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Bly shrugs. "Not like we have much of a choice. It's do or die time, Holstein."

"Coming with me, Bly?" you ask.

"Of course," she says. "Us Haven wolves have to stick together, right?"

Finally, Sonoma turns to you and Bly. "So, we're running out of time. I've been told I can count on both of you to do what needs to be done." She unconsciously scratches at the area of her arm where her implant waits impatiently.

"If you have anything in particular to do your chance will come soon, but we need to get upstairs before any of that can happen. I have some positions where I can use the two of you." Sonoma takes a few seconds to detail areas where you can reinforce her tactics, but leaves the choice up to you.

I choose to be in the first wave of attackers. It's time to pay the humans back in blood for what they did to us.

I'll provide logistical support, directing wolves to useful targets.

I'll join a smaller strike team which will take out a smaller checkpoint and circle around from behind.

I'll stay with the main wave so that I can make sure the killing stays to a minimum while we escape.

Next

Sonoma gives a sharp nod, as though she knew exactly what you were thinking before you said it. "You'll be joining me then," she says. "I'm sure I don't need to tell you that the first wave will retain the heaviest casualties?"

You shake your head. "We're not going to get out of here without some losses. There's too many guards between us and the exit."

"Just remember this," Sonoma says, her voice falling to a low growl. "Warden Washburn is mine. I have a little payback planned for that piece of shit."

You can't help but shudder when you remember the way the warden beat and humiliated Sonoma when you arrived at the Nail. The packleader's vengeance will very likely be more involved than a quick death.

Sonoma turns to address the wolves remaining in the room, her persona shifting into that of a triumphant war leader. Her rear claws click excitedly on the floor below, canid ears pricked and alert. Her scent reeks of excitement. Some primal part of your body responds and for a moment you're unable to discern whether your inner beast hungers for blood or sex. Perhaps both? You clench your hands, long nails biting into your palms to clear the mental cobwebs. This isn't the time to be driven by your wolf's base desires; you need to keep your head in the game.

"We've come to a day of reckoning!" Sonoma cries out to the room. "Many of you have been dreaming of this day for years, while others may have grown comfortable and complacent underground. No matter who you are or how you've changed while imprisoned, never forget that the humans kept you prisoners against your will! Never forget the torture and the killing, how they drove us from our homelands, how even those of the Haven pack who peacefully surrendered were murdered and tortured to further human science! We will be their slaves no more! The time has come to fight like wolves or die like dogs!"

"You had no right to do this!" a frightened voice calls from the back of the room. "We're not fighters!" Rising to your toes you can see a man and woman cowering in the far corner. "You've killed us all!"

"Can't you see that she's setting you free?"

"You're only dead if you give up."

"I understand that it's unfair, but a life falsely imprisoned is no life at all."

I stay silent. It's not my place to get involved here.

Next

"Better to die than live like this." Sonoma encompasses the habitat with a wave of her hand. "Death would be a blessing compared to wasting away."

"That wasn't your decision to make!" the male cries. "What right do you have to choose for us?"

"What right have you to condemn hundreds of wolves to lifelong incarceration?" Sonoma counters. "But you're correct. I have no right to force you to fight against your will. You're free to cower here long after we're gone." She spits disdainfully. "Maybe the humans will even let you live like good dogs. Or maybe they'll just put you down."

Sonoma's coarse hair bristles down her arms in a rippling wave and she jerks in surprise as a change suddenly comes upon her. Her breathing grows ragged and the tufts of fur around her neck stand on end as muscles stretch and groan. A thin line of drool escapes her muzzle as she grins through a set of razor-sharp teeth. "I forgot what it feels like!" she practically screams, bringing a claw to bear against the wooden podium. The wood doesn't so much splinter as dissolve in the wake of her ferocious blow. You stand still, rooted to the spot in awe.

"Holy fuck," Bly says with a whistle. "I'll have what she's having!"

Next Chapter

Chapter 3 Exodus

"It's simple, really. These creatures don't want to be free. They require discipline and a firm hand. Most importantly, it's a mistake to view them as people—people can deceive you; but with animals you can do what must be done." - Warden Washburn, to his daughter Victoria on the day of her military academy graduation

Next

Bone-chilling howls echo through the halls of the habitat as you race toward the checkpoint on long lupine legs, Bly's sleek ebony wolf beside you. Your heart races in your chest and you're in a constant battle with your inner beast to keep control. An unlucky guard rounds a corner ahead of Sonoma, a bewildered look on his face as she casually rakes his head from his body with a single swipe of her claw. She cries out a feral hymn to blood and victory and is soon joined by others as large groups of werewolves converge on your location, their forces forming a massive wedge of fur, claws, and death.

"It's exhilarating, isn't it?" Bly says, her words slurred as they escape her panting muzzle.

"I'm scared out of my mind!"

"I've never felt this alive!"

"I can't wait to join Sonoma in the slaughter!"

"I've got your back, Bly."

"We need to keep the feral wolves from committing unnecessary slaughter."

"Something feels wrong about all of this."

Next