The Alpha's Prize ✔️

Sinking to my knees, I thrust my head under the surface of the water, scrubbing at my face and neck. What a miserable few days it has been, running for my life.

Emerging above the surface, I tilt my head back, letting the dappled light shift over my face as I breathe in the balmy mid-afternoon air. I'm in another Pack now, far from him. He will be tracking me though. I need to keep moving.

I continue walking, weaving through the woods, grateful for the easy terrain. The lush forest floor has slowly morphed into flat grass, blissful to wander over. My destination is still unknown. As far away as possible, and although I'm tired, far is still weeks away on foot.

My wary legs, blistering feet and sunburnt skin is irrelevant. No distance put between us will ever be enough.

"Hey!"

I pause, my breath catching in my throat. Dread, cold and bitter claws my skin as I slowly turn toward the origin of the voice, assuming the worst. A girl stands a few feet from me, staring at me with widened eyes. She looks more fearful of me than I her, hands braced out in front of her, one holding a dagger.

"You can't be out here, it's a restricted area," she says uneasily, trying to force some confidence into her voice, although it wavers regardless. I back up a tentative step. This is not good.