Fright

My body was cold. Like a friend my skin greeted the sensation comfortably. I opened my eyes seeing a thick layer of snow covered me. A raging blizzard surrounded me yet softly the snow fell on my skin. I slowly sat up confused. I noticed the body of my father next to me. I began to sob remembering what happened.

Using my hands I dug a hole deep enough for him. I wasn’t gonna leave his body out for the world to see. Not like this. I sobbed loudly as I pulled him into the hole. As I sobbed the snow raged harder and harder. I buried him and with a goodbye I left after using the tip of an arrow to carve his name into the remains of a tree. I took his sword and with that I kept it as my keepsake from him.

I didn’t know what had happened. Why the trees were devastated. Why large spikes of ice grew up and around. I hobbled into the snow. I didn’t know where I was going anymore. I didn’t know what to do anymore. I did what my mind said I could do. Even if it wasn’t a good idea anymore. My leg was hurt, my arms stung. I placed a hand on one of my exposed wounds and felt it was burning hot to the touch. I knew it was infected.

The ice cracked against my shoes. I slipped onto an ice spike and instead of it piercing my body it’s simply crumbed away into powered snow. I sobbed sword in hand and picked myself up.

I moved and didn’t stop. The forest was absolutely devastated. What trees remained were covered in snow. What didn’t had broke and seemed singed somehow.

The blizzard accompanied me for a few hours. Until what was a blizzard was gentile snowfall. Until what was snowfall was rain. Until rain became mud and white piles in the trees. The drizzle accompanied me until my eyes met the gates of my hometown. I saw two guards out front who stood seeing me.

“Dean? Are you okay? Where’s your dad?” One asked.

I didn’t respond. I looked up at them and they took a step back surprised. I simply gripped the sword and they looked down at it.

With a nod they opened the gate. They stared at me wide eyed as I walked through the gate.

I received similar reactions from everyone I came across. They stared at me concerned or stunned. Why I didn’t know, nor did I care anymore. I felt numb to everything as my legs burned painfully.

“His eyes!” I heard someone say.

“What’s up with his eyes!” Another said quietly as they stared at me.

I kept my face forward. I saw blankets wrapped around bodies and people praying and crying. I continued forward. I felt every bone creak and pop in my legs. We could have come back. He wouldn’t have died.

I walked until the crowd became no one. I came upon home. Claw marks and purple blood littered the white walls. I entered the open door. The living room was thrashed and destroyed. I didn’t take it in or study it. I simply locked my front door and walked towards the stairs. I walked up feeling the crunch of glass shards from picture frames on the floor. I entered my room finding it neater than when I left. It seemed to be the only place in the house that still hadn’t been wrecked so far. I saw some of my artwork neatly placed in a pile despite the dirt and claw marks. I dropped my backpack as well as my father’s to the floor. I stripped out of my clothes and fell to the floor with a thud as my damaged legs got caught on my jeans. Leaving me in my dirty white tank top and red boxers. I simply picked myself up and crawled into the bed. Wrapping the blankets tight around me as I allowed sleep to take me into its dark embrace.

I continued to lay in bed. It didn’t matter that my stomach growled. It didn’t matter that my mouth felt dry. I didn’t wanna face reality anymore. I didn’t want to be apart of the world right now.

My thoughts or lack there of were broken by the sounds of rapid knocking on the door downstairs. I pondered who could be there. What did they want? I debated getting up and decided that they’d need to leave a message. Suddenly with a loud crack I knew the door had been destroyed. I sat up in bed staring at my bedroom door. I panicked and thought of something anything I could do. I grabbed my father’s sword and quickly crawled under the bed. Gripping the sword in front of me.

I heard rapid footsteps run up the stairs. With a slam my bedroom door was wide open. Ripped from its hinges.

“Fuck Kolby relax. Coulda fucking hit him!” A deep voice said angrily.

“But what if he’s hurt!” Another asked panicked.

I saw four sets of feet by the remains of my door. I heard deep breaths. “His body smells injured!” Another voice stated.

“I mean what did you expect Marky this town was attacked and ransacked after all.” Another voice stated.

I saw massive muscular calve bend down and a huge hand grip my bag. “This definitely wasn’t here last time. He’s been here recently.”

I saw him pick up my father’s bag. “Who’s this belong to?”

I heard four loud snarls. “Another Alpha!” One growled.

“Mmm let’s calm. It’s hard I know. However there was clearly another who lived here. Likely the mortal his dad left him with.” A voice said taking a deep breath.

I could feel the phantom rage in their chest. “It does match the scent in the other room.”

With that sentence I felt the phantom rage quell and subside until I felt nothing. I gripped the sword tight ready to attack if necessary. My heart throbbed loudly in my ears.

“Where do you think he went?” A voice said quietly.

They all took deep breaths. “I don’t know. His scent is really strong in here. Stronger than last we came through. He wasn’t here that long ago. Maybe minutes, maybe.”

“Yeah but the trail doesn’t go anywhere?” A voice said concerned.

“Dylan relax. He’s alive, we’d have felt if he died. He’s someplace nearby that’s certain. Locals saw him and his glowing eyes pass through earlier yesterday.” A voice said being rational.

“Don’t tell me to relax Chase! You’re supposed to be animal boy! Why didn’t your nose catch his scent leaving the mountain!” The voice I assumed was Dylan’s said angrily.

“Hey don’t pin that shit on me sparky! All of your noses are just as good at tracking his scent as mine! The voice I assumed was Chases said angrily.

“Both of you shut up! Chase summon birds to look for him from the sky and wolves or dogs or some shit to track his scent outside the walls. Dylan start running around town and ask if anyone has seen him! Kolby clean up his fucking bedroom door and downstairs door. He may come back soon shoot a flair if he does. Remember approach carefully. He needs to smell our scent otherwise he may bolt. Also remember no one uses their power on him. He may react volatile and think he’s in danger. His dad will **** us if we accidentally hurt him.” A deep smooth voice said.

“Yeah he’s scary. I think he’s the only one who means it when he says he’ll do it.” A voice said with chills.

“Yeah well we’d deserve it if we hurt him or accidentally….you get the the point. We’ve waited 8 long years for this. No fuck ups!” He ordered.

“Well you’re not our boss but I do like the plan. On it!” A voice stated.

With that three pairs of feet sprinted down the stairs leaving one standing. With a sigh I saw him begin to clean the remnants of my door. “Hope he’s not attached to this door.” The voice said quietly. I saw him pick it up out of sight and with a loud crunch I saw the door folded like a piece of paper.

With that he headed downstairs and I heard what sounded like the front door creaking. I wondered if he was waiting someplace silently to see if I’d return.

As slow as I could I inched my way from under the bed. As I came out from under a wave of relaxation and need washed over me. I took a deep breath through my noise intoxicated by the scent. An earthy slightly salty scent filled the air. It made my mouth drool and my stomach twist excitedly. I found myself craving its source. Wanting to be surrounded and consumed in it. I shook it away, my fight and flight response was kicked into overdrive. Despite my bodies protest to find the source of the scent and allow it to perfume me I pulled away. No this is a trap. Something to lure me in. My brain attempted to rationalize what my body didn’t agree with. I began to breath through my mouth in a vein attempt to stop the scent from pulling me in. I crawled silently to the window and saw it was locked. Fuck my life I thought to myself. I slowly unlatched the lock to the window. It released with a loud pop. I winced at the noise. I heard some quiet shuffling downstairs. I gingerly unlatched the second one and with a pop my window was unlocked. I heard it the rapid footsteps coming up the stairs. I slammed my window open and lept onto the roof.

“Wait Dean!” I heard a slightly panicked voice yell.

I didn’t look back. I simply took the leap of faith and jumped down. My feet hit the ground with a thud sending me to my side. I winced slightly and rolled over onto my legs and knees. As quick as I could I bolted. I heard glass shatter from where I jumped.

“Shit I’m sorry wait! Dean! DEAN WAIT!” The deep voice yelled out.

I bolted through the trees as fast as I could. “FUCK!” I heard the voice yelled panicked. I saw a red fireball in the sky above me. It rapidly darted over head and across the entire sky. I heard wild yelps and howls of wolves in the distance. My adrenaline carried me. Like before my body was moving faster than I’d expect it too.

I heard eagles screeching above me. Following me from the sky. I was being tracked as I ran. I heard shouting behind me.

“UNDER THE BED I THINK!” A voice yelled.

“SHIT! DEAN STOP ITS US!” A voice yelled out panicked.

I could feel the phantom senses of anxiety and fear someplace tucked inside me. It was irrational and needy. I tried to shake it off yet it just felt more and more consuming. It was like the emotions were getting more and more **** in its source.

I ran down the path. I hoped my advantage was knowing the land here better than they did. I was close to the river I liked to swim in. I knew if I made it I could swim under the water to someplace safe. The water would stop my scent from being tracked. My head throbbed violently as I ran. My body reacting to my fear. I screamed at the top of my lungs for help. I heard the twigs snapping behind me. The crunch of leaves.

I saw a few guards run towards me. I passed them and kept running.

“Sirs what’s going o-.” A guard asked suddenly with a yelp he was silent.

“OUT OF OUR FUCKING WAY MORON!” a voice chasing after me snarled.

“SORRY ABOUT THAT!” Another voice yelled.

“DYLAN USE YOUR POWER AND CATCH HIM!” A voice yelled out.

I saw it. The slight cliff that was only 20ft high above the river. It was so close now.

“WHAT IF I ACCIDENTALLY HURT HIM I WOULD NEVER FORGIVE MYSELF!” The voice said anxiously,

I picked up the pace. Something I didn’t even know was possible for me to do at this point. With all my might I pressed forward. Eyes on the prize. I felt a hand graze my shoulder attempting to grab on.

“ITS US DEAN PLEASE STOP!” A voice said next to me.

I snarled back. “I DONT KNOW WHO US IS!” I saw the edge. I was feet away. With a leap I lunged as the hand grazed my shoulder once more. I soared down below watching the water rapidly approach. I heard yells around me and behind me. I landed in the cool embrace of the water and darted down under the surface and swam for my life through the murky waters. I looked over my shoulder seeing my would be captors body as it swam to the surface. His incredibly ripped abs on full display. I turned away and swam. Everything inside me was telling me to go back. Talk to them. Let them save you and love you. I didn’t even know who they were. I shook the thought away. I sensed deep anxiety grip the phantom senses. I heard splashing above me and through the shadows saw four massive frames block out some of the light as they tried to follow.

Luckily for me I was an amazing swimmer. Without pause I swam down stream. After several minutes I came up for air. I heard distant shouting behind me. With a deep breath I darted back down below.

After several minutes of intense swimming I came upon the grate that allowed water to leave. I swam to the side hugging the wall. I emerged from the water and walked into the grass staying low. I heard Alpha soldiers and guards above me.

“They say to ensure we lock down the entire wall. No one comes in or out.” A voice stated.

“Have they said why?” Another asked.

“They’re looking for Dean. That’s all I was told. If we find him we’re not allowed to approach him. Only alert them.” He sighed.

“Maybe he’s skittish? You know his Beta dad was and Dean has always been more of a loner anyway. A sexy tight bodied little loner but a loner. Now with Cole dead I mean….has anyone told them about that?” The other voice asked.

“Hmm good point, we should make sure they’re aware. What a mess, I don’t know what he did but those four are rabid to get him. They knocked Antonio out when chasing him earlier. It was reported on the radio.” He chuckled.

“Hmm fuck that dude. Hey dispatch has anyone alerted the big guys about their targets father yet?” The voice asked as they walked away out of ear shot.

I sneaked through the trees behind where they had walked past. Where could I go? I pondered my options. In the distance I saw eagles and crows now flying in circles darting and weaving from the ground to the sky. I knew if those birds spotted me I’m caught.

Making a point to get away from the shore. I knew that would be where people would look for me. I hugged the wall my entire way up. I came upon a large rock half stuck in the ground. Making an overhang for me to sit under. I looked down at my arms. Though wet the skin was now red and very hot to the touch. I saw white pools someplace under the skin in and around the bruised area. My arms were badly infected and that swim didn’t help at all.

It was only here and now. After all this running and hiding. I finally registered. 1) I’m missing my shoes. 2) I’m only wearing a tank top and boxers. 3) without medical attention I’d probably die of sepsis. All in all I was deep and royally fucked. My dad is dead and I’m being hunted for no reason. I felt the hot tears burning in my eyes. My hands and nose felt tingly and it was then I realized I was hyperventilating. I gripped my chest feeling pain inside that wasn’t just emotional. I began to quietly sob curled up in a small ball. My feet were bleeding from the gravel I’d run on meanwhile my shins and thighs were badly bruised from my fall. My arms burned, by back ached, my stomach growled.

It took awhile for me to feel in some control again. I felt tired and overwhelmed. I had two options. Either I find a way out of the wall somehow which were heavily guarded after the attack and on full lookout for me, or I simply turn myself in for whatever it is I’ve done and hopefully get medical attention. I truly for awhile weighed my options out. Knowing I only had so long before someone found me or the birds even. The birds of which I’d seen none of at all in general. I quite literally was up against nature itself at this point.

In the back of my mind darker thoughts pooled. After all that’s happened and I’ve seen. After what happened to my dad….what point did I care anymore what happened to me. Did it matter that I was somehow charged with a crime? Did it matter that I was starving? Did it matter I needed medical attention immediately? Despite my mind trying to say yes it was always accompanied by a less than welcome no. It whispered idea’s in my head. Go on little pup, see how far you can run into the wild before the wolves catch you.

You did nothing wrong though! Go back and see what’s going on. Maybe you’re not in trouble.

Nah….run free Dean. Away from the nest. Let nature take its course.

Dying isn’t the solution to your issues. Is it worth your life? You need help little dove.

The world is a scary place. In here and out there. It would be brave to escape and take your dignity.

Dignity? There’s nothing dignified about dying in the woods because you’re frightened. Go home Dean. Allow the birds to see you and just….accept what’s out of your control.

You can take control by running farther and faster. Do you care if you die out there? Die like your father?

You can also take control by allowing your self to surrender to the current. You didn’t choose this love. You can face it though whatever may come.

Sink with the ship instead of paddling out to sea? Isn’t that more boring? What if you find land in the expanse?

Or remain on board and see if there’s a life boat. Life isn’t over dove. Your life has only just begun.

I sat and listened to the voices argue in my head for only a few moments. I looked at my damaged feet and infected arms. I was only dressed in my tank top and boxers with only my father’s sword to my name. I sighed knowing what I had to do. I didn’t wanna die. Not out there, not today. Otherwise my father died for nothing. I had a life ahead of me still. Whatever may come….i….need to face it. I was in the world alone.

I winced standing up. My balance thrown off immediately. I gripped the rock and slowly made my way back down to the water. There is where I’d wait. There is where I’d be. This was my choice to make. I heard the voice in the back of my mind snicker. Coward.

Maybe if I had more equipment. Maybe if I’d grabbed my bag and bow. Maybe if I was an Alpha I would go. I’m not though, I’m a Beta. I was small compared to them. Small compared to the animals and creatures that stood outside these walls. Small compared to the drones that killed my father. I was only human. I was underweight, out muscled, out powered, out skilled. **** was a guarantee outside these walls for someone like me. Especially in my current state. However in here. I at least had hope that I’d be alive. Maybe in trouble or something but alive. I crossed the empty trail and as I stepped down the hill my ankle twisted and I slid down on my back down the embankment landing in my side into the water. I slowly pulled myself up feeling lightheaded already. I saw several birds beginning to chirp around me. Beautiful humming birds studying me it felt. I saw them hover and come close to my arms. Alarmed it seemed by my state. A few remained by me while several darted away over the water.

I laid on my back. My legs under the murky surface. I could feel the slimy clay under my legs. Everything throbbed painfully now. I wiped by brow and saw blood rub onto the back of my palm. This time not from my arms or legs. My head had a gash in it now. I chuckled in such a short time I’d already been taken out of commission. My chuckle became a laugh until I was hysterical. Hysteria became sobbing. At a certain point. I simply closed my eyes wanting whatever was gonna happen simply happen.

“OVER THERE!” I heard a familiar voice yell.

“OH FUCK! OH FUCK!” I heard a panicked voice say loudly.

I heard splashing and suddenly a figure was over me. I felt hands check my head and fingers on my neck.

“Pulse is low. Fuck CHASE GET OVER HERE NOW!” I heard a voice yell on the verge of sobbing.

“I’m here I’m here!” I heard him say. I felt warm hands grab my arms. Another pair of hands on my legs.

“Dude this is bad!” A voice sobbed.

“Kolby not now. Dylan check his breathing!” I heard another voice say panicked.

I felt warm hands on my ribs and stomach. What felt like a head in my chest.

“He’s in the early stages of sepsis. I can try to heal him but he needs antibiotics immediately otherwise he’s dead.” A voice said almost sobbing.

“Breathing seems slow but there.” Another voice said.

“Marky make a dry bed of dirt get his body out of the water. Kolby warm him up. He’s one of us and his powers are ice based. He’ll be able to withstand any heat you give him.” I heard a voice say sternly.

I felt the land shift from under me. Heat radiating on my body. I opened my eyes to see four people on either side of me. They were beautiful, strong jawlines, and well defined faces. Their eyes were glowing right now. Shades of orange, grey, brown, and green. They seemed to focused on my body’s state to notice I’m awake.

“Okay his arms are healed the infection is in his organs now though. Dylan grab him and take him to the clinic or whatever shit they’re using in this backwater shit hole. Go now!” I saw the light haired brunette say to the dark haired one.

With a nod he looked down at me I saw his beautiful grey glowing eyes lock to mine. “He’s awake?” He said stunned.

They all looked at my face stunned. They shook it off. “Dylan take him NOW!” The light haired Brunette ordered.

He nodded I felt myself hoisted into someone’s chest. My back and legs held firm. I leaned my head against his massive muscular pecs. With a quick inhale I smelled him. The earthy salty scent that was intoxicating was seeping out of his pores. In a rush of wind I felt myself being moved. I simply fell in love with the scent, the warm feeling of his skin. The way he shushed me softly as he carried me.

The world was feeling more and more hazy with every second. I heard a slam. “MEDIC RIGHT NOW!” I heard him order.

With that I felt the embrace of sleep overcome my senses.