The Chase

by A. M. Reed

Wolves Among Us

  The Chase

  Copyright 2013 A. M. Reed

  “The Chase” is a werewolf romance short story (just under 10,000 words). It is part of a series, but no other books need to be read in order to understand the events in “The Chase” as of yet. Other books in the “Wolves Among Us” series include “Broken,” a novelette, and the sequel to “Broken” and “The Chase” is coming soon.

  The Chase

  “I can’t do this,” I ran my hands through my hair nervously, staring out at the lake. “I should’ve just…”

  “Run away?” a voice startled me.

  I spun around and faced the newcomer, my heart rate jumping from the scare.

  “Christopher?” I frowned, tilting my head in confusion.

  “Nice to see you again too, Tess,” he chuckled, moving to my side as he looked out over the lake as well, “It’s been a while.”

  “Four years,” I agreed, facing the lake again, “I heard that… you’re… Umm…”

  “The Alpha now,” he gave me a half smile, “That’s right.”

  “Well… congratulations,” I offered uncertainly.

  “Thanks. And congratulations to you.”

  “What for?” I questioned.

  “Getting your degree in information technology” he explained.

  “Oh, right,” I nodded, “Thanks…”

  “And now you’ve returned,” he began slowly, “Your twenty-first birthday is…?”

  “Today,” I admitted, trying to keep the sadness out of my voice.

  “So the full moon tomorrow night will be your mating,” he nodded solemnly, “Is that why you’re out here by yourself? Moping?”

  “Yeah,” I conceded, hanging my head, “I’m sorry, Alpha… I don’t mean to be—”

  “Tess, you have a right to be hesitant,” he assured me, “Going through the mating can be scary.”

  “I just… I don’t…”

  “It’s been a while since you ran the territory,” he noted thoughtfully, “Perhaps a refresher is in order before the chase.”

  “I was planning on doing a walkthrough of the land,” I agreed.

  “No,” he shook his head, “You need more than a walkthrough. You need to truly prepare for the chase.”

  “I suppose…”

  “I can help,” he offered with a smile, “You and I can imitate the conditions so your wolf will be prepared for tomorrow.”

  “You’d really help me?” I whispered hopefully

  “Of course!” he let out a laugh, “I can show you tricks for avoiding the wolves, ensure you’re familiar with the territory, and get you in shape for the long run. You do plan on giving these pups a good chase, don’t you?”

  “Well, yeah… but I don’t want you to go out of your way for me…”

  “It’s not out of my way,” he assured me, “You deserve a strong mate, so I am perfectly happy to help you ensure only the best will keep up with you.”

  ~*~*~

  I followed Christopher to the forest in which the entire pack would gather for the full moon. It was somewhat familiar, but it had been years since I had spent a full moon there. I breathed in the scents, recognizing pack members, my parents, and most especially Christopher. His scent was the strongest, telling me he had spent the most time in that area. That reassured me that if anyone was going to be able to help me, he would.

  “Are you ready?” he questioned, smiling lightly at me as he waited.

  “What’s the plan?” I asked, slight trepidation in my voice.

  “We’ll shift,” he explained, “At first, I want you to follow me and I’ll show you certain aspects of the land that you can use for your advantage. After I believe we covered everything important, I will chase you and you are to use what I showed you to avoid me.”

  “You’ll… chase me?” I questioned, swallowing hard as a fresh wave of nervousness hit me.

  “I won’t hurt you, Tess,” he murmured softly, “But you will need to train yourself to use what I show you in a high pressure situation. If I catch you, I’ll let you go so you can continue. First, though, I’m going to show you the territory. Pay close attention and if you have any pressing questions, we can shift so I can answer. If not, I’ll explain anything not clear once we’re done. Ready?”

  Taking a deep breath, I nodded. He gave me a small smile before turning his back on me. I did the same, but peaked over my shoulder to ensure he wasn’t watching. I got a glimpse of him taking of his shirt before I tore my eyes away, certain he wouldn’t sneak a peek. I then undressed quickly and shifted.

  Once in wolf form, I shook my fur out and stretched, savoring the feeling of leaving my human form behind.

  Christopher padded towards me, his silver fur shimmering in the sunlight and his green eyes meeting mine expectantly.

  My wolf took over, automatically recognizing Christopher as the Alpha, pressing herself to the ground and giving a submissive whine before rolling on her back, exposing her throat to the Alpha wolf.

  Christopher touched his nose to mine briefly, showing approval at the submissive action. My wolf then allowed me control again and I flipped over and stood, shaking my fur to rid it of dirt.

  Christopher jerked his head towards the trees, gesturing for me to follow. He led me into the trees. I tried to pay attention to every little detail, the scents, the sights, and the sounds. It was familiar but like a distant dream. If I was to navigate the land while being chased by a bunch of males, I would have to let my wolf memorize it. If she knew the land and paid attention to that while we ran, I could focus on strategy.

  After a few minutes, we arrived at a creek. Christopher looked at me and then at the water before he waded into it. I let out a small groan of distaste, but his glare silenced me and I followed him into the creek.

  It wasn’t too deep, I could touch the bottom with my paws and keep my nose just above water, but just barely. Christopher seemed to have no issue, the water barely coming up to his neck.

  We swam a ways through the creek before Christopher jumped out and shook water out of his fur. I followed suit and then he led me further into the forest. A strong scent abruptly hit me, causing me to let out a wolfy sneeze. I heard Christopher chuckle, though his stride didn’t break as he led me towards the smell.

  I finally saw what was causing it. Flowers. There was a small patch of extremely strong smelling flowers. I stifled another sneeze.

  Christopher gave me a wolfy grin before moving into the patch of flowers and rolling in it, causing the scent and flowers to fly everywhere. I sneezed again.

  He looked at me pointedly, gesturing with his head at the flowers.

  I whined, putting my ears back as I stepped backwards.

  Christopher let out a low warning growl, though his expression remained even. With a submissive whine, I complied and rolled in the horrid flowers. The scent had me sneezing madly, overwhelming my senses.

  Christopher nodded, satisfied, before turning and sprinting away. With a disgruntled growl, I followed, trying my best to shake off the flowers stuck to my fur. I definitely would have to take a long shower after that.

  When I caught up to him, Christopher was standing next to a hollow log. It was small, but just big enough for someone to squeeze inside. Fighting back a groan, I realized that was what he had in mind.

  Knowing complaining would do more harm than good, I pressed myself to the ground and shimmied in the cramped space. As I moved further in, the space thankfully became wider and my legs were no longer completely pinned under me. Christopher’s head appeared at the other end and he gave me a nod.

  I gratefully hurried to get out of the log and once free, stretched my limbs, revealing in the freedom.

  He then took off at a trot and I hurried to catch up with
him. Christopher took me around the territory, showing me landmarks, danger areas, and other small things I could use to my advantage.

  Christopher took me to a place where the trees were very thick and only the most agile wolves could move quickly through them. He made me run through there several times before he was satisfied with my ability to dodge trees without losing speed.

  When we came to a tall cliff, I paused and looked up at the rockface. I could see perfect footholes leading all the way to the top. Christopher let out a growl and stepped in front of me, showing aggression for the first time since starting the tour.

  I let out a submissive whine, but continued to plot how I could make it up the cliff. Since starting college, I had done some indoor rock-climbing in order to keep in shape since there was no good place to run and let my wolf free. I figured that if I could get my wolf on the same page as me, she could navigate the rocks, getting us safely to the top.

  Christopher growled again, moving towards me and showing his teeth. My wolf took over, recognizing the show of dominance, and rolled over on her back, exposing her throat, and whining. Instead of touching noses like before, Christopher bent his head down and wrapped his teeth around my throat. My wolf whined pleadingly as his teeth tightened, though he was gentle and didn’t break skin.

  I knew it meant he wasn’t happy with my insubordination, but I couldn’t help but think that if I could get up that cliff, I would be home free…

  He released me and I quickly got to my feet. Christopher then took off at a trot again with me following close behind. When he finally slowed, I found that we were back where we started, our clothes lying on the ground.

  I hoped against hope that we were done. I was panting heavily, having trekked a good portion of the pack’s territory.

  Christopher let out a bark and small growl, nodding his head. With a sigh, I remembered what we had spoken about at the start. The chase…

  Letting out a pleading whine, I pressed myself into the ground, making a show of my heavy pants, my tongue lolling out.

  Christopher chuckled, but shook his head before throwing his head back in a howl. The howl sent a chill of fear down my spine. It was a howl of the hunt… and I was the prey.

  With a yelp, I jumped into action, sprinting into the trees. I heard Christopher close behind, but I knew he was hanging back, not using his full speed. He wanted me to learn the land, not catch me. I had no doubt that if he wanted, he would catch me in an instant.

  At first, I just ran in no direction in particular as I plotted. What was the best first move? The flowers would cause my trail to be hard to follow, but with a wolf at my heels, being tracked wasn’t my main concern. The thick trees would help me gain some ground if I navigated correctly, or it could be the end of the chase if I made a mistake.

  It was worth a try, I decided as I changed directions. As I headed for my destination, I could feel Christopher’s breath on my haunches and forced myself to move faster, realizing that I had sacrificed speed for strategy. A mistake that I could pay for.

  By the time I arrived at the thick trees, I had put some space between Christopher and me, but he was still too close for comfort. Determined to try, I jumped into the brush, using the path Christopher had made me memorize earlier. I dodged trunks, jumped low hanging branches, and made use of the thick foliage to confuse my pursuer, and then emerged on the other side of the thick trees, not hearing Christopher behind me anymore.

  I fought back a victory howl as I pressed forward, pleased that I had done something right. I came to a skidding halt, though, when Christopher jumped in front of me, ears back, and teeth bared.

  My wolf automatically submitted, hanging her head and whining. I felt Christopher nuzzle my neck gently, not in a show of dominance, but as a gesture of appreciation, showing me that I did alright, even though he had outsmarted me and went around the difficult to navigate trees.

  He then nudged me, letting out a small bark.

  I nodded and sprinted forward again, with him hot on my heels. It was a good lesson; though some wolves would be dumb and follow me into the brush, some could easily get the upper hand by going around. I wasn’t sure how to avoid that, yet though. A good question to ask Christopher after we shifted back, I decided.

  I made a quick decision to head towards the creek, unsure of what my plan was exactly. The flower patch was still a moot point since he was right behind me, but I had to do something to gain some ground.

  The creek wasn’t too far and I hadn’t decided what to do by the time I could smell the fresh water. With no time left, I simply jumped the creek and followed it up on the other side. I could hear Christopher running on the opposite side and even saw him out of the corner of my eye. He seemed confused as to what I was doing.

  With a groan of frustration, at myself more than anything, I broke away from the creek and headed towards the flower patch. I heard Christopher’s grunt as he landed, having jumped over the creek towards me. He was farther behind me than before, so I figured the flower patch had a better chance of working at that point.

  Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the creek, I came to the flower patch. I didn’t take the time to roll in it, but I stirred up enough of the flowers that I had to fight back another sneezing fit. I quickly sprinted away from the flowers, unsure of my destination.

  I didn’t hear Christopher anywhere and could barely see with my eyes watering from the flowers. I didn’t even realize that I had basically gone in a circle and was back at the flowers. With a low growl, I changed direction and found myself at the hollow log.

  Stifling a groan, I squeezed myself into the small space and closed my eyes, barely allowing myself to breath.

  Naturally, Christopher found me after a few seconds. I saw his amused expression appear at the end of the log. He shook his head and then laid down, waiting. I let out a ‘hurruph’ of irritation before shimming out of the log.

  Christopher chuckled and then gestured for me to follow him. Grateful the chase was finally over, we walked slowly to where we began… and where the real chase would start in twenty-four hours.

  Once there, we both shifted and dressed.

  Exhausted, I collapsed against a tree, panting like a dog even in my human form.

  “You did well,” he praised me, sitting against a tree nearby as he spoke, “Not the best strategies, but we can work with it.”

  “Please don’t tell me you want to chase me again,” I begged breathlessly, wanting nothing more than to curl up in bed and sleep for a week.

  “No, that was just so you had a good idea of the land,” he shook his head, “But we need to talk about your plan for tomorrow. You’ll need a good solid strategy in your head before the moon rises. Your wolf will have most of the control, so it’s important to think this through with her.”

  “How many wolves will be after me?” I whispered.

  “Ten,” he replied, “Mostly young pups, as young as eighteen.”

  “Eighteen?” I frowned, “Are they allowed…?”

  “Any unmated male is allowed,” he shrugged, “I can’t really stop them, anyways. Don’t worry, though. The young ones don’t stand much of a chance. They’re driven by hormones and won’t be able to make good strategic decisions. It’s the older ones that will be more trouble.”

  “How old are we talkin’?” I asked, biting my lip nervously.

  “The oldest unmated male known to participate in these is fifty-one,” he offered apologetically, “He’s not fast or agile, but he’s smart. He’ll save his energy until most of the others are picked off and try to catch you when you’re tired. He’s strong and might try to narrow the competition before actually pursuing you.”

  “Oh, boy,” I leaned my head back against the tree wearily, “Anyone else I need to worry about?”

  “Jason,” he grimaced.

  “Jerk Jason?” My jaw dropped, “He’s still here?”

  “Yeah,” Christopher rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably, “He’s
threatened to leave more times than I can count and I did nearly kick him out last year for bothering an underage female… He’s the fastest here, but isn’t that smart. He’ll navigate the thick trees with ease, so you’ll have to find another way to lose him.”

  “I hate this,” I whispered, closing my eyes, fighting back tears.

  “I know, Tess,” he murmured sympathetically, “I wish I could stop this tradition, but… too many wolves here are either old fashioned or feel they have a better chance at getting a mate this way.”

  “Male wolves,” I pointed out bitterly.

  Christopher let out a wry laugh and said, “Very true. Now, strategy…”

  I opened my eyes and focused on Christopher as he explained.

  “It was a good idea to try to lose me in the trees first,” he began, “Some will follow you, some will go around. You’re good at navigating it now, but to avoid the ones waiting, you’ll have to find a place to come out far away from them waiting for you… or try to beat them out.”

  “While avoiding the ones that followed,” I nodded.

  “Exactly. If the trees help put a great distance between you, you can head for the flowers next, but only if they’re far enough back. You need time to properly cover your scent. Make sure you roll in it.”

  I made a face that caused Christopher to laugh lightly.

  “It’s unpleasant, I know,” he agreed, “But it’s just as unpleasant for them and will help you lose them. It helps if you go through the creek first, though. Using the water will help it stick to you, covering your scent even once you leave the flower patch. Also, you’re a strong swimmer and some wolves despise water.”

  “Strong swimmer?” I raised a doubtful eyebrow.

  “Comparatively,” he corrected with a chuckle, “Jason can’t keep his head above shallow water. Using the creek with help you gain ground against some of the wolves. For the most part, though, some of the wolves will fight each other, cutting down the competition. My guess is that only four or five will be left by the time you make it to the creek.”

  “Only half?”

  “Like I said, some are hormonal teenagers. Those are the most likely to take themselves out of the game simply because they’re looking for a fight rather than a chase. Also, ten is an approximation. There are actually twenty unmated males, but I’m going by how many chased during the last mating. It could be less or it could be more. Some are just uninterested, and others used to have mates and their wolves are not ready for a new mate yet.”

  I groaned, shaking my head, “I’m doomed…”

  “You’re not doomed,” he said firmly, “You’re better prepared than the last few females that went through this and even they ended up with good mates. Though this method is crude, it is effective at ensuring that there is a balance between mates.”

  “Right,” I replied, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. I knew firsthand how the chase ensured the ‘balance between mates.’

  “My advice is simple,” Christopher stated, “Get as much ground between you and the wolves as you can. Don’t use the flower patch until they’ve fallen back considerably and…”

  He let out a heavy sigh, running his hand through his hair.

  “Stay away from the cliff, Tess,” he ordered, meeting my eyes firmly, “It’s not worth the risk.”

  “Yes, sir,” I agreed, mentally crossing my fingers. “I’m sorry about that…”

  “Alright,” he gave a nod as he got to his feet, “I’ll walk you home.”

  “That’s not—”

  “It is necessary,” he disagreed gently as he offered me his hand. I let him help me up as he said, “You’re tired and I have to make sure you don’t fall asleep walking home.”

  “Thanks,” I told him, “For everything.”

  “I’m glad to help,” Christopher returned softly as we began walking out of the forest, “I want you to get the right mate, Tess. You deserve a good one.”

  I couldn’t reply around the lump growing in my throat.