A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 1

[WARNING: 16+ MAINLY FOR VIOLENCE & LANGUAGE, SOME ADULT SITUATIONS. ABUSE TRIGGER WARNING]

*Stella*

I set the plate of eggs and bacon down on the table, smiling at the customer, before turning to walk away. My shift was almost over, I only had a little while longer before I could go home and relax. I walked to the back of the restaurant, past the kitchen, and outside. Taking in a breath of fresh air.

It was almost six o'clock, and soon the restaurant would become even busier. Luckily, I was scheduled off at seven. I was fighting the urge to quit, as I usually do, and a breath of fresh air usually helped. Before I could walk back inside, I heard a familiar chuckle. I turned to find Tex standing on the stoop behind the gun shop, smoking a cigarette. He smirked, waving at me.

Tex was really the only person I know in this town, so far. He works at the gun shop next to the restaurant I work at, and we usually see each other outside. We've gotten to know each other over the past year, ever since I moved here, and so far I like him. If I'm being honest with myself, I might even have a slight crush on him. He's my only friend, though, so I don't dare destroy that friendship with a stupid crush.

"What time are you off tonight?" Tex hollered over with a casual smile.

"Seven, why?" I responded.

"I'll take you home." Tex smiled, as did I, before nodding and returning inside the restaurant.

I only had one hour left, and my tables were already eating their meals. The timing will work out perfectly. I scurried between my assigned tables, refilling drinks and asking customers if they needed anything else.

Soon, the hour had passed and it was seven o'clock. I walked into the break-room in the back of the building, and hung up my apron. I grabbed my purse from the locker and shut it, leaving out the back door where I knew Tex would be waiting.

Sure enough, Tex was standing right outside the backdoor of the restaurant, leaning against the wall. He smirked when he saw me walk out, pushing off from the wall lightly, leading the way to his car.

Tex drove a lifted Chevy truck, it was huge, and he always had to help me hop inside. Tex fit the mold for this part of town, a country boy, but with an edge. He had short blond hair and light blue eyes, and kind of looked like the rapper Eminem.

His family owned the gun shop in town, and everyone seemed to know who he was. I was still new to town, and I kept to myself for the most part.

Not that I'm a shy person, because it's quite the opposite, but I take time to come out of my shell. I don't trust people right away, so I guess I'm more reserved in the beginning. Therefore, I'm a nobody in this town.

"What are your plans for the weekend, Stella?" Tex casually asked.

"I want to go rock climbing. I haven't done that in a while." I responded, admiring the forest that sat beyond the edge of the road.

"You rock climb?" Tex asked, attempting to conceal his shock.

"Yes," I giggled, "I used to. I miss it, so I'm going to check out some trails... want to come with me?" I asked, hoping he'd say yes.

"Sorry, I can't. My dad's forcing me to go hunting with him." Tex grunted, rolling his eyes.

"Do you even like hunting?" I asked, suppressing a chuckle.

"Not really, but my dad says it's 'in my blood'." He grumbled, pulling up beside my small apartment complex.

"Sounds like he's not giving you much of a choice..." I grimly remarked.

"Not really. It'd be different if these animals did something to deserve death..." Tex shrugged, sighing.

"Text me." I said, leaning over to hug him goodbye.

"Be safe, rock climbing, Stella." Tex said, his voice soft and unbothered like before.

"I will. I'll text you when I get home, if I don't hear from you by then." I smiled, hopping out of his giant truck.

I walked up one flight of stairs, unlocking the door to my tiny apartment. I stepped inside and shut the door behind me, locking it again. Setting my things down, I immediately went into the bathroom for a hot shower.

Once I was finished, I heated up a microwave dinner, and sat in front of my television. It wasn't the most luxurious life, but it was what I could afford. I just moved here, and couldn't find anything better than waitressing, but it does the job. I have a cute apartment, one bedroom, one bathroom, and an itty bitty living room/kitchen. It worked though, for now. I aspire to inquire better surroundings, but I'm still proud of where I am.

I woke up the following morning, around nine. Stretching, I slumped out of bed and stumbled into the kitchen to make coffee. While I waited for coffee to brew, I made some toast, a simple breakfast. Warm coffee and toast complimented each other quite nicely, though, I have to say.

After eating, I tossed my shoulder-length blonde hair into a bun, and changed into yoga pants. I wore a sports bra, with a track jacket over it. I slipped on my workout tennis-shoes, and I packed a backpack full of necessities. I grabbed my keys and headed out the door by ten in the morning.

I didn't have a car yet, so I took the bus to the nearest hiking area. It was only a thirty-minute drive, so I didn't stray too far from home. I exited the bus with my small backpack hanging off the back of my shoulders, staring around at the beautiful forest that awaits.

I could smell the pine trees in the air, as the soft summer breeze tickled my skin. I smiled, venturing into the forest. It was mid-summer, the end of May, and the weather was perfect. Birds were chirping, leaves rustled against the tree branches, and bugs ticked all around. All the sounds filling my ears at once, sounds that bring peace to my chaotic mind.

I'd been walking for about an hour, and I finally stumbled across a large rock wall. It towers upwards, and I know this is the one. I position myself against the rock, finding the perfect place for my hands and then my feet. Steadying myself, I glanced up and began climbing the rock. Muscle memory took over, and I was climbing at a decent speed.

Soon I reached the top, and noticed that it lead towards an even taller rock. Smiling to myself, I accepted the challenge, stepping towards the steep wall. This one wouldn't be as simple, because it's almost completely vertical. Taking a few sips of water, I put my bottle back in my bag and started working my way up the larger rock face.

About halfway up, I find myself unsure of my next move, which is never a good feeling. I remained in place, momentarily, pondering my options. While stationary, I hear a large howl rip through the air, and other animals begin to stir throughout the forest. What the hell was that? My heart began thumping heavily against my chest.

In a panic, I jumped and dug my hands into the rock, sliding when my footing was unstable. I clawed at the rock, while my feet fumbled below, and I began sliding down the wall. Soon gravity took over, and I was free-falling towards the ground. A shrill scream left my lips, shortly before my body plummeted to the ground. I felt myself land hard, the air stolen from my chest, and soon I was consumed by an astronomic amount of pain.

A gun shot rippled through the forest, followed by several growls. I was helpless, lying on my back on the ground, whimpering from pain. I heard footsteps approaching, a lot of footsteps, each heavy thump that drew closer caused me to shudder. Something big was coming. I peeked with one eye, finding a pack of wolves surrounding me. My heart ached, at least the pain would be over soon.