Davina And The Dire Wolf

Delta Dive

Harald had been on border patrol for the last eight hours. However, eight hours was nothing compared to how long they would go during training. Sometimes they would be forced to stay awake for nearly three days as part of training. This is why they were elite and why the Green River pack had the best warriors. Green River warriors trained harder than any other packs.

His shift was just about over when he caught a strange scent. It smelled like Jasmine and cherry blossoms with a hint of something fruity. The smell was so intoxicating. He caught some movement from his peripheral vision and kneeled down slowly to stay out of sight. The rain came from nowhere making it harder to see. The interesting smell began to dissipate slowly as more rain fell and lightening flashed in the distance, snapping him out of his sudden trance. He could vaguely make out a black shape. He stilled as he felt that he was being pulled in the direction of this mysterious black shadow. Was he hallucinating? “I really need to try and rest more when I have the opportunity or I won’t be at my best. The Vermillion Guard expects only the best. I can’t lose this opportunity, it would be dishonorable and I’d never be able to hold my head high again.” he thought to himself.

When he looked in the direction of the black shadow once more, it was already gone. Just then he sensed his friend and fellow guardsman, Paul, approaching. Paul strode up to him quietly and shook his hand. “Well it looks like it’s gonna be a wet shift.” said Paul. “Yeah, it’s supposed to be passing soon.” said Harald. Harold didn’t dare mention the shadow, although he spared the area one more quick glance. He didn’t want his mentality called into question, although he didn’t think Paul would report anything as minor as that. He knew Paul was well capable of defending himself though if any danger or security threat should present itself.

Harold said, “Just be vigilant in this weather, and don’t hesitate to call should you need your brothers.” Paul chuckled, “If anyone is out in this type of weather they might be determined enough to be a proper challenge and then I won’t be so bored.” Harald grinned knowing Paul was correct. Paul studied Harald’s face for a brief moment. “Hey, you know the guys are down at the Delta Dive tonight, you should join them for a round. Have one for me! All work and no play makes Harald a dull boy!” Paul teased. Harald sighed. “Alright I guess I can see what shenanigans are missing me.” Harald replied.

Delta Dive was the place where all the warriors went to drink and cut loose. Sometimes fights would break out, but afterwards the same two men that fought would buy each other another drink. No one walked away with grudges, bruises maybe, but no hard feelings. Harold figured it was better than going home and being alone with his thoughts again. When he arrived at the dive bar, the party seemed to already be in full swing judging by the sounds coming from inside.

As soon as he walked in through the door a few guys at a table in the corner cheered. “Finally! Harold the hermit decided to join us!!! You have neglected your troop for far too long brother! Good to see you sir, I do believe this seat right here has your name on it!” said Lincoln, one of his fellow guardsman. He joined the table and Lincoln shouted, “This round is on me!” The bar maid arrived at the table with a tray full of shot glasses filled to the brim with various liquors. She clearly already knew their preferences and Harold could guess that they had made themselves regulars at the Delta Dive.

The men conversed about their tales of battle, showing off scars and laughing at one another’s wild adventures. “Our neighbor, the Black Creek pack, has asked us to help train some of the new warriors. Anybody want to volunteer? Paul has already volunteered, what do you say troops?” Lincoln exclaimed. Harald gave it a little thought before he spoke, “I’ll do it”. Lincoln held up his shot glass to toast Harald, “My brother, always doing great things!” Lincoln smiled at Harald. “Now, which one of these lucky ladies wants to dance?” Lincoln said confidently. He strode over to the bar maid and stole her away for a dance. She giggled and blushed as she led her to the dance floor.

“Hey you know that’s his mate.” said a burly red haired guy at the table. “Yep, he’s been enamored with her from the moment he laid eyes on her. Sometimes he doesn’t even drink, he just buys rounds so the owner will let him hang around here. She won’t work here for much longer because Lincoln is going to whisk her away.” replied the dark bearded man sitting next to him. The red haired guy replied, “And it’s a dang shame, she was the best bar maid of them all!” They both laughed and carried on. Harold thought to himself, “Hmm I wander what it’s like having a mate.”

He had his fair share of women, but never had he felt the experience of a mate bond. The mate bond was sacred. He had seen mated couples before, but never understood what all the hype was about. He never desired to have a mate. He was a warrior and that’s all he knew. When he went home that night and laid in his bed, he couldn’t stop thinking about that strange smell from earlier. “What was that?” he thought, right before he let go of his curiosity and succumbed to sleep.

Davina had been enjoying her first night with her wolf, soaking up the cool rain on her new skin, but no sooner had the rain started when Lexy broke the silence and said, “We are being watched. We need to leave because I can’t get a good scent in this rain.. We can speak to one another even when you are not in wolf form now. Let’s go home so that we can rest. It’s been a big night. Your new body will be capable of so much more now, as you will soon learn.” Davina sighed, reluctant to rest from all the excitement. She sprinted all the way back and found her clothes and felt her body shift back into its original form. Shifting back seemed much easier, like having a good stretch almost. She pulled her clothes on and walked towards aunt Carly’s cottage. “I wander who was watching us.” she contemplated.