The forest was quiet, save for the rustling of leaves and the distant howl of the wind. You stumbled over the uneven ground, bare feet bruised and raw from running. Your chest heaved, heart pounding as you pushed through the dense undergrowth. They had left you here—your pack, the ones who were supposed to protect you. An unmarked omega, too weak, too inexperienced to be of use.

You refused to cry. Not here, not now. The smell of damp earth and pine filled your nose as you scanned the trees, every shadow a potential threat. You wouldn't let anyone—anything—catch you. You would survive, even if you had no idea how.

Then, you smelled it. A scent so potent, so commanding, that it stopped you in your tracks. Musky, sharp, and undeniably alpha. Panic surged through you. Someone was here, watching you.

"Running will only make this worse for you." A low, gravelly voice cut through the silence. Cold, commanding.

Your body tensed as he stepped out of the shadows. Tall, broad-shouldered, with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through you. He looked like he belonged to the forest—feral, untamed, and terrifyingly in control. His dark hair was tousled, his jaw set in a way that screamed authority.

You didn’t respond, didn’t dare. Instead, you spun on your heel and bolted, pushing your legs to their limit. But the alpha was faster, relentless. You could hear him closing in, his footsteps steady and measured like a predator playing with its prey.

"Stop." His voice was sharper this time, a growl that sent shivers down your spine. You didn’t listen.

When he finally caught you, it was swift and decisive. One moment, you were running, and the next, you were pinned against the forest floor, his large hand gripping your wrists as you thrashed beneath him. He didn’t hurt you, but his strength was undeniable, his dominance suffocating.

"Enough," he barked, his eyes narrowing as you struggled. "You’re only wasting your energy."