Four Mates And A She Wolf
40

The journey through the forest had been exhausting, and the group decided it was time to take a rest. They had been trekking for hours, their feet sore from navigating the uneven terrain and their bodies aching from the relentless pace they had maintained. Finally, they stumbled upon a small clearing that seemed safe enough to stop and take a rest. The canopy overhead filtered the late afternoon sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor, giving the place a serene, almost magical atmosphere.

Avery sat with her back against a sturdy tree, its rough bark pressing into her skin, feeling the day's exertion begin to weigh heavily on her. She let out a deep sigh, closing her eyes for a moment to savor the brief respite. Around her, the sounds of the forest were a gentle symphony: the rustling of leaves, the distant call of a bird, and the soft murmur of a nearby stream.

Shane, ever the pragmatic leader, was close by, methodically checking their supplies. He counted their rations, making sure they had enough to last until they reached the next village. His brow furrowed in concentration, his mind already calculating the remaining distance and the challenges they might face.

Sean and Cruz, with their characteristic optimism, were sketching a map on a piece of parchment, discussing possible routes with Shane and offering suggestions on the best paths to take. Their enthusiasm was infectious, providing a much- needed boost to the group's morale.

Romeo, meanwhile, was tending to the campfire. He had managed to gather some dry twigs and leaves, and with a bit of effort, coaxed a small flame to life. The warmth and light it provided were comforting, a reminder of the small comforts of civilization they had left behind. He looked up occasionally, his eyes scanning the perimeter of the clearing, ever vigilant for any signs of danger.

As they settled down, the group felt a momentary sense of peace, a brief lull in their arduous journey. They knew their journey was far from over, but in this clearing, for this moment, they could rest and gather their strength, preparing for the challenges that awaited them beyond the forest's edge.

The peacefulness of the forest was deceptive. The rustling leaves and distant birdcalls masked the approach of silent figures who had been tracking them for some time. The ambush came suddenly and without warning.

A sudden whistling sound filled the air, followed by the thud of arrows striking the ground and trees around them. Shane was the first to react, jumping to his feet and looking around frantically. "Get down!" he shouted, reaching for Avery. Sean, Cruz and Romeo moved quickly, their instincts kicking in. They formed a protective circle around Avery, trying to shield her from the unseen attackers. The arrows came faster, and the group could barely see their assailants hidden in the dense underbrush.

"We need to move!" Cruz shouted, but before anyone could take another step, he was hit by an arrow in the shoulder. He fell to the ground with a groan of pain.

Before any of them could say a word, Sean fell down unconscious too.

Avery screamed, her heart racing with fear. Shane and Romeo tried to drag Sean and Cruz to safety, but another volley of arrows struck them both. Shane took an arrow to the leg, and Romeo was hit in the side. They collapsed beside Cruz, their bodies limp and unmoving.

Avery saw the tip of the arrow and noticed that it was laced with silver. Silver is the only thing that renders a werewolf weak to his bones. No wonder her mates all fall. She was paralyzed with fear. She knelt beside her fallen mates, desperately trying to assess their injuries. "No, no, no," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "Please, wake up!"

The attackers emerged from the shadows, their faces covered with masks made of bark and leaves, blending seamlessly with the forest. They moved with a practiced, silent efficiency, surrounding Avery and her unconscious mates. Avery tried to stand and fight, but she felt a sharp pain in her neck, and her vision blurred. She reached up and pulled out a small dart, realizing too late that it was coated with a sedative.

The world around her grew dim, and she struggled to keep her eyes open. "Shane, Sean, Cruz, Romeo..." she murmured. Darkness enveloped her, and she fell into unconsciousness, her body slumping over her mates.

When Avery awoke, she felt disoriented and groggy. The forest was still around her, the sounds of nature muted and distant. She tried to move, but her limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. Panic surged through her as she realized she was tied to a tree, her wrists bound tightly with rough rope.

She looked around frantically, her vision still hazy. Shane, Sean, Cruz, and Romeo were nearby, also bound and unconscious. The attackers were nowhere to be seen, but the signs of their ambush were evident: scattered arrows, trampled underbrush, and the lingering sense of danger in the air.

Avery struggled against her bonds, but they were too tight. She felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. She needed to find a way to free herself and her mates. She couldn't leave them in this vulnerable state.

Taking a deep breath, Avery tried to focus. She recalled the survival skills she had learned over the years, hoping they would help her now. She twisted her wrists, trying to find any slack in the ropes. Her fingers brushed against a sharp piece of bark, and she began to untie it but soon felt dizzy. Before Avery realized it, she became unconscious. She could feel herself being lifted up but her body was too weak to protest.