Tied By The Moon | Editing

Chapter 1 ✅

I crouched low to the ground, the wisps of grass tickling the underside of my neck. I was in wolf form, fur alert and energy high, my ears flat against my head and my tail postured parallel to the ground; I was hunting.

This was a regular occurrence for me, normal pack wolves had scheduled pack runs and time as their wolves to get pent up aggression and energy out, as rogues this was hard, but as a leader it was even harder.

The scent of my target wafted into my nose, alerting my senses as I advanced. It was an injured doe, abandoned by her herd because of her disabilities. My human side ached for her, but my primal side urged to feed my companions. It was known to most that rogues travelled alone, they were - after all - branded the lone wolf. But I'd acquired some followers to accompany me, their wolves willing to have me as their Alpha if it meant they could be protected.

The wind picked up, changing direction and blowing westward, towards the setting sun. The forest had a golden glow to it, the leaves of the autumn decorating the floor with its art.

I twitched, shaking the distracting thoughts from my mind and instead watching the doe as she struggled to stand, small grunts of effort coming from her mouth. I had to act now, so in one swift move, I lept, charging at her and sinking my teeth into the soft flesh of her hind legs.

She sprung up with adrenaline as metallic tasting liquid filled my mouth, bucking her legs in an attempt to shake me off. Her efforts were futile though, as I latched on harder, shaking my head back and forth; trying to inflict as much damage as I could. I pulled back my head roughly, dislocating her hip and causing her to collapse onto the grass. My wolf thumped her tail onto the grass in pride, clamping her teeth into the doe's neck to silence her pleas.

The darkness provided a blanket for my actions, and I followed the moonlight with my eyes, amused at the fact the sliver of light danced with the grass as if it were an old friend. The wind slowed down as I dragged the doe in the direction of the camp as if to congratulate me for my kill; sparing me it's cold.

Still, though, my wolf and I were grateful for the now calm weather, my body was still tired from running here and the doe was stronger than expected. Grunting with effort, I began to pick up the scent of my companions, their familiar aroma driving me on. My efforts were rewarded as they came into view, the youngest of them spotting me immediately.

"She's back, April's back!"

The young child sprung up from his spot on the grass, running over to me and wrapping his arms around my front legs. Our ancestors, the original wolves that had bonded with the animals they stood side by side with, had grown to be larger than the average wolf, towering the same height as the average man when on all fours.

He ran his hand through the dark fur on my front legs, the brown colour fading as it got closer to my paws. My wolf purred, appreciating the action, and I nudged the boy with my nose as the others came into view.

The eldest, one of my closest friends, stepped forward to greet me the old way; cheek to cheek, taking my scent in as we've always done. She glanced behind me to the doe, her eyes shining with relief that we'd have something to eat.

The young boy let go of me, wanting to get a closer look at the doe, but its legs were mauled and it's neck bloodied and bruised and I knew he'd get upset at the sight.

I growled at him, my head obstructing his view as I nudged him back, away from the doe. His eyebrows knitted together in a frown as he allowed me to push him back, still craning his neck to try and see. The young still needed to learn the ways of wolves, their curiosity was at times charming, and at times it led to traumatic situations. I would protect him for as long as I could, but he would have to learn to kill one day, whether it be another wolf or simply to get a meal I didn't know.