I ran as fast as I could toward something I couldn't see. I knew we were deep in the forest because I couldn't hear any sounds of the city. I was cradling Phantom in my arms, the once healthy wolf, only a shell of her former self. When I had met her, I could have sworn that she was at least 120 pounds. But now, she was maybe 70, if not less. I was making more noise than necessary but thought that if hunters were near, they could help.
I ran for what felt like hours, and it must have been because suddenly, I was no longer running on the soft grass I had grown accustomed to over our time in the forest. My feet were hitting pavement or, more specifically, asphalt on a street. The streetlights were on, though from the color of the sky I deducted that it was around 2 or 3 in the morning. Phantom whimpered lowly and tried to wiggle out of my arms and I understood her discomfort; she wasn't raised around people and was uncomfortable near or around a large amount of people. For me, after a month and a half of being in the forest, I was also very wary, though more of the way that others would think of me when they saw what clothes I was wearing and how crazy I must look. Self-conscious and egotistical, I know, but I had no idea where I was and if I were caught, I wanted to make a good first impression.
By this time, my breath was coming out in ragged gasps as I ran down the middle of the street, my bare feet slapping the road heavily. I was exhausted from using so much energy at once and my legs were shaking. I felt my legs give out and suddenly, we were falling. Midair, I twisted myself so that I took the blow from the fall. I saw stars as there was a sharp 'CRACK' when my skull collided with the concrete. I let out a silent scream of pain and Phantom howled as she slammed into my chest. My vision blurred with unshed tears as the little air that I could keep in my lungs was knocked out when Phantoms weight collided into me. Once I was able to regain my breath and wipe away my tears, I stood up, still cradling Phantom against my chest.
I felt a warm liquid running down my neck and I immediately knew that I was bleeding from my skull, but there was no time for me to try and fix myself up. That's when I noticed that the quiet town had come to life at the sound of Phantom's howl. Or, more specifically, the animals in town had woken up. I could hear birds chirping and dogs barking. In a house down the street, I heard what sounded like glass shattering and I imagined they must have cats that were freaking out at the moment. The sound that most caught my attention however was a chorus of howls and whines that seemed concentrated in one spot. Immediately I imagined what it must be. A pound.
I started running toward the cacophony, hoping there was a vet, or someone there that could offer their assistance. As I ran through the unknown streets, I could only hope that I was not too late to save Phantom. She had been my constant companion throughout the time we spent trying to find her brother and she was, quite literally, a part of my soul. Without her, I have no doubt I wouldn't be alive. The streetlights provided just enough lighting that I didn't trip over anything and within minutes, I stood in front of a sign that read "24 hour Veterinary Service". I sighed in relief, but when I peered in through one of the widows, I only saw an empty desk with a small light. There was no one sitting there. I felt tears start streaming down my face as Phantom let out an agony filled whine. But I couldn't stand there and do nothing.
I started pounding on the door, biting my lip to keep from screaming in defeat. But no one came to the door. I started seeing black around the edges of my vision and knew I was going to pass out soon from the combination of physical exertion, stress and blood loss. I sank to my knees as my strength seemed to disappear. Finally, I let out a scream that contained my anger, frustration and sadness. I was defeated. I spent all this time, bonding with my wolf just to have her slip from my gasp. I knew I would not be the same. I was broken. I was not an Alpha. Phantom would not survive and I would never be complete.
I lay on the floor in front of the door, the streetlight illuminating us, its gentle buzz the only sound I heard; the dogs had piped down the moment we stepped onto the land surrounding the building. I buried my face into her fur, breathing in her smell, both forest and wild. I ran a finger along the edge of her ear, my digit dipping in the notch that was meant to mimic my piercing. I didn't want to let her go, but no one was here to help us.
YOU ARE READING
Becoming the Alpha Queen
WerewolfMy name is Cynthia and I'm one of the daughters of the Alpha of the Winter Breeze Pack. I'm strong, independent and a fierce warrior, and even though I don't think I will be inheriting Alpha title since I'm the second daughter, I'm happy with my po...