The Alpha’s Runaway

Valentino Lorenzo

The cold breeze tingled my skin as the weather began to cool. The aroma of nature; the scent of the damp moss, the rain, the flowers; brought a calming feeling in my body. It was easier to breathe out there. Easier to be me and to let go. Being away from everything, brought me a sense of peace. There were no people, no irritating sounds; just the whisper of the wind and the small footsteps of small woodland animals. I relished the beauty of nature that was still untouched by cruel hands.

I don’t remember when I came out here. Being in the forest had me lose a sense of time. But, I do remember the reason.

The packhouse was always ecstatic. There was never a dull moment since more than one-hundred-thousand members lived in the pack. I can always hear the loud sounds of the lively house, but never when it came to events such as the one being held today. It was too much for me to handle as things got out of hand. I let them rough things up and allowed them to do whatever they pleased. It was a place for everyone. My only rules are that they don’t destroy the place and that they clean up after themselves.

Of course, my Mother would ever allow such a thing. She was a retired Luna, but she took charge of organizing every party being held in the pack. She loved doing things her way, and she expected people to follow her orders perfectly. Father was always beside her. Making sure that the people helping did not disappoint.

I didn’t have time for such events, and when I did, I was there for not even a quarter of the time. I do, however, have a few hours off once a year when a specific holiday is being celebrated.

It was a holiday I hated as a kid but grew to love once the age of finding my mate grew closer. I was excited, so excited to be able to meet my mate the day I turned sixteen. I participated during the holiday for the past seven years, but each time I never found her, I lost a little hope.

I had to watch as my pack members found their mates and fell in love. How that love grew until eventually they had married and started families of their own. I was envious; they all found the love of their life so fast while I still had no trace of where mine could be. She wasn’t in the pack, but I knew she was out there, so I began to search. I travelled to every kingdom, city, town, and village there was; from the most urban regions to remote islands.

For years I spent my time looking for her, even when I had no lead. I was young, so I had hope. Every day I woke up early, not wanting to waste any time because I thought I was going to meet her that day. Even when the sun went down and the moon rose from the horizon, I never gave up. But as the years passed, I couldn’t take it. A heaviness in my chest began to form, and it felt as if my heart was in a tight grip. It squeezed, harder and harder each day. It got so worse I almost forgot how to breathe. No matter what I did, it wouldn’t go away. The grip would only tighten as I continued to search for my mate until one morning, I woke and felt nothing.

Reality started to settle in, and I grew tired of ignoring it.

I returned home, defeated. I stopped attending the gathering and instead occupied my time with work. I thought it would keep me distracted from the thoughts of my mate. But the confined walls and the quietness of the room only made me more insane.

My thoughts had begun to control my mind, they were the only things I could hear. I had music playing in the background, the windows open to hear the little pups yelling outside while they played, I used any sound that would keep my thoughts from being the only thing I could listen to.

And it worked. But the nights were exceptionally difficult.

Even in the distance, I could hear my pack celebrating. I growled lowly. Can’t they keep it down?

I walked further, and further, my eyes fixed to the ground until the green, moist grass had disappeared. My eyes now on the trees below me as I stood at the top of the cliff, inches away from the edge. I remember almost falling down there as a kid while running away after being yelled at by my father. I remember how, no matter where my mind was wondering, my feet lead me here.

Right at the edge of the cliff.

I don’t know why I felt so drawn to it. Maybe the Moon Goddess was trying to tell me something. But what? Where could I find my mate? Because I’ve searched. I’ve searched so long and so far and... and maybe she doesn’t even exist.

Or maybe she’s not even alive. What if she had died before I found her? What if she’s alive, but is someone else’s? I growled, the thought of that making Alaric furious.

We’ll find her, he reassured. We have to.

I longed for my mate; the person I would love unconditionally, the person I would hold and cherish. I wanted her so bad, like an addict craving for his drug. If there was a clue as to where I could find her, I’d trade it for anything in a heartbeat.

Even if I saw a glance of her, just once, I could die happily knowing she existed. I didn’t even know who she was, but I’d give anything to her, and I do anything for her. She may still be a mystery, but I was already in love with the thought of her.

‘Man, where ya at?’ Carson slurred through the mind-link, breaking my thoughts. ‘You’re missing out man. This super hot guy and I went at it—’

‘Fuck off, I’m not in the mood,’ I snapped.

‘Relax man.’

‘I’m never going to be able to relax until I have my mate in my arms.’

‘You just need to get laid.’

I block him off. He’s a good friend, but I pray for the person he’s mated to. That’s going to be one hell of a ride.

I watched as the sun slowly started to set, the lavish, golden sky darkened to a black. Even after the stars slowly appeared and the moon was at its peak, I stood at the edge of the cliff. Looking up at the moon, I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess to help me. I called out to her, asking for any sign that can lead me a step closer to my mate. Anything at all. I was desperate, so desperate to find her. I waited and listened. I closed my eyes and focused on my senses. It was quiet and it was cold and the only sound that rang through my ears was a heartbeat.

But it wasn’t mine.

Then a scent hit, and it smelt enchanting. A mixture of cinnamon and clove that gave off an autumn spice I could practically taste. It was hard not to get addicted to it. One sniff and I was calm, calmer than I’ve ever felt in my life.

My eyes shot open, wide in shock as I stared up at the moon. My heartbeat rapidly in my chest as my body was on full alert. I knew exactly what that scent meant, but I just couldn’t believe it. After being hit with the realization that this wasn’t a dream, I didn’t hesitate to follow the scent, running fast through the dense wood, as the smell got closer and closer. I could feel the corner of my lips move upward in a smile at the thought of finally finding my mate.

She was here, she was actually here! I couldn’t help but get excited. I would finally be able to have her, after so many years. Somewhere in this massive forest was my mate, and I couldn’t wait to meet her.

And there she was. Running away in a white dress.

Confused, I silently ran a few feet behind her, questioning why she was running away. Was she late for something? Was someone chasing her? Did she not want me? Alaric whimpered at the last thought. Not only would he be upset, but I would as well. To be rejected by the one person I’ve spent years trying to find would be like stabbing my heart over and over again before getting it ripped out after its final beat. I wouldn’t be able to live if she rejected me, the pain would be all too much. And even then, if she didn’t accept me, I’d still love her.

Before I knew it, she stopped, causing me to almost trip due to the sudden action. I stood behind a tree, the shadows enveloping me so I wasn’t seen. I watched as she placed her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. She was small, it was adorable. She probably stood just a few inches above my shoulder. After a few minutes, I inhaled her sweet scent again, only to find a particular part lingering in the air.

My little mate was human.

It wasn’t uncommon for wolves to have human mates, but it was tricky. I knew that our relationship would have to be slow, as I’ve observed from other wolf-human relationships. My patience would be required, and although that would be a challenge for me, I would do my best for my mate.

She slowly sat down on the ground and muttered a few words even I couldn’t hear. I wanted to move and capture a glimpse of her face, but I was afraid I’d make a sound. So I stayed, hoping she would turn around. My mate stretched her arms, letting out an adorable yawn before her pale fingers went to her hair-bun. In a swift movement, she undid the bun and removed all those black pins that held it together. She ranked her fingers through the glossy strands of her hair, untangling any knots. Her hair was beautiful; such a rich silky brown that shined even in the dark. I wanted to run my hands through it, to feel how soft and smooth it really was.

She was beautiful. More beautiful than the sunrises I’ve seen or the countless jewels I possess. She shines more brightly than that of a diamond completely polished, or the sun on a bright summer day. She was astonishing, and when I finally saw her face, I froze.

Dark, violet eyes stared back at me, filling with shock before replaced with fear. Her plump lips were parted slightly as she stood up and took a few steps back. Her skin was pale, much paler than I thought, and it was flawless. I slowly stepped out and into the moonlight. A small frown made its way on my face as I heard her quietly gasp and step even further away from me. I didn’t like how afraid she looked. I didn’t like how she was so afraid of me. I had no clue as to how to make the situation better, but I did take note of one thing.

Now having a closer look at her, she was no human—but an elf. Her eyes said it all. It was strange seeing an elf, as they don’t particularly like leaving their territory. At least that’s what was written in the books.

“Stay back,” she stuttered. “Do not come any closer!”

Although she was afraid, the only thought that ran through my mind was how lovely and delicate her voice sounded.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I’m here to help,” I assured her after clearing my mind.

“He sent you, didn’t he? You’re going to take me back to h-him!”

I nearly growled. So someone was chasing after her. I’ll kill him.

“I don’t know who ‘he’ is. I saw you on the ground, and I thought you needed some help.”

She backed away, causing my heart to sink. I was about to speak, but she was quick to run away. For a moment I was surprised, but I chuckled afterward. Silly girl, you can’t outrun a Lycan. Especially when he’s on a hunt.

We’ll give her a head start.