"Mate"

Chapter Two

Levi's POV

I've been wandering through the woods for weeks, my food and water supply ran out, as well as my energy. My wolf, Colton, had been healing me to the best of his abilities, though as an omega, those abilities aren't nearly enough. Large scars from previous experiences refused to heal, and deep gashes from the most previous beating still remain. At least my bruises are mostly faded, only noticeable when specifically looked for. Don't get me wrong, omegas don't tend to heal as slowly as humans do, but since I haven't been treated particularly well in my last pack, I never had enough food to build up my strength and durability.

Looking around at all the tall, thick trees I can't help but admire nature's beauty and tranquillity. As a wolf, I'm naturally more connected to nature, so even though I have no set destination or route, I still manage to navigate myself around strictly safe areas and manage to stay away from cities or any human inhabited areas. I've shifted into my wolf form roughly two weeks ago, once my human form gave out from the lack of food. I can at least hunt in my wolf form, usually animals such as rats, rabbits and when I can, bores. Though I can't lie, even in my wolf form I'm getting tired. Tired to the point I may not be able to survive for much longer. But I can't say I regret leaving the pack, I wouldn't have been able to live much longer there either, and at least, If I were to die, I'd rather do so surrounded by the wild, rather than hateful glares and continuous misery.

While caught up in my thoughts, I accidentally ended up surrounded by rogues, feral ones. I myself count as a rogue at this point, but I am in no way as intimidating or disgusting as these ones. They are snarling and drooling all over the place, creeping closer in a crouched position, which could only mean they are seconds away from attacking. In my current state, it's really unlikely I'll manage to get out of this alive.

The first one pounced, only nicking my hind legs thanks to my relatively quick reflexes. That seemed to be the signal for the rest to also start their attack. Each lunged at me, all from different angles, injuring me in different places. Though I manage to dodge the, what would be, fatal blows and scratches. With whatever energy I had I fought back, clamping my jaws tight around one of their throats while kicking up with my hind legs, throwing another against a tree. Another attacked, this one from the side, managing to create a deep gash in my side. Blood was steadily flowing out of the open wound, significantly slowing me down. I pounced on that rogue, ripping out its throat then turning just in time to avoid the last two who decided to attack at the same time. I was solely relying on adrenaline at this point, tearing off one's head while simultaneously knocking the last one against another tree.

I'm exhausted. It's honestly a wonder how I'm still alive. All the adrenaline has left, leaving me completely drained. After a much needed nap in which my wound scabbed over, I slowly stand up and drag myself on, knowing I can't stay in one place for too long.

By the time the next day comes, I can confidently say I'm on the verge of death. I can feel my breaths and heartbeat slow, my body start to cool and shake. It was then I decided to take the last few steps to the nearest tree, where I would rest once and for all.

However, before I could blink, three wolves encircled me. I could sense they weren't rogues, alerting me that I have entered pack territory. I suddenly collapsed, unable to support my weight any longer. The wolf directly in front of me shifted, crossing his arms while staring at me with calculating eyes. I could barely stay conscious enough to process being lifted and carried somewhere unknown.