The Shifter and the Walking Dead

Chapter 1

     A howl rang through the desolate landscape. The lush trees did nothing to dampen the piercing cry, nor did they dim the eerie glow of the full moon hanging in the sky. A silence followed the sound, but was broken by the soft thumps of paws hitting the earth.

     With a foreboding rumble, a massive wolf leapt into a clearing. The creature skidded to a halt and took in its surroundings with suspicious eyes. All that met its gaze was a small brook and a lone dogwood tree. A wet nose rose into the air to make sure the area was truly clear, ears perked to catch the slightest rustle. When the clearing was deemed satisfactory the wolf trotted to the brook for a drink, and dropped the heavy duffle bag that was slung across its strong shoulders.

     The water was nice and refreshing and it was with a sigh that the wolf dropped to its hunches and peered into the reflective surface. With a large slender, yet muscular build it was obvious that the wolf was made for speed and the powerful legs only proved as much. And the sharp teeth and claws were almost as piercing as the arctic blue eyes that were locked onto the water. The pitch black of its fur shone from the moonlight and ruffled in the soft breeze.

     Finally the wolf went to stand, only what rose was not the fierce creature of the night, but a woman. Her black hair and blue eyes perfectly matched her canine counterpart accompanied with beautifully tanned skin that had a layer of grime marring her finer features. She grabbed for the duffle bag and rifled through it, before pulling out a bag of jerky. It was with lethargic movements that she started to nibble on her treat while laying on her back.

     "God, what I wouldn't give for a radio or something," her voice was slightly rough from disuse but it still had the soft quality it has always had. When she was only greeted by the babbling of the brook she groaned and turned to look back in the direction she came. "Alo! Come on stop fooling around and come get a drink," the loud whisper rang in the clearing and for a few seconds it seemed like the woman was delusional, but then a large black and white Alaskan Malamute trotted out of the trees and up to her.

     "What took you so long, huh? You know it's dangerous out there, you have to stick close to me." All the dog did was huff, but it made her sit up. "Don't you 'But, Rain!' me, mister! I'll have you know there has probably been a lot of dogs that have already been eaten! You want to be one of them?" The dog, Alo, gave her a wide eyed stare and she nodded decisively "that's what I thought."

     The playful banter was cut short when a groan reached their ears. They both stood, alert and ready for danger, and saw a