The Wolf's Ruby Veil

Chapter 4: A Wolf's Instinct

The Night Wolf took a step forward as Scarlet fell back into the snow again; she scrambled to get up and run, however, her eyes could not force themselves away from the large creature's gaze as it advanced toward her. Eventually, the Night Wolf snapped its jaws at her.

"Don't move."

Scarlet stilled as the creature's features came close, its eyes scanning over her; the young woman felt her heart race as the wolf pressed its large cold rubber-like nose against her neck, its hot breath dancing across her skin and making her shiver. The Night Wolf's features hardened, twisting in confusion as it snuffled into her skin, pressing its nose harder against the crook of Scarlet's neck and shoulder. Scarlet winced, but kept still.

"Wolves, in general, are typically afraid of humans," the voice of her father came through Scarlet's memory; she had once asked him about wolves when they were hiking through the forests and what to do if she ever encountered them, "They normally stay away from our city - however, if you ever do encounter one, don't ever turn your back - and don't run. They are predators and will chase after you, as you've made yourself prey to them. If they advance toward you, act aggressive - make yourself look bigger than you are, and don't make yourself out to be easy prey."

Scarlet gritted her teeth.

The Night Wolf lifted its head and shook it, snorting, before meeting Scarlet's gaze again as the young woman blinked in surprise. The Night Wolf was no longer looking at her with hostility, but with curiosity; it tilted its head slightly like a dog would at the sight of its favorite treat, its large ears seeming to grow bigger as it leaned forward again. Its lips lowered and covered its teeth before it slowly sat back on its haunches in the snow, the large black tail thumping against the snow. When Scarlet met the creature's eyes again, her own widened in surprise. Most animals had a very distinct eye shape - and wolves were no different. Animals' eyes were normally all iris and pupil, with no sight of white anywhere except for when one would see their eyes shift.

As Scarlet looked into the Night Wolf's gaze, she could've sworn she saw the sharp icy blues melt into the soft cool snow of spring... appearing almost human.

"Not prey," a deep rumbling voice came softly, no longer harsh, "Mate."

It took Scarlet's mind a few moments to catch up, the noble woman blink furiously before she asked softly, "What... did you say?"

"Mate," the voice came again with a bit more urgency as the Wolf pressed it's forehead against her face, "Mate... mine."

Scarlet's eyes widened as her face paled, "Mate? Wait a minute! I'm not-"

"Quiet," The Wolf snapped its jaws at her, coming forward again, "Mine. Must protect."

Scarlet let out a shriek as the Wolf picked her up as if she was nothing more than a little girl's doll, its jaws clasping onto the bust of her dress before setting her down on her feet again, helping her stand. It nudged its head against her back, pushing her forward and away from the open spot.

"Wait! Where are you taking me?" Scarlet asked, stumbling forward within the snow as the Night Wolf nudged her, its head pressed into her back like a mother deer hurrying its fawn along.

"Den," the wolf answered, "Must protect. Must keep safe."

"Hold on one moment! I am not going to any sort of den!" Scarlet turned around and glared at the Wolf, her heart hammering in her chest at the sight of it again.

"Mate must obey. Too dangerous here," The Night Wolf growled at her, nudging her forward as she stumbled back slightly, "Too open. Must keep safe. Den warm."