Caged Heart

Ch.2

Devin's P.O.V.

It was hours before we decided to make camp. The "Mother Grounds" as we like to call them, would be the place of our new home. For miles, grass stretched out toward the distance horizon, not touched by humans. Generations past, had bought the land and set it up as the herd's summer home. Every year, shifters would make the long journey there, and then go back towards the winter homestead.

Still, it would take another day before we made it there. With werewolves on the ever urgent prowl, danger was not to be overlooked. Sounded one three sides by sandstone, we lay partly protected. After changing back into my human form, I slipped into a loose shirt and some pants. The others had let us barrow some of their spare clothes, awesome due to the fact that else, I would have been stuck running around naked.

The tents had been put up, and the warm fires glowed. Even in the chilly spring air, our herd kept each other nice and warm. Ben ran over to me, a smile lifting his lips.

"I was so close this time! Next run, I call dibs on leading the herd." he said.

"Ben, you know you aren't old enough. Father won't let you.", I said, sitting down next the fire. Ben, still ever persistent, wouldn't let it drop.

"Come on. I'm not a coat anymore, and I'm a strong runner. Dad has to see that." He added.

"Yes, I know you are, love. Dad and everyone else can see its true, but you know the rule. Ben, you have to be at least 16 to run the herd." I said, giving him hug.

Frowning he wandered away, grumbling about "Stupid rules" and, "Butt-faced idiots". It made me giggle hearing the last one. It seemed like one moment he was a kid, the next he would probably be finding his mate. Time passes so fast, when you grow older.

Shaking my head, I muter under my breath. "Man, am I becoming an old lady or what."

Behind me, I felt someone tap my shoulder. Turning, I met my father's dark blue eyes, a thoughtful look on his features.

"Can you come with me for a moment. I want to talk to you about something." His warm voice, like an embrace.

"Sure, Dad." I get up and fallow behind him. Together we separate ourselves from the rest of the herd, far enough to get privacy.

My Father turns, "Today, you made me so proud. You did a great job leading the others."

"Thanks, Dad. To tell you the truth, I was freaking out at first. All that responsibility, that urge to make the others see me as their future leader,... it made it even more important. Still, a part of me feels that I'm not ready."

Sighing, I added, "Was it like this for your first time?"

"Yes, it was baby-girl. My father, your grandfather, just dropped it on me one day. "Lead the herd", he said, just out of the blue. My inner horse was so happy, but deep down fear gripped me. But you know what? I learned more on the day, then I ever have. That day, I learned what it meant to be connected with others, that together we could do anything. Oh honey, today you proved yourself a far greater leader than I will ever be. No one will forget this run." he said, rapping me in his arms around me.

In that moment, I held tight to the bond we shared. In my heart, I vowed that I would never loose them. My family, everything...

In a few moments, that would all change.

In a few moments, they would all be dead....

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