“Nina.” Someone called, but I was done with them.
I called back to them. “Now head back to school.” I commanded them and Nina screamed.
“No!” She stomped her foot, but the command was too strong for her to ignore. The girls started back through the woods and I started after the deer. I chased after the fear that was in the air that was left by the fleeing deer. I dug in and allowed Nix to push forward so she was in the forefront.
She chased after the deer, trying to catch up to where it had dashed off to. With the fresh scent finally caught, she pivoted and streaked after it. Nix was panting, but in her element. She could hear the snap of a twig and she rolled. She wasn’t going to allow a wolf to catch her unaware twice in one day.
She panted while staring at a small grey wolf. “What do you want?”
“You.” The wolf walked over to her, trying to scent her, but Nix moved away.
“Do not touch me.” Her words dripped with venom.
“I just want to scent you. You are gorgeous.”
I felt our eyes flash. “Your human has honeyed words, but you interrupted my hunt. The second time today, and that puts me in a foul mood.”
I stared at the wolf before us, and as he paced around us, I caught the streak of black down his back. It’s Brandon. My disgust was clear.
“I just want to get close to you.”
Nix felt eyes on her, and she growled low. Today was a day for interruption. “I don’t want that.” She tossed out. “Leave me alone while I hunt. If your human wants to get close, then have him approach mine. Coming after me while I hunt is an easy way to die.” Nix turned and Brandon’s wolf jumped in front of her.
“Where are you going?” His wolf was as dumb as he was.
“I’m going to continue my hunt. You and your human will leave me be.”
“Or what?”
Nix growled low, and her ears laid against our skull. “Or else I will snap your leg and leave you out here for the rogues to get you before your daddy can come save you, pup.” She took a closer step. “Brandon wants to get close to my human, but do you think she would mate with anyone I disapproved of? Test me again and you will learn where you stand quicker than you want.” She warned, and then she was off again. Thankfully, Brandon’s wolf understood and stayed behind. But someone else was chasing after her.
I have had it with wolves interrupting my hunt.She growled again, louder. The grumble of it bounding off the surrounding trees.
I know, but this is the first time, normally it’s been quiet.She growled out her agreement and was back on the scent. She charged around a tree and ducked as yet another wolf soared over her. But this time, she wasn’t stopping. She recognized the wolf that tried to pounce on her, and with another growl, she took off.
He had been missing since their first run here. And now he wanted attention. No. Inconsistent males would get zeroattention from them. If they wanted a chance to get close to her, then they would have to prove their worth. And this male hadn’t.
She chased after the deer and ignored the male, who was still trying to get some attention. He nipped at our heels, chased after us, and tried to get us to play the entire time, but we were on the trail of the deer. She skidded to a stop, with Erubus stopping next to us. He opened his mouth, but she sunk down and edged under the bush in front of us.
The deer was in a clearing, ears twitching, eyes alert. She felt him sink next to us and he went on alert when he saw the deer. We separated and then circled the deer, working together to cage the prey. We both lunged as if we were one unit. She went for the neck while he landed on the buck, taking him down to his belly. I pulled back as our teeth dug into the buck’s neck and I felt the first gush of blood hit our mouth. Megan cackled at me, gagging as Nix focused on the kill.
You don’t have to hunt with us.Megan’s voice was cheerful.You can pull back enough that it is just her.
I know.I pushed my hand deep into her coat.But I want to be with you two for all your big moments. Like you were with me. Even if I pull back when it gets too much. I still get to experience it with you.
Megan nuzzled against me and we sat in content silence as Nix pulled back from the buck. She looked up to see Erubus sitting back as the deer was in its death throes. When he noticed her watching, he nudged the deer towards her. “You eat first.” His words were soft, but low.
Nix nodded and dug in, but Megan’s eyes widened.What’s wrong? I felt her tremble, but she shook herself and settled.
What do you know of wolf etiquette?
Not much. My mom said she would teach me once I came of age, but I spent the summer with my dad instead. Why?
Megan pulled out of my hands and stood. She paced while we watched on as Nix had her fill of the deer.A male Alpha will only step back from a kill for his mate or, if unmated, a female he was interested in as a chosen mate. He is showing his interest in Nix.
I reeled back from her words.We don’t know who this wolf even is.
Exactly, but Nix accepted his advances by accepting the deer.
