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Kalthor of the Forest

(A commission for Luwyn Werewusky)

Two feral wolves entered a deep, lush forest. The light of the full moon bathed it in all its natural glory. Ghost is a gray black and white wolf with a scar over his blue eye. He is the alpha. Luwyn is a gray, white, and red-marked omega. Ghost sniffed around; searching for something. He stopped and sighed.

“Alpha? Where are you taking us?" Luwyn said in a soft cute high-pitched voice.

“There's another wolf here I want to find." Ghost said in a deep booming dominating voice.

“Another wolf?" Luwyn said, smiling softly and panting.

“Yes. A new wolf. I want him to become part of the pack." Ghost said, smiling and nodding.

“Yay! I can't wait!" Luwyn said, grinning and bouncing around.

“Hehe! That's the spirit, pup. I've heard whispers that he has great potential. I want him before someone else does." Ghost said.

“We better hurry!" Luwyn said, worried.

“Don't worry. Be patient. I've got this!" Ghost said, petting him.

“Ok!" Luwyn said, relaxed and tail wagging.

“He can't be that elusive." Ghost said, searching and sniffing.

They searched for hours. As time passed…It was clear they wouldn't find him. At least…Not yet. It was late. Both were hungry and tired. Ghost looked back at Luwyn. Luwyn was sad. Ghost sighed, smiled, and petted him. He gazed at the moon and his surroundings. He caught a whiff of prey. He looked at Luwyn and grinned.

“Let's go to the cave. We need food and rest." Ghost said.

“But… But what about the wolf? What if someone finds him?" Luwyn said.

“Don't worry. I doubt someone will find him at this rate. He's just trickier to find than I thought." Ghost said.

“You were wrong?" Luwyn said, tilting his head.

“Heh… Yeah. I guess so." Ghost said, smiling sheepishly while rubbing his head. “Not to worry. I will find him. He can't hide forever." He said as they approached the cave.

Just when they thought they could get cozy; it began to storm. Ghost pushed Luwyn deep into the cave to protect him. He got him to lie down and gave him a pine cone to play with. It'd serve as a good distraction. Ghost looked outside and braced himself. He looked at Luwyn and smiled..

“Now stay put, pup. I'm going to get something to eat. Play with your toy until I return." Ghost said.

“Are you sure? The storm is big and scary. Will you be okay?" Luwyn said, puppy dog eyed.

“I know. You have nothing to fear. As long as you stay put, you will be fine. I've braved storms before, and I'll do it again. I promise I will return with plenty to eat. Just promise you'll stay here and wait for me, okay?" Ghost said softly.

“Ok! Please come back safely." Luwyn said, ears lowered and smiling softly.

“Don't worry. I will." Ghost said confidently.

“Thank you." Luwyn said. He tapped the pine cone between his paws.

Ghost stroked him. “I will. And hey…when I get back, I'll give you tummy rubs!"

“Yay! Ehehehe!" Luwyn said, smiling and panting, tail wagging. “I'll be a good pup and wait."

“Good boy. I will return!" Ghost said, dashing off.

Ghost took off at blistering speeds. The rain pelted him. Lightning crashed around him. Despite everything, he was determined. They would not go hungry. He was a masterclass hunter. He's got this!

The wind barreled around him. Even when he felt the wind would knock him astray; he pressed on. He ran through the trees and brush before leaping over a small stream. His paws pattered through puddles and body powered through hail. He ran over a slippery mud puddle and slid into a tree.

He hit the tree. He was sore; but nothing too serious. He pressed his back against it. He looked in the treetops. In the flicker of lightning; his eyes widened at the sight of a wolf leaping from branch to branch and from tree to tree. Ghost got up and climbed, but the rain made it impossible.

“Damn it! I can't reach him. Not like this." Ghost thought, looking for a way to get up; but to no avail.

A bolt of lightning struck the tree. Ghost dogged as it fell. He backed away as much as possible. Lightning flickered; allowing him to see the other wolf jumping from the treetops before vanishing out of sight. He growled and shook his head. He searched for prey and noticed a deer nearby.

“Need to retreat. I'll have to search again tomorrow. At least I have a better idea of where to look. For now…I must hunt. Don't want to keep Luwyn waiting." Ghost thought. He chased it before securing the kill.

One hour later…

Ghost dragged dinner all the way back to the cave. The second the scent of food hit his nostrils; Luwyn knew his alpha returned. Once inside…Ghost dropped dinner in front of him. He shook off and smiled. He approached Pup and comforted him. Luwyn elated and relieved to see his alpha back in one piece. His attention shifted to dinner. He licked his lip. His tummy growled. Ghost looked at him and then at the food.

“You may feast. Eat as much as you'd like." Ghost said and smiled.

“Yipee! Nom nom nom!" Luwyn said, scurrying over to the food and feasting like there's no tomorrow.

“I got a good hunt. Pup's getting spoiled tonight. Hehehe." Ghost said before joining him.

They ate and until they could eat no more. Their bellies were about to burst. They ate so much that there wasn't anything left— even the bones were stripped of marrow. It was a testament to how hungry they were and how massive their appetites can get.

Ghost cleaned up; but left a couple of bones for them to chew on. While Luwyn chewed on a bone; Ghost rolled him over. He rubbed his tummy with his soft beans. Luwyn squealed while he gnawed his bone. His tail wagged like crazy.

Ghost grinned and gave Luwyn the best belly rubs ever. He wanted him to relax. He knew how stressed he had to have been during his absence. He kept on petting him until he got sleepy. Ghost curled around him to comfort him. They relaxed in a warm embrace. They quickly drifted off to dreamland.

Hours later…

They slept soundly till afternoon. Realizing they'd overslept; Ghost shot up and nudged Luwyn awake. Luwyn came to. He groggily shook himself off. He looked at Alpha curiously. He tilted his head and yawned. He stretched himself; as did Ghost.

“What time is it?" Luwyn said.

“Time to search. I know exactly where to look. Come along, pup." Ghost said, slowly walking ahead of him.

“Oooh? You do? You're very strong and really smart!" Luwyn said, staying close as he pranced around.

“That I am! I'll find him today." Ghost said with gusto, charisma, and pride.

“Let's go!" Luwyn said cheerfully.

“On it!" Ghost said, grinning ear to ear.

Without warning…a group of humans donned in white lab coats appeared before them. Ghost growled, trying to intimidate them. They inched closer. Ghost attacked. They shot an electrified net at him, leaving him paralyzed. Luwyn hid in the corner. He was terrified. Ghost passed out when Luwyn was snatched. He yelped in horror as they injected him with a sedative.

Hours passed…

Ghost came to. He found himself inside a cage in a dimly lit, cold, dark, dank lab. The cage was made of steel and the lab was dull and drab. His mind was hazy at first; but soon realized what had become of him. He attempted to speak; but the muzzle secured to his snout prevented him. He tried to pry it off; but his limbs were chained. He could barely move or do much of anything.

He was a sitting duck. He was completely helpless. This was the most humiliating thing he's ever experienced. He wanted to escape; but there were no options. To make matters worse…Luwyn was nowhere to be seen. They have him locked elsewhere in the lab. The mere thought sent Ghost into a panicked frenzy. He instinctively tried to break free. He wouldn't let them hurt him. That was his omega! He must protect him at all costs!

He struggled in vain for hours on end. Eventually, he grew weary and couldn't go on. He laid there; defeated. However…just when all hope seemed lost…a lot of commotion happened outside the room. Humans fell, before a wolf knocked the door down. Ghost got one good look at him. He stepped into the room—tall, lean, with fur like midnight smoke and eyes that gleamed with fierce intelligence.

The wolf had a card key in his maw. He got on his haunches and slid it in the card reader next to the cage lock. The cage opened and Ghost's chains unshackled! He hopped out. The wolf removed his face muzzle. Ghost was relieved.

“Who are you?" Ghost asked.

“No time. Follow me if you want to find your friend." The wolf said.

“Ok!" Ghost said.

Turns out Luwyn wasn't far off. He was in another room. Luwyn cowered until he opened his eyes and saw that Ghost and another wolf were here to save him. He was released. Ghost motioned for Luwyn to get on his back. He did just that. Ghost followed the other wolf's lead and barreled straight through the facility.

Based on the surrounding carnage; the wolf did a number on the place. It made it so they could safely escape. They kept running like their lives depended on it. They reached the forest. They ran for miles through the wilderness until they found safety near a river. They took a breather.

“Glad you guys are ok. Had to fight like hell in there, but it paid off." The wolf said.

“I know. Thank you. You fought hard and saved us." Ghost said, smiling.

“Yeah! It was scary! But I'm glad we escaped!" Luwyn said, before looking at the other wolf. “...Who are you?" He said, smiling and tilting his head cutely.

“I am Kalthor. And you must be Luwyn." Kalthor said, before looking at Ghost. “And you are Ghost. It's a pleasure to meet you. I know of you from the lab files. Don't worry… I'm not one of them."

“That much is clear. Nice to meet you." Ghost said.

“Are you going to join us?" Luwyn said happily.

“Oh? Looking for a new pack mate? Well, you're in luck. I am a lone wolf." Kalthor said.

“You too?" Ghost said.

“Of course. It's a long story. Not something I want to get into just yet." Kalthor said.

“I understand. What a funny coincidence. I heard rumors of a wolf with great potential. You must be one they're referring to." Ghost said.

“Yes. I am him." Kalthor said pridefully.

“If that's the case…then it must be destiny. Just know that I am the alpha here. We must fight for dominance. You know the rules." Ghost said, prepping for battle.

Suddenly, Luwyn's tummy growled. “Alpha! I'm hungry!" He whined.

Ghost paused and turned his attention to Luwyn. “Oh, I'm sorry Luwyn! Do you think it can wait until I finish our battle? I'll make it quick." He said.

“Heh… Quick? I doubt it." Kalthor said snidely. Ghost glared at him.

“No! I'm starving! I want food now!" Luwyn said, stomach growling.

Ghost sighed and lowered his head. “Ok, ok. You win. I'll get something to eat." He said, then looked at Kalthor. “Don't move. Stay here with Luwyn until I return. I'm trusting you to look after him since you saved us." He said sternly.

Kalthor nodded. “I'll look after him. I promise."

“Good. In fact…do me a favor and hunt. The more we have to eat, the better." Ghost said.

“Why can't he help?" Kalthor said, pointing at him.

“Unlike us, he's fragile. He'll learn true strength someday. Only the strong survive. He needs someone strong to protect him. Cross the river. I'll head into the brush. Keep Luwyn close." He said, before scurrying off.

They sat in awkward silence. Kalthor nervously tapped his paws. He looked at the river, then at Luwyn.

Luwyn approached the river. “Ready?"

Kalthor growled and shook his head. “God… You're such a pampered baby. I can't believe he'd make me hunt and not you. I'm not used to wolf hierarchy…" Kalthor said, following Luwyn. He glared at him. He was both livid at Ghost and jealous of Luwyn. “You know what, Luwyn? You want food so bad? Fetch!"

Kalthor pushed him into the water. The river pushed him closer and closer to roaring currents.

“Help! Pup can't swim! Please help me, Kalthor!" Luwyn yelped.

Instead of helping; he stood by and watched. A crooked smile crept across his face. Luwyn got swept under the water repeatedly. He gasped for air; trying in vain to stay afloat. He wouldn't last at this rate. He begged and pleaded for Kalthor to save him one last time before being pulled under.

Ghost returned with his kill; only to find Kalthor alone.

“Kalthor? Where's Luwyn?" Ghost said.

Kalthor grinned devilishly before lunging at him.

“You want a battle, huh? I'll give you a battle!" Kalthor shouted.

“You're insane!" Ghost shouted.

He tried biting him to death; but was to no avail. They rolled around. Kalthor was shoved towards the river. Ghost realized Luwyn was in grave danger. He wouldn't stand for this! He was determined to take him down! After much back and forth, it took everything in Ghost to knock Kalthor into the river.

Kalthor got swept away and was quickly dragged under the currents. With that; Ghost hopped in the river. He swam frantically until he found Luwyn. He retrieved him. Luwyn barely clung to life. He did chest compressions to attempt resuscitation

“Kalthor! You bastard! How could you? You save our lives, only to stab us in the back?! Why!?" Ghost thought.

While Ghost was trying to revive Luwyn…Kalthor popped out of the water and found himself on the riverbanks. He was far away from them. He got up, shook himself off and looked up the river. He turned and ran off into the darkness of the forest.