A wolf ran as fast as it could. Even by the river banks it did not stop to clench its thirst. It kept going, and going, and going.
Bella Swan and Edward Cullen was out in Port Angeles for dinner, he insisted she eat something first before he drives her back home. He tells her of his ability to read minds without disclosing he's a vampire. On their way back, they pass by the town's police station and they see Charlie Swan's police car parked despite being off duty hours. Edward also spots Carlisle's car there. They pulled over to check what brought their dads here late at night.
"Carlisle." That was all Edward had to say.
"Another citizen found dead out in the woods. It was... an animal attack." Carlisle said giving subtle looks at Edward which Bella noticed.
"Was it the same one with the first?" Bella was concerned, this incident is getting more and more serious than she thought, she gets more worried for her dad, Charlie, since he gets so involved in these cases.given he is the chief of police, still, her father.
"Maybe, the authorities are doing their best to track it. Bella, you should go inside. Waylon was a good friend of your father." She nods at him.
Almost at the doorway she looks back and see Carlisle and Edward having a talk. She didn't bother them and went straight to her dad. He sat quietly by his desk.
"Dad, I'm sorry about your friend." He nodded in silence. He was stopping himself from shedding a tear not because he is afraid to show emotions but he wanted Bella to know that he is strong.
Two weeks ago, exactly two days before the first said 'animal attack'. Three Quiluetes train by the woods just as they would normally do after school. There were no troubles of werewolves going on a run in this side of the woods since it is protected native lands. Sam, the leader, keeps his pack steady on their paws. It was still and quiet and Paul, was getting impatient as always. The pack was quite informed of this as being in a wolf form allows the pack to be connected empathically and telepathically.
Jared becomes alert and senses something moving fast from just behind them, he had the superior sight. Sam takes charge and leads the pack to chase it out. Both Paul and Jared follow the pace. It was so fast, it went right through the pack and took them all by surprise.
"It's headed for the cabin," Jared said in monologue.
Sam reveals his sharp teeth. He's done playing games with this common wolf. Emily is in that cabin. And even a stupid animal can be deadly if they are hungry.
They were fast enough to get at the same pace as the wolf. Jared and Paul was on its sides and Sam was just behind waiting for the perfect moment to pounce at it. It was starting to slow down and Sam was ready. Suddenly, Jared and the wolf's eyes took a glance at each other.
He takes a look back at Sam and Paul who were both unaware of the connection. But no time to talk back as Sam takes a leap. Jared thinking fast, lunges hard on the wolf's side pushing it towards Paul. Causing them to slide and crash. The three goes into a roll on the side. This prevents Sam from possibly killing the wolf. He lands on his paws frustrated at Jared's actions.
"What the hell is wrong with you Jared!" Paul shakes off some dirt on his fur.
"It's not a mutt! I swear It looked at me weird."
"Everyone looks at you weird!"
Sam heads over the two arguing boys and one wolf laying down, exhausted. It was both whining and panting. Like an overheated engine. It won't turn back unless it feels threatened.
Sam, Jared, and Paul turn to their human forms. They had a blanket ready for the wolf once it turns. If, it turns. It was so restless but as part wolves, they see the fear in its eyes. Sam wasn't sure what to do, they don't even know if this one will ever survive with too much wound around its body. It'll be hard to nurse back to health a wolf.
Emily Young and Billy Black watched by the windows, she wanted to help out and Billy knows he can't keep her to stay, even as a respected and obeyed council member, she is still the imprintee and mate of an alpha, and she would have his back no matter what. She rushes to them and as much as Sam wanted to pull her back to the cabin where its much safer, he knows she trusts him if ever things goes wrong. She let her knees on the ground and slowly ran her fingers on the wolf's head. Its like petting but more to make it feel safe.
To their surprise, the wolf that almost outrun them and was stealthy enough to sneak past them, is actually a girl. She was shivering, not used to the cold her human skin hadn't felt in a while, and trembling scared, her eyes kept looking around for someone. She sees Emily with three long lines on the right side of her face. She was whispering for her to calm down and she did.
"Whoa. No way."
Jared and Paul had their mouths wide open on this revelation. Emily glares at them and quickly takes off from Sam's hand the blanket. Emily wraps her in it and Sam carries her to the cabin where she'll be more comfortable to rest.
It was quiet for a moment. Billy wasn't sure how to explain it to the boys. They were told only men could inherit the wolf gene. But here she is. A she wolf.
Old man Quil Ateara III was called to look into Malia's case.
"Her body heat is too much. She must've stayed in her wolf form for far too long."
That's all he said. Emily then calls in Sue Clearwater, wife of Harry Clearwater, a council member. She knows of their secrets and had actually been quite helpful as she was a nurse.
Sue goes in the room and sees the girl laying on the bed with her eyes closed. She knew it was only pretend sleep as her lids moved anxiously, one which her daughter, Leah, often does.
"You're safe here." Sue positions herself on her side placing a damp towel over the girl's forehead.
"Where-where is here? Who are -you?" Her words were a bit confusing, it wasn't full.
"I'm Sue, don't worry you'll get to see around once you're well. What's your name?"
"M-malia-" she managed.
"Malia, that's a beautiful name." Sue smiled at her like a mother would. She gently pressed the towel over the cuts on her arms. And she hissed in pain from the slightest touch. Sue stops.
"It's from the twigs... and branches." Malia said but Sue didn't think it was from there, it looked more like an intended scar, though she knew it wasn't time to ask her such questions if she isn't ready to answer them honestly.
"I'll let you rest now."
"But I can't." Malia said.
"You'll get plenty of time to look around tomorrow." Sue assured her, leaving Malia without a choice to stay laying in bed.
Sue closes the door behind her to let Malia get some sleep. She got startled by Jared and Paul who would not stop pestering her of how was the girl doing.
"She's getting some sleep so be quiet." Sue stared them down with a warning.
"But was she hurt badly?" Jared asks. He was concerned he might've pushed her out of the way harder than he thought, she was after all a smaller wolf than the rest of them. Sue shakes her head at the boys and they both release a sigh of relief.
Sam was a bit guilty for almost pouncing at Malia and possibly killing her in the process but Emily places her hands on his shoulders letting him be at peace.
