Bound By Moonlight.

River's POV

The moonlight shone bright as the cool night air blew the leaves in the trees. Birds flew away as I came running through the woods. My breaths uneven, the white wedding dress I was wearing was covered in mud and in my own blood. My face was scratched and the dress torn. But that didn't stop me from running for my life. The sound of more running in the distance made my heart race even more.

Fear and adrenaline took over my body, making it impossible for me to stop. Unfortunately, my air was running low as I continued. Finally, I stopped and hid behind a Ponderosa Pine tree, trying to catch my breath.

The sound of the men's voices grew closer, and I placed my hand over my mouth to keep the sound of my uneven breaths contained.

"I smell her. She's close by, keep an eye out." The one man's voice echoed through the woods.

"Come out, come out wherever you are!" Another voice echoed through the trees. "The Alpha is pissed that his bride ran away. You might not make it to your wedding night if you don't come with us!"

I listened closely, trying to identify from which direction the men's voices were coming from. But, it was difficult because of the distance their voices travelled. My heart pounded in my chest, fear was high, and panic swam through my veins. I started running once more, hoping my legs would carry me just a bit further. I looked back, and the two men were hot on my trail.

"Shit!" I spat out, as I tried to add more speed.

One of them started to catch up and pulled me by my hair, making me fall to the ground. I let out a yelp as I connected the ground beneath me. He climbed on top of me pinning me to the ground. "You thought you could outrun us, did you?" His eyes flickered with anger and determination to please his Alpha.

"Let me go!" I pleaded, but then he pinned my hands over my head.

"Oh no, you don't get it do you?" He leaned in, a slow smirk spread across his face. "If we don't bring you back to the Alpha, he will have our heads. And I would rather him have yours than he has mine."

I struggled and tried to escape his grip. But it was no use, seeing that I have yet to receive my wolf from the Moon Goddess, I was no match against another werewolf. Yet, it didn't stop me from trying to, to not go back to that horrible man that calls himself an Alpha.

Then after a few minutes of struggling, the man went flying into the air and hit the ground with a loud thud. I looked up to meet his gaze, my heart racing so fast, I was unable to control my breathing. As his gaze met mine, he let out a soft growl. Frozen in one spot, I thought this man was one of them that was sent after me. Then his gaze shot up to the other men that were chasing after me.

I wanted to run, but my legs wouldn't allow me to stand, "Please, help me." I pleaded, but his gaze switched between the two men.

"What is the meaning of this?" His voice was a low and calm growl.

"She needs to come with us. She is property of the Alpha Kai." The one spat out. Anger filled his voice.

"She's not going anywhere with you." His voice was cold but determinant. His eyes glowed a bright gold. I saw his eyes and the panic returned. He was an Alpha, a strong and powerful one as well.

The two men swallowed hard, the panic in their eyes clearly showed. One stepped forward attempting to take on this man, but he just growled, and the man took a step back. He glanced over to the other. With one nod they attacked him, but they were no match. He threw one punch, and they were on the ground.

They slowly made their way to their feet; I could see that they were in pain from the blows that they had endured. This Alpha, this man saved my life, but why? Questions started to fill my mind. Then he gave one loud growl and Kai men looked at one another and made their escape to the woods.

He helped me up and looked me up and down. His eyes fell to the scars on my face, with a tender touch he looked at it intensely.

"Who... Who are you?" I asked, my voice shaking.

Then his facial expression quickly changed. He let out a growl and pinned me against the nearest tree, "Your scent." His face was against my neck as he took a big breath. My chest rose and fell quickly as panic surged through my veins. "My mate." His voice played through my ears.

"What?" I said softly as our gaze met.

"I need to mark you." He said in a low and determinant tone. Then his teeth sunk into my flesh. I let out a scream then pushed him back and started running again. Leaving him in the distance.