Aiden watched and waited, there was no turning back now. Hopefully, he would die quickly but preferably not at all. He sat as still as he could while the Blood Moon pack busied themselves to camp for the night. A small sliver of the moon peeked from behind a stray cloud. 

He closed his eyes and sent up a small prayer to the goddess that he would make it out of this terrifying situation relatively unscathed. Slowly his lids opened and he searched the night sky. The many twinkling lights above him brought a slight smile to his lips, it was nice to see at least one thing that remained the same. The familiar blanket of stars giving him a slight semblance of comfort. 

His breath was visible in the cold night air signaling the chance in seasons. The thought of moving into the holiday season saddened him to no end. Would he be even able to see his family again? Would they even know what happened? Tears pricked behind his eyes threatening do flow once more but he held them back, they would help him now accept making him colder than he already was.

 A shiver shook his small shoulders and raked though out his body. Was it the cold or fear or a mixture of both? He figured it was probably both. Who in their right mind wouldn’t be scared in his situation. 

As Aiden was lost in thought the camp had been set up and a nice hot campfire set up in the middle. He looked at the warm flames longingly but quickly squared any desire to run over and warm himself up. He was a prisoner or a captive. 

Well, it didn't matter what name you put to it because both outcomes didn't sit well with Aiden. With a sigh, he tore his eyes from the flames placing his arms on his knees, he laid his her down on his arms. When the decision to camp for the night was mad he’d been set down under a great oak and told not to move and he had no intention of disobeying the order given by an Alpha, no matter how cold he got. 

Sleep slowly deeper into every fiber of his being as his eyes drifted closed and darkness finally claimed him, turning the world into blissful silence.

~ ~ ~

Malachi 

The small lump by the tree drew his attention, a small growl vibrated his chest. 

Why in the heavens had he brought the small creature with him, it was completely absurd, he should have killed him at the Campbell's Packhouse and been done with it.

 But Balthazar had taken a liking to the little pup that's why and refused to hurt the omega even going as far as to putting a mental lock on to keep him from taking control back, so here they were. 

Malachi considered moving the pup closer to the fire to warm him. The little omega shivered and it could be seen from the small camp they had erected a few moments ago. His small shoulders trembled even as he slept. With a shake of his head, he turned and headed in the opposite direction Perhaps he will try and find something to hunt for dinner. Not that he needed to since his pack already had plenty of supplies. 

"Don't be an ass." a deep growl sounded in his head. "The pup isn't the one who wronged us."

Balthazar was right his hatred wasn't directed at the little Omega and it wasn't fair for him to take out his anger on another. Quickly he stomped over to the omega. The little pup didn't stir even as Malachi hovered over him. He must have been exhausted after his little ordeal. 

Crouching down he plucked up the little bundle in his arms, the little pups head gently thudded against his chest. The warmth from his body seeped into the little wolf. At the contact the little wolf borrower his head into the crook of Malachi’s neck. 

Malachi marvel at how light the creature in his arms was, not to mention complete defenseless. Walking back to the fire Malachi frowned down at the bundle in his arms then down at the ground and back at his arm. He looked around him spotting several of his Packmates watching him curiously. 

"If you're so worried why don't you just bring the pup into your tent." 

The sound of his Beta’s voice right behind him made Malachi almost drop his cargo. Tightening his grip slightly he glared down at the man. He didn't seem to be bothered by the glare one bit which irritated Malachi the o no end.

"What?” he ground out through gritted teeth.

The Beta nodded to indicate the bundle now trying to bury itself into his chest. 

"If you want I can take him. I'll share my spot with him and make sure he stays warm for the night." the Beta finished with a shrug. 

Malachi’s temper flared and he turned and disappeared into his tent depositing his load on the furs on the cot that had been readied for him. With a heavy sigh he sad down on the cot as well. He rubbed his temple in an attempt to ease the pounding in his head.

As he watched the sleeping figure his thoughts wandered back to that morning. He clenched his hands into fists and his jaw ground together, he had failed in his revenge. The Alpha he was seeking wasn't there and he left his pack open to attack every going as far as to leave his mate defenseless. He hated the man more than before. 

A small form curled around his hips draw his attention back to the little omega. This was a bad idea, slowly he unchanged himself his small limbs and covered him up with the fur. 

Pinching the bridge of his nose he walked out of the tent and joins his pack under the blanket of stars. No one paid him much attention as he laid down, his eyes scanning the vast black sky with only a sliver of moon to keep watch over them. His eyes slowly shut drowning him in an endless silence.