Wolves of the Mountain

Chapter 10

Astrid didn't know what to do. Juniper had just ran off with two tiny little humans, she had chosen humans over a fellow wolf. He debated chasing after her but stopped. She clearly didn't want him at the moment. He turned to the snake who watched his eyes, curious "what will you do now, your friendssssss have gone but you are not alone. You should go, attack Loki, go for him firssssst don't let them prepare."

Juniper had to run slower than she would have liked but the children's grip on her fur was weak and if she went too fast they would fall off. She didn't know how long she ran but soon she could see the sun dipping below the trees. She slowed to a stop and took in their surroundings. She could see they were close to the mountain. She continued to pick up the pace and ran to the mountain where she hoped they could find a cave. She didn't have to wait long; she soon saw the mouth of a large cave up ahead. Juniper signaled for the small children to get off so she could check the cave was empty. She trotted forward and entered the cave. She smelled a bear but it was old, she walked to the back of the cave. It was empty. It was dug downwards so it was hidden. She went and retrieved the children and entered the cave. The sun was dipping low over the trees, the children yawned and Juniper could tell they were tired. She was feeling a little sleepy herself. She waited till the moon was high in the sky then she exited the cave, she tilted her head and howled all her thanks and sorrow she howled long into the night when suddenly she heard a very ugly howl beside her."AWwWWwOOoOOoOOOoOo!" It was the little girl called Gwen. She was on her hands and knees, head tilted back she let out another howl. AWoooOoooOO!!!!!! Juniper turned to the little child and licked her cheek then turned and trotted back into the cave Gwen walking on all fours behind her.

Juniper bolted awake. She didn't know why she listened. She heard the gentle snore of the children and the soft sound of the wind and the rustling of leaves. She stood and crept to the front of the cave. She stayed low so the thing that woke her wouldn't see her. She stared as it seemed the shadows moved, splitting, gliding, dancing in wisps of shadow "what the woof?" she whispered. The shadows seemed to dance floating on the wind blowing around but at the sound of her voice they froze. They seemed to stare at her though she knew they had no eyes. They zipped towards her, all of the gentleness she saw earlier was gone they now looked like predators charging for the kill. They charged faster than she would have expected and took her by surprise. They flew around her faster and faster, one flew into her nose and she felt a sting in her skull . Her head grew foggy, she grew woozy when suddenly Gwen ran charging at the shadows. "ROOOOOOOAR!!!! GET AWAY FROM MY MOMMY!!!!" the shadows scattered. Juniper looked down at her. "FoOd? NO! bUt it looKs sO yuMmy.NO!" Juniper's thoughts seemed to battle each other and Gwen suddenly seemed like a very yummy midnight snack; she shook her head to clear her mind. It didn't do much good. Juniper licked Gwen on the cheek and led her back inside debating whether or not to eat the tiny children in their sleep.