Rogue Squad

Mission: Destroy The Family

It's early afternoon, the sun is glistening down through the leafy canopy above. The thundering sound of our paws slamming on top the earthy ground vibrates throughout the forest. The trees densely compacted in the deepest part of the woods. My small pack moves nimbly through the thickly crowded trees.

The crisp leaves crack and crumble beneath our crushing weight. As we continue our route, I start to acknowledge familiar trees, ones with my claw marks scratched and etched into the bark.

We're close.

We've hit the point where we need to start being careful of where we step.

I let out a low-throaty warning bark, signaling the severity of the situation. I slow from a canter to a trot. I feel the pack follow my lead.

My eyes track the trees, being sure to steer clear of any unmarked areas.

A moment later, there is a large snapping sound: metal closing in on itself. A loud but familiar yelp echoes through the woods causing me to jump. My paws come to a halt and I quickly turn around on my toes. The rest of the pack follows suit.

A blondish-grey wolf stands far from the group, beside a silver trap. The trap is a typical hunting trap with pointed teeth that can pierce through flesh in an instant. It glistens in the sunlight and is snapped completely shut. Ruben stands beside it, panting nervously with wide eyes.

I jog closer to the scene.

I sigh in relief as I realize Ruben hasn't gotten caught in the trap.

After further examination, it appears that a large fallen branch triggered the trap. Ruben must have jostled the stick as he was jogging, causing the trap to go off.

After being reassured that Ruben is unharmed, I give him a small glare telling him to stay closer to the pack. I turn on my heels and continue my lead.

Our pace has slowed considerably.

We continue on our way.

After about another five minute or so of travel my wolf stirs uncomfortably in my head. I question her for a moment. Then I hear rustling.

My heart stutters out of control. I slow my steps to a stop. Raymond slows quickly by my side and the rest of the group comes to a halt. I turn my head around, searching for the sound again.

Silence.

I reach my snout up high and give a good sniff in the air, searching for any difference in the fragrance. I can't seem to find anything off.

Another light rustle is heard in the distance on my right.

Raymond gives me a small whimper. He wants to know what's going on. I turn my head to him and glare, telling him to shut up and listen.

My paws carry me forward a few steps, I'm careful to stay as quiet as possible.

Was I just hearing the wind rustling the trees? Maybe it was a squirrel, or a rabbit.

My wolf rolls her eyes at me. She's taking offense to my lack of trust in her instincts. I suppose she doesn't steer me wrong often.

I decide to trust her. I let out a low warning call, signaling the pack to stay on their toes.

The group acknowledges my call. They start to form a defensive position. They give each other their backs and watch the woods carefully. I give them my back as well. I stare off into the woods, looking for any sign of the Hunter or her lover. Could they have found us so easily?

A rustling comes from a collection of large bushes and shrubbery that's nearest to Rina. My instincts start to kick in and I grow protective. I'm about to step toward her to protect her, but luckily Leo hops on it. He steps up beside her, protecting her by placing himself between her and the bush. He lets out a low and threatening growl. All our eyes rest on the bush, waiting for the intruder to pop out.