(Rated M for violence.)  

Colt didn't run off as fast as he would have liked to. Holding himself back as he waited for Sage to catch up to him. Glancing back at him wondering if he was going to make it the whole night or not. He had put on some weight over the week but he was still at least fifteen or twenty pounds shy of a normal BMI. Something he was sure his father would take note of tonight, his wolf form reflecting that low body weight as well.

Sage panting slightly as he pulled up behind Colt, following a few feet back which was more than fine in this case he was more worried once they gathered together. Him being upfront with Colt would be seen as an issue to some he was sure of as well as a form of disrespect to the others. Mike was the one that told him to do so, sure the pack was more than aware of Colt being the one in charge of him for now. So maybe it wouldn't be that big of an issue.

Colt took a hard left as he reached about four miles in. The first unit joining in with them. There were two more before they reached the center point for the main gathering. All of the wolves naturally fell into place. Sage stuck behind Colt while eyeing the rest of them with a curious look not keeping his gaze in one spot for too long.

Colt looked so much like his father at the head of the pack, the two of them the only solid black wolves, even with the massiveness of the pack no one else matched. A sense of respect from everyone single wolf as they looked up at them. Sage had been told by Mike that his brother was second in command and Colt third but that Colt was in line to take over when his time was done. His uncle Adam up there with the two of them.

It wasn't till well into their run that Sage could feel himself starting to fall behind. First it was only by a pace or two but slowly the gap grew bigger, this going unnoticed of course. Colt well into his head as he ran, blocking out all the nonsense around him as he moved.

Once the gap became substantial Sage felt the first nip at his hind leg, quickening his pace when that nip turned into a quick snap of a jaw biting into him. Low threatening growls soon followed. Sage holding back the cry of pain he felt building in his chest till the third time he was bitten. Unable to pull ahead and escape he waited for the release and turned around.

The pack had spaced out over time which was expected but there were still some wolves close by that could have stopped but they kept moving on. Paying no attention to him or the three wolves that have stopped dead in their tracks. Sage whimpering as he kneeled, he didn't want to fight them. There was no way he would be able to fight them or make it out alive. The three of them circling, taking turns lunging at him. Toying with him, finding enjoyment out of his pain as they snapped at him.

His cries grew as they became more vicious. He'd been attacked by wolves before but he had never been in wolf form, the pain felt different worse but maybe it was just his thinking that made him feel like that. Wanting to believe that tonight would go smoothly. That maybe he could be accepted by them. This was what he got for thinking anything would go his way.

Sage forced to the ground whimpering as they pulled in close, pinning him between them and a thick patch of trees when Colt came leaping from the shadows. Landing just before him blocking him off from the group. He's shoulders back and hind legs ready to pounce at anyone who dared to move first. Growling as he bared his teeth to all of them, threatening, protecting Sage. Snapping harshly as he moved towards them, two of which backed off running in the direction of the pack, the third waited just a bit longer wanting to prove he wasn't fearing Colt but soon back down once Colt snapped at him, making contact.

Colt not turning his back till he knew the three of them were gone and not coming back. Light eyes looking down at Sage both of his back legs covered in blood, fur all matted up. Panting heavily as he tried his hardest to hold his form. Colt nudging him gently with the end of his nose to get up. Sage knew he couldn't walk but he tried to stand anyway barely making it up on his front legs before he passed out, slipping from his wolf form.