Rejected

Nadia

After managing to sneak past the Pack security, Kyle and the border patrols, we have been making good time and, according to Barsali, we have less than 20 miles of travel remaining. We will have to take shelter for the night, but should make it by mid-day tomorrow. The sun is slowly fading as it drops below the tree line and there is no denying that the others are exhausted. Barsali motions for us to follow him as he leads us to a small cave along the mountain that will serve as our shelter.

“I will gather firewood. We should hunt down some food as well. We are going to need our energy for what tomorrow will bring.” Barsali and Kazia nod in agreement.

“I get food.” Manfri bellows out, speaking the first words I have heard him utter since meeting him. I take off into the woods, gathering firewood and covering our tracks the best I can along the way. I am about to head back to camp when I pick up on a scent that is both familiar and unwelcomed, followed by the sound of twigs snapping beneath the weight of those who approach. I drop the branches and sticks in my arms and quickly climb the tree beside me, perching on one of its branches as I scan the forest around me.

“We are getting close, the scent is much stronger now.” Kyle’s voice rumbles through the darkness.

“We should hurry then. We can’t let them slip away.” Alpha Lynch’s voice thunders in response. I spot them just south of the tree I am perched in and know I need to get back to the others…to protect them. I shift and jump from the tree, running back toward the cave at an unfathomable pace. When I get back, I do not shift back, but I manage to form a link with Barsali.

‘The alpha is coming. We do not have time to run. Keep the others here, I will deal with him.’

He bows his head and no other signal is needed. . I run toward the smell and sound of the alpha and his men, finding them with ease only one hundred yards away from the cave. My wolf snarls, issuing a warning that is received loud and clear. The alpha signals for his men to stop, but something in his eyes gives me pause. He bows down slightly, arm extended forward and slowly inches his way closer to me.

“It’s ok Nadia, we are not here to hurt you, any of you. We are here to help. I was a fool to not listen to you and I am sorry. Please, let us help you. Let us help them.” I study his eyes for any sign that he may be trying to deceive me, but see only sincerity. My wolf huffs and turns away, walking slowly toward the cave. She stops at the tree where I dropped the firewood and picks up as much as she can in her mouth, Alpha Lynch and Kyle quickly pick up the rest.

“Pick up anything you see that can be used as firewood!” He shouts his order and all of the men begin picking up sticks, branches and dry leaves as they follow behind me. We reach the cave and I give a firm glare to the men behind me.

‘Barsali, they have come to help. While I trust their intentions, stay alert.’

’yes, Muři amperetsia.’

I step into the cave, the alpha and his men trailing close behind me. Dropping the wood on the ground beside the firepit that Kazia had dug, My wolf plops down on the ground, keeping a wary eye on the men slowly filing into the now cramped space. Barsali walks over to me and wraps a blanket around me then kneeling down to whisper in my ear.

“If you trust them, we will trust them, Muři amperetsia.” My wolf holds his gaze for a moment then retreats, pushing me forward until I am left naked on the cave floor with but a blanket to shield me from the cold.