Chapter 9: Return to the Pack (Owen's POV)

The forest grew denser as I moved, my steps sure despite the twisting paths of the undergrowth. Every so often, I paused, glancing back over my shoulder, hoping to catch some sign that Sabine had followed. She hadn't. I hadn't really expected her to, but the ache in my chest didn't care for logic.

She'll come, Fraser rumbled confidently in my mind, his voice a steady hum of assurance.

You sound so sure, I replied, my tone edged with doubt.

Because I am, he snapped. You saw her eyes, felt her hesitation. She wants to trust us, Owen. She just doesn't know how yet. We give her time.

I let Fraser's words settle over me as I reached the edge of the pack's territory. The familiar scent markers hit me like a wall, the musk of pine and earth mingled with the distinct energy that marked our land as protected.

The patrol was waiting-three wolves in human form, their stances relaxed but alert. Their gazes sharpened as they caught sight of me.

"Beta," one of them greeted with a nod, his tone respectful but curious. "Alpha's been asking for you."

"I know," I replied curtly, not slowing my stride as I passed them. "I'm heading to him now."

The packhouse came into view moments later, its towering structure illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns. As much as I considered this place home, the sight of it filled me with an unexpected weight. Sabine's face flashed in my mind, her golden fur shimmering in the moonlight, her eyes wary yet captivating.

I shook the thought away and pushed through the front doors. The low hum of conversation filled the main hall, a mixture of voices discussing patrol schedules, supply inventories, and the endless tasks that came with running one of the largest packs in Europe.

Cole was waiting for me in the war room, seated at the head of the long table. His presence was commanding as always, his sharp blue eyes cutting through the dim light like a blade. He looked up as I entered, his expression unreadable.

"You're late," he said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of authority.

I closed the door behind me and took a breath. "I had to handle something."

Cole's brow lifted, his gaze narrowing. "Something? Or someone?"

"You already know," I said, meeting his gaze without flinching. "I told you. I found my mate."

Cole leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he studied me. "And she's a rogue."

"Yes."

His lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, the room was filled with nothing but the soft crackle of the fire in the hearth.

"Do you realize what you're asking of me, Owen?" he finally said, his voice low but steady. "Bringing a rogue into the pack-mate or not-could disrupt everything. You know how this works."

"I'm not asking for anything yet," I replied evenly. "I didn't force her to come with me, and I won't. But she needs time, Cole. She's... been through a lot."

Cole's eyes narrowed slightly. "And you're sure about this?"

"Absolutely."

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Fine. But if she steps onto our territory, it becomes my business. If she needs time, she gets it, but I'm not putting the pack at risk for one wolf, even if she's your mate."

"I wouldn't ask you to," I said firmly.

Cole gave me a long look, his expression softening just a fraction. "You're one of the best betas I've ever had, Owen. You've never given me a reason not to trust you. Don't start now."

"I won't."

"Good. Now, sit. We have work to do."

I took a seat across from him, but my thoughts weren't on the maps and reports spread across the table. They were in the forest, with Sabine.

She's fine, Fraser said, his tone softer now.

You don't know that, I shot back, though I knew I was being unfair.

She's ours, he replied simply, his confidence unwavering. And she's stronger than you think. When the time comes, she'll find us.

The rest of the night passed in a blur of discussions and strategy, but even as I focused on my duties, a part of me remained tethered to the rogue girl in the woods. My mate.

And no matter how long it took, I would wait for her.

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