Against All Odds Chapter 1

Against All Odds Chapter 1

1: The Midnight Meeting
(1200’s A.D., North America)

This was going to be fun, but I was nervous. I walked to the secret location and was caught off guard by an unusual smell. I immediately stopped and smelled the air intently. It was not my friend’s smell, it wasn’t a wolf smell at all and I didn’t know what to make of it. My ears pricked back when I heard a rustling of leaves come from behind me. In fear and defensiveness, I jumped and turned around mid air. I was now facing the bushes that the sound was coming from and gave the loudest, most menacing growl I could summon up through my almost unbearable dread. Though I could not recognize the smell of the creature behind me I knew it was not prey and that if it decided to confront me, it would not be good.
The creature must of heard me growl because the bushes did not move and there was no more rustling sounds. I was glad that, although I was terrified, my weak show of ferociousness was more convincing than I had thought. I began to relax and was headed back to meet Alakin when the noises started again. Now, I was not so afraid anymore, all I felt now was sheer infuriation. I spun myself around again and this time shouted at the bushes, “Come out! Show yourself! Fight me, or are you some scared prey?!”
My insults shocked the creature and the bushes began to move again. The creature began to creep out and I was stunned when I saw its paw. It couldn’t possibly be, the paw was the same as a wolf’s yet he had no smell of my kind on him. But it was true, the creature behind the bushes was a wolf and now I was way too astounded to speak or move.
The strange smelling wolf came out from the shadows of the bushes warily. He was very hesitant; it took minutes before I even saw his snout. Then, when his head was fully revealed he was always looking around him cautiously making sure no one else was there. Eventually, he was fully out of hiding and I could finally get a good look at him.
He was absolutely amazing. I was the largest wolf in my pack and he was still twice my size. His body was extremely muscular and when he moved his muscles flowed in a beautiful rippling motion. His fur was the darkest, deepest black I had ever seen in my entire life; even darker than a starless and moonless midnight sky. And his eyes! Oh, his magnificent eyes! Their gentle silver color sparkled as if all the stars in the sky were caught in them.
I was embarrassed, but I was so taken aback by his appearance that all I could do was stand and stare at him. After a while I was able to put words to my thoughts, well actually a word, but it was very disappointing. All I managed to suffice was a practically inaudible, “Whoa!”
Even with that tiny little vocalization the stranger wolf scolded me. “Quiet!” he said looking around the clearing again. I was even more impressed with his voice. Although it had a raised and harsh tone to it, it was still a beautifully warm, deep, calming voice; like none I had ever heard before. If I could be so entranced by his voice when he was angry, I could only imagine what would happen to me when he was calm and his voice was at its normal volume and texture.
The stranger wolf took no notice of my dazed expression and continued, “We can’t talk here, it’s too dangerous. You must come with me. Now.” His voice was very urgent and commanding, I almost followed him without question. Then I remembered why I originally came here.
“No I can’t,” I protested in my feeble voice. “I have to meet Alakin. We’re only able to see each every once in awhile and I promised him I’d come meet with him tonight. I’m sorry but I have to go.”
I turned around and began to walk away. Then the stranger terrified me. From behind me came the most fearsome growl that I had ever heard any type of creature utter. I turned hesitantly around and saw him giving me a piercing glare. His eyes no longer sparkled but were now aflame with frustration. I was absolutely horrified of him now but my eyes could not look away from his. He spoke harshly, “I didn’t want to have to go here but obviously I must.” He waited but I said nothing, still hypnotized by his gaze. The stranger wolf sighed and then continued, “Your friend is dead and if you don’t follow me you will be too.”