The four werewolves inched closer. Rosalind gripped Theo's shoulder.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iPPxhRvJo
"Run!" He whispered so softly only she could hear.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUsIfHhlwz
She didn't hesitate. She sprinted through the forest and didn't look back even for a moment. Her sore joints throbbed, but she did not stop until she was completely out of breath.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cWH5VH5pY
She hid behind a gnarled, towering, oak tree, trying to catch her breath. The twisted branches looked like they were going to reach out and grab unsuspecting travelers. But the tree wasn't the most frightening thing in the forest tonight. The distant sound of howling echoed through the vast woodlands. Rosalind nearly screamed when something tugged on her hood. She clenched her fists ready to fight off whatever it was.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSuAKaTnAR
"Calm down. It's just me." Theo raised his hands in surrender. Defined scratch marks marred his skin and his clothes dripped with blood.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkaGt1dcjH
She wiped off some of the blood on his face with her sleeve. "Are you okay?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInoQEeGoQ1
He forced a smile. "I'll live."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RL3GmWHps
"Can you run?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuNGRUMvEM
He rubbed his aching knees. "I think so, but we must be careful there are hunting traps all over this part of the woods."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthuQTcjsf0
"That's it!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7yT5mkOLa
Theo raised an eyebrow. "What's it?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp1OjCqjnT
"Maybe, we can lure them into the traps!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzyeY36ogU
"Please tell me you're joking."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg7092wlzh
"It's a genius plan."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfAGYTfo5w
"It's suicide." He buried his face in his hands. "I never should've brought you here."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOk2DPE0ym
She brushed his bangs out of his eyes. "It's too late to second-guess our decisions. What matters now is that we're here, and we are going to finish what we started." She reached out her hand, and he firmly shook it.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIewEeCOx7D
"Let's do it."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmywI8jTpL
The pair climbed up into the tree. Theo scoped out their surroundings, but his eyes appeared to be straining.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51uCJZKXqS
"Are you alright?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKxYXtXrIT
"I'm fine, My night vision is a bit off, tonight." He pointed to a tree several yards away. "Do you see the tree over there?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79fZ7Mj0yN
She nodded.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYswkD5uOQ
"There's a trap underneath it," he pointed to two more trees, "and under those two as well."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8YriNxJbj
"Aren't there four of them?" She gestured towards the part of the woods where the werewolves had been.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqDrHDZ8iq
"I suppose we'll have to improvise. Don't worry, you're quite clever. Between the two of us, I'm sure we'll figure something out.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWHEdojn9O
Rosalind sighed. "There's no way we can take them all at once, our best shot is to try to split them up."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukq1ZBDkC4
Theo shook his head. "I won't be able to outrun them, at least not in my human form."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhBi1BJALB
"Is there any chance you could shift into your wolf form?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqmUYb1fzu
He stared down at his hands. "I can't control my transformations. Maybe my father could've taught me, but–" He couldn't finish his sentence.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdsvmapvnB
She gave him a reassuring look. "There has to be a way to stop them."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyfNxgstUh
The subtle sound of leaves crunching caused both of them to jump.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcDOdRSSLF
Rosalind glanced down to see the four wolves circling the tree.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGzaVIykbU
One of them sniffed loudly. "The trail ends here."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV1Bgh3VIo
Rosalind held her breath. She was afraid even the smallest sound could alert them to their position.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4genIsj6B
"How is this the end of the trail?" one of the others barked.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUBzzSpQEg
"I'm telling you this is where I lose their scent!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXpFhQjQuL
"Ha! Looks like Duke isn't as good as he thinks he is," another wolf teased.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB6ZY0NTpv
"My senses are more acute than yours will ever be!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtn0KoUphJ
They snarled at each other, prepared to fight.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mJF402NU5
"Hey! Knock it off, you two!" said a wolf with gray fur who seemed much less spry than the other three. "We have a mission to complete, and here you are wasting time bickering. Do you think this is how a huntsman is supposed to behave?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYFhweT5Az
"No, sir."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlNSggEAbN
"I'm glad we're on the same page. They couldn't have gotten far. Spread out and hunt down the Mixedblood, but keep the girl alive."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOZ3KMjqC0
"Yes, Pack Father, Gregorio," they all said in unison. They all dispersed into different directions.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXsYEO4o13
As soon as Rosalind thought they were safe, she was startled by a loud snap. The branch was beginning to collapse under their weight.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWVtuppHkX
"You can't hide from me forever, Mixedblood," one of the werewolves called out.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPoAeV0heH
Theo grabbed onto a different branch and effortlessly pulled himself up onto it. He signaled for Rosalind to do the same. As she latched onto a nearby limb, the branch beneath her snapped. Leaving Rosalind dangling in the air. She tried her hardest to pull herself up but she lost her grip and she fell to the ground with a thud.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGGgVA1zQ4
"This will be easier for both of us if you give up now." A wolf lurked in the shadows.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKIfLtrT94
She dug through a nearby pile of debris. She grabbed the pointiest stick she could find and prepared to defend herself. "Back off!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghaL9we9tT
The wolf ignored her warning and crept closer and closer. He paused for a moment. "Hey, I know you!" He gazed down at his bandaged paw. "You're the little bitch who shot me in the hand with an arrow!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrCpFqoeIC
Rosalind pointed the stick at his eye. "Your boss said you aren't allowed to hurt me."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93LBOT9XxO
He laughed. "No, he said I'm not allowed to kill you."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7esYbjZ8J
The moonlight reflected off a metal hunting trap. It was within eye shot, and if she ran she could make it.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtusz0s3h39
Theo crept down from the tree. He gave her a firm nod, then followed the tracks of the other wolves into the forest.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAch6D4nSx
"What are you looking at?" He turned his head in Theo's direction. Without thinking Rosalind whacked him in the face with the stick before he saw him.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM27BAkQqd
"Hey!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7iNqa6KEL
She ran towards the trap while he was distracted.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5dMifRfz5
He chased after her. "I'm not done with you yet!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnqNgQQBF5
His injured paw gave her a considerable advantage, but she wouldn't slow down until she was past the trap. She was only a few steps away. Claws dug into her back and ripped her sweatshirt. He pounced on top of her, pinning her to the ground.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6q3gbFMNU
"You're faster than you look." He gasped for air. He froze for a minute, then sniffed her sweatshirt. "How did you-"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfs2dPX8zy
Rosalind kneed him in the stomach before he could finish that sentence. She wasn't in the mood to chat. She escaped from his grasp while he doubled over in pain.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp50gwSZiYy
He bared his teeth and snarled. Wrath flashed through his hazel eyes.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghpQucJ1JW
She would be lying if she said she wasn't intimidated by him, but she had to put on a brave face, for herself and Theo. She was careful to step over the trap as she passed through. Now all that needed to happen was for the wolf tread on the trap.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0H7LP7UIE
He charged after her. If her plan didn't work, there was nothing she could do to stop him. He snapped his mouth shut around the back of her shirt, biting a hole into it. He attempted to bite her again. The metal trap clamped shut around his paw. He tried desperately to break free. His attempts were fruitless. "Let me out of here, now!" He violently pulled, trying to break free, but in doing so he only made it tighter.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECbRBUyqVD
"Not until you tell me where the cure is."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOodVNLnDao
"I am a high-ranking member of The Silver Huntsmen and the future leader of this pack!" He scoffed. "Do you think you can keep me caged here like a dog?"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VGMX4L0NL
She pointed to his trapped paw. "It sure looks like it."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMak8KrYkD
"The Pack Mother will be furious when she hears about this. She'll hunt you down."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWJaXYSg94
"I look forward to meeting with her." She leaned up against a tree and picked at her nails. "I'm willing to wait as long as it takes for you to talk."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JABw2tMAl
He spent about ten minutes cursing and making empty threats, but she wasn't listening. She was worried about Theo. The forest had been eerily silent apart from Chandler's swearing.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx5LAnf8a6
Leaves rustled in the woods behind them. Rosalind spun around to see what she was up against. It was the gray wolf from earlier. She pointed the stick at him. "Stay back," she ordered.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgtFCezY8R
"Pack Father!" Chandler stammered. "I can explain!" He tried so hard to break free from the trap, he tore his flesh.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDsfx8EN1x
The Pack Father stayed completely still until he couldn't watch anymore. He shifted to his human form and raised his hands in surrender. He looked at her with pleading eyes. "Please, release him. I'll give what you want."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9n1RViL23
"Theo and I would like a private meeting with Pack Mother Luna." She still refused to lower the stick.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO5fZDhrj6
He sighed. "Very well, I'll see what I can arrange."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AfmGHvcUh
"You're going to give in without a fight?" Chandler protested.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhWcmHSKg5
The man gazed down at Chandler's wound. "The health and safety of my pack is my top priority."
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pNArPI3kv
"It doesn't even hurt," Chandler said, but his facial expression said otherwise.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWgpMTYLGw
"Silence." His tone was so firm and intimidating, Chandler didn't dare argue.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH8UHcpd1W
The sound of three different voices approached them. "I can't believe we got our asses kicked by a Mixedblood," Heath whined.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Apnbwq2h2
"You make it too easy," Theo quipped.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwRb64kp30
"Can we stop talking and get this over with?" Duke grumbled.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmHZHBYpmB
The three men stepped out of the woods. Duke and Heath had already reverted to their human forms.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1ZeyIqxoT
The was sun beginning to peek out from behind the ridge. The morning had arrived, it was clear everyone was exhausted.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeGlbRZyXE
Heath's eyes widened when he saw them. "Woah, Chandler, I can't believe you let a ten-year-old girl beat you up!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2EsZ03ssR
"I'm seventeen," Rosalind said, but she didn't think anyone heard.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKfQYphFUY
Chandler clenched his teeth. "Can you please, for once in your life, shut up, Heath?" He spat. "I can't believe you all gave up at the first sign of danger. You're all pathetic cowards!"
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWg4W5MsiS
"Well, look where your bravery got you," Duke said before he released Chandler from his trap.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePm71BNiiW
Rosalind turned to Theo to see his reaction to the situation, but he was focused Pack Father Gregorio. Theo's fists clenched. His teeth barred, showing the fangs he usually kept hidden. His entire face flushed bright red with rage.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRpnnAR2SH
"Theo, what's wrong?" She asked.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2wms2a1Yw
Theo pointed a shaky finger at the man. "This is the man who killed my father."
ns 15.158.61.13da2
