Among The Wolves

Phone Call

As I neared the barn a yawn came over me before I could stop it. I rubbed an eye. I dreaded working at the stables. It was a more draining job than the trash was. I am so tired.

Every night, I had dreams fill my mind with relentless zeal and they wrenched sleep from me as would a bully take a child's lunch money. Horrifying visions of lifeless bodies, raging wolves and dreaded abandonment had me waking up steeped in sweat, parched for air, and crying for help.

Due to this, I had endeavored to work, work, and work. Getting up at four in the morning and laying back down at 11 at night forced my body into a deep sleep that no nightmare could penetrate. My methods to cope became a survival necessity. To push toward the next day.

Because I worked hard and fast, I was done with my daily trash job from noon to early in the afternoon. I felt miserable and remorseful doing the stable job. I should not be here. Bal'Tiq should! He is the horse expert!

That poor prime horse never was touched after Bal'Tiq left. Because there was no one to saddle him, Alpha G'por'r rode a different one.

I drove the cart to its port and went on to the stables. I would get the purse tonight when everyone was asleep. Once in the stables I grabbed a pitchfork and a wheelbarrow. I had 24 stalls to muck. I traveled to the first one and stabbed the straw.

"Can't you be quieter? Seriously, you tromp around like you have metal for feet." A wolfblood poked his head into the stall. I did not turn around. This was so typical of them.

Today was the day before the full moon so everyone was very hypersensitive. These kinds of days were real-life nightmares. I did everything wrong and nothing right. I spoke too loudly, I smelled too bad, I drove on the grass, I was not fast enough, I touched something of theirs. I was an eyesore. One thing after another all day.

"I am going to dump the menure in two hours. Whether you're done or not, you better hurry." The wolfblood left me alone.

Discouraged, I sighed. "I will be there soon." Stabbing at more straw even though my muscles were already complaining.

"Hey, you."

I looked up again only to find Brittle standing in the doorway of the stall. Why do these people not leave alone? I want to do my work in peace and quiet.
This rich girl had quite the outfit today. A slimming leather coat with fuzzy fur patruding from every exit along with matching pants. She looked like a misplaced scarecrow.

"I need my horse saddled." Brittle placed a hand on her hip, shifting her weight to one leg.

Yes, and I need a drink of warm water. Why are you telling me what you need? If you need the horse saddled, then go saddle it.

I nodded to let her know I heard her then went to stab the straw again.

She scoffed. "Excuse me? Didn't you hear me?"

I stopped swinging the pitchfork and leaned on it. "Yes nor."

"Then do it now."

I pointed to myself, "Me?"

Brittle rolled her eyes, "Duh."

"I can't, I'm sorry." I never even rode a horse before, how am I supposed to saddle one? I mean, unless you want to fall off a horse and break your neck, I'd suggest you find someone more capable.

Brittle let out a wolfish growl, "You know what I am capable of, so do it now!" She stomped her foot.

Wow, this girl is super reactionary and I want her gone. I bent down and picked up a piece of horse dung with my bare hands, I smiled. "Have you ever held one of these before? It is so cool!"