A Shifting Love

Chapter 3: The Shadow Wolf

Another pack lived in the woods, and I had never heard about them. Why was that? I wondered if my dad even knew. I looked down upon the wolf, waiting for him to tell me who he and those other creatures were.

Despite his abstract features, there was something magically majestic about him. His eyes radiated wisdom, hope, and danger all in one.

Although I was grateful for him protecting me from his not-so-friendly brethren, I wondered what his motives were. Surely there would be a confrontation the next time he saw them, so why did he risk his safety for a stranger? There were so many questions I needed to ask.

“I'm waiting," I said, placing a hand on my hip, which was something my mother did when she demanded answers from someone. It always worked for her; hopefully, it would do the same for me.

“Look, all you need to know is that I just saved your life from some very ruthless guys. That's your explanation," the shadow wolf replied, sitting back on his hind legs. He clearly wasn't intimidated by my assertive stance. “As I said, you shouldn't have been in these woods this late; that was a foolish choice."

I could feel a growl at the back of my throat, begging me to release it. I took three calming breaths. The shadow wolf's arrogance was testing my patience. His buddies would have been no match for me if they hadn't caught me off guard. My battle skills were top-notch, and I would've kicked all their a**es if they hadn't jumped me like a pack of b**ches.

If I had a chance to shift, the shadow wolf and I would be having a completely different conversation right now, or maybe I would be at home asleep.

“My father is the Alpha of the Scarlet Moon Pack, the same pack that owns the land that you and your goons are trespassing on, by the way," I boasted. “I'm more than capable of protecting myself. It's not like it was a fair fight anyway."

It really made me cringe to flaunt my status like that, but this dude had some nerve scolding me like I was a child.

The shadow wolf's eyes appeared to grow brighter as if he were shocked, worried, or fascinated. It was hard to determine which one. “You're the Alpha's daughter?"

I see that got his attention. “I'm actually his youngest daughter."

“Then, you must leave at once," the shadow wolf replied, moving towards the exit. “If someone overhears us, all is lost."

No one in the Scarlet Moon Pack dared to do anything to disrespect the Alpha or anyone linked to him. The shadow wolf's concern for my safety seemed to grow even more after learning that I was related to the Alpha, but why?

“Dude, I'm not going anywhere until you stop bullsh*ting me and tell the truth, and I don't care who hears what," I declared. My dad had always told me my stubbornness would get me in trouble, but this situation with the shadow wolf was too important to ignore. “Will you please tell me what's going on with you and those other creatures?"

He sighed. “It's not safe for us to talk here. My people are all over these woods at night, hunting."

The shadow wolf was right. There would be another altercation if someone else saw me, and I hated to admit it, but I was exhausted. I didn't want to battle anyone, and I wasn't sure how much fight he had left.

“Come with me." I took a few steps and looked behind me. The shadow wolf hadn't moved. “What are you doing?" The back and forth was getting old, and I was tired.

“None of us leave the woods at night unless we have a death wish," he said. "Your people would slaughter us immediately."

Either he was quick to make assumptions, or he was hinting that my pack knew about his pack.

“We can't stay here, so we're leaving." He remained frozen to the earth, avoiding my gaze. I could sense his fear. “I promise I'll keep you safe," I said softly, looking into the neon lights of his eyes, trying to plead with the man I assumed was underneath that shadowy exterior.

Distant howls and the snapping of branches echoed in the background. More shadow creatures would be here soon. The shadow wolf and I exchanged glances, trying to read the other, seeing who would give in first.

The odds of him surviving outside the woods were much greater than both of us surviving if I stayed in the woods. We knew we were screwed if another shadow creature saw me.

He padded over to me but kept his eyes on the ground. “Lead the way."