Chapter 2

Ruth's POV

After introducing Dominic to my family, I decided it was time to head to bed. Upstairs, I quickly changed into shorts and a sports bra and slipped on some sneakers. With a sense of adventure, I leaped out of my window, sneaking into the woods behind our house. The night held a promise of exhilarating freedom.

Running through the forest was a cherished escape, my favorite pastime. The dense woods offered a sanctuary for my thoughts and solitude for my soul. I gracefully leaped over tree roots, nimbly dodging low-hanging branches as I slowed down near the lake, a serene focal point in the heart of the forest.

The lake was my quiet place. I often sat there, watching the water, sometimes perching in the trees to observe the comings and goings of deer and ducks. A deep sigh escaped my lips as I plucked some pebbles from the ground and sent them skipping across the water's surface.

My peaceful reverie was interrupted by a disturbing sound—a branch breaking underfoot. I spun around to confront an uninvited guest: a rogue, whose unwelcome presence made my blood boil.

"What are you doing on my land?" I growled, standing tall, though I recognized the voice from the eerie phone call.

"Sweet Ruth," he chuckled, only fueling my anger. I took a cautious step backward, unease creeping in as I faced him.

Needing assistance, I called out through the mind link to my dad. "I need help."

"I'm coming," my dad swiftly replied.

"Leave me alone," I snarled at the rogue, backing away as he advanced.

But he persisted, his taunting repetition of my name making my skin crawl. Desperation grew as I readied myself to shift into my wolf form.

Then, abruptly, a black wolf leaped out of the bushes, landing on the rogue. My shock led to a startled shriek. It was my dad's wolf, an imposing protector. In the blink of an eye, he had entered the fray.

While my dad transformed and helped me to my feet, I was torn, worried for the black wolf now engaged in a fierce struggle with the rogue.

"Let's go," my dad urged, but I hesitated, my eyes locked on the intense conflict. I pointed at the black wolf, my concern evident.

"He's the king," my dad revealed, and I felt a rush of realization. "Ruth, you're mated to the King of Wolves."

Realization hit me, but it was too late. Consumed by panic, I fled back to the house, leaving my mate behind.

"Where's Dominic?" I exclaimed upon arriving home.

"He's still out there, fighting for his queen," my dad informed me. The term 'queen' sent a thrill down my spine, but it was overshadowed by my concern for leaving him in the woods.

I rushed to my room and shifted into my wolf form, taking off into the night. Reaching the forest, I halted near the lake.

That's when I heard a gunshot and witnessed a horrifying sight: a rogue with a gun aimed at Dominic.

I shifted back into my human form, hastily putting on clothes. Desperation welled up as I raised my hands in an instinctive defense. A surge of energy coursed through my arms and fingertips. Inexplicably, the bullet stopped mid-air and reversed course, flying back toward the shooter. The rogue was taken aback, but before any action could be taken, he shifted into a brown wolf and vanished into the woods. I fell to the ground, bewildered by my newfound abilities.

Dominic, covered in claw marks, regained his feet. My voice trembled as I whispered, "I did that," before succumbing to unconsciousness.

Waking up, I looked around, then got out of bed and opened my door. I was taken aback when I nearly stumbled over Dominic, who had been leaning on my door. The sight of him brought an exuberant giggle to my lips.

"Why are you lurking there, you big doof?" I teased.

"I was waiting for you to wake up," he confessed, grinning. "I'm so glad you're okay." He embraced me warmly, and I buried my face in his chest, feeling safe.

As we pulled away, a question weighed on my mind. "Hey, Dominic, why didn't you tell me?"

He chuckled softly. "Tell me what?"

"That you're the King."

"Well, Princess, I thought you knew," he replied.

"I don't usually pay much attention in school," I admitted with a playful giggle. His laughter filled the room.

Leaving the room hand in hand, we made our way downstairs. Jonah came bounding toward me, and I embraced my little brother. He beamed, noticing my eyes.

"Your eyes look prettier, Jay," he observed. I planted a kiss on his forehead, my heart warmed by his words. A newfound sense of responsibility weighed on my mind, considering my emerging abilities.

Dominic and I engaged in a private conversation. He delivered unexpected news: we had to leave the following night, as he couldn't leave his pack unattended. The prospect of leaving my family weighed heavily on my heart.

"I'll pack tonight," I assured him. He nodded, tenderly kissing my cheek. We settled on the living room couch in comfortable silence until the sound of raised voices from outside caught our attention.

Rushing to the front yard, I discovered Jonah in the midst of a scuffle with other boys. Pulling him away from the fight, I turned my attention to his bruised opponents.

"What are you doing?" one of them questioned.

I recognized the boy as Selina's younger brother, who had often bullied me in school. Selina and her friends had never shown kindness to me.

"Are you okay, Han?" I asked, concerned for the injured boy. Jonah scoffed and wiped the blood from his nose. I helped Jonah inside, where my parents waited, their stern expressions clear.

My dad was the first to voice his frustration. "What were you thinking?"

Jonah stood tall, unwavering, ready to face the consequences. "You can ground me, but if I could go back, I'd only hit him harder," he stated, his voice laced with raw emotion.

The room fell silent, and I couldn't help but ask the question that had been on my mind. "Why, Jo?"

Jonah's teary eyes met mine, and he confessed, "He told me you were a freak of nature, Ruth. He said you were a sorry excuse for a wolf and that his sister told him you didn't deserve a mate like Dominic. That you were weak and a disgrace."

A sense of compassion filled the room as my parents and Dominic reacted to the truth. My parents' stern expressions softened, and Dominic growled softly in response.

"Look, buddy," Dominic addressed Jonah, "I understand why. Thank you for sticking up for me, but Jo, I'm different. People don't accept me for it. I've dealt with the bullies my whole life. I've heard things that have made me question my place in this pack. I've gone through a lot of things that no one should ever have to go through. But I've learned to deal with it. So thank you. But please, don't get in trouble over me."

I added, "They 're all wrong. You're better than all of them, Ruth. You're a queen." Jonah's tears flowed freely as I held him tightly.

"Hey, Jo. I love you," I whispered, soothing his fears. "It's okay."

"I love you too, Ruth," he replied. I kissed his forehead, reassuring him. "It'll all be okay," I whispered, hoping my words would hold true.