‘Wake up!’ An annoying voice repeatedly shrieked in my head. Why did I have to get stuck with her? Why Moon Goddess?

‘Why?’ I accidentally whined through our mindlink.

‘Just get up already!’ Kitten yowled.

‘Fine, just give me five more minutes…’ I drifted off. Well, I didn’t get to drift off for long.

‘No, it’s the bond. That’s the only reason he wants us,’ she stated in a glum tone. Was she upset he didn’t want her? I guess I could try to console her?

‘There, there kitten. Plenty of other Alphas want us. Remember how much they were willing to pay bounty hunters?’ I’m seventy percent sure that’s the right thing to say.

‘They paid those bounty hunters to murder us,’ she replied.

‘Yeah, but they still want us and not because of some mate bond.’ At least I hope they don’t. I shuddered at the thought of having over one idiotic mate.

‘Shit.’ She saw right through me… She also guilt tripped me. I have no other options other than doing what she wants me to. I fought my eyelids and forced them open. It took my eyes a few moments to adjust to my pitch black surroundings. Good news; I’m still in the forest. Bad news; the mock orange scented mate is right behind me and carrying me by my scruff.

‘Worse news; he noticed you’re awake,’ Kitten commented. Crap.

‘Hello?’ He mindlinked.

‘What the fuck are you doing?’ I snarled, while attempting to get out of his hold.

‘Carrying you?’ It sounded more like a question than an answer. I like him even less now for confusing me.

‘Put me down!’ I ordered. I don’t want to waste anymore of my precious time.

‘I don’t like being told what to do,' he growled.

‘And what does that have to do with putting me down?’ I could practically feel him rolling his eyes. ‘Rude.’

‘You’re one to talk,’ He snapped back. 

‘No,’ I grumbled. After a few seconds, he started lowering me.

‘Now we’re getting somewhere,’ He triumphantly stated. My paws hit the ground, and I felt him release his death grip on my scruff.

‘Psych.’ I swiftly scratched his face before bolting. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice that there were packwolves - presumably from his pack - circling us. Crap. I dodged almost all of them. Almost… A dark grey wolf, who was just barely shorter than the stupid mate, knocked me down. He took his fucking beta with him. How dare he cheat! Only I am allowed to cheat in fights.

‘Luna, stop fighting against us. We’re all on the same side.’ Oh great, he’s the calm peacekeeper type, isn’t he?

‘That’s not my name,’ I grumbled, getting back onto my paws. He simply blinked at me in surprise, and I took my chance. I charged towards the clear path on his left side. Right before I passed him, I swiped at his hind leg and skidded, pulling him down. I released his leg and ran.