Rogues.

The word sent shivers down Haven’s spine as she laid there, watching several pairs of yellow eyes locked on her. Their bodies were still hidden in the shadows but their bright eyes were enough to make Haven curse.

Damn it.

“Well, well, well.” A rugged looking man stepped out, “Who do we have here boys?”

At the same time, dozens others followed. They all had the same yellow eyes and crazed look, characteristics of feral rogues.

“Fuck, she's beautiful”

“Let’s lay her.”

“We’re gonna have so much fun.” Their eyes glistened with lust.

“Shut up boys, can't you see she's hurt? Let's help the lady first.” The first rogue snapped.

“Don’t come closer!” Haven growled, forcing herself to her feet. The thorns tore at her skin but that was the least of her problems now.

“Feisty,”

Haven felt the urge to puke as his disgusting eyes roamed her body.

“Shes injured, but she'll do for tonight. Get her boys.”

The rogues shifted and Haven snarled as they lunged for her. She tried to shift again, and this time, it worked.

Bones snapped, silver fur flashed and in the next second, Haven’s wolf leapt forward, colliding midair with the first rogue. She caught his throat and tore, blood spraying over her fur.

Haven attacked ruthlessly but for every one she fought, two more appeared.

Her wolf growled in frustration. They more they fought, the weaker they became. It was just a matter of time before she got pinned down.

One rogue slammed into her, claws ripping through her fur.Sharp hot pain flared as she stumbled back. She managed to sink her fangs into flesh and throw it away. But the next second, another slammed into her, sending her flying across the clearing.

Pain exploded as Haven smashed into a nearby tree. Her wolf receded in pain, forcing her to shift back.

The rogue wolves inched closer, snickering at her. They enjoyed seeing her pain.

Every muscle in her body burned but she got on her feet again. She tried to reach for her wolf but it was no where to be found.

It had disappeared. Again.

She was on her own now.

That was when she smelt it.

The sudden change in the air.

One of the rogues stepped forward, and Haven knew it was over. It aimed for her face but before it could reach her, something blurred past.

Haven mouth dropped watching the wolf’s headless body collapse to the ground, the head rolling away.

An injured man stood before her, his form looked far worse than Haven’s, but somehow, he still carried himself with an impossible aura.

He moved with an inhumane speed as the wolves attacked.

Lucious wondered why his wolf had brought him to this clearing. He had seen her, a girl surrounded by rogues, body slick with blood as she bared her fangs. She should have been terrified being surrounded by danger. Instead, she looked like she was prepared to fight to death.

For a moment, Lucious had forgotten his hatred and pain. And when a rogue leapt for her, something in Lucious snapped.

He moved.

His half shifted form caught the wolf, ripping it apart with a ferocity that stunned even himself.

The rest of the rogues froze. Then lunged at him.

And in less than a minute, dead wolves sprawled across the ground.

Lucious felt his body swayed, blood oozing down his neck. For some reason, his wound refused to heal. Exhaustion dragged him down and he collapsed.

Haven stood there quietly.

Her eyes surveyed the gruesome sight in front of her, before finally landing on the stranger. Every instinct screamed at her to run but she didn't. Instead, she found herself moving closer.

“Hello?” Haven called, crouching beside him. That was when she noticed the open wound on his neck. He was bleeding. And the wound didn't seem to be healing.

The man hadn't said a word.

What if he was dead?

No… he couldn't be, at least not yet. He was still breathing.

She could turn and run now. Save herself before her pursuers or any more rogues appeared. But Haven couldn't.

This man had saved her.

She couldn't abandon him.

Sighing, she tore a piece of whatever shred of cloth was left on her and moved to dress the wound. She had barely touched the man when his eyes opened.

Their eyes locked.

For a single heartbeat, everything around them ceased to exist.

“You’re bleeding out.” Haven pointed out, finding her voice “I’m- I’m just trying to help.”

“I don't need your help.” His icy voice snapped, “Go away.”

Haven glared at the rude man, “You’ll die before evening if you keep acting like a stubborn fool.”

She reached for his head again but a low growl stopped her.

“Don’t touch me,”

“Believe me, I don't want to.” Haven shot back, “You saved my life, I don't like owing people. This makes us even.”

“I said—”

“Shut up and let me do this!” Haven snapped.

Lucious’ jaw dropped slightly. No one had ever dared speak to him in such a manner.

Daryl stirred restlessly inside him but he shoved his wolf aside.

Not now.

Haven gently placed his neck on her lap as she skillfully tended to his wound.

“That’s all I can do.” She said, wrapping it up nicely. It would do at least till the man got some help. “The rest is up to you. Try not to die.”

The last words hit Lucious hard. A contrast to Natasha’s final words.

“Get away from him!” Someone suddenly growled.

Alarmed, Haven turned to find a tall male growling at her.

“Step away from the Alpha, rogue.” Raphael’s eyes darkened, thinking the woman near Lucious was a threat. He didn't hurt women, but if the rogue girl had hurt his Alpha, then his wolf wouldn't spare her.

“Raph, stop.” Lucious’ command made him halt.

Sensing danger, Haven quickly let go of the stranger’s head and stood up.

Lucious, who wasn't expecting this, slammed his head on the ground with a loud bang. His teeth clenched as raw pain shot up his head.

“Alpha!” A horrified Raph rushed towards him. “Are you okay?” His eyes roamed over Lucious and relief washed over him, seeing his condition was okay.

Lucious had mindlinked him earlier, informing him about Natasha and the rogues. Raphael had rushed out immediately with warriors as they spread out to look for their injured Alpha.

The rogue woman must have taken advantage of the fact the Alpha was injured and tried to kill him.

Raphael wasn't going to spare her.

Fresh anger bubbled as he turned to her.

“You…” He growled, “You dare to hurt my Alpha? How dare you try to attack him?”

“Attack? I just saved his pathetic life!”

Raph’s eyes widened at her insolence. “Watch your tongue, filthy rogue.”

“I am not a rogue.” Haven retorted. She had no idea who these two men were, but she didn't care. She wouldn't let anyone disrespect her. “I just helped your darling Alpha!”

“Lies.” Raphael was already stalking towards her.

Haven stepped back, ready to defend herself. She wouldn't go down without a swing.

But before the angry man could reach her, a tall figure stepped between them.

“Enough, Raph.” The gorgeous Alpha frowned. “She’s telling the truth.”

Haven sighed in relief.

“She… helped me.” Lucious added, an odd feeling settling in his chest. He glanced back at the shorter girl behind him.

Women disgusted him. But why wasn't he feeling repulsed by this one?

And Selene, she was beautiful. Too beautiful.

“Hear that?” Haven glared at the other man. “I helped him, so I’ll forgive you for being rude. Now if you will excuse me, I have two crazy men to walk away from.”

She turned to leave when a strong hand grabbed her.

“Who said you could leave?” His voice sent shivers down her spine.

“What do you mean? Let go—”

“You appeared just after I was attacked. That cannot be a coincidence.”

Dread filled Haven as his icy blue eyes bore into hers.

“Wh-What? No!”

What was this crazy man yapping about? She had nothing to do with his attack!

But his next words sealed Haven’s fate.

“You're coming with me, rogue.”