The Unwanted: Changing Fates (Rewriting)

26.

Gatlin wasn't sure what was happening nor what she would be walking into but she was ready for whatever was thrown at her. Gatlin wanted to move forward and live the life she chooses and if this was just another thing to add to the list then so be it. Aimlessly she walked through the woods barely a sound besides the birds chirping and perhaps the occasional sound of leaves rustling if it weren't a test she would love the surroundings of nature however she had to concentrate on the task at hand and luckily she took after her father he was always a nature buff and extraordinary tracker. Wandering through the woods she listed the plants she spotted within her head as she stepped through the gaps in the trees. Gatlin wondered what was ahead of her. Was she meant to camp out once again she wasn't sure but none the less she walked and walked till the snapping of swigs caught her attention, it was quite clear someone was trying to sneak but Gatlin had great skill in hearing just another advantage to her tracking. Gatlin remained still for a moment waiting to hear another sound, there was more than one as she heard the subtle movements from behind her. Slow deep breaths Gatlin prepares herself for them to approach, Gatlin did admit she was lucky to have come so far in her training when she first arrived at the camp she certainly wouldn't have been able to defend herself yet now she stood in anticipation for whoever was there. Gatlin didn't have to wait much longer another rustle of the leaves behind her before large arms latched onto her own, Gatlin growled at the sudden restraint and swiftly stomped on her would be captures foot repeatedly till his arms finally slackened and she could wiggle away but another barged into her in its wolf form, the large grey wolf snarled as it pinned the curly-haired she-wolf to the ground underneath the beast she thrashed before finally relenting and transforming herself as did the man who she had just stomped on the foot of, two large wolves stood before her Gatlin's wolf wasn't the largest but she was certainly spry so she decided to play cat and mouse the larger the wolf usually they would wear out quicker and that was what Gatlin hoped. She darted between the trees luckily her smaller wolf made it between the smaller gaps but none the less they chased after her, over bushes, jumping rocks she was a desperate wolf to get away from their clutches. Gatlin didn't know how long she ran till she finally realised there was no longer anyone behind her and she was now so deep in the thick of the forest Gatlin realised she didn't know where she was.

:::

At the edge of the tree line leading into the forest is where Onyx stood, he could feel her fear, she was beginning to get scared and he could feel it. Onyx knew this would happen but it didn't relent the worry and concern he had for his estranged mate. Onyx wished he could keep his end of the deal with her but Gatlin had proven to be too likeable not to want to be with her still Onyx was trying to make up for it pushing forward with her test and he would judge her fairly with Callum, he wanted her to have what she wanted and if that was to leave then Onyx would make that happen. Did he still love and care for Eliza of course but the pull inside him was strong and Onyx was struggling to deny it.

“Is she okay?” Arro questioned. He knew how much Arro already grew to care for Gatlin frankly he couldn’t blame him for caring so much.

“She’s scared but okay...” Onyx remained unmoved staring into the forest.

“She’s going to pass this test. You know that don’t you?” Arro questioned his blue eyes examining his cousin for any flicker of emotion.

“I know...” Arro’s reply was practically a whisper “I know she will.”

“And you will have to let her go cousin” Arro added those blue eyes still watching the muscular young man.

“And I will, I made a mistake, Arro. I would do it again. When she returns from passing the test I will tell my father so she can start moving on” His arms were crossed over his chest as he spoke, fingers aimlessly tapping onto his forearms. The two young men stood in silence for a while staring out beyond the trees for the she-wolf they both cared for.

“I was mad but I don’t blame you, Onyx. Linz is...” Arro sighed “is one of the best wolves I have ever met it’s hard no to like her when you get to know her.”

“Do you... How much do you like her?” Onyx couldn’t help himself but question which caused Arro to laugh.

“Oh, Nyx. You know what happened” at the memory Arro began to waver his eyes quick to sadden “I care about Linz as my friend... I’ve been through too much to...” shaking his head wanting to quickly stop talking about the subject.

“I’m sorry, Arro” the reply was short but appreciated Arro wanted the subject to be over. Delving into his past wasn’t something he wanted to think about right now.

“But you’re right” Onyx glanced to his cousin from the corner of his eyes “it’s hard not to like her.”