Crimson Pack

Chapter 3

Aria ~

   I run, feet touching the land.The warm humidity of the forest makes me feel sticky and suffocated. My clothes and hair, slick with perspiration, clung to her skin. I swat another pesky insect. Sweat rolls down my skin in thick, salty beads. I could feel my heart throbbing inside my chest. My skin feels like it is roasting. I use all the strength and adrenaline that I have. Before I know it, I am at the edge of the woods. I can sense movement behind of me, but I don't turn around. I push my legs even faster. I am glad that we have our werewolf speed even in our human form.

It doesn't feel like I have enough space between me and the other girls. Although I know that I am faster than them. I hear a scream of a girl. I look left and I see a girl on the ground. For a millisecond I had this incredible idea to go and help her. Stupid head...

I can hear footsteps behind of me. I wish I could turn into my werewolf form, but this is against the rules.The footsteps were getting closer and closer, but I still don't turn around because I know that this would stress me even more. I am focused on the path and my surroundings.

I hear a loud noise behind of me.My stomach clenches and I turn around. There is another girl so close to me. I think her name is Josephine.I instantly look forward, pushing myself to run faster. 

"You will not win Aria " she shouts and I ignore her. She is just trying to distract me. 

I have been running for about 15 minutes, but it feels like ages. It is obvious that I am getting tired. Imagine the other girls that their strength is 7. They have probably stopped.

"Don't stop now, you're so close. "I tell to myself

Josephine is a few feet behind me. I hope we stay this way. I'm stronger and faster than her.

Wait, I can see it. I can see the end. I am so close. This will be over soon. I collect my thoughts. I run as fast as I can. My throat is burning, my heart is racing, my feet are aching. 

I'm 50 metres away. I can sense Josephine behind me. I can listen to her growls and shaky voice. She's trying to pass by me. I'm not going to let that happen though.

We're like 30 metres away now. She's running next to me. I do all I can change that. My pace is already fast, I can't go any faster though.

20 meters. "Come on Aria you can do this. "I whisper

When I am about a meter away, jump and land on the ground.  All I can hear around me is cheers. I tried to stand up, but I was too weak so I ended up falling back down again. My eyes close and the darkness surrounds me.

It feels like it took me a while to wake up. I can heat some light voices. I open my eyes and find myself wrapped in so many covers. I am in a tent. I sit up and I feel a little dizzy.
Wait did I make it? Did I win? I rack my brain around, trying to remember something. All the memories that I have don't give me a definite answer.

I peek outside and notice some guards. I take a step outside and their eyes turn on me. One of them rushes to my side.

" You're not permitted to get out of this tent, " He tells me and grabs my arm, not softly but rather roughly.

He is about to step outside again but my voice stops him.

"Wait! Did I make it? Did I win ?" I ask him

The guard ignored my question

"Let's get you something to eat, " he says and leads me to another tent next to mine. I am not going to complain. I'm starving.

"Is anyone going to tell me ?" I ask him again

"I think you'll find out soon, " he says and leaves once again.

I can barely walk. I feel immense pain and my feet hurt a lot.

"That's why you shouldn't leave the tent," He says

I try to ignore his comment although I know that he's right. I stumble a few times. He grabs my arm and guides my walking.

"Thank you " I whisper

When we reach the table I sit down and put some food on my plate.

"What is she doing out of the tent ?" Someone says and it is definitely a male voice.

" Sorry sir, it isn't his fault," another male says

One of them walks inside. I look up and see  Alpha Xavier. He's slim, muscular, with an almost perfectly symmetrical face. He's  wearing a loose black silk shirt and black trousers. Rich chocolate hair that has tousled griminess which promises finesse.He has strong arched brows and eyelashes so thick.And then his eyes- they are deep and catastrophic,  vivid blue.He has the kind of face that stops you in your tracks.

"Hello, Aria. I hope you're feeling better "He speaks as if he controls the world, his experience seeping through.

"Alpha " I reply softly and stand up

" I think I am okay, but I really want to find out what happened " I continue. A small smile played on his lips

" Congratulations Aria. You crossed the line first " he tells me.He sees the shock register on my face before I can hide it.

"Wow "That's the only thing that I could say

" How long was I unconscious? " I ask him

"About an hour. You were over exhausted" he says

"We can go to my mansion when you're ready, " he says

"Oh we can leave now, " I tell him and he nods

He walks outside and I follow him as fast as I can.

"Are you hurt ?" He turns around and asks me

"I'll be fine, " I tell and he shakes his head while smiling.

A swarm of cars were parked in front of the tents. One guard helps me in a car and closes the door afterwards. The engine starts the driver drives away.