The Alphas prize

We ran towards the woods, careful to watch our surroundings for anyone that would stop us. Finally, we reached the tree line and stepped into the dense brush, blending ourselves with the forest. We went further in and continued running for a few minutes before stopping. Gunnar and I had closed enough distance between us and the pack house that it was safe to stop now, but only for a moment.

Kneeling on the ground, I opened the bag Rose gave us and started pulling the contents out. First, I pulled out an old map showing directions to the forest and the willow tree. Then, I dug into the bag again, pulling out salt, a lighter, a flashlight, a pair of gloves, a compass and a silver knife. Although the knife was dangerous to us, it was also a threat to other supernatural creatures, but I was glad Rose had packed some gloves.

Gunnar knelt beside me, and we both started to go over the map, memorizing key points. “According to the map, it doesn’t seem like it's too far of a journey from here. We head South for about 10km, then East for 7km, and then north for 4km. There are a few markers along the way that will help to keep us on track, as well.” I said to Gunnar as we reviewed the map and directions that Rose gave us.

Gunnar looked at me, a severe expression on his face and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Are you sure you want to do this? Unfortunately, this mission will not be as easy as you hope, Freja. From what I’ve heard, those travelling to the forest don’t come back, and the journey there will test your limits.”

I looked back to the map, thinking over his words and considering the question of whether or not I wanted to do this. However, if I chose not to do this, then Cain would die, which was not a choice for me. But, no matter what comes my way or what challenges I face, I know I can do this, and I will face it all, like the brave warrior that I am, with my wolf at my side.

I nodded my head. “Yes, I want to do this, Gunnar. I need to try at least to save him.” If I didn’t try to save Cain, it would torture me for the rest of my days. He is my mate, and I am not ready to lose him.

He pursed his lips, and I knew he disagreed with my decision, but like the good man he is, Gunnar nodded in agreement. “Ok, then. We will get through this together.” Gunnar then stood to his feet and extended his hand for me to grab. “Let’s get going.”

Before standing to my full height, I packed everything back into the bag and grabbed Gunnar’s hand. I threw the bag onto my shoulder, and we followed the trail leading out of Cain’s territory, using the map as a guide to sudden doom, I mean to the cure.

Gunnar and I walked along the dirt path in silence, listening and watching for any dangers or unwanted guests. We were about 10kms into our journey now, almost halfway there, but the sun was starting to go down and soon it would be too dark to continue safely.

I came to a stop, grabbing Gunnar’s attention. “We should probably set up camp and get a fire going. Plus, we need to get some rest, and, in the morning, we can continue.” I suggested to Gunnar, hoping he would agree with me.

Gunnar nodded his head and gazed around us. “Yea, you are right; it will be safer to travel during the day.” He said, still looking into the distance. Gunnar pointed a finger towards a clearing that was just off the path. “We can make camp over there; it’s off the path and not so isolated that we can’t see.” We walked over and took a look around, smelling the area and making sure nothing had been here.

I looked to Gunnar. “I think it’s good; let’s get a fire going; I’ll go grab some wood.” I placed my bag down on the ground and walked off into the brush, searching around for firewood. I had finally found some decent wood to burn that wasn’t too damp and headed back towards the camp.

Upon my return, I noticed Gunnar had built a fire pit and was now kneeling in the dirt, piling brush together on the ground and creating what looked like a makeshift bed.

Gunnar looked up at me, then back down at his creation and shrugged, “I tried to make some beds.” He pointed at the second bush bed. “They won’t be that great, but it’s better than sleeping on the ground,” Gunnar said while rubbing the back of his neck, and I chuckled at him.

I shook my head and smiled at him. “They are perfect, and it’s better than nothing. I found some wood.” I placed the pile on the ground next to the pit. “Some of it is damp, but once we get things going, it should burn no problem.” I grabbed a few logs and placed them in the middle of the pit, and then walked over to my bag and grabbed out the lighter.

Gunnar was next to the fire pit, spreading dried grass around the logs. We finally got the fire going, burning bright, and warming the cool night air around us.

height. “I’m going to go see if I can find us some food.” He then

for, but the hardest thing to deal with was the possibility of losing Cain. All my life, I had been raised to believe that he was a monster, an evil man with no morals and when he took me, I thought for sure I was going to die, that my life was over. However, I had gotten to know a different man, someone not portrayed in the stories I was told as a child.

by Gunnar’s sudden appearance, causing me to jump slightly. He was standing there, holding some fish in one hand and something else in the other.

I was just waiting for you to get back,” I

we can crush up to make a sauce for the fish.” Gunnar put everything onto a rock next to the fire, grabbed the knife out of the bag, and then prepared things.

cautiously prepare our food, I told him wholeheartedly. “I’ve fucking

at me like I was a crazy person. “Shut up,

delicious. The fish was juicy, sweet and savoury, melting in my mouth and leaving

odd branch poking me in the side. I rolled onto my side, facing my

sigh. “Spit it out already; I know something is on your

just concerned about this journey. What it holds in store for us and what the outcome will be. What if there is no cure? What if we can’t

given those possibilities any thought. I knew things weren’t going to be easy along the way, but I hadn’t thought about the outcome or the likelihood of

thought. My mind has only been focused on getting the cure and getting it

pursed his lips. “I know that doing this means a lot to you, and your mind is made up, but I just want you to consider the idea that we

head slowly. “I will,” I said, then rolled over, facing away from him now, not wanting to have this conversation anymore. I must have been even more exhausted than I had thought, as sleep

Gunnar, but I was alone, and there wasn’t a soul in sight. The field stretched on for as far as the eye could see,

and

towards him, the flowers brushing against my legs with each stride. He stood there smiling and opened

held me tightly to his chest. “Cain.”

love; I’m here now,” Cain said in that deep, husky tone of

face. “How are you here? How are you alive?” I

brow. “Does it matter?” He asked me, a hint of irritation to his

“Yes, it does matter. But, wait……this isn’t real; it can’t be.” I had to be dreaming or something, as my gut told me

to pull away from him. “You’re not Cain, and this isn’t

I looked up at them, the blood drained from my body, and fear gripped me tightly, as their

to move or speak. “This is your fault; look upon my face and see the damage you have caused, Freja,” Cain said, in a cynical and

“No, this is just a dream, and you’re not Cain. I will get that cure, and I will save him.” I shouted at the top of my lungs, not letting this nightmare deter

woke up, sitting up with a jolt and looked around for the figure from my dreams, but it was no longer there. I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath, trying to let go of the nightmare and calm my nerves. I looked over, and Gunnar was sound asleep next

sleeping beauty. The sun was starting to come up, and I wanted to get