Alpha A Paranormal Encounter by Sophia Severn

 
    One
    Leaves brushed my fur as I kicked up dirt. The woods were even more tempting at dusk when the sun peeked through the treetops and unsuspecting animals sat snug in their burrows. Sometimes I wasn't sure which form I preferred. Human or wolf?
    A pack of male suitors growled at my heels as I ducked through overgrown thickets, side-swiping an oak tree. Three days left. I had to pick one or my pop would do it for me. But all five of the Greys behind me made better dogs than lovers. Pop needed to get with the times. I was only twenty one, and none of these potential mates caught my fancy. But I'd be forced to pick the most tolerable or I would end up with Vincent, Pop's number one choice.
    I felt a breeze of movement beside me. Vincent had caught up and his heavy coat of fur was rubbing up against mine. I distanced myself - my auburn fur shining in what little light streamed through the forest trees. My wild hair was just as red when I shifted from human to wolf. My mates called me Red. Vincent howled, gradually leading the pack along a different trail. I nudged him in the side. I knew these woods better than him and if he wanted an easy kill, he was headed in the wrong direction.
    I caught a whiff of cologne and sweat. Bollocks! I raced ahead, trying to steer the others away but they had already made up their minds and the scent was growing stronger. A human was up ahead. Alone. Even the village postman knew better than to explore the heart of the woods at night. As a clearing up ahead came into view, I stopped. The pack of males behind me blew past without a thought. I didn't approve of harassing humans. The others knew that. No matter how they teased, it wasn't a weakness. Why would I harm my own species? We after all were humans too . . . most days.
    I heard a growl followed by a gurgle and a thunderous yell. My ears perked up as my heart thudded in my ribcage. I raced to scene up ahead, watching as my suitors circled a tall man that resembled a roman statue. His brown jacket was unzipped, revealing a sturdy torso and thighs that stood rooted in place. The man had a look in his moss-colored eyes. He shook his tousled locks clutching a jagged hunting knife in one hand as he eyed his competition - ready to do what it took to survive.
    I marveled at his courage, but he didn't stand a chance. As men the pack was rough - often stirring up trouble at Nikki's, the local pub. As wolves they were worse, especially Vincent. He took whatever action he could get, ignoring all possible consequences. The forest was his playground. I butted my way through, biting off a good chunk of Vincent's fur. My disapproval didn't faze him. He continued to show his fangs. Idiot alpha male. An attack like this would draw attention - too much attention.
    I felt the man glare in my direction, studying my auburn fur. His jaw briefly dropped. I froze, letting his gaze take hold of me. I couldn't let this happen. I glanced down, seeing small drops of blood. The man had already made his first move, and TJ was at the back discreetly licking his wound.
    Vincent growled again, lunging forward towards the man's calf. The man was ready. He dodged Vincent's attempt while grazing his side with the hunting knife. Vincent's eyes lit up as he his face grew even more vicious. The man glared back, refusing to back down or even run. I stood rooted next to a fallen evergreen.
    Furious, Vincent snarled for reinforcements. Danny, TJ, Robby, and Gabe all closed in. I knew this attack plan all too well. They would soon be biting each limb all at once. A surge of energy ran from my nose to the tips of my paws. I pushed my way back up to Vincent, desperate to change his mind. The man's stare fell back on me for a brief moment. His chest rose as he flexed his muscles. His ripped pant leg made his bulging calf muscle visible.
    I leaped in front and faced the pack with my head held high. I wasn't as big and my fur wasn't as gray, but I was the only eligible female for miles.