The need for swiftness overtook Amanda’s fear. She ran, semi-blindly, relying on the guidance of the woman in her mind.
You don’t know what you’re fighting, the voice told her. It was soothing, reassuring, seductive. You’ll enjoy what I have to offer.
“Shut the fuck up.” She continued her trek, trying not to think about the slow creep of Caitlin’s…no, Swiftfang’s…features across her body.
You can’t deny me forever. Don’t deny me, or yourself.
Abruptly, she stopped in her tracks, slinging the backpack from her shoulder. Angrily, she yanked the thick metal canister from its blanket. “Say one more word and I’ll douse us with this shit!”
Silence from the voice.
“You know what’s in here, I know you do! We won’t survive it!”
You’ll kill yourself, too. Your body is different, now.
“Yeah, it is, thanks to you!” She slowly unscrewed the lid, careful to avoid accidental detonation. “Fuck it if I live or die!”
Only the forest wind spoke.
Finally, purposefully, Amanda replaced the lid. “The pack dies, tonight. Deal.” Without another word, she returned the canister to the pack and continued her journey to the center of Wolf Lake.
Mary finally understood why the dogs liked to play with her.
She, and her mother, and Evelyn down the way, had more fun than ever, now that the moon was high.
Mother was lonely, but the food that had been her human husband eased their suffering as it sated their appetite.
She would find a suitable mate, soon enough.
The dogs keyed onto something, or someone, barreling through the forest.
The three nodded. They leapt, eager to meet their new playmate.
You finally remember what you like about camping.
Ashmane remembered, too. It seemed so long ago.
It’s bliss, almost fully realized. All that’s missing is your alpha.
She seems to be close by…