A prologue meant to be read at the start of the story. Not sure yet if I'll keep some or all of this. The story begins a month later. The Bieszczady Mountains are said to be home to the largest population of wolves in Europe.
January
Devon, England
It's taking me a while to shift into my wolf form. The moonlight shines on my skin and the cold breeze ensures interesting scents assault my nostrils. I sniff the air hungrily, eager to join the others, but still I can't change. It's all her fault. I don't know her yet but she haunts my dreams every night and all the signs are leading me to the same conclusion. She's about to cross my path and there isn't much I can do about it. Except refuse to love her. Make her hate me.
I hear a snarl and realise it's me. Well, the wolf me. Disagreeing as usual. Relief washes over me as he makes his presence known, cleansing my thoughts and I let go. I easily picture the animal within releasing himself, overshadowing my human self. The links entwining both halves break, allowing the wolf to gain centre stage. The floating sensation signals the war between human and animal has been fought and won. Humanity subsides and wolf takes over.
A sharp twist of pain and an overpowering rush of adrenalin push me to my knees. I choke a little at the speed of the change. Fingers turn to claws that dig into the ground. My back arches into a curve as a warm coat of pure black fur swiftly sprouts from my skin. I feel like I'm spinning out of control as my face elongates into a snout and my mouth becomes full of lethally sharp fanged teeth. I shake free of the dizziness and all of my senses improve immediately. I smell and see everything like the world has been magnified. It's been a year since I first changed but everything is still so new.
I stretch, relishing the sensations that never get old no matter how many times I change. Instinct kicks in and my body aches to take in every scent around me. My peripheral eyesight transforms. My focus and point of view alter completely. I'm ready. I follow my alpha and hope I prove myself tonight. Life is less complicated like this. I even catch myself thinking it would be nice to share all of this with her. Humanity recoils at the thought. Bad idea, it tells me but in this form I'm happy. Free.
***
Bieszczady Mountains, Poland
Far from the snowy peaks of the mountain, surrounded by a dense forest of beech trees, a group of wolves gather together. They are wary, but not of other predators or humans. They are far from the trails the humans like to use. Other animals, even predators, clear a path once they scent them. Most of the group are disturbed by the presence of lone wolves amongst the representatives of different packs. Instinct urges them to fight but they wait for news - for the greater good. Edgy and cold, they sit in silence, numbering less than twenty, the last stronghold of their kind.
A silver elder sits alone at the head of the group. He is in no mood for challenges. His mate rests behind him leaving a considerable amount of distance between them. She growls a warning at the young male close to her when he tries to inch past. Aside from the occasional growl, it is eerily silent and the group grows more uncomfortable. Finally, a red faced, sweating man appears, his feet scuffing the ground noisily. His presence brings displeasure but they know him, know they must tolerate him. At least until he shares the news.
The man's dark brown hair sticks to his forehead. He trembles with fear, the scent entices the wolves to make a move but they want to hear what he has to say first. The youngest male shivers and growls incessantly, barely able to control himself. He is flanked by two others who nip him infrequently to remind him of his manners.
"We've tracked them. Watchers are in place." He's still panting from the hike. It was never meant to be taken by a human. The wolves are pleased by his words but many of them sense hesitation in the man's voice.
"There is more. Worse news." A cacophony of growls builds up into one single sound. The man tries to back away. He wants no part of this. It makes no difference. The news will be told regardless. Many of the wolves phase into their human forms.
"What else?" demands the elder.
"They are on the move again. The signs say it's almost time for the pup to mature."
The elder considers the news. "And what of the abomination."
"No changes but time is not on our side. She's almost of age."
Some of the wolves growl in unison. An almost russet coloured wolf moves forward to stand next to the elder. The man senses the growing tension and desperately wants to leave, regretting playing any role in this. It was a mistake. He can't trust them.
"We have no need for impure females. The abomination was always meant to die. As for the pup . . . take the distraction out of the equation."
The man shakes his head. "I can't do that. I'm a seeker, I don't deal with the problems. I can't hurt kids." His voice rises into a whine.
The elder can't help laughing but he has abandoned his human side for so long that it sounds like an odd bark.
"I wasn't talking to you." With an unspoken signal, the wolves advance on the man.
Along the summit of the Bieszczady Mountains, a group of howling wolves draws little attention.
