The Panther's Rival

by Emilia Hartley

  “I’ve been here once before,” she said, with a smile beaming on her face, “they have great fries.”

  Connor couldn’t stop himself from laughing. He’d spent so much time being scared of the bears that her playful attitude was betraying her ferocity. He wondered if he was ever that young.

  The server came by for orders which they promptly provided.

  “So what do you really think you’ll accomplish by talking to the bear alpha? He’s out for blood you know,” Samantha started while playing with the salt and pepper shakers.

  Tess pulled the condiments away and tried to change the subject.

  “Can we maybe save that chatter for the car? You never know who might be listening and not everyone around here knows about shifters,” Tess said.

  Samantha kicked her feet up on the other side of the booth and leaned against the window the booth rested against.

  “What do you like to do for fun?” Tess asked, changing the topic.

  Samantha leaned her arm on the booth for her head to rest on; then thought for a moment before replying.

  “I guess chores?” she said, “My mother died when I was really young so my dad had me pick up the slack. I barely have any free time.”

  “If you had free time, what would you do?” Tess wondered.

  “I guess I would make some friends. It’s harder for bears. Most of us don’t run in packs. I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than five in the same place … well … until recently,” she said.

  That was a foreign idea to Connor. He’d never thought about life outside the pack. What would it be like to be a lone wolf? He shook his head to clear the nonsensical idea from his head. He distracted himself from the conversation by looking around the restaurant. So many other groups were going about their business. One of the other families nearby paid an awful lot of attention to Connor and it made him nervous. A familiar scent wafted from their table; bears. There were too many people around to attack but he readied himself nonetheless. If they pounced at his table he was sure he’d be able to retaliate against anything they could dish out.

  However, no attack came. The father stopped staring at Connor as soon as his food was in front of him. Maybe he was just building up his strength before attacking.

  “We should go,” Connor said.

  “But, the food isn’t here yet,” Samantha whined.

  “Something isn’t right,” he added.

  The front door swung wide, the bell dinged out his entrance. Nobody paid it any mind, except Connor who was still on edge. Every little thing he saw was another threat. This time it was the one man that just entered the establishment that sent off every alarm in Connor’s head simultaneously.

  He wore dark drab clothing, mostly green. It was easy to smell the gun oil that surrounded him. His face seemed wrought of old shoe leather as did the rest of his exposed skin. He had is hand coiled around an old shotgun with tick marks notched into the side of the barrel, and a bandolier with shotgun shells wrapped over his shoulder.

  Tess and Samantha continued to chat idly but Connor stopped them.

  “We’re getting out of here, right now,” he commanded, “go through the kitchen, get to the truck. I have a bad feeling about where this is going.”

  Tess eyed him curiously. Samantha on the other hand sighed and slumped into her oversized chair.

  The family that Connor had a keen eye on appeared to have the same thought. The father was already standing and throwing money down on the table before he’d finished his meal. The mother plucked her young daughter from her booster chair. They stepped single file toward the door, the father even tipped his hat at the man who just entered but he was stopped short of the exit by a hand thrown in front of him.

  “Where do you think you’re goin’, fella?” asked the stranger.

  “Back on the road with the family,” he replied, “gotta get home before it gets too dark.”

  Connor pointed toward the kitchen, Tess snuck by with Samantha in tow. He handed Tess the keys to the old yellow truck as she passed.

  Another stranger entered the bar, he too carried a shotgun. It was clear from the way the two strangers interacted that the new guy was his right hand man. He squared his gun at the father of the family, to keep the family in place.

  “That’s too bad,” the leader said, “I was just thinking about joining your family for a meal. They sure do look hungry.” He walked over to their table, now abandoned, inspecting the food with a taste.

  “And this isn’t even cold yet,” he added, rubbing the grease from his fingers on his trousers.

  “Don’t do this,” the father said.

  “Don’t do what? I’m just looking for some grub and this diner was the first place I went lookin’,” the stranger replied with a smile.

  “I know what you are,” the father said, “and I don’t want any trouble for me or my family.”

  Connor snuck toward the kitchen, the staff eyed him curiously as he peeked over the stove to watch the events play out. The stranger plopped himself down at the table. Several other families in the bar took the hint and were evacuating out the front door slowly. The right hand man did nothing to stop them.

  “Allow me to introduce myself,” the stranger started, “My name is Eli. Now why don’t you have a seat and introduce yourselves. I won’t bite. Not yet.” The father returned to the table and sat himself down. Eli gestured to his henchman and the wife and child joined them. The mother sat down at her seat but kept her daughter on her lap. Eli leaned over and looked the young girl in the eye. “And, who might you be?”

  Dammit, Connor knew that name. It was the name of the hunter the bikers told him about just the other day. If he was after shifters then all hell was about to break loose.

  Dammit, Alex. This is your fault.

  “Greta,” she said with a sniffle.

  “Sounds like you have a little cold, there,” Eli said. He lifted one of the napkins and wiped off her nose. “I’ve been tracking your family the last two days,” the stranger said, “I’m sure your ‘alpha’ wouldn’t be too keen to find out you’re runnin’ from his fight. I guess maybe I’m just doin’ him a favor and takin’ care of some deserters.”

  Connor saw the father visibly sweat; a bead ran down his temple.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the father said, “I’m just on vacation with my family.”

  The hunter plopped his shotgun on the table facing the father.

  “You know,” he said, “I’m not a fan of shooting you mongrels in public. But, something tells me that if I don’t, then I might just miss out on a bit of sport.”

  The hunter laughed, and his henchman joined in. Following that, Connor was deafened by motorcycles pulling up outside. Eli was clearly pleased.

  “I guess there’s no way you’d make it out now,” he said, “best you just help me out. I’m lookin’ for your alpha. Know where he might be hidin’?”

  Through the front door walked one of the largest men Connor had ever seen. His tree trunk of an arm was covered in a white cast and loaded into a massive sling. Setting neatly on top of that cast was a double barreled shotgun.

  “My man Mutt over there got his arm busted up by one of your kind,” the hunter said, “and he’s got a bit of a vendetta. I figured I’d help him out and rid this mountain of your kind once and for all.”

  That was Mutt? He really did look as stupid as he was large. If there were ever a time to get out of here, now would be that time. What was keeping him here? He couldn’t decide what it was. Maybe it was that he could empathize with the father. His family was threatened. But, they’re bears; who gives a shit if they die? If Eli shot them then it would be one less to kill later, right? No, that wasn’t it.

  “I don’t want to start anything, just let me and my family go. We won’t hurt anyone,” the father pleaded.

  The hunter pulled a large knife from a thigh holster then stabbed it into the table. A slim line of silver ran coarsely throug
h the length of the blade, causing the father’s eyes to widen. If Connor were in the same situation he wouldn’t have hesitated. He would already have the man’s throat in his jaws.

  “Let them go,” the father pleaded.

  The hunter shook his head no. The father became more visibly shaken and continued to plead.

  “Please, they didn’t do anything,” he said, “let them go.”

  “Nope,” the hunter said, “Tell me where your alpha is holed up and I might just kill the young one last.”

  The mother hugged her daughter Greta into her chest. It was clear that they both knew this would be their last time together. The father clenched his jaw while his leg started to dance nervously under the table.

  Connor’s exit was waiting for him. Would he stay or would he go while he had the chance. What was keeping him here?

  The father’s leg stopped cold. Connor watched in awe as the father roared. His mouth tore along the seams into a muzzle. Fur broke from every inch of his skin while he grew to gigantic proportions in a manner of seconds. The cracking of his bones echoed throughout the restaurant as he grew larger and larger, until he stood nearly nine feet tall from the ground.

  “Now that’s more like it!” shouted the hunter. Even the hunter was excited by the sheer size of the bear. In a flash he snatched his rifle from the tabletop, firing silver shots that shredded into the belly of the beast. Despite the deafening power of the rifle the bear didn’t give in to the pain in his stomach.

  He came down hard, smashing the table to pieces, just narrowly missing the hunter. Again, the hunter fired. Bones shattered and blood splattered around the diner but still the bear advanced.

  “Daddy!” Greta screamed. Tears streaked down her tiny cheeks. Connor saw his own child on her face; the life that he and Tess were going to bring into this world together. Bloodlust was building up for Eli, the hunter.

  A hint of fear overshadowed the hunter’s face; the bear was giving him no quarter. The mother fell to her knees and clutched her daughter in tears. Connor turned again toward his exit, conflicted. He knew what fate held for their small family. Would he really risk his own safety to save the life of a couple bears? His heart was stricken with guilt. He knew he would regret this mistake but it was one that had to be made. He was an alpha, dammit, he had his pride.

  Connor’s eyes went red with rage, his heart pounded like drums of war. His clothing split open as muscle tore through his skin. His mouth grew into a ferocious muzzle as fur jutted from his skin.

  He had one objective; get the family to safety. Even the bear paused when he heard Connor’s growl. He was massive for a wolf, all alphas were. With his powerful legs he dashed at the hunter’s henchmen. Connor shot past the bear and he could feel the bear’s appreciation.

  Their moment passed quickly as Connor’s teeth sunk into the henchman. He bit deep and he tasted muscle and bone. The henchman cried out in agony. Connor wanted more. More blood, more meat.

  “Shoot him!” shouted Eli, as he rolled back and forth out of the way of the bear’s massive paws while lying on the ground.

  Connor released the henchman. A round of shots rang out in the diner. Glass shattered and wood splintered but Connor was too quick. He rammed his massive body into Mutt who was the only man left standing. Mutt fell to the floor from the attack, huffing and wheezing as he fell. The way was clear for the family to escape; they didn’t waste their opportunity.

  Connor stood over Mutt, not noticing the biker lining up a shot squarely at Connor’s side. It was too close to dodge; Connor readied himself for the impact of the bullets. If they were silver then this would be the end. He’d never get to see his child, nor hold Tess. All for a couple bears he barely even knew. Was it worth it?

  A mountain of fur came between him and the barrel. The bear had leapt to save him. At first Connor didn’t know what to do. The bear sputtered up blood and went limp while Mutt tried desperately to reload his gun. Connor watched the light leave the father’s eyes. If he could speak, Connor would have thanked him from the bottom of his heart. With haste he sprinted from the diner.

  The few bikers outside were lost in the confusion. The mother sprinted for the road with her child clutched firmly in her arms. They were quickly intercepted by Connor’s ratty old truck.

  “Get in!” Tess shouted.

  The mother felt it was no time to argue, stuffing Greta in the bed of the truck before pulling herself over the side. Gunshots fired around them, Connor felt stings in his hide but he pushed past the pain that shouted through all of his muscles, and leapt into the back of the truck. The mother cradled her child as Tess hammered the gas. The tires spun briefly before finding traction to shoot them down the road.

  Connor watched in earnest as Eli ran from the restaurant, gun in hand. Despite the distance, he still fired his shotgun at the fleeing truck. One of the pellets grazed Connor’s ear, but didn’t cause him to flinch.

  Greta stared with teary eyes at the powerful alpha that stood watch over them.

  “Thank you,” the mother said through sobs. She kissed her daughter over and over then held her tightly while they sped away.

  Connor said nothing but watched vigilantly behind them until they were well beyond the range of the hunter. His heart raced and he wondered how long it would be until he would have to stare down the barrel of that gun, again.

  CHAPTER 9

  “Where’s my husband?” the mother asked.

  Connor, still in wolf shape, watched the road pass behind the truck on the quiet stretch of pavement without making a sound. She understood what his silence meant and sunk further into the truck bed. The daughter wiped her tears away and looked up at the proud wolf that protected them with awe. The shock of the moment had gotten to them all. Connor had one thought on his mind: protection. He needed to make sure Tess got to her destination safely even if it meant that he didn’t. He knew he would have done the same thing that the now dead father had done just moments ago.

  Connor glanced back at Tess who sat nervously gnawing on her fingernails in the driver’s seat. The window that separated the truck bed from the cabin was cracked from tiny chunks of silver that were embedded in the glass.

  Once again, their little truck had saved them from a catastrophe. And, instead of protecting them from bears, it was saving bears. Connor smirked from what he thought was a poetic moment.

  He heard the sound of a motorcycle lumbering just out of sight but coming up fast behind them. There were no cross streets, or spaces to turn off the main road. They would have to face this enemy head on. He braced himself to jump from the back of the truck while his fur whipped about in the open breeze of the truck bed. He would need to end this quick in order to keep everyone safe. A stray gunshot could spell disaster. The motorcycle came into view. A single rider was bore upon the back of the metal beast and in almost no time at all he closed the gap.

  There was something familiar about the rider. His clothing didn’t seem to fit him right, his shirt was far too large for his size and his leather chaps fit about the same. It was Alex.

  Of course it would be Alex.

  He passed the cab and Connor nodded, Alex returned the gesture. The loud roar of the engine was deafening for Connor but he was glad to see a familiar face in enemy territory, even if it was Alex’s.

  “Follow me!” he said, shouting at Tess through the driver’s side window.

  Alex shot ahead of the truck with a twist of the throttle. Tess obliged him, following closely behind. They drove for miles, and after almost an hour had passed, his motorcycle began to slow.

  He turned off the beaten path, between a few trees. The dirt path was almost invisible to the road. It was difficult to maneuver around with the truck but Tess managed well enough. Connor trusted Alex enough to accept his help.

  After a minute or two of driving, a forest clearing emerged ahead of them. Inside the clearing a row of huts lined up beside the tree line to the right, while in the center a fire pit smoldered. A
lex pulled his motorcycle over by the nearest cabin and dismounted. Connor leapt from the bed of the truck while the mother and her child poked their heads up to view the scene. The daughter rubbed at her nose.

  “It’s alright,” Alex said, “nothing can find us back here.”

  Connor growled at Alex but let his humanity return to him. His paws stretched and split into human hands. His muscles strained and snapped over his still shifting bones, causing him to cry out in pain. As he stood to his full height he felt blood dripping down his shoulder from where the pellet grazed his ear.

  Tess ran over to him to inspect his injuries. Connor wasn’t used to bleeding for so long. Werewolf injuries healed quickly unless made by another shifter, or silver.

  “Thank you,” Connor whispered, taking the spare clothes that Tess provided him from the truck. Connor could already feel Samantha’s eyes trying their best to get a good view of his dick without staring and he turned toward the truck to change.

  “You’ll be fine in a few minutes,” Tess said, “It isn’t healing fast but it’s still healing.”

  “It looks like he just needs a drink,” Alex said. He strolled over to a nearby cooler and pulled out a half-drank bottle of whiskey.

  “For the victory,” Alex said. He pulled the stopper and belted down a hearty drink then offered the same to Connor who stared at him straight faced. “Lighten up,” he added, “You survived this time.”

  Connor’s fist flew out, catching Alex by the chin. Alex reeled back to catch his balance from the surprise.

  “What the hell was that for!?” Alex barked.

  “That was a goddamn hunter you moron. Mutt hired him to find you and kill you. Don’t you get it? This isn’t a game anymore. You can’t just run around and do as you please. There are real consequences for you actions.”