Page 7 of His to Hunt

“No, it’s not that…” I reply, words trailing off.

Suddenly, I feel something snap inside me, like every muscle has been ripped from the bone. I howl with pain and go to my knees, barely able to catch myself on my palms so that my face doesn’t slam into the pavement.

“Oh shit!” Donovan says, rushing to my side. “Victor!”

Agony twists everything inside me like my body is trying to shift, but my wolf can’t get free. My limbs jerk as the wolf tries to push through. I growl and grunt, snapping at Donovan when he tries to put a hand on my shoulder.

“Relax, Victor,” Saul says knowingly, walking closer to me. “You know what this is. You just need to get control of it. Stay calm.”

“What’s happening?” Donovan asks with alarm, glancing at Saul.

“Mother Fate,” Ryker says. “Victor feels her calling to him.”

“No, that can’t be it,” I grunt, trying to push myself up as my body continues to revolt. “It’s too late for me.”

“The ways of Mother Fate are a mystery,” Saul says. “If you relax, it’ll pass. For now.”

“Most of us have felt this pull before, Victor,” Seb growls. “Looks like Mother Fate hasn’t forgotten about you after all.”

I want to tell him he’s wrong. I want to tell all of them they’re wrong. But I’ve heard the stories from other wolves. I saw something similar happen to my brother, right before Mother Fate led him to his mate. And every wolf surrounding me has felt it too, except for Donovan. There’s no denying what this is.

I close my eyes, grit my teeth, and try to silence my wolf. It wants to take control and give in to the instincts clawing their way to the surface. No wonder very few wolves fight this. I always thought it was more of a choice. That’s what my brother described. This doesn’t feel like a choice. This feels unavoidable, like I’ve been captured by Mother Fate.

Finally, I feel the tension inside me release. The scent lingers, but it’s no longer maddening. I gasp a few times and try to push myself up, but my legs are weak. Saul offers a hand and I take it, letting him haul me to my feet.

“You know what this means, don’t you?” Saul asks.

“Yeah,” I sigh. “It means I have to go.”

“You have to find your mate,” Ryker says. “She’s out there somewhere. Waiting for you.”

“Just when I was getting used to having another wolf around who never found his mate,” Donovan sighs. “Guess I’m back to being the only one Mother Fate forgot.”

“Finding your mate doesn’t mean it’ll work out,” Seb mutters. “Mine fucking hates me.”

“That’s because you’re an asshole,” Ryker chuckles. “I can say that. I’ve known you longer than anyone.”

“I have my moments,” Seb growls. “But it wasn’t all bad. The hunt was fun. Claiming her was even better. Just didn’t work out so well after that.”

“Let’s not pile our troubles on Victor’s shoulders,” Saul says. “Tonight, his hunt begins. It’s a time for celebration.”

“Yeah, we’ll go celebrate while you go find your mate,” Ryker smirks, then he extends his hand. “It’s been fun having you around. We’ll miss you.”

“I guess this means my days as a member of this pack are over,” I sigh, shaking Ryker’s hand.

“Yes,” Saul says, clasping my shoulder. “You’ll always have a place with us, but destiny calls you elsewhere. Follow the scent. It will guide you to her.”

I wasn’t planning on saying my goodbyes tonight. I was hoping I’d never have to say them. It’s bittersweet in a way. I expected to grow old in this pack. Possibly lead it one day, after Saul and the older wolves are gone. But Mother Fate doesn’t care about my plans. I have a mate and her scent is so sweet I already crave it. I’m just not sure why there’s bitterness beneath the ambrosia.

Donovan doesn’t look at me when he says goodbye. I understand why. Until a few minutes ago, we were the same kind of forgotten. Now I’ve become proof that maybe he is the only one left behind.

After I leave New Salem, I head back to the bunker. If I’m leaving, I’ll need a few supplies. I pack only what I can carry. Saul had backpacks made for us by a leather worker he knows. They fit us well in human form, but they’re designed so that we don’t destroy them when we shift.

Everything I don’t need for my trip goes into a box. The same one my things were in the day I joined Silver Pack. I’ve kept it in my closet for some reason. Maybe a small part of me always hoped Mother Fate hadn’t completely forgotten me. I’m not sure what took her so fucking long. Most wolves who find mates feel the pull when they’re much younger than I am.

I’m warring with myself when I leave the bunker and shift into wolf form. The life I’ve built is over. My time as a member of Silver Pack is finished. Even if they do welcome me like a brother, should I visit or have a reason to return to the pack, it’ll never be the same again.

They’ve moved on from this stage of their lives while mine is finally beginning. Some packs would welcome mates, but that’s not how Silver Pack operates. It’s a place for wolves who lost their mate or never felt the call.