Chapter 6: The Hunt Begins

"Find her. She cannot be allowed to leave this territory alive."

Lila’s voice was sharp, laced with authority she hadn't earned, but the warriors listened anyway. A chill ran down my spine as I crouched behind a fallen log, my heart hammering against my ribs. I had known escaping the Midnight Moon Pack wouldn’t be easy, but I hadn’t expected Lila to act so fast.

I could hear them—her followers—their heavy boots trampling through the wet foliage, their keen senses probing for my smell. The pack's top trackers were dispatched to pursue me, and my sole advantage was the cover of the thick forest's darkness.

I compelled myself to breathe softly, pressing my body against the frigid ground, hoping to vanish. My lightweight cloak was drenched in sweat and dirt, my unshod feet aching from the sprinting. Every instinct urged me to continue onward, but I couldn’t afford to make any noise.

"Where can she be?" One of the fighters snarled, annoyance creeping into his voice.

"She must not have gone very far," another responded. "That omega lacks strength." "She won't endure for much time."

I tightened my fists. Fragile. That was the way they all perceived me. How Jared viewed me when he let me go. However, I was not weak. I wouldn’t allow them to pull me back to face humiliation again.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and a chill spread through my stomach as I recognized my error. The aroma I possess. The evening breeze brought it closer to them. I had previously concealed it with crushed pine and moist earth, but as the pursuit continued, it started to diminish.

"Right here!"

A wave of panic washed over me. I jumped up and dashed further into the forest, disregarding the branches that scraped at my arms and legs. I needed to escape from them. I needed to flee.

The ground in the forest was rough and uneven, with roots that could cause me to stumble, yet I continued onward. I gasped for breath as the noise of the chase approached nearer. They were quicker than I was, more powerful than I was. If they apprehended me, I wouldn't have another opportunity.

"She’s going towards the river!"

A river? My heartbeat surged with optimism. Water might conceal my fragrance. If I could reach that place, I could have an opportunity.

I urged my legs to speed up, disregarding the pain in my muscles. The howls behind me intensified—Lila's fighters were transforming, surrendering to their wolves. They would reach me in moments.

The trees grew sparse ahead, and I caught sight of the Silver River stream illuminated by the moonlight. I was nearly there.

A wild growl emerged from behind me, and without turning, I realized that one of them had transformed. Powerful feet thudded on the ground, drawing nearer. I wouldn’t succeed.

A heavy object struck me from behind, forcing the breath out of my lungs. I struck the ground with great force, the impact causing a sharp pain to surge through my ribs. Hands with claws turned me onto my back, and I looked up into the shining golden eyes of Ethan, one of Jared’s most devoted enforcers.

"You provided us with quite the pursuit, Omega," he mocked, his hold growing firmer on my wrist. "Did you honestly believe you could escape from us?"

I struggled wildly, driven by despair, but he was more powerful. He pushed me down effortlessly, his claws embedding gently into my flesh.

"Lila desires you to be alive," he went on, his grin broadening. "However, she did not specify the state."

I gulped nervously, dread twisting in my stomach. Negative. I wouldn’t let it end here.

Before he had a chance to respond, I lifted my knee sharply, crashing it into his abdomen. He emitted a choked grunt, his hold relaxing just enough for me to pull my arm away. I did not waver.

I clamped my jaws onto his hand, savouring the blood as I clenched down fiercely. He howled in agony, pulling back, and I seized the opportunity to leap to my feet.

"Return here, you tiny—"

I interrupted him before he could finish. I spun around and raced towards the river, my heartbeat a wild rhythm in my ears. I could hear Ethan swearing behind me, his steps thudding through the underbrush as he pursued me once more.

Ten feet.

Five.

I propelled myself ahead, plunging into the frigid water just as Ethan reached out for me. His fingers brushed against my ankle, yet I slipped away, the cold jolting my body as I submerged.

I battled the flow, allowing it to take me downstream, far from my chasers. The river was turbulent, the jagged stones dragging on my skin, yet I continued. This was my sole opportunity.

I broke the surface for air, inhaling sharply as I spotted the shore. Ethan stood nearby, pacing angrily, yet he wouldn’t take the chance of jumping in after me. Not in these seas.

I allowed the current to draw me deeper until the shouts and growls vanished. My limbs throbbed, my lungs felt fiery, yet I remained unfazed.

I existed.

I had gotten away.

At least that was my belief.

As I pulled myself onto the other side, expelling water, a fresh, powerful, unfamiliar aroma struck me.

I was not alone.

A figure stirred among the trees, the atmosphere buzzing with energy. A set of sharp silver eyes fixed on me.

Not wolves of Midnight Moon. Not Lila's supporters.

Something far, far more dreadful.

I stood still, my body shaking from fatigue and the chilling bite of the river. My drenched clothing adhered to my skin, and I struggled to breathe in sharp gasps while I gazed into the shadows of the strange forest.

The silver eyes stayed focused on me, unblinking, examining me like a target. I was unaware of who—or what—this wolf was, yet the sheer strength emanating from him was undeniable. He was not merely another outlaw.

A soft growl echoed among the trees, sending a new surge of fear through me. Did he have company? Or were there additional ones?

I stumbled to my feet, each muscle in my body crying out in objection. Jogging was not a choice. Not at this moment. Not when I had just evaded one danger, only to find myself facing another.

The figure moved ahead, and the moonlight revealed him. High. Wide. Commanding. His dark hair appeared a bit tousled, as though he had just transformed back into his human shape. His defined jawline was covered with stubble, and those silver eyes glowed with intensity.

"Who is it that you are?" His voice was low, authoritative. It wasn’t an inquiry—it was an order.

I gulped tightly. I was unsure of what to say. If I mentioned I was from Midnight Moon, I could end up dead in no time. Packs were not welcoming to intruders, and I was completely unaware of my location or whose domain I had just entered.

He took another step closer, and instinct made me retreat—only to feel my back pressed against a tree. Trapped.

His eyes scanned me, observing my dishevelled condition. "You are escaping from someone."

I tightened my jaw. I was unable to trust him. I had placed my trust in Jared before, and see where that led me.

"Respond to me," he commanded, his voice becoming quieter.

I raised my chin, compelling my voice to remain calm. "I don't fit in anywhere."

His face stayed impassive, yet a spark glimmered in his eyes. Acknowledgement? Entertainment? I wasn't able to determine.

"You've entered my domain now," he remarked, tilting his head a bit. "And I don't accept outsiders."

The words sent a shiver down my spine. If he preferred for me not to be here, how would he act?

Before I could respond, he extended his hand—quickly, far too quickly—and seized my wrist.

"It seems you have a couple of options, little wolf," he whispered. "Run once more and find out if you can make it through the night… or explain why I shouldn’t toss you straight back into the river."

My heart raced.