Moonlight Sonata

CHAPTER 1| red rogues

The white specks of snow increased in speed and multitude as they sprinkled every unhidden object in a blanket of white cushions. A blizzard churned and yearned to break freeze after a tiring summer of being locked away. But even even the storm knew it would have to wait.

James quickly whipped his head to the right, smelling and seeing movement behind a shrub. With agile movement he tracked it as it moved deeper into the heart of the woods.

Than it disappeared. As if it was never there. No smell. No sign of anything.

Throwing a silent curse into the cold air, he watched for any signs.

Did you get anything? The familiar voice intruded on his focus.

Gathering himself quickly, he knew he needed to reply.

It got away, sir.

Samuel hit the desk hard on the other line. He knew James could do nothing more if he lost the rogues scent. All they could do is gather back and confide in a new plan as soon as possible.

Before Samuel could utter a word back, James severed the line of the telepathic link.

Samuel waited eagerly. Desperately. After a good time of anxious silence. James re-focused the link.

I thought that I'd lost her, but it seems she somehow disabled her scent to throw me off... she knows.

Samuel weighed his options carefully. If the she-wolf was gathering others it wouldn't be safe. The rogues were dangerous against one wolf. And he didn't want to risk his beta's life.

If you find her, follow carefully. You never know if any rogues are masking their scent and following you.

Yes, sir.

James replied bluntly, before once again ending the connection.

Samuel thought back to what the pack doctor had said.
'there are more and more wolves leaving their packs and becoming rogue. They've ravaged everything. It's like they don't even know what they are, and their wolf has permanently taken over.' Dr. Anderson shook his head, before he seemed to be pondering. ' It's almost as though they don't want to survive anymore. Their independent and reckless. And this could be the end to the werewolf race.'

Samuel blinked twice, before hearing the annoying buzz of his phone nearby. Placing it to his ear, James' voice crackled to life.

"There is a lot more than I expected. We'll need back-up as soon as possible, sir. These rogues - these rogues aren't even human any more. They're different-"

James was having trouble putting the words together. He could only say that these wolves were just that - wolves. No part of their brutal amber eyes, hid a single rational thought. They were shallow and ravenous.

Samuel shook his head. This wasn't normal. It wasn't right. Someone was behind this inhumane act against their race. It was as if they wanted them as an independent army to which they could control.

Samuel raked his fingers through his jet black hair. If there was no cure for this, there was no hope for any werewolf living.

                                                       * * *

Samuel stood stiffly outside the double doors. His mind sifting through the events of present and past.

The wooden doors opened, presenting a well arranged room with a large table, and seven chairs. A large LED light let off a soft glow, illuminating the room. For the windows were covered in a thick red curtain.

A heated conversation was taking place, unknown to the other members. Fast words and loud voices echoed throughout the room. It wasn't hard for one to discern that something unpleasant was happening.

The sudden appearance of Samuel momentarily threw them off.

"Mr. Knight, we realize you have been occupied greatly with business on the border. Thank you for coming." A younger alpha greeted Samuel curtly.

"It is quite alright. You said more reports have been made on the rogues?"

The council sat, faces grave and troubled. Even through the weariness of the eldest member, concern was etched inside his dark eyes.

" We do not like to call meetings like this, Mr. Knight. But I'm sure you'll understand."

Samuel nodded and took a seat.

"I have come across some problems myself, Mr. Banks."

Mr. Banks raised his eyebrow skeptically.

"So you are not new to this rogue problem?"

"No, sir."

The concerned council members, relaxed subtly. Samuel listened intently. He had gotten numerous warnings from the surrounding packs, of wolves leaving them and going rogue only to come back, and kill their own kind.

"Just yesterday, my pack lost three of our best trackers. Went on a hunt, and disappeared."

"We've lost a few of our own. A young she-wolf injured a pup, before we had go take her out. The families were devastated."

Samuel tensed.

" Do any of the packs up North have any problems?"

Henry shook his head.

"They contacted a week ago, clearing the problem. They haven't had any attacks."

"What about Europe?"

"Sir, we haven't contacted the packs there since the war. They broke connection with America."

Samuel stood up, the familiar feeling of frustration and anger building up.

" What have the pack doctor's said?"

"We haven't gathered enough information, sir. We can't conclude-"

"What have they said, Mr. George?" Samuel shoved his emotions down. Gritting out the words.

"It's in the brain cells, Mr. Knight. The doctor's are not trained properly for this. They don't have any results or conclusions."

Samuel released a heavy sigh.

"Gather our best doctor's. We need to figure this out and keep an eye out for a suspect. There is something going on deeper than we can see."

"Yes, sir."

"Mr. Knight-" Peter Banks' began sternly. "We will not waste the hard work  and labor of our doctors, if we are not sure."

"Mr. Banks. I am very sure, because I have seen this before. A long while ago. This is something that could alter the lives of our race." Samuel combed his hand through his hair. " I recommend you stay with your Pack. Don't leave the borders until we can offer more security. If there are as many wild rogues as have been mentioned, we are all in risk."