An Omega's Desire

Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

I slip out of the worn wooden door of our family cabin, letting it close with a gentle click behind me. The mountain air is crisp and carries the scent of pine and the subtle warmth of spring. My heart races in anticipation as I make my way down the familiar path, a trail I've run countless times with Silas. We know every twist and turn like the lines on our palms.

The world around me is alive with the magic woven into the very fabric of the forest. It hums beneath my skin, a reminder of the wildness that courses through my veins. I'm not just Sage; I'm part of something ancient and powerful, connected to the pack and the land we protect.

The Solar Crest Pack has always been my home, but today I crave the freedom of the woods, the rush of shifting and running on four paws alongside my best friend. Silas, with his dark blonde hair that catches the sunlight in golden threads and his green eyes that seem to laugh even when he's silent. I haven't seen him since yesterday, and that is far too long.

I know where I'll find him—in the thick of things, right beside Alpha Torin. The two are often inseparable, discussing pack affairs with an earnestness that belies their youth. But today, I need Silas' humor and his shared love for the wild.

Pushing through a dense thicket, I approach the clearing where the pack leaders usually meet. From this distance, I can hear the low timbre of their voices. I edge closer, staying hidden behind a large pine tree, trying not to disturb them. Peeking around, I spot them in the middle of a heated discussion, Torin’s brown hair gleaming under the canopy of leaves, his brown eyes intense with leadership's weight.

"Silas," I whisper, stepping into the clearing. Heads turn, and the conversation halts.

"Hey, Sage," Silas grins, the sight instantly easing the restless energy within me.

"Sorry to interrupt," I say, though I’m not really sorry. "But I was thinking... you could use a break. How about a run? Just you and me."

His grin widens at the suggestion, and there's a spark in his eyes that tells me he's been craving this as much as I have. Torin raises an eyebrow, but there's no real censure in his gaze, just the knowing look of someone who understands the bonds of old friendships.

"Go on," Torin nods, his authority unwavering yet kind. "Take the time. We can finish this later."

"Thanks, Torin," Silas says, already moving towards me with a bounce in his step.

"Meet you at the edge of the West Woods?" I suggest, excitement bubbling in my chest.

"Race you there," he replies, the challenge clear in his tone.

"Deal," I fire back, turning on my heel and dashing toward the trees, laughter trailing behind me like the tail of a shooting star. Behind me, I can hear the rapid beat of his footsteps as he gives chase, and my spirit soars. This is what it means to be alive—this game of chase, this friendship, this unspoken promise of adventure waiting beyond the next bend.

We race through the forest, dodging branches and leaping over roots. The wind rushes past, tangling my hair and making my eyes water with its bite. I push myself faster, feeling the change building inside, ready to shift and let my wolf take over. But not yet. Right now, I want to savor this moment of pure, human joy with Silas at my side.

My feet pound the forest floor, each step propelling me forward with a mix of exhilaration and anticipation. The mountain air fills my lungs, crisp and sweet with the scent of pine and the promise of spring's renewal. The trees blur at the edges of my vision as I run, my heart beating in time with Silas's footsteps somewhere behind me.

"Can't catch me!" I call over my shoulder, my voice breathless but gleeful.

"Keep dreaming, Sage!" Silas retorts, his tone light and teasing.

I dare a quick glance back and see his grin just before he ducks under a low-hanging branch. His agility is a reminder of why he's one of the pack's swiftest runners, and I know I can't let up even for a second. We weave through the lush terrain, our playful competitiveness a cover for the deeper bond we share—a connection that thrives on shared secrets and silent understandings.

As we approach the clearing, I slow down, allowing Silas to catch up. We come to a stop, chests heaving, and exchange a look of mutual respect. This is more than a race; it's a celebration of our youth, of the freedom we find in these mountains that cradle our pack's history.

"Happy birthday, Sage," Silas says, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Thanks, Silas," I reply, my joy magnified by his presence. "But you do realize you let me win, right?"

"Sure," he chuckles, rolling his eyes. "And the moon's made of cheese."

We're both startled when a rustling sound emerges from the edge of the woods. Turning, we see Alpha Torin approaching, his stride confident and powerful, the very picture of pack leadership. In his hand, he holds something that glints in the dappled sunlight piercing the canopy above.

"Hope you two enjoyed your run," Torin says, his deep voice resonating with authority softened by a hint of amusement. "Sage, I believe this belongs to you."

He extends his arm, and in his palm rests a delicate pendant shaped like the sun cresting over a mountain range—the emblem of our pack. It's wrought from a metal that seems to capture the essence of dawn's first light.

"Your mother gave this to me when you were born," Torin explains, his brown eyes reflecting the pride of a leader recognizing the potential in a young member of his pack. "She wanted you to have it when you came of age—a symbol of your strength and the bright path ahead."

I'm speechless, emotions swelling within me like the tide. This isn't just a piece of jewelry; it's a legacy, a tangible connection to the generations of shifters who have stood upon these same mountains, under the same wide sky.

"Thank you, Torin" I manage, my voice thick with gratitude. "It's beautiful."

"May it remind you that you are a vital part of the Solar Crest Pack," he says solemnly. "And that no matter where your journey takes you, this will always be your home."

I nod, unable to articulate the depth of my appreciation. Silas steps closer, offering a supportive smile as Torin places the pendant around my neck. Its weight is comforting, grounding, and I can't help but touch it gently, feeling the intricate engravings with my fingertips.

"Come on," Silas nudges me lightly with his elbow. "Let's finish your birthday with a proper celebration."

"Lead the way," I say, still awed by the gift that now rests against my collarbone—a beacon of my past and a promise for my future.