The Unwanted: Changing Fates (Rewriting)

27.

Nightfall was coming while Gatlin had been hiding in the woods for hours, her wolf form was curled up amongst a large around of rocks well hidden from anyone, she was filthy, dusting her fur coat in dirt and muck attempting to hide her scent from her surprise attackers. She hadn't heard them in a while and she knew if she was patient enough she could get back to the pack she wasn't sure if there were more of the wolves or if an attack on the pack was in plan her concerns for Arro, the friends she had made in the camp, the Luna, even her sisters but oddly a small part of her ached in concern not for Onyx as she would assume reluctantly but for Jaxon, something about the scruffy wolf had wormed its way into a soft spot but even with her concerns she didn't have time to dwell too much. Gatlin sat and observed, taken in every sight and sound to finally deduce the direction she needed to go and find her way back to the pack. Another few minutes it seemed to go on forever, her furry body curled tightly in a ball trying to remain hidden while her pointed ears listened closely in each direction for any dangers and when the sun finally set and darkness fell upon the forest as soon as it was dark Gatlin took off like a shot. Her muscular legs bounding along the grassy floor making her way through the trees once again, she followed the familiar signs of plants not stopping for anything but hope seemed to be lost when a large grey wolf slammed into her side with a whimper Gatlin went tumbling across the dirt not stopping till she collided with a tree, her back throbbed and ached but Gatlin wasn't giving up that easy, her determination to get through this was strong instead of revelling in the pain she jumped to her feet while the grey wolf was again ready to change but being a spry young wolf she took a chance with a hard push on her back legs she charged at the wolf and as soon as she was close she took the chance and leapt over the snarling beast her back paws kicked at the wolf as she attempted to gain momentum over him before landing with a thud on the dirt not stopping to give the wolf another chance at her. Gatlin’s legs pounded hard and her body darted till relief washed over her when finally she saw it “Iris pseudacorus” thought to herself seeing the yellow flower buds even in the darkness, she was close to the pond, which meant she was close to the pack, a long sniff in the air and she could smell it, unfortunately, the scent that stuck out the most was Arro’s it was very distinct she wasn't pleased but followed the scent none the less. If she was in human form there was no doubt in Gatlin’s mind she would have collapsed from exhaustion but lucky as a wolf she could push further.

After finally what felt like forever she was on the edge of the forest pushing herself further the first thing she did when she emerged was pounce onto the tall, muscular form that stood by the forest line. His large arms wrapped around her rightly and Gatlin knew she was safe “I got you” Arro whispered thankfully to see his friend safe and sound. Gatlin didn't care at that moment as she transformed back to her human self, she remained close to Arro even in her naked state.

“There are wolves in the woods! Hurry!” she spoke out of breath, her flustered face starting up at Arro her attention only changed hearing a sudden growl. The pair turning seeing an agitated Onyx beside them.

“Its okay, Linz” Arro spoke slipping his jacket off his shoulders and putting around hers before they separated. Gatlin clutched the edges of the jacket pulling it closed to cover her body.

“How is it okay?” Gatlin questioned.

“Gatlin, those wolves were a part of your test. You were meant to evade them and escape. If you were captured you would have failed” a hesitancy as he spoke and a reluctant smile as Onyx finished speaking “congratulations, Gatlin Pryce you passed your final test.”

“I passed!” Gatlin practically squealed. It wasn't usual that she behaved very girly but even she couldn't help but bounce in excitement.

“Congratulations” Arro wrapped an arm around her shoulders pulling her inside a side hug a proud smile on his face.

“I will report this to my father, you will most likely have a meeting tomorrow and you will be officially able to graduate” there was a sadness in his eyes but still Onyx remained stoic with a forced polite smile “congratulations once again” was all he said before practically rushing away. Gatlin watched after her estranged mate for a moment the lingering mate bond pull taking over for a moment.

“You did it, Linz!” Arro flashed one of his side smiles at her.

“I did it!” Gatlin was overwhelmed with the joy all her work had finally paid off.

“Come on let's head back to the cabin to celebrate” Arro released his hold from around her shoulders before they started making the short walk to the cabin however the rowdy boy’s that were inside were oddly quiet.

“I passed, I passed!” Gatlin gushed as she walked inside there were only a few of the trainees sitting in the lounge area who glanced up at her words. They gave odd smiles at the news.

“That’s ah... Awesome, Linz” Billy spoke but it was obvious something was off.

“What’s wrong?” Gatlin asked.

“Jaxon... He failed his Beta test...”