The Last Black Wolf

Chapter 2

Silence is all I can hear as my paws pad through my old territory. The wind howls against me as I walk down the use-to-be busy streets of Fairgraves. I push back any memories threatening to flood my mind.

"Why did you reject him?!" Midnight's voice pulls me out of my trance.

"I did what I had to do. Besides, it's not like I really did it. I just... I can't have a mate. I'm sorry."

"He doesn't know it wasn't real. He's probably so hurt. You're so impulsive. He's our mate, we can trust him."

"You trust his wolf, but I don't trust him. And until I do, I plan to stay away from him-"

"How can you ever trust him, if he's nowhere near us?" I know she's right, but I can't admit it. My stupid pride. Instead, I do the worst thing, I block her.

That'll land me a serious lecture later.

I decide I've had enough of this place and turn to leave. Just as I'm about to leave the city, I turn around once more and think my final goodbyes. I am never coming back here again. I can't. I turn away and leave the place I once called home and head back to my new home, the woods.

As I walk a familiar path, an unusual scent catches my attention. Taking in a deep breath, the scent becomes recognizable. Hunter. A growl escapes me as I shift and hide in a tree. I quickly unblock Midnight.

"What is wrong with you?! You are so-"

"SHH! Hunter's here."

"Great. Can we kill him now?" She growls.

"Not yet. Not until we find out what he wants."

"I always knew he was still alive. I could feel it."

"I know what you mean. That slice he took would have only caused minor damage. We had it way worse." I cringe at the memory of being stabbed. Not very fun if you ask me.

Both Midnight an I quiet as we hear voices in the distance.

"I want her found, and the sooner the better," Hunter's voice booms through the forest. Thinking I can escape, I slowly climb down and turn to run. One step in and I've already crashed into something hard. I look up and see that this something is actually a someone. Before I have time to react, he grabs me, twists me so my hands are now being pulled behind my back, and then pushes me forward towards my favorite person. I hiss in pain as the lumbering idiot holding me pulls harder on my arms. I don't bother struggling because there's no point. I keep my eyes forward and glare them at Hunter as he slowly comes into view.

"How nice of you to finally visit me. I was getting worried that I may never see you again." His sarcasm could use some work.

"What a bummer, I was definitely not looking forward to this reunion either. I just can't stand to be in the presence of such an imbecile. Especially one that can't even catch his prey himself. Didn't your father ever teach you how to hunt? Oh, that's right, you don't have one-" The wind gets blown out me as Hunter connects his fist to my stomach. I cough at his hit, but recover quickly and continue where I left off, "Weren't you taught to not play with your food, or do all Omegas-" Before I can finish, a sharp pain in my neck cuts me off. As I gasp, the idiot holding me throws me to the floor. I don't catch myself in time and hit the floor with a loud thud. I groan in pain and Hunter laughs.

"That'll teach you to shut your mouth," I try to sit up, but he kicks me back down again, "I'm sure you've already figured out that some fresh Mercury is coursing through your veins. I figured my silver wouldn't work, so I'd try another potent metal. Looks like my guess was right."

"Wow, look at you," I deadpan, "You must be so proud that you actually did something right for once in your miserable life," I smirk as he, along with the big idiot, delivers another round of blows, forcing my body to move back with each kick. I take each hit quietly, but close my eyes and cover my head. I don't make a sound, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.

"Not so chatty now, are you?" His laugh ignites a sour taste in my mouth. Or maybe it's bile coming up from the excessive kicking.

Pain floods my head as my hair is used to pull my body from the ground. Standing up once more, Hunter's goon holds me tight as he faces me once more.

"You have nothing to say? No weak insult? No petty accusation?"

I spit in his face, hitting him just above his scarred eye. His reaction was quick and left me with a throbbing jaw. Wriggling loose of the goon's hold, I kicked Hunter between the legs. He yelled in frustration and sent a nod towards me. I scream as I feel my shoulder leaving its socket. I fall as I clutch my arm. Both on our knees and facing each other, the end is nearing for me. The mercury is starting to fully kick in.

"Whatever you do to me... I will do to you tenfold." He laughs as he regains his composure.

Still, on my knees, I muster all the strength I have left and scream as I pop my shoulder back into place. Out of breath, Hunter just stares and laughs.

"You are something else. I'll give you that. But, you're wasting your breath. You know what comes next, don't you?"

"A rematch. It's obvious you're too weak to fight me, so you have to weaken me just to kill me. I want a fair fight.

He comes closer and reaches his hand to my cheek. I find myself unable to stand, due to my growing weakness and the man holding me down. Hunter caresses my cheek. One would call this loving, but to me, this is what I call creating fear. It flashes across my eyes for a brief moment. But, that's all it takes for him.

I stare into his eyes. My fate is sealed, all I have to do is accept it. His cold, icy blue eyes bore into mine. For a second, I thought I saw guilt in his eyes. I push the thought away. Only someone capable of love could ever feel anything. I close my eyes in acceptance.

But, nothing happens.

My eyes, hesitant at first, finally open. Expecting to see Hunter's face, my eyebrows furrow as Liam's face steps into view.

Feeling the full effect of the Mercury, my eyes begin feeling heavier, my body seems as if it's being pulled towards the ground, and pain surrounds my midriff. Unable to stay awake any longer, my eyes finally start to close.

My eyes open suddenly when I don't feel the ground below me anymore. I turn and see Liam's face. His green eyes captivating mine for as long as possible. When my eyes finally close for good, I hear him say something I know to be true.

"You're safe now."