Gullible Character - Writing Prompt

     She believed everything she was ever told. From a young age Lilly was always taught to tell the truth, she had always assumed that the rest of the world knew that as well. It was a blind faith that she had in people and grade school wasn’t much different from home. She figured sense the teachers were smart, they must know everything too and only speak the truth. Her classmates would tell her such amazing stories about Paris, or the magical creature that gave them every answer to homework. She never once thought to doubt them. She had no reason to. Her life went on around her as she kept her head up in the clouds. It suited her well.

High school started and was beyond eye opening. Lilly had many firsts in those days. Her first crush. Rayden was the star of the football team and everyone wanted him. Lilly followed her friends and listened to them talk about him. How hot he was, how someone else heard a dirty rumor about him. The girls would fly into a fit of giggles each time.

“Hey Lilly wait up!”

Hearing her name but not recognizing the voice, Lilly turned around. Her jaw almost dropped open with surprise. “Rayden, what’s up?” Her head cocked a bit as she spoke, it was an odd behavior but one that she had picked up.

Heather squealed at the news she was just told. “He’s such a player! Are you really going to go out with him?”

“Is he really?” Lilly pulled her legs up against her chest. “I don’t know who to believe, he seemed so nice and genuine.” Her brain spun as she sat there with her best friend.

Three days later Heather picked up her phone without thinking twice. She spoke into the phone, concern in her voice. “Are you okay? I didn’t hear from you after your date!” Her words flowed out at what seemed like five hundred words a minute.

Lilly on the other hand was holding herself back. Her tone was low and there was a hint of tears in her voice. “The stories were right, you were right. It was terrible.” Heather could hear the tears start to fall from her eyes.

In that moment, she believed everything that she had ever heard.  

Awesome new lesfic

     I was bumming around the other day on Wattpad and came across a new favorite author. I totally got sucked into Dear Mrs. Rose within the first chapter. It wasn't a perfect book, but by the gods it was amazing.

     I personally cannot wait to read more of her work. The characters were relateable, and the situation wasn't too outlandish (like I find a lot of teacher/student fiction). It was just overall really enjoyable and I found myself really sucked into it.

     Go check out what she has! She seems to write a lot of lesfic in different genres.
     Awesome New Lesfic Author!

Loosing Herself - Writing Prompt

     This was a quick challenge. "Microfiction" The term means small fiction. Or mini fiction. So I tried to make this as quick as I could.

     She sat on the floor, her auburn hair falling into her face. The words just didn't seem real as she read the text through tears again and again. Her bleeding heart shattered as the mirror's glass bounced across the floor. In one heartbeat, she had lost everything, including herself.

"Rise from the Grave" Now out!

I'm super excited to bring you the news about my newest release. "Rise from the Grave" A short from the Lionheart Abyss series.

Valdis isn't having such a good day, and the grumpy litch from a few towns over isn't about to make it any better.

Click here to get it.

Rise from the Grave pre-orders open!

     That's right, pre-orders are open and it will release this Saturday (5/27) and with the pre-order it will arrive directly on your device when it goes live.

Get it first, here.

Silver Mane Part 12

Start Here

     Ana kept pace with the woman, the illusion never breaking as her eyes stuck fast to the ground. She fell into a rut. She knew what she was supposed to do, after all she was just a runaway slave, and you don’t go running off after someone just saves your life. The woman stopped and turned on her heel, her head held high. “Oh, I’m sorry dear, didn’t realize you were still following me. Can I help you?” There was a deep hunger in her eyes as they narrowed at Ana.

     The young girl was taken aback. She honestly didn’t know quite what to say or really what was going on. “No.” She ended up stammering out the simple word while fear welled up inside. She didn’t have to say much more because finally Kavos had caught up to her and she spotted him in the crowd. “Oh!” Her full attention turned towards him and the mysterious woman turned to look as well. She wrinkled up her nose as he came near. There was a low growl and immediately Ana realized something was off between the two. “Thank you again miss.” She bowed low trying to break the tension of the two. “This is my half brother,” it was the lie that they ran with, after all it was simple enough. “I got separated.”

     Ana was about to say more but Kavos stepped up, his chest was pushed out and every muscle was tense. “I’ll be taking her home now.” There was a growl as he wrapped his hand around Ana’s wrist. It was so tight that she began to worry that he might actually hurt her, or worse, shift back.

     The woman turned her attention to the girl. She held Ana’s gaze and spoke only to her. “If you ever get tired of running with animals, come find me again.” She smiled, it was a wicked smile. She knew everything. Even Ana could tell, but she didn’t know how.

     Kavos growled again deep in his throat and pulled Ana away before she could say anything. Her eyes were fixed on the woman as she disappeared into the crowd. As the two seemed to rush from the city. As soon as the thriving village was behind them Kavos shifted back into his wolf form. It seemed a lot less painful but it didn’t seem any more pleasant to watch. Without word or warning he grabbed at Ana. His paws gripping her shoulders hard. “Did that bitch touch you? What did she do!?” He was yelling and shaking the small woman.

     His anger scared her. Ana couldn’t understand what was going on. She couldn’t help herself and started to sob while the hulking white wolf stood there shaking her and yelling. She tried to find her voice in the madness that was going on around her. “Kavos… Stop… Please.” She could only get one word out at a time while he shook her. The pressure on her shoulders was starting to hurt and she could feel his claws digging into her skin. Tears raced down her face leaving clean trails where they went.

     “Kavos!”

     Ana melted at the voice that echoed around them. It was enough to stop the white wolf in his anger but he didn’t let her go. Either way, Ana didn’t care. Stela was there, she was safe. Her wolf was there and everything was going to be okay.

     Stela stood up on her hind legs, making herself as tall as she could and she squared her shoulders while she made her way down the small rocky ledge she had been standing on. “Let her go Kavos.” There was a bellowing growl deep within her chest. Her movements were slow but deliberate. Kavos let Ana go and took a stumbling step back as his mind returned to him. “What happened?”

     Ana ran to the alpha and threw her arms around the large wolf. Stela picked her up as if she was a child and the woman ran her hands through the animals thick fur. It was beginning to feel like home. She took a deep breath and smelled the scent of her wolf and for the first time she really started to notice her. Stela was always dark to her, but now that she looked she could see how her back was much darker than the front, save for one small patch at the base of her neck and between her shoulder blades.

     “There was an enemy in the village. She was after Ana. Or Ana was after her, I don’t know and I don’t care. All I seen was her,” His paw pointed to the woman who was curled up his alphas arm. “following a blood sucker.” He spat the last words. It was so out of character for him to be so mad, normally that was Aurel, but for some reason Kavos felt as if for the first time, this human had put him in danger.

     “Calm down Kavos. Alice, please go take Ana back to the den.” Her eyes never left her second in command. Alice stepped up and held out her arms, and Ana was dropped into them.

A Message in a Bottle

     The salt water rushed against my feet. Pulling my arm back I hurled the amber colored bottle into the salty spray. The soft plunk of it hitting the water echoed back to my ears. It reassured me that I didn’t throw like a girl, or so the saying goes. I stood there until the sun set. Every day after I returned, and waited.

     Such a small bottle it was, but it drifted for days. The tides of the world pulled it out to sea only to push it towards another chunk of land. The tiny object was at Poseidon’s mercy. However, it wasn’t the only thing adrift on the tide. “All hands on deck, we sail towards port!” The captain roared over the waves that crashed against the hull of a ship. She was different. Her boots clopped against the deck and she walked across the wooden timbers. Her eyes scanned the open water looking for any hint of land.

     “Aye Cap’n.” Loki growled as he pitched the wheel towards the now visible land mass. The rest of the crew scattered and tended their posts. The ship groaned and creaked as it pitched. The ship was tired and so was the crew. A good rest and a payday was just a few knots a head. “Hey Cap’en,” He roared over the boat to get her attention. “what’s that just off starboard?” The hulking cat took one hand off the wheel and pointed at something that was shimmering off the waters surface.

     Bella turned to see whatever he hand pointed at. She watched it flicker in the sunlight for a few moments before she could make out the shape to him. She huffed and turned back to her first mate. “That be trash Loki.” A scowl crossed her face and she walked away from the side of the ship.

     One of the younger crew members heaved himself over the ship. “There’s a paper in it Captain.” He called out.

     Bella snarled at the comment but she was too tired to care. The ocean took a toll on you while you were out and this group of men did nothing to ease it for her. “Fine, grab it, but I’ll not be sending anyone after ya if ye fall in the foam.” She meant every word. The lad would have to swim himself to shore if he lost his footing.

     The lad that spotted it took no time to shimmy himself down the side of this ship. With nimble fingers he snatched up the bottle and the message inside and hauled himself back up topside. As much as he wanted to open it, he kept the cork stuff in and handed the entire bottle over to the Captain.

     Bella took the bottle and instead of just pulling out the cork, she smashed the neck of it against the ships rail. The glass shattered and she dug out the slip of paper. It was odd. The writing was too nice to be a child’s, and the paper had such weight and texture. A heavy scent of earth and flowers, accented with a musk wafted up towards her nose. Something was odd about this. She unrolled the scrap and her eyes fell upon the short message and she smiled.

     I want to have an adventure. ~S

A bit more about "Werewolf Wednesday"

I’ve recently had an idea, and we all know that never means anything good for my scheduling, but as always, I’m going to do it anyway. #werewolfwednesday happened to be trending on my twitter feed the other day and put two and two together. “Silver Mane is werewolves, and people like those. Why not move the release date of a werewolf series, to werewolf Wednesday? This won’t change much really, just moving it to Wednesday. This also gives me a bit more time to work on the newest post for “Silver Mane” and perhaps I can even squeeze in some editing on the project.

Working on Silver Mane

You've read that right! I've been hard at work over the past week getting new storyline done and I've had time to focus on getting more of "Silver Mane" done. That means that finally this Sunday it looks like there will be a new post. I'm very excited to see this come back to life.

I hope that you are all still enjoying it (even with lack of updates) and if you are, please let me know! Those little comments will help drive me to write more and have more frequent updates.

Silver Mane - Part 10

Start Here

     The village was unlike the only other one Ana had ever been in. There were shops and street vendor carts full of sweets and breads. Fish that were so fresh they were still breathing. Her eyes were wide as she explored every sight. Kavos walked beside her. He wasn’t silent, but he was more calm than she was about it all. “This place is amazing.” Her words were soft.

     Kavos let his eyes wander as they passed by venders. His ears picking up everything. He might look like a human, but he was still a wolf. “It really is nice. They also seem almost too nice. Perhaps we should stop in the tavern and hear a few rumors.” He started heading to the center of town hoping to be able to identify some sort of local watering hole. Ana followed him, keeping silent and still taking it all in.

     The white wolf seemed to find what he was looking for and he shuffled his way through the crowds. Part of him wished he could just shift and be a wolf, the wolf in him, knew better. This wasn’t the time or the place. At least not until they knew what type of people these were. He opened up the heavy wooden door and darted inside, half pulling Ana in with him.

     The inn was dark still even though it was well past noon outside. There was a small fire burning in the center of the room and either side was flanked with long bench tables. Further back there were a hand full of doors that Kavos could only expect led to sleeping quarters. If anyone had the coin. The last village had something similar but no one he ever met could afford one. He dropped his voice and moved closer to Ana. “Keep your ears open, but don’t ask too many questions.” He nodded at her and ducked over to a table that was filled with men. Some wore leather armor and carried steel at their hip. There was a mage that was lurking in a dark corner of the room but he seemed to pay the wolf-man no mind. Kavos intended to keep it that way. He sat quiet for a few moments.

     Ana had her own agenda. There was a bar maid who was pouring drinks for her servers to run, and was dealing with what seemed to be a displeased patron. The woman seemed to have a handle on the entire place. She walked up and plopped herself onto one of the bar-stools at the counter. Within only a moment the woman swung herself around to take Ana’s order. “What’ll it be miss?” Her tone was pleasant and honest, then again, the day was still fairly early.

     The blond didn’t even waste the woman’s time. “House potatoes and please tell me what’s up with the castle just a few miles up the road?”

     The maid smiled and set down her small pad of paper and leaned in onto the counter top. “Some say the place is haunted, however the lord and lady who live there, well, they’re odd sorts. They run the shipping company that seems to keep this town alive.”

     Ana couldn’t help herself. “Any rumors?” She interrupted.

     The bar maiden smirked and shook her head. “Plenty. Some say they are werewolves.” She laughed at her own statement. “But a few of us know better, there’s no wolves in these parts. Their father hunted them out long ago. What fool would kill out his own kind?” She seemed to laugh again but Ana didn’t find any of this funny. “But either way, as long as your coin is good, this place doesn’t ask any questions. Did you still want those potatoes lass?”

     Ana smiled, that what the tidbit she was waiting to hear. She nodded as her stomach growled at her. She missed human food. “Please.” She placed one of the gold coins that Stela had given her, hoping it was enough.

     “That will get you two more plates and a room for the night if you need.” The maid’s eyes lit up at the sight of the shimmering coin. It had been a rough summer and winter wasn’t normally any kinder to the small northern town.

     Ana was happy to hear that, but she was sure they didn’t need the room. “One plate is just fine. Silence would be kind as well to go with it. Perhaps can I get them in a foil to take with me, there’s a quiet spot in the woods calling my name.” She said with a hint of a grin on her face.

     “My pleasure m’lady.”

Part 11

Silver Mane, Book 1 done.

     Well I have some great news. The first large chunk of Silver Mane is coming to a close. I've decided to break the series up into smaller chunks of parts that will be published as Novellas. While "Silver Mane" is free to read here, the novellas will be .99 cents each on Amazon. They however, will also be edited and reworked slightly. So they will be of a better quality. So be on the look out for that soon.

Silver Mane - Part 9

Start Here.

     It was well past moon rise when the pack came to their final stop. They were way up North. The air smelled of salt and it had a real chill on the winds that raced through the trees. The pack had finally found its new home. A massive grove of trees on the other side of a field. There were lots of game trails and fresh running water. It was peaceful. There was even a town not far off. “Perfect.” Stela sighed as she took in the sights. Even in the dim light of night the wolves could tell it would be a great place to settle down. At least for a bit. The pack let out a howl and settled into a cave for the night.

     Dawn rose up the next morning, like it has for every day of their lives. It was bright and clear and the wolves all came out of the dark cave blinking their eyes. Stela rose up to her full height and started to speak. “Today we explore our new lands. You have all day, I want a full map and marking of our new territory. Keep it reasonable and keep yourselves safe.” She looked around at her pack and there was a smile on her face. She knew them all so well. When her eyes met Ana’s they lit up even more. “Also remember, we now have one more advantage, we have a human that can also go into towns.”

     Realization set into the pack. Ana was more than just the alpha’s lover, but also a great tool to them as well. There had been many times where they needed someone to go. Yes, Kavos was able to and he would, but there was still always that fear that he would be caught at any moment. Not with Ana. The pack had little gold to their name, but there was some they had gathered up over the years.

     “Ana, if I,” Stela stopped herself and corrected. “If we could ask a favor of you. I will give you some coins, could you go into the market and pick up a few things?” It was the first time the alpha had asked for a favor instead of telling someone what they should be doing. She was always so kind with Ana.

     Ana looked around at her pack, her mind flashing back to the last time she was in the village and she wondered if this one would be any different. “I will, but won’t they just attack me like the other village?” She didn’t know why she thought the wolves knew everything, but she hoped they at least had some insight.

     The wolves drew in closer to her. Each seeming to hold their breath for another to answer. All eyes moved towards Stela. She didn’t bother to square herself up, the slight look of defeat on her face. “They might. Kavos can go with you.” That wasn’t a question but a command. “Either way we won’t know until someone goes to at least see how the town reacts. From the sounds of it, it’s much larger than what we are used to and you might be able to blend in better. Remember how it was in Egypt?” Her eyes locked onto Kavos.

     The white male nodded. It seemed as though these two had had more than a hand full of adventures together. A long deep bond that could have stretched over only a few years, or perhaps a few lifetimes. Only the two wolves would know it for sure. A smile graced the males face. “I remember, those were good days, hot, but good.” He mused.

     “Then it’s settled, you two will head to the village and investigate, the rest of us well start our claim to the surrounding lands.” Her tone was that of a leader. Without another word the other wolves nodded and took off running. She turned to Ana and pulled her woman into an embrace. “You my little one, stay safe for me.” She softly kissed the top of her head. 

Next

Werewolf Reading

Just a friendly reminder that I am already past 6 posts on this. So if you've missed anything head on over and catch up real quick.

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Silver Mane - Part 7

Start Here


     There was a grin on his wolf face as she answered. He was one of the few in the pack that could do this at will so well. Kavos lept from his spot on the ground next to the girls and hopped back a few feet, the grin still on his face. Luck was with him, the new moon was just a few days off now and it was the middle of the day. It wouldn’t be easy, but he knew that he could do it.

     He cracked his knuckles and flexed his shoulders before he started to focus. The clearing was silent for a moment, all eyes on him. There was a loud cracking sound and Kavos locked his jaw. His eyes slammed close as the pain hit him. His beautiful white fur bristled up against it, even though it did little to ease the pain. His body reacted as the shift started.

     Ana watched such a strong animal hunch over with pain. She winced as she watched his bone rearrange themselves. The loud cracks and snaps of joints dislocating echoed through the clearing. Alice dropped her ears. She knew the type of pain he was going through, Ana didn’t. The half beast roared as he started to shrink. His body becoming more and more like a human.

     It seemed like it took forever, but really only a few moments had passed. The pain melted away with the last few bits of fur. Kavos stood up, stark naked in the noon sun. A smile was still plastered on his face. Ana gasped. He looked so different, and yet so much like his wolf. His face was beautiful, long silver hair went down just past his shoulders. His body was just as flawless. It looked as if he had been carved away from white marble. Every part of him looked as good as the last and Ana drank in the sight. “Not so scary now eh?” He asked as he walked over and crouched down in front of her.

     She couldn’t help but blush as his man bits dangled free. She had never even though about cloths because the wolves fur normally covered everything. She pulled herself together. “Very, human.” She smiled and made sure to make eye contact with him.

     The rest of the awkwardness was disrupted by Aureal crashing through the brush. A small cow was slung across his back. “Whoa man! Put that away. Nobody wann’a see that!” He threw his paw up to stop his eyes from seeing the naked man.

     Ana couldn’t help but laugh as Kavos stood up and walked over to Aureal and tossed his arm over the still wolf. “Don’t tell me you’re scared of me like this?” There was a taunt and the white wolf made a crude pelvic thrust towards the still furred pack member. That even got a small chuckle from Stela. “See even she thinks it’s funny.”

     In a brotherly way, Aureal couldn’t resist. “That’s because it’s so small.” The wolf tossed the cow into the center of the clearing and sized himself up against the now human. The two had a good laugh while the rest of the pack got ready to eat.

     Alphas always went first. Ana started to make herself a small fire. It took her only a few moments but by then, Stela had the animal ripped open and pulled off a large chunk of meat and brought it over to her human. She dropped the solid mean into the girls lap, nuzzled her with her bloody face and then went right back to her meal.

     Ana roasted the meat. The large chunk took quite a while to cook, but in the end there was plenty left, and she knew that would be easier to travel that way. She seemed quite proud of herself in the moment. Only then to realize that she never picked up a pack before they left.

NEXT

New Short Preview

     “ In that moment the world around them rushed away. The elven kingdom forgotten. The years of being without another human’s touch. All of it was gone to the two. All that mattered, was the here and now, and that was one another.”

     This is what I’ve currently been working on. A quick little short that will be out just in time for Valentines day. Something cute, something sexy with a good dose of fantasy. While writing today I typed this out. For some odd reason these words really stuck to me. They felt bold on a blank paper.

     I believe this is because they have such weight to them. Personally, I can feel the world itself falling away. I can almost see my own problems rushing away with theirs while I live their moment with them.

     I hope that you feel that too when you read this. Or at least something similar. It means that I’m doing my job. Either way, I’m very happy with this little chunk. Just wanted to share it with you all.  

Silver Mane - Part 5

Part One Here


     Her first conscious night with the wolves passed. Ana couldn’t find it in herself to full let go and fall asleep. Every little noise woke her. Perhaps she didn’t trust the wolves like she started to think. She woke before dawn even kissed the sky and went for a walk. It surprised her that not a single wolf stirred as she left the pack’s cave. She walked out of the clearing and into the woods. She let the magic of the land grip her and she followed trails that were normally only touched by deer and faries themselves.

     Ana took her time in the crisp fall air. The wind prickling her skin, making the soft hair on her arms stand at attention. She didn’t mind it though, it came with her new found freedom. That alone wasn’t something she was ready to give back. She came to a stream and passed over it on a fallen log, only to continue walking farther and deeper into the woods. The sounds of birds graced her ears and foxes darted back and forth across her path. Before she knew it, the sun was already up. She was also hopelessly lost in the array of trees.

     There was an odd noise on the winds, one that was deeper than the chirp of birds. It was a thundering and yet not like any storm she had ever encountered. She followed the noise. Her movements were swift as she reached the edge of the forest and the sounds grew louder. Now she could even hear the low murmur of people. Her heart lifted and she raced across the scrub and up a small hill. As her eyes could see over it her mouth dropped open with happy surprise.

     Below, nestled in a small bowl of land was a lively village. There were shops of clothes, of food, of trinkets from all over the lands. Ana rushed down there without thinking and started to look among the tents. In the center gathered a large group of people that were dancing around a fire with people pounding away on drums.

     “Thunder!” She thought. It all made sense to her. The beautiful woman was so enchanted with everything around her, she didn’t notice everyone who watched her. She had already forgotten that she smelled of wolf and still had bit’s of blood flecked on her from eating with the pack the night prior. Pair that with the fact that she had escaped being a slave, she must have looked pretty bad.

     A guard approached her. His shield at ready and his pike pointed towards her. “This is no place for you, Wild One.” The term was used more as a name. Ana was about to use her master’s name and claim she was on business for him, but then her heart sank as she realized she no longer had that protection. Her eyes grew wide in panic. “I said get!” The guard shouted and shoved his pike towards her.

    The tip was meant to make contact with her, but it never did. There was an angry roar that echoed off the tents and drowned out the beating of drums. A wolf that walked like a man came between the two humans. Stela had been swift and silent. She broke the shaft of the pike and pulled the guard toward her. Her drool pelted him in the face as she let loose another roar.

     The sound brought the crowd into a panic and within moments other guards were racing towards them. This was not good. Stela glanced around and without another thought she scooped up her woman.

     All Ana could remember of that moment was she was standing, and then the next moment she was being held against warm fur. She relaxed at the feeling and the wolf’s soothing heartbeat let her drift in and out of sleep.

     The wolf stayed on two legs and ran, taking large heavy strides. Stela tried her best to keep her arms from jostling the woman too much. Her paw pads split from the heavy impact but still she kept running. The pack swarmed around them. Guards raced up behind and a few where on horseback. “Aureal, stop those horses if you can.” Her words were a command.

     He grunted in acknowledgment and turned on a dime. The monster of a beast stood on his hind legs, reaching his full height of about ten feet tall without counting his ears. He bellowed into the air. It was a deep howl that seemed to echo even from off of the ground. The men skidded in their tracks. The horses were no fools and bolted. One even threw his rider as the human attempted to forward the animal towards the wolf. One brave man threw a spear. Aureal wrapped his fingers around it and grinned.

     The look was that of a mad man, mixed with the hunger of a wolf. The man who threw it, quickly realized his mistake. Aureal hurled the spear back towards the group of people. It made it’s target and ran right through the human who had originally used it. The large male wolf chuckled as he watched the humans scatter in fear. He nodded and returned to all fours and took off running to catch up to his pack.

     “We will have to find another home my friends. I am sorry. We all knew this day would come though, there were too many times already that the humans had come looking for us.” Stela announced to the pack once they were a good few miles north. “We will continue to head north and find a new home.” She nuzzled Ana and held the woman close, savoring the moment. 

Part 6

Silver Mane - Part 4

Start Here

     The monster of a wolf stood there a moment, his eyes meeting his alpha’s and with no more than a curl of her lip, he bowed low and walked away. Within a moment he returned dragging the kill into the center of the pack. Stela pulled her human up with her, watching any who would oppose her and tore into the dead animal. She ripped out the heart and dropped it in Ana’s hands. A grin was on her bloody face and without a second thought she dug into the animal, the pack following her lead.

     Ana had the still bleeding heart in her hands as she backed away from the circle of wolves. It was a feeding frenzy and she wanted nothing to do with it all. She looked at the organ in her hand. She knew what it meant, she wasn’t stupid. It was a vital organ, normally given to those who are most important. Alphas, and expecting mothers. As far as she knew, she was neither. She plopped herself down on the ground and rooted around for two stones and some small twigs. She quickly built herself a fire. One final perk of being someone’s slave, you knew how to make fire in a hurry. She laughed at the memory of having her master’s cane come down across her back. She could laugh because she knew that it would never happen again. The thought gave her piece of mind.

     She took the raw organ and slowly cooked it over the small fire, her eyes never leaving the feeding wolves. It was odd, in a good way. It reminded her of a home that she never had. A family eating around the table, as one. She sighed and dug into her own dinner. This would be her life now. The wolves, her family, at least until they got tired of her. The meat was oddly sweet compared to what she was used to. It was heavy and thick and oddly the most amazing piece of meat she had ever ate.

     The feeding came to a close as the pack members had their fill of the animal. Stela walked over to Ana and sat down, her paws heavy on the grass. “Did you get enough?” She nosed at the woman, her breath hot as she spoke.

      This was the most kindness that anyone had ever shown Ana in her life. This so called monster had more grace and respect than her old master and he ruled lands. She found herself smiling at the question and as she turned her head her eyes met those of her wolf. It already didn’t scare her anymore. She was easing into their lives and for once she was happy. The eyes that watched her blinked slowly and every move the animal made was slow and deliberate, making sure not to scare her. The paw moved up and brushed a strand of hair out of the girls face. Ana found her breath caught in her chest for a moment, then she remembered the question. “Yes, I did, thank you.”

Part 5

Silver Mane - Web series part 3

Part one here.

     “Pack?” Ana’s eyes got big and she sat at full attention.

     Stela nodded. “Yes. I am the alpha so as long as you are mine, you are safe. They should be back from the hunt soon.” She smiled. It was odd to see a smile on the canine muzzle. Her lips pulled back while she tried to mimic the look humans normally have but with her teeth it looked like something from a nightmare. “I bet you are hungry.” There was still a hint of satisfaction in her deep grumbling voice.

     As long as I was hers? The thought alone sent Ana back into fight or flight mode. She seemed to escape one cage only to land into another one. She curled herself back up and only nodded. She was hungry but the voice inside her was still worried about everything. She was so unsure how her life was about to change. In one sudden swoop she felt like the world was turned upside down. Or perhaps it was just her hanging. The howl in the distance pulled her away from the what if’s.

     “Come, meet them.” The wolf finally stood up to her full height and out stretched a paw to the girl who sat still on the bed of straw. “They will be excited to meet you, Ana.”

     The girl reached up, her hand hovering just over the paw pads of the beast who was now in charge of her life. She still felt safe but also still scared. The two stayed like that for a moment. The wolf never pushing her. That gave her a settling feeling. Ana threw caution into the wind and let her fingers fall against the soft pads. With one swift movement she was pulled ever so gently to her feet. Her head spun for a moment for not moving for so long. She thought for a brief moment that she would fall, but before her body could even give out, Stela was right there pressed against her. Keeping her stable for a few moments before she stepped back and led the human out of the cave.

     The sun was still setting and it seemed as if time itself had stopped. Ana blinked as her eyes adjusted to the bright light, compared to the darkness of the cave. She looked around here. There was a collection of massive wolves just like the one who had been talking to her all afternoon. Each was slightly different. Stela took her time and introduced each one in turn. First she pointed to a pure white wolf. “That’s Kavos.” He nodded and stepped back. A light tan one took his place. “Tucker.” He was smaller than the others and thin but he was still much larger than Ana was. A black and silver wolf stepped up next. “Alice.” She nodded and hopped back, perching herself on a rock. Another stepped up and took her place. A total of about seven wolves were introduced in this manner. Ana smiled and nodded as each one bowed to her, even though she knew she wouldn’t remember them all. It was such an odd feeling, even, happy.

     The last one that lumbered up had a stag slung over his shoulder. This wolf however was more than twice the size as the others. He was a true beast. “Aurel.” Stela nodded in his direction as he tossed the animal onto the ground. He grunted and stepped closer to the human instead of away. His nostrils sucked in air. It smelled on her and he snorted as he stood back up to his full height. “Problem?” Stela’s lip curled as she spoke.

     He crossed his arms over his chest and kept himself squared with his alpha. “She’s human.” Every other wolf tucked their ears and just watched.

     Stela pulled the girl closer against her body. “And she is mine.” All of emphases was placed on the last word.


Part 4

Silver Mane - A webseries Part 2

Read part one here.

     Ana woke, dawn well sense passed. She pulled herself up and looked around. She was on a pile of warm straw, with a massive pelt of thick fur slid down her body as she sat up. She didn’t recognize this place at all. The walls were of stone and there was only dim lighting from small bowls of fire that hung on the walls. She was the only one that was there. There was straw in her auburn hair and she picked it out while she focused. She tried to remember what had gotten her here.

     A soft noise echoed through the stone cavern. Something soft was falling on the stone floor. Her amber eyes fought to adjust to the dim lighting. Her eyes couldn’t seem to adjust in time as a massive shadow blocked the light from the wall lamp. Her breath left her body as Ana’s mind was flooded with the memories of the night before. Again she found herself wanting to run, but she was still planted on the warm straw.

     The massive wolf let itself fall onto all fours and sunk down to the ground. The large creature was laughable while it attempted to make itself seem smaller than it actually was. The creature crawled closer to the girl who was in shock. Its mouth moved, lips curling. “Are you well?” It was a growl of a voice and yet it had a light tone to it.

     Ana’s eyes widened at the words. She never thought that a monster like this could speak. Her body trembled but her mind was what centered her. If it had wanted her dead, she would have been dead by now. She took a deep breath while the beast waited for the answer. It’s eyes never leaving her. “I,” She stumbled over the words in her own head. “I, I believe that I am.” She paused while the canine sat up slightly, its ears swiveling at her words. “Who are you?”

     “Stela.” Its mouth moved again while it sat there. It was odd. The creature sat on its rear with its legs stretched out. Her spine hunched over. It looked like an odd mix of dog and human. “You are?” Her words were crude at best, but her tone stayed soft, considering all of her teeth made certain syllables harder.

     The odd idle conversation was enough to make Ana relax. The tension eased enough so that she felt like she could breath again. The air in the cave felt fresh, yet heavy. She took in a deep breath while she focused on the wolf before her. There was a softness about the animal. She wanted to trust her. “Ana.” She pulled her legs up against her chest.

     “Ana.” The wolf repeated. It continued to sit in the awkward position while its eyes never left the girl. “Why were those dogs chasing you?” She cocked her head to the side like an inquiring pet would at a new command.

     There was a pause and a stillness in the air. Ana’s smile quickly slipped away at the new topic. “Those were wolves.” She started to speak, but a garbled laugh stopped her words.

     “I am a wolf, they are just hounds with no real thought process.” Stela interrupted. She went silent again to let the woman finish her story.

     “Oh.” Her brain grasped the concept. This was her first meeting of a werewolf, so she decided not to correct the beast. “Anyway, I had escaped their master. He was keeping me as a potential bride but he was a cruel man. So I freed myself and ran.” She went quiet again and fell into a trail of thoughts. “Please don’t make me go back.” Her words came suddenly.

     The werewolf was taken aback by them. Her head cocked again. “Of course you will not be returning. You will be part of my pack from this day forth.” 

Part 3

Silver Mane - A web series part 1

     Night fell in Romania and the north wind swept in quickly. It was only August and snow was already on the winds. It was going to be a cold one that was for sure. A shrill scream ripped through the dense forest. Ana's heart pounded against her ribs, her breath was coming in short gasps. Her feet were bare and stones assaulted her feet but she paid them no mind. She was just praying that she would see the sun rise. A howl echoed off the same trees. Their padded feet followed the same path that the human had just ran. They were closing the distance very quickly. Their breath streamed from their nostrils.

     Ana turned to look behind her. That was her first mistake. There was a pack of wolves chasing her. There were four of the massive beasts. All in different colors. It would have been beautiful if not for their teeth that gleamed in the bright moonlight. She kept running while she wasn't looking. That was her second mistake that night. Ana hit a wall, or at least what felt like a wall. It was solid however, it was warm. It was also covered in fur. The momentum she had knocked her back a few steps and then she noticed what was standing before her. Her eyes went wide as her blood ran cold.

     The wall of fur wasn't a wall at all. A monster stood there before her. It stood taller than any man. Its ears might have even brushed against the tavern door frame. It also wasn't just covered in fur, under the thick pelt was cords of muscles. The fur was a deep black with silver highlights that glimmered in the light. The beast snorted. Warm wisps of breath streamed from its nostrils.

     Ana's eyes met the creatures. They were gold and they seemed to trap her. She willed herself to run. Run while she had the chance, but something in those eyes held her still. Ana let out the breath she was holding as the small pack of wolves entered the small clearing that she hadn't seem to notice before. She looked back at them. She was surrounded by wolves and she knew she was doomed.

     The small pack looked up from their hunt. Even their eyes widened at the sight of the massive wolf that was standing on two legs. One snapped at the monster. Demanding his prey that they had been chasing.

     The wolf that stood on two legs spoke. It's voice was a growl, but still clear enough. "Get out mutts, these woods aren't yours." As the words left it's muzzle it released a primal howl and stepped forward, squaring itself up towards the smaller dogs. Without a second thought they turned tail and ran back the way they came. Ana had stood there the whole time. Her eyes were on the largest wolf she had ever seen. The creature turned back to her. Those golden eyes holding her captive. "Are you well?" The animal's voice was much softer, but still had a deep growl in it.

     Ana opened her mouth to speak but her head spun when she tried. She felt herself falling but couldn't stop herself. She felt the ground hit her, but her eyes were already closed by that point. A bit of shock hit the werewolf's face. Normally people feinted before this point. The wolf shrugged and picked up the limp human bridal style and carried her deeper into its forest.


Part 2