Unmated and Unloved

The urgent Journey

By now, two weeks had passed since Xavier left the safety of his packs territory. He knew that if he didn't return soon, they would send out scouts to search for him. Both he and Dalia understood the urgency and decided to quicken their pace, aiming to reach the pack's territory as swiftly as possible.

The nights in the forest held a serene calmness, with the moonlight casting enchanting shadows across the trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. The hoots of owls and the occasional chirping of tree frogs created a soothing backdrop to the quiet night. The forest seemed like a world of its own, where the only rules were those dictated by nature, and the only expectations were of survival.

As they drew closer to the border of the pack's territory, Xavier halted and turned to Dalia. He felt a sense of responsibility weighing on him. "You can shift back into your human form if you want; we're about two miles from the border," he suggested. Xavier had spent much of his life navigating the delicate balance between his human and wolf forms, but Dalia was still adapting to this newfound duality.

He moved toward some nearby trees and bushes, preparing to shift back into his human form. Once he emerged from the transformation, he began straightening his clothes. While tying his shoes, he glanced up and caught a glimpse of Dalia dressing. He couldn't help but stare as her hair cascaded across her bare back and shoulders, a moment of vulnerability and intimacy that left him feeling somewhat vexed.

Dalia now sporting a casual t-shirt, form-fitting jeans, and comfortable tennis shoes, returned to where Xavier was waiting. He seemed a bit more annoyed than he had during the entire trip, but she chose to ignore it, waiting for him to explain what was next. Xavier was sitting on a nearby boulder, his gaze fixed on the territory's border. He glanced back toward Dalia and stood up, doing his best to avoid eye contact with her. It seemed as though he might have been caught in an awkward moment, torn between his role as an alpha and his newfound desires that his wolf was pushing unto him.

Dalia cleared her throat, breaking the brief moment of tension. She understood that their journey had brought them closer in unexpected ways. "So, what's the plan now?" she asked, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity. 

Xavier turned his attention back to the matter at hand, attempting to regain his usual composure. "Right," he replied, his voice steadier now. "We need to get to the pack before they send scouts after us. It's not a good idea to keep them waiting any longer." He stepped forward, breaking the brief moment of vulnerability they had just experienced together. Dalia mirrored his actions, a newfound understanding still present between them.

The trail they followed was concealed, known only to the pack members, a secret route to avoid possible encounters with outsiders or rival packs. The night remained tranquil, with the forest casting an ethereal spell under the moon's gentle glow. The ancient trees seemed to stand as silent witnesses to their journey, their branches outstretched like protective arms, as if nature itself was guiding them home.

As they approached the borders of his pack's territory, Xavier's usually calm demeanor began to shift. His heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as he thought about introducing his newfound mate, Dalia, to his pack. Would they welcome her with open arms or reject her? The uncertainty of it all weighed heavily on him, reminding him of the responsibilities that came with being a leader. His mind buzzed with questions and emotions, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

Dalia's heart raced with a dizzying mix of anticipation and apprehension. She had left her previous pack abruptly, fleeing the familiar territory and familiar faces she had known her whole life. Now, standing before this new pack, she could feel their eyes on her, curious and wary at the same time. How would they react to her sudden arrival as their Alpha? The burden of her secret still hung over her like a heavy cloud, threatening to rain down at any moment. She knew that eventually, she would have to reveal the truth about her past and the reason for her sudden departure. But for now, she stood in front of them, a brave facade hiding the turmoil within.

As Xavier and Dalia neared the borders of the pack's territory, the landscape shifted from dense forest to open fields, speckled with trees and dotted with small clusters of homes. Xavier's pace quickened, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings for any signs of his pack members. In the distance, he could see smoke rising from chimneys, a comforting sight that reassured him they were close.

The pack's territory stretched out before Xavier and Dalia, filled with familiar trees and paths. The sun shone through the branches, casting dappled light on the ground. A sense of belonging and home settled over Xavier as he quickened his pace towards his pack.

As they neared closer, it spread out before them like an endless canvas of lush greenery. The forests were thick and dense, filled with towering trees that seemed to reach up to the sky. Rolling hills dotted the landscape, adding texture and depth to the scenery. And at the heart of it all sat a grand house, its stone walls and tall windows standing proudly among the natural beauty surrounding it. This sight was one that held many memories for him, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia that washed over Xavier like a warm embrace.

As they reached the boundary Dalia knew this was the point where she couldn't turn back, even if she wanted to she was sure that Xavier wouldn't allow it. She looked up and glanced to Xavier who was already staring at her with a look that seemed to say he knew what she was thinking about, though he didn't say anything about it, his look held the words in the air.

Xavier remained rooted in place, his intense gaze fixed upon her. His eyes searched hers as if seeking an answer to an unspoken question. Suddenly, something within him shifted and he blinked, breaking the intensity of the moment.

"Come on, I've been gone long enough."