Chapter 4 The Escape
Chapter Four
The Escape
Ryder’s POV
My father was getting closer, and any moment from then, he would be in sight. I needed to act fast. He would never spare her life no matter what. He would never care if she was my mate or not.
Panicking, I pulled Olivia behind a big tree enough to hide her slim body. I could feel her heart beat fast as she looked at me with curiosity, but I had no time to spare.
"My father," I whispered, tension rising in my body as my father's presence drew closer. "Hide there and don't move, don't speak, no matter what you hear."
Fear gripped her as she locked her eyes with mine, sending a feeling of adrenaline rush down my spine. Her eyes were filled with complicated emotions like she was looking up to me to protect her.
At that moment, my determination to keep her safe waxed stronger. Without uttering another word, I planted a quick kiss on her forehead and stepped out from the trees just in time.
My father appeared, dressed in his royal robe, with his three personal guards behind him. Their silver blades glittered under the moonlight.
"Ryder," Father started in a deep voice, breaking the forest's quietness. His eyes burned with fierceness.
"I felt it. The bond. Who is she, and where is she?" he demanded. his eyes darting behind me with suspicion.
I panicked, my chest tightening, but I tried hard to put on a calm look.
"I don't understand what you're talking about, Father. I was alone." I responded with pretence.
Father gave me a deadly smile as he narrowed his gaze on me. "Ryder. I know you so well. Do not lie to me."
He stepped closer, giving off an intimidating aura. "I smelled something. I smelled the scent of something off. A wolf." he said in a lethal voice, his eyes brimming with anger.
Immediately, his guards shifted. Their nostrils flared restlessly as they searched the trees around us. They looked so dangerous. They were ready to kill.
I held my ground, determined to protect Olivia. "I'm telling the truth, father. I came here to clear my head after the meeting with the council of elders. There is no one else."
A low growl escaped his lips. "Who do you think you're giving this bullshit to?"
"Believe me, father. I was alone." I insisted.
From where I stood, I could smell Olivia's scent curling towards me. I desperately hoped that the Lycan King wouldn’t catch the scent.
He circled me slowly, giving me a calculating look, like a predatory sizing up its prey. "We both know that the mate-bond does not flare without a reason. I felt it, and so did the council of elders. Where is she, Ryder? And why are you hiding her?"
My heart skipped a beat as I tried hard not to fumble with my words.
"I'm hiding no one," I replied flatly. I would not allow the king to intimidate me. "Perhaps, what you sensed wasn't a mate-bond. It might merely be a fake stir."
He laughed humourlessly. "A fake stir," he repeated. "What do you take me for? A fool? The moon goddess does not make mistakes."
I almost staggered from the force with which he spoke.
"Protect her," my wold whispered. "Keep her safe."
I heaved a long sigh, maintaining an innocent look. "I was alone. I have no reason to lie about something so serious, Father."
He ignored me, his lips moving with fury. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. My heart shook with fear at the terrifying thought of him finding her.
Thankfully, it was as if the forest understood my intentions to protect her. He couldn't trace her scent.
"Hmmm..." he muttered under his breath as he slowly opened his eyes, and then his gaze landed on me.
"If I find out that you're lying, I will not spare you." he warned in a cold tone.
I responded with a slight bow, keeping my facial expression calm.
He turned to his guards, speaking with an air of authority. "Guards," he pointed to two of his guards, "Search the forest. Comb everywhere. Find the intruder and bring them to me alive."
They bowed. "Yes, your Majesty." They disappeared into the woods, sniffing the air as they went.
My stomach sank. I clenched my fists to prevent my father from seeing my shaky hands.
With great intent, he let his gaze linger on me before up. "Return to the palace when you're done with your...walk." he said, purposely stressing the last word.
"Yes, father," I responded and bowed.
As if giving me a warning, he took one more glance at me and turned around, walking away with the third guard.
Soon, they were no longer in sight. I heaved a sigh of relief as I felt tension leaving my body. Suddenly, a branch creaked behind me. I turned around to see Olivia stepping out from the trees.
She had a pale and frightened look. "Are they gone?" she asked in a whisper.
"For now," my voice was rough. "The guards are still in the forest." I responded, my eyes darting at the direction the guards had gone.
" You lied for me," her voice creaked.
I smirked.
"If they find you, they will kill you....or do something worse."
Her voice shook with emotions. "But I'm a werewolf. Your enemy."
Of course, that's what we are. Enemies. But it seemed fate played a fast one on us.
I looked at her, my heart beating with admiration of her beautiful eyes. She totally looked like a femme fatale.
"Mate," I responded in a low tone. "That is what you're to me. Not enemy."
She was about to reply when we heard a distant howl. It was the guards. I turned to her with a sense of urgency. "They are coming closer. You need to run. Now!"
She seemed hesitant for a second.
"What about you? Will you be safe?" she asked with worry.
I held her hands in reassurance.
"I'll be fine. I'm the Lycan Prince. No one dared touch me. I will lead the guards away. Go east, and don't stop running until you're out of the Lycans' territory."
She held onto me more tightly. I gently stroked her cheeks with my fingers and planted a soft kiss on her lips. The bond between us came on stronger.
"Go," I urged.
Slowly, she nodded and ran into the woods. I watched as the trees completely swallowed her retreating figure. Then I closed my eyes, hoping that the moon goddess would be listening.
"Please keep her safe." I prayed in my heart.