Reject (mxm)

The biting wind whipped strands of hair across my face as I stood by the graveside, the scent of damp earth and fading lilies heavy in the air. Mirabelle’s name, carved into the cold stone, was a silent accusation.

“How did you know I was here?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper against the mournful sigh of the trees.

Lorcan Burnell, Beta of Moonscape Pack, stepped forward, his expression unreadable. “We’ve been tracking all flights in and out of the country, just in case your name showed up.” His words were calm, too calm, like a hunter explaining his strategy to corner his prey. Around him, five formidable warrior wolves fanned out, their gazes like steel.

My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs. Five years. Five years of freedom, of living unseen, and now… this. They’d found me. The rogues’ worst nightmare.

“What do you want with me?” I demanded, backing away slowly, my eyes darting between them. I knew their capabilities, their strengths, their weaknesses. But five against one, against a 'runt' like me? It was a fool’s game to fight.

“We’re not here to hurt you, Ruari.” Lorcan’s voice was gentle, a practiced lie. I could feel the tremor of their power, the unspoken commands passing between them on the pack link I was no longer a part of. And then, a shiver down my spine. A seventh presence, unseen but felt, closing in from behind.

Six. Now seven. I was surrounded. My escape routes, meticulously planned, now felt like a desperate gamble. No time to bid. I had to move.