Lost

9

Chapter 9

It was quiet.

The only sound being of Melle completely devouring his duck. Even the cicadas were silenced. Perhaps they sensed the presence of the new predator. I can tell Lyall, Nash, and Adolpha were at a loss for words. It was almost comical how they gaped at their old friends odd new behavior. The way his eyes jumped from thing to thing with a new-found appreciation. Every once in a while, hed stop chewing stare off into the wood, smile, and then continue eating. After about the tenth time he'd done this, I followed his line of sight to see that he was ogling a doe and her fawn some yards deep in the forest. The wind changed and the doe bound of in the opposite direction from us, her fawn trailing behind her. I pushed back my sadness.

"Beautiful, isnt it?" I whispered. Melles eyes met mine, he nodded. "Its a different kind of beauty though." I said looking at my surroundings. The water glowed under the moonlight, the stars twinkled in a rainbow of colors. I filled my lungs with air. The smell of dirt, moss and pure ethereal life filled my nose. Melle copied my action. He felt it too. "Beautiful." I muttered. Lyall, Nash, and Adolpha looked at me wanting me to elaborate. "You wont see till you get your eyes, and you wont feel till you get your beast." I smiled at them and looked toward the horizon. "we should all rest. Dawns in a few hours." Without a sound. The four made their way into the cave and began setting up their blankets. Melle stopped at the mouth of the cave. He stared at the moon for a few seconds and then made his way inside. I however sat down beside the entrance and focused on our surroundings. I was a little fatigued as the result of today but I was nowhere near exhaustion. I could probably go another day or two without a good nights sleep. My concern right now was mainly protecting what was mine. My pack. The rouges showing up today left a bitter taste in my mouth. After a few minutes Melle peeked his head out of the cave and gave me a questioning look.

"Are you not coming?"

"Not tonight." He looked like he wanted to protest, and I was touched that he cared, but I shook my head. "We were attacked today. Rouges. I have to stand guard." Uneasiness, anger and understanding flashed in his eyes. I nodded my head at him. Go get some rest, we have to leave tomorrow.

"Yes Alpha." And he was gone.