Bloodmoon Pack

Alpha Jones raked his hand through his black locks, his body slack with exhaustion but his misty grey eyes still sharp and vigilant like a hawk's, raking over the two huffing brown wolves circling him. From the perspective of the sole spectator the three of them were heavily exhausted. After all they've been going after each other for an hour now. It seems he won't have to wait too long for the victor.

The two wolves circled the man in the center, growling lowly, their tails swishing in the air as if already celebrating their victory. The twins shared a look, a glint of victory appearing in their eyes. They set their firm eyes on the man with their hind legs bent ready to launch themselves on him. Identical wolfish grins formed on their faces as they launched themselves at the crouching figure, their claws out, ready to dig into the warm flesh but it was too soon for them to be celebrating as the alpha suddenly jumped high in the sky causing the two unsuspecting wolves to crash into each other, landing heavily on the coarse ground. He landed beside them and lifted one of them through his scruff ,swiftly tightening his grip and put his foot on the other's neck pressing his snout in the ground, making them bow in submission and defeat.

A ghost of a smile appeared on the face of the spectator with a touch of pride. His obsidian orbs reflected a great ruler and a brave fighter. The alpha appeared victorious. The youngest known alpha among the werewolves. The alpha of the Bloodmoon pack. Alpha River Jones.

At the same time....

~Millennium University~

The sun shone brightly in the sky. It's rays dancing across the glass building, making it look like a shining diamond. The place gave off a calm vibe, it even looked deserted if not for the couple of figures roaming about, especially as the students were still in their classes, it was rather quite not like an university at all. But looks could be deceiving as Millenium university was one of the top three in the country, especially when it came to the faculty of zoology and botany, it was the best. This might be due to the fact that when the university was first built around a hundred years ago, it was built with the aim of serving as a resource to the Sunset forest.

Sunset forest is the place where the university is situated. The campus is built around the outskirts of the forest. The students that graduate from the zoology and botany department of this university are directly scouted by the research institute working in collaboration with the forest department of sunset forest. Such importance is given to this place is due to the rare species of animals and plants that it inhabitats. What number of species stays here is still unknown. It is said, it is classified information that only the elites of the government are aware of. Many suspect that the Forest officers living in the depths of the forest are also aware of the beings roaming the ground as no outsider has ever entered the forest. When the old officers retire their children take their place and become the officers gaurding the lands. Some say there is more than animals in the forest. Animals are just the cover for the government's dark secrets. Despite all the rumors, the government has never made any clear statements, choosing to stray clear of anything relating to the forest. But for hundred years the university has been producing great talents in these fields, who have given their all for the forest, whose names have never been mentioned again as if they disappeared in the sands of time but they have been there all along lost for the world but alive in the forest. Despite all this, thousands of applicants wish to enter the zoology and botany department and thousands are rejected, only the best fifty are enrolled in this programme every four years. Not even the college knows why they are selected or where they will go after four years. The college is only responsible for teaching and housing the students, nothing less, nothing more.

Anyways, coming back to the university campus, there are four buildings that form the university, placed in the four directions. The one in the west is the department of medical science, the one in the east is the department of biotechnology, the one in the south is the department of pharmacy and the one in the north, closest to the forest is the department of zoology and botany. In the middle is a glass tower which is the reception and also living quarters of all the major faculties of the university. Their offices are also situated in this building. The third floor is where the dean of the university resides. It can be regarded as the most dull place in the whole building. The dean rarely leaves this floor. Even some of the faculty doesn't know how he looks let alone the students. But today there was something different about this dull place as two arguing voices could be heard in the usually silent office of the dean.

A fat man was seated on a leather chair behind an oak table. He was the infamous dean who was often referred to as a couch potato by the students. Well, he didn't look anything better than a potato so the nickname was well suited. The couch potato right now was sweating heavily as if he had just run a marathon. His chubby fingers were tightly griping a handkerchief busy wiping the sweat rolling down his face. His eyes were dodgy and unfocused, he looked desperate and nervous. Even a little suspicious if observed carefully.

Seated in front of him was a young man. A pair of thin black rimmed glasses was perched on his straight nose. The man looked no more than twenty, dressed neatly in a pair of black jeans and a peach button up under a white lab coat. He looked exasperated and irritated with his furrowed brows and pursed lips.

"Professor Storm there have been an increase in wolf sightings around the campus. I'm afraid about the student's safety and I believe you will understand where I am coming from. I..."

"Actually I don't. SIR. You see, I really don't understand that why I have to get myself involved in this. If there are animals roaming around the campus then contact the authorities, someone like the wildlife association or something. Ask them to come to the CAMPUS and deal with this. Put up fences or electrical barriers for all I care but why the hell do I have to go into that damned forest, I. don't. understand. I am a zoology professor, you understand me, a PROFESSOR who YOU personally hired sir with the aim of teaching the students and not scouting the forest. I am sorry but I don't understand how I can even be of any help. So, I am not going anywhere. Since, I have made myself clear then I shall take my leave."

These words did nothing but increased the panic in the dean's eyes. He sat up straighter in his seat. A flattering and shaky smile making it's way to his face.

"Ac...actually, yes.., yes you can help us. You see, you are considered a prodigy in the field of zoology. At the age of 21 you're already a professor, you are our best choice. There is no one who is as knowledgeable as you. No one who can gather as much information as you can or has a better understanding in this field as you. That's why, the college authorities want you to look into this matter, maybe scout the forest and prepare a report about what is going on in the forest. Why are the animals so agitated and why are they crossing the borders when they haven't done so in all these years? It is the order from higher ups and you know that I don't have the power to refuse their order. Please don't make this difficult for me. And.. and you'll be paid for this too. Please consider this professor. I have no choices to give you here, this is a direct order that needs to be followed."

"You want me to prepare a report and scout the forest. Alone. Sir, we have only seen wolves, there could be even more dangerous animals if we go deeper into the forest, you want me to put my life on stake for this report. I might be passionate about zoology but I've not lost myself into it. Moreover, if this is something that the government wants then why don't they send someone from the institute. Why don't they do this under wraps? The people in the institute are trained, they are more suitable for this job. They know the forest better than any outsider like me. Hell, they basically live in the forest why don't they do something about this themselves. We can find some other solution that doesn't involve me going into the forest, I'm sure we can....."

"I am sorry professor but I don't think the institute is getting themselves involved in this, especially when they are so deep in the forest and this doesn't involves them too. I, myself don't know what is going inside the forest. I only know that this was asked of us and we are obliged to follow the orders. As far as I know there is no other alternative and NO you don't have a choice too. The reason why I asked you here is to inform you about their decision, you really don't have a choice in this. And, I'm not saying that you go alone professor as you know this forest is one of the reserved santuaries and thus protected by the government. There are forest rangers residing in the forest who have already been informed of the situation and are ready to assist you. But you have to enter the forest and reach the forest department on your own. Once you're there you will be assigned a team to work with. So, basically you won't be working alone, exactly. This will also benefit you and be a good addition to your resume as you are aware that despite your knowledge many people are still skeptical about you due to your age and zero practical experience. So, this can be a great opportunity for you too."

"I....I need time to think about this. I'll give you my answer after thinking about this... I mean I don't have a say in this but atleast give me the satisfaction of agreeing on this on my pace. I..I'll take my leave then."

"Yes, please take your time but please leave as soon as you can."

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Professor Storm left the dean's office frustrated. He really felt like pulling his hair out. But he cannot do anything, the dean is right, if this is an order from the higher ups then he has no say in this. If he doesn't agrees then maybe they will make him disappear. No, dammit..ugh..he has to agree to this or...or should he try to run away.

At this time when Professor Storm was going through this internal struggle the dean received a call in his office.

*Ring* *Ring*

"H..hello...ye..yes..s..sir, I..I've talked to Professor Storm as you said."

"What did he say?"

"He agreed... Of...of course sir *hehehe* He did throw a fuss in the starting but..but... I made sure that he couldn't refuse... How could he say no...es....especially when it was a direct order from you. Please don't worry, he...he'll leave for the forest soon."

"He better or I won't be the one who had to worry..."*growl*

"Of...of course sir he.....he will...I...I can guarantee it...I"

*Beep.....*

It seems a storm is soon approaching. What will change is still undecided but a change is definitely in motion.

The sunset forest was a sight to behold, more so when dusk dawned. One could only wish to capture the beauty in their eyes forever. The green expanse of the forest felt eternal; as the desire of the human heart. The tall trees tickled the fiery skies; a fleeting touch of comfort. The sinking sun peeked through the dwindling clouds, tinting the ether amber; a rosy hue of warmth. The soothing breeze, a gentle caress; the rhythm of which, lulled one to a peaceful sleep. The quiet of the woods was not creepy but eased troubled minds.

But today...., today the dawn was amiss....., different....., the forest was definitely different. The lively green forest was shrouded in darkness. The sturdy trees appeared gnarly and dead. The sky was laden with heavy clouds and the warm sun was lost under these cold and dark folds. The wind billowed, barbarous and uncultured, tearing through the forest. The quiet of the woods was eerie if not chill inspiring.

Birds flew over the thick canopy of the sunset forest going higher, mingling into the inky sky as if sensing the danger and fleeing for their lives. It is said that birds have the same five senses humans do—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—but each one is specialized to help birds survive. Each of these senses is modified to sense danger. Which means that they can literally “Smell a Rat”.

The flapping of wings soon faded into the thick clouds and the heavy wind billowed with more force crashing into the woods as if raging a war. The forest seemed still, as if frozen; but was it really?

~Somewhere to the west of the forest~

A decent amount of light filtered through the thick canopy of the trees dancing through the dense forest due to the swaying branches, like a dimly lit room with the light bulb swinging from the ceiling; unclearly clear. The surrounding was shrouded in an eerie silence. The twisted branches resembling figures; the ambience a perfect fit for a thrilling horror.....

*crack**thump**crash*

A figure stumbled down a low hill, rolling over the plants and landed on the rough forest bed. Professor Storm lay there, breathing heavily as he could feel his body aching from the rough fall. The thick roots sure did a number on his chest and back as he could feel the bruises forming. He could only lay there in pain and misery cursing the dean, the authorities behind him and his fate for all his misfortunes. He laid there contemplating his life choices and waiting for the pain to subside. After a few minutes his breathing calmed down and he was no longer wheezing like a dying old man. He sat on his knees struggling to stand up on his shaking legs but fell back down as he felt a sharp pain shoot up his right ankle.

'Shoot. I injured my ankle.' He hissed in pain. 'I need to find a shelter first.' He thought while struggling to get back on his feet. But paused when the thought of finding a shelter crossed his mind.

'I must have really hit my head hard', he thought, 'that I am even thinking of finding a shelter in the middle of nowhere.' He snorted, shaking his head at his own stupidity. After struggling for quite some while, he couldn't stand the pain anymore and decided to rest there for sometime. Closing his eyes he made himself comfortable, well as comfortable as one can get in a forest. Sighing heavily, he leaned on a jagged tree as a sense of calmness descended over the forest. Despite his calm demeanor, his heart was still stuffy with anxiousness and nervousness. After all, he was unaware of his surroundings, it was only natural that he was anxious if not terrified. Sitting in silence, he thought about what led him to this situation today. It was really weird how at such a time he thought back to his mother's words. When he decided to become a professor at Millenium, his mother was strictly against the notion, which led to their first fight in forever. He couldn't understand why his mother would be so against his job. She said she didn't wanted him to gain attention. Well, if she was talking about another number of mockers then she was right but it was not like they made a difference. Their addition was just like a drop in a vast ocean; insignificant. People mocked and belittled him before and they still do so. They thought that he was a fledgling trying to fly too high.

Aiden Storm might be a prodigy but he wasn't the privileged one. He never knew who or where his father was. For as long as he can remember he had only had his mother by his side. No relatives or friendly aunties, nothing. It has always been him and his mom against the big wide world. Despite being a single mother, his mother never made him feel lonely. She was always there for him, as a mother, father, sister, friend, whoever he needed, she made sure that he never felt the absence of a family. She was a biologist and despite her hectic schedule she made sure to spend the weekends and holidays with him and cook her food or wake him up and tuck him to bed. She always had time for him. It was her who inspired him to take up zoology apart from his love for nature and animals. Spending hours in her workplace, when she couldn't leave him home alone gave him a peek into her job and how interesting it was. She loved him a lot despite their differences on his job and he loved her the same.

He chuckled as he recalled those good old days, how carefree he was, nothing to worry about. Floating through the memories, his body slowly relaxed against the tree as he dozed of, living those happy days with his mother again. When he woke up after a few hours, the forest seemed darker and eerier than before. He looked around groggily, trying to adjust to his surroundings. He moved his legs trying to stand up when a sharp pain shot through his right leg, reminding him of the injury that he sustained in his ankle. He moved his leg slowly bringing his ankle closer to his body in order to wrap it up with a handkerchief. He touched around his ankle only to find it heavily swollen and let out a tired and pained sigh. 'It seems I really broke something this time.' He slowly tightened the cloth around his ankle hissing in pain. 'Why did I agree to this stupid project again..!? Oh yes, cause I wasn't given a choice in the first place. ouch...ugh it hurts.....Oh God...' He cursed and moaned in pain as the cloth dug into the swollen skin, it really hurt like a female dog.

After sitting still for a few minutes and levelling his breathing, he again tried to get up, struggling to gain a footing on the uneven floor. Picking up his backpack he stumbled forward, struggling to keep his right foot above the ground, he slowly hopped a few steps, all the while maintaining a tight hold on the nearby trees leaning heavily on them to keep his balance. He took out a flashlight which luckily didn't break from his fall and switched it on moving it around, trying to find a decent and remotely even path, through which he can move ahead. He finally found one on his left. The path didn't have many roots coming out of it and even seemed to have been used. Now who used it, Aiden didn't want to go deeper in that thought, lest he couldn't move from fear. He slowly hopped down the path, the torch light hopping ahead of him due to his movement. He wasn't sure about the time, but seeing the thick darkness, he believed it was night already and it was better to find a safe place to rest rather than roaming the forest. As he moved ahead, the trees got relatively thinner and there were not too many roots sticking off the ground. Despite these, the forest was still quite dense, just the moonlight was more visible than before, invading the canopy more freely.

Time passed as Aiden hopped through the woods, the trees thinning the further he moved. He had no sense of time as his phone was discharged and he didn't care to bring a watch along. He could have been walking for hours or just minutes, he didn't knew. He leaned against a tree, panting heavily. Last 36 hours had been quite exhausting for him and along with his injury, everything was now taking a toll on him. He could feel his body getting heavier as he slid down the tree. He could feel the throbbing of his ankle as the numbing pain travelled through his leg. He had never been a big fan of camping or hiking, actually anything that remotely involved physical activity just appalled him. His body had never gone through such torture and he can clearly feel it protesting. He was quite serious about this report when he first entered the forest, recording every single detail he considered important but every hour he spent in here, he started cursing everyone out there.

'I swears I really like flora and fauna but when I am covered in mud and sweat with leaves stuck in my hair and holes in my clothes, for don't know how many hours I really can't bring myself to like even himself let alone nature, the very cause of this mess.' He sat there against the tree, trying to regain some energy to move ahead. His eyes were becoming heavy as if he would pass out any second. He shook his head trying to stay conscious but it only made his vision fuzzier. While struggling to stay awake he heard a faint sound of water. He wasn't sure if his mind was playing tricks on him as he was really thirsty or the sound was real as it seemed to disappear a second later. He brushed it off as his mind playing tricks on him. 'Now, even my own brain is mocking me, great. Just great.' He sat there in silence trying to gain some sense of the situation when he again heard the sound of water. 'Again, am I really in such a bad condition that I am having illusions now.' He leaned his body towards the sound. 'It will disappear again just like the first time. I am really losing my mind, huh.' A few seconds passed but the sound was still there, he could still hear the flowing water, even though it was so faint, but it was real.

'Is there really a water body around here. But with the sound, if it is too far away, I might not even reach it before collapsing. Should I give it a try?' He was not sure if he would be able to reach there before collapsing. After contemplating for some time, he decided to look for the source, either way he would collapse in some time but if he could get some water into his system, maybe the situation won't be so bad. He again struggled to his feet, putting all his weight on his left leg and supporting himself on the tree se started dragging his body towards the sound. After a couple of hops, his body dangerously swayed. He tightened his hold on the tree as a shaking sigh left his lips. 'That was close. I really need to be careful.' He slowly moved towards the sound. His body became heavier with the passing minutes. The only assurance was that the sound was also getting clearer. 'It is a waterfall.' Aiden exclaimed. He didn't expect to see one so deep in the forest but who was he to complain as long as he can stay awake he doesn't mind even if a town was situated in the middle of this place. As the sound became clearer and higher, Aiden also became excited and his movements became hasty. 'Finally, something good. Just a little more. Just a little. Almost there.'

After a few minutes a hobbling figure stumbled through some thick bushes. Aiden had a giddy smile plastered on his face. He could feel the temperature drop as he entered the clearing. It was different from the stuffy and humid forest. It was cooler. He could feel the cool air enveloping his body. A shiver ran down his spine as some air touched his skin through the holes in his clothes. He slowed down his movements as he slowly approached the giant waterfall in front of him. The sight was mesmerizing as the water glittered under the moonlight.

All the excitement was now leaving his system as the adrenaline rush he felt was starting to vanish too. He could feel his body swaying, his vision blurred as he came down the adrenaline high. 'Two... two waterfalls..', he chuckled, wasn't he lucky. 'Almost there, a little more and I can stop this burning in my throat.' His knees hit the ground heavily. 'A little more.' The pain from his ankle pushed to the back of his mind as the smell of sweet water overwhelmed him. His body followed as he laid there on the cool tender grass. 'Almost...there...' His breathing slowed as seconds passed. 'I really want to rest..so badly... Maybe, a little rest won't harm right. I can have some water after I wake up, my throat really feels sore. And then I can continue moving and meet the rangers. Rangers..., yeah there were supposed to be rangers here, weren't they, who would help me with the report. But where are they?? I have been walking for miles now and didn't find a single soul here not even an animal. Am I that scary...,nahh.., sweet little me..mhmm... But on another note where in hell are those damned rangers ugh.. Ah.. is that a rabbit. No, it's too big. A doggie... Nopes. still too big... then what..?? Aha Mr. Wolfy... it's you. Wait wait wolf eats meat and I am a piece of meat, after applying the formula it gives wolf eats ME?? and this one seems to be glaring at me?? You can do that? Yes. Is this bad for me? Yes. Should I run? Yes. Can I run? No. Fudge my life.'

~Blackout~

Aiden Storm......

The first thing that invaded my senses as I fluttered my eyes open was the mild stench of medicine and blood apart from that of soaked soil. As I scanned my surroundings I found myself in a small dimly lit cell with brick walls and a metal gate. My head seemed to be buzzing as I just regained consciousness but surprisingly it was bandaged along with my sprained ankle and my minor wounds were also well taken care of......

Does this mean i am not kidnapped..?....but all these things don't add up...ugh...this is too much of a headache....whatever it is, ima not thinking about it , my head hurts too much to care about these things. Anyway, there's no point in dwelling over my situation until someone arrives. I need to wait for my captors to approach me to clear up this situation. Till then it's best that I keep myself safe in this damned place.....don't know what all creatures might be roaming this place...*shivers*

How in the name of God did I end up in this situation.*sigh*

I came here for that damned report and see where I am stuck now. I don't know where I am, let alone how long will I have to stay like this..*deep breaths*

I am really frustrated....Godddd.... wasn't I going to meet those so called rangers for assistance, in which hell are those damn rangers, they better not let me find them or I swear I'll have their heads.... damn fools.."

Shoot!! my head hurts again. I better not put too much pressure on it right now, or I'll be the one suffering. I better lie down and take some rest, my head might get better.

Casper POV

"We're here Alpha ."

"Open the door."

River seems a little weird today. Is he alright...*sigh* I can't even ask him or he might snap... such a pain in the ***, this man is and not in his but mine...idiot. He knows that I worry about him and still he keeps that annoying straight face of his.

*Clank*"He is sleeping..!? how much more careless can he be isn't he afraid that we would do something to him, how can he be so carefree as if he is'nt imprisoned but instead at his home.... You want me to wake him up, Alpha... I'm thinking, how about pouring water on him or should we just kick him off the slab..,..or..or.. we can turn into our wolf form and scare him off..no but he is also a wolf he might not be much afraid...huh..so which method do you think we should use Alpha"*innocently*

*Turns around*"Alpha.., al.., Jones.. hey River, what happened to you. River don't scare me, snap out of it bro,*shaking him rapidly* River... *breathing heavily* ...gaurds, anyone inform the doctor, HURRY..!!

Don't close your eyes, River...., River...."

RIVER POV

"Open the door."

what is this weird feeling about. Connor, can you just quit with your suspense. Just spit it out already... what is this feeling about..?? Why do I feel excited but at the same time nervous..??

"He is sleeping...!?..."*Looks up*

"Mate..mate..mate..*Connor is skipping in his head and wolfing around...*MATE..!!'*Shocked*

Why does the world seems to be spinning who am I, why am I, I need a break...just.., just sleep.. yeah sleep.*sigh*