The Last Alpha

Chapter 19

A/N: I'm sad to report that this is the second to last chapter. All good things must come to an end, I suppose. This chapter is crazy long, so I hope that makes up for it.

Chapter 19

Six months later...

It took about three months for the wounds to heal, and eventually, Regina and Emma felt the familiar pull of the moon. But when it came time to venture out into the sunset to begin their run, they were very reluctant to step outside. No one questioned their fear, as they all opted to stay inside during Wolf's Time with them, knowing that having them all safe inside the large house made Regina and Emma feel better.

By the time the six month anniversary of the attack rolled around, Henry and Hope were starting to get restless, oftentimes forced to chase each other around the house during Wolf's Time to release their pent up energy, and Regina and Emma knew they needed to be outside, running through the forest. Staying inside when you have no choice is never a good thing. Which is how they found themselves standing in the kitchen, their shared blanket wrapped tightly around them, as they stared at the setting sun.

"I don't know if I can do this..." Regina said, her body shaking from fear.

"I don't know if I can either..." Emma said, her arms wrapped tightly around Regina from behind. "But we'll be together the whole time. If things get bad, we'll come home."

"Ok..." Regina said, taking a tentative step outside.

"So, we've been talking while you guys were inside." Ruby said as soon as they joined the group outside. "I'm going to take the kids and run tonight. You guys are welcome to take your time through the forest. Or even stay in the backyard if you want. They need to run, and you guys need to ease back into everything." Ruby explained, as the sun dipped low in the sky.

"Thank you." Regina said, her voice low.

"Of course. I always have your back!" Ruby said, as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, the familiar smoke transforming them all into Wolves. Regina didn't waste any time in howling, her voice much quieter than usual, as the other's joined in quickly, marking the beginning of Wolf's Night.

Emma could feel Regina's fear, as they watched Henry and Hope sprint into the forest, Ruby already struggling to keep up with them. They stood together for a while, alone in the backyard, as Regina's eyes shifted quickly, scanning every inch of the yard, making sure nothing was coming through the fence, her eyes always returning to the entrance to the forest.

"Hey." Emma thought, nuzzling Regina softly. "We can go back inside if you want. Everyone will understand."

"No..." Regina thought, the voice in her head shaky. "No, I want to do this. I need to do this." Regina thought, as she took a very shaky step forward. "Can we take it slow though?" She asked, looking over at Emma.

"As slow as you need, My Love." Emma thought, pressing her shoulder into Regina's, as she nuzzled her neck softly, allowing Regina to lead the way into the forest.

Thirty minutes after leaving their backyard, they reached their clearing, the moon light illuminating the ground. Regina's heart pounded, as she sat in the middle of the clearing, her eyes darting around at the slightest sound.

"Why is this so hard?" Regina thought, as she tried to relax in their special place.

"Because, you almost died the last time we were in the forest." Emma said, nuzzling Regina.