'Charles, I have reports of a rogue wolf in the Kennewick area. No deaths yet, but we've had a lot of scared tourists and the authorities are about to organise a hunt. Adam's pack is there, and if this isn't over by full moon…' He trailed off. 'Let's just say that we already have enough problems on our plate. Avoid killing him if you can. He must still have some control if there's yet to be a death, and we may be able to help.'
'Of course, father. I'll leave at once.'
I ran, darting around trees and crashing through bushes in my desperation to escape, but I could hear him behind me- he was gaining fast. I pushed myself harder. 'Maybe if I stay ahead long enough, he'll give up. Maybe if-' I slowed. The noise had stopped. Where was he? Had he really given up? No. Surely he wouldn't give up that easily. But where was he? I sniffed the air; nothing but the sharp smell of pine needles and my own fear. Maybe he had gone. Either way, I couldn't stay here. Once he reported back, more would come, and I couldn't escape a whole pack. I couldn't let them catch me. Tiredly, I headed North towards Kennewick. I doubted any pack would settle there- it was too small for the inevitable deaths to go unnoticed for long- and if nothing else, the Columbia river ran straight through it. Maybe it was time.
Suddenly, a huge russet wolf leapt into view, immediately clamping his jaws around my hind leg. Growling, I tried to turn, but he'd somehow twisted it, causing excruciating pain if I tried to pull. Memories flashed through my brain as I tried desperately to block them out. No! I would not let it happen again. Bracing myself against the pain, I turned, biting the stranger on the nose, hard, forcing him to let go as he attempted to draw breath. I ran, but my leg gave way, and he was on me in seconds, his jaws around my throat, cutting off air. I closed my eyes, preparing for the sharp snap the would signal the end, my final release, but none came. Instead the jaws remained resolute as my lungs struggled to draw air that would not come, and my sight faded to blackness.