The Boy Next Door

Chapter Twenty-Five

I wake to a low hum. I look around and don't see anything. I wake Aaron and Wolf, leaving Alyssa and the baby to sleep. We all wait in a circle looking at the sky.

"Wait, I think it's . . . " soon after Aaron said those words, a huge metal bird with spinning wings above its head come into view. We hear a loud man's voice.

"Stay where you are. We are here to help you."

I look to Aaron for help. Wolf is looking anxiously at me. Alyssa and Marley are awake now. They're standing next to Aaron looking at him. The horse is freaking out. Aaron slowly lifts his hand.

"We're going home. To the city. Jason, I know you don't like a lot of people or man made buildings, but you have go come with us. I'm not leaving my family here."

I shake my head, backing away. I watch in horror as the metal bird starts landing. Aaron is walking towards it, Alyssa and Marley following. Wolf and I watch as Aaron says something to the man that is helping them in the bird. The man nods and comes toward me. Be carries something behind his back.

I yelp, telling Wolf to scatter and meet me at our old house. I run not even staying to see Wolf run away. I crash over low branches and vines. I hear the yelling of the man and Aaron become more distant. I keep running until I can run anymore.

Finally I collapse on the cold forest floor. The forest noises are all around me. The birds chirping, the bugs hissing, the trees swishing. Everything is so peaceful, except for the giant metal bird that is hunting me. I slowly get to my feet. I drag myself to my old den, hoping Wolf is there.

...

What I see when I get to my den, is amazing. I see Wolf laying over two deer. Under the deer are three skunks and two birds. He caught all of this for his Alpha and him to share for the week.

I eat then let him eat. We pile up and sleep the night away.

...

I wake to a crack of a stick. I wake Wolf and stand on all fours. We listen. There!

I whirl around just in time to see a man sized figure shoot something. A moment later I feel a strong and slowly get drowsy again. I hear a yelp and know Wolf got hit too. I drop to the ground watching as Wolf falls. Right before I close my eyes I see the figure lean in to take us.