Kierra

We were hoping to keep hidden for a while yet, but it seems someone has found us. The distinct smell is recognized by my brain; musk, earth, and other things that I don't even have words to describe mix together creating the distinct odor of canine. I follow it all the way to the road, it having gone through some of the woods in a few areas, marking trees as it went.

Anger makes me retaliate in the only way I can right now, clawing at the trees where male pheromones cling, ripping the bark from the trunks, then rubbing against it heavily to put my scent over it. There are twinges in my belly at the scent of a male, but it's overshadowed by it being an unknown intruding on my territory. I strip the bark from every tree I find the strangers scent on, overlapping it with my own.

Digging at the spots in the ground where his urine had fallen, throwing the dirt every which way in my need to obliterate every trace. Knowing leaving my scent over all his, that I'm advertising that I'm here, is not a good way to remain under the radar, but I can't help it. I'll ask Asher later if he can come out and remark them.

Following the trail once more leads towards town. I weave back and forth, bobbing my head as I reach the edge of the woods, not wanting to go out in the open. I steel my spine, knowing I'm leaning and relying too heavily on Asher. This is my mess, my problem. Time to, err, man up.

Keeping my ears alert as my nose goes back to the ground, I leave safety behind and follow the intruder's trail. Being a couple miles from home, I shouldn't worry about it, but I need to know where this new possible threat is coming from. The sun has risen, but I pay no attention to it as I intently pursue the smell.

So intent on what I'm following, I don't notice that I'm moving miles away from my home, don't notice that I'm going along the outskirts of town leading into farm country. The whole thing escapes my brain, that the trail was made on purpose, to lead me further and further out. Forgetting that for two more days I can be vulnerable from my own wolf falling back on instincts, ones I don't want anything to do with.

I slow as it finally dawns on me that the trail is neither getting stronger or weaker. A false trail. I groan in my head, mad that I'd fallen for this when Asher had warned me about them. I stop abruptly, not even attempting to fall back on acting abilities to hide from anyone possibly watching that I've figured it out. I'm in so much trouble, I still don't know enough about protecting myself to come out this far.

Looking around, I'm not even sure where I am.

Yep.

So much trouble.

Soon as I get home I'm putting up freakin' boundary sticks and tape. Bright orange and obvious so I won't miss it. I shake my head then put my nose up, I should be able to track my own trail. That's a thing, right?

I quiet my mind and listen. With my ears as well as my inner radar. Still have the feeling of unease, but seeing the mess I just walked into, that's not surprising.

My inner hussy seems to know something I don't, feels as if she's rolling around within me as if a cat on nip. I turn to head back, but stop abruptly, a scent wafting past my nose that has my internal wolf preening and pushing close, wanting me to bury myself so she can be free. I deny her as I look around warily, the area unknown and alien.

It looks to be farmland, but mixed with things from other biomes. Piles of boulders on a prairie-like landscape. Clusters of trees set about randomly with the scent and sound of water nearby.

Putting my nose down, I try to backtrack, although it soon becomes apparent that I'm not alone. I feel my hackles rising, searching for the threat as I war within myself. Flashes of color catch my eye from the mounds of rocks about ten feet in front of me.

I ready my body for fight or flight as those flashes of color take shape on top of the highest point. It's only about five feet up, but it still gives him the advantage. More so than what his much larger size already does.

A very large tan and cream-colored wolf stands there, blue eyes watching me with his mouth open and tongue lolling out. The bright sun shining off to the side highlights the paler fur on his flanks. Well, shit. As good looking as he is, I really need to get going. I sidestep, attempting to make a wide berth around him, but he cocks his head.

His posture is relaxed, but I'm not fooled, I've seen Asher be the same way one moment then on top of me the next. Tilted head makes him look like he's laughing at me, probably is since it was so easy to get me out here. He jumps down, landing easily on huge paws. His size makes me pause and my mouth go dry. Most definitely a Werewolf.

Taller than Asher, but thinner, more rugged looking. Scars crisscross over his muzzle, several along his long legs. I'd hazard a guess to him being either a lone wolf or a rogue with all those marks as he walks steadily towards me with his ears, head, and tail held high.

Not this again.

I keep my tail down, ears forward, and head high. My inner traitor fairly purrs in my head. The thought of shifting to my Were form is there, but if he's this big on four legs, he's going to be a giant if he shifts as well. I'm gonna try and avoid that, thank you.

I sidestep again, trying to circle around to where I need to be to make a run for it. His tongue pulls in and comes back out along his muzzle. The fur down my spine rises higher, ears flicking back.

I feel him brushing against my mind, no voice, just feelings and impressions. He'd lured me out here, far from an opposing male, his curiosity peaked even higher once he caught my scent and seen the color of my coat. Unable to hide his astonishment or back burner arousal.

My yellow eyes stay on his blue ones, annoyance making me brave. Or is that stupid? My tail goes high as I try posturing, letting him know I'm not interested. That may have worked if my inner hussy hadn't been present.

His amusement comes across just fine as he senses my inner struggle, so I growl low in my throat and take another step to the side. He lets me, which makes me wonder what he's planning. I keep going, smothering my internal and quite literal bitch.

One more step and I should be able to get past him. I'm fast. Where I still lack in fighting ability I make up for in speed. Two are taken, just to up my chances that much more.

He turns with me, without actually moving from that one spot. I almost jump out of my skin when he drops abruptly into a bow, more than likely knowing I'm about to bolt. His tail waves high in the air, an invitation to play the last thing I thought would happen. He barks at me, rubbing the side of his face in the grass and taking a couple steps forward.

I back up, but watch him, the goofiness of his look bellying his size. I make a quick plan in my head, hoping it leads to me getting home safely without losing skin, blood, or virtue. Tilting my head at him, I will my body to relax just a little. Wouldn't do to be all floppy if he's setting another trap. My heart pounds as he prances around, dropping into another bow. It's now or never.

I pounce forward, twist to the side then dive back in to nip at his tail waving above his rear. I think I surprise him for a moment, as it takes him that long to realize what happened. His maw parts in a smile as I rub myself along the ground as he had, then jump up as he approaches, just to dance around him. Slowly and steadily and hopefully without it being obvious of what I'm doing, I move him in the direction I want to go.

Couching behind him like I'm going to pounce once more, instead finds me leaping over him and running a ways forward before turning and bowing at him. The only problem I'm having now is that both my wolf and I are starting to have fun. I puppy played with Bastion but avoided interacting like this with Asher.

He runs and jumps at me, almost landing on top of me before I jump away. My mind reaches out to his tentatively, conveying playfulness and my want to run. Not necessarily away, just running in general.

I had found that my one weakness and love is being on four paws and running. No destination, no reason, just a full-out stretching of limbs and the freedom it gives me. I impress that to him, and he takes me up on it.

Turning and running off, I leap after him, only taking seconds to be shoulder to shoulder with him, staying that way for a good while before I take the lead. Pushing myself to see just how fast I am compared to this large stranger. My long legs fly over the ground, weaving back and forth for no reason at all, ears pulled back to streamline my body better.

To my surprise, I pull ahead of him with no trouble. You'd think with his long ass legs he'd be faster. I send my laughter whispering through his head as I run circles around him.

I hear his as well, a deep timbre bathed in honey. My body tightens, need rising, a pang of fear shoots through me at knowing that my scent is getting stronger as we play. I pull back my speed, slowing till I stop.

Seeing a small crick with water starting to ice over, I make my way to it. Dipping my nose down for a drink, he comes up next to me and does the same. Nibbling at the ice before walking into the stream, my foot pads act just as hot hands under cool water.

Pants move my sides evenly as I dance in the water before getting out and sitting on the bank. Sadness overtakes my mind as I think of my sister. Ever since the second attempt and finish of my transition, I've tried tuning my mind to hers, reaching out as I'd done before by accident or under duress, but I haven't been able to connect. Every now and then it feels like we're about to, then it falls away. I'll get snippets of feeling, or catch a confusing image, but nothing I can hold onto.

I sigh heavily as I look down into the water, totally forgetting that I'm not alone. It's a wonder I'm not dead yet with my attention span, or rather lack thereof.

I feel a nose press into my shoulder and turn to see light blue eyes much closer to me than what's comfortable. He takes a step back before I can move, his head cocking to the side in question. The cream coat moves as his muscles do, a darker brown tipping his ears and down his nose.

I send him a small smile with the need to return home. His ears swivel, muzzle dipping forward and nip nibbles the side of my neck. A shaft of desire spears through me, the stiffening of his body letting me know he senses it as well.

He gets up and walks away, looking back to me and sending the feeling of comfort through my head. I stand but make no move to go forward. He tries again, the feeling of comfort mixed with the safety of home. I cock my head in question, but he just nods his and continues on his way.

Since I have no idea where I am, I follow after him. Wondering why he hasn't actually tried talking to me with words, but since I haven't either, it seems normal just going by body language and empathy. I look up for the first time in hours, the sun well on its way to setting.

I panic, not just for me, but Bastion. He's been by himself all day. My feet dance around, taking paces ahead but having to come back because he refuses to move any faster.

I don't care if he's tired, I'm in a hurry. Coming up behind, I push him forward bodily. He shakes his head and lets out a sound that's reminiscent of a sneeze. I run forward and whine. No change. I growl lightly and dip forward to nip at his flank.

He turns his head and looks at me, his blue eyes glittering, my ears go down, but I don't back off. I whine again and move further ahead, swinging my head back. To my dismay, he's sat down. My heart skips a beat.

The trees around us darken as the sun gives way to the moon. I whine at him again, he just lifts a leg and starts scratching at his side. I send the mental equivalent of a scowl. The ass is laughing at me again.

Taking steps towards him with intent and purpose, he just looks at me, his tongue slipping out to hang between his teeth. A growl vibrates through my chest as I walk a circle around him, but he doesn't budge. I start feeling desperate. It's too late to worry about the moon rising and my not being able to go human for at least another twelve or so hours.

My worry is for Bastion. I try to convey that to him in feelings, he seems a bit confused till I resort to sending him the thought of pups, kids, alone. Not sure why pups came first...

He scoffs while my ire rises. My turmoil of emotions mixes into a whirling, volatile mass within me. I lift my head and release a howl.

It's cut off almost instantly as I feel his teeth at my throat. I shake him off and glare into his heat-filled eyes. I can't find it in myself to feel fear at this point. Turning back to the direction we were heading in to begin with, I take off.