Chapter 12: On the Edge (Owen's POV)

The day had been quiet. Too quiet. After my conversation with Alpha Cole earlier, I'd buried myself in patrol reports, trying to keep my thoughts occupied. But they kept drifting-to her. To Sabine.

I'd half-expected her to disappear entirely. She had rogue blood in her veins; running was second nature to her. Still, every part of me had wanted to track her down, to find her and make sure she was safe. But she'd fled the clearing like I was the last person she wanted to see, and I couldn't risk pushing her further away.

But waiting? That was hell.

Fraser's voice rumbled in my head, calm but insistent. She's not gone. You felt it, didn't you? She's too close to sever the bond.

That's what worries me, I admitted. If she's close, why hasn't she come back?

Because she's cautious, Fraser replied. Smart, even. She doesn't trust easily-not you, not anyone. You'll have to prove yourself, Beta.

Easier said than done, I muttered, rubbing my temples.

The sound of footsteps pulled me out of my thoughts, followed by a knock at the door. It was Dean, one of the senior patrol leaders. His face was serious, but not panicked-a sign that whatever had brought him here wasn't an immediate threat, but still something worth my attention.

"Beta," Dean said with a respectful nod. "We've got a situation at the northern border. A rogue is asking for you by name."

I was on my feet before he'd finished speaking. "Who?" I demanded, though I already knew the answer.

"A female," Dean continued. "Calls herself Sabine."

Fraser practically roared in my head. Told you.

"I'm on it," I said, grabbing my jacket. "Alert the Alpha that I'm handling this, but tell him not to send anyone else unless I say otherwise."

Dean hesitated. "Are you sure? She could be dangerous."

"She's not," I snapped, then softened my tone. "I'll take care of it. Just hold the patrols back for now."

***

The northern border was still, the thick canopy of trees filtering the fading sunlight. I caught Sabine's scent long before I saw her, faint but unmistakable-a mix of earth and something wild. My wolf, Fraser, stirred within me, his presence buzzing with anticipation.

She's here, Fraser growled. I told you she wouldn't run far.

I ignored his smug tone, focusing instead on the clearing ahead. And then I saw her.

Sabine stood just beyond the border in her wolf form, her pale fur nearly glowing against the shadows of the forest. Her body was tense, poised to run, but her golden eyes locked onto me the moment I stepped out of the trees.

The bond between us surged, a pull so strong it made my breath catch. Fraser's voice rumbled in my mind again. Go to her. She's waiting.

Slowly, I stepped forward, keeping my movements deliberate and calm. "Sabine," I said, my voice firm but steady. "You came."

Her ears twitched, and she hesitated for a moment before shifting back into her human form. I couldn't help but notice the way she straightened, standing tall despite the vulnerability that came with shedding her wolf.

"I need to talk to you," she said, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. "It's important."

I nodded, stepping closer, careful not to startle her. "Let's talk, then. But not here. Come with me."

Her gaze flicked to the patrol wolf lingering nearby, her wariness evident. I turned and gestured for the man to leave. "It's fine. I've got this."

The patrol hesitated, his eyes darting between us, but eventually nodded and disappeared into the trees. When I turned back to Sabine, her posture had relaxed slightly, though she still watched me carefully.

"You're safe with me," I said, meeting her eyes. "I promise."

For a moment, I thought she might bolt again. But then she gave a small nod, her tension easing just enough to follow. "Lead the way," she said quietly.

We didn't speak as I led her deeper into the pack's territory, steering clear of the more populated areas. I brought her to an old cabin near the edge of the border, a place used for emergency patrols or meetings when privacy was needed. It wasn't much, but it was quiet and out of sight.

Once inside, I lit the small lantern on the table, casting a warm glow over the room. Sabine stood near the door, her arms crossed as she surveyed the space.

"You can sit," I offered, motioning to one of the chairs.

She didn't move. "I overheard something," she said abruptly, her tone sharp and guarded.

I froze, her words cutting through the air like a blade. "What did you hear?"

Her eyes narrowed, watching me carefully, as if weighing whether or not to trust me. "Your patrols. They're under orders to kill rogues on sight. No questions."

The accusation hung heavy between us, and Fraser growled low in my mind. This isn't good. Fix it.

I stepped closer, keeping my voice calm. "Sabine, listen to me. I don't know who said that, but it's not my order, and it's not Cole's either. I would never-"

"How can I believe you?" she interrupted, her voice trembling despite her hardened expression. "How do I know you're not just saying that to get me to stay?"

I stopped, her words hitting harder than I expected. "Because I meant what I said," I replied firmly. "You're safe with me. If anyone in this pack even thinks of hurting you, they'll have to answer to me first."

Her gaze searched mine, and for a moment, I saw something flicker in her eyes-doubt, maybe, or hope. She didn't respond, but she didn't leave either.

"Sabine," I said softly, "if you don't want to stay, I won't stop you. But if you ever need anything-anything-you can come to the border. Tell the patrols to call for me, and I'll come to you. No questions asked."

She looked away, her arms tightening around herself. "Why?"

"Because you're my mate," I said simply.

The words seemed to take the air out of the room, and for a long moment, she just stared at me. Finally, she exhaled, her posture softening just slightly.

"I'll think about it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

It wasn't the answer I'd hoped for, but it was a start.

"Take your time," I said, stepping back to give her space. "Just... don't disappear again, okay?"

She didn't reply, but as she slipped out of the cabin and disappeared into the night, I felt the bond between us hum with something faint but undeniable: a connection that even her doubts couldn't sever.

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