Wolf

Chapter 1

I pulled my jacket tighter around me and tromped through the woods, trying to keep my eyes on the trail. The sky was darkening, but under the trees, it already seemed like night. I huffed and looked up.

“It’s not funny, guys!” I shouted into the woods. There was no reply.

Jake, my boyfriend—although he wouldn’t stay that for much longer, especially after this little episode—and his friends had wandered off without me. This was by far the dumbest thing they had ever done. Now we were traipsing around in wild territory, and we were separated. Heaven forbid it be too easy for me to find my way back.

“Why did I fall for such a jerk?” I muttered under my breath. “I’m so going to kick his ass when I find him.” If I find him.

They couldn’t have been far from me, but I couldn't hear or see anything. The night sky was growing darker and darker, except for the full moon. I was more athletic than the boys, which meant I could catch up to them faster. Yet, it was cold and dark. They had flashlights, and I didn’t.

I jumped as a howl pierced the air. Goosebumps rose on my arms at the noise. “Wolves?” I whispered to myself. “They ditched me in a creepy, dark forest with wolves?”

Suddenly, I heard a scream. It sounded like a man. No—it sounded like Jake. I started to run towards the sound. Asshole or not, he needed my help. The cry sounded so far away. My ears began to ring as I heard three more wails of pain join in with my boyfriend’s scream. As I got closer, the sound of snarls and ripping could be heard.

I slowed down and ducked into the low, thick branches of a pine tree. I stared out the space between boughs. My eyes widened in horror.

Blood was all over the ground. My boyfriend and his three friends were on the ground, twitching weakly as figures dressed in black leaned over them. My heart thundered in my chest. The figures almost looked like men, but they were eating the guys.

There were twelve of them, all snarling at each other as they dug into the boys’ bodies. I wanted to throw up, but I was too scared. One of the savage men looked up from Jake's body. His lips were covered with blood that looked black in the silvery light. His eyes were glowing red. He sniffed the air but didn't get up.

I realized that he probably smelled me. I slowly started to back away from the gruesome scene. When the growls and the smell of blood faded, and I could no longer see or hear the pack of cannibals, I turned and sprinted into the woods. I didn’t care if I was off the trail now. I just wanted to get as far away as possible.

Above me, the full moon shone between the trees.

Kris looked up from his meal and slowly took a deep breath through his nose. He caught something that had almost been masked by the strong scent of blood. Another person was still in the woods. Kris wiped his mouth and glanced at his Beta to see if he had noticed. Tao met Kris’ eyes briefly before dropping his gaze and curling his lip. Kris raised his head and howled triumphantly. One by one, the other members joined in. It had been a good hunt. Everyone had been fed.

Kris stood up and turned to Tao. “Back to the den,” he commanded in a dark voice. Tao bowed his head slightly and snarled at the other packmates. They curled their lips and ducked their heads. Kris turned and sprinted into the trees, heading towards the den that they called home. Tao was running on his right, flanking him.

A young boy with black, cropped hair bounded up beside Kris and gave him a wide grin. Kris growled and snapped his teeth at the boy. Chanyeol immediately dropped back so he was behind Kris. Kris rolled his eyes. Food always made Chanyeol want to play.