The White Wolf

A New Life/Heat

“Goodbyes make you think. They make you realise what you’ve had, what you’ve lost, and what you’ve taken for granted.”

– Ritu Ghatourey

The sound of my pounding heart reverberated in my ears as I ran, desperately trying to outrun the pain that threatened to consume me. Each step echoed my shattered dreams, my broken bond with the pack. My paws hit the ground with a mix of determination and anguish. I didn’t dare look back, fearing that if I did, I would crumble and return to the warmth and safety of my parents’ embrace.

As we crossed the border, the pack connection snapped, severing the last thread that tied me to the life I once knew. It felt like a physical ache, a raw emptiness that mirrored the hollowness in my heart. But I refused to let it break me. I kept running, driven by a desperate need to escape the pain of rejection.

Before leaving, I stopped by Cole’s room in the early hours of the morning. I didn’t want to draw attention, so I quietly slipped the letter under his door, ensuring it was well hidden. It was the best way to deliver the news without unnecessary confrontations. I couldn’t bear the thought of facing him, not after what he had done.

We continued to run for hours until exhaustion began to gnaw at my weary limbs. Snow’s voice broke through my thoughts, surprising me with her suggestion.

“We should find somewhere to rest for the night,” she said, her concern evident.

I nodded, my gaze scanning the surroundings for a suitable spot. In the distance, I could hear the gentle flow of water, promising a momentary respite. I followed the sound, hoping to find solace near its calming embrace.

As we approached the water, the pain of Cole’s rejection resurfaced, intertwining with the ache of my wolf. Snow whimpered, mirroring the pain I felt deep within. Her withdrawal was her way of coping, but I couldn’t help but feel the sting of her absence.

“Snow, is that you?” I called out, relief washing over me when her voice responded.

“Yeah, duh. Who else would be talking to you in your head, i***t?” she retorted, her words laced with humor.

I chuckled, grateful for her return. “I thought you weren’t talking to me anymore. I thought maybe you were angry with me or something,” I confessed, my voice tinged with vulnerability.

“Sorry about that, love. You must have felt so alone, dealing with the pain by yourself,” Snow apologized, her tone filled with remorse.

“Yeah, I did feel that way. I’m so happy you’re back now. Let’s not dwell on it, okay? Besides, I don’t want to talk about him anymore. He’s not worth it. As long as we have each other, we can get through this, you and me. Let’s not think too much about it. We should find somewhere to rest,” I suggested, determined to focus on the present.

“Okay,” Snow replied, her voice filled with understanding. We trotted toward a soft patch of grass, a place where we could find temporary respite. The soothing symphony of nature enveloped us, lulling me into a drowsy state.

The next day, I woke with a burning sensation churning in the pit of my stomach. Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to make sense of it.

“Heat,” Snow’s voice confirmed, leaving me slightly taken aback.

Heat. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. I hadn’t expected it to arrive so soon, but there it was, undeniable and unwelcome. Panic swirled within me as the pain intensified with each passing moment.

“What should I do?” I whimpered, the pain threatening to overwhelm me.

“Unfortunately, without our mate, there isn’t much we can do. We’ll have to wait it out,” Snow replied, her voice tinged with resignation.

The thought of enduring the intensity of the heat without any relief made me groan. I wasn’t sure I could handle it.

Wait, a thought struck me. “Snow, during heat, unmated wolves are attracted, right?” I asked, a hint of nervousness in my voice.

“Yes, that’s correct,” Snow affirmed, understanding my unspoken question.

A shiver ran down my spine as I realized the implications. “It means any unmated male wolf in the vicinity could…,” I trailed off, unable to finish my sentence.

“You’re right,” Snow responded, her tone indicating a mix of caution and concern. “We should assume we’re in danger, being alone and unprotected in the woods. It’s best to find shelter.”

I surveyed our surroundings, searching for a place that could provide temporary refuge. The idea of being hunted while in this vulnerable state sent a chill through me.

“I have an idea,” Snow suggested. “To mask your scent, it would be safer to jump into the river. It will make it harder for them to track us.”

“Right,” I agreed, understanding the logic behind her suggestion. “I’ll give you control, Snow. It’s best if I shift into my wolf form.”

“That’s a good idea,” Snow acknowledged. “I’ll take over, and you can take a back seat in your mind. We need to be cautious, but don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to us.”

I trusted Snow, but giving her control was still an act of vulnerability for me. However, with no other options, I relinquished control, allowing her to guide us through this predicament.

Taking a deep breath, I submerged myself underwater, feeling the coolness wash away the tension in my muscles. The pain began to ebb, replaced by a sense of temporary relief. I gazed up at the vast expanse of the clear blue sky, watching as birds gracefully soared overhead. In that moment, I yearned for their freedom, their ability to roam unhindered.

Sighing, I acknowledged the limits imposed upon me. The sky may be limitless, but I was bound by my circumstances. For now, I would focus on survival and finding a safe haven amidst the uncertainty that lay ahead.

I emerged from the water, my fur dripping with droplets as I shook myself dry. Snow’s presence took hold of our shared consciousness, her instincts guiding us towards safety. I followed her lead, feeling a strange sense of unity as we navigated the unfamiliar terrain.

We moved through the forest, our senses heightened, alert for any signs of danger. The pain of the heat still lingered, a persistent ache that refused to be ignored. Every step seemed to magnify the intensity, and I longed for a reprieve.

As we ventured deeper into the woods, the scent of pine mingled with the earthy aroma of damp soil. The canopy above provided a patchwork of sunlight and shadows, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. It was within this natural haven that Snow led us to a secluded grove, hidden away from prying eyes.

The grove offered a sense of sanctuary, its tranquility soothing my troubled mind. I settled onto the soft moss, finding a measure of comfort in its embrace. Snow’s presence, though separate, remained a steady anchor in my thoughts.

Time seemed to blur as I lay there, my body yearning for rest and respite. The fatigue of our escape, coupled with the turmoil of my emotions, weighed heavily upon me. My eyelids grew heavy, and I succumbed to the pull of sleep.

Dreams swirled in the depths of my slumber, fragments of past memories and uncertain futures intermingling. Faces and places wove together, creating a tapestry of the unknown. But amidst the chaos, a glimmer of determination remained, fueling my resolve to forge a new path.

When I finally awoke, the light of a new day filtered through the leaves above. The heat, though still present, seemed to have dulled slightly, giving me a temporary reprieve. I rose to my feet, stretching my limbs, feeling the stiffness of our nocturnal rest.

“We should keep moving,” Snow’s voice resonated in my mind, a reminder of the urgency that still lingered. “We can’t stay in one place for too long.”

Nodding in agreement, I took a moment to collect myself, to gather the strength needed to face the challenges that lay ahead. The remnants of my former life seemed distant now, like faint echoes of a past that no longer defined me. I was a rogue now, but not alone. I had Snow and that alone gave me comfort.

With newfound determination, I stepped forward, embracing the uncertainty of the future. The path before us was unknown, yet I was ready to face whatever awaited, my steps guided by the resilience that had ignited within me.

This was my life now