Chapter 2

Into the claws of another pack

We were surrounded by the pack. Many wolves emerged from the trees to surround us while the Superior Alpha began guiding us through the woods. I stayed in my wolf form to guard Kacchan and Kami as we slowly proceeded. The brown wolf, now in her human form, trails beside Kacchan, checking Kami's state as we made our way through the trees. She is asking question about Kami's pregnancy, Kacchan replying with what he knows. Part of me couldn't help the anger building up in me as I watched her help Kami. It should be my pack doing that, not some random omega who we don't know. Kami deserved to have our pack close, excited to celebrate the new arrival. A family to welcome the new pup, his parents and Shin's there to help them.

Yet, all we have are strangers and the heavy weight of our pack's death on our shoulders. Tension of whether this pup will take its first breaths in this world, or if it will arrive as cold and void of life as those who are supposed to be here. The lives that should be thriving among us but are now forced into the earth we walk upon. Will we be adding to the number we have to mourn? Will these rogues claim more to the tally of wolves murdered?

I direct my attention to the Superior Alpha of this pack. We trailed behind him as he leads the way. The close proximity allowing me to look at him better. From the size of his white wolf with random red streaks caressing his fur, he has to be a dominant alpha. Even the Superiors of a pack aren't that large. If I were to guess, my wolf form would only reach the bottom of his shoulder, and I was larger than the average omega because I am my pack's Superior now. My size is closer to a betas' than an omega. Even without this pack's quirk, he could easily take down Kami and Kacchan.

I clench my jaw at the stressful position we are in. Honestly I don't know how I could handle him if this does turn bad, especially with how drained I am and the injuries that inhibit my movements. I don't think I could activate my quirk for more than a few seconds now. So it would come down to brute strength, and it is obvious who would win.

I kept my eye on him the entire time he led the way, not allowing my guard to drop. The painful cries of Kami only driving my anxiety higher, putting me on edge. My growls of warning to any wolves that get too close only adds to it. The tension in the air is thick as we make our way to a small cabin on the outskirts of the unknown packs village. There were women waiting next to a nest in the one roomed building. By the looks of it the brown haired omega and 3 betas would be assisting Kami with the delivery.

Kacchan looked towards me as I scoped the area quickly, waiting for me to allow him to set down Kami. I walk through the room, examining the 4 wolves that are waiting for us. They are kneeling next to the nest, their heads bowed and hands on their lap to show they mean no harm. I nod to Kacchan, slightly satisfied that they had the necessities for my omegan friend. For now everything seems fine.

Kacchan gently places Kami down into the nest, taking the position of the alpha for him. Omegas in labor need the soothing pheromones of their alpha for a smoother delivery, but with Hitoshi gone that role will have to be Kacchan if we wanted to keep Kami out of a drop. Not even another omega could bring the pain down enough like an alpha's pheromones could.

I watched as Kacchan asks for permission to enter the nest once Kami was done scenting the fabric around him. The women waited patiently for the omega to get situated, preparing the things they brought for the baby.

"Deep breaths, Kami" The blonde alpha sooths as he positions himself behind the omega, Kami quickly resting against his chest as another contraction came. The whimpered cries filled the room as the helpers gathered around the nest. Soothing alpha pheromones quickly spread through the air as it mingles with Kami's distress. The scents of the other pack starts to mix with Kami and Kacchan's and it confuses my omega, stress starting to take over as my omega demands I protect my pack. I need to leave, this was no place for me to be. I could cause more harm with my presence.

I scoped the cabin one more time before I quickly make my way outside. I busy myself with scouting the perimeter for any threat. I growl at any wolf that was too close for my liking before laying in front of the door. It shouldn't be long now, either we would welcome a new life or be left mourning another. There was nothing I could do but wait as I listened to my friend's cries of pain.

As the new Superior of my pack I had to take the responsibility of this mess. Though this wasn't my doing, I need to prepare myself for the worst outcome. I need to prepare my heart for another loss of my pack. We don't have a home now, so I need to be ready to make the decisions that my pack couldn't make, though I don't know if I can make them either. Would I be able to make the decision for Kami to leave behind his dead pup that he desperately loves. Force him to not even have a place to return to to visit his pup. Or do that to Hitoshi if he is still alive. Force him to leave behind his dead mate and pup.

"Excuse me." A shy voice says, startling me from my thoughts. I let out a warning growl as I stand, my muscles screaming at me to lay back down.

"I'm sorry." The small girl says, bowing her head in respect. She looks to be 12 or 13, long white-silver hair with red eyes, and by the smell of it, another omega. "I brought food and water for you three, may I enter?"

I narrow my eyes as I look at the tray in her hands. I sniff it a couple times trying to detect any poison or rotting food. The girl holds still, her head bowed not wanting to anger me. I slowly move away from the door, watching as she walks in, before taking my position in front of the door again. This time I don't allow my thoughts to wander, instead I look at the village around me.

Very few people are out, probably staying away by orders of their Superior. There may not be any outside, I can occasionally see people peeking through their windows towards me. It irritates me slightly, do they not have any decency? They should show us some respect and give us some privacy.

A small sound from the cabin catches my attention, a warmth filling my chest as I recognize it as a pup's cry. I quickly get up and push open the door with my nose. I can't help the tears that come to my eyes as I see Kacchan holding Kami in his lap, a small bundle being handed to the omega. The small cries becoming louder as the pup searches for it's dam.

I quickly make my way over to the nest, stopping outside of it to not anger the new dam before me. The smile on Kami's face only grows bigger as he grabs his pup. He holds the bundle close to his chest as he scents it, tears streaking down his dirt covered face. His pheromones changing from distressed to joy, the purr resonating from his chest increasing in volume as the pup quiets down.

I look towards Kacchan who seems to also be holding back tears, his eyes are red and glint the light of the candles. He looks at me, a small smile on his face. I nod at him as relief and happiness fill me. We did it, Kami and the pup survived. Hitoshi would be so happy.

It's late in the evening now, the sun falling below the horizon bring a golden hue to streak the sky. Night is quickly approaching and with it my exhaustion increases.

I watch as Kami cuddles with his new pup in the nest, soft snores coming from him. The sight brings warmth to my heart and a peaceful atmosphere to the small room. The people here have been very thoughtful and kind so far. They helped Kacchan wash Kami, with my close watch of course. They brought clean clothing, more food and extra blankets and pillows for our comfort. Not enough for my taste, but I wouldn't tell them otherwise.

A grunt makes its way out of Kacchan. Still in my wolf form, I make my way over to him, eyeing the brown haired omega who is still here. She is stitching the large gashes on Kacchan's abdomen.

"Is that omega your mate?" The brown haired girl asks quietly. I can't stop the low growl that leaves my throat. She is seeking information for her Superior, trying to gage what bonds they have to be careful about when they attack.

"How is that any of your fuckin business, pink cheeks?!" Kacchan snaps, his tone harsh as he glares down at her.

"You are correct, my apologies." The girl whispers quickly, averting her eyes to the floor. She slowly get up from her spot. "I am done cleaning up your wounds." She says with a small bow before turning to me slowly. "If you shift, I can start on yours." I growl again, letting my displeasure show. She physically shutters as she feels me release anger pheromones. Her head bows lower as her omega forces her to expose her neck in full submission.

"Leave." Kacchan states loudly. The girl nods and runs out of the cabin quickly, not looking at us. I let out a breath as I walked to the chair Kacchan was sitting in a moment ago. I wait for him to lock the door before I shift into my human form. I can't help the whine that leaves me as I feel my wounds reopen. I have deep gashes along my back from the rogue alpha attacking me, but that seems to be the worst of my injuries.

"You know acting like that makes you look more suspicious." Kacchan states while preparing the items he needs to stitch up my back.

"I know, but I cannot allow them to find out the only leverage we have. If they do have intent on harming us, I am the only advantage we have." I wince as I feel Kacchan start to stitch the first gash, the pain increasing as the needle pushes through my skin. "We have already lost everything, I cannot lose you three." I continue, trying to hold back my hiss of pain. "I'll keep my identity hidden as long as possible in hopes that it keep you safe."

Kacchan hums in response, but stays quiet for a moment. "You know we won't be able to shift for a couple days with these stitches, right?" He states as he grabs more thread. I can feel his soothing pheromones lightly in the air. I smirk at the fact that Kacchan has never been a man of words, but actions. I sigh at his attempts to soothe my pain and anxiety, a small smile making its way onto my face.

"Ya, if you take the first watch, I should be rested enough to hide my pheromones when I take over. They won't be able to see my body if I wear a cloak, so they will continue to think I am a beta." I state, slowly forming a plan. We stay silent until I am stitched up, Kacchan patting my shoulder letting me know I can get up. I stand and slowly roll my shoulders testing how well I can move with the stiches. My body aches from the constant running we have done the past 4 days, the exhaustion starting to take over.

"Alright, wake me up at half night." I state as I pull some of the blankets to make a bed next to Kami's nest. I grunt as I grab a clean shirt, my omega disgusted with the fact I'm putting it on over my dirty body. I will need to bathe at some point, but it will have to wait.

Kacchan leaves without further word. I sigh as I lay on my stomach, sleep quickly taking over.