Little Red

Chapter 1

I run faster, reaching an unrelenting speed as I race through the thick forest.  The wet moss and grass below my feet don't disturb me as I attempt to go even faster.  The sun smiles down on me through the forest canopy, stretching her bright rays and encompassing the greenery in a golden hue.  The thundering sound of paws hitting the damp forest floor only spur me on.  

I smile at the feeling of freedom that blossoms in my chest, enjoying the way the wind whips through my hair, my cloak.  The forest zooms by as I run, it's colors blurring together into a watercolor painting of greens and browns and streaks of gold.  

My heart beats faster, voicing the cry of my hard-working muscles. 

Thud, thud, thud.

Diverting off of the path, I run straight up the nearest tree, going as high as I dare.

Suddenly, a victorious howl shatters the quiet of the afternoon and I know I've been caught.

"Damn you Myles!" 

The only reply I get is another happy howl, which scares away the birds from my perch in the treetops. 

Although annoyed, I can't help but smile as I look down at my best friend, whose dark brown eyes peer up at me from the forest floor.  The stunning light brown wolf wears an expression that looks like a smile as the sunlight dances off of its shiny fur. 

"Yeah yeah yeah, you always beat me, blah blah.  But listen here, one day I'm gonna outsmart you!" I inform him confidently.

After all these years, one would think I've given up, but no matter how long it takes me, I am going to have my victory.  I could hold my own against him in training, but his speed was no match for me.  It seemed like he was getting faster by the hour, which was not uncommon seeing as he would soon be one of the top pack warriors when my brother becomes alpha.

"And for your prize, you get to carry your very exhausted best friend back to the pack house!" I call out cheerfully, while Myles just rolls his eyes begrudgingly.  

I put my arms out and allow gravity to pull me to the ground in a thrilling free fall, spurred on by the panic I know it gives Myles.  At the last minute, I land in a practiced crouch.

Straightening up, I catch a bewildered, worried look in his eyes.  

"What?  It was only 40 feet," I say nonchalantly.  

He only rolls his eyes again and turns his wolf body back the way we came.  Laughing, I effortlessly swing myself up onto his strong back, then hold on tight.  He snorts a warning before taking off towards the pack house even faster than before.

I smile as the wind whips my hair and cloak in crazy directions.  If anyone took a peek at the forest, they would only see a streak of red atop a large, light brown mass. 

When we arrive, I slip off his back gracefully and wait for my best friend to put on his clothes before walking inside.  Leaning against the entrance, I sigh.  Since when did the little clumsy boy from elementary school become this man in front of me?  I'm forced to rethink that statement when Myles rounds the corner wearing obnoxiously bright shorts. 

"Really Myles, highlighter pink?  Are they supposed to induce headaches?" I ask disdainfully, scrunching up my nose at the horrible sight.  He only laughs as he pulls me against his strong chest in a sweaty hug.  He's taller than me, a solid 6'3 over my 5'8, but his lean stature makes him appear even more so.  His short, sandy brown hair is ruffled as always, giving him a carefree look.  His kind brown eyes are alight with humor and the mischief that describes him so well. 

"Actually, they're coral." He corrects light-heartedly.  His eyes seem to sparkle with humor.

"Of course you would know that," I reply sarcastically.