Chapter 3

Rick's POV

I ride my horse, Shadow, through the forest of my pack's land. The rhythmic thud of his hooves on the ground calms me as I make my way toward the cliff, a place that holds some of my most cherished memories.

It's been three years since my father died protecting our pack from rogue wolves, but the cliff always brings me back to the moments we shared. When I was a pup, he'd bring me here and show me the breathtaking view of my pack. The River Bed pack. From this height, the forest stretches out endlessly, and the stream winds gracefully below.

"Rick, never come here alone," he'd warned after finding me at the cliff one day. "It's dangerous. What if a rogue attacks?"

I told him I just wanted to be brave like him. Oh, how I miss him.

The scent of strawberries pulls me from my thoughts. My wolf, Theo, stirs within me, his excitement rising. Our mate is near.

I follow the scent to the stream, where I see her, a stunning woman peeking through the trees. Her beauty captivates me, but anger flares when I notice the bruises on her skin. Who hurt her? Theo growls in my mind, restless.

She looks frightened as her eyes meet mine. She doesn't seem to recognize me as her mate, which stings, but I push the feeling aside.

"Who are you?" I ask, keeping my voice calm and measured.

"I'm Bella," she replies softly, her voice fragile yet melodic.

I bring her to the pack house, my mind racing with questions. "Lily," I call, summoning of the head omega, "prepare the guest room for our guest."

Bella looks around in wonder as we step into the house. Despite her exhaustion, her eyes widen with awe at the grandeur of her surroundings.

"Rest," I tell her. "Lily will bring you food."

She hesitates, then asks, "Why are you helping me?"

Her question takes me by surprise. Does she not sense the bond between us? Does she not realize she's my mate?

"You need rest," I say simply, leaving the room to let her settle in.

Leaving her in Lily capable hands, I head to my study. Work waits for no one, not even an alpha. Yet my mind drifts back to Bella-her beauty, her fear, her bruises.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. Mark, my beta steps in. His expression stern and formal as he closes the door behind him. He walks to the chair opposite my desk and sits, his back straight, his gaze unwavering.

"We need to talk," he says, her voice calm but firm. "Who is this she-wolf you brought into our pack? A rogue? Rick, you know your Parents died in a rogue attack."

His words hit like a blow, but I meet his gaze evenly. "Yes, I haven't forgotten that. But this is different. She's not just any rogue. She's my mate." Mark is not just my beta he is my best friend since childhood. That's why he just calls me by my name.

His expression softens instantly, the tension in his shoulders easing. A smile spreads across his face, one of both relief and happiness. "Really? Your mate? Rick, I'm so glad you've found her."

"I am too, Mark," I admit, though my tone is tinged with frustration. "But she's injured. She has bruises, and she looked terrified when I found her. Someone was chasing her, that's why she was hiding in our territory near the stream."

Mark smile falters, replaced by concern. "She's in danger?"

I nod, the anger simmering just below the surface flaring to life. My wolf, Theo, growls within me, sharing my rage. "Whoever did this to my mate will pay. They'll face my wrath."

Mark reaches across the desk, placing a hand over mine. "You'll protect her, Rick. You're her mate. It's what we do."

His words steady me, but the fire in my chest remains. Protecting Bella isn't just my responsibility, it's my instinct, my purpose. Whoever dared to hurt her will regret it.