Hunted

Chapter 20

----> Alpha Roark

Chapter 20-Amias' POV

We stood in a silent line at the boundary, our eyes piercing through the growing darkness with ease.

                Around us, the forest was alive with noise. The trees murmured long lost secrets, looking down at us mere werewolves with pity and contempt. I could hear their disgusted sneers echo on the wind. Birds nattered to one another, the high pitched noise grating on my frayed nerves. Had I not been as anxious as I was, I would have enjoyed the sound. Now I just wished they’d just shut up.

                Just when the shadows had blanketed the forest like a sheet of snow, we heard them. They were loud amongst the now drowsy woodland, chattering and laughing uproariously, as if the whole world were one big joke. Even though I couldn’t see them, I wanted to punch the grins off their faces. Moon, since when had I become so bloody violent?

                It was then that I realised how hostile we would come across if we continued as we were. This silent formation was similar to how we’d stand when about to go to war. I suppressed a curse.

                “Guys,” I hissed. About fifteen heads swung my way; I’d left some people back at the campsite to protect Azula should anything happen. Of course, the reason I’d told the pack was that I didn’t want to appear intimidating and ready for a fight. I don’t know how many of them believed me though...

                “We need to act normal. Start talking amongst yourselves.” I paused, then added as softly as I could, “Oh, and remember our signals!”

                They all nodded in understanding, the sound of them talking ringing out almost immediately.

                Before we’d left for the boundary, I’d gone over some simple signals that would help us hide Azula. Running a hand through my hair meant that the pack needed to be louder because I was about to tell a lie. Scratching my head meant that someone should come and ask for my assistance because someone had asked a question I didn’t want to answer. Silly things that I knew would probably be useful later, when we weren’t at liberty to discuss things without prying ears.

                They came into view then, although they were still far enough away that I hadn’t gone into full-out panic mode yet. They were a cluster of about ten men, so about half of their overall pack, led by who I could only assume to be their Alpha.

                Upon first glance, he was an unassuming man, but he had a quality about him that made you look twice. He was the type of person that if seen in a large crowd, your eyes would slide over him before being immediately compelled back. I couldn’t pinpoint what it was exactly that drew the eye, that made him emit confidence that he did. All I knew was that it was spellbinding. I shook my head.

                The Alpha had a strong, muscular build, but not to the extent that I felt intimidated by it. His eyes were dark and calculating, taking in the world around him with a cynical expression, similar to the way one would look at an enemy. The contrast between the Alpha’s cold gaze and his jovial pack almost made me do a double take.

                His hair was as dark as his eyes, sticking up at random angles in a way that made him look years younger. An unusually large nose made my hand twitch with the need to punch it. What can I say? I had an instant dislike for the man. Despite his confidence, I could also see his arrogance in the way he walked, like he owned the place, and the way he set his shoulders back. It was clear that he thought he was better than everyone else. I locked the growl in my throat before it could escape.