The Phantom Wolf

Chapter 11 (Escaping)

In an act of pure desperation and stupidity, I quickly flung myself through the office window, just as the door started to open. The glass shattered and flew everywhere at the impact. A lot of the loose pieces sticking to me and my new clothing. I could hear the shout of surprise coming from the owner inside the office, as I fell towards the pavement in the alley below.

As soon as my feet touched the ground, I bolted down the alley. Considering that I had to run at human speed until I was sure that I was out of sight, I think I ran fairly fast and it was at a convincing pace. Overall I think I did pretty well. At least, in getting away from the shop I just stole from without getting caught, that is.

I turned a few corners, making my way through the maze of back alleys before coming to a stop and catching my breath. 'I'm far enough away now.' Brushing the broken glass shards off of me and readjusting my backpack. I emerged from the alleyway and re-joined the streets of Seattle in a calm manner, as to not draw attention to myself.

Having used my ability for as long as I did, I feel quite drained. 'I need to get something to eat and I have to do it quickly.' Thinking about feeding made a slight burn in the back of my throat return. 'It doesn't help that there's so many people around now.' Observing my surroundings, there seemed to be a lot more people out and about. 'Perhaps they were all heading to work?' I thought to myself bemused.

*3rd Person POV*

Pearl wandered the city streets, gradually making her way towards the city outskirts, towards her home. Needing to breath semi-frequently, was prolonging the journey, as she had to consistently stop, to regain her composure, around the human scents. It was becoming increasingly difficult for Pearl to appear relaxed as time went on. Deciding to pick up the pace, Pearl started jogging down the street. The quicker she got home, the quicker she could hunt.

Unfortunately, Pearls decision to pick up the pace out of seemingly nowhere, drew the attention of two police car occupants, who were sitting at an intersection across the street.

"What's that kid doing?" The male officer, in the passenger seat, asked his partner curiously.

"Hmm, not sure. Wanna get out and take a look?" The female driver responded to her partners query.

Agreeing to check it out, they called it in over their radio and pulled up alongside her, blipping the police sirens on their car as well as turning on the lights, to signal the still jogging Pearl to stop.

Pearl, seeing no other option, halted in her movements and turned to face the car. "Shit," she cursed under her breath.

The officers stepped out of the police car and approached Pearl. They kept a safe distance between them and her. Not wanting to spook the clearly nervous kid.

Pearl was tense and unmoving whilst staring at the officers. Dealing with their blood was hard enough, but if they noticed the stolen items she had on her, she would be in a hell of a lot of trouble. Pearl was focusing all of her attention and energy to maintain control around the cops, so she appeared rather rigid and uncomfortable. In doing so, the police officers had the chance to observe the girl further. Taking note of her small stature and her rather unkempt plus pale appearance, the female officer took a step forwards to engage.

"Hey there, my name is Sergeant Taylor with the Seattle City Police Department. What's going on today?" She asked kindly.

"...nothing," Pearl replied quietly. Shifting from one foot to the other, anxious to leave as soon as possible.

"Where are you headed, ma'am?" The male officer asked.

Pearl swallowed down some venom that had built up in her mouth and throat, before replying "I'm just heading home, sir."