The Rogue is a Female Alpha novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Zephyrine

It wasn’t the sunlight that woke me.

It was the heavy scent of an Ash Pack wolf. Thick, grounding, and unmistakable. They never move without purpose.

I flutter my eyes open and stay still, listening.

“Zephyr?”

Jurrek’s voice cuts through the morning quiet, and a cold chill runs down my spine, My pack’s Beta. My brother’s Beta.

I rise at once, grabbing my robe and heading out of my chamber. As I walk toward the pack’s exit, I hear whispers. The werewolf members of hue pack are talking, moving quickly. Something must have happened.

I step into the open lane beyond the gate. The wind greets me, sharp and cold.

Then I feel him behind me.

I turn slowly and meet Jurrek Bane’s eyes. My brother’s most loyal man.

Broad–shouldered, sharp–jawed, wrapped in a white fur–lined coat marked with the Ash Pack crest. His brown eyes are steady, filled with something I don’t want to name.

He bows his head to me, and I look away, jaw tight. I don’t deserve that.

“How have you been, Zephyr?” His voice scrapes through me and I force myself to meet his gaze.

“How long has it been?” he asks again.

“Five years,” I whisper. My eyes lower, drawn into memories I’ve tried to bury. I left Ash Pack behind, but it follows me, especially in moments like this.

“I heard you recovered your parents‘ ashes,” he says.

“Yes.”

The word catches in my throat. I still can’t look at him. The guilt always lingers like smoke from a fire long extinguished.

“I should take them back to Ash Pack,” Jurrek says gently. “And maybe, maybe it’s time for you to come back too. The pack needs an Alpha.”

“I will bring my parent home myself and the pack will have its Alpha.” I lift my chin, forcing strength into my voice. “Varyn will return, Jurrek. He will.”

Silence stretches between us.

Then he nods. Eyes cast downward. Everyone knows how obsessed I am with that belief. That my brother, our General, is still

alive,

“There’s still no word,” he says quietly. “His comrades returned from the battlefield, but no one knows what became of him. Zephyr… it’s been five years. Don’t you think it’s time you take his place?”

Become Alpha?

I shake my head.

“No.” The thought is a weight I can’t carry. “Varyn will come back. And my answer will always be the same. I won’t take his place.”

Jurrek doesn’t argue. Instead, he walks to his white powerful horse, reaching into a saddlebag and pulling out a golden scroll. He extends it to me.

extends

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“You must’ve heard,” he says. “The Lycan King is dead.”

I arch a brow. I’d heard. I’d seen the heir.

The memory of last night claws through me. Those pale eyes, that unnatural stillness. His presence had felt like something ancient. Not just powerful. Ominous.

“Yes, I know,” I murmur. “What about it?”

“There’s a coronation tomorrow. Apex Blood will be crowned and for the first time in Lycan history, werewolf packs have been invited. The Ash Pack was the first. This scroll was hand–delivered by the Lycan Prince’s elder sister herself.”

I blink at him.

“What will you do, Zephyr?” he asks. “The Alpha’s name is written on it. Should we ignore the invitation?”

I place the scroll beside it and close the chest, pressing my palm to the lid.

Varyn… where are you?

No answer comes. Just the sound of the pack gate creaking open.

I rise and walk to the window.

2/3

A carriage rides in, ornate and proud, bearing the crest of Blackbridge Pack.

She hasn’t even stepped out before her scent cuts through the air.

Kaela

Hue Pack guards rush forward. Maids line the path in silence. Every pack member pauses to stare.

I’ve read about her. Heard the whispers. I was alive when the legends began.

Kaela Bridge, the first female envoy ever chosen for a mission. Born of a Beta. Returned now after five years of success to be named host.

Men adore her beauty, Women praise her brilliance. She’s everything society celebrates and here she is, arriving like a queen.

She steps down from her carriage with elegance, fingertips grazing her gown. Then she lifts her head.

Our eyes meet. Brief. Sharp. Like a challenge.

Then she walks past, followed by guards and maids, treatment 1, the Alpha’s mate, have never received.

I wonder if her arrival has something to do with the Lycan King’s death… or Apex’s coronation tomorrow.

Either way, she’s here for a reason.

Send Gifts

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