Chapter 2: Fate Shmate

Chris POV

Chris did his final rep of chin-ups before jumping down from the bar, rubbing his hands together.

“You know, most people would preserve their energy for the run tonight,” Xolo said, handing him a towel and Chris used it to wipe the sweat from his face before throwing it at Xolo.

“Yes, and most people are looking forward to running into the woods half naked like a bunch of animals. I’m not most people,” Chris spoke with a sly smirk before dropping onto the weight bench.

He and Xolo were best friends and had been since they were children.

Last year, Xolo had been mated on his second run, leaving Chris alone. It wasn’t so bad because Chris didn’t want to find his mate through the run.

It seemed insane to him that people thought that some woman lived in the sky and focused solely on who mated with who.

No, when he mated, he wanted it to be on his terms, meeting someone and being mutually attracted, not because the Moon told him so, but because they wanted to be together.

“Would it really be that bad? Had it not been for the run, I wouldn’t have Lizzie, you know that she’d the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Don’t you want to be happy?” Xolo asked, and Chris shook his head, running his hands through his curly hair.

“I want to be free, you can’t be happy in shackles,” Chris said sardonically before laying back on the bench.

“Let’s do another rep,” He said and Xolo shook his head but spotted the bar for him.

Chris wouldn’t describe himself as a nonbeliever, or cynical.

Chris preferred practical, logical.

Even though he knew how important this ritual was, he couldn’t get himself to truly go for it, to truly believe it. There hadn’t been that magical moment, the blood singing in him at some scent that would to knock him off his feet. He’d smelled pretty scents sure, but- nothing screamed mate at him, his one and only that he would never be whole again without.

It sounded like propaganda, something to keep them complacent and continuing the charade.

This run marked his final year, and with that, he could sink back into obscurity. No more people giving him those pitiful glares, telling him how he’ll find his mate next time, or offering to pray to the Moon Goddess for blessings for him. He would go into the woods, avoid any instance of a mating and when the sun rose, he would slink out of the woods, untouched by all of those expectations.

Chris wanted freedom, freedom to find the best path for him, d*mn some woman in the sky.

A knock on his den door made him pause and he looked up to see Felicity, his younger sister and Xolo’s mate, standing at the door.

“It’s time for the ceremony to begin,” Felicity said, sweeping her hair behind her back.

“Babe, you should be resting,” Xolo said, rushing to her and Chris put the bar back, sitting up and watching the couple.

Xolo cooed at Felicity, who pushed him away. However, Felicity obviously welcomed the attention.

Xolo a year ago wasn’t like that.

Mating changed you, and Chris didn’t want that at all.

“Chris, hurry, you’re going to be late,” Felicity said as Xolo wrapped his arms around Felicity’s shoulder.

Chris rolled his eyes at their display of affection before standing up, wiping his hands on his pants.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming.”

“Xolo, I’ll be right there, I’ve got to talk to Chris,” Felicity said and Xolo nodded, heading out of the door.

“It’s your last run tonight,” Felicity said and Chris nodded.

“I know.”

“It’s your last chance to find a mate. They’re not going to make exceptions for you when you come to your senses, you realize that, right?” She said and he ruffled her hair.

“You worry too much about your big brother, besides, I won’t need another chance,” He said with a shrug and she sighed, her mouth twisting up with worry.

“Even if you aren’t looking tonight… Will you look out for Asa?” She asked and Chris’ brows furrowed.

“Asa’s running this year? Did he not run last year?” He asked and Felicity smacked his bicep.

“Shows how much you listen to me! No, this is his first year, and with all of the big to do about this being the alpha’s son, and Asa’s insistence on Fate guiding everything, I’m just afraid someone’s going to trick him or something. He’s sweet but he’s so naive,” Felicity said and Chris laughed.

“Fate shmate. Only one thing is guiding them out there, and it’s their d-”

“Please don’t be vulgar,” Felicity said, slapping her hand over Chris' mouth. Chris licked her palm and she scrunched up her nose.

“Ew Chris you jerk,” She complained, rubbing the saliva on his arm before pushing him.

“Come on, the Run is about to start,” She said before pulling him out of his Den.

***

Chris stood at the mouth of the woods, cracking his neck as he watched the moon rise ever higher in the sky. It would be time for them to run once the money crested over the treetops.

Despite the brisk night, Chris could hardly feel the cold.

Instead, his heart pumped hard, spreading warmth through his veins and his fangs itched to drop.

As much as he didn’t believe in everything to do with the Moon Goddess and the run, he couldn’t deny how much the moon called to him, how much his inner wolf wanted to be set free and just run.

He closed his eyes, trying to ground himself.

He needed to clear his mind, he needed to focus on his game plan.

He would go into the woods and find a place to hide, same as the other two times.

Maybe he’d circle once or twice to affirm Felicity’s friend’s safety.

The moon finally peaked over the trees and howls rang out, signifying time for the chase.

Chris let the glow of the moon wash over him, taking a deep breath before running into the woods.

He stopped by a tree, his nose scrunching up when he caught a scent.

Lilac and Iron.

Was someone hurt?

His hand slipped on the bark and he pulled it back, looking at his fingers.

They glistened strangely in the moonlight, clearly blood-soaked.

He had to follow that scent.

Something in him pulled him forward towards it.

He had to figure out who owned it and make sure they were okay.