Chapter 42 

Lisa’s POV 

By the time the sun dipped behind the mountain of ash, the men had set up camp. 

 

They worked quickly and quietly. They were trained for moments like this. One of them, I think his name. was Marcus, gathered large sticks and logs while another arranged stones in a circle. Within minutes, a bonfire was crackling at the center of the clearing. Its flames were licking upward and casting flickering light across their serious faces. 

Tents had been set up around the fire. They were sturdy and spacious. There were five in total. Rylan had made sure I had one all to myself. The others shared in pairs. 

I had offered to help, of course. 

“Here, let me carry that….” I began, reaching for one of the packs. 

But Rylan stepped in front of me, arms crossed, one brow raised. “Absolutely not.” 

I blinked. “Excuse me?” 

“You’ve been walking all day. You’re exhausted. Sit down and rest,” he said, his voice firm but gentle. “My 

men and I can handle it.” 

“But…..” 

“No buts.” His eyes softened a little. “You’ve been through enough. Let me take care of things.” 

I wanted to argue. I hated feeling useless. But… I also kind of liked how protective he was being. 

So I gave in and sat near the fire. I pulled my knees to my chest. 

The forest around us was quiet but not silent. Crickets chirped. The wind moved through the trees like a whisper. Somewhere far off, a wolf howled. 

The smell of roasted meat drifted through the air, making my stomach growl. 

One of the warriors, Alex, Rylan’s Gamma, was crouched near the fire. He was carefully turning skewers of seasoned meat over the flames. “Venison with forest herbs,” he announced proudly. “Even the Alpha approves.” 

Rylan smirked. “Don’t get cocky, Alex. You’ve burned dinner more times than I can count.” 

Alex grinned. “That was one time. And it was raining.” 

I laughed softly as the two of them bickered like brothers. 

Soon, the food was ready. Rylan approached my tent. His silhouette was tall and broad in the firelight. 

He knocked gently on the side of the canvas. “Lisa?” 

 

I stepped out and brushed dust from my pants. 

“Dinner is ready,” he said while smiling. “And I saved you a seat.” 

True to his word, the spot beside him by the fire was empty. I sat down and accepted the food with a grateful nod. 

The warmth of the fire touched my skin. The meat was juicy and flavored with something slightly sweet and earthy. My stomach thanked me for it. 

The warriors chatted amongst themselves, but I noticed a few of them glanced my way now and then. Their eyes were curious. I was the only female here. It made me a little self-conscious. 

Alex sat across from me and smirked. “You know, you’re braver than most. Not many she-wolves would venture this deep into these dangerous woods.” 

“I didn’t exactly plan for it,” I said, smiling slightly. “But I guess fate had other ideas.” 

Rylan chuckled beside me. “Fate and a certain stubbornness.” 

“Oh, so now I’m stubborn?” I nudged him with my elbow. 

He leaned a little closer, his shoulder brushing mine. “You’re the most stubborn person I’ve ever met.” 

Alex held up his hand. “I second that.” 

I groaned. “You both are impossible.” 

Rylan leaned closer, his voice dropping just a bit. “And yet, you’re still sitting next to me.” 

His breath was warm against my ear. I swallowed. 

Sierra stirred in my mind. 

He’s flirting with you again. 

I know. My cheeks were warm. And I don’t hate it. 

Kael never looked at us like that. Never made us feel this seen. 

My chest tightened. 

You’re right. I glanced at Rylan out of the corner of my eye. He was watching the flames now. There was a small smile on his lips. Kael would never have done all this. He would never have left his pack behind just 

to help me find answers. 

Because he never really chose us, Lisa. But Rylan? He’s choosing you, over and over. 

My throat tightened. I looked down at my hands. Was Kael with Roxanne now? Laughing? Happy? 

Stop it, Sierra snapped gently. He made his choice. And so did you. 

I let out a shaky breath. She was right. 

 

After dinner, I thanked Alex for the food, and the warriors began to retreat to their tents. Rylan stayed beside the fire. He was stoking the embers. 

“I think I’ll head back to my tent,” I said while rising to my feet and brushing off my hands. “I’m feeling a 

little tired.” 

Rylan looked up from the fire, his dark eyes searching mine. “You sure? You didn’t eat much.” 

I gave him a small smile. “Yeah. Just need to lie down for a bit. Maybe I’ll feel better after some rest.” 

He nodded slowly, though I saw a flicker of hesitation on his face. “Alright. If you need anything, just call me. Good night, Lisa.” 

“Good night,” I murmured and turned away. 

But instead of going straight to the tent, I slipped away into the trees. 

I should have told him the truth. I should have said I was going to the river to freshen up, to wash off the dust of the journey and clear my head. 

But I didn’t. 

And maybe that was a big mistake. 

The river was close. It was just a short walk through a narrow path between the trees. The moon hung low, 

my skin. casting silver light on the water. Mist floated above the surface and the cool breeze kissed 

I glanced around, saw no one, and quickly slipped out of my clothes. The water was cold but refreshing. I dipped under, letting it wash away the sweat and tension from the day. 

I stayed close to the shore, my body hidden beneath the water. But then… 

I felt it. 

A prickling sensation. Like eyes on my back. 

I turned sharply, scanning the shadows across the riverbank. The forest was still. 

But then, there was movement. 

A shadow. Just for a split second. 

I froze. My heart was pounding wildly in my chest. 

Sierra? 

I saw it too. Someone is watching. 

“Who is there?” I called, my voice trembling. 

Silence. 

I was about to step out when a voice behind me said, “What are you doing here?” 

 

I whipped around with a gasp. 

It was Rylan. 

 

His eyes were narrowed and his tone was sharp. “You didn’t tell me you were bathing. You shouldn’t be out 

here alone.” 

I stayed low in the water, covering my chest with my arms. “I….I didn’t think anyone would come.” 

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Lisa, it’s dangerous. If something bad had happened….. 

“It didn’t,” I said quietly. “I’m okay.” 

He stepped closer to the edge. “Why didn’t you wait for me? Or tell me?” 

“I didn’t want to bother you.” 

“You’re never a bother,” he said softly. “Please don’t do this again. I need to know you’re safe.” 

I nodded. I could feel the guilt heavy in my chest. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” 

He turned around immediately. “Alright. Get dressed. I’ll wait.” 

I moved quickly, grabbed my clothes and pulled them on with shaking hands. That shadow… it hadn’t been Rylan. He came from behind me. The figure was across the river. 

I stepped out and he turned to face me. 

“You okay?” he asked, his voice low. 

I nodded. “I think someone was watching me.” 

He stiffened. “What?” 

pointed across the water. “Over there. I saw something move.” 

He narrowed his eyes, scanning the spot I had indicated. “There’s no one here. All my men are back at 

camp.” 

“I’m sure I saw someone.” 

He moved closer and wrapped a protective arm around my shoulders. “Come on. Let’s go.” 

We walked back together. But I kept glancing over my shoulder. 

Sierra? 

I still feel it, Lisa. We were being watched. I’m sure of it. 

My stomach twisted. 

Who was out there? 

A rogue? 

 

A spy? 

Or something worse? 

The trees seemed darker now. The wind was colder. 

I tightened my grip on Rylan’s arm. He looked down at me and gave my hand a small squeeze. 

“You’re safe,” he whispered. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” 

But even with his words, I couldn’t shake the feeling. 

Someone had seen me. 

And they were still out there. 

Watching. 

Waiting. 

I did not feel safe.