"This was a bad idea," Akira muttered to herself as she dodged an angry swarm of crows. Joining the Tsukinamis was no walk in the park. They conducted raids and launched attacks on everyone and anyone that were considered a threat to the race. This time, Shin was taking revenge on a supernatural clan that had taken down one of the wolves in the pack. Akira had been instructed to stay on the sidelines and scout for any backup.
Out of the blue, a snarling form crashed into her. Akira's head smacked the packed earth, making her ears ring. Akira was too stunned to move. The predator loomed above her, jowls dripping drool onto her face. It was a wolf, but not one of Shin's. The beast raised its head and opened its jaws, ready to bite her head off.
Another dark shadow slammed into the wolf's side, sending it flying. Shin stood over her, scratched up and hair ruffled. He held out a hand to her. "Are you okay? Sorry about that."
Akira usher herself off and shook her head. "I'm fine. Have you taken out the leader?"
Shin nodded, wiping sweat form his face. "It's dangerous to leave you here..."
Akira shrugged nonchalantly. "I can protect myself." Hie sighed. "Akira-chan. We may not know each other well, but I hope I can become someone you can depend on." Shin knelt in front of her. "Your Shin-Onii will take good care of you, and become even better than your own brothers." He winked.
Akira groaned inwardly. Shin seemed like a playful puppy most of the time, but in truth, the big bad wolf was lurking below. She played along, unable to sense if his pledge was sincere or not.
"Very well. I put my trust in you, Shin Tsukinami. Thank you for saving me." She laid her hand in his.
Satisfied with her answer, Shin rose. He paused and scented the air. "We have company." Akira's eyes widened. Before her eyes, he shifted into the majestic beast that was always hiding under his skin. The animal with silken coral fur nudged it's head between her legs. Akira allowed herself to be tossed onto the wolf's back. She fisted her hands in tufts of his thick fur, as he tilted his massive head and howled to the moon. At once, the pack members materialised around them, all sharp fangs and claws. Akira could hear their pursuers gaining in the distance as they took off, bouncing through the trees.
The wind whipped Akira's hair, filling her lungs with the smell of the night. She was free with Shin. That was what she enjoyed most.
