Chapter 54
***DEREK***
TWO WEEKS AGO
Logan's warning rang through my head as I ran.
I continued running into the forest and I stopped by a tree, hiding behind it.
I watched as Logan turned around and ran back into the pack. I came out of hiding behind the tree and walked closer to the border. I looked up at the sky to check how much the waning crescent moon had faded.
I had about forty-five minutes left before I become powerless in the middle of a dark forest. And I was also naked.
I groaned in frustration as I looked down at my body. I need to go back into the pack.
We always keep clothes hidden in the trees for when we need them after turning. And most importantly, I need to get my mom's pendant necklace and the gun I dropped on the floor before shifting.
I just hope Logan didn't see it and take it ok his way back to the pack. I'm especially not leaving here without that pendant necklace.
I sighed and took small and cautious steps toward the pack entrance. As soon as I step foot through the border, Logan and the pack guards would feel it.
I stopped as I got directly in front of the borderline. I raised one of my legs and slowly dropped it at the other side of the borderline.
Instantly, I began to run through the forest path, the thud of my footsteps echoing in the dark.
I turned to get away from Logan when I was close to the border so I didn't have to run too much before I saw my gun lying on the ground. I stopped running and grabbed it.
I looked closely at the floor for the pendant, but couldn't find it. My wolf vision was diminishing too because of the Waning Moon effect so I couldn't properly see in the dark.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. I turned around, bending lower and squinting so I could find the pendant. I was running out of time and Logan could be here soon.
I saw a glint and reached for it, but it was only a smooth pebble. I hissed and tossed it away in frustration.
I moved away from where I stood and looked down to see that I had been standing on it. I sighed in relief and grabbed it immediately. I walked to the closest tree and looked in a hole in the trunk. It was empty so I moved to another tree and another until I found one containing a pant. There was no shirt there, but I took the pants.
It would do. I have spent too much time here anyway. As I slipped into the pants, I slipped the pendant necklace into the pocket and began to run to the border with my gun in my hands.
As I got close to the borderline, I stopped moving as I heard gun cocks and saw that I was surrounded by guards pointing guns at me.
I looked around, there were a lot of them. I had to play this smart.
"What are you doing?" I asked and pretended I was surprised as I looked at all of them.
The head guard saw it was me and he signaled them to lower their guns.
"We sensed an intruder and thought it was you," the head guard said and I nodded.
"I was the one. I was trapped outside with Steve when we were attacked by Rogues," I lied.
"He's hurt and I have to go back to get him," I said and walked to the border.
"The moon will wane soon and you might need backup, I advise you to wait till the morning," the head guard suggested.
"He's hurt and Rogues might find him. I still have some time to find him," I replied and clutched the gun I was holding.
"Alright," he stepped aside for me to reach the borderline.
"Did you say, Steve?" I stopped in my tracks immediately as I heard the head guard's voice behind me.
"Yes, Steve," I replied as I turned around to face him.
"I met Steve earlier today at the game center, I didn't know he was on a mission," the head guard said.
"Yes. It was an improm-" I stopped as I saw a shift in his eyes and sighed as I realized what happened.
Logan had alerted him about me telepathically.
Immediately, I raised my gun and fired it at him. He dodged it and almost instantly, several arrows were flying at me.
I bent over to dodge them and I leaped backward, jumping over the borderline.
They kept shooting at me and I turned around to face the Rogue forest, running in zigzags and bending to avoid being hit.
I groaned and fell to the floor as an arrow hit me in the shoulder with force. I turned around and saw other arrows flying at me.
I swung my gun in the air swiftly using it to bat away the arrows. The arrows deflected off my gun and landed on the ground around me.
More arrows kept coming so I stood up and quickly ran for the forest. I bent my head to the side and an arrow whizzed past my right ear.
Oh, that was close. I finally reached the forest and hid behind a tree quickly. I watched arrows fly past the tree and they finally stopped.
I sighed and l reached for the arrow in my shoulder. I gritted my teeth, groaning in pain as I pulled it out, the silver arrowhead tearing through my flesh.
As soon as it was out, I tossed it to the ground and sat down on the ground, leaning my back on the tree trunk. I looked up at the sky and saw the mom was waning.
I had less than 30 minutes to find somewhere safe to stay. This was the day I hated the most cause the only memory it brings is a really painful one. The day that gave Logan the chance to become the Alpha.
***
16 YEARS AGO.
The rain had just stopped, leaving the air crisp and cool. I stood beside my father in the open field, our feet sinking into the wet grass. It was a moment of tranquility, a fleeting respite from the chaos that would soon unfold.
Suddenly, piercing screams shattered the silence, tearing through the peaceful atmosphere. My father's head snapped towards the source of the commotion, his eyes widening with concern. Panic gripped my chest as I watched Jakob, one of our pack members, rushing towards us.
Jakob's breath came in ragged gasps as he stumbled over the uneven terrain. His face was etched with fear, his eyes wide with urgency. My father's voice was steady but laced with worry as he asked, "Jakob, what's happening?"
"The pack, they're under attack," Jakob managed to say between desperate breaths. "Rogues... they caught us off guard. We're powerless under the Waning Moon."
My heart skipped a beat. Rogues were known for their ruthlessness, their preparedness. And now, our pack was defenseless. Fear clawed at my insides, but I looked up to my father, seeking guidance.
"Derek," my father's voice resonated with a mix of authority and concern. "Listen to me carefully. You need to hide. Go to the underground basement of our house and stay there until I come for you. It's important, son."
I nodded, my throat tight with emotions I couldn't fully comprehend. My father's strong gaze locked with mine, his love and worry evident in his eyes. I knew I had to trust him, to follow his instructions.
With a final squeeze of my shoulder, my father turned away, his footsteps echoing in my ears as he rushed towards the unfolding chaos. I watched him go, my heart heavy with a mix of fear and a desire to be by his side.
But as the screams grew louder and the scent of blood tainted the air, I knew that hiding was my only chance to survive. With a deep breath, I turned away, my small legs carrying me towards the safety of the underground basement.
As I descended into the darkness, I clenched my fists, willing myself to be strong.
I huddled in the corner of the underground basement, my heart pounding like thunder in my chest. The dampness of the earth beneath my fingertips was comforting, a small reminder of safety amidst the chaos outside. The scent of rain lingered in the air, mixing with the metallic tang of blood that reached my nose.
Screams pierced through the darkness, echoing like haunting melodies. Each cry sent shivers down my spine, the sound of fear and pain reverberating through the walls. I clutched my trembling hands together, desperately trying to drown out the terror that threatened to consume me.
My father's voice echoed in my mind, urging me to stay hidden, to stay safe. The weight of his words pressed upon me, a mix of concern and determination. I trusted him, admired him. He was strong, the leader of our pack. But now, under the powerless waning moon, even he seemed vulnerable.
Outside, the thunderous clash of bodies and the guttural growls of Rogues filled the night. I could picture the chaos, the fierce battle that unfolded as my pack fought for their lives. Tears welled in my eyes, my young heart aching for them, wishing I could be out there, protecting them.
The minutes felt like an eternity as I listened to the unfolding tragedy above. Every sound, every muffled cry, a vivid reminder of the danger that lurked just beyond the walls. The scent of blood grew stronger, mingling with the earthy aroma of the basement, threatening to overwhelm my senses.