The run

Laura's point of view:

It’s almost night. A few minutes are all that keep us all from running. Everyone seems to quietly enjoy their time, everyone but me.

Of course, not only unmated wolves are welcome here. There are also mated couples who are here to celebrate such a magical night.

I must admit that the bonfire looks quite appealing, and my body is so into giving in to the sweet melodies of drums.

I would normally enjoy it all and wouldn’t find it hard to blend in between the wolves dancing around the bonfire. Still, I have more serious matters to think about for now.

I stand along with the other rejected and unmated she-wolves, getting myself ready to run as fast as I can when it’s time. It’s a matter of twenty-four hours before my entire nightmare is over.

I know I might lose my wolf once and forever. Still, it’s better than being enslaved in the hands of males who would want to break my soul and make an obedient breeding machine out of me.

I was lost in my thoughts when I spotted Julie...

She was being her usual self, throwing hatred toward me. I’m not trying to be mean, yet her entire situation kind of makes me laugh.

It’s undoubtedly what could be called "life’s irony."

How would I say it?

Well, it’s rumored that she was the one rejecting her mate, only to be mated with Noah. Yet, Noah being himself, gave up on her when he knew that she wasn’t the strongest female in our pack anymore.

She had always dreamed of becoming the Blood Moon’s pack Luna. What she never expected was to be dumped by Noah. Especially after that, she sacrificed her mate for him.

Like most of the unmated werewolves here, all he cares about is power. They’re here not to find love, but only to get their trophy: a strong female that will produce strong pups.

Well, I’m no trophy for any horny male, and neither are the females here. If only they had decided to fight for themselves instead of giving up to the first male who laid eyes on them.

Part of me wants to stand by her side, comfort her, and tell her that she deserves better. Still, there’s that other part that believes they are suitable for each other.

After all, she also broke a poor werewolf's heart only for power.

While watching her, I didn’t notice how fast the time was flying until I heard howls that brought me back to reality.

The sky wasn’t as dark as it usually would be. The red moon was more like a red sun that highlighted the way toward the woods.

I knew it was time, so I decided to lose complete control of my body to my wolf. My entire existence shifted, and in no time, my vision became better, my senses grew stronger, and I started feeling my wolf’s power.

Following our instincts, we decided to run as fast as possible without wasting any time.

My wolf and I do indeed have some privileges since it’s our pack territory in which the run is held. We also know every zone here.

Also, as females, we start the run an hour earlier than males.

My wolf and I made our way toward the nearest lake. The last thing we want is for my scent to be tracked by Noah or the stranger.

Meanwhile, while swimming in the lake, we heard howls that declared that the males had joined the run.

"Damn it!" I cursed to myself, since I didn’t expect time to fly that way.

The next thing I did was shift back to my human form, and then I got myself out of the lake. I ran my hand through my hair while thinking about my upcoming move. Should I keep running or hidein one of the nearby dens?

Both of these thoughts seemed not to be working. If I run, I’ll get exhausted, and Noah or the stranger can reach me in a matter of hours. Meanwhile, if I hide in a den, any male can find me.

I breathed in and out while trying to find a solution... Just in time, a huge tree showed up in front of my sight.

How dumb am I not to think about it?

If I climb that tree, there is no way a male would spot me there. I can keep myself hidden until it’s over, and then I’ll be free.

It would be simple if I do it in my wolf form, but it would leave a strong scent. That’s why I’ll do it as a human.

I started climbing the tree, while carefully trying not to cut my skin open. Any drop of blood would lead the males toward me. It took me about twenty minutes to reach the top. Only then does my body start relaxing.

I laid my back on the strong branch behind me, then closed my eyes while trying to take a breath. I was indeed exhausted, and I couldn't wait until it was all over.

While I was sleeping, the sound of battle woke me up, and a familiar scent drew my attention. It was Julie; I don’t know how, but she was in her human form, covered in blood. She was sobbing while begging someone to stay away from her.

In front of her stood both Noah and another familiar male wolf. I’ve seen him before. Where? I don’t remember.

Realization hit me when I remembered who the wolf was standing by Noah’s side. Alpha Asher is the shadow pack’s alpha, aka the devil in wolf form.

I held my breath, since I didn’t want any of them to know about my presence. I know I should keep myself hidden, but I couldn’t stand watching what was happening to Julie. So, without thinking further, I jumped while shifting to my wolf.

I stood on my four legs between both Alphas and Julie. I growled a warning growl as I threatened both of them to stay away.

My threats didn't do me any favors, as both Alphas grew smirks on their faces. My wolf isn’t weak, and they seemed to notice it. Still, those were two Alphas, and I have no chance to win against them.

“Told you. I’ll make you mine again,” Noah exclaimed before shifting to his wolf, and the other Alpha did the same.

Although the situation was not in my favor, my wolf and I stood strong, not leaving Julie's side and not showing any weakness.

They both started circling me, and just in time, I jumped, dodging Noah’s first attack. Realization hit me when I noticed Alpha Asher making his way toward a half-unconscious Julie.

While trying to avoid Noah’s attack, I left Julie on her own, unguarded.

Which is exactly what Asher needs to mark her and make her his?

Without thinking twice, I started running at full speed toward Asher, who was making his way toward Julie. Then I threw a punch in the middle of his body using my wolf’s head.

My attack seemed to work well, as the shadow’s Alpha was thrown a few feet away from Julie.

The worst part about fighting against two is that you can’t keep an eye on both of them at the same time, and that’s what happened to me.

While focusing on Asher, I forgot about Noah until his sharp teeth bit through my leg.

I growled out in pain and started moving upward while trying to free my leg from Noah’s hold. After what seemed like forever, I was finally free from Noah’shold. Still alone, facing two wolves.

Noah’s wolf smirked while licking my blood from his teeth and started emerging toward me.

Unconsciously, I found myself stepping back while imagining how terrible life would be if I ended up mated to Noah.

I kept stepping backward until my back hit the tree I was hiding behind, then I closed my eyes while refusing to accept my dark fate.

Suddenly, a voice spoke inside my mind, a voice I did recognize as the stranger's voice.

"Don't worry, Wolfie. I will let no one harm you."

I opened my eyes without having any idea about what was happening, only to face a majestic-looking, huge, dark wolf standing in front of me.

My eyes searched in disbelief for Noah and Asher, to find Noah unconscious while covered in his blood.

Meanwhile, another huge wolf was pinning Alpha Asher down.

For a while, I thought my nightmare was over. Too fast to assume. Lost in my thoughts, I was when the stranger's fangs kissed the sweet spot of my neck...