Stronger As One

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It didn't take me long to finish packing the small bag. I paused for a moment trying to think of any last things I needed. I scratched at the bite mark on my arm, I was painfully aware of everything that it meant. It will most likely scar and be something my skin will wear for the rest of its life. I let it go and grabbed the last item I needed, it was a photo. The only one my father didn't know about and the one that he will never take away.

I stuffed it away in my bag and slung it over my shoulder. My room always lacked personality when I previously lived in it, but seeing all of the few things I had placed away, I felt sad. It made me miss my life before she was killed, when the house was full of color, and my room was something I created.

Sadly, that will never happen again. She is dead, and my father still griefs in a way that I can't be near anymore. Scars riddle my body from his rough treatment but can I blame him? He lost his wife, his mate. He may not be a wolf, but he still felt the strong pull towards her. Most wolves never remarry, but for a human, the heartbreak can be too much. He turned to drinking. Id hear him crying in his room late in the night, Id peak through the crack of his door and saw him.. with a bottle in hand. He always told me I reminded him of her, and I knew it too. I gained a lot of her features.

Part of me wishes I was never born, but then I think about it and I am grateful for the time I got to spend knowing my mother. She helped me gain confidence in my wolf form when I greatly lacked it. She showed me how to be brave, how to fight, and how to stand up for myself. But it did not carry to my human form.

I wiped a stray tear before turning around and leaving my room for the last time. My father was still sleeping in his room, and I knew better than to wake up. Hopefully a simple note will suffice.

Dear Dad,

I have encountered things that you wont fully understand for you lack the werewolf genes. There's another pack near by and I must go. I pose a threat and I don't want to endanger you. I am taking my leave and heading out of town. I know this will be better for both of us, maybe without me around you wont be as reminded. I'm sorry for that, for looking like her. I didn't mean to be born that way and I hope you understand why I must do this.

I forgive you for how you've treated me and I understand why you did it. It still hurt me knowing that my only family didn't care for me but you cant change who you are.

I know you were out drinking last night, there's a cold bottle of water in the fridge and I quickly made you a snack for when you wake up. Don't forget you have work at 11 today.

Maybe one day our paths will cross again, but for now, I hope you overcome this.

-Dustin

-Jasons pov-

I picked up his scent fairly quickly and was making my way in his direction. My father was trying to reach me but I closed out any chance of someone trying. This was my mate and I will deal with him accordingly.

The trees finally let off to a small backyard with a small two story home. The house was a soft blue.

I crouched down and shut my eyes, training my ears forward. I could hear him moving about inside, was this his home? There was someone else inside but it sounded like they were sleeping.

The doorknob to the back shifted slightly, I quickly pulled back and hid among the brush. My mate slowly walked out with a bag over his shoulder. I could sense his strong emotions, he was upset. His eyes lit up slightly at the sight of the snowfall but it disappeared as soon as it came. I stayed still and kept my eyes training on him, wanting to see his next move. His eyes scanned the environment, probably looking for us. He quickly shifted into his wolf, the bag staying upon his back which was adorable. My wolf jumped around in my mind at the cute sight of a large white wolf with a tiny little bag.

I suggest we don't go with your original plan. You need to convince him to come back. My wolf was often smarter than I. I was impulsive and jumped to conclusions, he thought things through.

Are you sure about that? He blatantly disrespected us and the Alpha. He needs to know what hes done!

Are we even sure he knows the magnitude of what he's done? For all we know he barely knows about packs.. and by the looks of things, he has a lot he is not telling us. We need to gain his trust and show him that he will be safe with us and the pack. My wolfs words echoed through my mind. He is right. There's so much we don't know about him, and it seems he hides a lot.

Fine. But I wont tolerate anymore disrespect from him. I growled slightly.

My wolf rolled his eyes.

Dustin bounded off toward the forest, a handful of feet from me. I rose up and barked out to him. He spun on his heels, eyes wide.

I opened my mind and spoke to him Dustin, I understand this is all very new to you but know that we took a chance and trusted you without knowing the full story for your past. Running off makes it seem we were very unwise to trust you and bond you to the pack.

Great approach there. My wolf's sarcasm was thick, I ignored him.

You need to come back, your body is going to fall to the effects of the bite and it will lessen the burden if you are with the pack. We can take it a step at a time, working through adjusting to the pack and then this bond we share, okay?

That's better...

I watched Dustin carefully, he was slightly shaken by my surprise.

Please, come back. You need to be with your pack.

Dustin looked around, probably trying to find an escape, I gave him a warning growl.

Fine.

I narrowed my eyes slightly, Dustins body swayed slightly, exhaustion pulled at his features.

Shift now. You look exhausted.. climb on my back and I will run us back, okay? I stepped closer toward him. He nodded his head and began to shift. I turned away my gaze to allow him to put on clothes. I felt his hands gently touch the sides of my back. I crouched down to allow better access and he carefully climbed on. He wrapped his arms around my neck, well as much as he could at least and held on. His touch was magnificent and warmed me up despite the now snowy weather.

Hold on tight!

I felt his grip increase, which I took as the chance to run. I bounded forward through the trees, dodging and weaving branches and fallen logs. I felt Dustin bury his face in my fur, I sighed in contentment. I;ve only ever heard about what its like when you have a mate, but now feel its effects first hand.. its something I never truly expected. His touch was calming, and brought a sense of warmth and comfort. I hope he felt the same.

We continued running through the woods back to the pack house, I suggest letting the Alpha know we got him. My wolf said again

I agreed and quickly spoke to him, Father, I have Dustin. He is safe. It seems he was at his old house, packed a small bag with what I assume is his belongings. He is very exhausted, I'm assuming from the bite.

Good work son. His reply was short.

I felt Dustins grip lighten and I quickly slowed to a walk, his arms hung loosely around my neck.. did he fall asleep?

Dustin? Are you okay?

He didn't respond, but his wolf did.

He's very tired, he is sleeping.

Thank you. We are almost back.. rest well my mate.

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Are the new changes okay? Better. worse? I'm trying to follow what I originally wrote in the first version of this story but changing it so its more natural and makes more sense.

Thank you for reading, the support is very appreciated.