You're My Rogue

Rain poured, cold and relentless, as my feet hammered against the soaked earth. "Shit!" I muttered, my breath ragged, pushing my tired limbs to keep pace. The lightning flashed, momentarily illuminating the dense forest around me, and I knew I couldn't keep this up much longer.

I veered sharply, diving behind a massive oak. Those Forest Moon scouts were tenacious, but I needed to lose them. Their angry shouts drifted through the downpour. "Where the hell did that rogue go?" one growled. "I don't know Sam. You're supposed to be able to track her." The other, Jonas, whined. Sam's retort was sharp: "Shut up Jonas! I can't track her with the rain. I completely lost her."

Their voices faded as they ran off in the opposite direction. I waited, making sure no one was near, no scent lingered. Then, I stripped, the cold air raising goosebumps on my skin, and shifted. My midnight black wolf form felt more natural, faster. I took off, heading north, my ribs aching with hunger. Nine years of this, always scavenging, always running. It sucked.

Just as I neared the border, a click echoed through the trees. "Don't move, rogue." The Alpha's voice, deep and disgusted, froze me. I turned, seeing the gun pointed at me. Silver bullets, probably. My luck. I whimpered, bowing my head in submission. He ordered them to grab me. I saw a small opening in the circle of warriors, and I ran. A loud bang. A searing pain in my back left leg. I yelped, falling, rolling to a stop. Silver. Damn it.

They left me, the Alpha's cruel words ringing in my ears: "She'll be dead by morning." I dragged myself under a tree, shifting back, looking at the bloody mess. I pulled the bullet out, threw it away. Dizzy, I stumbled to my feet. My vision blurred. Just before blacking out, I saw a masculine figure standing over me.