she requested, and my eyes widened at her outrageous request. In a blink of an eye, Zara already held out the young wolf that I had saved, her claws now on her neck. One single misstep could lead to the Omega's death.

“Zara!” I growled, silently pleading while trying to hold in my rage.

“What Alpha? Can't give me what I want?” She mocked me, and I grated my teeth.

“It’s me you have a problem with; it's me okay.” I tried to reason with her, but she laughed at me like a maniac.

“Do I look like I care? I'm sure you know who I am, Alpha, and you've heard tales of what I and my people did, so why then didn't you do what you ought to have done?” She stated, her claws getting close. I could sense the Omega's fear; even though I am indecisive, I could not help but be afraid too.

“Fine, why don't we do it like this, release the omega and become part of the pack?” I proposed. “With authority! I know you are a rogue queen and you can have all the powers you want, but why don't you rule over the person who caused you pain? Watch me be so vulnerable and under your command like how you've been before.”

Her eyes flickered; I could see the struggle in her eyes.

“You could avoid spilling blood and have me under your mercy, how's that?” she looked at me, her gaze piercing and unyielding.