Nomadic

C H A P T E R 1

Walking through the same woods for hours on end can drive most wolves insane. I'm almost there. Not quite. But almost. I grew up in these woods and I intend to die in these woods. For most they were kicked out of their packs. Probably because they were crazy and a danger to the packs. But for me I was forced out. Either leave or die at the hands of my own kind.

I haven't grown to love this life but I'm content. Content enough to not kill myself or go running to the closest pack I can find.

Most packs aren't keen to the idea of letting rouges on their land. They're unpredictable. Some so close to their breaking point that they're barely even registering the fact that they are on marked territory. Their wolves in most or full control.

I've learned to keep my wolf at peace. She knows what happens to the weaker ones who break and we both aren't willing to let that happen to us.

As I'm walking, my senses are heightened. I can feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up and my wolf is alert. More than usual anyways.

I prepare to shift. Close enough to my camp so if I get injured I don't run forever only to risk more damage to my body.

I start to quicken my pace. Almost to my destination.

I can feel my wolf pacing back in my mind. Her growls loud enough for me to hear.

I smell another wolf close by and let out a  low warning growl. Letting them know not to come near.

So close to my spot.

I hear a twig snap and swiftly turn around. Teeth on display and claws out. I let out a growl under my breath. My wolf and I hate unwanted company.

Once I reach my rock I quickly grab my leather satchel underneath it and grab my silver dagger out. I always keep this on me because I can be intimidating but I'm not the strongest wolf out there. I always wear gloves to protect my hands because I'm still a wolf too.

I quickly turn in all directions. My wolf and I both on high alert. I can smell and hear them. They aren't very stealthy.

I hear a rustling behind me and quickly turn around with my knife out in front of me. Only to find my brother Ashton. Ash for short.

Ashton isn't my real brother but we're extremely close. Ash found me out here right after my mother died. I was alone and scared. I was very hesitant of Ash at first but we eventually became close.

Ash is 20 while I'm only 17. I don't see him as anything intimate. Just like my guardian. My big brother here to protect me. He's always careful to know where I'm going if he doesn't go with me. I managed to sneak off from him today while he was at the creek. I guess he couldn't hear me over the rushing water.

I let out a huff under my breath while I put my knife back and collected the rest of my things from my rock.

"Hey there no need to get your fur all ruffled up.", He said as he held his hands up in surrender.

I glared at him but smirked to myself. Gathering my things before standing up.

"Did you collect any water from the creek or do I have to do that too?", I asked with my arms crossed over my chest and my eyebrow raised. Annoyance clear in my voice.

"I told you little sis. I provide protection and shelter, and you provide everything else", he said. I know he's joking but that still annoys me.

"Did you or did you not get the water?", I asked. Fed up already.

"What do you think?", He asked. He never gets the water but it's always worth a shot to ask. Maybe one day he'll pass the creek and think maybe I should get some of that. But he most likely won't. I don't think it's in his nature to help.