Chapter 30 - Runt

*****Maddison's POV*****

"When was the last time that you shifted?" I make small talk with Seth as we walk around the large territory together.

The good thing about being here was that rogues couldn't pick up scents on this land so we would be able to hide out here better.

I was currently taking him out to Coda and I's most secluded spot knowing that it was hidden away and uneasy to get to- the river.

"Actually... I haven't ever shifted before." He replies, as we continue to walk, stopping every couple of minutes to listen out for anyone who might be close by.

I doubt anyone would be out here though since it was freezing and really late at night.

"Wait what? Never?" I question curiously, as he just shrugs.

"Nah. Warren always told me that I'd be lucky to even get a wolf with how small and wimpy I am for my age..." He explains, causing me to furrow my eyebrows at him.

Everyone gets a wolf. Big or small. Weak or strong.

"Seth..." I trail off quietly, not completely sure of how well he would take what I'm about to say.

"Yeah?" He asks innocently, as we grow closer to the location.

"I think... I think you might be a runt wolf..." I tell him softly, watching him for a reaction as he just continues to walk innocently.

"A what?" He asks, seeming to be confused with what I had said.

"You know? A runt? Like the runt of the pack?" I say softer than before, scared of offending him.

"I'm not sure what that is to be honest? Is it bad?" He squints at me slightly as I just stare back.

"We are here..." I suddenly state, moving the large shrubs aside allowing him to make his way into them.

I follow behind him as we both make our way down towards the enclosed river. It always shocked me with how peaceful it seemed down here... it was like a different world.

"Woah... how did you know this place was here?" He chirps happily when seeing the water.

I liked it here especially because of the sound of the running water which managed to drown out any noise so that anyone near by wouldn't be able to hear a thing.

"Coda used to bring me here whenever we went on walks..." I state, my voice falling flat as the feeling of want engulfs my stomach.

I wish he was with me I miss him so much...

I take the blankets from one of the back packs and place them under the large tree that hung over our heads- I figured if it were to rain then this was our best chance of shelter.

Once I had finished setting them on the floor, we both settled down on them as I handed him a chocolate biscuit from the bag.

"Thanks... I mean for everything..." Seth states as he watches the water run past, eating his biscuit slowly.

"Don't thank me... I'm doing what's right for us both... we can't just sit back there and allow for her to mess with us." I state, as he nods in agreement.

"What did you mean up there about me being a... uhh a runt wolf?" He then asks, going back to our earlier conversation.

Damn I don't want him to think he's different from everyone else... being a runt isn't a bad thing.

"Well basically a runt wolf is smaller than an average wolf... usually the person is really calm natured, soft spoken and shy as compared to other wolves..." I try my best to explain what a runt is as he just stares at me drinking in my words.

"Oh..." He then replies, as I naturally begin to feel bad for his reaction since he seemed slightly disappointed.

"Runts used to get treated really bad years ago... until my father put a stop to it all... every person has their wolf and if you haven't met yours yet then that just means that you're a late shifter... something that's also common for runt wolves. It's nothing to be ashamed of, I think it's amazing... being a runt probably explains why you want to be a doctor in the future... runts tend to care more for others and want to help others more which is incredible." I explain, as he begins to smile lightly.

"So I shouldn't be embarrassed about it?" He asks, almost looking unsure of how he should react to being told that he's a runt.

"No of course not! My Mom is a runt and she's the head Luna and Queen of every pack across this country. Being a runt doesn't mean your different from anyone else... in fact, it probably makes you a much nicer person than most. My fathers Beta is also a runt wolf." I encourage him further as his smile grows larger.

"No way! Is the Queen really a runt too?! And the strongest Beta in the world! But how? I thought runt wolves were weaker and smaller you said?" He then questions, now looking confused.

"My fathers Beta was rescued and raised in our pack and he is now seen as my fathers younger brother. My father trained him most days of the week when he was growing up and he worked so hard in his own time as well until he became stronger than everyone... he's a perfect example that a runt wolf can achieve anything despite them being born weaker. Hard work and determination pays off." I tell him the story of my uncle David- my fathers little brother and Beta.

"Woah... that's... that's amazing!" He breathes out, looking astonished with my story.

"So when will I shift? I can't wait to meet my wolf now!" He chirps up, looking excited now that I've confirmed that he will in fact have a wolf despite Warren telling him otherwise.

"Well I'm not going to lie... I hope your first shift happens when we are far away and safe from this hell hole... the first shift is really painful and I'd rather it was in a better place than here..." I explain, really praying that he doesn't shift whilst we are out here.

I hope my father and Coda figures this out and gets here soon... before we both get caught...