The sound of your heavy breathing echoed through the dense forest as the cold night air burned your lungs. The frozen branches scraped against your face and arms, leaving behind a stinging sensation, while the eerie howls of wolves rang out, filling the silence.

He was the Alpha of the neighboring pack, and you had never met him before, until tonight at the ceremonial event. Rumors had swirled about him, describing him as a cold and detached leader. And now, the focus and determination you saw within him were directed solely on you. He intended to catch you, no matter the cost.

As your eyes landed on the figure of Xander, a sense of dread washed over you, intensifying as his gaze locked onto yours. You could see a crack in his usual cold and distant demeanor, something that seemed to have snapped within him.

With every bounding step you took deeper into the woods, Xanders' growl echoed through the darkness. "Stop running away..."