The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger.-Chapter 248: The man with green eyes...

Neriah

After Thames left, I wandered through the forest.

With each step I took, an unexplainable peace filled my soul. It was as though the cool afternoon breeze was blowing away the ache in my chest. I didn't want to go back to the pack… I didn't want to listen to their subtle ridicule, knowing that I would be unable to understand it as soon as they said it.

Most of the time, it takes me days to get a joke or more. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, I continued my exploration. Aside from that, I still had responsibilities. My father made sure of that. I always followed him to different packs within and outside the region and was always assigned duties.

But do you know what is funny? I tend to do really well when it comes to carrying out my duties. I could hold a Moonsinging ritual and deliver it perfectly from the start until the end. I could connect with the stars whenever my dad had to go into a trance and keep him in it for days.

I guess that was the only reason I was still a member of the pack, why my dad had yet to kick me out, and maybe the fact that I ended up getting Thames as my mate. My dad always admired him and would always subtly say he wanted to make him in-laws, but for my sister after me, Iris.

I didn't know if my father was glad that I ended up being his mate—he never showed it. But there was no doubt he was fond of Thames.

I continued walking, getting lost in my thoughts and barely registering my surroundings as my feet carried me deeper into the woods. My mind kept flitting to the events of the past few days – those days when we were at the other packs for missions.

Thames had been by my side since childhood, a shadow, a protector, and finally, my mate, yet despite his unwavering loyalty, something inside me longed for something different—something more.

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Eventually, I found myself at the base of a massive oak tree. Without thinking, I lowered my frame against it, feeling the rough bark against my back as I rested my head on it. I closed my eyes, allowing the forest sounds to wash over me—the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the distant sound of a running stream. The wind hummed through the branches above, a soft lullaby that gradually coaxed me into sleep.

I must have dozed off, for when I next became aware of my surroundings, I felt like I was being watched. The forest had gone unnaturally quiet. My eyes fluttered open, and my breath caught in my throat. I found myself staring up at a man who stood mere feet away from me. His chest was rising and falling in heavy, erratic breaths.

My breath didn't catch in my throat because I was afraid, but because the sight of him stole my breath away. I've seen a lot of good-looking men. Thames was handsome and very attractive, but this man here was the epitome of beauty. I felt like he was used as a blueprint to make others.

He was tall and lean, with broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. His face seemed carved from marble—high cheekbones, a strong jaw with day-old stubble, and a straight nose that had clearly been broken at least once but had healed in a way that only added character.

His red hair clung to his damp forehead, the strands slightly curled from sweat—he looked both rugged and effortlessly handsome. But it was his eyes that truly captured my attention—they were a vivid, almost unnatural green that reminded me of emerald flames, flecked with gold near the pupils. But right now, they burned with desperation and something else…

They were wide with alarm, frequently darting to look over his shoulder.

His clothes were finely made with a style that didn't look familiar – like all those Alphas and Lycans from the other packs, but they were in disarray and torn in places. A pendant hung from his neck, partially concealed beneath the shirt he had on, catching the light when his chest moved.

His fists were clenched at his sides, and his muscles were taut as if he had been running for his life. He was staring at me intently, like a predator forced into a corner, ready to either beg for mercy or bare his fangs.

Behind him, I could hear the sounds of pursuit – breaking branches, the distant sound of shouting voices and the heavy tread of multiple boots against the forest floor. He turned sharply at the noise, his gaze flickering between me and the direction of what I was sure were his pursuers.

His gaze locked with mine for a heartbeat as something unspoken passed between us. Then, without a word, he moved to the oak tree.

He caught the lowest-hanging branch—four times my height—I was as tall as six feet—with surprising agility before vaulting into the thick branches above, disappearing into them and leaving me staring up in confusion.

My heart raced as I tried to process what had just happened. Who was he? Why was he being chased? The sensible thing would be to call out to his pursuers and reveal that he was hiding above me. That's what my father would expect of me – loyalty to my people above all else.

But something held me back. Something in those green eyes had spoken to me and asked for my trust without words, but could I be that against my people?

I could hear his pursuers drawing closer. Without fully understanding my actions, I slid down from the root and settled cross-legged, even as my heart threatened to pound right out of my chest. I focused on appearing peaceful and meditative as if I'd been sitting there all along.

"Who's there?" a gruff voice called out.

I opened my eyes, feigning surprise. Immediately, I scrambled to my feet, brushing leaves from my skirt in a show of flustered innocence.

"It's me, Neriah. Is everything all right?" I asked, looking at the group of warriors who had emerged from the treeline.

There were about twelve of them, clad in armour, all bearing the marks of my father's elite guard. They were armed with short swords and bows, and their expression was grim and focused. Their leader, a broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward.

He scanned the area before his eyes rested on me.

I swallowed, willing myself to stay calm.

"Little miss, how long have you been here?" he demanded.

"Not long. I was… finding a quiet place to think."

"The warrior glanced up at the massive oak tree, then back at me. "Did you see anyone run past here? A man, about this tall?" he held his hand up to indicate someone slightly taller than himself.

I hesitated, my mind racing. Despite my better judgement, I wanted to protect him."

"No!" I shook my head slowly. I was lost in meditation, and I saw no one until all of you arrived. Did something happen?"

Another warrior scoffed. "Meditating?" he glanced toward the leaer. "She must have seen something. She's lying."

"Lying about what exactly?" I fired back, holding the warrior's gaze.

They exchanged glances, clearly unsure whether to believe me. One of them left the group and came to the tree, looking up into its branches with narrowed eyes.

"You're far away from the pack, Little Miss. You could have meditated by the river. Why did you come this far?"

Whoever that man was, he must have been wanted. The warriors asked me many questions, as if they suspected I was with him or something.

Before I could respond, someone walked into us.

"What is the meaning of this?" a familiar voice rang out.

My heart sank as my father strode into the clearing.

The warriors stiffened immediately, stepping aside as my father approached me, his face set in irritation. Behind him was Thames. His eyes widened with surprise when he saw me and mouthed.

"Are you alright?"

"Neriah?" My father called out, my name sounding like an accusation on his lips. "What are you doing out here alone? Explain yourself?"

My stomach curled with fear. My father was not a pleasant sight when he was angry, and I had no ready explanation that wouldn't enrage him further. But before I could stammer out a response, Thames came forward, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's my fault, Alpha," he said, not meeting my father's eyes. "We were together earlier, and I asked her to wait for me while I answered your summons. I didn't think it would take this long. I'm sorry, sir."

I blinked, surprised at Thames's unexpected intervention, but quickly schooled my features and faced my father, trying to look pitiful.

The leader of the warriors frowned. "Didn't you say you just arrived a moment ago?"