BLOOD MATES

Chapter five

As I ventured out for a run, letting my wolf out, I hoped to find a brief moment of peace and happiness. However, my serenity was short-lived as I noticed a movement in the forest. Curiosity led me to carelessly venture deeper into the castle forest, feeling slightly lost and regretful for straying so far from my usual path.

The movement I had seen earlier revealed itself to be a wolf, its gray fur unkempt and hunger evident in its eyes. It seemed intent on attacking, and my wolf braced itself for the confrontation. As the gray wolf lunged towards us, my wolf swiftly positioned itself to protect me, ready to engage in a fight. They clashed, biting and wrestling with each other in a test of strength. The lone gray wolf put up a good fight, but ultimately, my wolf's power proved to be too much. With one swift move, my wolf took a large bite out of the gray wolf's neck, ending its life instantly.

The dying gray wolf let out a final howl, unaware that another wolf was sneaking up from behind. In a sudden attack, it bit my wolf's leg, causing intense pain. I joined the fray, attempting to subdue this new threat in the same manner as the gray wolf. Yet, out of nowhere, another wolf pounced, sinking its teeth into my other arm. My wolf suffered in silence, realizing that there were more than just two wolves present; we were surrounded. The best course of action was to flee.

I made a split-second decision, choosing a direction and running with all my might. The wolves pursued, their speed unmatched, while the pain coursing through my body intensified. Determined not to die today, not like this, I howled, desperately calling for any assistance that might be offered. My escape led me to a dead end, the massive stone blocking any further path. I turned to face the encircling wolves, my heart pounding with fear as they closed in, five in total. I thought perhaps they would attack one by one, but they surprised me by launching a coordinated assault.

In the midst of the chaos, one wolf bit my wolf's ear, another targeted its legs. I cried out in pain as the injuries accumulated. As I reached a point of weakness and agony, it became clear that the wolves aimed to prolong my suffering. Just when I thought all hope was lost, a miraculous sight unfolded before my blurred vision. Two large wolves, one with a magnificent brown fur and the other with a deep black coat, entered the fray. They engaged the five wolves in a fierce battle.

As the intense pain overtook me, my body transformed back into its human form. Weak and covered in blood, my injured leg bearing a half-bitten appearance, my vision fading, I managed to catch a glimpse of a man approaching me. Struggling to focus, I recognized his face. "Eric," I whispered before succumbing to darkness, losing consciousness once more.

I regained consciousness and slowly sat up, taking in my surroundings. It was still nighttime, and I found myself still in the forest. Eric let out a sigh of relief, clearly glad to see me awake. I turned my attention to the second man standing beside him. He had black hair and brown eyes, bearing a resemblance to Eric. Although their body structures were slightly different, with Eric being more muscular and the other man taller. Eric introduced him as James, his very good friend. I greeted James with a simple "Hello."

As I noticed the blanket wrapped around my body, a sudden realization struck me. I wasn't wearing any clothes. I looked at Eric and asked about clothes, to which he replied affirmatively. I couldn't help but notice that both Eric and James were shirtless, wearing black leather trousers. Eric handed me a black shirt, informing me that it was his. I whispered teasingly, "Do you only own black shirts?" Eric snapped back with a curt "yes." I smirked in response and thanked him before requesting, "Please, can you both turn around? I want to change." Eric and James hesitated for a moment before reluctantly turning their backs. I let the blanket fall, quickly putting on the black shirt. "I'm done," I announced as I sat back down on the mat that had been prepared for me. Eric and James turned around, James resuming his seat on a nearby log while Eric appeared visibly upset.

Angrily, Eric confronted me, asking, "What's wrong with you?" I glared back, caught off guard by his sudden outburst. "Excuse me?" I retorted, adding, "Do you think my wolf enjoys being locked up in that hell hole of a palace?" James, attempting to diffuse the tension, interjected with a playful "lovers' quarrel." Both Eric and I snapped at him simultaneously, telling him to "shut up." James raised his hands in surrender, while Eric growled in frustration. "Do you think it's only you who doesn't want this marriage?" he challenged. "I am against it too, but I can't do anything about it. It's my duty, and I have to fulfill it to bring peace to the kingdom." I sarcastically clapped my hands, exclaiming, "Wow, you're just crazy."

In a flash, Eric pushed me back against a nearby tree, the force causing my head to collide with it and dizziness to overwhelm me. James quickly got up and rushed over, concerned for my well-being. "Eric, that's enough. Let her go. She's injured and still healing," James urged, attempting to restrain Eric. I glared at Eric, his anger still evident as he leaned in closer to my ear, warning me not to insult him again. Finally, he took a step back as James continued to hold his arm, preventing any further escalation. I took a deep breath and moved a couple of steps away from the tree, gently touching my head where it had hit, realizing that I was bleeding. Terrified, I made my way back to the mat and sat down, tearing a small piece from the soft blanket to apply to the wound.

As I tended to my head, James, after finishing his conversation with Eric, approached me and apologized. Feeling the dizziness intensify, I assured him, "It's not your fault." Regret and concern filled his eyes as he responded, "I should have stopped him. Now look, you're hurt." My vision blurred, and before I could respond, I suddenly lost consciousness once again. The last thing I heard was James urgently exclaiming, "Eric, she fainted! She's losing blood!" As darkness enveloped me, I lay on the mat, surrendering to unconsciousness.