I watch with worry as the sky begins to brighten, realizing just how close daylight is. Amelia and I had found the river about an hour ago, walking along the stream up river in hopes of finding Grace. It seems like this petite blonde did not want to give up until we found her friend. But no matter my protest on needing to find shelter, Amelia just keeps going, her resolve stronger than most wolves I have ever met.
“Amelia, we need to find somewhere to sleep before we fall from exhaustion.” I state for the umpteenth time, intending to pull the she-wolf to a stop just as she slips, her body falling fast. Luckily, I grab her, pulling her body to mine and see the exhaustion on her face that she kept hidden from my view.
“Just a little longer.” She pleads and I sigh, lifting the woman into my arms and moving forward.
“If I find a hiding spot before we find Grace, we are going to rest. You say Grace is smart right?” I state, pointing out a question about her beta.
“She is the smartest I know.” My new friend answers, pride in her voice.
“Then she will most likely be sleeping the day away too. We have plenty of time to catch up to her so don’t worry.” I reassure the now yawning Alpha wolf in my arms. I chuckle and tuck her head under my chin, trying my best to shield her from the wind.
“Caden, when we leave this place, will you form a treaty with me and my pack?” Her voice is quiet, sleep slowly taking its hold on her. I smile, holding back a chuckle as I think about Karina and how similar the blonde in my arms is to her.
“Yes. I was thinking of asking the same thing.” My answer surprises her as she shifts in my arms to look at me.
“Really?” I chuckle and nod, keeping my eyes open for any signs of silver fur.
“Yes. You are a good Alpha and I want allies like you.” I answer honestly, looking down at her for a moment before continuing my search.
“I’m glad I met you then.” She yawns out, settling back into my arms. Silence follows and I listen as she dozes off, trying to stay quiet while I trek on ahead. Luckily, a spy the signs of a cave near by and head just right of the river where I find the entrance to a hiding spot. With a smile, I rush in to find a thankfully unused mattress and gently place Amelia on top before running out to mark the entrance.
“Hey man, you bag yourself a mate?” Someone calls out making me jump. Chuckling, I turn to see four males emerging from a couple of bushes to my right and nod.
“Yep, and Alpha Female. Guess I’ll be running a pack now.” I answer, leaning against the entrance behind me as the males give me a knowing look.
“Damn man, the lap of luxury is yours after The Run ends. You got lucky. Anyways, have fun with the she-wolf.” The one to call out to me, a brunet wolf with a scar along his cheek, chuckles out. With a wave, the four leave, their hunt for a mate still ongoing. I sigh with relief and head inside, deciding to see if there is anything useful for Amelia and quickly spotting a back pack. She will have to go through it tomorrow. For now, we both need sleep if we want to continue searching for her Beta. With a yawn, I join Amelia on the mattress and quickly fall asleep. My scent will be on her and hopefully this will keep her safe as we travel together.