Chapter:-3

It was the day of the run, and Ash was standing alongside the other omegas. Looking over his shoulder, he could see the alphas looking at the group, along with some betas. Ash couldn't help his shaky hands as he waited for the event holder to start speaking. The run was held at the woods, the same one Ash and Ohm were at the other night. However, they couldn't get too far because this was the only day Alex territory was fenced off, so no one could run into that part of the woods.

The run went like this: The Omegas lined up horizontally facing the woods. When they hear a gunshot, they race off into the woods, turning into their wolf form. They would find a hiding spot and wait until they heard the last gunshot. When the second gunshot is heard, the betas will race off into the woods. Finally, when the last gunshot is heard, it's time for the alphas to run into the woods. Alphas would usually go for omegas, while betas usually went for other betas. However, there are times when betas and alphas go for each other, or a beta gets an omega. Once everyone is in the woods in their wolf shapes, the alphas will search out a scent, and when they find one they like, they will look for the omega that the scent belonged to. Once they found that omega, the Omega would start off in a sprint, and that's when the chase began.

Once the chase ends and the Alpha has caught the Omega (or the Beta has caught a Beta, etc.), they will give them the bite, claiming them as their mate.

The bite, however, is only the first step in claiming a mate.

"Alright! I am so excited to announce the annual Mating run has begun!" The event organizer announced it through a microphone.

Most everyone cheered, but Ash just stared out into the woods. He really didn't want to be here. Looking back over at the Alphas, he looked around, and then he froze.

Seth was among the alphas, looking straight at Ash with a big smirk on his face.

"The run will last until the strike of midnight. If you manage to find a mate, then congratulations. If you don't manage to find a mate, then there is always next year. There are no rules once you step foot in the woods; just try not to kill anyone. Alright, let the run begin!"

The sound of a gunshot caused Ash to jerk his head, so he was no longer looking at Seth. He saw all the omegas that he had been standing with now run into the woods, turning into their wolves. Ash took a deep breath in and out and then started to sprint. Halfway towards the woods, he jumped, and when he landed, he was in his wolf form.

Ash ran past trees and spotted a small pond. He ran over and looked around for a place to hide. In the corner of his eye, he saw two trees, and between them were a few boulders.

Ash knew that wasn't the best hiding spot, and he was about to look somewhere else when he heard the last and final gunshot. The next thing he heard was growling and howling. Ash had no choice. He ran over to the trees and the boulders and crouched down.

Ten minutes later, he hears twigs breaking and a growl getting closer and closer. A few seconds later, he hears nothing. When he turns his head to the side, he sees a wolf staring right at him. The wolf was gray with a black stripe running down his back. Ash knew exactly who this was. It was Seth. Ash starts to run. He wants to get away from him as fast as he can. However, he doesn't make it far. He gets tackled to the ground, causing Ash to hit his head pretty hard. When he looks up, he sees Seth hovering over him. Ash closes his eyes, waiting for whatever happens to happen, when he feels the weight being pushed off of him, and he is now being picked up by the back of his neck.

Ash's eyes snap open, and when he looks up, he sees the most beautiful wolf. It's the same wolf he met in the woods. It's none other than Alex. Ash's head is throbbing with pain now, and he can't help but close his eyes as the sun peeking out from the tree hits his eyes. Minutes later, he is placed on the ground, and when he opens his eyes, he realizes that they are in a cave. Alex is now standing over him, like the last time they met. Alex then turns back into his human self, and when Ash moves his head to get a good look at the alpha, he whimpers in pain.

"It's okay. You're going to be okay, Bunny." Alex whispered. "I need you to shift."

Ash shakes his head and whimpers once more.

"Shift Ash," Alex demands in his alpha voice.

Ash whines, and within minutes, he is back to his human self once more.

"Gorgeous," Alex says as he drops his head and rubs his nose against the side of Ash's neck. Ash tilts his head to the side. When Alex gets a good whiff, he feels like he could get high off of Ash's scent. It was the most delicious thing he had ever smelled in his lifetime, and Alex was glad that it belonged to the beautiful omega.

Alex smirks and lifts his head up. He then looks directly into Ash's eyes, which are now half-open.

"You're mine," Alex growls, bringing his lips to Ash's pulse point. His eyes are now gold and bright, and the next thing Ash knows, he feels his teeth latching into his neck.

Ash gasps at the feeling. It's painful, but at the same time, it feels good. Ash closes his eyes as he feels Alex pull away and lick over where he had bit the Omega.

Suddenly, there is a growl and a howl getting closer to the cave's entrance. Alex looks over at Ash, whose eyes are still closed. It drains some energy from a person when they get the mating bite, so Alex knows that Ash is feeling tired and weak.

Alex walks over to Ash, gently lifts him up into his arms, and carries him to the back of the cave. He sets him down gently and kisses the top of his forehead.

"Sleep, my little omega. Your alpha will keep you safe."