Although they were temperamental and noisy, they did have their uses. I sighed, knowing the main reason for them being around was the bigger problem. Hmm, was the 'problem' a single one, a pair and had it been taken care of yet? With a heavy sigh, I trotted across the trail and headed toward the reservation. A few minutes later, it was apparent they were back. Their smell seemed to permeate everywhere. I paused mid step as the howl sounded. Then another from further away. Great. Only one thing to do when too many dogs are around. I looked up, judging the nearby trees. Ah, that one. With a leap, I dug my claws in and began to climb. About 15' up, I saw a useful branch in a neighboring tree and launched my body toward it. How wonderful if felt to be able to soar like this, even if only for a few moments. My claws dug into the wood and as soon as my rear paws made contact, I stretched up to another branch and then made another leap to the next closest tree. I wanted to be several trees away in order to confuse the wolves when they found my scent. I wondered what their reaction would be? What were their feelings toward other shapeshifters? A brief moment to check the wind. Good, they were approaching upwind of me. Another jump, then two more and I was 5 trees away. This should be far enough. I spied a likely looking branch above me. Then after climbing another several feet, I settled on a slightly forked branch about 30' up in the canopy and stretched out. Soon the only noticeable movement was a slight flick of my tail and my eyes scanning the forest floor. The wolves progress wasn't hard to miss. Perhaps they didn't know I was here or they simply didn't care. I heard a couple more barks before they entered the range where I could actually hear them racing thru the forest. Two... no three. Three werewolves. Two from the west and one from the south. Was this all, I wondered. They drew closer and I tensed. It wasn't that I feared them but the instinct to be careful was too strong. Dipping my head slightly to peer around the leaves, I focused on the spot I expected them to appear. Soon enough, two wolves came into view. Each was the size of a small horse. One had dark silver fur and the other brown which was darker over the face. They paused, each looking around then with ears flicking they turned their great heads south as a slightly larger came into view. This one was jet black, but thicker and much more muscular than the other two. He must be the alpha. Our size was comparable but my body length was longer by half a foot or tail, I thought with a small smirk.
The three of them began to mill around the trees alternatively sniffing the air then the ground all the while emitting low growls and yips. My hackles rose slightly as the grating sound reached my sensitive hearing but I kept silent and still. With a quick bark, the alpha zeroed in on the first tree I'd touched. He circled it then rose up on his hind legs to sniff higher up the trunk. His great head turned right then left as he searched the branches. The other two followed suit, arching their necks back so they could scan the branches.
I simply waited. The only movement was the tip of my tail and the leaves gently blowing in the breeze. It was a bonus that the wind was blowing away from them. Now silent, they moved apart from each other keeping their great heads up scanning the trees. The one with brown fur came my way. I followed his approach but kept track of the other two. Why were they so silent now? The brown one paused and almost immediately the other two came over to flank him. Hmmm, I sniffed slightly, ok, wind has shifted some but.. I tensed as the brown one suddenly yelped and broke into a run. The other two leaped after him. I followed their path until the trees enveloped them. Concentrating, I strained to hear whatever I could from that direction but only rustling leaves and sounds of the wolves drawing further away. Without moving, I simply listened and then slowly scanned the area. What had upset the brown one? Why had they all abandoned their search? I pondered and listened for about 10 minutes before deciding they weren't coming back. A few minutes later found me back on the ground. Standing briefly in their last position I strained my senses to their max but other than following them; no clue to their sudden departure was to be discovered. Being the curious sort, I decided to follow. Their scent was strong but not overwhelming and very easy to follow. I kept to the right of their trail and occasionally broke into a lope. After a little while the trees began to thin out a little and I slowed to a walk expanding my senses. Hmm.. arid smoke, I must be close. The faint sounds of people begin filtering in, just a few but the village was very close. I easily slipped into stalking mode; body lower to the ground, being very careful about placing my paws on the ground. Unconsciously curling my upper lip back from my teeth and breathing in, I tasted the air. My nose wrinkled at the mix of scents. Focusing on the pungent werewolf scent, I crossed a well worn path then continued another dozen or so yards before stopping behind a tree. I peered around the trunk, looking upon a three small houses grouped together. I could hear voices and my eyes fell upon three Quileute teens. The two boys had copper skin, short black hair, well muscled, one about 6' and the other a few inches taller. The shorter one was holding a girl, gently cradling her arm. Her brown hair partially covered her face but her soft crying was audible.
"Kim, I'm so sorry. Please don't cry. I know it hurts but we'll get you to Sue and she'll fix you up." He gently brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead.
"It hurts so much, Jared. I'm sorry I'm acting like a baby."
"You're not, Sweetie. It's ok, I think you're entitled a few tears right now and it gives me an excuse to hold you." He smirked and tapped her lightly on the nose, grinning when she did.
The taller one turned his head toward the sound of an approaching car. He gently took hold of her shoulder. "Embry's here."
A small battered tan car came into view and the trio moved toward it. Jared helped the girl into the back seat then joined her. The other one pushed the door shut then stepped back as the car pulled away. He watched it driving down the dirt road until it past out of sight then turned and began walking down the lane in the other direction. He'd only gone a few steps before coming to a stop to scan the area. He seemed to stare right at me for a moment before continuing on his way. I moved a little deeper then picked up my pace a little trying to draw ahead of his position. If the lane was heading nowhere, I could easily turn back.
A few minutes later I slowed to a walk then crept closer to the edge of the woods. I could see a clearing with a little brown rustic house nestled right up against the opposite trees. Couching down almost to the ground amid the foliage, I waited. My ears were laid back focusing my hearing behind me incase anyone approached. The house seemed like something I could live in if I chose. It looked to be a story and a half with a deep porch and I couldn't help smiling at the hole in the porch roof to accommodate the tree growing thru it. I realized the front door was open and flicked my ears forward to see if I could hear anything. Singing.. I could hear someone singing softly.. a female's voice. My nose twitched. Someone was cooking. I tasted the air and found the aromas to be palatable.
A whistle sounded to my right. My eyes snapped that direction as the singing ceased. I glanced back toward the house when a young woman appeared in the doorway with a wave. She was very lovely with glossy black hair and copper skin. I frowned as I focused on three long scars on the right side of her face. I wondered what had happened but a guess would be some sort of accident from a werewolf. Movement to my right brought my attention back to the path in time to see the probable alpha come round the bend. He smiled and continued toward the house.
"Where are the boys?"
"Kim had a fall; broke her arm. They're taking her to Sue. She'll be alright but I'm not so sure about Jared."
"We'll go over later and take her something." She frowned suddenly as he snapped his gaze toward me again.
"Nothing." His dark eyes searched the woods around me a few moments longer before turning back to her and up the steps. "It's nothing. We had to break patrol off when Jared felt her pain." He gave her a kiss on her scarred side then wrapped his arm around her.
"So when are you and Embry going to finish it?"
He laughed before answering. "After lunch."
"Then I guess I'd better get some food in you." Taking his hand, she lead him inside.
They closed the door and I was left pondering. Did he suspect or did he know I was here?