Child of the Werewolves

The air burned her lungs as she struggled through the dense underbrush. There were no sounds of pursuit, but Tala knew better than to think there would be none. Sounds of quick panting and yips came from behind her; she stopped at the sound.

Doing his best to keep up with her, the young pup struggled his way over a large root, barely tall enough to peer over it, let alone climb over. Looking about for just a moment, Tala tried to calm her worries. They would not be followed. Surly the owner had not cared that much about them.

Gently lifting the wolf pup by his scruff, Tala turned and slowly made her way through the forest. Perhaps they would be safe once they'd put enough distance between them. She wasn't willing to chance it.

The fire was warm and inviting as they curled up before it. The moon over head was bright and cool. Tala wrapped her scarf about the boy in her arms. He was exhausted now. The day of running had worn both of them out, but she was still worried of pursuit.

What if they were caught? She'd never see Zev again and it would most certainly be worse this time.

The boy beside her whimpered in his sleep and Tala hushed him gently, "It's okay, Zev," she whispered, brushing a lock of hair out of his face, "Tala's here. I won't let them find you again. I promise..."

Wind ruffled her hair and Tala looked up. A shadow stood just outside the ring of fire. She could tell it was a human--most likely a man. A growl rumbled from her throat as she watched him. Whatever he wanted, he had better leave them alone.

"Easy there, Girl," cooed a voice as he took a step into the light, "I mean you no harm. I am lost and need a safe place to rest for the night."

Tala eyes widened a little as he settled down across the fire from them. His skin wasn't just dark, it was jet black! She'd never seen such a thing before. He shifted a little as she stared and she had a hard time turning away from him. She knew she couldn't trust him.

"We are not in the mood for company, Sir," she answered without looking back at him.

Instead of listening, the man sighed and settled down with a rock as a pillow, "Should I take first watch or are you?"

Sniffing a little in distaste, Tala figured such a bull-headed male would probably ignore her completely until she went in heat. No doubt he had some motive for being here with them. Perhaps he wanted Zev or something...

Looking down at the boy in her arms, she pulled him closer, wondering if this man had been sent by the circus owner. It would be well in her interest to kill him while he slept. "I have no need for your help, Sir," she snapped, "I can watch out for us just fine!"

"Rather distrustful," he commented with a slight grin, "You'll learn to trust me, Girl."

Girl. Tala growled as she watched him lace his fingers behind his head and settle in. His cool gray hair tumbled on the ground and his wings spread out in either direction as he rested. If anything, the man was an amazing specimen of sheer opposites. He looked like some sort of demonic beast that had been granted wings fit only for an angel.

She frowned to herself at that. It wasn't good for her to be taking so much notice of the beast-man across from her. Zev depended on her to keep him safe. He was but a pup, after all. The poor child could not even speak yet!

Petting the sleeping boy's head, she puzzled for a moment in thought. A regular human or elf would have all ready grasped the ability to speak. Why was Zev any different? Was she babying the boy too much?

Curling up about him, she rested her chin on her hands and looked out past the firelight. There was nothing amiss outside the ring of orange, but the hairs on the back of her neck were anything but restful.

Glancing back at the man, she froze for a moment. Crystal eyes met gray and she just couldn't tear them away. A snarl spread over her face as she watched him, wondering why she couldn't move.