The Alpha's Prize

My eyes fluttered open, but I couldn“t see anything. I was surrounded by darkness and deafening silence as a foul smell invaded my nostrils. My head was pounding, and my body ached like I was tossed around for hours. I slowly sat up, rubbing my forehead and glanced around me, but there was nothing except darkness. I didn't know where I was, and dread began to rise within me at the possible threats that could be closing in on me. I tried to channel my wolf, hoping to see things through her eyes. However, something seemed off; it was as if she was being suppressed. I could feel her, but not like usual, and it felt like she was fighting to stay with me; this sparked even more apprehension.

I closed my eyes, trying to reel her back in, but the more I tried, the deeper she went inside my head and further away from me. Finally, I stopped, afraid that if I continued to reach out for her, I would push her to the point of no return. I inhaled and exhaled heavily, and when I opened my eyes, there was a dim light around me. The moon illuminated the area around me now, allowing me to see that I was in a forest. However, I didn’t recognize my surroundings; nothing seemed familiar. Everything around me gave me an eerie feeling, one of death and despair.

I shakily stood to my feet and glanced around, looking for something or someone other than trees, but there was nothing; I was alone. I started to walk off into the distance, hoping to eventually find a way out or someone who could help me. I couldn't even remember how I had gotten here in the first place or what had happened. As I continued to walk, I came across two dirt paths, both looking similar and seeing no differences between the two.

I stood there, staring down each path, unsure of which one to take. At this moment, I needed my wolf more than anything; she would be able to help me make a decision, she would be able to sense which one was the safest choice, but I was alone in this decision, and time was crucial right now, as I needed to return to Cain. So, making a rash and quick decision, I chose to go with the path on my left, hoping I hadn't just made a horrible decision.

I began to cautiously walk down the path, my entire being on high alert, listening and looking all around for any threats. The trail started to narrow, and the foliage became denser as I continued. What little bit of light I had from the moon was now dissipating, causing the panic inside of me to increase. Then, suddenly, I heard a woman's voice echoing all around me. “Freja.” It whispered, in singsong. I stilled, not moving or making a sound. My eyes scanned everything around me, trying to pinpoint who the voice belonged to, but everything was quiet now, and there was nothing in sight but trees.

The voice rang in my ears again, closer this time, “Freja.” She whispered sweetly, sending shivers down my spine. My heart was beating erratically now, from the anticipation of the possible impending danger that was lurking close by. My breathing increased as I slowly turned around, frantically looking about, for the person that continued to call out to me.

I came to a dead stop as the silhouette of a person came into view. The figure was standing there in the darkness, not moving or making a sound. Their hair billowed in the wind, and the only clear thing was the bright green eyes staring back at me.

Our eyes locked, and we just stood there, staring each other down; the eyes were so vivid and full of colour, it was hypnotizing. Then, breaking the trance, I closed my eyes and shook my head, unsure of what to make of this whole situation, but the figure was no longer in front of me when I opened my eyes. My head whipped from left to right, looking to see where they had disappeared to, but it was no longer in sight.

I continued to look around me when the voice called my name again. However, this time, it came from behind me. “Freja!” The voice sounded scratchy and menacing this time. I turned around, only to be blinded by a bright, white light, and then, everything went dark again.

I woke up in a panic, sweat dripping down my face, my heart pounding in my chest, and my breathing laboured. I didn't know where I was or what was going on until a familiar face appeared before me

The nurse, Rose, whom I had previously met, came to my side, a bright smile on her face. “Luna, it's alright; you are in the medical wing at the packhouse.” She said in a soothing voice, attempting to calm me, but my nerves were so frazzled at the moment that it didn't help at all. Rose started to rub my back. “Luna, you are safe now.” She tried to assure me, but something in my gut told me we were far from being safe.

Suddenly, Gunnar burst through the door, pushing his way through the crowd of men, despite their attempts to try and keep him out of my room. His eyes softened, and relief took hold of his expression. “It's about time your lazy ass woke up.” He said jokingly.

I chuckled. “Nice to see you too.” I sat up as Gunnar approached the bed; he then sat on the edge of the bed and engulfed me in a hug. We sat like that for a moment, just embracing each other and the fact that we were alive until four men barged into my room

They all bowed before one of the men spoke, “Apologies, Luna, we tried to keep the man out, but he overpowered us.” They admitted, ashamed of themselves. However, it wasn't their fault, Gunnar was of Alpha blood, next in line to take over the Harvest Moon Pack, and when he set a course, no one would deter him from obtaining what he wanted.

I put up a hand and shook my head. “It's fine; this is my brother, Gunnar Forrester. He has my permission to be on the grounds and in my room.” I told them.

The man glanced to the others that stood at his side. “We understand Luna, and we are very much aware of who he is, but the Alpha made it clear that he isn't to be anywhere near our lands, let alone inside the packhouse.” He said hesitantly.

I scowled at the man. “After what just happened, I think an exception made. Especially, seeing as the Alpha isn't even coherent, and my brother saved his fucking life! Now, get out.” I bellowed, livid, that the men were trying to take the one person from me, that I needed more than anything right now. The men froze, apprehensive about going against Cain's orders, yet scared to make a move or udder another word. Finally, after standing there for a moment, the one man nodded his head. “Of course Luna, my apologies.” They all then quickly left the room.

I looked to Gunnar, who was smirking, deviously. “Touchy, touchy, someone is a bit grumpy. Not enough sleep there, princess?” Gunnar said playfully.

I narrowed my eyes at him before punching him in the arm. Gunnar rubbed his arm and then chuckled, “How are you feeling?” He asked me, seriousness now lacing his tone.

I considered his question for a second before responding, “Honestly, I feel fine.” I told him truthfully, and I did, which I found peculiar.

Gunnar looked at me curiously. “Are you sure? You were banged up pretty bad, and you also passed out.” I smiled, knowing that he was concerned for my wellbeing.

I opened my mouth to respond when something to the right of me caught my attention. That's when I realized that Rose was still in the room with us, just standing there in the corner. With all the commotion that just arose, I had forgotten she was even in here.

I looked over to her and smiled. “Rose, this is my brother, Gunnar.” Through hooded lashes, she gazed up at him, and a broad smile appeared on her face. Gunnar's attention was on Rose now, and he seemed trapped in those coffee-coloured eyes of hers for a beat before shaking his head and extending his hand out.

Rose's cheeks turned a shade of light pink as she reached out to shake his hand, but he took her by surprise and kissed the top of her hand, causing her to gasp in delight. Now, this was an intriguing turn of events. As I continued to watch the encounter between the two of them, I wondered if something was happening between them as Gunnar had never been the affectionate type. The man didn't even date; he had hooked up with a few women within the pack, but nothing more.

My eyes flickered between the pair, waiting to see what would happen next, but neither of them moved or said a word. Instead, they both just stood there staring into each other's eyes and smiling from ear to ear.

I was beyond ecstatic that Rose and Gunnar were having such a beautiful moment together, but now, I was thinking of Cain and all the moments we shared.

I cleared my throat. “Where's Cain? Is he alright?” I asked in a soft tone, feeling guilty for interrupting their moment, but the urge to be with Cain was growing by the second.

Rose broke the connection with Gunnar and took a step back, putting space between them. My brother didn't seem too pleased by this as his chest rumbled and his hands balled into fists. Rose's eyes flickered between him and me, causing him to freeze. Gunnar sucked in a deep breath, and his gaze landed on me finally. “Cain is here; he is just down the hall and...I can't answer that question because I honestly don't know Freja.” He told me, regret and sorrow in his tone.

My heart skipped a beat with each word, and I didn't want to waste another second. So, I jumped out of bed, determined to see my mate. “Take me to him,” I demanded.

Gunnar turned to me and his hands wrapped around my biceps, holding me in my place. “Freja, you need to rest. Get back in bed.” He said, scolding me.

I shook my head frantically. “No, take me to see Cain. Now, Gunnar.” I said with authority, needing to see him.

He closed his eyes and exhaled heavily. “Fine! You know, you are the most stubborn creature I have ever met?” Gunnar said with a frivolous stare.

I waved him off. “Yes, I know. You have been telling me that my entire life. Now, let's go.” I tried to move around him, but he remained where he stood. He stared into my eyes before looking to Rose, almost as if he was pleading with her to help him, but she only pursed her lips and gave him a slight shrug of her shoulders.

Gunnar was reluctant but finally moved out of the way and gestured towards the room door. “Go on then; he is down the hall and is in the last room on your left.” He told me. I walked out of the room and started to make my way down the hall. There were people everywhere, observing me closely and whispering as I continued. I finally reached the end of the hall and stood outside his room now, staring at the door that separated us. I closed my eyes and willed myself to have the courage to go in. Finally, I grabbed the door handle and slowly turned the knob, then pushed the door open.

As I entered the room, the first thing I saw was Cain laying there on the bed with the sheet pulled halfway up his body and machines surrounding him. I walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, watching his chest rise and fall softly. I placed my hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating beneath my palm and holding onto that steady rhythm. I stared at his pale face, noticing that he had been cleaned up and the scratches were healed now. I reached up and caressed his stubbly cheek but quickly retracted my hand, as his skin was cold.

Panic coursed through my body, and my stomach began to churn from the uneasy feeling I had when touching him. My eyes roamed all over his face, as I was baffled by the coldness of his skin, Cain's skin should be warm to the touch, but he felt like ice. My lip quivered, and a wayward tear trickled down my cheek at the thought of losing him. All I could think of was what little memories we had together, some good, some bad, but there were so many more memories for us to make and a future to build together. Now, I wasn't so sure what was to come.

Suddenly, a hand gently fell onto my shoulder, gripping it reassuringly, and I flinched a little from the unsuspecting touch. My eyes squeezed shut, and I inhaled deeply, realizing the hand belonged to Rose. Her sweet, floral scent never ceased to relax me, it reminded me of my mother, and I missed her dearly.

“I'm sorry, Freja,” Rose said, using my name this time instead of calling me Luna. That struck me as odd, Rose had always referred to me as Luna, right from the start, but this time, what she said was a meaningful apology from her heart, one that didn't require such formalities.

I squeezed my eyes even tighter, unwilling to cry again, “Don't you say that, not you!” I said before letting out a shaky breath, not wanting to hear it from her because then it becomes all the more real, and I can't bear that thought.

I sucked in a sharp breath. “What's wrong with him?” I asked her.

Rose exhaled heavily. “I won't lie to you; it's not looking good. The knife had only penetrated his skin a quarter of the way, but he is now dying a slow death. The doctor figures he has three to four days.” She told me, compassion lacing her tone.

Her honesty hit me like a train, right in the chest. I felt like I couldn't breathe, like a piece of me had been shattered. But, I wasn't ready to lose Cain, to lose the man I was just starting to truly, get to know. The man that had stolen a piece of my soul and my heart.

I looked up at her. “Is he suffering? Is there a way to save him?” I asked her, desperation in my tone. Rose looked away from me. “I can't give you an answer as to whether or not if the Alpha is suffering, as we don't know.” She met my gaze and inhaled deeply before continuing. “There are tales of a cure, but there is no actual proof that it really exists or if it would even work.” She said wistfully.

I stood to my feet and faced her. “What cure? Rose, if there is a chance, even the slightest possibility, I am taking it. I will do whatever it takes to try and save his life.” I told her, meaning every single word.

She took a step back and pinched the bridge of her nose, reluctance etching her features. “The story goes that for every curse created by a witch, there is a reversal spell or a cure. Unfortunately, when it comes to the blade in question, the cure is somewhere in the forest of the damned. The one who holds the cure will ask too much of you, making it impossible to retrieve.” She looked deep into my eyes, pleading with me to heed her words and not take this mission lightly. However, when it came to Cain, I was willing to do this, to face the dangers and take risks.

I straightened myself, confident in my decision. “Tell me what I need to do; I want to know everything that you do,” I told Rose firmly. Letting her know, my mind was made up, and she wouldn't stop me.

Rose shook her head lightly. “I'm going to regret this.” She whispered to herself, “As I said, the cure is said to be hidden within the forest of the damned, a place of death and horror. According to legend, it is guarded by the witch who created it, Helena. No one knows what she will ask of you, but it will be too much to give, making it impossible!” She emphasized the “Impossible,” and I rolled my eyes. “The cure is said to be a stone, and a liquid concoction, which needs to be combined correctly, or you both die. The ingredients work in tandem to extract and secure the curse's magic. That is all that I know. Now, do you know how to get to the forest?” Rose asked me.

I shook my head, feeling a bit overwhelmed after everything she told me. I still felt confident in my decision but also troubled. “No, I don't. To be honest, I have never heard of this place.” I admitted. Rose pursed her lips. “I will get you a map; you will also need a few things for when you are in the forest, items that will protect you. One more thing I forgot, I had heard once, that the witch lives in an underground shelter, making it nearly impossible to find. The door to her home is a tree, a large willow tree, and it's the only one in the forest.” She told me, a little enthusiastic and I smiled.

Her expression held concern now. “I think it would be wise for you to take someone with you, someone to watch your back. Four eyes are better than two.” Rose said, sounding more like my mother now and reminding me that she always wanted us to travel in pairs.

I thought about this, considering her suggestion, and she was right; it would be wise of me not to go alone. “Yes, you are right; I will find someone to accompany me,” I reassured her, and she smiled. “Thank you. Now, go find your partner, and I will gather everything.” She said in a rush before leaving the room.

I followed behind her but stopped in the doorway and looked back at Cain. My chest tightened briefly as I took in his state; walking back to the bed, I bent down next to Cain. “I promise, I am going to find a way to save you; I am not done with you yet,” I whispered in his ear, then kissed his forehead. I reared back and could've sworn I had seen his hand twitch. Giving my head a shake, I left the room, determined to convince Gunnar to come with me.

As I continued down the hall, I ran into Gunnar. “I'm glad I found you; I need you to come with me to the forest of the damned to find the cure and possibly save Cain's life,” I told him in a rush, anxious to get going.

Gunnar's face scrunched up in confusion. “What are you talking about, Freja?” He asked while placing his hands onto my shoulders, easing some of the anxiety I felt.

“I need you to come with me to the forest of the damned; there might be a cure there that will reverse the curse,” I told him, giving him a brief idea of the situation.

He stood there, looking at me with a bewildered expression, before sighing, in annoyance. “I want to argue with you, I want to ask you if you have lost your mind, but I won't because I can see the determination in your eyes, and I know, no matter what I say or do, it won't stop you. So, I will go with you, and on the way, you can tell me more about this....suicide plan.” Gunnar said, irritation in his tone.

A small smile spread across my face. “Thank you; this means a lot. Rose is gathering a few things we need, and once we have them, we are leaving. She said that he has three to four days.” Gunnar's expression turned neutral before softening a little.

He gave me a curt nod. “Ok, I am ready when you are,” Gunnar assured me.

Just then, Rose approached us with a small bag in her hands. “This is everything you will need; take the back entrance when you leave; this way, the warriors won't see you. Especially, Ryder, if he finds out what you are doing, he will stop you.” She said, assurance in her tone.

I nodded in understanding before giving her a big hug. “Thank you for doing this, Rose,” I whispered, grateful for all of her help.

She smiled and cupped my cheek. “Be careful and don't trust your eyes; trust your instincts and your wolf; she will keep you out of harm's way.”

I gave her a short nod, then turned to Gunnar. “Let's go,” I told him, nervous yet ready to do this. We walked into the back room, and Rose pointed towards a door at the back. Gunnar and I rushed over to the door, then cautiously opened it, glancing around to ensure it was safe to continue before leaving the room. We descended the staircase until we reached a red door. Opening the door, we walked outside and the sunlight near blinded us. I glanced to Gunnar, who was already looking down at me, with a questioning brow raised. I gave him a reassuring nod, telling him I was ready to do this and prepared for whatever we would face.