Unknown Territory

As the next leader of the clan I had an enormous amount of responsibility. The old man was getting older and could no longer keep up with everything. He couldn't appear weak as an alpha to the clan though. Thus why I was brought in earlier than expected. Transferring responsibilities to me slowly under the guise of 'preparation'. Truthfully, I had been taught since I was young what the responsibility of the clan leader would entail. How best to deal with certain types of disputes, oversee building new additions required for the clan, safety, and hunting. He wanted to appear strong until he felt I no longer needed his help or I became mated, whichever came first. Then he planned to step down at the first opportune moment and become an official elder instead.

Tonight was a night where all those able to shift and not on guard duty would go out and hunt. We would bring back our kills for the clan. Using everything we could for our daily needs. Furs for new clothes, bones for tools, and meat for eating. Wasting the gifts of the forest was something we avoided as much as possible.

Tonight there were quite a few deer, which wasn't rare especially with it being the end of spring. Hunting in small groups to cover more distance for better chance of having enough for everyone to eat for awhile. The Elders of the clan and myself to lead the various groups to ensure the best cooperation. I knew of a creek that many animals would go to for water. I planned to head my group there in hopes of a bigger catch.

Sniffing the air for a scent I smell something tantalizing and can't help but move towards it.

I wake up with a start. Hearing something. Noticing a difference in the air I feel as if there is predator nearby. Knowing running would only draw their attention I get up slowly. Take a quick drink of water to help my thirst in case I need to run. Before I can even move past the creek I see it. There's a wolf. My first thought is, is this the wolf Mom mentioned? Then I wonder how a simple wolf could help me. Shaking my head and looking again there is no longer a wolf standing there but a man.

Even from this distance I can tell how delicious he looks. Bronzed skin from many hours in the sun, dark brown hair with just the right amount of length to run your fingers through, piercing blue eyes, muscular like you would imagine Ares, the god of war to be. He had to be at least 6 foot tall. Caught up in checking him out I don't realize he is steadily moving towards me. Not until he is standing right in front of me. He seems stunned but I doubt as stunned as me. The last thing I thought to find when I ran for my life into this forest was a naked Ares man.

To make sure he is real and not just a figment of my exhausted mind, I slowly stretch my hand out to touch him. Feeling as if there is an electric current pulling me in the entire time. Instead of simply poking him to feel if he is a real man of flesh I suddenly find myself running my hands through his hair. Mesmerized at the feel and that he is actually flesh and blood real.

She is running her fingers through my hair and I can't stop myself. I didn't think this was how I would find her. As some unknown woman while on a hunt. Once I realized who she was I couldn't help but move closer and closer. Then she touched me and I couldn't stop myself any longer.