Chapter 8: The Pull of Duty (Owen's POV)

The forest was calm now, the earlier tension replaced by a quiet I hadn't felt in days. Sabine stood before me, her wolf form breathtakingly striking under the moonlight. Her fur glowed softly in the pale light, her body poised, but her eyes betrayed a storm of emotions she likely didn't know how to express.

Fraser was restless in my mind, his deep, steady presence pressing forward with a sense of satisfaction.

She's here. Finally.

I agreed, though I didn't let the thought linger. Sabine had chosen to come out of hiding, but she was still wary, like a wild animal testing the waters before fully trusting its surroundings. And who could blame her?

She's ours. Protect her, Fraser rumbled, his voice a commanding growl in my mind.

Before I could respond to him or to Sabine, a sharp voice sliced through my thoughts like a blade.

Beta, where the hell are you?

I stiffened, the familiar weight of my Alpha's mindlink settling into place. Cole's tone wasn't angry—yet—but I knew it would be if I didn't answer quickly.

I'm in the woods, I replied, keeping my tone neutral.

The meeting is over, Owen. You should've been back by now. Did you forget we still have patrol reports to go over? And the southern border needs reinforcement plans.

I sighed, frustration bubbling under the surface. I knew my duties, but the weight of them felt like a distant concern compared to the woman standing in front of me.

I didn't forget, Alpha. Something... important came up.

There was a long pause, and I could almost feel Cole weighing my words.

Important? His tone shifted, sharper now. What's going on?

I hesitated, glancing at Sabine. She was watching me intently, her ears slightly perked, her body tense but no longer on the verge of bolting.

I found my mate, I finally admitted.

The silence on Cole's end was deafening, broken only by a low, almost disbelieving growl.

Your mate? Here?

Yes. She's... complicated, I said, not wanting to get into the specifics just yet. But I can't leave her right now.

Cole's growl deepened, though it wasn't one of anger—it was more contemplative.

You know the rules, Owen. If she's your mate, she belongs with the pack. Bring her in.

It's not that simple, I replied, my voice firm. She's a rogue.

Another pause. This time, I could feel Cole's frustration through the link.

Then you're bringing a rogue onto our territory?

She's my mate, I said again, my tone unyielding. I won't force her into anything, but I won't abandon her either.

Cole sighed heavily, the sound carrying through the link.

Fine, he said at last. But don't let this interfere with your duties. Get back here as soon as you can, Owen. And if she won't come with you, then she needs to stay off pack land unless she's given permission.

The link snapped shut before I could respond, and I let out a slow breath. Fraser growled low in my mind, his irritation with the interruption evident.

He doesn't understand. She's ours.

He doesn't have to understand, I replied. He just has to trust me.

I turned my attention back to Sabine, who was watching me with cautious curiosity. She hadn't moved, but her posture had shifted slightly—less defensive, more hesitant.

"I need to go back to my pack," I said gently, stepping closer to her. I kept my voice soft, not wanting to spook her. "My Alpha wants me back, and I have responsibilities I can't ignore."

Her ears twitched, and I saw a flicker of something in her eyes—relief? Disappointment? It was hard to tell.

"But," I added, my tone firm but warm, "I want you to come with me."

Sabine stiffened, her head tilting slightly as if she hadn't expected the offer.

"You don't have to decide right now," I continued, my voice steady. "If you don't want to come, I won't force you. But I need you to know that you're not alone, Sabine. If you ever need help—or if you decide you're ready—you can come to the border of my pack's territory. I'll make sure the patrol knows to let you through if you ask for me."

I hesitated, then added, "Just tell them you need Beta Owen. They'll call me, and I'll come to you."

She didn't respond immediately, but the way her posture relaxed slightly told me she was listening.

She's scared, Fraser said softly. But she wants to trust us.

I know, I replied.

"I'll wait for you, Sabine," I said quietly. "For as long as it takes. But promise me one thing—if you're ever in danger, if you ever need help, come to me. No matter what."

Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, the bond between us pulsed so strongly that it felt like a physical connection. She didn't speak, but the way she held my gaze told me everything I needed to know.

She was scared. She wasn't ready. But she was listening.

And that was enough for now.

I stepped back, giving her space, and turned toward the direction of the pack. I didn't want to leave her, but I knew I had to. The pull of duty wasn't something I could ignore, no matter how much I wanted to stay.

As I walked away, I felt her eyes on me, watching until I disappeared into the trees.

Fraser growled softly in my mind, his voice a low, reassuring rumble. She'll come. She's ours.

I hope you're right, I replied, the weight of the bond between us lingering like a thread, stretching but never breaking.

Sabine would make her choice.

And I would wait.

HOPE YOU LIKED IT!

Let me know your thoughts—what do you think happens next? Share your ideas, and don't forget to vote if you'd like to see more of this story. Your feedback means everything to me!

Thank you for reading, and I can't wait to hear from you!