Chapter 4

Days passed in a usual pattern, I remained hidden in the woods and kept a close watch on my human. I stayed in the shadows and at night I would watch and listen to his father. For one reason or another, they seemed to argue, a lot. He would then go to bed and sometimes he would cry himself to sleep. I wanted so badly to comfort him, but I had yet to reveal myself to him. I was still scared to find out if he would accept me or not.

One day, he was jumped in the forest by a male from his village. I couldn't take it anymore. I lunged at the larger male and fought him back. I then turned to the boy, but he didn't look like he was ready to thank me, in fact he looked outright terrified.

"It's okay, I won't hurt you." I said, but forgot one thing, he could understand me.

He continued to back away and looked like he wanted to run but he had a look in his eyes that he knew that I could catch him with no effort. I never intended to chase him but I didn't anyone to know that I was here. I moved closer to assure him I didn't intend to hurt him, but he turned and ran. I felt my heart drop, but gave chase and captured him underneath my claws, careful not to harm him.

He was breathing very quickly and looked so frightened. I knew that look, it was the same look I gave my mother when she tore off my tail. I lifted my claw and back away a few feet. He continued to stare and then ran again. This time I didn't chase him. He had every right to, he was scared and I only made it worse. I let him go, I just hoped he wouldn't tell anyone about me.