My Rogue Mate (AI GENERATED)

Chapter 8: Boundaries of Loyalty

Life with Rhys’s pack was both more freeing and more difficult than I’d imagined. In Silvercrest, everything had been laid out for me—schedules, duties, ranks. Here, in Rhys’s rogue camp, there were no clear lines, no strict rules. Wolves came and went, their daily routines a mix of survival and community that felt chaotic yet somehow natural.

For the first time, I had the freedom to choose my place within a pack, a freedom that was as daunting as it was liberating. Each morning, I woke up beside Rhys, and each morning, I felt that rush of relief that this life was real, that I didn’t have to hide or lie anymore.

But with each passing day, a low hum of anxiety settled deeper in my chest. As much as I tried to shake it, I couldn’t let go of the fear that Silvercrest might retaliate. The thought of my family, my friends—especially Lian—facing Rhys’s pack in a fight… it haunted me.

One morning, as we sat by a small fire, Rhys noticed my silence. He took my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. “Still thinking about them?”

I nodded, tracing circles on the back of his hand with my thumb. “I keep wondering if they’ll try to come after us. I know Silvercrest. They don’t let things go.”

He was quiet for a moment, watching the flames. “If they do, we’ll be ready,” he said finally, his tone steady. “But Kael, I don’t want you living in fear. We’re stronger together.”

I looked up at him, feeling a warmth spread through me, a sense of strength that his presence always gave me. “I know. It’s just… hard to forget everything.”

Rhys wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close, and I leaned into him, grounding myself in the steady beat of his heart. “You’re not alone,” he murmured. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”

That afternoon, I volunteered to join Mira and a few other wolves on a border patrol. It was a simple task—scanning the perimeter, checking for anything unusual. But it gave me a sense of purpose, something I’d felt lacking since leaving Silvercrest.

As we moved through the trees, Mira gave me a sideways glance. “You’re fitting in well,” she remarked. “You’ve got a natural sense for patrols.”

I smiled, feeling a flush of pride. “Guess old habits die hard. I spent a lot of time on Silvercrest patrols.”

Mira nodded, her gaze thoughtful. “Must be strange, being on the other side now. You’re one of us, but… it’s clear you still feel connected to them.”

I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. “It’s complicated. I don’t regret leaving, but… I can’t forget them either.”

“Fair enough,” she replied with a smile. “We’ve all got our pasts. Just remember, Kael—you’re part of this pack now. We look out for each other.”

Her words warmed me, easing the remnants of guilt that lingered at the edges of my heart. I had a place here, a family that would accept me, flaws and all. It was a feeling I hadn’t expected to find, but one I was growing to cherish.

But as we continued our patrol, a new scent filled the air—a scent that sent a shiver of recognition down my spine.

Silvercrest.

My stomach twisted as I turned to Mira, who had already stiffened, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the trees. “Do you smell that?” she asked, voice tense.

I nodded, my pulse quickening. “Yes. It’s… it’s them.”

For a moment, we all stood still, ears perked, waiting. But as the seconds passed, I heard the unmistakable sound of voices. Low and cautious, moving closer. My heart raced, the reality of the situation sinking in.

“What are they doing here?” I whispered, a mixture of fear and guilt roiling in my gut.

Mira’s expression hardened. “Doesn’t matter. We’re not letting them get any further.”

She signaled to the others, and they fanned out, moving with quiet, practiced steps. I followed, though my mind was a blur of questions and dread. What if Lian was with them? What if they were here for me?

We slipped through the trees, closing the distance, and soon I caught sight of them—a group of Silvercrest wolves, their backs turned to us as they scanned the area.

And then I saw him. Lian.

My chest tightened as I watched him, his gaze focused and alert. His presence brought a rush of memories—shared laughs, secrets whispered in the dead of night, all the things we’d once had before the truth came between us. And now, he was here, just a few feet away, and I was hiding in the shadows, a stranger in the life we used to share.

Mira glanced at me, her expression serious. “Do you know him?”

I swallowed hard, unable to tear my gaze from Lian. “Yes. He’s… he was my friend.”

She nodded, her gaze softening with understanding. “You don’t have to face him if you don’t want to. We can handle this.”

But as much as I wanted to turn away, to hide, I knew I couldn’t. I had to face him, to find out why he was here and if Silvercrest was planning something. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, emerging from the shadows.

The Silvercrest wolves froze, their eyes widening as they saw me. And then Lian turned, his gaze meeting mine. Shock flickered in his eyes, quickly replaced by anger, betrayal.

“Kael,” he said, his voice sharp and filled with hurt. “So it’s true. You really did join them.”

I forced myself to hold his gaze, to ignore the pang of guilt that stabbed through me. “I didn’t have a choice, Lian. The Moon Goddess—she chose Rhys as my mate. I couldn’t ignore that.”

Lian’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. “You could have stayed. We would have found a way. But instead, you turned your back on us, on your family.”

“I didn’t turn my back on you,” I replied, my voice shaking. “I just… I had to follow my heart. You of all people should understand that.”

His gaze flickered, a mix of pain and anger swirling in his eyes. “And what about us, Kael? What about everyone you left behind?”

I took a step closer, feeling the weight of my choices pressing down on me. “I didn’t want to leave. But Silvercrest wouldn’t have let me stay with him. You know that.”

He looked away, his shoulders tense. “Elias is furious, you know. He won’t let this go. The pack sees this as a betrayal, Kael. They see you as a traitor.”

The words hit me like a blow, and I took a shaky breath, the reality of my situation settling over me. But before I could respond, Mira stepped forward, her voice calm but firm.

“We’re not here to pick a fight,” she said, addressing the Silvercrest wolves. “But if you keep pushing into our land, we’ll defend ourselves.”

Lian’s gaze shifted to her, his jaw tight. “We’ll leave. But don’t think this is over. Elias won’t stop until Kael’s returned.”

With that, he turned, leading the others away. I watched him go, a hollow ache settling in my chest. I knew he was right. Silvercrest wasn’t going to let me go so easily. And now, I’d dragged Rhys and his pack into the conflict I’d been trying so hard to avoid.

Mira placed a hand on my shoulder, her gaze sympathetic. “You did the right thing, Kael. Standing by your mate—that’s what matters.”

I nodded, though the guilt lingered. Rhys had given me a new life, a new family, and now I’d put them all at risk. But as I looked around at the rogue pack, I felt a flicker of resolve growing within me. I wasn’t alone. Whatever was coming, I’d face it with Rhys by my side.

And no matter what, I would protect this new family.