Stronger As One

The hunt.

This chapter is -slightly- graphic with its descriptions for hunting, it's not terrible but I thought I'd post a little disclaimer.

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I could hear the gathering of the hunting party outside, the chatter was loud and filled with excitement. I was thankful Jason didn't follow through with his plan to cover the windows, I enjoyed watching the snow fall and seeing the mixture of humans and wolves preparing to depart. 

My wolf and I still had our plan ready, to slip out the window when they departed for their hunt. We already tested them and it seems Jason didn't seal them. The humans still standing around began shifting, the Alpha and Jason stood at  the front of the group both their wolves looked beautiful among the group. The hunting party consisted of many dark wolves.. mainly browns and dark grays, the only two black wolves were the Alpha and his son. 

I watched closely as the Alpha overlooked all the wolves, he threw his head back and released a howl that shook the house. I could feel it vibrating my bones, and soon enough the rest of the party joined in. As the chorus died down, the Alpha led them away into the snowy forest. I longed to be apart of it, to hunt with a pack. I felt a strong pull to be with them.. to run as one and to work together, but I wasn't allowed too. Not yet. The Alpha wanted me to join tonight but I'm assuming Jason told him I still wasn't well enough.

How much longer till we hunt? My wolf asked. He was very impatient, and we both knew the snow was calling to us.

A few more moments..  My eyes scanned the tree line, most other wolves were staying inside. The weather was picking up and soon there wouldn't be much visibility. 

I think we're good.. I slowly pushed open the window, letting it stay open in case I needed a quick entrance when I got back. The cool air was a welcomed delight to us, it almost made us feel.. warm. Since the party went that way.. we will go to the right. 

I quickly shifted into my white wolf and shook out the change. We gave one final look to the pack house before bounding off into the trees. I'll show them what I can do..

My mother and I would hunt together when I was younger. She taught me how to anticipate the movements of the animals, to smell their warm blood through the air despite them not bleeding. I learned how to locate the heart, to pinpoint the jugular, and how to twist just right so their end was quick. The first time I took down a buck.. my mother was so proud. She told me I was doing my kind justice.. by not conforming to what was expected of me by other wolves. 

We just broke the edge of the packs territory, I stopped and lifted my nose to the air and shut my eyes. Small animals.. squirrel.. mother rabbit.. doe.. buck. There was a buck near by, he was eating some sort of berries I believe.. 

Good work. My wolf praised

I carefully padded toward the scent of the deer, he was slow moving and unaware of my presence. I crept low and slowly crawled forward. The buck was fairly large and would offer a lot for the pack, plus the pelt and horns would be useful for the other shop owners. I stayed still on my belly watching his movements and waiting for the right movement. The direction the deer faced wasn't ideal to jump on, He needed to turn slightly my way.. so I could easily access his neck.

My inner wolf mirrored my movements, the thrill of a hunt brought us closer together. We nearly became one in these moments. 

The deer turned slightly toward me, picking at another cluster of berries. I silently rose slightly and crept forward, I stilled my movements and held my breath. My eyes honed in on the slight throb of his neck as the blood pumped through, I knew exactly what to do. 

I bounded forward, jaws open. I tilted my head just slightly as my fangs connected with his neck. The deer had no chance to react, all he could manage was thrashing about and yelling. I quickly brought my teeth down and jerked his neck. The satisfying crack was a sign to the end of the kill. The warm blood of the buck pooled in my mouth, the vein still pumping it over my fangs. The red staining my jaws. 

My wolf was running around with excitement You did excellent! Your mother would be so proud to see how much you have grown! I grinned against the hide of the deer as I began dragging it back toward the pack house. Thankfully we weren't far off from the territory and it only took a handful of minutes to cross it. 

They will be so proud to see the kill I've brought in! It will greatly help the small shops and it will show that I am a strong wolf. The blood from the deer was now dripping down and tainted the fur on my chest and front paws. The contrast was very strong.

The soft glow of the lights from the pack house came into view, the area was still fairly quiet, seems the hunting party isn't back yet. Perfect!

I dragged the large buck near the back door and dropped it to the ground. I sat behind and listened for the other wolves. 

A loud howl cut through the silence, the thuds of paws slowly filled in after it. I watched with anticipation as I saw the faint outline of the wolves running up, the Alpha and Jason were leading it. I saw them begin to slow down, the Alpha looked confused while Jason's eyes burned bright with rage. Fear filled my core and I did my best to hide it.

Dustin? Did you go hunt? The Alpha asked. The other wolves had now caught up and were looking on to me. Some dropped different prey, mainly smaller buck and smaller animals. 

I nodded my head and nudged the large buck forward with my nose. The Alpha stepped forward and sniffed the dead animal. 

Good work young wolf. Glad to see you are feeling better.. It seems we have greatly underestimated you. You have done enough to earn a rank among the pack, I will announce it tomorrow. You should feel proud. The Alphas words struck a new cord within me. 

I felt warmed.. wanted. I felt strong. My wolf and I have been so alone since she died. It felt like it was us against the world.. we didn't know other wolves. I bowed to the Alpha as he lifted his head in howl, soon the others joined in. I looked around at the other wolves, many looked at me with pride in their eyes, they didn't look at me as if I was nothing, they saw me as a worthy wolf. 

My eyes met Jason's, his look genuinely scared me. I disobeyed him again to prove I am a strong wolf and he wasn't impressed. He walked forward and grabbed the buck before me before getting the other kills along with the help of a few pack members and dragging them to the butcher. 

]My joy was short lived as his words pierced through my thoughts.

You will be severely punished.