The Last Luna

The town

Catherine POV

I dont want to get it caught, but I don't want to die here on the forest floor either. So I have to play along with him. I submit reluctantly, refusing to shift back as I buy my time, waiting for a chance to run again. I relax every muscle in my body, craning my neck down more while releasing a soft whine. I show him my reluctance to fight, allowing him to release me as he lets out a loud howl. He signals to the others, telling them of his victory and our current position. The other immediately answer him back as he stands hesitantly around me, distrust in his eyes as he cautiously observes me.

We wait for the others to arrive; silently stood beside one another as the adrenaline begins to leave my body, allowing the pain from my wounded leg to creep in. I feel the warm blood flow out from my wound, catching my attention as I look down to check over my open gash. My fur is covered with blood; my leg painted with red, soaking down to my skin. My leg looks more damaged than I had hoped, but my belly is already starting to heal. I can feel it.

His claw marks are still there, but thankfully not that much blood flows from it now. I feel his eyes on me as I look up. He looks over my wound, studying his handy work while showing not one drop of emotion, staring towards me with a blank expression. I'm no one to him, so I do not expect anything from him, and honestly, I don't think I want to.

I haven’t been this close to a man in years, way before I turned 18. My wolf wants a real man, all too herself. She feels just as lonely as me. Wolves are made to live-in packs, not to be on their own as I find myself. I watch cautiously as his eyes rise to meet with mine. His dark brown orbs tell me he’s experienced a lot of pain while we stare at each other, drawn away when his pack members finally arrive. The group walk towards us, snarling at me as a fury lingers within their voices. I flash them my cutest wild smile, returning their anger with kindness. I try to uphold my tough exterior, not wanting them to know how much I'm shaking on the inside.

If they find out my gender before I’m able to escape, then I will be in big trouble. I’ve managed to avoid contact with others over the last 3 years, carefully avoiding them throughout my time on my own. I refuse to show them that I'm scared. Especially when being scared is a sign of weakness. I remind myself, braveness wins wars and fights and that’s exactly what I need to be right now.

My captor bows towards the others. His size much bigger than the other 6 stand before him. They all show respect to my captor, nodding their heads in response. He must be their beta. I can’t help but wonder if the beta is this big, how big will his Alpha be?

I begin to panic, recalling how many scent’s I had passed here when passing through the unknown territory while I hunted my next meal. That is how they know this place better than me- this is their home. Their eyes shine bright, looking amongst themselves as they communicate through mind-link. They all look at my captor, confirming my suspicions that he’s speaking with them. A little later they all turn to face me and the beta prods my neck with his nose, showing me I need to follow them.

Without question, I follow them with no complaint allowing the beta to relax, calmed as I now obey his order. I keep my tail between my legs, hiding my gender. While we walk to our unknown destination, I try to memorize as much detail as I can so I can come back for my backpack later. I sniff the air carefully, familiarizing myself with the scent around me too. We walk through the dense forest for a while longer, making our way towards some hidden building, not far in the distance. Slowly but surely, a set of small houses start to appear through the forest line. As the structures come into view, I realize it’s a town and not a small one. Hundreds of buildings everywhere I look. This is probably the biggest I’ve ever seen in my life. The town is surrounded by thousands of trees, just enough to hide their location in the vast land surrounding it. We follow the small path leading us to the town while I notice countless individuals walk around, going about their day as they talk with each other, interacting with no restraint. Everyone stops what they are doing as I make my way past, greeting the Beta as he leads me through. Their eyes shift as they land on me, their pleasant mood changing. I notice a few growls break from those around us, threatened by my presence.

Their message was clear. No rogue was welcome here. They know each other and don't need any trouble. I keep my tail closer to me to cover myself more. Planning my escape from the Beta as I wait for my given chance, eager for a small opening when everyone is not watching. But at this point, it feels close to impossible.

Despite my worry, I remind myself that I survived alone for three whole years. So I won't be intimidated by a bunch of male wolves. I study my surroundings, taking in the sights of the houses, clothes, wolves, and food lying around. The only thing I don't see is a she-wolf. Not even a few, I see none. If there are any left, they're hiding well. My head and heart hurt at the thought. Is there any she-wolves left on this earth? I haven't seen one in a long time. Or maybe there are some alive, but they keep them chained? Living like a slave or using them as a breeding machine? Will I be the next slave? Do they rape them, abuse them? Do they feed them enough? Do I have to leave the rest of my life on a chain? Or every time another man wants me to bear their pup? Maybe the Alpha will want me to bear his heir?

A shiver runs through my spine, feeling petrified at how my life will be after this. We continue our walk to the biggest building in the town. The building is located in the middle of the square. It's a massive house but looks like a normal home. But no flower pots or any decorations sit outside the house. It has a roof-covered porch on the ground level. The higher levels have some balconies. Near the front door, guards stand by and look at us with the same reaction as the others.

I knew there would be more guards but I didn’t expect this many. What the hell is this place?

The guards open the double doors for us, but I hesitate to follow them. I stop and look at them with uncertainty, unsure of whether I display this on my face. I don't think a rogue will be welcomed in their packhouse. Maybe they’re taking me somewhere else?

The Beta turns around, stopping me from spiraling into my thoughts as he motions for me to follow him. I swallow down my nerves and reluctantly following him. When I near the guards they both growl towards me while the Beta leads me through some passageways, steps, and shortcuts. I memorize the route so when I try to escape later, it will be easier. We finally arrive in front of a big massive door when he knocks on the door.

”Come in,” A loud voice calls out from the other side of the door. It's tone dominant and commanding. I feel my legs start to shake a little because I don't know what the future holds for me or what awaits behind the closed door. The beta opens the door for me, ushering me inside and forcing me to face my fears.