Chapter Four - FREEDOM

Allona's POV:

I went back to my room. I changed into black dolphin shorts and a matching sports bra as I prepared myself for the run. I put on my new running shoes and tied my hair securely in a ponytail. My phone beeps so I picked it up from the bed and read Ronnie's message if he can pick me up. I mean, why wouldn't it be all right? He's been doing it ever since and he never asks my permission before, so what gives? I texted him back and told him he can.

I looked around carefully. I have a vague feeling that someone has been here. I looked at the slightly crumpled bed sheets as if someone laid over. I tried smelling the sheets but there's no smell unless this person has blocked his scent. That could be possible.

I remember the "feeling" I got earlier. 'Seriously, so I was not mistaken then.' I looked at the bedside table where my picture with Ronnie and George was placed. It's gone. We are laughing in that picture and we have our hands over each other's shoulders as Brent took the photo.

"What's going on?" I muttered.

I looked around the room carefully once more. My wolf is extra alert as her ears are perked for any sound or movement.

"Well, I have an idea who you are. I'll deal with you later." I talked to an empty room but I know he's there somewhere, watching me. I'm not really scared because I knew that he will not harm me for some unknown reason.

I picked up my phone from the bed and called Ronnie.

"Hey, bro! I'm on my way out already."

"Oh, you are? Perfect, I just arrived at the pack's main entrance.''

"Great! I'm on the way."

As I closed the door, I couldn't help but shiver at the sudden coldness I felt.

'What was that?'

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As the pack runs, the howling and the thunderous pounding of hooves is an intimidating thing to behold. The whole pack is gathered together and led by my Dad and Mom.. My brother Brent is with my parents and Ronnie and George as part of the warrior wolves are on their team. Everyone has shifted to their wolf form and I'm the only odd one. With the Alpha's domineering howl, the pack answered back and with a united cry, the hunt started as they ran in unison. Every howl, as ferocious as the next one, is like a song serenading the Moon Goddess while the pack hunts for their prey.

I ran with the pack, my speed is even faster with the warrior wolves in their wolf form but this time, I preferred to lay low and stayed behind while doing my run casually. I love the feel of the wind as it caresses my whole being as I run with my new running shoes fearing "it will give up on me" before the hunt is finished. I laughed at the thought.

'Will my Mom accuse me of sabotaging my shoes?'

Well, I wish I could run barefoot as I very much wanted to feel the rumbles of the earth, feel its rough texture every time it comes into contact with my bare feet and just run with all the wildness of it.

When I run whether with the pack or with just myself, it is the time when I can look deeper within me and analyze everything that's going on with my life. I got oblivious to what's going on around me as I was absorbed in my thoughts, but I have my wolf to remind me, that is, when she is not busy dozing off. I'm the odd one, I know. But I don't really mind anymore. I cannot shift yet while the others my age shifted when they reached the age of seven. But, who cares? I was able to talk with my wolf as far as I can remember.

They thought I already have everything I want. They couldn't have known my previous struggles and insecurities I have to deal with while growing up but, in a way, they are right. I'm lucky. I have wonderful parents and brother and I have my two loyal pals, I'm all good.

I extended my knee and launched myself faster. There's a certain wildness in running free as you lose yourself in the run.

But who is this huge and handsome black wolf who kept tailing me?

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Lucian's POV:

I tried to calm down as I forced myself to contain my rage. My wolf is going berserk and has long been wanting to rip in shreds the werewolves coveting our mate. He marked with fury which arms those bastards used to touch our mate's shoulder and I imagine those bulging biceps turning into a bloody pulp once I'm done.

I heard he's going to pick her up. What an insolent pup! To take away my queen under my nose. I followed them to their pack's hunt effortlessly and shifted to my huge black wolf. I hid my presence but still, the pack's security in my eyes is lax. I watched them shift into their wolf's form until my mate is the only one remaining in her graceful human form and it took all my willpower not to go over and grab her as my mate, right there and then.

I realized our mate cannot shift to her wolf yet. I was surprised as was my wolf. Was she bullied perhaps? So what if our mate cannot shift, I don't really care. We are strong enough to protect her. I want to shield her from these blood-thirsty wolves without alerting anyone with my presence. I can't help but gape at her as she looks comfortable though with all of them as she probably grew up with, and as the pull to go nearer her becomes unbearable, I found myself just behind her. She seems to be in her element as she proudly stands and runs with her pack. I can't help but admire her graceful bearing and I'm so proud of her. She's like a young queen among her subjects.

I growled as I saw my mate being sniffed at by these mutts. I snarl threateningly. "No way, back off!"

"When will this end?"

---End of Chapter Four---