The Tiger Girl

¤THREE¤

     Scarlet helped me to my room, half carrying me. I ignored the stares I got along with the two tigers, my Leader and his son, that escorted us there. I laid on my bed, thanking Scarlet and the boys. Leader and Scar both left, leaving Blake who had shifted back to his human form. "What do you need?" I asked him as he stayed.
     That made him start speaking quickly, so quickly that I nearly couldn't keep up. "I am so very sorry that this happened to you! I didn't know a hunter was near and I didn't think any would go after you or m-"
     I interrupted him with a smile, "It's fine. I told you that I've had worse, didn't I? It wasn't your fault, I shouldn't have ran into the forest. I'm a fast healer anyway. Don't be worried about me." I forced the smile to stay on my features as I felt the pain course through me.
     He shook his head, "I can't believe you tried to confort Scarlet when you woke up. Twice!"
     I frowned, "I like Scarlet as a friend, I'd do the same for you. I don't want to see her crying. At all. You should go comfort her too, or at least send her in here for me to."
     He nodded, "You're too likable." I shrugged, then he left. I was alone for a few minutes, 'till Scarlet came back in. I opened my arms to her and she hugged me back immediately with hushed tears in her eyes.
     "Worry about yourself. I don't need it, okay. I'm fine!" She nodded at my words. "Be careful, will you? I wouldn't handle it if my friend got hurt." She hugged me tighter, then left me to lay on my bed. I fell asleep right after, the bed so comfy compared to the one I had at Mother's.

     I woke on my own that morning. I checked my wounds and they were fully healed. I threw the used bandages away, getting dressed. I wore a black dress, knowing I didn't have to go to school, since it was a Saturday. Yeah, yeah. I know I had went to my new school on a Friday.. So what? Better than not going at all. I picked up a book that I had stuffed into my duffle bag when I was coming here and started to read a book I found on my bookshelf filled with three actual books.
     Someone flew open the door and I turned to look up at the intruder. Scarlet was there. Crying. I was over to her side in an instant, giving her a shoulder to cry on. "What's going on?" I asked, startled.
     "A wolf pack-.. Killing-.. Hide-!" She gasped. I growled hearing her say the word killing.
     "Get to safety. I have to do a few things." She nodded and ran off to what I hope was a safety zone for the non-warriors. I transformed and took off toward the sounds of fighting.
     When I saw the battle feild, I stopped instantly. The attackers were werewolves. Well.. not really. They were wolf guardians. I looked over the crowd, trying to find tigers in need of help. My tiger wanted to tear them all to shreds at the pain and misery they are causing. This is when I let her --the tiger-- take over. She took down four wolves without hesitation, continuing on with grace and pride. Blood soaked into our fur, but that was washable.
     It only took seconds to spot the Alpha of the pack. He was a huge black wolf with ruby colored eyes. He didn't look much older than our Leader, but was barking orders from the tree line. I took off after him, in control again, throwing him by the scruff of his neck. 'What is your deal, wolf?!' I growled to him, but he was frozen. His eyes were stuck mine. I circled him with my being lowered, ready to pounce if needed.
      'Your 'Streak' has something I need. Something that belongs to me.' He said in a whimper, not moving and not letting his eyes leave mine. Does he think I'll take pity on him or something? I don't think so!
     'Your idiocy will lead to the death of you and your pack.' I spat. 'Call off your hounds and let's go in peace.' I looked to the rest of the fight, but saw that all eyes were on us --on me. I couldn't help to think that once this is over, I'd be in trouble with the Leader. I turned my eyes back to the pack leader, showing my fangs. 'This life doesn't revolve around you, mutt. Choose quickly.' I added.
     'I've called them off, Miss.' The Alpha said.
     I nodded, 'Let us speak inside. Stop this foolish fighting now and forever.'
I turned, shifting to human. I walked into the building, footsteps following a few feet behind. I turned to see my Leader, the Alpha, and Blake. "Sorry, Leader-person... I just don't like fights.." I stammered, but he just smiled, nodding. I sat in a chair, along with the others. "Go on and make nice boys." I tried my best not to smile, but that ended up in vain.
     A few minutes have passed and only the Alpha, who's name is Ace, and Leader have talked. I didn't dare listen in, since I've done enough already. Instead I played with the bottom of my dress, thinking of how stupid it was that I chose to wore it on the day of an attack, not that I knew it would happen.
     I was drawn from my thoughts when I heard my name. "Sorry... What did you say?" I asked Leader, frowning at myself for not paying better attention at the situation at hand.. Why was I still here anyway?
     "Do you want to go to his pack with me? You seem like your very good at keeping the peace." He said, smiling still without an ounce of annoyance. I turned my gaze to the Alpha, who was smiling too. I looked at him up and down and once I was sure his posture didn't point out anything dangerous about him, I nodded. "We'll go then," Leader said to Ace.
     Ace furrowed his eyebrows. "You left the decision to this girl?" I frowned immediately and even though he has a good point... I just had to argue with him.
     I glared at him, "I would not go there. You saw me make peace out there --for the most part-- and I won't think twice about doing the opposite." I crossed my arms with an eyebrow raised. "Are we clear?"
     The alpha nodded and it was as though he was scared. We three, without Blake, walked back out of the building. I followed their lead as they shifted and headed into the woods. The tigers stayed back, but the wolves followed their leader back to their own pack home. The wolves smelt funny. Was that.. fear?
     I trotted right behind the two leaders. A clear sign to show that I knew who was truly in charge at the moment. 'Why do your wolves smell of fear? Is there danger?' I asked, my eyes surveying the surroundings.
     The dark wolf let out a few yelps of laughter. 'They are scared of you, Lily. To take down their Alpha and make peace through the battle --that has been on the edge for decades-- as well. You are dangerous.'
     'Oh.' I slowed back a little more so I was farther behind them, a show of respect. I watched the wolves subtely. It was like they were taking turns watching me.. I sighed, turning my gaze to what laid ahead.
     We ran for about ten minutes, before we finally got there. There being a huge castle made of stone and everything. How didn't I know that this was there? When we got to the gates, I went to my human form which was followed by everyone else. "How long will we be staying, Leader-man?" He turned back to look at me, but only shrugged. I huffed at that as we entered.
     The castle was modern on the inside and I was loving it already, though I wouldn't want to actually stay long. "Come on, Lily." Leader called and I raced after him and Ace, who had kept walking instead of enjoying the scenery. We entered a dining room filled with a bunch of tables. Leader and Ace went to the head table, but I stopped and didn't know if I should sit with them. I didn't really want to sit with them either.. I looked for another place to sit, but Ace started moving me to the table. I sat there awkwardly, playing with the two necklaces around my neck.
     The two leaders were acting as old friends, telling stories and jokes as if nothing had happened. Leader told Ace of how I was being bossy as he took me in and Ace was telling some story of games he played as a child. I smiled at my work. I said nothing, though, only listening and eating my food. "So. Back to business, Tiger." 'Tiger' was Ace's new nickname for Leader.
     "What's the problem, Ace?" Leader said after finishing a bite of his turkey sandwich. He placed down the food, straightening his nearly perfect posture even more.
     "I shouldn't be in this leader business.." I said, trying to excuse myself from the table. Before I could move away, Ace and Leader sat me back down. I started tapping my fingers on the table nervously, feeling slightly trapped.
   Ace didn't seem to notice, since he continued the conversation and eyes only on my Leader. "My wolves have been disappearing. Each time there was a note signed with a 'T' over their heart. All were male" I froze, my tapping stopping at the same time. The two men looked to me with a questioning gaze, but I didn't speak. That's how my father was taken. A note was left and then weeks later Mother found his carcus on the back step. That was after he had ran.
     "Do you know anything of this, Lily?" Leader asked with a frown. He was probably wondering if he could really trust me now.
     I paused, then answered quietly, "That's how my father died.." I hung my head, placing my forehead onto the cold surface of the table to shield away from the oncoming headache.

Lily's dress at the top!