Elise Pov

“ Why, Jason?” I kept asking the question, yet no answer came out.

My feet made their way through the dark paths that led to the goddess's cave. It was also an abandoned cave used by the first Priestess of the moon goddess. It was said that the Priestess committed a grave sin against the Circle and was banished twelve years ago.

However, the cave had become my solace for the past six years after the death of my mother. Perhaps, this was where I needed to let out my pains.

With a sigh, I took brisk steps into the cave. As I got closer and deeper, the air seemed to change drastically. It smelled of a dangerous yet alluring aura.

That's when I looked up and saw her. This time, it wasn't in my dream.

The woman with raven hair and the most dazzling body stared at me, a faint smile lingering. She felt oddly familiar, and also dangerous.

“ Who are you?” I questioned, afraid yet I was drawn to her.

“ Three days, Alia. She would come to you-” the woman replied.

Alia? Who the hell was she talking about?

Confused at her cryptic words, I couldn't help but ask, “ Who would come? And who the hell is Alia?”

“ Your wolf would come, Alia. Keep her a secret until you turn twenty-one. Only then will you be safe,” The woman said.

Before I could ask more questions, she had already disappeared. Was the woman referring to me?

I kept walking into the forest when I heard a muffled groan and the metallic smell of blood.

Someone was hurt.

As I continued drowning in my dejected rejection, I perceived a strong bloodlust in the air and increasingly hurried steps. It wasn't a human foot sound.

It was a wolf.

I swallowed hard, scared of what might come. I took several steps backwards, my heart on the edge. The prospect of being attacked by rogues, filled my entire soul. I was a helpless wolfless werewolf, an easy target for rogue wolves.

Jason had saved me once from those werewolves. That's how I fell in love with him and I foolishly thought he felt the same. Not until they brought me back from my fantasy. I was still thinking of how to run back to the pack house when something leapt on me.

Heavily.

“ Arrrrrrggg!” I let out but it came out in a muffled tone.

Still struggling, I heard a deep throaty voice. “ Make another sound and you can kiss your life goodbye!”

What? I guess the moon goddess was certainly partial towards me.

Then the silence, and perhaps the uneasy breathing of fear in my heart. I could also hear his muffled breath even when he desperately tried to sound fearful.

What? I guess the moon goddess was certainly partial towards me.

But then, I smelled something bloody. A metallic smell of a bloodied person, and an aura that was so powerful it could crush even the swaying leaves.

I wanted to ask, yet my words got stuck until my insides swelled with a peculiar scent. A peculiar scent that was mixed with lavender oils and something else.

Wolfsbane?

“ How the hell did you let him escape?” I heard voices, a little distance away. I stiffened, afraid of them catching up with our scents.

“ This cave is enchanted. Just stay silent…” his deep throaty voice cut through my fears. Relief washed over me, however, fear lurked around. This man was definitely more dangerous.

“ He wouldn't go far with what we shot him with. He should be lying around here. Send a mindlink to the mistress,” Another one chirped in.

After a while, I no longer heard their voices. I felt a push and a groan at the same time. I turned around to see the figure leaning against one of the rocky walls of the cave.

He was shirtless, and his pants were torn. I approached cautiously, noticing the scratches on his chest and abs. Even in this state, he was damn hot.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked softly, shaking myself off those thoughts.

He looked up, his eyes glazed over. "Water...need water," he muttered.

Fortunately, this was my regular hideout. I swiftly moved to a hidden spot and brought out an old skin gourd. I helped him drink from the gourd, and as he took a sip, his eyes locked onto mine.

For a moment, I felt a spark of connection. Just like the scent.

But then, his expression changed, and he pulled me closer.

"Kiss me," he whispered, his voice husky.

I hesitated, but he drew me in, his lips crashing against mine. The world around us melted away, and I lost myself in the kiss.

We stumbled to the ground, our bodies joined in a hot tussle. I couldn't think straight; my senses were overwhelmed. The next thing I knew, we were lost in passion, our bodies moving in a direction I had no control over.

My first time, and with a stranger.

When it was over, we lay there, panting. I slowly came to my senses, and he seemed to have passed out, his chest rising and falling with each breath.

I tried to move away, but my body felt weak. I lay beside him, trying to gather my thoughts.

Hours passed, and I finally woke up to find him still asleep. I sat up, looking at him properly for the first time. His features were chiselled, and his jawline was strong.

As I gazed at him, a sudden realisation hit me. Those piercing hazel eyes seemed familiar. I had seen them before.

My heart sank as I realised who he was. The Alpha's face was etched in my memory, and this man was him.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realised the truth. The truth of the person sleeping peacefully in the cave with me.

And then, it hit me – the mate bond. I could feel it, strong and undeniable. He was my second chance mate.

My mind reeled as I scrambled to my feet, trying not to wake him. I backed away, my heart beating fast in my chest. How could this have happened?

I was a wolfless girl, rejected by all.

I turned and ran, not stopping. He can't find out it's me. This was messier than being with Jason.

What was I going to do now?