~Unknown~ “How much further,” the wolf wheezed, frothing at the mouth with his tongue hanging as he ran. Every ragged breath felt like a claw dragging along his throat. His legs burned, shaking with exhaustion, but he forced himself to keep running. The group was already being considerate of his pace, but he knew they wouldn’t be so understanding if he gave up. After what seemed like hours, the black wolf led the group to a stream. The cool water was heavenly against the young wolf’s aching feet, and even more refreshing when it quenched his thirst. The sun was just beginning to rise when they started their journey, but now it was shining high in the sky. Taking another drink, the young wolf observed his escorts. The synchrony of the wolves made him wonder if he stumbled onto a pack's land. His guards always complained about how difficult a Rogue's life was and how packs had it easy. There were also many conversations about invasions and how crossing a pack's border meant certa

~Tessa~ While Tessa was busy searching for any reports made about a possible missing pack member, a few hours passed. She knew something like this could have happened before she was even appointed Alpha. “Surely my father or John would have noticed,” she questions, but just thinking of that traitorous, vile man caused anger to erupt inside her. He wouldn't have cared if a pack member went missing, or worse, he could have been involved and covered it up. "Maybe this wolf heard something he wasn't supposed to,” her wolf wondered, knowing John was a man of secrecy. Guilt crept into Tessa’s mind as she thought about any possible way she could have stopped something like this from ever happening. "How many more members became victims of his schemes," she shamefully thought, fighting the bile that rose to her throat at the endless possibilities, but she failed and made a quick dash to the bathroom. As the contents of her stomach emptied into the toilet, pleasant sparks danced over her s

~Tessa~ A few weeks passed, and Tessa still couldn’t believe her brother was alive. When it was time to transfer him to the hospital, a haunting voice rang through her mind. “Don’t leave me,” he begged, growing anxious as they approached the ambulance. "If only you knew just how much I wish I could take your place,” Tessa thought to herself as she gazed down at the weak wolf. The few pack members surrounding them matched Tessa's grim expression. “I’ll be right here,” she promised, resting her hand on his side as she climbed in beside him. Her heart broke from the way his body quaked with fear and she wondered if there was ever a time he wasn’t afraid since being taken. She was certain John had everything to do with his disappearance. Her throat constricted as she imagined the atrocities he went through at the hands of that monster and his Rogues. Tessa could feel herself begin to spiral until a sense of relief washed over her when Dainin joined them inside the rig. Tessa took his

~Milo~ Panic coursed through Milo’s body when he woke up to find himself surrounded by a group of strangers in blue uniforms and white coats. One was even drawing blood from his leg. "I'm done being poked and prodded for their sick experiments," he growled, shaking away the fear. In a fit of rage, he knocked people into walls with a growl he’s never heard himself make before. “She’s coming up,” someone called through the chaos from behind him as bodies moved to block the exit and windows. He paced the room, contemplating his next move when the woman with hazel eyes appeared in the doorway. “Milo,” she called softly, causing something to stir within him. He froze and met her eyes. “Remember what I told you? You’re safe now, and we’re here to help you recover,” she encouraged, slowly approaching him while the others stepped away. An ache in his mind encouraged him to believe her as he quickly recalled what happened in the prison. Narrowing his eyes at the people in lab coats, Milo

~Tessa~ As they ran through the forest, Tessa took the lead with Dainin while Milo remained securely in the middle of the group. Their formation wasn’t planned but everyone seemed to share the same idea of safely surrounding him. Even with his labored breathing, Tessa was so delighted to see Milo keeping up with their pace. His eyes shined bright with happiness and freedom. "He's come a long way," Dainin said through their mind link. "Let’s just hope he's strong enough to survive this ritual," Tessa sighed, looking up to the full moon. She hoped the Moon Goddess was smiling down on them. When the lake came into view, Tessa felt it was a good idea to rest and let Milo catch his breath before the ritual. She expected to find him collapsed on the ground, but instead, he bound straight for the water. She silently watched over him, like she did when they were kids, and was happy to see him playing without a care. When he splashed Leah, Tessa couldn’t help but chuckle. The she-wolf di