A Wandering Mind: A collection of short stories & poems.

Ava's revenge

Ava
I had been running for hours, the swamps long ago faded to forest floors. The slim coating my skin now cracked dried out, leaving me appearing less than human. The sound of running water calls me to it, becoming me. My throat is like the Sahara, pleading with me to follow the sounds of salvation. My animal senses are still weakened from the years of malnutrition and abuse. Stopping would leave me vulnerable, but continuing with nothing to drink could end in my collapse. They would notice my absence soon when the sun peeks over the horizon. I am close to the border of neighboring territories. If I showed up like this, I risk being mistaken for a lone wolf. I take my chances and find my way to the stream. I undressed near the cool running stream. My body, slender for normal twenty-year-old women, painted with purple and blue spots. Stepping into the refreshingly icy liquid, allowing myself a few minutes of relaxation. I move deeper into the creek bed, the water lapping at my back, stinging the fresh claw marks. Easing down slowly, welcoming the sensation that reminded me I am still alive. A loud snap bounced off the trees, sending adrenalin to my brain. Desperately, I scanned the tree line, afraid to be discovered. I backed away from the sound. I give fully my attention to the impending danger. I lost my footing. At the banks, a few inches of water the only cushion for the rock bed below, I braced myself for the impact to my already battered frame. To my surprise, a set of arms interrupted my fall. I did not dare open up to my savior, knowing that it was a short-lived kindness bestowed on me. He smelled strongly of power. The trademark alpha aura seeped from his body. “Please, I, I, I am sorry. I only wanted to clean my wounds. They could get infected.” I pushed the arms away from my body before covering my private area as best I could.

“It’s ok, It’s ok. I won’t hurt you.” A large hand pushed at my chin, coaxing me to peer at the deep-voiced man standing before me. Against my better judgment, my eyes crept up to the strangers. Before me, a man well over six feet tall. The t-shirt bulged with muscles etched like a stone statue, his physique reminiscent of the gods. The stone gray eyes had an expression of pity reflecting from them. A sudden feeling of shame for my appearance washed over me. Reaching behind me, with one arm, while holding the man’s gaze, I felt for my tattered shirt. Unable to wash it before the intrusion of my bath, it still held the sweat and dirt from days of cooking and cleaning. 

“Wait, you can’t put that on your back. It will get infected.” With one swift fluid motion, his shirt was off, extended out to me in his hand. I looked in disbelief. No one had offered me anything in so long. The last person to show me kindness fled long ago. An unknown sensation crept along my skin, one of fire. My every nerve screamed out to touch him. Crap, not now! I have to finish what I started. I knew it was coming. My scent changed a week ago. I was hoping it would come on slowly. I never got my heat when I was younger. The malnourishment kept it at bay, buying me time and the luxury of being left untouched. 

“Thank you.” I lower my gaze to the forest floor, not wanting to challenge this alpha. I hesitantly take the offered clothing and cover myself. 
“I am sorry for coming so close to your territory. I'm passing through, trying to reach the other side. I am kind of in a hurry, so I will be on my way.” Side stepping the enormous stranger I walk the unscented line marking his land. To my dismay, he followed me.

“My name is Liam. What's yours?” I had no intention of getting to know this man or any man anytime soon. I have one mission, to dismantle the Immortals and put an end to the slave trades they have been running. 

“My name is not important. I do not plan on returning. Like I said, I was passing through.”
He stepped in front of me, walking backward, avoiding all the tree roots and stones with ease.

“Are you really passing through or are you escaping?” Damn, I knew it was a shitty lie, but I had hoped he wouldn't care or see me as a threat.

“What difference does it make to you? I am not part of your pack. In fact, I am no longer part of any pack. Just a sad, battered lone wolf. Now please leave me to walk in peace.” I step around him, walking faster to put distance between them. Liam proved to be a persistent pest. Still facing backward, he is now slightly jogging. He would actually be cute if he wasn't so annoying.