The midday sun beat down on the alpha as Yejin ran for his life. Low snarls from the true blood hot on his tail sparked the alpha to run until it felt as if his heart would shatter from the strain. Yejin knew Jae was staying on his heels to tire him out, but he also knew that the moment he showed signs of slowing, Jae would immediately take him down, and it would not be elegant.
The prince was impressed with his prey's stamina. Yejin had hardly ever lasted this long during a chase. Jae could have easily overcome the alpha miles ago, but he decided to serve Yejin a good, long race since the alpha had tried so hard to get the prince to race him.
Yejin glanced over his shoulder to see the true blood but one pace behind him. The alpha's breathing was ragged, but he continued to run with all his might. Yejin wanted Jae to blow off as must steam as possible. The true blood let out a snarl as his prey quickened his pace. Yejin's chest felt as if it would explode, but he continued dashing between the dense trees hoping to reach his target before he was caught.
The alpha's hopes were crushed when he leaped over a fallen tree. His back left paw slipped on a patch of leaves causing Yejin to land at an unfortunate angle and twist his front leg. Jae, being but a few feet behind the alpha saw Yejin's landing and knew it was his time to pounce. Before Yejin knew it, Jae was standing over him triumphantly.
After submitting to the true blood in defeat, Yejin changed back to his human form and caught his breath. Jae also shifted and immediately checked the alpha's wrist. "It's not broken, just sprained," Jae informed Yejin as he picked up a thin, fallen branch and ripped off the lower portion of his shirt. The alpha winced slightly as the prince stinted his wrist before coming to sit beside him.
"So, are you going to tell me why you dragged me out here?" Jae inquired of the alpha. The prince was much more relaxed than he had been prior the chase. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths, and his expression was light.
Beads of sweat coated Yejin's brow as he gave a slight chuckle and smirked. "If I'm being completely honest, nothing in particular," the alpha revealed, causing the prince to raise his brow. "I just thought you could blow off some steam. You had been holed up in your office, and I figured you could use a good chase."
A light scoff sounded from the true blood as Jae stared at Yejin with a dumbfounded expression. "You sneaky bastard." The prince's lips could not stop from curling into a small smile when he saw Yejin purse his lips and shrug his shoulders. "What else did you want me to do? Wait 'til you explode and potentially cause trouble that could have been avoided?" Yejin inquired of the prince in defense of his reasoning for the chase.
"You've got a point," Jae answered with a lazy nod of his head.
Satisfied his plan had worked and that Jae was not as pent-up, Yejin suggested they return to the castle. The prince agreed with the alpha as he had more documents and proposals to review. The true blood helped the alpha to his feet, and the two started toward the palace.