Alpha Running Rogue

1. Rogue

Arabella's POV

I ran through the trees and enjoyed the feeling of wind against my warm charcoal fur. I've changed since the past 5 years of running rogue. In a pack I used to trust a few, now I trusted no one because the only person you can rely on is yourself. I stop at a small stream to lap up some water and soothe my burning throat before changing into a pair of jeans and throw on a white t-shirt. The bag carried wads of $100 notes before I bought and filled it with other belongings that I bought in no man's land. Crossing another pack's territory would be suicide so I was careful to stay amongst the humans. They never suspected, they never asked. Just like my ex-pack members that kept away from me.

I return to a small cottage I built in the forest near the restaurant where I worked part-time. I had enough money, but I didn't want to work my butt off when I ran out, so I work to make sure I have enough to last me a lifetime. Hopefully. I wipe my muddy feet on the doormat that welcomes me and change into my work clothes. It's time to work.

"How may I take your order?" I say for the hundredth time in the evening. A petite blonde girl glanced at the menu before saying the first and second item listed. The brown eyed boy beside her ordered the same thing before handing back their menu's and looking at me curiously. They were wolves, I could sense it. The girl was at a higher ranking, but the boy was strong too.

I came back a few minutes later, placing their meals in front of them smoothly. Working here for five years had helped me become an expert in waiting dishes and cooking exquisite meals. I could easily balance the four plates along my arms. "Enjoy." I bow slightly and walk towards another table. They watched me serve all evening, and I focused on waiting other customers, the regulars greeted me with a smile and I got them their usual. 

The wolf couple had finished their meal, but sat talking in hushed tones, I couldn't hear them over the noise but I knew they were talking about me from the looks they gave across the room. Finally my shift ended an I head out, quickly removing my apron as I run out to the parking lot, glad to be away from the werewolves. 

Oh no.

They were waiting in front of my car.

"Excuse me, but this is my car."

"We know." the girl said, grinning like the Cheshire cat.

"Could you please move?"

"Nope." She answered, still smiling like the sun.

"Is there something you want?" I asked, slightly irritated. I didn't want anything to do with packs.

"We want to talk to you." she replied.

"No."

"It'll be quick."

"No." I held my resolve.

"5 minutes?" she looked up at me through her lashes and batted her eyes. This was getting weird, but 5 minutes wouldn't harm anyone right?

"Fine. What do you want to talk about?"

"You're an alpha." she stated, I stiffen.

"I'm a rogue." I say through clenched teeth.

"Ah, I see! An alpha gone rogue. Now that's a rare occurrence, and to be a she-wolf at that!" she exclaimed. The boy beside her pulled her back against him, not wanting her to get to close too me.

"I'm a rogue." I repeated.

"I'm Evelyn, beta of the Crimson Eclipse Pack. This is Johnathan, my mate." I was shocked by her status, no one had allowed females to take in high positions in my ex-pack, but my father was going to change that when I stepped up. 

"Beta?"

"Yeah, why?" she wondered. 

"Nothing." I say quickly.

"So what's your name?"

I hesitated before answering. I didn't want to get too involved, but I promised her five minutes "I'm Arabella."

"Hi Arabella, are you planning to join a pack soon?"

"No."

"Why? You have the power, I can feel it coming off you." She was about to continue when Johnathon warns "Eve. Don't ask anymore, she's a rogue."

"Your five minutes are up. I'll be leaving now. Bye Evelyn, Johnathon." I dismiss with a small bow.

Driving to a stop beside the forest, I ponder on what Evelyn has said. "You have the power." She was wrong. I didn't have the power to stop Elliot. I didn't have the power to get my point across to hundreds of pack members. All I did was study and train, to make speeches but never present them, to work hard but not to be noticed. I couldn't connect with my people like Elliot had. Maybe because I was too focused on other things. Maybe I never had a chance, but I didn't have the power to do anything.