Wolf Moon

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This part was fun and exhilarating.

Yo laughed, delighted as he ran through the woods, the moonlight catching him every so often and lighting his way. Behind him, he could hear Pha catching up to him. To counter Pha's sudden lunge, trying to catch Yo, Yo swerved and darted down a different path, giggling at the frustrated growl.

Yo had never dreamed he'd be involved in a claiming Chase.

Luna Lily had been the one to explain it to him right before Ming arrived, saying Yo needed to run as long and as far as he could before allowing Pha to catch him. This made the alpha work for his mate, and prove he had what it took to keep up with the omega. Yo approved of the tradition, and made Lily amused at how excited he was for it.

The only one not excited to go running through the woods was Pha. Ming, however, was bouncing around, eager to get started chasing his mate. Kit was confused about Pha's grumpiness and Ming's excitement until Lily explained it a couple times to him. Then the smug look on his face made Ming wary.

"I played basketball and took track in high school," Kit smugly reminded his mate. "And I still run. You're going to have a hell of a time catching me out there."

"Don't worry. I'll be right behind you," Ming gave Kit a wolfy grin.

Challenge accepted.

Yo had no idea which way Ming and Kit had gone. All he knew was he had an agitated alpha on his heels, and he needed to speed up. He chanced a look over his shoulder, and let out a small squeak when he saw how close Pha was. It seemed his little trick hadn't gained him much time at all. Yo poured on the speed, ignoring how his legs were burning, lungs desperate for air, and the running was making him dizzy.

Please catch me already...I don't want to run anymore...

Yo turned and started hopping over some rocks, crossing a small stream-

Arms curled around his waist, yanking him against a familiar, firm chest. "Gotcha!"

"P'Pha!" Yo squealed, lightly kicking his feet. He soon relaxed into Pha's unrelenting hold, totally done with running, and needing to feel his mate before the moon set.

"Did you have to run so far?" Pha was amused, nosing at Yo's scent gland and making a rumbly sound when Yo arched his neck, giving Pha better access.

"I wasn't sure when to stop," Yo admitted breathlessly. He looped his arms around the alpha's neck when Pha shifted his hold, carrying Yo almost bridal style. "Your mom didn't say. I was hoping you'd catch me shortly before you did."

Pha chuckled softly. He sniffed the air, trotting down a different path, taking Yo deeper into the woods. "I'm a determined wolf, Yo. The Chase wasn't the part of this I was looking forward to because I hate running while all the other wolves are running. But I wasn't about to let you go."

Yo snuggled against Pha's chest, humming lightly to let his alpha know he'd heard.

Soon, Pha was walking out into a small clearing, full of flowers blooming in the light of the moon. Yo's breath caught at the beautiful sight. His mother would've loved a place like this...

"Like it?"

Yo nodded wordlessly, his eyes never leaving all the pale blooms.

Pha smiled proudly. "I planted these flowers when I was younger, in hopes that I could show this place to my future mate. It's my private little haven. I used to hide here when the others got to be too much for me."

"It's beautiful," Yo murmured.

Pha set Yo on his feet and hung back, watching as his dainty mate stepped lightly through the many blossoms, his head turning slowly from side to side so he could see everything. Pha was pleased at how enraptured Yo was with the small meadow. Yo was the first person he'd ever brought there, and he would be the last. Not even their future pups would be allowed to see this place. This was for Pha and Yo only. They'd have to find places of their own to hide and claim their mates.