Collar the Wild

Chapter 1 - Human

A resonant howl chases itself down through the trees, pricking Alek's ears. He smiles and keeps the thick collar hidden against his thigh, the silver plate on its surface cold against his skin. Deeply-cut into the metal are a series of symbols with a shimmery dark-blue resin pooled in the grooves. Sat on a thick root, he leans back against the tree and looks out above the bush beside him, hearing a heavy padding of feet growing unquiet.
In less than a moment a black-furred beast of double his size bounds into view snarling and rearing to attack. The sharp teeth in its open maw glistening in the blue moonlight as drool reaches for the earth. Its ears can barely be seen from being pinned back against its scruffy head, but the shape is noticeably wolf-like. Faced with a human reclined, smelling no telltale fearful scents, and returned stare with calm and powerful eyes; it retracts the bare on its teeth and relaxes some select muscles.

"You're not running" it says with coarse, wet words in a masculine voice, "Why do you make it easy for me?"

"Because I've been waiting for you." Alek says, drawing no attention to the collar as he rests it on his lap. "I'm not not going to run or cower, because I'm not afraid of you. I know you're better than this"

The beast half-slouches, partially defeated in being denied the thrill of a chase. He stares at the human, as if trying to recognise him, but he is unfamiliar. Confidence aside, the need to kill is strong, and easy or not, it will be deeply pleasurable to claim another victim.

"Then I'll make your death painful to spite you" it says, with fervour and ascending volume as it pushes its head forward threateningly, using its huge hands to pin down Alek's legs.

"Such a primal display. I can't tell if you're hungry or horny" Alek says with a tut, and notices a quiver in the beast's eyes. "Perhaps it's both, based on what's happening between your legs".

The wolf furrows its brows and pulls its gaze away to look underneath at its genitals, not believing there to be anything happening there. It looks at the sheath, soft and not at all excited. But before it could pull its head back and respond, a gentle rush of air bats at the wolf's ears and with a click, the collar is locked in place. It roars and backs away from the human, gripping at the tough leather strap on its neck but fails to get purchase. Despite its bestial rage, the claws and sheer muscle strength aren't enough to break him free. Angry and frustrated, it decides to deal with the collar later and quickly returns its attention back to the foolish human. Without further need for display, it lunges and bites at Alek's belly.

But no more can it do than simply bite at. The jaws snap together like hands clapping, spraying spit over the human's shirt. Alek watches the creature attempt to bite and slash at other parts of his body to no avail. The work is done and he cannot be harmed. The beast throws himself at the ground, tearing at the dirt and bushes, roaring.

"Be still" Alek says, strongly without shouting and the beast stops its wild thrashing and pants heavily, growling at the ground. It turns to the human and plods over, lips raised and fingers still curled, with dirt and rubble falling off them.

"You are no ordinary human" it growls, straining to remain composed.

"Correct, wolf" Alek says, standing up and brushing off the dirt from his trousers, showing a little disdain at the wet stains on his shirt. The beast raises himself up in contest at the human's height, keeping its head above. "I'm also not a hunter of your kind, so you needn't fear me"

"Fear you?!" The beast roars in Alek's face. "I loathe you!"

"Sit" Alek commands, sharply and watches the torment reaping the beast's face as its body is forced to obey. It does its best to remain intimidating despite the humiliating position. "Of course you're afraid. You're scared you've been caught and that this is the end for you, just as it usually goes with your kind." Alek drifts his head down and shakes it sadly. "Left to your own devices, you become dangerous, like a dog left to fend for itself on the streets."