Heart Of The Storm

-Chapter 2- Gift From The Sky-

Apollo

I shift my stance slightly as I scan the forest around the pack house, taking in any scents that come as the freezing air blows through my fur. Even in this weather we can't afford to skip patrols, especially with Alpha Darin and Luna Erica away and a blizzard coming. An enemy can use it to cover their movements and ambush us.

I huff in slight annoyance, wanting nothing more than to be in my bed, getting some sleep before getting up to train the newbie warriors in combat practice tomorrow. There has recently been an opening for the Gamma position, and I've been working my ass off for the last few months to get it...and it all hinges on how well I can perform the duties of a Gamma.

However, instead of resting in my warm bed, my wolf insisted I come out for a patrol shift. Urging me to be out here, saying it's important without any explanation why. I'm losing valuable sleep here, why am I wasting it?

~You just need to be out here. It's important to both of us.~ Ronan lectures in my head.

~How is it important to us?~ I mutter back.

~Something's gonna happen, something big, I can feel it. Can't you?~

I sniff the air and move forward, taking in everything around me. Now that he mentions it, it does feel strange. The air feels...charged, or something like that. Like a storm is coming, except different somehow. It's difficult to explain.

~Whatever's gonna happen, is it good or bad?~

He ponders for a moment.

~Good. Definitely good.~

~Apollo, how are you doing? Everything clear?~ Beta Coran mind links.

~Yep, all clear Coran. How's your end?~ I reply.

~All clear on this end too. One more sweep and we'll trade off.~

~Sounds good.~

~If you don't mind me asking Apollo, why did you join us for patrols tonight? Not that we don't appreciate it or anything, but you had tonight off.~

I sigh, still wondering that myself, my vague wolf not giving me a direct answer.

~Honestly, my wolf urged me to join you. Saying it was important for us both to be here. In a good way of course.~

~Well, if your wolf senses something, you should follow it. At least that's what I've learned. A lot of bad situations have been avoided because of our wolves instincts.~

I agree silently. He's right, our wolves instincts can make the difference between life and death. I keep moving over the packs territory, checking for anything out of place. Just as I'm about to call in a rotation, the air intensifies. Seeming to be completely overwhelmed with electricity, which makes my fur stand slightly in response.

~You feel that Coran?~

~Yeah, it feels weird. What the hell is it exactly?~

Before I can reply, the last thing I expect to see in a blizzard happens. A large bolt of blue lightning rips from the heavens and strikes the earth below, hardly twenty feet in front of me. It's descent and impact sends a furious roar that could probably be heard halfway across the country, violently shaking the ground with its power and sending snow flying in its wake.