Where She Is

SINBAD We're a good distance from my pack's borders. I watched warily as the heir fluffed up a pile of leaves. I couldn't believe not only did he help me escape, but he was also coming with me. Why? I heard him whisper to no one several times and for a split second, I wondered if he had gone crazy. Then I remembered that werewolves of the royal pack could speak to their wolves. I was a bit jealous at the thought. If I could speak to my wolf then maybe, just maybe I wouldn't feel so alone. I shook my head at the thought then the faint smell of blood drew my attention. I turned back to Garsam. He held a black spotted rabbit in one hand. The rabbit was big and plump but its foot was bleeding. I frowned at the heir when he waved his free hand at me. "What?" I eyed him "I don't have a bandage or anything remotely similar" The heir paused a beat then rolled his eyes "knife" he said "what for..." I began then glanced at the plump animal "oh" So it was food. I didn't have any knives and I will certainly not be giving him my mother's gift so I shook my head "Seriously?" he scoffed I shrugged nonchalantly "I'm a wolf" I pointed out He rolled his eyes again and stalked off with a huff. "Thanks, Einstein" I heard him grumble under his breath, he must have wanted me to hear that. If I didn't know better I would call him petty and cute, but the image of him ripping my assailants to bloody shreds will forever be printed in my mind. I watched as he sat on a low stone and stretched out a finger. Faster than light a single claw protracted. Long, slender and sharp with wicked intent. He moved his hands and deftly killed and skinned the rabbit. I watched in fascination and a hint of horror at his cold-blooded skills. I can't be blamed. The number of hunts I've attended can be counted on one hand. And as the years passed the humans became even more civilized. Why run around the forest chasing prey when you can order a slab of meat online? The only reason werewolves trained was in case of war or conflict with neighbouring packs. Aside from ranked wolves and warriors, most wolves were actually quite docile. I know for sure that I will feel a lot of pity, and even slight nausea if I had to kill and skin a rabbit. I was starting to lose my appetite while watching him remove the innards so I turned away. I leaned against the tree trunk and shut my eyes. I calmed my thoughts and tried to clear my mind. I released a deep sigh and started to feel for the mate's connection I had with Aria. The air around me trembled slightly. Then I sensed it, our bond. It wasn't a scent or a feeling instead it was a sound. The smooth sound of waves and the deep lilting tones of a blue whale's song. I tensed, her aura felt weak. Like she is a great distance away or her life is hanging by a thread, maybe even worse, both! I opened my eyes immediately. I didn't want to stray into such dark thoughts, though I couldn't help it. Garsam already had the meat hanging on a stick over a fire. Speaking of which, when did he start a fire?? I had my eyes closed for less than a minute! "looks good" I called out. I wasn't kidding, the smell made my mouth water and washed away my earlier disgust. I definitely can't eat plain old beef jerky tonight. Garsam frowned at my greedy look and shuffled around so that his back was facing me and his body covered the roasting meat. My eyes twitched. He wasn't planning on eating it alone. Was he? I picked up a small stone and rolled it in my palm. I let the cold stone cool me, I knew better than to throw it at him, but no one said I couldn't fantasize. "Stingy" I called out. He shifted his weight from one foot to another but otherwise ignored me. I took out a packet of beef jerky and tossed a strip into my mouth, the meat was hard and scraped my gums. I immediately lost my appetite. I closed the packet and returned it to my bag. I scoffed at Garsam who I could see was pinching off bits of juicy flesh from the still-roasting rabbit. I turned to the other side and lay down. I didn't want to bother with him. I touched my grumbling stomach, hopefully, he eats fast so my nose can be spared the assault. *** "Wake up sleeping beauty" A kick to my ass had me sitting up straight so fast I saw stars. It was bright out and the heir stood over me with a scowl. "Did I have to kick your bottom several times before you roused?" I turned to glare at him but a sharp pain in my waist told me he did more than kick my butt. I raised my shirt. there was a palm-sized bruise forming. "The hell?" I yelled "Oh stop being a baby, that will be gone in like a few seconds" "But still..." "Alright alright, let's get a move on, daylight's wasting" He rolled his shoulders "I ate so much that sleeping was a tad uncomfortable... and yet I woke up earlier than you" I ignored him. He just wanted to pick on me. I dusted my clothes and carried my backpack "Let's go your Highness" I took two steps past him when he grabbed my shoulder holding me firmly in place. "where are we going?" he asked I frowned at him "What do you mean? We...I am going to find my mate no?" Garsam smiled. The kind of patient smile a teacher gives a foolish student. He shook his head "and where might she be?" I halted, I didn't know that. But I could find her. I knew I could. A warm airy prompt from my heart had me turning in a particular direction. "It's this way," I said with certainty. I marched into the canopy of trees. Garsam hesitated to follow me. "Are you sure?" he said "I will not tolerate being lost" I wanted to groan, for a second I had forgotten he was an all-mighty prince. I grumbled in my mind, it's not like he won't be able to find his way back if we ever get lost, with his strength he could level the forest and leisurely stroll right out. "I will try not to get us lost your royal princy-ness" I smiled. "Hmm" he affected an exaggeratedly thoughtful look "I feel like you're being sarcastic, but I'm not quite sure" My eyes crinkled in mirth and I bowed with a chuckle. "Oh I wouldn't dare be sarcastic sire"