Claimed by a Stranger

Chapter Twenty

“We can’t keep holding them off,” Lucas said.

“We have to try, they can’t get to the others,” dad replied.

“They will kill us all, we need to fall back.”

“Fall back, to our territory,” dad howled.

We were close to our border when they surrounded us, baring their teeth.

“Now what,” everyone seemed to shout.

“We stand and fight,” dad roared before throwing himself at a few of the surrounding rogues.

This wasn’t going to end well for us. A wolf leapt at me, I dodged, pinning him to the ground before clamping my mouth shut on his throat. I hated killing, but for my pack I would anything.

“I have your back,” I said to Damon.

“Likewise,” he replied.

Rogues came from everywhere. Damon was killing them slower and slower. The more that came at him the heavier his breathing grew. He was beginning to struggle, but he wasn’t alone, our whole pack began slowing down. Even I was slowing down, my body ached all over, and my wounds healed at a slower rate. Exhaustion was catching up to us.

“We’re on our way sir,” Derrick Ivory said. He was ordered to watch another border, but it seems that every rogue was right where we were. They must be going after the Alpha.

“Good. They’re everywhere, watch your step,” dad replied.

A pain shot through my side. I was gasping for breath, a rogue caught me off guard, pinned me by my throat to the ground. I tried scratching, kicking, everything, but he didn’t budge. I felt his teeth sink into my skin.

“Damon,” I squeaked, too tired to raise my voice. After a few moments more of struggling I feared hadn’t heard me. Panic began rising in my chest.

“Got him,” Damon finally replied before the rogue whined in pain. He released me and fell to the ground and didn’t get back up.

I have him a nod and Damon nodded back. We were both panting before we heard a howl, Derrick was here with others. The rogues were still everywhere, it looked like we hadn’t killed many. When Derrick saw us he dashed right over.

“Need some help?” Derrick said as he and the rest of the pack members jumped into action.

We stared at him, glad he was here, but we could do without his sarcasm.

“Sorry,” Derrick muttered. He was a large grey wolf. “Behind you,” Derrick warned before he attacked the rogue that crouched behind Damon.

I looked at Damon, he heaved a big sigh before we attacked the rogues again.

“We can’t keep going like this, were not pushing them back,” Lucas said

My father growled. “Young ones, fall back,” he said If he was thinking what I think he was thinking, there was no way that I will fall back. He probably wants us “young ones” to head home, evacuate the pack, while they defend, to the death.

We were all so tired, I didn’t know how I am standing. My legs were numb and shaking. Derrick jumped in front of me.

“Fall back,” Derrick ordered.

“No, I’m fighting with you,” I said. “no way am I falling back. I didn’t disobey my father just to go back. If we “young ones” leave now, you’re just going to have a harder time.”

“You are too much like your parents,” he growled.

I was starting to feel a bit better, I could tell my cuts were starting to heal. Even though my cuts were healing, my body still ached. We have to win.

A loud howl rippled through the night air, over the snarling and fighting wolves, it was clear. The howl was familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Everyone froze and looked over at a large grey wolf. The wolf looked down at everyone as his pack appeared behind him.

“More Rogues,” Derrick said, his voice hoarse.

Suddenly, the rogues re-grouped and started growling, not only at us, but the other pack. The large grey wolf stepped forward and released another howl. He was their Alpha, whoever he was; he was a strong Alpha. Who was he and why does he seem familiar? I couldn’t place him, had I seem him before, his features who so familiar? He was downwind, none of us would be able to pick a scent.

“No,” father spoke, his voice thick, he sounded like he was about to cry. “Aaron.”

“Aaron?” My voice was a whisper. Was it possible?