Born Wild

An unexpected guest

The next night, everyone was told to come together for a pack meeting. Tala and Koda got ready to go. 

Tala's bite hurt more than ever. She winced as she unwrapped the old gauze, peeling off dried blood and puss. The bite was deep, mostly closed, and red-purple. She rubbed alcohol-soaked cotton balls over the bite and then antibacterial cream. After she covered it again with fresh gauze she threw on some loose ripped jeans.

They threw on their coats and walked to the leader's house. They wondered when they would finally get to meet the leader. Shadow told them that the leader has been gone for so long to look for herbs and other werewolves.

Tala had to ask if they could walk slower and she limped as they walked. She was weak and developing a small fever. Koda said they needed to get her to the hospital after the meeting. She refused. They didn't have enough money and add the fact that they were werewolves. It should heal on its own. 

They were running late and arrived at the barn shivering. Shadow, Daisy, Blue, Hugo, Cambria, and Astrid were already there waiting patiently. They were welcomed in and then Daisy started to burn a bundle of rosemary for tradition. The piney smoke billowed in the warm barn, filling their lungs and calming their minds. Astrid was asked to speak. She nervously wrung her hands together and collected her thoughts.

"Heath said something about liking being in control after being controlled but I'm not sure exactly what he meant by that. I also found out that he is afraid of the hunter." She sighed. "The hunter apparently found him a while ago and left a long scar on his arm. That's why he is making new werewolves. He told me the more werewolves, the safer they are from the hunter. He thinks the bite is a blessing."

"Astrid thank you for the information. The pack needs to discuss whether we will let you join or not." Shadow replied.

"I was hoping to ask if maybe you would consider letting Chase in." Astrid continued. "He only does things because he lives in blind fear and loyalty of Heath. He doesn't like going after people."

"Astrid we can't let him into our pack. He has attacked our members. Our pack has zero acceptance of aggression." Shadow firmly replied.

"But-"

"No buts. We can't make an exception for everyone. We must maintain our values." Shadow continued.

"Shadow pardon if I'm too forward, but part of our pack values are bringing in werewolves who are alone and in need." Tala added.

"They are aggressive Tala." Shadow emphasized.

"How could we forsake those who are in the same position you were." Tala clipped. "They are afraid and maybe if we give them a chance they will change." Tala grabbed her leg that throbbed with pain.

"Tala your leg. How long has it been wounded?" Daisy interjected.

"Since the fight." Tala explained.

"Sit down Tala, let me see it." Shadow worried.

Tala limped to the nearest hay bale and sat in pain with her leg out. Shadow came quickly to her and knelt on the ground while unwrapping the gauze carefully around her ripped jeans. The bite was seeping and bleeding. It was swollen and such a deep purple it almost seemed black. Shadow's hands shook as she rewrapped it. Her face grew pale.

Shadow felt Tala's forehead with the back of her hand. Its heat warmed Shadow's hand.

"Daisy!" Shadow beckoned. Daisy rushed over.

 "Get in contact with the leader right now and tell her to come back to town. I'm going to get them home."

Daisy agreed and called the leader at the other end of the barn.

"Tala I'm taking you home." Shadow reassured. "You need to rest and stay put until the leader can come to town and help you."

Shadow said the meeting was over and that they would discuss everything later. Shadow and Koda helped Tala to her car and Daisy drove them all. Tala sat in pain and couldn't stand the silence.

"What will happen if I don't get help?" Tala asked.

Shadow looked at her with fear. "It doesn't matter, because you are."

"What will happen Shadow."

"Your bite is infected. Heath apparently had human blood in his mouth before biting you and that can cause an infection. If the bite gets much worse..." Shadow took a deep breath and Daisy grabbed her hand. "It doesn't matter. The leader is driving to town as we speak."

The car pulled up to their small house.

"The leader will be here shortly. I will come back and check on you later if that's alright." Shadow said.

Koda carried Tala inside and they got ready for bed. Tala had little strength left. 

"Can I sleep in here tonight?" she asked. 

"Of course baby." he kissed her nose and spooned her. 

About an hour later, they heard the door handle fidget. Koda groggily sat up in bed. "Must be the leader." He mumbled.

They kept hearing the fidget of the door handle. Why wouldn't the leader knock? Maybe she did and they didn't hear her.

The front door creaked open.

Koda quickly stood up from the bed and a chill ran down his spine. The bedroom door was open, blowing a cold breeze into the room. The light from the bedroom echoed into the dim hall. He walked closer to the open door. His heart raced and his skin crawled with goosebumps.

"Who's there?" he asked. He smelled the air blowing in and listened carefully to the sounds of the living room.

He looked back at Tala with fear in his eyes. "Tala run." he silently mouthed and motioned at the bedroom window. She quietly moved the comforter off her legs. She could barely sit up. The room was fuzzy, but she moved her feet towards the floor without the intention of leaving.

Koda turned around to face the door again and saw a man with short facial hair, a clay pendant necklace, and a burgundy ball cap. This was the man that had been on the street when Tala met Heath. He was the man from the truck the night Tala went to get her mail: the man who was looking for his "dog".

He finally found it.