They enjoyed a hearty, filling meal with Xavier, Leia, and the two guards. When they finished, the cooks were asked to package up the leftovers for Damian and his friends.

“You’re too kind, Xavier. Thank you,” Damian said.

“You’re welcome.” Xavier wrapped his arm around Leia and pulled her into him. “What you did today was very selfless, dangerous, and so appreciated. I called your father. We had a nice long chat. He told me about your situation, and I told him what you’d done.”

Leia was dismissed to her room and the men made their way into the large living room that looked a lot like the one in the guest cabin. They each took a seat, while the guards stood close beside Xavier’s chair.

“I’m sure he wasn’t impressed,” Damian scoffed.

“On the contrary, he was.”

“I’m sure he was,” Damian said sarcastically. “Anyway, I’m sure he didn’t tell you the whole story about my situation. He kicked us out.” Damian’s stomach growled despite having eaten three servings of everything.

“Whatever is going on between you and your father is not my business. We are both very concerned, however, about the shooting, and now we know there are traps. We as Alphas need to protect our Packs. That includes you now, since you are an Alpha. One thing’s for sure, they aren’t aiming for any one specific group or target.”

“I thought it was just us, until you told Father your guys had reported gunfire, too. And now the cub,” Damian said.

“We’ll talk more about that later. Do you have any idea where you’re going in the morning?”

“Sort of,” Damian said. He wasn’t completely sure where the land his father had promised him was located, but had a general idea of the vicinity.

“We know the area well. My men would be more than happy to make sure you get there safely and aren’t met by any rogues.”

“That’s not necessary. We can manage,” Damian said. He doubled over in pain as his stomach rumbled louder than normal.

“You can’t go alone. You’re not well, and there are only three of you. My men will accompany you,” Xavier said. “And my healer is at your disposal, if you need her this evening, too.”

“Thank you.”

The men sat and talked for nearly thirty more minutes before Damian saw Maverick yawning several times. He gracefully thanked Xavier once again for his hospitality and the wonderful meal before announcing they needed to get some rest, so they’d be ready for their adventurous trek the next day. Xavier agreed it was best and, after shaking hands, they all parted ways for the evening.

It didn’t take long after Damian and his Betas made it back to their cabin and got settled into their room before Damian heard Maverick and Jordan snoring loudly. He lay tossing and turning, while his stomach continued its noisy tirade.

Knowing there was only one way to ensure he’d get some sleep, Damian dragged his naked form from the bed and made his way to the front window. He peeked outside to make sure Xavier’s men weren’t standing guard. Once he saw the coast was clear, he darted outside and quickly ran around to the back of the cabin facing the woods and shifted. His Wolf felt freer than he ever had as he frolicked and sprinted through the dense forest in search of a fresh kill.

It didn’t take him long to chase down a jackrabbit, followed by two squirrels. His pangs deep in his gut seemed to get worse, not better. And the scent wafting in the air was driving him more insane than he’d thought ever possible. His ears perked up as he listened intently to the slight noises that sounded like someone or something getting closer.

He lolled his head back to take in the sweet scent while determining the direction of the sounds.

Damian, what are you doing? It’s not safe to be out here, Maverick’s Wolf asked, breaking his concentration.

Jordan’s Wolf approached with a stern look. This is crazy. We’re supposed to be sleeping. We have a long day tomorrow. Why are you out here anyway?

I came out to run, and hunt. But someone was here. I could smell her, and heard her footsteps. She must have run when you two bumbles came charging through the woods. I have to find her.

Jordan’s Wolf howled. We should have known he was on a pussy hunt.

Maverick growled. Next time do us a favor. If you have to come hunt, let us know. Don’t come out here by yourself. What if something had happened to you?

Damian bared his teeth and gnashed at his Beta. I don’t need babysitters. I’m more than capable of protecting myself. I needed to get out of that cabin. I wanted to just run and next thing I knew, I had my canines sinking into a delicious jackrabbit. Damian’s stomach rumbled loudly.

About the insatiable hunger pangs and never-ending rumbling stomach you keep having, I was texting with my mom about it and she told me a little more about the Hunger disease. You can eat all you want, my friend, but until you find your soul-mate and claim her as yours, it won’t go away. She said you’ll know when you find her. And if you never find her … Jordan abruptly stopped.

Then what? Don’t leave me hanging. What happens if I don’t find her?

Maverick took a step closer to the two of them and said, You’ll go bat-shit crazy. My dad told me the stories about the Hunger, too.

Just then Damian’s nose poked up in the air and sniffed furiously. Her scent was back. She was nearby. She’s here, again.

Who? Maverick and Jordan asked at the same time.

Her! My soul-mate.