Thank you to everyone who has reviewed for your kind words and support :)

Disclaimer: Characters, Story and even this plot belong to Kelly Armstrong - I'm just trying out a different P.O.V


Starting to wake up, I realized Chloe was using me as a pillow. Content, I snuggled back down, before feeling her jump. I looked up immediately scanning for danger. Seeing none I looked over at Chloe to find out what was bothering her.

"S-sorry, I didn't mean-"

I cut her off will another growl, not liking the idea of her regretting being with me, and bumped her leg, knocking her back into my side. She lay back into me and I repressed a smile. I snarled a yawn and just lay there with her until she sat up.

"So, I suppose you should do something wolfie. Hunt, maybe?"

Wrinkling my snout in disgust, I grunted, clearly saying no.

"Run? Get some exercise?"

Paused, considering it, grunting what I hoped sounded like a 'maybe'.

'Yes'

My inner wolf seemed desperate to move about, so I pushed to my feet – wobbling as I did – trying to adjust to my new center of gravity. I had hoped that this would have come naturally but apparently not. I gingerly moved one forepaw, then the next, one rear paw, then the other. Picking up the pace, though still too slow for my liking, I circled the clearing. I let out a snort of pride. It felt empowering to be like this, strong and mighty – unlike my awkward human self. I must have jinxed myself because straight afterwards I stumbled, and plowed muzzle-first into the undergrowth.

I heard Chloe's failed attempt to stifle her laugh and glowered up at her in embarrassment.

"Forget running. A nice, leisurely stroll might be more your speed."

I snorted, and unable to stop myself, turned fast. She fell back and I gave a growling chuckle, pleased to have won.

"Still can't resist throwing your weight around, can you?"

She knew me so well. The only person to understand me apart from Simon and Dad. Shaking the thought away, I lunged at her again. This time she stood her ground so I checked my leap at the last second, not wanting to actually hurt her, and toppled sideways. She didn't hide her laugh this time, so I quickly twisted, grabbing her pajama leg and wrenched, pulling her down beside me.

"Bully."

Growling a chuckle, I watched her finger the hole I had made in her pant leg.

"Great. I finally get some pj's and you rip them."

Feeling guilty I walked over to inspect the damage, when she made a grab for my front leg. Acting on impulse I tore away out of her reach.

Looking around in confusion, I realized I was on the other side of the clearing. I looked back at Chloe and tried to run back again, only my legs became tangled and I landed in a heap besides her.

"You're thinking too much, as usual." She told me.

I gave her a dismissive snort and got back up on my feet. I attempted to run again, and managed not to fall over, although it didn't feel very graceful – more lurching than loping – my feet threatening to tangle with every step.

"Apparently this could take a while, so how about you practice and I'll head back to the house-"

'No'

I darted past her and veered to block her path.

"I knew that'd work. So am I right? It's better when you act, not think?" She smiled at me.

A sigh whistled out of my nostrils, still refusing to admit she was right. Of course Chloe knew exactly what I was thinking.

"You hate that, don't you? We should keep a scorecard, see who's right more often: me or you."

I just rolled my eyes at her, refusing to take part in the conversation.

"Not a chance, huh?" She continued to tease me. "You'd never live it down if I beat you. But I am right this time. Your body knows how to move as a wolf. You just need to shut your brain off and let your muscles do their thing."

Wanting to prove to her I was perfectly able of doing it, I dashed at her. When she didn't move, I tore around her, circling wide, head lowered, picking up speed. I let go and followed my instincts, feeling the thrill of it. I heard Chloe's laugh of delight, and I was glad I could make her happy with everything that was happening at the moment.

Starting to get dizzy, I slammed on the breaks, skidding to a halt, each leg shooting out into a different direction.

"You're going to need to work on that part." I growled and shaking my head at her antics.

Suddenly, I caught hold of a scent in the wind.

'Danger'

My fur prickled and I got to my feet, muzzle lifting to catch the wind and get scent, ears swiveling forward. Werewolves. Heading this way.

"Someone's coming?" Chloe asked, picking up on my worry.

'Protect'

I grunted to shut her up, trying to listen out for the danger.

I continued to listen, trying to work out the direction it was coming in from. As if to confirm my suspicions, there came a long eerie wolf howl. My fur raised even higher on my back.

'Mine. Protect.'

"Dog?" Chloe asked, but I knew she knew the answer.

I had to get her out of here. I had to keep her safe. Dashed behind Chloe and bumped the back of her legs, telling her to run.

She got the message, and raced to the path, and I followed on behind running quietly, just following my predatory instincts, knowing that it was the best way to save her – and that was all that mattered now.

I winced at the sound of Chloe's footsteps. She was half my size, but she was the one who sounded like a two-hundred-pound beast plowing through the woods. She tried to cover her steps, but that meant she had to go slower. When her paced dropped I bumped her from behind to tell her not to bother, we had to keep moving.

I could see the lights of the house getting closer. Safety. Then, from somewhere between it and us came a ear-splitting whistle. Chloe stopped and so did I, skidding into her and knocking her over.

I grunted in apology. I recover quickly and moved in front of her to protect her. I raised my muzzle to sample the wind, but the breeze was coming from the side and I couldn't get a good scent. I moved around trying to catch a whiff.

And then I did. My body went rigid, ears back, a growl bubbling up in my throat. Liam and Ramon. Heading our way. I immediately wheeled around, almost slamming into Chloe.

"Who-?"

I answered with a snap of my jaws. Desperate to get her out of here, catching the hem of her jacket with my teeth, telling her to run. She did.

With one glance back, I followed her, my inner wolf howling.

"Run. Fight. Protect."


Bit of a cliffhanger for you :P

Let me know what you thought! I will try to update soon, but I have 9 upcoming GCSE exams so, unfortunately, no promises for anytime soon :(