Madilynne

Madilynne's P.O.V

You know that feeling you get when you probably shouldn’t be doing that something? Yeah, right about now I was contemplating what the hell got into me.

Still, in my wolf form, I came to a stop at the edge of the north border. Nothing but miles and miles of woods stretched as far as I could see, scenting around I did pick up a weak lingering smell of the rogue Kade had mentioned. The breeze picked up and the direction was directed at me, several scents of younger shifters nearby floated to me. Listening closely I could hear playful laughs and water splashing.

Since the scent of the rogue was hours old I figured everyone had run him off already. Or captured him.

My paws carried me in the direction of the pups.

Coming into my view, I watched as they played and bickered at each other.

As I sat there silently watching over them, My fur ruffled, straightening on the ends, alerting me to an unknown shift in the environment.

Slowly I turned my back towards the pups and backed towards them, my instincts pushing me to protect if necessary.

The pups, on either side of me, hands brushing against the backside of my legs, alerting me of their close presence. The wind picked up and carried a pungent scent, one that reeked of death. Letting out a warning growl in the direction the scent came from ‘Kade I know you’re not happy with me but there are pups out on the north border, there’s a rogue nearby.’

I could hear Kade’s howl sound off in the distance alerting all pack members that a rogue had breached territory lands.

A closer howl ripped through the Forrest, I didn’t recognize it but it was responding to Kades.

In the midst of listening to My pack communicate, in my peripheral, I saw a large mass move through the trees. I pushed the pups further back, inching our way away from the threat as they cried and whimpered from fear. ‘Help is coming, stay behind me, I’ll protect you.’ I whispered in their minds, trying to ease their worries.

The large rogue stepped from the Forrest line, towering and snarling, canines on full display as its matted fur hung from its body. Rising to the challenge my stance rose higher and protectively as I snarled in warning, daring it to make a move.

The standoff not lasting long as the rogue made its first move, lunging for one of the pups. I snapped my jaws, catching fur and flesh as it howled out in pain, barely missing the pup. Too close, focus Madi.

I leaped forward, Missing the rogue as I snapped my jaws again. Not anticipating his next move quick enough, he caught my front flank with precision. I Felt as his canines broke through my flesh, a searing pain coursing through me as he started to shake back and forth, Howling out in pain I collapsed. The rogue wolf locked onto my neck next, and suddenly something snapped inside of me. Rage, pure power coursing through my system. Shaking him off violently and letting a deadly growl that resounded through the Forrest like thunder rip through me, the rogue fell to its belly. My dominance pushing it to submit.

My wolf stood straight, canines dripping with deadly intentions for it to move.

Of course, the rogue tried to take advantage of my power display, playing into my trap. I caught its neck in mid-leap snapping it instantly.

I dropped the rogue from my mouth, turning to check on the pups. I shifted back, wincing at the pain in my shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay now.” The pups continued to cry as I tried to console them.

‘Madi are you okay?!’ Kade’s panic voice flooded through.

‘Yes, The rogue won’t be a problem anymore. Might end up with a scar, but we’re alive.’

A rustle in the distance broke me from my focus on the pups suddenly A large chocolate brown wolf broke through, its gaze falling to the dead rogue and then snapping towards me. I scented the air, he wasn’t a rogue, so not a threat.

The brown wolf shifted back to its human form, a large man standing at 6′ with brown hair, cut short and piercing green eyes stared at me. His features resembled close to Kades, the man had more of a rugged vibe where Kade was refined.

“Did you do that?” His gruff voice broke our stare-off.

“Sure did, he threatened the pups.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Forgive me Luna, but that rogue is 3 times the size of you, how did you take him down?”

I did a recap on the little battle I had with the dead rogue, after finishing my statement his mouth fell open in awe. “Well if you’ll excuse me, I need to take these pups home.” I Turned and directed the pups towards the packhouse.

“Wait! I’ll walk with you, Kade would have my head if I let you off on your own with pups.”

“I’m not completely helpless ya know, but I’ll accept company.” I chided.

The man chuckled “Right, I’m Kole, Kade's older brother.”

“I figured as much, you guys look alike, why have I never seen you around? like before everything.. It was always just Kade.” I asked glancing over, checking on the pups stumbling in front of us on the path.

“Our uncle didn’t have an heir to his pack, So I started to train to take over at a young age. Wasn’t around much.” He sighed, reminiscing.

humming my acknowledgment, we fell into a comfortable silence as we continued on the path towards the packhouse.

“Be easy on him, he hasn’t had it easy. He’s an Alpha male so his first instincts are to protect what’s his, He hasn’t been the same since he lost his first mate.” Kole's gruff voice broke the silence as he reached out and gently touched my shoulder.

I sighed as we reached the end of the Forrest line nearing the Packhouse stopping to reply “I know, thanks Kole.” The pups had already taken off, Into their mothers waiting arms. I watched as they clutched to their young. ‘Thank you luna’ many of their voices floated to my mind, nodding my head I walked to the packhouse stopping at the large oak door.

Releasing a huff and blowing through my lips, I pushed the heavy oak door open, “Goddess, Madi you have to stop doing this to me, I’m losing my mind. Thank the moon goddess you’re okay.” Kade’s burly arms enveloped me, pushing me into his chest. Naturally, I inhaled his crisp apple cinnamon scent. “Mmm, you smell good.” I said closing my eyes, allowing his scent to wash over my senses. “But yes, I know, I’m sorry. I won’t take off like that again.”

Kade held me tighter to his chest “Warm caramel.”

“Huh?” I looked up to him as I scrunched my eyebrows questioningly.

His deep chuckle vibrated through me ” That’s what you smell like to me. What do I smell like to you, love?” His green eyes sparkled at me in amusement.

“Oh! Apples and cinnamon, Like a hot apple pie.” I said drooling at the thought of a hot fresh apple pie.

Kade laughed “I’ll have to take you to the diner at my pack, Shelly makes the best apple pies around.”

“Are you asking me on a date, Kade Michaels?” I giggled out.

" I suppose I am, Madilynne Parker, Do you accept?” He laughed, emphasizing my name.

Rubbing my chin thoughtfully, “Hm, I’ll accept good sir, only because of the apple pie.” I teased. Kade’s laugh carried through the entranceway.

“Sorry to interrupt kids, but I need ya in my office.” My Dad announced, sobering our playful antics. I looked at Kade, eyebrows wrinkled in concern, his expression was now blank.