Claimed│✓

TWENTY-SEVEN: MACABRE

[twenty-seven]

I didn't know who he was. I could tell his scent was very different. He was a rogue.

My father warned me to never trust one and to never hesitate. I couldn't be bothered by my father at that moment. He was pressuring me and I didn't like it. Ben,a carpenter, was looking for a new mate. I would take care of his twins from time to time. His mother was nice and the twins were wonderful, I felt saddened by their mother's passing.I was only there to witness her die. Goddess knew I could never live alone with my father. He would have surely killed me by now.

I didn't know why this bothered me so much. It was expected. I looked forward to this, I always did. My mother went through the same thing and she turned out fine. I was worrying for nothing.

The snow was thick. This was my favorite time of the year. It remained cold for a long time before snow would appear. It calmed me. It took me away from all the work and expectations. It doused my wolf's restlessness. We just admired the soft feeling of the snow on us. It was a large contrast from my skin. Such a blessing,so clean.

I had gathered some in my hand when I saw him. He was leaning against a tree just watching me. I had wandered far from the house. He was alone as far as I could tell.

I was annoyed that I didn't know he was there.The snow must have numbed my sense of smell. My wolf didn't even detect him.

He just looked at me.His eyes were brown. His face covered in scruff. He didn't look dangerous but I was taught better. His breathing was normal. He was not bothered by the fact that he was so close to the border of the territory. His hair was long and dark, some of the snow got caught in it.

I once asked my mother if she loved my father, she said yes. She approved of Ben, also. She gave me her necklace for me to wear. It was a purple stone, smooth to the touch. It helped to know there was one person out there I didn't have to prove myself to. Everything for her was unconditional. I wanted to be just like that when I grew up.

But I was already a woman, wasn't I?

I chose not to address him. My wolf didn't appreciate him staring. I would have to cut my journey short. I turned away from him, intending to report his movements to Alpha Jensen. I heard his steps crunch behind me so I quickened my pace.

I didn't want to lead him to main area, just because he had no wolves with him now didn't mean he couldn't give away our location. I took a detour.

There was a steep bend in the land. I knew the borders well. It was a long trench stretching a mile or so. It was jagged and uneven. Only a portion of it was marked within in our own being too difficult to explore in wolf form and not a viable source of sustenance for the pack. I would often cross it feeling exhilarated that I could leave the borders, even if for a moment.

I would have to leave the borders for a short while. He wasn't far behind. If I got over the trench in time. I could lose him.

The snow was thick in this area. It reached my waist.I could feel snowflakes on my tongue and cheeks.

Just as I reached over the top of the trench something grabbed my ankle and dragged me back. I tried to shuffle away scattering snow with my movements but the grip wouldn't budge. I stopped momentarily to see the rogue towering over me.

I started struggling again and got to my feet. Obviously, he had no intention of only loitering. I crouched in front of him backing up some. My wolf was ready to assist me. If I could take him down, maybe my father would be proud. I could prove myself as a warrior, protect my pack and advance in my training.