CHAPTER 1: FAR FROM HOME
1209 Words
KAEL
They say curiosity kills the cat, but no one mentioned what it does to a rebellious Lone Alpha with daddy issues and a nose for trouble. Well, I'm about to find out—the hard way.
B I'm Kael. A lone Alpha werewolf who left home because it was too small for a spirit like mine–too many rules, not enough freedom.
But here I am, stuck in the woods in the middle of Moon Goddess-knows-where, being chased by wolf hunters.
Yes, wolf hunters. I know we all hate them—or maybe it's a personal feeling. But either way, I hate them with every fiber of my being.
I can sense danger nearby. I need to hide—quickly. My inner wolf is screaming danger at every corner.
The last time I checked, using my heightened wolf's vision, I counted about 11 hunters.
Now the problem is to get out of here in my half-human, half-wolf form without them noticing. This is a rare ability I possess.
Most Werewolves can't shift partially. It's either full human or full wolf.
My nose tingles. I smell blood—familiar blood.
Oh s**t, it's mine.
I checked my body and spotted the wound on my arm, but it's healing already-–thankfully.
A gunshot wound. One of the hunters must have hit me.
But luckily, it wasn't a silver bullet which would have been a much bigger problem. It doesn't heal quickly.
Suddenly, something whizzed past my face and thudded into the tree behind me.
An arrow, silver-tipped.
Wow, that was very damn close.
That bastard was aiming for a headshot.
I sensed more coming—I ducked (thanks to the Moon Goddess for my super wolf speed), and rolled to the other side.
How did they find me here?, I wondered. This is seriously bad, and I need to get out of here—now.
I can't change into my full wolf form because it'll be easier to spot me.
And hey, don't get funny ideas. I'm not a weak Alpha.
Being packless doesn't make me weak.
I'm just bound by my father's Principles—the ones he drilled into me since I was young, which I can't seem to break free from. Not that I can't, but it seems like the right thing to do.
Mercy, control, and honour.
I can easily snap these puny human necks with my bare hands, but I won't. It's the only thing stopping me from going rogue, and I've vowed to abide by it.
The sound of a gunshot yanked me back to reality.
I scan my surroundings and bolt into the thickest part of the woods.
One thing I have over them—night vision. I swear I'll kiss the Moon Goddess if I survive this.
I can't head for the city, they might track me down and it will lead them to where I live.
No, I can't risk it.
I hear rustling—footsteps closing in.
Don't these motherfuckers ever give up?
I'm tired already.
Arrows and bullets were flying around me.
I keep on running, charging forward, ducking—never stopping for a second.
A bullet missed me by a few inches.
I spotted a big tree and hid behind it to catch my breath.
I strained my ears—silence.
Maybe I lost them.
Panting, I scanned the area and spotted an opening nearby.
My ears were picking up faint sounds.
I listened carefully—engines.
Yes. Vehicles. I must be closer to the city than I imagined.
Now would be the best time to move.
It was at that moment that I realized my mistake.
As I step towards the opening, pain tears through my lower abdomen.
Shit!. I'm hit.
I growled loudly in pain which drew their attention to my side.
Sneaky bastards I cursed under my breath.
“It's in that area!” one of the hunters shouted.
“It”? Really?
Very demeaning. Y'all can't even assume a gender?.
I can't afford getting caught.
Ignoring the pain, I started racing for the opening, but paused.
Wait, if I make it out to the city, they'll track me. I'm bleeding too much.
Too risky
I pivoted and dashed in the opposite direction.
It's a gamble—but I have no choice
I keep running through the woods, desperate to shake them off.
But they are persistent.
I ducked behind a tree and checked my wound—Silver bullet.
Shit!.
That explains the burning pain.
Weakness creeps in, anger too.
Then I heard them again—closer. More of them.
Damn it! I'm surrounded, I muttered quietly.
Ain't no way I'm getting out of here without hurting a few of these douchebags.
Well, what must be done, must be done.
But I need to attack them without revealing my face.
I must be fast. Precise. Despite the pain.
Judging from their positions, they won't shoot wildly to avoid hitting each other accidentally.
That's my edge.
I spotted three hunters to my left, five to my right. The rest are farther back.
Great.
The fewer I have to injure, the better.
I launched at the trio on the left, catching them off guard.
I punched one in the gut, which sent him flying.
The other two raised their weapons, but I darted aside—planning my next move.
Gosh! This pain is killing me.
But I keep pressing on.
They ceased shooting, trying to make out my position.
I rushed forward, landing punches on the other two faces— a clean and swift knockout.
The commotion draws the rest. I dodged a crossbow bolt and leapt onto the tree nearby, bounding from branch to branch.
I dropped into their midst—kicking one aside. I winced in pain, getting slowed by the pain, which gave them an edge to attack me.
I dodged a bullet— but not the sword strike from behind.
Shhhck!
It cut deep into my arm.
Silver.
I roared painfully and slapped the bastard away.
Two down, three more to go.
“Die beast!” One of the hunters cursed loudly.
“Be gone you abomination!” Another added.
I growled at them angrily.
They charged at me furiously.
Dodging every blow, I ducked and swept one off the ground with my foot, instantly knocking him out.
The last two charged, one with a gun, the other with a crossbow.
I rolled, grabbed a log, and hurled it.
One ducked. The other took the hit and crumpled, pinned to the ground.
I grabbed the other one and flung him into a tree.
Bones cracked. And he screamed in pain.
I didn't wait to confirm, for I bolted towards the opening I saw earlier.
After five minutes of limping through trees, pain stabbing at every step, I see lights ahead.
I stagger closer, more exhausted with each step.
Finally, I reached the road.
My legs buckle.
My body—weak.
Shifting back to my human form, I collapsed. Can't move. Can't fight.
My vision fades.
Darkness creeps in.
Then… I heard my mum's voice.
Soft. Familiar
I reached for her—but she vanished.
And then, a silhouette appears—walking towards me.
Before I could think—
Darkness.
.
.
- Writer
