Running. I keep running. I can’t stop now. And I won’t stop. Because I can’t let them win.
The leaves swirl in the wind, that is created when I run by. The soil beneath my toes covers my feet in a new layer.
Howls. They’re coming. I hear this footsteps trailing behind me, slowly closing in.
Faster. I have to run even faster.
Flickers of light shine through the trees as I approach the edge of the tree line. I can hear cheering from the excited pack members.
My wolf cheers and urges me further. We’re almost there.
I come into the clearing and the pack members just get louder when they see me. A smile breaks out on my face. I push myself faster the last few feet.
The closer I get to the fire pit, the louder my friends get. My brother is the loudest out of all of them. I giggle, and run the last few strides. I slam the stake into the rock pile right next to the fire. The pack erupts even more, excited that I won.
“And the winner of tonight’s capture the flag is….Alyssa Reagan!” My brother announces happily and excitedly to the pack. All my pack members start to cheer.
I jump up with my hands in the air as the rest of the competitors come into view. They all come pat me on the back, congratulating me. Everyone does so, everyone but Mila. Mila Bush. Long time bully and hater. Not to mention pack slut. She just glares at me. I didn’t stare too long, you can literally get sick from looking too long.
With a smirk, I turn away heading towards my friends.
“You made it, Alyssa! You are amazing. Can you just please marry me now?!” Stanley asked, going down on one knee. Ah, Stanley. Long time best friend and partner in crime. I don’t know what I would do without him. No we aren’t mates, but anyone would be lucky to be his mate… even me.
“Stanley!” I yell, and playfully slap his arm. “You’re hilarious,” I say with a giggle.
“Great job Sis,” My brother Nick says.
“Thanks! I learned from the best!” I tell him with a wink. Nick is my elder brother. He’s currently 20, soon to be 21. He’s also the Alpha of my pack. He took over for my dad when he turned 18.
After my parents gave the Alpha position to Nick, they went to work and joined the Royal pack. I was only 16 at the time and didn’t want to leave. So my brother and his mate take care of me.
“That was great! I love you so much, kid!” He says while hugging me. “What do you say? Should we head home?” He ask, and I nod.
We all head towards our house, leaving all the other pack members by the fire pit. The walk home was short, and soon we are inside for the night.
Serenity is my brother’s mate. They met each other very young and mated soon after that. It’s pretty normal for mates to have children at a young age. In some packs, it’s encouraged.
She was sitting on the couch when we came in. Nick walks over and presses her a kiss on the forehead. “How was the little monster tonight?” He asks.
“He was pretty good tonight. But it took forever for him to fall asleep. That is so hard headed. I think he gets that from you.” Seren says with a giggle. Nick just growls playfully. “How were games tonight?”
“It was fun! Alyssa won again, guess it’s a surprise to no one. But I missed you, Baby.” He says in a loving tone.
I smile to myself. To be honest, sometimes I’m a bit jealous about how cute they are. I have always wanted a mate so badly. I have always wanted someone to care for me, and I’ve always wanted to take care of them. I want what my brother and his mate have.
My parents have always been a little distant. But it’s worse now that they are part of the Royal pack. I have a lot of time to myself, not that I don’t mind.
“You guys…I’m getting pretty tired. I think I’m going to head to bed now. Have a good night, you two!” I walk towards my room after saying goodnight. Before I leave the living room, I shout over my shoulder, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
I hear their soft chuckles as I walk down the dark hallway. I flip on the light, and continue walking. I stop by my nephew’s room and watch him for a minute. He looks so much like Nick. He’s only 3 years old. Like I said, they mated young.
I close his door and walk to the stairs, walking up them to my bedroom. I quickly shower, and change into pj’s before jumping into bed. My muscles ache as I slowly fall asleep, only to wake up to the screams of my little nephew.