Chapter Two: The Chase

Kai’s wolf surged forward with a burst of speed, his paws pounding against the damp earth. The forest blurred around him as he darted through the trees, his chest heaving with effort. The wind whipped past his ears, carrying the scent of his pursuers—three powerful Alphas closing in fast.

He’d been hunted before. Rogue wolves. Betas trying to prove themselves by chasing Omegasfor sports. But this was different. The bond tugged at him, urging him to stop, to let them catch him. It terrified him.

‘I don’t belong to anyone,’ he reminded himself, pushing harder, leaping over a fallen log.

Behind him, the Alphas were relentless.

“Don’t make this harder on yourself, Omega!” one of them called out—Rhett, the wild Alpha with the scars. His voice was rough, almost playful, but there was no mistaking the hunger in it.

Kai ignored him, weaving through the dense undergrowth. He could feel their eyes on him, their energy pressing against his own like a suffocating weight. His wolf growled in frustration, torn between instinctive submission to be claimed by his mate and the burning need to escape.

“Kai,” another voice called—calm, measured. That had to be Kieran, the blond Alpha. “We’re not going to hurt you. Stop running.”

Kai’s ears twitched, his name sounding strange coming from the Alpha’s mouth. How had they known it? Kai couldn't remember telling them his name. He didn't dare pause to find out.

A sudden blur of black appeared to his left, and Lucian, the commanding Alpha, cut through the trees like a shadow. His massive wolf form was sleek and powerful, his glowing blue eyes fixed on Kai.

‘Too close.’

Kai veered sharply to the right, darting downhill toward the river. The ground was uneven, slippery with moss and damp leaves, but he didn’t care. He just had to get away.

He could hear the Alphas moving in unison now, their growls and snarls echoing through the forest. The sound sent a shiver down his spine.

‘They’re working together…’

The realization struck him like a thunderclap. These Alphas weren’t just chasing him for sport—they were coordinated, strategic. They were hunting him as a pack. Kai is surprised he has made it this far without any of them catching up with him yet. For they are Alphas and their speed was much more than his.

Kai’s wolf whimpered, panic clawing at his chest. He stumbled slightly as his paw caught on a rock, but he recovered quickly, pushing himself forward.

The river came into view, its rushing waters illuminated by the pale moonlight. It was his only chance. If he could cross it, maybe he could lose them.

He leaped into the icy water, the current biting at his fur as he struggled to stay afloat. The river wasn’t wide, but it was strong, and every second felt like an eternity.

Behind him, Lucian shifted back into his human form, his deep voice carrying over the roar of the water. “Kai, stop! You’ll get yourself killed!”

Kai ignored him, paddling furiously until he reached the other side. His legs burned as he scrambled onto the muddy bank, his fur plastered to his body. He shook himself off, shivering from the cold, and forced himself to keep moving.

He didn’t get far.

A blur of reddish-brown fur slammed into him from the side, knocking him off his feet. The impact sent him rolling across the ground, his wolf yelping in pain and frustration. When he stopped, Rhett was standing over him, his green eyes gleaming with triumph.

“Gotcha,” the wild Alpha growled, his voice low and predatory.

Kai snarled, baring his teeth. He lunged at Rhett, but the Alpha was faster, pinning him to the ground with ease.

“Feisty,” Rhett said with a smirk, his weight pressing Kai down. “I like that.”

“Enough, Rhett,” Lucian commanded, stepping into the clearing. His imposing presence made the air feel heavier. “You’re scaring him.”

Rhett glanced back at Lucian but didn’t release Kai. “He’s not scared. He’s pissed. Big difference.”

Kieran appeared next, his golden eyes calm but watchful. He knelt beside Kai, his expression softening. “You’ve run far enough, impressive for a little Omega,” he said gently. “We’re not your enemies, Kai.”

Kai’s wolf stilled, his breathing ragged. Something about Kieran’s voice calm, almost soothing—made it harder to resist.

“You don’t understand,” Kai managed, his voice weak and shaky. “I can’t… I can’t be what you want me to be.”

Lucian crouched in front of him, his blue eyes piercing. “And what is it you think we want, Omega?”

Kai’s gaze darted between them, his heart pounding. “Control,” he said bitterly. “Obedience. To use me. That's what all Alphas want.”

Rhett growled low in his throat. “You think we’re like the others? Like those bastards who’ve hunted you your whole life?”

“Aren’t you?” Kai shot back, his voice trembling but defiant.

Kieran shook his head. “We’re not here to hurt you. You are our mate, The bond brought us together for a reason, Kai. Don’t fight it.”

“I didn’t ask for this,” Kai whispered, his voice breaking.

Lucian reached out, his hand brushing against Kai’s cheek. The touch was gentle, almost tender, and it sent a jolt of warmth through Kai’s body.

“Neither did we,” Lucian said quietly. “But it’s here. And you can’t run from it forever.”

Kai’s wolf whimpered again, torn between instinct and reason. Deep down, he knew they were right. The bond was real, undeniable. But that didn’t mean he was ready to accept it.

For now, he would wait. Watch. And if they gave him even the smallest chance, he would run again.

Because if there was one thing Kai knew for certain, it was this: he belonged to no one.

Well, at least not yet.