Wolf of the Emperor

Chapter 8

Seth finally left the cave and stood up.  He still had the rifle with him simply because it was habit.  That and two of the three hadn’t bonded so he had no idea what they might do.  He would feel bad if he had to shoot them but if it came down to his group or them he would protect his.  Once he was out Marthag crawled out as well and started towards the other side of the group.

When they finally got close Seth got a much better feel for how large the cubs were.  Size wise they were somewhat larger than a St. Bernard but otherwise didn’t resemble any animals other than maybe the symbiotes.  The fur looked to be stiff and rough.  It had the usual to many teeth in its mouth.  Six paws, and was variegated black and gray.  Under the skin could be seen the beginnings of the armor the adults had.

Leosafr was starting to use both hands to scratch the DamnThing’s ears and head.  The creature seemed to be enjoying it.  Seth noticed that the other two refused to come near them and were giving a grunting sound.  It appeared to be aimed towards the one that was facing Leosafr.  “I have a feeling they aren’t going to come near us.  That rather sucks.”  He couldn’t force them to stay there so they could feed them.

“I guess we should go back inside for the time being.  I assume scavengers are gathering and I don’t feel like becoming a meal for them.”  Seth started back towards the entrance when a massive roar shook the jungle.  “How craptstic a day.”  He recognized that sound and sighed.  “Get back to the cave now everyone.”  

As he was talking Marthag was lifting the rifle and aiming in the direction the sound was coming from.  She was slowly backing up towards the cave entrance.  Cleasal was next to her as well and he was keeping an eye on the edge of the jungle as well.

Kletharl let out a grunting snarl as well.  She was staying next to Leosafr and the DamnThing as they were moving back towards the cave.  They were almost there when an adult DamnThing leapt from the forest and landed next to the dead one.  He sniffed in her direction and snarled as he looked at them.

Seth raised his rifle and sighed in.  “Not a good idea old boy.  I can kill you much like I had to kill the female.  I don’t want to kill anyone else but I will if needed.”  God only knew what the monster would make of that.

As he was speaking the two young DamnThing’s ran over to the adult and cried out to him.  He lightly batted at them and gave them a swipe of the tongue before giving them another grunt.  They moved behind him.  The adult paced forward several steps and then stopped and stared at Seth.

Seth could feel the male trying to make contact and sighed.  “I so don’t want to do this.  If I end up with another mind bond I will scream.  That is a promise to everyone and the gods.”  He focused on the DamnThing and tried to make contact.  *What do you want?*  It was hard work and felt like they were jousting mentally and kept missing.

The DamnThing growled at him in a menacing way.  The creature’s eyes narrowed as he took one more stab at contacting the tiny insignificant creature.  *You killed my mate and are taking my son away.  Prepare to die.*

Seth felt one of his eyes start to twitch with the contact.  It was hard and angry and felt like he had been hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer and not gently.  *Oh for god sake try not to melt my brain down.*  He resisted the urge to rub his head though he was going to need some pain meds so he sent the chemical implant instructions.  It only took a few moments before the headache faded.  *Yes I did kill your mate.  I am sorry that I had to but she was looking to make a meal out of us.  I do not want to be a snack for anyone and neither do any of the others.*

*Return my son or you will be snacks for them.  I will watch as you are shredded by their claws.  We are the masters all die before us.*  His voice was hard and uncompromising.