Chapter Text
Mud splashed under Derek's feet as he tore through the darkening forest, his breath a white curled mist in the freezing night air. But he couldn't feel the wind's bite, nor the breeze through his hair. He was hot.
Behind him were snarls. Thudding footsteps. And the sounds of breaking tree branches being snapped with claws.
Closer.
They always grew closer.
.
.
"Cut him off!
.
.
"He went east! After him!"
.
.
"You can't run forever, Omega!"
.
.
But he could, he always could. Because he already was. He has been for a very long time.
Fifteen minutes of running through the rain-soaked northern California forest while five fully shifted wolves hunted him through the dark like a pack of hungry dogs. Most people would have been dead by now.
Though Derek couldn't help but feel a wry smile creep onto his lips. He didn't know if it was the chase itself or the weird sentient deja vu he gets every time he's like this... but something was funny.
He was having fun.
He's been running for exactly 15 minutes now. He knew because he could feel his heart starting to thud from the pace. He'd eventually need to slow a little, just to give these mutts a chance to catch up. It was pathetic really, these lot were far from the fastest wolves he's been chased by, I mean, come on? Why have supernatural speed if you can't keep up with a simple hunter?
Well... given he's a werewolf himself, maybe he can give them a slight break, unlike them, he knows how to run like hell.
.
.
"OMEGA!"
.
.
Oh yeah, he was having lots of fun.
Omega was his code name, simple, easy to remember, technically true as well. Ironic. A werewolf hunting other werewolves, whoever would have thought?
He vaulted over fallen tree logs, boots skidding through wet leaves as he landed. Water dripped down from the dark hood he wore over his face, but the true disguise was the face cover that only showed his eyes to the top of his head. His eyes shone a simmering yellow colour, a contrast to the dangerous electric blue of the rest of the Betas. The eyes of a werewolf that's taken an innocents life.
He heard the oncoming charge before he saw it, and swiftly jumped out of the way, rolling across the floor out of the Alpha's direct line of Attack.
He stole a glance and was met with cold crimson eyes that promise pain and death.
The Alpha, David (Dusk).
And not too far behind, Amara (Voss) and Jamie (Solis).
Perfect.
Derek deliberately slowed his pace for them to gain ground, but Voss's sudden burst of speed had him kicking off a nearby tree and running in another direction.
He sees now. She's not just fast; she can control it in bursts of speed.
A growl thundered behind him before a large figure's shadow darkened the ground around him, lunging for him with extended claws. Derek ducked sharply, narrowly missing getting the back of his head clawed by Solis. The large beta slammed into the tree instead.
"Danm!" Derek called over his shoulder. "Almost had me there, mutt."
The Beta snarled viciously.
Omega smirked under his mask and kept running.
_________________________
SUPERNATURAL INTELLEGENCE FILE
OPERATION: DUSK TILL DAWN
Classification: Active Hunt
Territory: Ridge Forest - Northern territory
Current Status: Ongoing
Threat Assessment: HIGH
Objective: Full elimination of identified Dusk Pack members.
Engagement Rules:
. No survivours
. Avoid public exposure
. Destroying the remains where possible
. Alpha termination prioritised
_____
PACK STRUCTURE:
Alpha Count: 1
. David Dusk
Beta Count: 5
. Jamie Solis
. Amara Voss
. Christian Dusk
. Leo Reah
. Owen Shamus
Estimated Territory Size:
34–40 mile hunting radius
Confirmed Victims:
19 human fatalities
7 supernatural-related disappearances
Pack Behavioural Pattern:
The Dusk Pack favours intimidation-based territorial control. Most attacks occur near border regions or during periods of migration through neighbouring territories. Demonstrates coordinated pack hunting tactics with Alpha-led pursuit formations.
_____
TARGET 1: DAVID DUSK
Age: 43
Species: Alpha Werewolf
Role: Pack Leader
Threat Level: HIGH PRIORITY
Profile:
Founder and acting Alpha of the Dusk Pack following the violent overthrow of former Alpha Marcus Vale six years prior. Maintains leadership through fear, loyalty conditioning, and direct violence. Highly intelligent under controlled conditions. Displays increasing emotional instability when pack members are threatened or separated. Observed to prioritise pack survival over civilian concealment.
Combat Notes:
. Strongest during full-pack engagements
. Exceptional physical strength.
. Heavy reliance on intimidation tactics
. Prefers direct confrontation once angered
Psychological Notes:
Protective toward blood-related pack members, specifically Christian Dusk. History of excessive retaliation against perceived betrayal.
Weakness Assessment:
Impulsive under emotional distress. Can be manipulated into abandoning strategic positioning during pursuit scenarios.
Hunter Notes:
"Separate him from the pack first. Alone, he's dangerous. Together, he's lethal."
_____
TARGET 2: Jamie Solis
Age: 32
Species: Beta Werewolf
Role: Second-in-Command / Enforcer
Threat Level: HIGH
Profile:
Former rogue recruited shortly after the Dusk Pack's formation. Functions as David Dusk's primary enforcer and battlefield defender. Possesses tracking capabilities significantly above average werewolf standards. Responsible for locating prey and recovering fleeing targets.
Combat Notes:
. Extremely aggressive in close quarters.
. High pain tolerance.
. Enhanced olfactory tracking.
. Frequently initiates physical engagement before receiving commands.
Psychological Notes:
Displays dependency on Alpha approval. Easily provoked through insults or failed pursuits.
Weakness Assessment:
Poor adaptability during prolonged engagements. Aggression compromises coordination and situational awareness.
Hunter Notes:
"Keep distance. Never let Solice close the gap."
_____
TARGET 3: AMARA VOSS
Age: 27
Species: Beta Werewolf
Role: Scout / Pursuit Specialist
Threat Level: MODERATE-HIGH
Profile:
Youngest active beta within the Dusk Pack. Specialises in reconnaissance, surveillance, and rapid pursuit operations. Typically patrols outer territorial borders independently.
Combat Notes:
Fastest member of the pack.Skilled in ambush positioning.Relies heavily on speed over raw strength. Often used to flush prey into waiting pack members.
Psychological Notes:
Behavioural analysis suggests unresolved distrust toward newer pack additions following David Dusk's rise to Alpha status.
Weakness Assessment:
Limited endurance in extended combat. Overreliance on stealth tactics creates vulnerability once detected.
Hunter Notes:
"If Voss disappears from sight, assume she's circling."
_____
TARGET 4: CHRISTIAN DUSK
Age: 24
Species: Beta Werewolf
Role: Alpha Successor
Threat Level: HIGH
Profile:
Son of Alpha David Dusk. Raised within the pack leadership structure and trained directly under Alpha supervision. Displays strong territorial instincts and elevated hostility toward perceived challengers.
Combat Notes:
Fights aggressively and emotionally. High confidence in physical dominance. Frequently disregards formation discipline. Strongest beta physically after Jamie Solis.
Psychological Notes:
Severe superiority complex. Competitive behavior observed toward all non-family pack members.
Weakness Assessment:
Predictable under pressure. Easily baited into reckless engagement.
Hunter Notes:
"Christian wants to prove himself. Use that."
_____
TARGET 5: LEO REAH
Age: 28
Species: Beta Werewolf
Role: Tactical Support / Retrieval
Threat Level: MODERATE
Profile:
Acts as the stabilising influence within the Dusk Pack. Frequently observed managing internal disputes and coordinating movement during hunts. Less physically dominant than other betas but significantly more disciplined.
Combat Notes:
Defensive fighter. Prioritises protecting pack members. Rarely acts without assessing surroundings first.
Psychological Notes:
Potential moral hesitation observed during civilian-related incidents.
Weakness Assessment:
Pack loyalty may override survival instincts.
Hunter Notes:
"Remove Reah early. Pack coordination drops immediately afterwards."
_____
TARGET 6: OWEN SHAMUS
Age: 30
Species: Beta Werewolf
Role: Interrogation / Disposal
Threat Level: MODERATE-HIGH
Profile:
Responsible for body disposal and intimidation operations connected to pack activity. Frequently tasked with handling captured prey. Known history of excessive violence beyond operational necessity.
Combat Notes:
Brutally efficient at mid-range combat. Uses fear tactics frequently. Enjoys prolonged engagements.
Psychological Notes:
Displays sadistic tendencies. Likely unstable even by werewolf standards.
Weakness Assessment:
Easily distracted by dominance displays and prolonged suffering of targets.
Hunter Notes:
"Shamus likes to play with his food. Don't give him the chance."
_________
Derek closed the file in his mind as he dashed through the tightly packed trees, swiftly dodging and turning his body so as not to be stalled. His eyes were working overtime in the darkness
Everything was where it should be.
Where it needed to be.
Right on schedule.
Planned.
A crunch sounded somewhere to his left, and the familiar sound of footsteps followed.
Rowan.
Smaller than Derek, leaner too. Built for speed instead of brute force.
She moved through the forest as if she belonged there, boots barely making a sound against the soaked earth despite the weapons he knew she carried on her. Two strapped to her wrist, a backup strapped to her waist. Derek was certain there were more.
There was always more.
Rain clung to the short curls over her forehead, the dark oversized hoodie swallowed her frame, and at first glance, she almost looked innocent. Harmless.
But she stares too long.
That's when people start to realise something is wrong.
Derek has seen Rowan take down hunters and supernatural creatures twice her size without changing her expression, her blade work near mastery after the 7 long years he's had training her. Quick hands. Quicker instincts. Brutal when necessary.
And terrifyingly patient.
Rowan glanced sideways, her dark brown eyes meeting his green ones.
Then she gave a sharp nod.
Signal received.
Derek inhaled sharply, timing every step.
.
.
Three....
The pack gained ground on them. Shamus's voice carried a heavy threat about skinning them alive, some sadistic bullshit he'd enjoy.
.
.
Two...
Both hunters surged forward at once, forcing the wolves into a faster, more committed chase. He watched Rowan pivot on her foot swiftly and throw one of her knives. It embedded itself within the chest of Leo Reah, who jumped out from the tree tops. The Beta lost his momentum and dropped to the ground, giving Rowan the chance to jump over him.
.
.
One...
Now.
Without warning, the two hunters split apart.
Rowan disappearing left, Derek cutting right.
The pack reacted just how they expected they would.
"What-"
"Jamie!" The Alpha yelled instantly, jumping into action. "Take the others! After the Boy!"
Boy. Derek almost laughed.
The betas didn't hesitate; five dark shapes broke away after her, following Rowan deeper into the trees without looking back.
Perfect.
Derek kept moving, boots hammering against the floor as he led the Alpha further into the narrowest parts of the forest. The trees closed in tighter here, thick trunks packed shoulder to shoulder, branches stretched and choked out with little moonlight filtering through, creating a mottled light effect. Maybe that's why Derek was surprised when his boots slid on mud as the terrain dipped sharply downhill.
He knew it was coming, but even he's not perfect.
The Alpha focused entirely on the chase, jumping down the slope and landing in a crouch. He roared and started on Derek again, chasing on all fours, which seemed to make him faster... which meant he didn't see the markings carved into the bark of the trees. Tiny symbols nearly invisible beneath the rain. Nor did he notice the smell of mountain ash. Derek noticed every single one.
The second Derek came up to the point where the trees began to loosen, he leapt right at the last second, causing the Alpha to run headfirst through the barriers and into the trap. Derek wasted no time and pulled out a small remote from within his pocket, clicking the trigger and activating the trap.
The forest lit up purple.
The mountain has splayed and grown between four connecting trees, creating an impenetrable wall around the Alpha, trapping him within. Derek heard the man roar before jumping at the barrier, claws and teeth barred, ready to get at Derek with all his might.
The hit was full force.
The impact launched him backwards violently, his body crashing onto the ground with a hard thud, leaving the Alpha snarling and releasing a furious roar through the forest.
Derek looked, watching as David tried. Again. and again. and again. Each result is the same as the last. Smoke hissed from the man's skin with every touch, making his crimson eyes shine that much brighter with rage and pain. "NO!"
Derek smirked and turned to face the Alpha, crossing his arms over his chest. "You done?"
"You bastard!" David roared, claws slicing at the barrier, but nothing worked. The purple hue pulsing like a mock show of stability. "I'll fucking kill you!"
Derek snorted. "Really?"
David clawed at the barrier again, clearly doing it now out of desperation rather than clear thinking. "Yes! Just you wait, my pack will be here any minute, they will have killed your-" He froze, the words dying in his mouth in an instant.
The forest began to echo with screams.
Not human screams.
Animalistic.
Werewolves.
And the scent of wolvesbain smoke drifted faintly through the air, carried by the rain.
Howls of pain.
"No." David croaked out. "NO NO NO!" he ran into the barrier, shoulder-checking it till the side of his arm was burned and bruised, light blood staining his shirt. "NO NO NO!"
Derek hummed. "Yes. That would be your pack burning in Wolvesbane smoke."
The Alpha's eyes went wild with panic, feeling the bonds of his packmates screaming at him for help. He could feel them starting to slip away as their lives dimmed. He felt the first one break, his son, Christian. His own son's life was taken from the smoke. David felt his eyes burn without his permission, and he let out a roar of rage and devastation. "LET ME OUT!"
Derek watched the Alpha start to break down, trying to get out of the barrier, but unable to. He felt no remorse... even if he did always hate this part. This man, this Alpha, was a killer. So was the rest of his pack, the lot of them cold murderers to keep themselves on top. Their lives mean nothing compared to the many they have taken.
"What do you want?" The Alpha sneered. Even after facing this, he still refused to seem defeated.
Derek almost respected it. "Nothing."
A shadow moved silently behind the Alpha. Hidden between the trees. Rowan emerged from the darkness as if she'd always been standing there. One of her knives spun once between her fingers before settling perfectly in her grip.
The Alpha never noticed her.
He was too busy staring at Derek.
Too angry.
Too desperate.
Derek discreetly pressed another button on the remote, and the rear barrier dropped for less than a second. A hole in the mountain ash formed and burned away. That was all Rowan needed to get through. She moved fast, one slash, clean.
The blade carved through the backs of the Alpha's legs, severing tendons instantly, causing David to hit the ground with a surprised yell of pain. Rowan was on him long before he had the chance to heal, putting the knife to his throat and pinning him down in the mud. The blade she used was covered in liquid wolfsbane, which she likely applied on the way up here. A deadly mix, for the three of them, yet Rowan handles it far better than Derek did.
"Before you die, I want you to think," Rowan whispered, keeping eye contact with the Alpha, but no doubt hyper aware of his claws.
The Alpha tried something, but was quickly stabbed in the hand.
"Ahhh!"
And Rowan smiled.
Small. Dimples pressing faintly into her cheeks in a way that should've looked friendly. But it wasn't.
God, It wasn't.
"Hush," Rowan said, putting a finger over his mouth. "Listen. Does the name Lo'ak mean anything to you?"
The Alpha growled. "Why would I tell you anything?"
Rowan stared. "Would you rather I kill you quickly or painfully?"
The Alpha coughed weakly beneath Rowan's grip, blood spilling down his neck as his eyes flickered toward Rowan. Recognition flashed there. Fear followed immediately after. "An old name," he rasped. "Haven't heard it in years. Last I heard, they were all wiped out. Filthy skinwal-"
The knife drove straight through his skull.
Wet. quick. Final.
The Alpha's body went limp instantly, and for a few seconds, rain was the only thing filling the silence.
Derek gave her a sharp look.
Rowan crouched motionless above the corpse, hand still tightly clasping the knife's handle, her eyes glazed over. Staring at the dead Alpha's face. Blood slowly seeped from the wound and onto the floor, creating a shallow pool at her hand.
Her expression hadn't changed much, besides the look of concentration.
"Rowan," Derek said carefully. "We could have used him."
She shook her head mutely, pulling the blade from the Alpha's skull with a sickening slick that would have had the untrained stomach turning. "No." She wiped the blood on the man's shirt and then stood. "I heard what I needed; he was useless."
Derek's jaw tightened slightly.
Most people would've missed it. The shift behind her eyes. The distant look. Like, part of her attention had gone somewhere else entirely for a few seconds.
But Derek noticed.
He always noticed.
Rowan had never explained exactly what happened to her family that night. Not fully. Some things she physically couldn't talk about without shutting down completely.
But Derek knew enough.
He knew what she was.
And he knew some skinwalkers carried abilities older than claws or shifting forms.
Abilities people weren't supposed to have.
The kind whispered about in stories hunters rarely repeated twice.
Because the more aware you became of a skinwalker...
...the more aware it became of you.
Derek had seen Rowan pull answers out of people without them ever speaking aloud. Seen her react to things seconds before they happened. Seen her stare at someone too long, only for them to suddenly go pale and look away first.
Like they felt her inside their head.
She never spoke about it afterwards.
Neither did he.
Some instincts were smarter left unnamed.
Rowan cleaned the rest of the blood on the inside of her sleeve before sheathing it back into its holster on her waist. "You done staring?" She asked him directly, glancing over at him, eyes softening slightly, not holding the same edge she had with others. "We need to get rid of the bodies."
Derek looked once more at the Alpha's body before nodding.
"Yeah," he muttered. "Took you five seconds longer to get here." He muttered, mused.
Rowan gave him a bored look. "I was busy. Admittedly, it was harder to trick five of them into the trap than I thought. I had to get myself caught first."
"Trapping people usually slows you down? Are you getting rusty?"
The look Rowan shot him. "Does when they won't hurry up. Now, come on."
Derek shook his head once, unable to stop the small grin tugging at his mouth. He reached over automatically, briefly shoving a hand against the top of her rain-soaked curls.
Rowan immediately smacked his arm away. "Don't."
"Sensitive." He smirked, knowing he just wanted to get under her skin. He appreciated her deadpanned ways during the hunt, but outside of it, he had to remind her to atleast try to blend in like a normal person.
"You're annoying," Rowan stated, reaching into her jacket pocket and pulling out a lighter. The flame flickered gold against the darkness surrounding, illuminating their faces. Without hesitation, she tossed it onto the Alpha's corpse.
Fire spread across the blood-soaked fabric, orange smoke swallowing the body as smoke curled through the trees. They waited around till the skin had charred and burned, the Alpha's body unrecognisable. They put it out.
They weren't stupid enough to leave the body burning and risk a forest fire.
"You didn't burn the betas before coming over?" Derek asked calmly.
"No. The smoke killed them, not like they'd run."
Understandably.
Neither of them looked back.
They simply disappeared into the forest together, leaving the char behind them, heading to do the same to the others.