We left nothing, but our paw prints in the snow

Chapter 16

Chapter 16:

The pack took the news happily. They jumped and played. They hunted each other and playfully barked “Got you!” if ever they managed, 'cause it is rare for a grown wolf to catch another, as their strengths are almost equal, but I guess that most of there, including myself and My Mate, are all still young wolves and pups.

Watching my pack play was nice and amusing. The competitive ones got very upset when caught, and the playful or young ones would just bark, “Caught you!” to join in.

I loved watching them, for they are my pack, our pack. We are a family, even if in this case, our family isn't very direct.

Pup amused me the most. She was trying to understand what we were saying. I could see her imitating sounds and movements, trying to learn. I wanted to help her, but there was no way I could. Anyway, after a while most of it should come naturally to her. I adored her and would protect her above all. She has made too many bad experiences as it is. I was happy that she now had the chance to live properly. But wait 'till her first hunt! That will be so much fun.

I saw an older she-wolf show Pup how to move more quietly. It definitely helped. At first it looked rather clumsy, but her walk got steadier. She was a fast learner. Good! She has waited too much of her life already.

I moved my attention to some of the younger wolves of the pack. They too found that sneaking up on a more experienced wolf is not easy. Speaking of which, is that steps I hear behind me. I turn around just in time to see a young, playful male wolf jump at me. I dodged, and he landed in the snow. I helped him up, telling him it was a nice try, just to be quieter.

He made a sound of agreement, than wandered off, probably looking for the next wolf to pounce on.

“When was the last time you guys had a meal?” I asked My Mate.

“Yesterday. There was a sickly buck, and we took her.”

“So, you're good for a while. Well, I haven't eaten for a while so I think I'll go see what I can find,” and I walked away from the playing pack.

What did I fancy. I guess a rabbit, or a bird. Something small, to keep me going until the next hunt. I cast around for scents. Well, no birds that I could get nearby. A rabbit passed by here this morning, won't catch him any more. Is that lynx? It better not be. I am a biggish wolf, but I'm not even adult. I couldn't take on a lynx alone.

I could still hear the pack, but only just. I couldn't reach them quick enough, and they couldn't reach me, not with Pup.

Well, think. I need a meal, or I won't be going anywhere, but I need to not bump into the lynx, or I won't be going anywhere either. I walked around. The smell get stronger here, so I'll go in the opposite direction. Now, I want to smell prey, no predator. I need to eat. I walked on, looking for the scent, any scent of any prey, but I found only few, and those few that I found, were all so old they weren't worth acknowledging.

Where? There must be prey somewhere here? I felt my belly rumble. This wasn't good. And now that I think about it, the smell of lynx is getting stronger. I should turn around. Maybe I can find some miracle plant that I can eat, just to keep me going.

No such luck. And for some reason, I couldn't get away from the smell of lynx. If anything, it was getting stronger, and I really didn't need an encounter. Think about it. In my best condition, I might have a chance, but now, weak, hungry, and probably pregnant, I didn't stand a chance. Oh, and did I mention that I was alone?

I heard something behind me, and I swivelled around. I moved my ears, trying to catch another sound. Nothing. I smelled the air. Lynx and something I've never smelled before. What would it be?

I heard something else, this time from my left. I turned to face it, and got my first glimpse of what should have been a lynx, but wasn't. Okay, it looked like a lynx, but there were some very un-lynx-like things about this lynx. The way it moved reminded me of those things humans like to keep. Those things that are somewhere between a wolf and a fox. It smelled of lynx and of the unidentifiable. It sounded of nothing. Only the occasional crunch of snow. How was that even possible? I'm a wolf! I can hear a fish breathe underwater from a mile away. But I can't hear a lynx that's right in front of me!

I raised my hackles and bared my teeth to make an impression. Maybe I could make the lynx think that I'll win.

He looked at me through his yellow-brown eyes. They looked empty; not at all like those of a living creature.

He started approaching me. So much for the dangerous impression.

I stood my ground. If I backed up now, I would look weak, and he would probably lunge. Maybe I should just attack, take him by surprise. With luck, it will work.

I readied myself for the lunge, but the lynx was faster. He jumped onto me, teeth bared, claws extended. I dodged, but only just.

Letting out a low growl I lunged back. I was aiming for the throat, a lynx's only vulnerable spot.

He dodged me with unbelievable ease. I backed up and let out a loud howl, crying to my pack for help.

I didn't hear an answer.

The lynx jumped again.

I didn't register it on time.

He landed on my back, bringing me to the ground.

I tried to turn around.

I managed.

He made for my unprotected throat.

I moved out of his reach.

Where was My Mate when you needed him?

I heard my pack.

I felt something pierce my skin at my throat.

Breathing became difficult.

A huge weight was lifted off my chest, and I was walking on clouds.