The Rogue Series Book 2: The Rogue Resistance

SIMON

The thought of two alphas in the family makes my stomach churn. I keep telling myself that Harley’s happy, that’s what matters. My opinions on packs are irrelevant.

She made this choice. She picked him. As much as it pains me to admit, Jackson isn’t the worst choice.

He seems genuinely fond of her. I watch as Jackson keeps Harley close, announcing their shared title.

She’s busy accepting congratulations while his gaze rarely strays from her, filled with love and admiration. It’s enough to make a wolf nauseous. I hang back, observing the joy from a corner of the room.

Despite my efforts to stay detached, I can feel the hostile stares. Many pack members wish I wasn’t here.

As if I didn’t play a part in their rescue. My gaze sweeps over the crowd, instantly drawn to her—her honey-blonde hair, her infectious laughter.

She’s in her element, effortlessly engaging in conversations. Her hazel eyes meet mine as I admire the sunlight dancing on her hair.

The room fades away, and all I hear is silence. It’s a moment of tranquility I desperately need in a place where I’m unwelcome.

I smile, letting the serenity envelop me, forgetting about everyone else. Only she matters. I know I should look away, break this strange enchantment, but her soft smile draws me in.

Her beauty makes it impossible to look away. A fluttering sensation in my stomach distracts me. This isn’t real.

It’s just biology, nothing more. I reach for some food from a nearby table, hoping to distract myself. The moment the spell breaks, my body tenses.

The party seems louder, more crowded. Why do I keep falling for this? Falling under her spell.

It’s been nearly three weeks since we met, and the bond pulling me toward her only grows stronger. Shouldn’t this feeling fade? But every time I see her, I’m more captivated.

I could watch her all day. But I shouldn’t. She’s a pack wolf, an alpha’s daughter.

She embodies everything I despise. I’m everything she detests. If my feelings are what I suspect they are, I don’t see a future where we could work.

I need to find out more. My eyes scan the crowd, looking for someone I can confide in. Liam is busy flirting with new pack members.

He won’t understand my reluctance; he’s always been a pack member. He’ll be thrilled for me. Jackson is available, but talking to him would be unbearable.

We may tolerate each other for Harley’s sake, but I won’t bare my feelings to him and endure his patronizing smile. He’d relish the chance to see me join a pack and prove him right.

I catch my sister’s eye and sigh. It seems my only option is the former rogue, who’s now our resident relationship expert. I navigate through the crowd, feeling the judgmental stares of high-ranking pack members.

A rogue. A rogue at a ceremony like this. Their disapproval is palpable, a clear message that I don’t belong.

Maybe they’re right. Maybe I should just leave and go back to being a fugitive. Before I lose my courage, I mutter to Harley, “Har—Alpha Harley, can we talk alone for a minute?”

Alpha. The word feels alien. Harley may not be my blood sister, but she’s family.

We grew up together, teasing and playing. Why do packs insist on creating divisions with titles? Without waiting for her response, I head toward the woods.

She’ll follow. I walk farther down the path, ensuring we’re well away from everyone. How do I broach this subject?

Harley, of all people, should understand my reluctance, know why I can’t trust a pack wolf. But so much has changed; I hope her views haven’t.

“Simon, you know you don’t have to call me Alpha when we are alone, right? Just in official settings.”

I roll my eyes and chuckle. Call her Alpha? We’ve known each other since we were kids, surviving harsh winters together; there’s no room for formality in a relationship like ours.

“Wasn’t planning on it, but thanks for letting me know,” I say.

“So what’s wrong?” Her eyes scrutinize me. Her brows furrow in concern.

I take a deep breath, my gaze dropping to my shoes. My fingers nervously play with the hem of my shirt.

I need to just spit it out. Don’t be a chicken, Simon! “Can you recall the moment you knew Jackson was your mate? What exactly tipped you off about your connection?”

“I remember the sparks. The first time our skin brushed against each other at the gym, it was like a jolt of electricity. I’d never experienced anything like it.

“At first, I didn’t understand what it was, but it felt good. I almost chickened out of telling Jackson my theory that night. I was so scared.”

Her words make my chest constrict. Sparks. Electricity. I’m familiar with those sensations. Oh, no. It can’t be.

What are the odds of this happening? I didn’t know anyone with a mate during our time on the run, but now I’ve encountered two in less than a year with the Night Fang Pack.

Is this really my destiny? “Do you ever wish you hadn’t told him your theory? If you hadn’t brought it up, nothing would have happened.”

“No, never.” Her eyes search my face, a mix of curiosity and confusion. I avoid her gaze as she continues.

“I truly believe something would have happened regardless. It just would have taken longer. Why do you ask?”

Of course, she’d say that. She’s an alpha, respected and well treated. She hasn’t been blindsided yet, but she will be.

Packs can’t be trusted; Night Fang will hurt her just like all the others. “And the sparks can’t be triggered by anything else, right? Did you feel drawn to him when your eyes met?”

“Yes…”

My throat tightens, and I struggle to breathe. Who does the Moon Goddess think she is, forcing two people to be together forever?

“Simon, do you think you’ve found… Do you have a mate?”

I lower my voice to a whisper, nervously responding, “Yes, a few weeks ago, before the attack. But I’m not certain; with everything that’s been happening, I haven’t had time to figure it out.”

Harley scrutinizes me. I’m sure her face is a picture of shock and excitement, but I can’t bring myself to look at her.

She doesn’t understand. She should, but she doesn’t. I feel so alone. Her voice is soft and steady. “Simon, you’re not alone in this. What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. I thought about just not coming back, but with the merger, that’s going to be difficult. I need to think.”

“So they’re from Whitetail. Who is it?”

I shoot her a glare. How many packs does she think I interact with? Night Fang and Whitetail are the only ones I see regularly.

“It’s April. I think she knows too.”

Harley grins, settling in to discuss it.

I don’t want to discuss this. I want to ignore it, to move on, but my words tumble out against my will. I sound like a lovesick fool as I rave about April’s beauty and kindness as if those things matter to a wolf.

Those things won’t keep you alive when times get tough. She’s dangerous. An alpha’s daughter. A member of a pack that would have killed me a few months ago.

How can I even contemplate this?

“It’s just… Are mates really as great as everyone claims?” I grumble, crushing a flower in my hand.

Before Harley can respond, I continue my rant. “How great can they be if rogues didn’t even have them? If no one bothered to tell us about them, they’re probably overhyped.”

Harley chuckles, resting her hand on her cheek.

I give her a light shove. “Don’t laugh at me.”

“I’m not. You’re just… Well, you’re going in circles. You won’t know until you talk to her.”

I sigh, turning away with a frown. She’s not wrong. For all I know, April also realizes how terrible an idea this is.

She seems smart enough to know a rogue and the notorious rogue killer’s daughter won’t work. I’m probably just overthinking.

I spring to my feet, dusting off my pants and reaching down to help Harley up. I need to stop obsessing over this.

I need to talk to April and get the inevitable rejection over with.