Strange Salvation

I looked over my pale shoulder and through the strands of my straight blonde hair, watching the silvery wolf emerge from the trees so close behind me. Loping through the grass. I forced my legs to go faster. Carrying me at a nearly inhuman pace that should’ve lent a clue as to what I really was.

If anyone knew anything. I was counting on the fact that they were simple humans who did not.

Most wolves abhorred the company of humans. Knowing they were more powerful, faster and more animalistic, they tended to keep their distance.

Which also keeps them from hunting us as zealously as the mages do.

The wolf behind me was cutting the distance.

Heading for me.

He leapt and his teeth barely missed strands of my knee length hair as he tried to catch it without taking out my legs entirely.

Trying not to hurt me at least. I could appreciate that.

He could’ve torn my leg out from under me and injured me.

But he wants me for a mate. And doesn’t want me broken.

At least not until he’s done with me. I thought bitterly.

Marta’s voice echoing in my ears. “He’ll break you girl. Like a beaten, pup.”

***

I was moving so fast now, my toes barely touched the ground. My ankle bones adjusting and my feet narrowing into wolf paws.

The only chance I have.

“Help!” I shrieked. “Help!” Praying that the sight of a naked woman in the fading light would surely draw as much attention as my terrorized voice.

Without slowing I ducked to sweep up a large rock and twisted halfway to hurl it back at him. My keen animal senses rewarded me.

That stone hit him solidly in the snout. Driving his face downward as he yelped, and his head rolled in toward his chest. Skidding a few feet and piling dirt before him as he fought to catch his balance.

Shaking off his disorientation, he righted himself with a growl and was back after me.

But that head start meant the world…

***

With a gap between us now, I was greeted by a hailstorm of well-placed arrows landing just behind me. Bringing Alaric to a dead stop.

Shoulders hunkering, he shifted his front feet malcontentedly as he eyed me in a way that had threatening promise. He eased sideways along the wall of arrows.

Guards above us were shouting at the wolf to back off. And another arrow whistled into the air.

Alaric had to lunge up and veer sideways to evade it.

It was aimed for him.

He lifted his head almost straight upward and gave me a sideways look.

A wolf’s promise for vengeance.

He’s enraged. More furious than I’ve ever seen him.

I hadn’t slowed my pace as I reached the drawbridge creaking down for me. I ran over it. My feet thudding over the planks before I reached the dual doors which were tossed open by none, other than the man wearing a crown, himself.

Without pause, I launched myself into his arms. Naked and sobbing.

And only half of it contrived.

***

His arms cradled me, and he pulled me further into the bailey.

I immediately adjusted my feet before anyone could spot that they were slightly furred with joints which would appear twisted for a human’s.

“That’s the biggest damn wolf I’ve ever laid my eyes on, Your Highness!” One of the heavily armored knights shouted in horrified awe.

I know how he feels.

Alaric was impressive even in wolf form. Even I couldn’t deny that.

As much as I’d like to. He was silvery fur with large black markings. And dark line running down his snout, which made him distinctive. His shoulders were wide and shifted threateningly. Snarling and baring teeth in a way that told me he expected me to turn around and go back to him.

Or there’ll be hell to pay.

But I’m beyond your reach now, Alaric. I gave a sly smile, hidden from those watching the wolf.

Still wailing, I cast a long blue-eyed stare over my shoulder. Glinting with triumph as I gazed back at Alaric, until the guards in the bailey slammed the doors closed. Blocking him from view.

He knew I’d won.

Nothing he can do about it now.

***

I was proud of myself. Filled with elation as I looked at the people in the baileys. Delicate humans which I could reside with.

And control to some extent.

I looked at the sky above and the high walls and counted myself blessed.

I’ve well and truly escaped. I wanted to scream it. Shout it to the Heavens.

I’m beyond the Asara Pack’s reach now. And Alaric’s.

Wouldn’t old Marta be proud of me now? I was highly pleased with myself. Turning back into the old king’s neck I sniffled and feigned great upset.

I’d thought the moment over until I’d heard the thud against the huge doors. Fierce enough to rattle them. His snarling beyond the door, had everyone in the bailey backing up.

“Looks like he might come through them!” A man in the bailey shouted.

Oh, no. My stomach sunk as I watched the door rattle again and boards at the top splintering. Surely not.

“Reinforce it!” The wizened Captain of the Guard appeared before directing.  “Get the King indoors!”

An old man I’d later discover was King George of Enderon Kingdom, guided me through the doors. Gently walking with me tucked under his arm and within his robe.

We were chased inside and the great doors slammed. Knights in heavy armor clattered down the stairs and lined up at those doors to ensure that the powerful wolf would not make it inside.

***

ALARIC

Alaric hit those doors over and over again. Not because he truly wanted through them. But he wanted to vent his rage. So, he’d rush them and skid sideways, ducking his shoulder and head to bang against them.

Terrifying those beyond.

The sound of their shrieks and men’s astounded mutterings were a happy reward for the loss he’d suffered today.

I will get her. I’m not nearly done with her yet.

When he’d first noticed she was gone, he’d went straight to his older brother, the new Alpha and asked for direction.

Draven had read his intent as clearly as he always did, and knew that in reality, he had no choice. Even forbidding Alaric to go wouldn’t have stopped him.

It’d only have cast me from the pack.

So, Draven had relented. Knowing that in their great grief over the loss of their father, hunting down Lara would bring Alaric a twisted sense of peace.

So, he let me go.

And for the last day and a half, Alaric had known she was close.

Just out of reach. He’d silently tracked her.

But Lara was a clever girl and she’d known he’d come.

Then she’d fled here.

Wanting to believe she could live amidst humans again and deny what she is once more. But something roared in Alaric. Demanding that, that was an unacceptable option.

She is a she-wolf. She belongs with me.