Chapter 1 The Chase is On

The shortness of breath can cause our lungs to burst at any moment.

We have been running for miles now and are close to the cave where we live. If we can make it there, we will be saved from the clutches of two colossal Lycans who are hot on our heels. Judging by their prominent wolf features, they must hold high ranks in their race.

"Hang in there, Xanne. We're almost home, just a few more miles," I urged my best friend.

Thank God, we were able to shift in time; these two possess incredible speed that leaves us in awe. We were able to get a big head start since they didn't anticipate us leaving, which confused them before starting the chase. However, our lead is quickly diminishing since their pace is relentless; they are gaining ground.

'Yes, we're almost there. Once we hit the imperceptible barrier, we will be safe,' Xanne replied, panting in the mind link.

As Era, my wolf, strides to cover the last bit of distance, we finally arrive at Xanne's mystically built wall. Concealed from everyone's sight lies our secure refuge, a cave. With a long jump, Era nimbly passes through the invisible veil, and we land on the sandy ground inside. To my left, I notice Jeva, Xanne's wolf, also flopping down, gasping for breath.

We shift into our human forms and lean against the wall of the cave, trying to regain our strength.

"That was close, Cissy. How were they able to scent us? The potion is all over us," Xanne asked, astonished.

I can't help but chuckle; undoubtedly, Lycan instincts are undeniably sharper than those of ordinary werewolves. We crossed paths with them unexpectedly and were unable to take precautions.

"I think we require a more powerful one that is capable of withstanding Lycans as well," I laughed. "Meeting this breed in this area was unforeseen. They are typically found in Canada; we encountered them sooner than planned."

All of a sudden, a menacing growl catches our attention, and we turn to look back in the direction we had just come from. There we see them again, scanning the surroundings, apparently baffled that we could have disappeared in the blink of an eye. Why were they in Crescent Moon anyway? An Alpha installation isn't really a great event for Lycans to step out of their nest.

They thoroughly search every nook and cranny of the terrain, peering behind each leaf and rock formation, digging deep into the bushes for clues, but to no avail. After some time, they look at each other in despair before starting another cycle of rigorous investigation.

Xanne and I are now screaming with laughter, tumbling around on the ground.

Amused, we sit up again and, with great interest, observe them tear out every last tree and shrub in their search of finding us. Our mates. They are now back in their human form and stark naked. Identical twins, and handsome as hell.

Both of them have long hair with blended shades of brown and blonde. One of them has his in a ponytail, tightly fastened at the top of his head. Their divine toned bodies are on full display before our eyes; my mouth waters as my gaze fixates upon their bulging manhood.

Their thick eyebrows are knitted together tightly, growing increasingly annoyed that they can't find us. Lycans are very possessive by nature; we are aware they will not give up easily and will probably continue looking for us for hours. Fortunately, we had stocked up all the necessary supplies in the cave, so we could watch over them undetected from atop our comfortable bed.

"I am at a complete loss here! How were they able to perceive us as their mates? We are merely seventeen years old, we still have sixty days left until we turn eighteen!" Xanne wondered out loud. I shrugged.

"Poor timing for them. They entered our lives at an inconvenient time. We do not have the luxury to worry about mates right now, as it would only complicate things further. They will surely demand that we assume our responsibilities. As for me, I am not ready yet," I confidently stated.

Suddenly, one of them glances towards us, his gaze penetrating the wall as if he can see through. Impossible, of course; outsiders see the magic barrier as a big stone structure and hence do not bother to approach it.

"Where did they disappear, brother?" one asked the other. "And why did they flee? Every wolf would like to meet his mate, right? Maybe we should ask Alpha Dimitri about all the unmated she-wolves in his pack; they won't dare to stay hidden," he suggested.

"Easy, man. Don't put pressure on this," the other one soothed. "If they fled from us, there must be an underlying reason why they're acting out. Forcing them to come out might only make it harder for us to find them."

Hmmm, clearly one twin was decidedly more sentimental than his sibling. Impatiently, his brother runs a hand through his hair and looks back at the wall.

"But how do we find them? I can't detect any scent here. It seems as if they have disappeared from the face of the earth. Is that even possible?"

"Calm down. They can't be far. Plus, if they're part of Dimitri's pack, it won't be difficult to locate them," the other brother chimed in. "We'll track them down and convince them to join us willingly. I want a woman who's enthusiastic about being with me, not someone forced into it."

His words were full of resolution and conviction.

"Makes sense. Let's take a rest under the tree. We can extend our stay in Crescent Moon for a few days," admitted the stoic brother. "Besides, my instincts warn me about this Alpha. He seems like a dubious figure to me. I wouldn't be surprised if he's involved in shady business."

As we watched the scene unfold, the two were sitting just below a massive tree, facing directly into the cave. Now that we have a complete view of them, we can observe them to our heart's content...