Stronger As One

Ignored Instinct

"Dustin... It's time to get up." I groaned in response.

"Come on.. I have more tea and.. I have a surprise for you." Jason spoke softly.

I groaned again and slowly opened my eyes. Jason was leaning over me with a steaming cup of tea in his hand, a smile tugged at his lips.

"Good morning beautiful."

I just glared at him and sat up, grabbing the tea from his hands. I took a sip, ignoring the burning. He's been keeping me in our little home for a week while I fight the effects of the heat. It's been lasting a bit longer than normal, the other heat affected wolves believe it may be because of it being my first time.

"So what's the surprise?" I grumbled, annoyed that he woke me from my wonderful sleep.. Though it was evening. I kept sipping at the tea while I waited for him to respond.

"I know this week has kinda sucked.. But.. the pack is going on a hunt tonight and I thought you could come. Juliet and Raven will becoming as extra protection for you."

I jumped to my feet, "Really!?"

He nodded, "We are actually kinda ready now to go." He laughed.

"Okay! Let me just get ready real quick! I'll meet you down in the living room!" I exclaimed as I began getting ready.

I was quick to run down the stairs and greet the small group that was waiting in the main room. I went to Jasons side and linked hands with him.

"Everyone ready?" The alpha asked.

We all murmured a 'yes' before we headed outside. I let go of Jason's hand and tugged off my shirt.

The night air was cool and crisp. A light breeze ruffled leaves and the branches of trees. The wind seemed to stir an uneasy feeling in my stomach, I looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The sun was slowly setting and beautiful colors stretched across the sky, birds fluttered from the branches and there was a soft murmur from the pack members.

"Okay, everyone shift!" The alpha cut through my observations.

I sighed and imagined my white wolf, the odd feeling of the shift took over and soon I was on all fours.

I went toward the pack and stood between Juliet and Raven, while Jason and the Alpha were stationed up front. The alpha began a trot into the forest, and soon everyone followed. Occasionally Jason would look back at me to make sure I was still there, I chuckled at that.

As we passed through the forest another light breeze blew through, I whimpered slightly at the odd feeling within me. What's going on? My fur was beginning to stand on end and I was finding myself getting very nervous.

I feel it too.. My wolf whimpered.

Before I could answer my wolf, something moved to my left. I looked over and squinted my eyes slightly, but nothing was there. Despite better judgement I chose to ignore it and slowly began running when I noticed the pack was slightly ahead. Juliet and Raven didn't seem to notice I was a bit behind.

Everything's okay.. Maybe I should change the subject? Yeah.. Uh.. that tea sure is a miracle for wolves with heat. I barely feel any of the symptoms and I'm able to prevent getting too intimate with my mate.

Growling suddenly sounded and I looked ahead. A few of our pack members were surrounding a small buck while some of the younger wolves were chasing after a rabbit. The frightened horned animal reared up and bucked at the wolves around it. I decided to sit this one out and instead chose to lay down on the cool dirt. Soon the wolves began to attack it once they had it surrounded, Jason was one of them. His black wolf pou- another movement took my attention away from the action before me. I looked again and saw the figure move behind a tree. What the hell..?

The other wolves were occupied so I decided to check out this thing. I rose to my feet and ran off toward the figure. It ran out from behind the tree and headed away from me, I growled slightly and picked up speed. What are you?

My paws thudded lightly against the ground as I chased after the mysterious figure. I jumped over fallen logs and dodged the living trees. The odd feeling came back and I suddenly regretted chasing after this thing. As soon as I began contemplating going back, a pain sprung out on my back leg. I tumbled to the cold dark ground and cried out. I lifted my head and looked back, Is that a dart..? Realization washed over me and I tried to take action by pulling it out and getting to my feet. The drug was already beginning to take affect and I couldn't keep my legs to stay beneath me. I gave up and stayed on the ground, and watched as the world around me began to waver.

I need.. To call Jason..

My words were sluggish and slow. Everything was blurry now blurred and the weight of the world was pulling on my eyes.

Jason.. Help..

Jason's P.O.V

I watched as some pack members jumped upon a small rabbit. The rabbit dodged the attacks and ran off while the wolves looked like idiots staring at the ground where the white fur ball had been. I laughed at their antics before glancing towards Dustin.

I narrowed my eyes slightly, at the now empty spot on where he had previously been.

Panic started growing in my chest and my heart raced. A growl ripped from my throat and immediately grabbed everyone's attention. The wolves all jumped and looked to me, some shrunk down as they submitted to my power. I glared at the wolves and bared my teeth before voicing my thoughts.

Has anyone seen Dustin!? I snarled into their minds.

One wolf let out a soft whimper, I looked towards him. His eyes were down and his body shook from nerves.

He knows something.

I stalked toward him, my head low and my teeth barred. His eyes grew wide and he backed up slightly.

What do you know Chris? TELL ME! I dared him to back up more. I held my jaws right near his face.

The large brown wolf whimpered and backed up more, his eyes looking everywhere but me and that was the last straw.

I lunged forward, knocking the shaking wolf to the ground. I curled my lips back and bared my fangs in his face. Saliva began dripping from my fangs, it was mixed with the blood from our previous kill.

I'm going to ask you one more time.. What the hell do you know Chris? I snapped.

The wolf gulped and sighed. His eyes were squeezed shut as he tried to push himself further into the ground.

I saw Dustin run off into the woods.. He whispered.

WHAT!? I snarled. Why didn't you run after him!? He's in heat! A prime fucking target for rogues. I warned everyone ahead of time to keep a better eye on him and you clearly didn't listen!

Chris' eyes grew wide.

I'm sorry! he whimpered.

Anger was boiling up inside me, this idiot didn't go after my mate!

I jumped off of him and swiftly bit onto his neck before swinging him into the air. His body flew and hit a large tree, shards of bark flew from the impact. The brown wolf lay motionless on the ground.

I looked around at the other wolves, their eyes were wide, some were shaking. The younger wolves were still hovering close to the ground to show submission.

Don't worry hes not fucking dead. I growled, and if he is what do I care? Everyone we need to split up and find him.

I stalked around the members that were here barring my teeth.

They nodded quickly.

Go- Jason.. help.. A soft broken voice cut through my thoughts. I immediately recognized it, It was Dustin.

A pained howl broke free from my mouth. The sound echoed around the trees, my pack mates all dropped down in submission. A pain began growing in my chest as his word kept repeating over.. And over again.

The rouges.. I couldn't finish the mind link, but I didn't have too. Soon the other members of the pack began howling in unison with me and I watched as a frantic Raven flew off into the sky.