The scent of forest in winter surrounds me once more, making my slowly waking body want nothing more than to fall back asleep wrapped in this scent. Strong arms that I know to be Caden’s keep me snuggled tight against him and although I am mad at him for keeping things from me, I don’t fight to get free. The steady beating of his heart under my head reminds me that other than to win the bet, I have something else to look forward to. Opening my eyes, I turn my head to look up at Caden, his right arm covering his eyes as he sleeps peacefully. I can see the dark circles peeking out from under, knowing that all of us have been through so much in the days we have been here. Today will be our last day to make it to the Lodge and from there we can get all the rest we will need.
Carefully sliding out of Caden’s hold, I climb off the mattress and stretch while checking to see if my body is good enough to run again. I want to finish this bet with my Alpha on my own without being carried over the veil. Turning to look at my friends, I smile and decide to let them sleep a little longer and head outside of the cave. The sun is just starting to rise over the treetops, casting a warm orange glow over the pond. It is a beautiful sight compared to the deep blue hue the moon casted in the night and I think about how today will be my last day here in the forest. Within a few hours I will be victorious in the bet and Silver Birch’s Alpha will be Amelia and I her Beta. I lean against the cave entrance, allowing the peaceful forest to wash over me as someone stirs within the cave. Soon arms pull me close to their owner and I find myself once more being held by Caden.
“Penny for your thoughts?” As whispers, placing a gently kiss on top of my head.
“I was just thinking about how this will be our last day.” I answer quietly, getting a chuckle in response.
“It’s been one hell of a week Grace, but I am glad I got to spend it with Amelia and you.” I smile at his words, hearing the gentleness in his voice as he takes a deep breath, inhaling my scent. We stand in the entrance enjoying the calmness of the dawn, allowing us to just enjoy the moment. If the Run wasn’t such a horrible event for she-wolves, this forest would make a lovely place for young wolves to meet with others and fall in love.
“Do you think the Run will ever end?” I ask, turning to look at Caden only to find his emerald eyes already trained on me.
“I do. I have a feeling this will be the last Run by the end of today.” He answers, his eyes holding a flame of determination within them. Something deep inside me tells me that this is the truth and hope for a better future for all she-wolves lights inside me. After a moment of silence spanning between us, Caden leads me back into the cave where we find Amelia awake and dividing up the left over food. Taking a seat on the mattress, I thank Amelia as she passes me my portion of the food and promptly get to eating. We won’t be stopping for any breaks as we race to the Lodge and finishing any and all food that can give us the energy needed to fight off any attackers is a good idea.
“I will be running with the two of you.” I state, catching Amelia and Caden off guard as my friends look at me in shock.
“Are you sure? I don’t mind you riding on my back.” Caden asks, his left hand reaching out and taking my right.
“I am sure. My body has rested long enough and I need to finish this bet with my Alpha on my own terms.” I answer, leaving no room for arguments. Caden lets out a sigh, a brief moment of disappointment flashing in his eyes. Thankfully, they don’t fight my decision and after our breakfast, we all shift to our wolves. I look at the bag Princess Airia gave me, wondering if I should take it with me or not when Caden picks it up between his teeth. With a yip of excitement from Amelia, the three of us leave the cave and rush towards the direction of the Lodge. I have a bet to win and I’ll be damned if I let the tension between Caden and I ruin it.