Chapter 4

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As I near the edge of the clearing, a brooding Eli falls on my right flank.  From past experience, I know his silence is deadly.  Soon after, a silent Myles takes up my left flank.  We continue our funeral march in silence as we finally reach the tree line.  Hidden from the curious eyes of the other wolves, I begin running at a fast pace, eager to escape this nightmare that has become my life.  Both men silently follow suit, their large paws quiet against the forest floor.  For once, they take care not to outrun me.

A mate.

Impossible!

I was never meant to have a mate.  This must be a mistake.

~~~~~~~~~~

"One day, the big bad wolf is going to get you!" They yell, laughing and pointing. 

"Shut up!  That's just some fairytale!" 5 year old me shouts back at the dumb boys.  Even those idiots couldn't miss the fear in my voice.

"Aw look, we scared the baby!" One shouts, making them all laugh even harder.  

Their circle grows tighter around me as they jeer.  I'm too slow to avoid the rock that pelts my shoulder at full force.

Fat, frustrated tears begin down my chubby cheeks, causing them to cheer harder.

Suddenly, the boys freeze, their laughter cut short.  

"Leave her alone.  The next one that says anything to her will have to answer to me.  Personally." A familiar voice bellows.  

The boys all nod quickly before running off.

"Eli!" I sob, throwing myself into his awaiting arms.

"Hey, it's okay little one.  Don't let their stupidity get to you, they enjoy picking on people smaller than them." He soothes. "Say, I'll tell you what, you can start training with me.  Would you like that?" He asks.

Looking up at him, I smile, nodding shyly.  

He smiles back.

"Good, we start tomorrow."

~~~~~~~~~~

Oh, how they must be laughing now.  

Ironically, that was the same day I learned how to be strong.  My parents agreed with Eli on the subject of me training.  They know all too well that in our world you kill or be killed.  The weak don't last very long.

Myles and Eli are deadly silent as we continue running towards the pack house.  Even the forest creatures seem to hold their breath.

Oh goddess, if my parents agree with him, that means I have to leave.  My parents, Eli, Myles...the only people who love me.  The only people who have ever loved me.  I couldn't leave behind my family, could I?  No, they would sort this out.  They had to.

All too soon, we arrive back at the pack house.  I only ran out of those doors minutes ago, but so much has changed since then.

As soon as I cross the threshold my mother is there, pulling me into a tight hug.  

"Go upstairs and pack, sweetheart."  Her melodious voice whispers into my hair.  

Before I can pull away, she continues.

"We always knew this day would come.  Goddess we hoped it wouldn't, but we tried to prepare you in every way."  She pulls back.  "I have to go back in there now, be strong."  

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