Remember

Chapter 29: The Predators Become The Prey

The rest of the week past with relative ease. We managed to evade the Hunters and rogues closing in on us.

Although there were few problems with our travel, the developing relationship between us was another story. I didn't have a clue what was going on. The connection between us had snapped when Janus shifted, but the affections between us continued to grow.

Perhaps being in beast form emboldened me, giving me the courage to do what I wouldn't dare do in human form.

We were close to the meeting point, only a few miles away now.

The scent of humans invaded my nose, my guard flew up and I pricked my ears to listen for any hint.

"They are gathering around here. Keep an eye out for any late comers."

I let out a soft growl as I understand who they were. Hunters, who were tasked with finding our compound. This complicated matters. We couldn't just burst into the compound, we would lead them directly to it.

Before we had a chance to react, let alone make a plan, they were on to us. We were running along a crevice, the Hunters were right behind us and closing in.

We were too tired to find an extra burst of speed and the Hunters were fresh.

The sound of rocks falling down the crevice snapped a plan together in my mind. It was risky, but it seemed to be our only option.

More than likely we could survive a tumble down the side of the ravine. Even more we were in beast form so we would be able to have traction while the humans would not. Also, we could take cover under one of the large rocks that created an outcropping, hiding us from prying eyes.

I reached out to Janus, my mind open to his, showing him the plan. He didn't like it, I could feel that easily, but I knew that he trusted me.

That unnerved me. His continued faith and trust in me. He may not like something, but since I was involved he was willing to try.

I shut down my brain, instead acting on instinct. The crack of a weapon had me flying into action, diving into the ravine, and pulling Janus with me. Once we were over the side I let go of Janus, allowing him to traverse the rocky terrain on his own.

I scampered down the side, barely keeping my balance and preventing myself from sommersalting down the side at terminal velocity.

My mind was racing, looking for shelter from the falling rocks. A shaky appearing piece of shale provided what looked to be shelter over a flatter spot on the side. My mind made up I leaped over, only making it to the flat spot with inches to spare.

Janus saw my jump and tried to adjust his course accordingly. A passing rock caught his paw. A snap reverberated down the walls and he lost his balance, tumbling forward to a rocky death.

I reached out, bracing my body for impact and grabbed the scruff of his neck, pulling him under the shale.

We were both panting, my body was sore from the impact while he stood on three legs. His fourth was obviously broken.

I nuzzled him, gently pushing him to lay down and take the stress off of the other three legs. A whimper escaped from his lips as he did so, the pain was obvious.

I strained my ears to listen to see if I could hear what the Hunters were doing.

"...should be dead.

...will stay...

...just two of you..."

I turned my attention back to Janus, satisfied that a majority of the Hunters were leaving.