chapter 1

THEODORE POV

I wheezed as I ran into the ridge forest.

bad idea... my wolf said.

I ignored her, running faster, jumping boulders, dodging vines and thorns of wild plants whilst moving deeper into the thick black forest.

I could feel the air getting thicker as I moved.

the thick trees had broad canopies that blocked the rays of the sun making the forest ominously black and void of life. Now, I understand why the pack never ventured into this forest. the silence that filled the forest made it frightening even for a war wolf. I heard the echoes of my breathing and steps as I moved swiftly around the trees.

"keep going forward". Ara said as I made a left avoiding a huge boulder or so.

my body tensed as I heard the growl and paws of wolves hitting the forest floor behind me.

Are you kidding me? they entered in with you. Ara my wolf screamed in the head.

shut up Ara... I snapped increasing my speed, ignoring the sound of wolves after me and the pain in my feet.

Ara... I panted as I slowed. Any help now will be highly appreciated. I pleaded with urgency as the forest darkened than before. I winched as the silence. half expecting that, I knew my wolf disliked me snapping at her. Not like I can help it.

please... I pleaded again.

I need you Ara... you can get mad at me when we are safe... not now. I wheezed. I couldn't hold on for much longer, the throbbing in feet crawled to my hips and spread rapidly upward, making my stomach cramp and my lungs burn. the howl are getting closer as I continued to stumble forward despite my depleted energy.

DOWN. Ara shouted. I let myself drop down on both knees Just in time to see a wolf jump in front of me. I ignored the pain as much as I could. I drew air roughly into the lungs.

my eyes glowed as I took in the wolf before me. the huge black wolf snarled at me, baring it's terrifying canines at me. it's brown eyes shone with much intensity revealing nothing but hate as it focused on me. it let out a deep growl that vibrated throughout the forest.

leaning heavily on it's hind legs, it lounged at me. my body moved involuntarily to the left almost immediately avoiding it's paws and teeth. I quickly shook off the shock of the attack. I instantly felt the strangle of control within me. I knew ARa was asking for control for a moment. I couldn't shift into a wolf yet, but I could give her control for a while.

I watched as I dodged the wolf again and again. as it kept coming at me. I was just as fast as it was but my lighter body gained me an advantage against it's much heavier than frame. I could manoevre easily and faster than it could.

I felt myself launch into the the air meeting the wolf in mid-air, shifting all the weight forward, I leaned downward bringing the black wolf to the ground with me. I heard a loud crack as we both crashed on the ground. I stared at the limp wolf as it lay still in a pool of blood.

I staggered as a wave of nausea and fatigue hit me immediately I regained control.

A tear fell from my eyes as I gawked at the wolf I just killed. I haven't killed anything in my life. this is my first kill. I heaved again as my stomach rolled.

"that was quick..." someone said, breaking the silence around me. I glanced quickly at where the voice came from. I gasped. All around me stood twelve huge wolves baring their fangs. I stood upright immediately as a growl escaped my lips.

"I can feel your wolf as you fought..." came the voice again.

I turned around again searching for the voice's owner but found no one. my eyes met every wolf's as they closed in on me.

The wolf I just killed was a delay. I cussed. he slowed me down for the others to close in. I kept my eyes on the largest and nearest of the wolves. it also has a black fur with red eyes that shone brightly. it snarled with its foamy fangs. it took few strides towards me. I checked on the other wolves but couldn't tell their fur as they all were shadowed by the forest darkness but their eyes stood out, shining different shade of colours but mostly red.

I took few steps back unconsciously. Ara... I muttered nervously. I need some help now. please... I added quickly. I waited for her to reply but got nothing in return. I was never a strong pup back in my pack. A shiver ran down my spine as I watch the wolves walk steadily towards me. I took a quick look at my surroundings.

I noticed they'd successfully trapped me in a clearing surrounded by trees. These are definitely war wolves as the few possible escape spots are guarded by at least two wolves.

sweat ran down my face as I lick my chapped lips. I won against one huge wolf by chance, there is no way I could win against twelve wolves, war wolves to be exact as I considered their build.

I guess this is where it ends. I'm sorry Dad, mum, and Layla... I thought with my eyes on the approaching wolves. I knew deep down that I couldn't fight them all off I might not be as strong as my beta father but am from the Lockwood pack, the leading pack of all in the Northen province. we are feared for our courage, strength and above all, our wit. I am a loyal pack member and I am a beta's son, so if am going to die then I will with my head high and not as a weak omega. Even though I can't shift into a wolf form yet, I will still fight with all I've got.

I snarled at the incoming wolves. I shifted into a fighting stance. Ara... let's show these filthy dogs how to play. I felt her approval before the last word left my mouth.

"come on you bunch of dogs!" I shouted with a voice that wasn't mine. "you want to play, right?. quit strolling and get on with it".

I saw anger flash in their eyes before they kick off running towards me. one thing I have learnt is never call a wolf a dog. I dug my feet into the ground as I prepared for the first wolf to attack.