I crouched low, scanning the trees.
A young deer stumbled out, its leg caught in twisted brambles. Its innocent panicked eyes met mine—wide, pleading.
I hesitated. But something deeper stirred in me.
Kneeling, I gently untangled the vines, careful not to frighten it further. With one last look, it bolted into the trees.
I exhaled slowly, whispering, "Run free little one "
But the feeling didn't leave. I couldn't shake the tension in the air
The cabin lights glowed ahead,warm and golden. Inside,the Air buzzed with low chatter. The entire pack was gathered, bodies pressed into every corner. Alina waved me over. I spotted Luca standing near the center, his posture stuff, jaw clenched.
Our eyes met.
He looks away, refusing to meet my eyes. My throat tightens and I swallow hard, sliding into the seat beside Alina. The weight in my chest grows heavier by the second, making it hard to breathe.
Luca's voice cuts sharply through the low buzz of chatter. "As I was saying before a weakling rudely interrupted me…" His tone is cold, dismissive. He doesn't look at me, but his words feel like claws digging into my skin.
A few snickers ripple through the crowd. I keep my head down, desperate to disappear into the floor.
"We're initiating pairings," Luca continues, voice steady but hard. "Each duo will carry out a mission tonight. Consider it a test of strength, loyalty and discipline."
Alina leans in close, her breath warm against my ear. "I want to pair with you," she whispers urgently. "It'll be fun. I've been working on a new move that I want to show you, we will pair together "
"No," Luca snaps, cutting her off like a whip. His voice is sharp, final. "Derrick, you'll pair with Lina."
Alina stiffens beside me, eyes wide with shock. "What? Why her? She's not even ready, she wants me to pair with her"
"Enough," Luca growls, his glare silencing her instantly.
I don't want to pair with him, I want to pair with Alina , she have some new styles to teach me too" I said before I could stop myself.
Gasps echoed.
Luca's gaze snapped to mine. "You don't get to want anything."
Shame burned hot through me. Alina's expression was unreadable. Silent.
The group dispersed. Alina brushed past without a word.
After the pack meeting,
I rushed to catch up with Luca, my heart pounding.
"What's wrong with you, Luca?" I asked quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "why are u treating me this way, you're my mate for crying out out loud "
He turned, eyes cold and unreadable. "And what makes you think I'm yours?"
His words hit like a slap. I lowered my gaze, struggling to breathe through the tightness in my chest. "i want to pair with Alina , let's not do this here .... Please "
He scoffed, turning his back to me. "You're pairing with Derrick. He'll be the one training you from now on, and that's final."
"I don't want to pair with Derrick," I said quickly, lifting my eyes to meet his. "Its okay if u don't want me to pair with Alina , Atleast let me pair with u , it will be fun Luca... I want u to teach all those styles and shifting ."
He didn't respond. No glance. No emotion. Just walked away like I hadn't said a word.
And just like that, I was left standing in the dust, holding onto a bond he clearly didn't feel anymore
I felt like my chest was going to explode
What is even wrong with me ?
Why cant I just accept the fact he doesn't want me. ?
I was fighting within myself when I noticed derrick ,
Derrick leaned against the door way,arms crossed
" Coming runt?"
His voice was casual but I didn't miss the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Outside, the wind howled through tress. the forest that had always wrapped around me like safety now pressed in , unfamiliar and cold.
We walked side by side but the silence between us was thick. The path curved, and narrowed until the trees give way to a wide, open clearing. Pale moonlight spilled across the grass like silver ink.
" This is a good spot, we will train here" derrick said.
Stopping in the center he searched everywhere for little stones
" We will use this for stance " he said picking up a stone
"Let's see what u got , show me yours stance"
I nodded and dropped into position—feet apart, arms up. My limbs trembled slightly, not from fear but from the weight of everything I was holding back.
Derrick paced in front of me, watching, measuring.
And then—
A howl tore through the trees.
Low. Unfamiliar. Angry.
Derrick tensed. "That wasn't one of ours."
I froze, eyes scanning the tree line. "Could it be… a rogue?"
"Probably just another deer," he muttered, though his voice lost its confidence.
" I guessed so.. I caught one today , it was stuck in the stress" I said aloud .
Leaves rustled—too close. Too heavy.
The moon slipped behind thick clouds, plunging the clearing into darkness.
And then… growling.
Rough. Primal.
"derrick will u teach me some few styles and shifting too,Alina promised to but I didn't get to pair with her " I whispered.
"Derrick ..Are u even listening to me?, I said I want u to teach me some new shifting styles"
"Derrick?"
No response.
I felt my heart sank inside my stomach
I turned—he was gone.
My breath hitched. "Derrick?" I said louder this time in a more trembling tone
Why did he leave me here all alone I said searching my eyes around
But the clearing had swallowed him whole. The only sound now was breathing—and it wasn't mine.
Something moved.
A tall figure stepped forward, half-shadow, half-nightmare. Broad shoulders. Slow steps. And eyes—glowing gold, animalistic, *hungry.*
My heart slammed against my ribs.
I couldn't scream.
Couldn't move.
I just stood there, I felt my heart beat fast
And then—
Darkness swallowed everything.