The Wolfsbane

Chapter 6 - No Rest For The Wicked

The cool night air blew gently across my face. I sat on the edge of the wooden boardwalk, legs dangling over the side carelessly, the conversion with Bane still buzzing in my head. I raised my head toward the sky, taking in the picturesque view.

The cloudy night sky was now replaced by myriad stars, which dotted the inky canopy. The blaze of the moon cast a radiant luster over the forest of never ending trees. The moon hung tenuously in the inky firmament. Briefly a cloud eclipsed the full moon. For a few dark, shadowy moments, it looked as if there was a halo around the cloud, a dull aura of lunar luminescence.

I was soon interrupted by footsteps from behind. My muzzle twitched and I smelt the comforting scent of Cohan. I didn't bother looking at him as he joined me over the side. He too followed my gaze upwards toward the night sky.

"You know newbie you really aught to get that nose looked at" Cohan said in a cheery tone. I looked over at his face. His prominent wolf features illuminated by the moons light. I could see him eyeing me from the corner of his eye. I huffed in annoyance and gazed back toward the sky. We sat in silence for a few minutes, I could feel a mutual wordless connection between the two of us.

My stomach broke the silence with a loud growl. I could sense the smirk on Cohan's face.

"Hungry? Some of the pack left not too long ago to hunt. We could join them? Plus you haven't met the rest." He jumped up and held out a big hairy hand. I took it without thinking then quickly let go. He raised his eyebrow.

"I've never hunted before. Not why consciously aware anyway." I looked at the ground and shuffled my feet uncomfortably. He must see me as stupid. Cohan laughed.

"You don't have to do a thing. Once you smell and see your prey your instincts will automatically kick in. Plus the entire pack is experienced, they'll help you." He gave me a reassuring smile. I smiled softly back.

"Is Dana coming? Or is she with the rest of the pack already?" I asked as we walked side by side.

"Dana is meeting us at the stream, same as Aurion and Ali" We clawed down the base of the thick trunk landing lightly on our feet. I spied Dana by the stream, bent over one of the many plants sprouting spontaneously along the rivulet. She nodded her head in greeting and gestured for us to follow her.

"Where's Aurion and Ali?" I heard Cohan ask Dana as I walked behind them.

"Aurion caught scent of a herd of elk and took off with Ali to gather the pack" Dana looked at me over her shoulder. 

"Arora, Aurion told me to tell you that you'll be on the sidelines with the younger of the pack." Cohan shot Dana an annoyed look but said nothing. I just nodded and continued to follow. We walked for what felt like an eternity until the smell of elk overwhelmed my senses. Drool slowly descended down my chin, leaving a trail behind like a snail. An unfamiliar scent drowned out the scent of elk. Wolves. But not  threatening. The scent of these wolves sent a wave of comfort through my body. Every nerve, every muscle unfurled with relaxation. A steady pulse of power.  I knew it was the rest of the pack.

A streak of light brown flashed out from behind a tree. I looked around and couldn't see anything. No sound emitted from the forest, just a stillness. Dana and Cohan had stopped just ahead. Cohan was bent over running his hands along the forest floor. Disturbing the earth between his fingers. He lifted his hand to his snout and inhaled deeply. He stood back up and looked at me over his shoulder, his mouth curled into a grin. I raised my eyebrow at him, not knowing why he was smiling. I was about to walk forward when something wet fell onto my forehead. I tilted my head upward and jumped with surprise. A wolfs face was staring right at me. I leaned back and saw the wolf had its legs wrapped around a broad branch. A big grin spread across their face, drool dripping from their gaping mouth. They flipped themselves forward, landing lightly on their feet.