The Alpha's Forsaken Omega

　　Rain poured down as Victoria ran along the slippery path through the forest. She clutched the swaddled bundle close to her chest as she briefly cast a glance over her shoulder. Sure enough, large torches could be seen in the distance, not far behind her.

　　"She can't escape! Lord Henry will have our heads!"

　　Victoria picked up the pace, almost losing her footing as she moved through the narrow path. The little bundle fussed against her chest and she loosened her grip a bit as she shifted towards the narrower path on her left. Crouching down low, she began to use the thick under brush to conceal herself as the torrential rain continued. She was grateful for the downpour because it erased her trail as she continued to move. A little shriek from the bundle causes her to freeze as she stops to peel back the soft layers of blankets.

　　Two beautiful orbs of gold and brown looked up at her as the baby's chubby cheeks rose in a gummy smile.

　　"Shhh, sweetheart. We can't let the bad men find us. I need to get you to safety." Victoria leaned in close and rubbed her nose against the baby's small nub before pulling back the layers of blankets to cover her face.

　　"Which way did she go?" Victoria heard a gruff voice ask, mere inches away from where she was crouched.

　　"We can't tell, sir. The rain is washing away the tracks. We don't know which way she went," another voice answered.

　　"Search the entire area! Our heads are on the line here! Search the brush as well!"

　　Victoria's heart leaped in her chest as she held the baby close. She heard the sound of approaching, sloshing footsteps, along with the sound of a blade cutting through the brush next to her.

　　"She wouldn't be here, sir. These bushes have thorns and poisonous weeds," a voice called out and Victoria held her breath as she heard another set of approaching steps.

　　"You're probably right. Let's move over to the path on the right. This one looks dangerous. I doubt she would chance it."

　　Victoria waited until the footsteps faded until she finally took a steadying breath. She heard the soft cooing in the bundle and she pulled back the blankets once more to smile down at the baby.

　　"It's going to be okay, my sweet. Mommy will make sure they never find you."

　　Pushing herself further into the brush until it opened up to another path, Victoria straightened her stance and continued forward until she came upon a small stream.

　　"This is it. This stream has to lead to Blood Moon Pack. We're almost there."

　　Carefully, Victoria strapped the precious bundle to her back with the cloth she had in her small purse at her waist. Once she was sure the baby was secured, she slowly made her way across the stream. Once on the other side, she pulled out the small map she had taken from her father's study and looked at it closely.

　　"Just a few more miles and we'll be there." She glanced around to ensure her pursuers were not once again nearby before she continued ahead.

　　Within the next hour or so, Victoria breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the small cottage along the edge of the field ahead of her. Making her way through the blades of tall grass, she managed to reach the fence of the small house. Carefully, she managed to fit herself through the large space between the wooden planks and quietly approached the side door of the house. Edging closer to the small window, Victoria saw the young couple inside, playfully dancing together in front of a roaring fireplace. The young woman was beautiful as she giggled. The man looked down at her adoringly as he twirled her in circles and stole kisses in between.

　　A pang of sadness suddenly tightened Victoria's chest as she watched the blissful young couple together.

　　"Your father and I danced like that once," She whispered, as she quickly swiped at the tear that escaped the corner of her eye. As she stepped back, she heard something snap and she gasped as the couple in the house suddenly stopped and glanced in the direction of the window.

　　"Did you hear something?" the young woman asked.

　　Victoria hurriedly shifted the small bundle from her back. Seeing a small wicker backet at the side of the outside porch, she grabbed it quickly, placing the small bundle safely into it. Reaching into the pocket of her skirt, she took out the small envelope she had there and placed it in the basket next to the now fussing baby.

　　"Forgive me, sweetheart. But this is the only way I can ensure you live."

　　At the sound of approaching footsteps from within the house, Victoria placed a quick kiss against her daughter's soft cheek before rushing away to the back of the house and into the thick grass. There, she crouched low and waited as the door opened and the young couple froze at the sight before them.

　　"Oh my God, Colton! It's a baby!" the young woman cried as she quickly picked up the baby from the basket and cuddled her close.

　　"There's a note," the young man reached down and read the letter inside the envelope. "Her name is Elena." The man lifted his gaze and looked out the field as the rain continued to pour. Victoria sunk herself deeper into the grass and then breathed a sigh of relief as the couple took the baby into the house.

　　"I hope I made the right decision, Anthony. Our little girl will be safe now."

　　Moving back into the forest, Victoria finally let the tears fall free as the pain that erupted into her chest burst forth. Leaning against the trunk of a tree, she sobbed for what felt like almost an hour until she rubbed both her hands down her face and lifted her head. Her heart stopped, as the soldiers of the Royal Guard looked back at her.

　　"Well, well, well. Maybe our heads will be safe after all," their leader said smugly. "Take her."

　　Victoria cast one more glance towards the path she had taken as the soldiers chained her hands and pulled her along in the opposite direction. Nobody knew of her daughter's existence. It was a secret she and Anthony had kept close, and one that he, took to his grave.

　　"Come, princess. Your future husband awaits you."