Chapter 4
Rough Night
The night was turning cold. The wind bit at the exposed noses and eyes of the running pack, almost as if trying to guard the forest it whistled through. But the spirits of the wolves were hard ones to dampen, and the pushed on through the mountains, their calls ringing through the valleys and vales. The wind was their only answer.
Snow dusted the ground beneath their feet, a rare sight indeed for land so far south, even in the mountains. A few wolves nipped at it, picking up in their mouths as they ran, enjoying the refreshing drink and cooling touch. Other leapt straight through it, clouding the air with a white mist that settled onto their varied coats. Only a few paid it no heed: those wolves at the front; and the wolves at the back. The highest and the lowest. The highest concentrated on the Hunt, sniffing the air for signs of prey. The lowest just struggled to keep up, not wasting their energy with playful romps or useless leaps. One such wolf was I, though my wolf had long taken over.
She ran at the heels of the wolf in front of her, wanting to get around him, to push to the front. But she had not the strength, and he would not even think of letting her by. The lowest never ate well, and protein was scarce in this oddly harsh winter. The deer had fled south, towards the populated areas where human scraps were out for the taking, left in bins for the most desperate to take. But we could not hunt there, not so close to humans and their guns. So the Pack ran east, towards the warmer hills, where Winter did not grip so hard.
Howls and yips rang in the night, clouding the already misty air. They ran among the trees, more wolves joining from farther north and from these eastern hills. How many miles the Pack ran, no one knew. Only the thrill of the Hunt was in their minds, their empty bellies yearning to be filled, their tongues yearning for the taste of a fresh kill, unsoiled by hands or humans. But she ran on, bringing up the rear, merely hoping she got something at the end of this long run. Already her breathing was ragged with exertion. And the real Hunt had not yet started.
Ahead through the trees, the Alpha paused, barking once for silence, an order passed down through lowered heads and shifting feet. Alex sniffed the air carefully before tucking his nose to the ground, one slate grey paw scratching at a spot in the snow. He moved slightly, a few feet over and scratched again. The Pack watched on, shifting silently, only a breath of air signaling their passage as they waited impatiently for the Alpha's word. Raising his head, Alex looked over his Pack of 30 some-odd wolves. The number seemed to change in the woods, when the shadows from the moon and stars played tricks on even a wolf's eyes. With a final glance at the ground beneath him, the wolf howled into the night.
From then on, the wolves ran in silence.
The prey was ahead. Tracks had been seen. The scent was stale, but we knew they were there. The prey could be many more miles away, but the signs were only stale by a day at the most. The snow tended to blur things, make them age faster. Meat couldn't be far… She yearned for the taste, but she doubted there would be naught left but marrow to lick from the bones. But she ran anyway. She was part of this pack. She couldn't abandon it for better hunting somewhere else. Hell, there was no better hunting somewhere else. This was it. Baying into the wind, she tossed her head and dove forward, intent upon the smell of their prey.
Up ahead, they could hear the sounds of fleeing animals, tiny things like squirrels and chipmunks. In other words, nothing worth pursuing. But larger things fled as well. Their bodies charged through the underbrush with reckless abandon, just as the pack dove beneath and over with calculated precision. Every one knew his or her place in this Hunt. Every one wanted what we drove before us. Every one of us could smell their fear. We could almost hear the frantic beating of their hearts. But our ears were filled with own unified pulse, connected at an almost telepathic level. There was nothing like it. Around the forest, the pursuing wolves went silent, only the momentary scratch of claw on root or thud of paw on soil could be heard as they ghosted through the trees. The prey ahead scattered before us, their panicked minds losing all reason to the fear of capture. But we would have them in the end.
We always did.
As one, the pack turned, following the larger of the split groups. We could see their white tails flashing before us in the scattered moonlight. It was almost taunting, that feeling. As if they were just out of reach. But we would catch them soon. Already wolves to either side of her were flanking outwards, catching up to the slowest of our prey. Their golden eyes glinted with malicious intent as they dove among the trees, weaving their way ever closer to the fleeing herd. Carnal growls echoed, some coming from her own throat as she watched the retreating forms ahead of her. In the silent language of wolves, the Alpha ordered three forward, a silent charge towards their prey as the underbrush began to thicken. The pack leapt over roots and through bushes, simply waiting for the cue to strike.
Ahead, the three charging wolves snapped their teeth at the hindquarters of the prey, driving them just so away from the small herd. Two were selected, both elderly and weak. The meat would be stringy, but every creature suffered during these bitter winter months. It was simply a fact of life. Nothing more. Just as the strong would live while the weak would slowly wither and die. A glance to her side showed the she-wolf that her position was being challenged. With a snap of teeth, she forced the intruder away, determined to be strong this hunt. She could not afford weakness this night. Her golden eyes gleamed in the moonlight as she caught the Alpha's crystalline eye. With an almost imperceptible motion, the Alpha lowered his head slightly, hackles rising. Before even the clarion howl rang out, she was charging forward, towards the two deer that were to be their prey.
The pack charged with her, following their alpha forward as the three herding wolves fell back within the pack, their energy spent. But their effort would be remembered, and they given some of the choicest positions in the pecking order. The Alpha and his second leapt over a log, using it as leverage to power into the neck and whither of an aging doe. The other meal fled with white-eyed terror from the white-fanged wolves leaping at it. Watching carefully, the remaining pack either pounced the doe, or chased the remaining deer. She chose the former, knowing that it was at least an assured meal. Screams from ahead told her that the second deer was indeed down, but with her claws sunk deep into the rump of the doe, she was not about to let go for easier pickings. This was the Alpha's prey, and the Alpha could grant pardon when he saw fit. She was hoping desperately for such an action. In her position, her body stretched, muscles tensed, using every ounce of strength to cripple the deer beneath her, her ribs showed clearly through her winter coat. Her teeth, white in the silver moonlight, sprouted from pale gums, pale from malnutrition. She needed this meal, and needed it badly.
Finally, the legs of the deer gave out beneath the swarming wolves. It had only taken moments, but moments seemed lifetimes when lives hung in the balance. The Alpha had a firm grip on the beast's throat, blood welling between his teeth as he bit down, claws holding the head down as the beast struggled in vain. The Second tore at the belly of the beast, aiming precisely for the artery that would quickly end the life of the elderly creature. As if knowing the end was near, the beast ceased its struggles, its breath nothing but gargling gasps. After an eternity, its legs stopped twitching and she hopped off, head low as she looked to the Alpha. She held herself with pride for her work, but with deference to those above her. She did, however, snarl when another wolf came too near. He had other ideas though. With a deft kick of his hind legs, he hit her square in the ribs. With an undignified yelp, she fell to her side, skidding along the ground a few feet before looking up to see the Alpha glaring at the offending male, teeth bloody and bared.
But she could not allow herself to let the offense slide, though she knew he was in the right. The wolf that was O'reilly watched her stand shakily and wearily, his amber eyes judging every movement. She stood readily and shook her head to clear it of the shock of landing. Feet braced squarely, she looked at him straight in the eye, her intent obvious to all watchers, obvious to O'reilly. Silent, she bared her teeth, hackles raised and muscles tense. She could feel the eyes of the pack on her, their attentions diverted to so unusual a sight. O'reilly looked from her to the Alpha standing sentinel, waiting for confirmation of the event. Imperceptible to any but a wolf, O'reilly got what he wanted. As soon as she looked away to get the same confirmation, he lunged towards her, fangs flashing as he growled fiercely at his challenger.
Caught off-guard, she barely had time to duck away from his charge, landing hard near the carcass of their meal that none had partaken of. She could feel his teeth catch fur, ripping some of her thick winter coat away. It made hardly a dent, but it stung. He recovered quickly, quicker than she. With barely a pause for breath he attacked again, diving towards her downed form. Instinctually, she rolled over, putting her claws between his body and hers. As he came down, she ducked her head down towards her chest, trying to protect her vulnerable neck. His teeth snapped dangerously close and she pushed against his belly with her claws. She could feel her feet slip against his thick fur, but her front feet stopped when they met the joint of his shoulder. Heaving with all her strength, she pushed up with her legs, throwing him off her and back over her head. She didn't watch as he landed on the body of the deer; she scrambled upwards and out of the way.
He was faster than she thought. With no warning, he struck her in the side, tackling her to the ground, aiming for her throat. With a low growl, she turned in his grip and bit up and back, getting skin in addition to fur in her mouth. She tasted his blood, just as his claws drew gashes in her shoulder and back. Swinging her rump around, she tried to deepen her hold on his throat, but his strength and size gave him the ability to toss his head and throw her away from him. Weakly trying to pick herself up, she watched from the corner of her eye as his hulking form slunk closer, his shadow dominating her vision. She growled, not wanting to admit defeat, but she could not defend herself as he dove down in one swift movement to latch his teeth onto her throat.
A bark rang out.
Holding herself very still, she made herself open her eyes to see who ordered the halt. Of course it would be the Alpha. Only the Alpha could spare the life of one wolf or another. O'reilly's teeth sank in slightly further, causing her to pant as her airway was forced even smaller. Claws scrabbling at the ground, she wanted desperately to rip herself away from O'reilly, but her life would have ended in that moment. As it was, the Alpha thought her worth saving. She could see him walking towards the bloodied pair, regal even in his exhaustion from the hunt. He growled to O'reilly, using his authority as Alpha like a cloak he drew around himself. Reluctantly, the teeth holding her breath suspended released and she collapsed to the ground, eyes barely able to stay open. There would be no meat for her tonight.
Barely able to stand, she forced herself up on shaking legs, favoring her left foreleg, where a deep gash cut through the muscle of her shoulder. Silent in her defeat, she could hear the yips and growls as the remainder of the pack began to feed. She turned away, to hobble through the forest and return to the cabins. As she limped away through the snow-misted night, she didn't notice a pair of blue eyes watch her leave. But they turned away quickly, focused on the meal before them.
"What the hell was that?" was the question that greeted me the next morning. Well, afternoon really. I had fallen into a near comatose sleep after Changing human again. Aparently, some wolves could not keep their curiosity quiet. The wolf in question was a roommate of mine, a male of very similar status to mine, if slightly higher since he was male. That was why he could demand an answer from me. Too bad I had no idea what the hell he was talking about. Groaning with the rude awakening, I yawn before opening my eyes and looking up into the face of Bors, a very Swedish looking man who had never stepped foot outside of dear old Dixie.
"Good morning to you too," I managed to growl out, my voice hoarse, from dehydration and from the very strong urge to pee. Blunt, yes. But all too true. Too bad I wasn't going anywhere until some questions were answered if Bors' stance were an indication. "What was what?"
"Last night, woman! At the hunt," he explained with hand motions that seemed very superfluous to his cause. They reminded me of butterflies for some reason. "You challenged O'reilly. O'reilly! Have you gone mad?"
And then a lightbulb went on. Sitting up suddenly, I felt very alert and very stupid.
"I did what?" my voice asked before consulting my brain. It had a habit of doing that apparently.
"You challenged O'reilly," another voice explained and I turned my head towards the source. Then my nose finally got through to my mind and told me what I should have realized upon waking. Bors and I weren't the only ones in the room. And I thought I had locked the hatch to the loft. The other wolf—wolves actually—were none other than Alex, and his Second, a wolf named Leo. Ironic, yes. Too bad his sign wasn't Leo. I thought it might be Cancer, but astrology was not my thing in this decade. I decided that meeting no one's gaze was safe at that moment, so just kept my eyes lowered, trying very hard to ignore the fact that the blanket only covered my lower half. Normally, becoming wolf took all sense of modesty from a person. Too bad.
"What were you thinking?" Alex asked, standing after I remained silent. I flinched visibly under the severity of the reprimand. He didn't notice as he began to pace. Bors made sure to stay well out of the way while Leo sat very stiff, no doubt controlling his wolf—and keeping Bors and I calm as a result—with Alex's so apparent in the room. I found my hands fidgeting with the hem of the blanket, slowly pulling it to my chest. It was very little comfort. I could feel Alex turn his gaze on me and my head ducked lower. "He could have killed you then, before I could stop him," the Alpha continued angrily. "You're lucky he felt so proud of his victory or you wouldn't be here sulking."
That brought my gaze sharply up. Despite my best efforts to control her, my wolf growled using my throat and I knew my eyes would be golden. Leo was now just keeping Bors calm. My wolf now ignored him completely. In all reality, I should be in one of the holding cells used for healing wolves, since injured wolves healed faster than injured humans. And they tended to be much more angry. As it was, I don't think anyone—besides me, anyway—had remembered that I apparently had injuries from this challenge I could not remember. I could feel my wolf close to my mind, wanting to be let out, to prove that she was no weakling to go and sulk after getting her cookie taken away.
Before I could say anything, I and my wolf could see the exact moment Alex realized his nose was telling him that blood was in the room. Bors hadn't noticed because he was so focused on Leo's calming control. Leo hadn't noticed because he was back against the wall, sitting with his eyes closed in intense concentration. He was beginning to break a sweat. Alex's eyes widened slightly before narrowing dangerously. His lips pulled back in a very wolfish growl before he stalked over to my bed. I turned my body to follow him, but his hand pushing on my shoulder, let him see the damage O'reilly had caused. Wolf wounds on human flesh were not pretty. I could hear him growl disapprovingly. Fingers probed the areas painfully, causing me to flinch on several occasions, barely managing to keep my wolf in check with his so very near. Then his hand went to my neck and I stiffened sharply.
"Leave," he said harshly, and I knew he was speaking to Bors and Leo. Obviously glad for the reprieve, Leo left quickly, Bors hot on his tail. With the two wolves gone, something seemed to loosen in the atmosphere between Alex and I. Perhaps it was my very stressed brain over thinking things, but he seemed almost relieved after the other two wolves left. Of course, they could still hear us; the loft was only had three walls, after all, the missing fourth being the open space above the main living area. No doubt they were listening. Well, Bors anyway. Leo might have been but not being obvious about it.
I could feel Alex settle beside me on the bed, sitting with his back towards me. My wolf was very aware of his presence. She wanted to nuzzle him, to console him for some reason. I suppressed the very strong urge to touch his shoulder. Instead, I shifted a bit nervously, my wolf easily picking up on the tension in the air. I could almost smell it. Just when I thought the air could get no thicker with the scent of wolf, Alex stood quickly and began to pace.
"You're an idiot, Sam," he said in a low growl, not looking at me as he reached one wall and turned. "And a god-damned lucky one at that." My eyes followed him as he stalked, looking very much like the wolf I could smell near. I could feel that I was bleeding. Perhaps that was what was setting him off. Using my hand, I tried to stop the flow from the cut in my neck. Thank god it hadn't been on an artery. I wouldn't have made it out of the forest. As if sensing my movement, Alex turned his gaze on me and my hand froze, every muscle quivering with the urge to flee, though my wolf was surprisingly calm.
"Change," he said, his voice deeper than usual. And filled with power. Despite my control on her, my wolf rushed to the surface, driving me back even as my body began to shift. It was painfully slow, agonizingly so. My injuries, exhaustion, and insatiable hunger made it so. By the time she was fully changed, I had fallen back, watching from some other body, someone else's mind. She laid in the bed, sheets tangled and even torn in some places. She panted for breath. Not even she could deny her own weakness then. But the Alpha would not hurt one of his wolves without due cause. Was challenging for the right to feed that cause?
Alex's control was impeccable. He stood silent as he watched her Change, his wolf biting at the bit to be let free, to discipline her. What she had done had been foolish. To challenge a dominant…with she so submissive…Alex was surprised she had survived the journey home. She had, but barely. He could smell very clearly the scent of her blood as the Change reopened the shallower wounds and deepened the worst. But the wolf would heal faster than the human. As her blue eyes glanced up at him, she could see and sense the debate within his mind. She deserved to be punished in some way, but wasn't starving and wounded punishment enough? As he stepped nearer, she did not back away. She couldn't undo what she had done, but even had she been able, she wouldn't have traded the look of surprise on O'reilly's face for anything. Except maybe a steak.
Alex leaned on the bed, not at all concerned that he was inches from an injured, tired, and very hungry werewolf. But in an action that surprised even her, he reached down and bit her nose quickly. No doubt it looked ridiculous, but his wolf seemed a bit calmer after the fact, even though she was utterly confused. Blinking, she watched him back away and began to pace again. He kept muttering things under his breath, so quietly and slurred not even her ears could catch the words. Oddly enough, it was his control that kept the urge to tear the room apart at bay. She could feel a growl in her throat, a will to attack any who saw her in such a weak state, but her Alpha was there, using his Power to ease her urge even though he was obviously upset.
"I can't afford to lose any of my wolves, Sam," he said, not looking at her. Sam was long gone though, deep within the wolf's mind though she could hear what was said. "Even one so submissive. Why were you Changed?" this last was muttered under his breath, except this time the wolf's sharp ears caught the odd question. Alex glanced her way then and she lowered her ears and head, trying to look the submissive one though she had no desire to be such. He sighed after a moment, but it seemed more an attempt at relaxation. The wolf rolled over on the bed, the blood staining the sheets, but the playful pose had its desired affect. Looking at him upside down, she saw his face soften.
"Stay away from O'reilly for a bit, Sam," he ordered her, relying on her obedience and common sense rather than the Alpha's Power. "He won't be pleasant to deal with for a while. You gave him quite a knock."
The wolf rolled back over, this time her head held proudly for at least that accomplishment. Her wounds might have weakened her, but her Alpha had seen her strength. Ignoring her churning belly, she laid her head down as Alex turned to leave, prepared to sleep out her healing. As Alex climbed down the ladder and shut the hatch-door, she curled her tail over her nose and sank into exhausted oblivion.