Luna's Howl (boyxboy)

Chapter 6: Into the Unknown

Jason POV

I stumbled through the forest running into the unknown.

It's been three weeks since I ran like bat out of hell from my pack. I've been on the run ever since heading south to nowhere in particular. Ever since I left, I’d somehow suspected I was been followed giving the reason that got me on the run. I sniffed the air for any scent. Since I didn't catch any wolf scent, I slowed in my walk.

The half-moon shone mildly, lighting the forest dimly. Owls hooted in a distance as twigs snap under my weary steps. I glanced around for a fine spot to hide for the night. I'd always hid on trees or under shrubs or boulders since I left my pack. I couldn't afford the open.

The air blew softly as I trudged along. I spotted a huge tree with broad canopy, its trunk caved in at a section few inches above the ground. I checked the surrounding, seeing it was well hidden and bit comfortable, I settled in for the night. I sat on the makeshift bed I made quickly from twigs and leaves from the forest floor. I unhooked the small bag I had on my back, pulling out the leftovers I had stored in it and a flask of water. I ate quietly keeping an ear out for any intruder.

I held back a sob as I recalled the events that took place a few weeks ago. I still found it hard to believe my life took a sudden plunge into chaos and unrest. The sudden revelation of me being a True Luna and also the son of Alpha Derrick of the Lockwood pack, I couldn’t comprehend. Although, I’d always felt a connection with Alpha Derrick, no one would have thought it was a bond between a father and his son. He’d known all along yet kept his distance, showing his love for me through his duty to the pack. I never really paid attention to the fact that I had some of his features. The way his face lit up was just the same as mine. We also had the same squared jaw but my green eyes and other features definitely are from my biological mum, though his was also a shade of green but mine was pronounced and brighter.

I sighed deeply when I remembered Sophie, my supposed mum. Her pitiful teary eyes were the last thing I saw before I left the pack. I didn't even have the time to hug her for the last time. I longed for that touch again. I missed them so much. My eyes tear up as the image of my sister, Bella came to my mind. I missed her too. Her protectiveness, her icy blue eyes and her laughter just like my supposed dad’s, Philip.

You will see them again. Era said to me. She had always been my solace.

Think so? I replied.

Sure. All you have to do is to survive like your dad said. She answered.

I sighed. Alpha Derrick words rang in my head. He had asked me to survive at all cost and seek out those who would help me for there is a great battle ahead and I had to be prepared. He also mentioned how hard and complicated things will be now that my status is revealed.

I love you, son. I am sorry I can’t explain why everything turned out this way but I want you to know it isn’t as your mother planned it. You have her eyes Jason. Be strong and trust your wolf. He said before he told me told to run and never look back.

I took a quick drink before lying on the makeshift bed. I shivered in the cold forest breeze. I closed my eyes cautiously, shudders ran down my spine when a pair of red eyes flashed in my mind. A sly smile lit its face.

I won't give you the rest you will long for until I have you in my grasp. His word sent shivers down my spine.

My eyes shot open. I exhaled loudly. I’d feared his face ever since he showed up in the wood,revealing things that should have remained hidden thereby disrupting my seemingly smooth life.

"I just want to be at peace.” I whispered into the night. I stared at the half moon. Its light appeared to bend towards me, enveloping me in strange warmth making me feel safe instantly. My worries and doubt dissolved at the rays of the moonlight. I sighed deeply. My eyes grew heavy. Slowly, I drifted into a deep and much needed sleep with the feeling of safety.

A loud howl woke me. I jumped out of where I laid. It sounded far off. I listened well. Soon, the faint sound of paws hitting the ground and wolf snarls drifted to my sensitive ears. They were close. I dusted myself hastily, hooking the bag to my back then bolt in the opposite direction. My legs carried me swiftly with a new-found energy. My body felt renewed as I continued to sprint. I felt Era pull at my consciousness. She wanted control. I haven't shifted yet but I still could allow her take control for few minutes.

I tried to rein her but her pull got stronger as I moved. I finally allowed her control. She surfaced while I receded into myself watching from our eyes. Our eyes glowed faintly and my sense heightened. Being in a semi wolf form, Era and I combined our strength. I heard the sound of paws hit the ground behind me in quick successions. She growled. We are being chased. Era let out a short whine before increasing her speed. The trees blurred as Era ran faster.

I caught the scent of water in the air. There was water nearby and by the smell of it, it was much and flowing. A river, perhaps. An idea came to me; I smiled inwardly relating it to Era. She nodded then turned us towards it. We moved faster as they gained more grounds. Their growls echoed closer than before. Era struggled to keep up, our energy fast depleting. She burst out of the trees to skid to a stop over a cliff. It was several feet high and below was a flowing river. Its current looks pretty strong even from above.

Don't even think of it. I dared Era. I thought it would be a shallow or not too deep river.

There is no other way. I can't turn back now. She growled. They are here already.

If we run now, we can still make it. I cried desperately knowing what Era wanted to do.

No time. She replied as the first wolf came in view. Sorry. She whimpered before throwing us over the cliff. We pummelled down towards the river below.

I felt myself in control now. Great. I thought. You threw us to our death then withdraw. So nice of you! I braced myself for the fall. I knew my pursuers wouldn't dare jump after me.

I searched below for a good spot to fall. I let out a grateful sigh. The river was void of rocks and stones but the rapid raging below posed a problem. I had swum once but not in one with as much current. The raging rapid scared me. I knew falling wrongly would be death for me.

This is the end. I thought. Fear crawled into my mind. I let out a scream as I hit surface. Suddenly, the river busted outward with a force that sent me straight back up unto the cliff. It felt like the river spit me out in anger even before I hit its surface.

I hit the ground in a thud drenched in water. I tried to sit up to cough out the water that had escaped into my lung but was slammed back down by a furry paw. I let out a whimper. I blinked the water out of my eyes to meet a pair of glowing blue and grey ones. I shut my eyes in disbelief. I was trapped. My body throbbed with pain. I passed out in sheer exhaustion.

-

"They were after him?” I heard a voice from a distance. “Why?" It was faint.

"Yes. He was pursued by two killer wolves." Another replied.

"What? Killer wolves?" The first voice replied with a shocked tone evident its voice.

My body screamed in pain when I tried to stir. Where am I? I thought. Whose voices are those? I tried to open my eyes but they felt like lead.

"Alpha said you should nurse him back to life. He passed out when we caught up with him." I heard someone say.

"He looks terribly pale and tired. I gave him something to heal his wounds. He will be fine when he wakes." Then the voice faded as I drifted back to sleep.

-

"Wake up!" A voice called out frantically. My eyes shot open to squeeze back shut because of the light. I groaned.

"Get up now." I heard the voice again before I felt myself being pushed upright. I opened my eyes wearily to a young lady with auburn hair rummaging through the room.

"Where am I?" I glanced around.

"You have to go now." She replied, her back still turned as she searched around for Mother-knows-what.

"Go?" I muttered. My brain began to process whatever it is she meant. "Who are you?" I asked. "Where am I?"

She found what she was looking for and turned to me holding a vial containing a blackish fluid. "Drink this." She held it to my mouth. I tensed refusing to budge as she pressed it to my mouth. She sensed my reluctance. She relaxed.

"Listen to me, boy. You don't have much time. There are two men here to take you. I don't know what you have done but the Alpha has released you to them. They are on their way here now. So, you better take this if you want out alive." She rushed.

"What?" I replied. She spoke so fast that I didn't pick a word. She sighed then repeated herself again almost in the same manner. But this time I heard her. I needed not to ask further of the men’s identity. I knew them already. The killer wolves. My chasers.

I jumped off the cot I woke up on, grabbing the vial; I swallowed its bitter content. She threw me a shirt, beckoning me to follow. The cold breeze hit me hard as we stepped out into the night. I shivered. She led me through a maze of buildings before coming to a path leading into the forest.

"This will lead you straight to the closest boundary line." She pointed. "Just follow it. You will be safe once you cross it."

"Thank you." I hugged her. She tensed then relaxed in my embrace.

"I don't know why my wolf asked me to do this." She said blankly. "She said you are sort of too important to be captured."

"Thanks to your wolf too." I added quickly. "I will repay you this favour someday......"

"Gwen..." She said thoughtfully.

"Thanks Gwen. I'm Jason." I smiled weakly.

She turned towards where we came out from then back to me. "Go! Hurry!" She shoved me forward.

I sprinted into the forest following the path. I silently thanked the goddess for this act of kindness. I had escaped my pursuers once again. I ran till my legs grew heavy again. I knew the content of the vial Gwen gave me kept me energised throughout. I came to a stop when I sighted a boulder. Sensing no threat, I crawl under to hide for the night.

-

I had no idea how many days I’d spent in Gwen's home but it’s been seven nights since Gwen helped me escape my captors. I shivered at the thought of the things she might face if they knew she plotted my escape. My legs ached as I continued further into the forest heading to nowhere in particular. I relied on Era for direction as I forge ahead. I grew weary everyday tired of running every moment I sense my pursuers. Era has dissuaded me countless of times from giving up and just waiting for them to capture me.

-

It has been two days now since I last sensed them. Their scent had vanished more or less like they've given up on the chase.

Do you think they've given up? I asked my wolf.

No.... She responded.

I wish they have. I can't go on anymore. I held back a sob. I miss home. I miss them so much.

Just a bit further. Era whined. She could feel my despair.

“To where?” I cried out. I've been running for weeks now. “Tell me, to where?” I scream out loud. “Where am I going?”

"Right back into my master's arms." I heard.

I froze, turning to face a tall good-looking muscled man. His face held a glare as his menacing cold eyes bore into mine.

"I wouldn't think of running." He scowled. "You really stretched us you know. Pursuing you for a months isn’t an easy task."

I stood on the spot speechless, unable to move under his watchful eyes. I gulped loudly taking steady steps backwards as he walked towards me. Months?

"I see that fire in you.” He sneered. “Just like every Luna."

"What?" I said foolishly.

"You're just every bit of a Luna." His lip twitched. "Now I'm going to take you back to where you belong."

"Where?" I muttered, wanting him to confirm my thought.

"In my master's arms." He growled. I darted to the opposite direction.

I gasped when an arm wrap around my waist. It pulled me against a muscular chest. "You have nowhere to run, our dear True Luna." He breathed down my neck. His hands crawl over my body seductively.

"Please...don't." I whispered softly tears dropping from my eyes.

I saw his lip lift in an awkward smile. "Don't what?" He teased. "Take you back to my master?" He groped my crotch. "Or touch you?"

I let out a whimper. I cried more as he moved his hands into my dirty shorts. He began fondling me.

"Master said not to touch him." His companion blurted out.

"Oh...please. He is too beautiful to be ignored." He cooed stroking my semi hard member.

"You will stop this instant." The other man growled.

"Fine." He removed his hands turning me to face his handsome face. "Enjoy your sleep." He sneered.

Pains shoot throughout my body before I could ask what he meant. It felt like thousands of needles were poking throughout my skin from my inside. I screamed in pain as I dropped to the ground.

"Hope you'll enjoy the ride home." I heard him say before everything turned black.

-

When I came back to my senses, I felt ropes on both my hands and legs. My head pound heavily. I opened my eyes, tiny spot danced on my vision. My eye stung badly. My body shivered as a chill wash over me. I examined my surrounding. It was dark. I knew I was out for majority of the journey but now I was propped up against a rock. I noticed I was still in the same forest but hundreds of leagues from where I rested previously. How I knew that, I didn't know.

The moon shone in its full glory showering the forest with its soft light. I glanced around expecting to see my captors but found no one. I struggled on my feet only to be hit with a wave of dizziness and nausea. I staggered around as I got my bearing, heaving heavily. I noticed few bruises here and there on my body but above all I was feeling incredibly tired but the will to survive and thought of escape gave me strength. I took the chance to escape as my captors were not insight. My face snapped from side to side as I struggled out of the binds but it cut deeply into me as I tried. I groaned in frustration and pain as the binds refuse to loosen. I made an attempt at the ones on my feet, the binds loosened with ease.

With my free legs, I stumbled into the forest, trudging as fast as my legs could carry me. I sniffle in pain as I brushed past thorny vines and harsh bark trees. My legs grew heavy with every step I took but I struggled forward knowing that the experience won't be a pleasant one if I fall back into their hands.

I stiffened as a howl disturbed the silent forest. Guess they just noticed my escape. I hurried in my steps. My aching legs threatened to give up as I struggled to keep up the pace.

Era... I muttered. Care to help?

Just as weak as you. She replied wearily. We need to hide; they will be on us soon.

I know. Anywhere in particular? I glanced around.

Over there. Era nudged me towards a tree. Hurry!Cross over that creek!

I stood staring trying to figure where the creek was but she pushed me forward with the last of her strength at my hesitation. I staggered in the direction, resisting the urge to collapse.

Don't stop, you mutton! She snarled. Go! She tried to channel the bit of energy she had left but I felt her zone out in exhaustion.

I dropped on my knees, breathing heavily. I saw the creek she mentioned; a small flowing water body just ten feet away. I tried to stand but fell back panting.

Move......now.... Era growled. Kill....you.... if......find.... you...g....go.... run. She zoned in and out.

I....can't....anymore....I gasped. So....so...t....tired. I tried again but couldn't move.

Everything began to fade as my eyes close themselves in exhaustion. I haven't felt so tired and weak before. I couldn't lift my eyelids anymore. I felt light and free, then I let go, relaxing into the cold embrace of the darkness that close in on me. I heard the faint growl of wolves. They sounded far off. I didn't care anymore. I let myself drown in the darkness.

No! Era growled. I felt my body lift into the air as a blinding pain shot through my back. Something in me snapped. I launch into the air. I dropped wearily to the other side of creek. I felt broken and torn. My eye focused on the two wolves snarling at the opposite side of the creek.

Why do I feel hollow and broken inside? Why aren't they crossing to get me? Why is my body tingling and why is there a soft hum of power around me?

I thought as I fell deeper into an abyss of darkness.