The forest was alive with the sound of snapping twigs and rustling leaves as the pack pups darted between the trees. It was the first group exercise of the week, and the warriors had designed a simple but challenging game: a mock patrol with hidden flags representing the "rogue threats." The goal was to retrieve as many flags as possible without being "caught" by the warriors stationed as obstacles.
Liam led the group as usual, his focus unwavering as he scanned the forest for any sign of the flags. Theo trailed a step behind, his eyes darting between the shadows.
“You sure you know where you’re going?” Theo asked, his voice low but teasing.
“Trust me,” Liam said, his tone confident. “It’s this way.”
Theo snorted but followed without argument. The other pups—Jace included—stayed a few steps back, their expressions ranging from skeptical to eager.
“Alright,” Liam said, stopping in a small clearing. He crouched down, motioning for the others to gather around. “The flags are supposed to be scattered between here and the ridge. We’ll split into pairs and cover more ground.”
“What if we run into the warriors?” one of the pups asked, his voice tinged with nervousness.
“Then you avoid them,” Liam said simply. “Stick to the plan, and we’ll be fine.”
Jace smirked, crossing his arms. “And what if your plan doesn’t work?”
Liam gave him a flat look. “Then we improvise.”
Jace didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t argue. Liam divided the group into pairs, assigning Theo to stay with him. The others dispersed quickly, moving through the trees with varying degrees of stealth.
---
The forest grew quieter as Liam and Theo moved deeper into the woods. The air was cool, and the scent of pine was sharp in Liam’s nose. He kept his steps light, his senses attuned to any sign of movement.
“You really like this stuff, don’t you?” Theo said after a few minutes.
“What do you mean?”
“This,” Theo said, gesturing to the trees around them. “All this sneaking around and giving orders. You’re good at it.”
Liam shrugged. “It’s what I’m supposed to do.”
“Doesn’t mean you have to enjoy it,” Theo pointed out.
Liam glanced at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Maybe I do.”
Theo grinned. “Figures.”
They moved in silence for a while, their steps perfectly in sync. It wasn’t until they reached a narrow stream that Liam spotted the faint flash of red tied to a low-hanging branch.
“There,” he whispered, nodding toward the flag.
Theo followed his gaze. “Looks too easy.”
“It’s supposed to be,” Liam said. “They’re trying to lure us out.”
Theo raised an eyebrow. “And you’re still going for it?”
Liam grinned. “Of course.”
He crouched low, motioning for Theo to stay back as he crept toward the flag. The forest seemed to hold its breath as Liam reached out, his fingers brushing the rough fabric. Just as he tugged it free, a low growl rumbled behind him.
Liam spun around just in time to see one of the warriors step out from the shadows, his stance predatory. He lunged, but Liam was faster. He darted to the side, his heart pounding as he sprinted back toward Theo.
“Go!” Liam shouted.
Theo didn’t need to be told twice. He turned and ran, his movements swift and sure. Liam followed close behind, the sound of the warrior crashing through the underbrush spurring him on.
They didn’t stop until they reached a rocky outcrop, the flag still clutched tightly in Liam’s hand. He leaned against a tree, catching his breath.
“Still think it was too easy?” Liam asked, grinning.
Theo rolled his eyes. “You’re insane.”
“But it worked,” Liam said, holding up the flag.
Theo shook his head, but he was smiling. “Yeah, it did.”
---
By the time they regrouped with the rest of the team, the exercise was nearly over. Liam’s team had collected more flags than any of the others, securing their victory. As the warriors gathered the pups for feedback, Corin gave Liam a nod of approval.
“Good instincts,” Corin said. “And good teamwork. Keep it up.”
Liam’s chest swelled with pride, but his gaze drifted to Theo, who was standing slightly apart from the group. His expression was neutral, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes that Liam couldn’t quite place.
---
That evening, as they sat near the bonfire, Theo was unusually quiet. Liam nudged him with his elbow.
“What’s wrong?”
Theo hesitated, then sighed. “Nothing. It’s just... no matter what I do, it feels like they’re still waiting for me to mess up.”
“They’re just slow to trust,” Liam said. “It doesn’t mean you’re not proving yourself.”
Theo looked at him, his hazel-green eyes sharp. “And what about you? Do you trust me?”
Liam didn’t hesitate. “Of course I do.”
YOU ARE READING
The Alpha's Bond
Manusia Serigala(This book is already complete. I will publish 5 episodes a day until it's finished, this is a long book.) Liam has always known his destiny: to become the King of Werewolves, unite the packs, and secure peace for the kingdoms. But when a strange pr...
