The Pride of White Mane (Werecats Book 2)

Chapter 7

-Timmy's POV-

I chuffed excitedly as I spotted Kenji in his tiger form waiting for us in his tiger form. I walked easily beside my father as we neared the other tiger. Today was the day I was helping out on the patrol and I could hardly contain myself. I was practically vibrating with excess energy in my excitement to patrol the full territory. 

"Good morning uncle Kenji" I chuffed bunting heads with him as he lowered his head to knock me back. 

"Good day to you kiddo, you excited for your first patrol" Kenji asked through the mind link as he greeted my dad and they had a small conversation in the mind link between them. 

I chuffed again, this time stronger in my agreement of his statement. I flexed my claws into the ground a steady growl working its way through my chest as my tiger pushed at my sub-conscious. 

"Let's head out son, we might hunt on the way" My dad chuffed and he and Kenji started walking further into the forest. 

I trotted after them quickly, a thrum going through my heart at the newness of this experience. I followed with rapt attention. Taking in everything the older tigers did. I had thought Spiros would come with us today but I was told he Melody and my mom were going to mark tomorrow. I watched as uncle Kenji and my dad scraped their claws over several trees. They scuffed the ground in several places too. They even rubbed their cheeks on the trees and then urinated on them. 

I copied the movements a few times and my tiger growled in content as I helped mark my territory. It was strange it felt so right to be in my tiger form and to make a claim. Happiness bloomed in my chest as I took in are mingling scents. Anyone who was anyone in the shifter world would know we are a powerful family. 

We walked around for a long while and I was beginning to grow hungry and tired, my previous gusto being somewhat lacking. I never dared complain though I was enjoying myself. It was always so stuffy at school being confined to my human form. Though I was lucky I could control my shifts. Phoenix often got overwhelmed and his body forced him to shift, I felt for him I did, he was one of my best friends and he was family. I just wished I was as effective as his buddy Peter at calming him down. It made me slightly jealous but I was just happy he was comfortable enough with someone that he feels safe. I wasn't even sure if Peter was fully human, his scent didn't give anything away though. 

"Timmy, Tim, earth to Tim" I heard my dads voice grow louder in my mind pulling me out of my thoughts. 

"Sorry dad, I was preoccupied with my thoughts" I grumbled an apology flattening my ears and doing my best guilty kitten face.  

"It's okay kiddo, your dad was asking if your up for a hunt" Uncle Kenji chuckled as he swiped a paw at my dads chest in a playful manner. 

I chuffed in amusement at the white tiger's antics. 

"I am ready to hunt" I agreed my previous tiredness forgotten as I realised this would be my first big hunt. 

A growl of anticipation worked its way through my chest and drool started forming in my mouth at the thought of the hunt. My tiger agreeing wholeheartedly, my inner beast just as excited as me. 

"Follow along and stay downwind son" My dad ordered sharply and then we were off.

 the older tigers changed their gait from the slow walk we were using to a determined trot. Their immediate change in demeanour was off-putting but I rushed to follow their example. My movements became more assured and purposeful as I followed them. And then we stopped. My chest rose and fell quickly as I tired to calm both my nerves and excitement. I watched amazed as my dad and uncle Kenji exchanged a glance and they crouched going in opposite directions. It was only when they moved that I spotted the doe. A lone female deer licking bark of a tree. It was nearly spring but the vegetation was still scarce. 

Scenting the air my thoughts became clouded with a bloodlust that I didn't know I possessed. I wanted to tear and rend flesh and to cause as much bloodshed as possible. It scared me to know that I was capable of that but it also invigorated me. My blood pumped in my ears as I stalked forward, I was so afraid that the doe would flee. I kept my footfalls as soft as possible placing my paws down slowly. When I moved I made sure that my back paws landed in the places my front paws had already been. 

My muscles were coiled as I crept ever closer until I pounced. My claws unsheathed I barrelled into the doe's side. Blood rushed in my ears as I growled and wrestled with the doe. I kept my claws embedded as the animal cried and tried to buck me off. It's cries of pain and terror fuelling the bloodlust that was clouding my brain. Finally I manged to manoeuvre myself so that my jaws wrapped around its neck.  Blood coated my tongue almost instantly and I bit down harder in response. I felt wild and free in the moment. But it was all over too soon as the doe fell to the ground. When it fell I took a moment to see the corpse. Deep gashes where my claws had dug in and a perfect bite where I had sunk in my teeth. 

The sense of accomplishment from my kill was an elation I didn't know I needed. Knowing I could provide for myself in this way was something I knew every shifter learned. I was so absorbed in my Kill I hadn't noticed my dad and Kenji pull a large buck over to me. An orange and a white tiger dragging a large buck while being careful of its horns. 

"Well done, son that was an excellent hunt for your first time" My dad praised, chuffing as He and Kenji dropped the buck.

"Yeah Tim, great work kiddo" uncle Kenji chuffed his left ear flicking. 

If I was in my human form I'd be blushing at all this praise. 

"Thank you" I chuffed back practically preening under all of their praise. 

"Go ahead and dig into your kill Tim" Kenji stated nudging his own kill with his snout. 

They didn't have to tell me twice. I tore into the animal with full force giving into my most base instincts. It was truly successful day. I ate until my belly was filled and then it was time to leave the comfort of the forest for my human life once again.