21

Josh

Dreams assaulted me in technicolor, the frantic images of past hunts, of running with my father from rangers and hunters, of hiding in caves and hollow trees. Always in movement,

always running from something, my father's face always closed and sad.

Beep-beep.

Something shrill woke me from my dreams. I shook myself awake, looking around for the source of the noise. Pietra's cell phone. I tapped my muzzle in a vain attempt to shut him up. One of the downsides of being stuck in my wolf form… no opposable thumbs.

“Urrrgh. Pietra rolled over, throwing one arm out and hanging up the phone without opening her eyes. I felt a flash of shame at myself. I fell asleep. I was supposed to be guarding Pietra, but I was so exhausted from the night before and all the running…but Pietra was fine. She was still alive. That was all that mattered. I swore never to let my guard down again.

Pietra stroked my cheek.

“Hey Josh.

His voice sounded hoarse with sleep. The eyes fluttered open, the long lashe