Heart of a rogue

* Chapter 11 - Last chance

Declan's pov

She was troublesome. Her whole attitude screamed problem. Ever since Lucille arrived at the rehabilitation camp, she'd been stirring up concern. Creating havoc in ways I couldn't quite predict. Strangely enough, the other rogues followed her lead.

It was almost like she was trying to act like a leader.

My heart and my mind were at war. My heart ached for my mate, wanting to hold her, to comfort her, to wait for her to return to the woman I once knew. But then my mind would snap back to reality. Any other rogue would've been executed for less. Everyone knew she was a lost cause. Everyone, especially after she drove her hand deep into another wolf's chest.

She was toying with his life. And I couldn't deny, I saw the satisfaction in her eyes as she did it. No sane person would act like that. Her vision was clouded by rage, and I stood there, helpless to stop her.

That tiny wolf, Sam, tried. He struggled but managed to pull her back, at least somewhat. When they dragged her off to the dungeon, he begged me to forgive her.

It wasn't about forgiveness... It was about the truth. I couldn't keep her locked away, praying for her to snap back to who she was. She was too far gone, and I hated myself for even admitting it.

I've stood by countless families, urging them to let go of loved ones. Mothers, brothers, daughters, mates... and every time, they followed my advice. Now, I realize how strong those people were to let go. How could they? How could I let go of her?

I can't even imagine losing her again. She's supposed to be my Luna, even though I know, deep down, there's no Luna in her. Not anymore. Lunas are strong, yes, but they're also caring and nurturing. They guide the pack. My pack would run from a Luna like Lucille. She wasn't the loving, guiding type. Hell, a real Luna wouldn't put her fist through someone's chest.

Still, I feel the pull in my pack. They need a Luna, they want one. Even my sister has been introducing woman after woman, hoping one would spark my interest. She wants Charlotte to be the one. My Luna. The one who could bear my heir.

Today, I had a meeting with all the teachers to discuss the progress of the new arrivals. We were evaluating their first two weeks—was there any progress? If not, what could we do?

We usually start with the worst cases, and everyone knew who was at the top. Lucille was the first name on the list.

"Her subjects are painting, sports, and baking. Her guard is Abel," Susan stated. I glanced at her, my mind already racing, and asked for her opinion.

She sighed before answering. "Most of my exercises are focused on comparing life before, during, and after. In every exercise, she sees life out there as better, in every way. I see no progress. She's slipping further away, Alpha. I'm afraid she will never be in a pack again. Forgive me, but... I think she's a lost cause."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I didn't show it. Susan was always brutally honest. "Next subject: sports."

Harry spoke up next, his tone more positive. "Lucille's hardworking. She enjoys running and competing. She strives to exceed the others. She hasn't participated in team sports yet—obviously, for the safety of others—but her individual performance is solid."

I nodded, acknowledging his words. Finally, the last subject: baking.

Stella, the teacher for baking, spoke next. "I think she's a ticking time bomb. But when she makes a mistake, she doesn't give up. And when she succeeds, she gleams. But I wouldn't trust her with a knife. She's too dangerous."