Chapter 1: Running Away From The Mating Season

Diana sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the pile of clothes and belongings that lay before her. She knew that what she was about to do was dangerous, and could result in her being cast out of the pack. But she also knew that she couldn't continue living the way she was - trapped in a life that didn't feel like her own.

She reached for a worn leather bag that had been passed down to her from her grandmother, and began to pack her things. Clothes, a few books, and some trinkets that held sentimental value - these were the only possessions that truly mattered to her.

As she packed, her mind wandered to the werewolf that she was supposed to mate with. He was a local boy, around her age, and by all accounts, a good match for her. He came from a well-respected family, and had a promising future ahead of him. But try as she might, Diana couldn't muster any real feelings for him.

She knew that the mating season was fast approaching, and that her family and the pack were expecting her to mate with the wolf. But she couldn't bear the thought of spending the rest of her life with someone she didn't love.

Diana knew that she would be branded a runaway if she left now, and that the consequences of her actions could be severe. But she also knew that she couldn't live a lie any longer. She had to follow her heart, even if it meant leaving everything she had ever known behind in her own beloved pack.

Later on, she zipped up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. She took one last look around her room, knowing that it would be the last time she would ever see it. With a deep breath, she walked out of the door, and into the darkness of the night.

The forest was quiet, save for the sounds of nocturnal creatures rustling in the underbrush. Diana walked as quietly as she could, trying not to draw attention to herself. She knew that the pack would be on high alert, searching for any sign of her.

As she walked, her mind raced with thoughts of what she would do once she was free. She had no plan, no destination in mind, but she knew that anything was better than staying in a life that didn't feel like hers.

The moon was high in the sky when Diana heard the sound of footsteps behind her. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She turned to see a figure emerging from the trees - it was Cole, her childhood best friend.

"Diana," he said softly, his voice carrying on the breeze. "What are you doing out here?"

Diana's mind raced. She knew that Vladimir was a kind soul, and that he might be sympathetic to her cause. But she also knew that he was a member of the pack, and that his loyalty lay with his father.

She went to her childhood friend's house and talked to him before she runaway.

"I can't stay here anymore, Cole," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't marry that boy, and live a life that isn't mine. I have to find my own path."

Cole eyes softened as he looked at her. "I understand, Diana. But you know the consequences of leaving. The pack will hunt you down, and they won't be kind."

"I know," Diana said, her voice trembling. "But I can't stay here. I have to be true to myself, even if it means risking everything."

Cole looked at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. Finally, he spoke. "I won't stop you, Diana. But I can't let you go alone. I'll help you escape, and I'll do my best to keep you safe."

Diana felt a wave of gratitude wash over her as she looked at Cole. She knew that he was taking a huge risk by helping her escape, but she also knew that she couldn't do it alone.

"Thank you," she whispered, tears streaming down her face as they are running down the streets while the city is busy.

Cole put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently. "Don't thank me yet," he said with a wry smile.

"We still have a long way to go."

They moved quickly and quietly through the forest, careful to avoid any werewolf guards that might be patrolling the area. Cole had grown up in the pack, and knew all of the secret paths and hidden trails that would help them avoid detection.

As they walked, Diana couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and fear coursing through her veins. She was leaving everything she had ever known behind, and stepping out into the unknown. But she was also filled with a sense of purpose - she was finally taking control of her own life, and following her heart.

After several hours of walking, they finally reached the edge of the forest. Beyond it lay the vast expanse of the open plains, dotted with small towns and villages. It was a daunting sight, but Diana felt a sense of freedom and possibility wash over her.

"We have to be careful from here on out," Cole said, his voice low. "There are werewolf guards patrolling the border, and they'll be looking for us."

Diana nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that the next few hours would be the most dangerous of her life.

They moved slowly and cautiously through the tall grass, sticking to the shadows and avoiding any werewolf guards they came across. Diana had never felt so alive - the thrill of the chase, the rush of adrenaline, it was all so intoxicating.

After what felt like hours of sneaking, they finally reached a small village on the outskirts of the werewolf territory. Diana had never seen anything like it - the quaint buildings, the bustling market stalls, it was all so different from the life she had left behind.

"We'll need to find somewhere to rest for the night," Cole said, looking around nervously. "We can't travel during the day - the werewolf guards will be on high alert."

Diana nodded, feeling exhausted but exhilarated. They made their way to a small inn on the edge of the village, and checked in under false names.

"I am Feliz, and this is Don, we are staying for the night only," she said towards the receptionist. The receptionist then gives her a key to the room that they will be staying.

Diana felt a sense of relief as she lay down on the hard bed - she had made it this far, but she knew that the journey was far from over.

Over the next few days, they traveled from village to village, always staying one step ahead of the werewolf guards. Diana couldn't believe how much the world had changed outside of the pack - there were so many different cultures, languages, and ways of life.

She felt like a small fish in a vast ocean, but she was also filled with a sense of wonder and possibility.

Diana and Cole grew closer. They talked for hours about everything and anything, and Diana found herself confiding in him in ways she never thought possible. She felt a deep connection to him - one that went beyond their shared experience of running away, but that's just because she was appreciative towards him and nothing more.

Cole will then leave her and he will get back to the Flizwell Pack. He knows that she is safe already and she will start her new life somewhere where she can finally feel at peace without mating with another wolf she doesn't love at all.