Crickets chirped quietly in the shadows, harmonizing with a crackling red fire. The smell of freshly cooked deer meat drifted through the air, a delicious promise of what was to come. The deer had been caught earlier that day, and now it's hide was draped over a wooden frame as flames lick the surface of it's flesh cooking over the heat.
Raising her hand Riley brushed away a strand of long black hair which had fallen in front of her bright golden eyes. It was a dark night, with little moonlight, but the fire's glow lit up the little campsite. It was small; just a few blankets, a bearskin cloak, and enough food to last three or four days.
This was a common environment for Riley, and was comforting to her. Far away from the cities she had only come across a few cabins and the occasional camping site during her years in the Rockies. Her time at this site was coming up on a week now, and she was planning on moving the next morning.
"If I wait too long the Professor will come for me again."
With a sigh Riley pushed the thought away as she reached to remove her dinner from the heat. It was perfectly cooked, with a nicely browned edge. Grabbing the knife from her pocket Riley cut off a slice of meat and dropped it onto an awaiting plate.
With a happy twinkle in her eyes Riley sat down on the ground with her legs crossed, ready to enjoy her meal. She smiled and took a bite, the delicious smokey flavor filling her mouth just as the scent had filled her nostrils. Deer meat was something Riley had not been accustomed to before running away to the mountains but now, several years later, it was one of her staple foods. Sometimes she would hunt rabbits, birds, or fish – even bear on occasion. Never wolf though. Riley had a special feeling for the wild canines, probably because of the abilities her mutation gave her.
Just then a snap was heard. Riley was puled out of her thoughts and was suddenly very aware of the current situation. Narrowing her eyes she stood, peering into the darkness. After a few seconds Riley relaxed as a frightened rabbit darted past.
"I need to move. I've already spent too long here. They'll come for me, they always do." With that thought Riley began gathering up her supplies into a brown leather satchel, preparing to leave.
"You go'n somewhere Wolfie?"
Riley froze. She knew that voice too well, and had hoped to never hear it again. Turning slowly around she looked into the eyes of none other than Wolverine.
"Yes, I am Logan. I suggest you go somewhere else too."
"Aww, you didn't miss me?" a playful smirk appeared on the gruff man's face as he took a step towards Riley. "The Professor sent me again. He wanted me to ask if you'd come to the school now."
"I'm not coming, why should I?" Riley snapped as she became more annoyed with Wolverine. "I'm fine out here on my own."
"Xevier can help you Riley. Trust me, I know. We're somewhat alike you and I, and I'm guessing you've gone through some rough patches."
With a glare Riley turned and picked up her bag, "Leave me alone. I won't ask you again, Goodbye."
"Now where do you think you're heading?" taking a quick step forward Logan placed his hand on the girl's shoulder. "I can't just let you walk away."
"Let me go right now. I'm not in the mood to talk."
"Well too bad, Wolfie, it took me a good time to track you down again. You're good at coverin' your tracks, I'll give you that."
"I told you to let me go!" whirling around Riley swiped at Logan, striking his side hard with sharp claws. He backed up, a surprised look on his face. "Now go!" with a howl Riley changed; her hands becoming paws and the rest of her body following the change as she transformed into a huge, horse-sized wolf.
"Hey, take it easy." Logan watched Riley carefully. His side had healed completely, but tonight was not one Logan wanted to fight on, especially against the black furred mutant. Even so, he knew Riley would not back off now and prepared for the attack. Adamentium claws slid out of Logan's hands and he formed a fist.
With white fangs barred and golden eyes full of anger Riley lunged at Logan, sinking her teeth deep into his flesh. Falling to the ground pain ripped through Logan's body as the black beast pinned him to the hard ground.