The Red Eyed Rogue

chapter 6

*Rowan's P.O.V*

"You could smell that?" Evie asked, her tone tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, I could," I replied evenly. "After turning rogue, not only did my eyes change color, but my senses became sharper than those of normal werewolves. So, an explanation. Please."

My arms tightened around Alex's waist, holding him close, as if letting go would make him vanish. The group exchanged uneasy glances, and I felt Alex softly nod, giving them permission to speak.

"Well, you see..." Aiden began, his voice hesitant. "Alex is... a bit of a special case. When he was born, he was a stillborn. Our parents couldn't accept it, so they called a witch. She told them he wasn't dead, just comatose. She gave them two options: wait for him to wake up on his own or let her bring him back... with a condition."

"And what was the condition?" I asked, impatience bleeding into my voice. My mind raced with possibilities, hoping none of them would jeopardize my mate's health.

The group exchanged another round of tense looks before Aiden tried to answer. "Well, it's... uh... it's—"

"I'm an omega."

The soft voice from below cut his brother off, and my eyes immediately snapped down to Alex.

He stood in front of me, his emerald-green eyes locked onto mine, piercing through every barrier as if he could see my very soul. His gaze held nothing but honesty and quiet determination, even as the tension between us grew thick.

3rd Person POV

Rowan's body stiffened as Alex's words registered. His breathing quickened, and his gray eyes widened in disbelief.

No. No. No. This can't be happening.

The horror on his face was impossible to miss, and Alex's brave facade cracked. His green eyes filled with fear—fear of rejection, fear of being left behind.

Rowan stepped off the bleachers, running a hand through his hair as if trying to physically erase his thoughts. "No," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "No, no, no."

He began pacing back and forth in front of the group, his movements frantic.

"Rowan?" Alex called softly, taking a hesitant step forward. He reached out to touch Rowan's back, but his mate flinched and swatted his hand away, the action sharp and instinctual.

The rejection stung like a physical blow.

Rowan stopped, his head tilted up toward the sky as if searching for an answer. His voice was a low, pained whisper. "You promised. You promised not to take them away."

Lowering his gaze, Rowan looked back at Alex and the others, his expression torn between anguish and regret. "I'm sorry. I... I need time."

With those final words, Rowan bolted toward the forest, his wolf taking over as he sought solace in the one place he felt he could think clearly.

Behind him, Alex sank to his knees, his face pale, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. Aiden stepped protectively in front of him, his jaw clenched in anger, while the rest of the pack exchanged concerned glances.

Alex POV

My mate.

The thought was intoxicating, filling every corner of my mind with warmth. His strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. Sitting on his lap, nestled against him, felt like the safest place in the world—like I'd finally found the home I didn't know I'd been searching for.

And his scent... pine and mint, crisp and grounding. I wanted to bury myself in it, to let it drown out every worry and fear. My omega purred contentedly, the bond settling around us like a protective cocoon.