15. Rule #15 Dont Run In The Forest Alone

Rule #15: Don't Run In The Forest Alone

Daniel

Z oe didn't show up for any of her classes on Saturday and I had been worried enough to let Lewis know that he ought to check up on her after Friday night. I didn't want to leave her, but the vamp seemed to have it under control and I didn't think my presence was appreciated too much. Still, it didn't feel right leaving.

The gym was closed on a Sunday, which left me to my own devices. My sketchpad brought me no peace. It was filled with drawings of her. The fierceness of her eyes, the way her lips curved in a wicked smile, how strong she was when she fought. Restless energy rolled off me as I paced my living room so I decided to go for a run before I wore a track into my flooring.

Earpods in, music blasting, my feet ran the familiar path through Hemlock Harbor on autopilot. Gulls squawked as I ran along the harbor front, the lull of the waves lapping at the sand calmed my nerves as I ran to the edge of town, past Amelia's, making my way up into the forest that bordered the town. Being in the wilderness always calmed the wolf in me. It was where I belonged. The fresh scent of pine needles surrounded me after the recent summer rain and the wet ground squelched beneath my running shoes.

Sunlight dappled through the leaves and I breathed in the familiar smells. That's what she smelled like, sunshine and sadness. There was always a sense of melancholy about her. She wore armor that let nobody close, except Lewis. Again, I had never been a jealous man before, but something twisted in my chest when I thought of their easy relationship and how I longed for that. For some reason I was desperate to get to know her. There was something bigger pulling me toward her and I couldn't help but want to be around her. It was also hella entertaining to get her riled up, I loved that fire, the challenge. And she was fucking beautiful. Her short, strong legs in those Muay Thai shorts, made me wonder how they'd feel wrapped around my waist. Or my fucking head. Her laugh was full of joy and it had stopped me dead in my tracks outside Lewis's office more than once. I wanted to be the reason for that laugh. Her big brown eyes reminded me of a mug of hot chocolate, warm and comforting. But they were always so guarded, there was a pain in them that I didn't think she knew she let through.

I ran the trail through the forest and was on my way back when the hairs on the back of my neck prickled. I picked up a scent and swore, picking up my pace. I was almost out of the forest when they pounced. I really should have shifted but I thought I'd make it. A big black wolf rammed into my side and I went tumbling. Three more came out of the trees and I sprang to my feet growling.

The black wolf shifted back into his human form.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the omega that's too good for the pack."

The other three shifted too. I tried to keep my eyes on them but they surrounded me, unperturbed by their nakedness.

"Jonathan. Does your Alpha know you're out here? "

"This is Silvertooth territory. I'm well within my rights."

"This place is neutral ground and you know it."

The witches came into the forest for new and full moon rituals.

"Not anymore. It's ours now."

"Do the covens know that?"

"What the fuck do we care what the witches know?" one of the lackeys said. I glanced over to see it was that wanker Axel.

"My father gave you time to join. Well, that time is running out. The full moon is two weeks away–"

"I'm well aware," I cut in. I swiveled my head, trying to keep them all in view but it was impossible.

"Thought the boys and I would give you a reminder about what happens to omega wolves."

I sensed the first punch coming and dodged it. But the second one connected with my temple and I went crashing to the forest floor. Bringing my arms up, I shielded my head against the onslaught as four grown werewolves went to town on me.

One of them pulled my arms from my head, while another hauled me to my feet, holding my arms behind my back. I brought both legs up and kicked out as Jonathan approached me and he landed on the ground with a thud. My victory was short-lived though, as a fist came flying into my face and another hit me in my gut. They continued raining blows on me till my vision started to blur. I was thrown to the ground and someone spat on me.

"Tick tock, Danny boy."

Then everything faded to black.

Stars twinkled through the canopy of trees when I came to. I stood gingerly and hissed when I swayed, leaning against a tree trunk. My ribs were probably bruised and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them were broken. My face was a bloody mess that I didn't want to think about and only one of my eyes had vision. On account of the other one being swollen shut.

Stupid fucking werewolves and their goddamn pack mentality. Not a single fucking one of them could think for themselves. I made my way slowly out of the forest, limping from tree to tree.

Soon the twinkling lights of Amelia's Apothecary came into sight. Almost there. I just needed to get there. I dragged myself forward and as I opened the gate, I collapsed.

"Daniel?"

I must have been hit harder than I thought. Surely I had a concussion because that sounded a lot like Zoe being worried.

"I'm fine," I croaked. Then passed out for the second time today.

Warm sunlight beamed on my face when I woke up in a bed that was definitely not mine. The duvet was a lot softer than my own and it smelled like I was floating in a cloud of Zoe.

Zoe!

I sat bolt upright then looked around. Yup, definitely not my room.

A whispered conversation came from outside the bedroom door.

"You have a werewolf in your bed?!"

"I didn't fuck him, Lewis! Relax!"

A beat of silence.

"What happened?"

"I have no idea. I just found him like that."

"Why don't you ask me?" I called out.

"Stupid fucking werewolf hearing," Zoe muttered then opened the door .

"Hi. You're alive."

"Yeah, figured it might be a bit disrespectful dying in someone else's bed."

"Good call. I would have hated to burn these sheets. They're new."

"What happened?" I asked. I needed to know how I got here.

"You first," Zoe said.

Lewis had taken up perch against her dresser, arms crossed.

"I got beat up by some werewolves while I was running in the forest."

Zoe frowned. "Why? Wouldn't that cause trouble between your packs?"

"I don't have a pack."

Zoe groaned as she tilted her head back. "You're an omega?"

"What does that mean?" Lewis asked.

"It means he's a lone wolf who's made himself a target. Just join a pack then? Surely you've had offers?"

"I don't want to."

"Why not?"

"Reasons."

"What reasons?"

She was growing agitated, and I wasn't going to lie, it turned me on, but now was not the time.

"My own reasons."

She glared at me but I wasn't giving her more than that. Two people could play this game.

"How did I end up here? Not that I'm complaining about being in your bed. I knew I'd end up here at some point."

She rolled her eyes before speaking. "Amelia healed you, then drove us home. Rory and I hauled your stupidly tall ass up the stairs. Your werewolf healing did the rest."

"That vampire lives here? "

"Watch your tone," she warned, pointing a finger at me. "She's my housemate and she helped you."

I looked down under the duvet.

"Wait. Whose clothes am I wearing?" The vamp was tall, but surely not.

"Lewis's. He leaves things in my laundry sometimes because he's a lazy shit."

"Yup," Lewis replied, popping the p.

"Why didn't you heal me?"

"I tried," she said. And for the first time since I'd known her Zoe looked vulnerable. I had the strong desire to bundle her up in my arms, but I'd probably get another fist to my face. She sighed deeply before carrying on. "My magic is weakening."

A glimmer of understanding came to me. "You're without a coven."

She didn't confirm.

"That's why I was at Amelia's. I was stocking up on power boosters."

"And brownies!" Lewis chimed in. She shot him a glare and they had a silent argument that ended with him raising his hands in surrender.

"You should get some rest," Zoe said, heading for the door.

"No. I should get out of your hair."

I threw the covers back and stood, then promptly fell back to the bed when my knees buckled.

Zoe raised her eyebrows in amusement.

"Just shut up and sleep. Why are you all so stubborn?"

Lewis followed her out and they closed the door behind them.

"So, are you Zoe's boyfriend?"

I startled and might have screamed when a teenage ghost appeared on the bed.

The bedroom door crashed open and Zoe yelled. "Lexi! What have I told you about scaring guests? "

"Don't?" the ghost replied.

"Get out!"

Lexi disappeared in a wisp of smoke.

"Fucking teenagers," she swore then made to close the door.

"You have a ghost?" I said before the door closed.

Her gorgeous brown eyes met mine, and while irritation brimmed in them, there was also something soft. "Yes, apparently this is turning into a fucking halfway house for discarded supernaturals. Get some sleep."