Blood & Juniper

The hair stands up in the back of my neck, my eyes dart around looking in between each twisty tree.

The forest is scarier than it was earlier. The sounds are either chilling quiet or too distinct to ignore. I neary jump out of my skin hearing something rustle on a branch behind me. The humming of a small heart speeds up as I catch a possum skitter up a tree.

I can barely keep up with June as she glides through the tangle of twigs and greenery. She's swift and soundless. I have to try a little harder to be both of those simultaneously.

"Don't leave me all alone," I w.h.i.n.e in a hushed tone, not sure if she's ignoring me or too far away to hear. Most likely ignoring me.

That dominate heart beat is steady and strong and strangely appetizing, but what is that smell? It doesn't smell like a vampire though does exude the power of one. Not quite the scent of a person, either. Maybe a big mammal, a predator? No, it's too appealing to be some animal and why am I on edge? I'm getting goosebumps on my arms. My canines start to pinch my lip. Danger, I sense a threat.

Besides the pulse there's a sound of gradual destruction. An old row boat being s.u.c.k.e.d down into a sinkhole, crumbling and corroding as hot tar eats away at the wood, metal and left over lunch cooler.

I reach June, she appears to be apart of the tree as her hand lays flat against it. She's perfectly still, peering at the spot where the mystery fragrances and disgusting noises are coming from.

I hear slurping and the rhythmic munching of chewing jaws.

I come up behind June and peek over her shoulder. I suck in air failing to stifle a gasp.

There's a deer, or what's left of one, lying in a sloppy pile. Most of the doe is sprawled in a puddle of sticky black. A leg has been detached, flung a few feet away from the body and the rest of the limbs are strewn about. It's neck is bent unnaturally, the throat has been completely ripped out and the accursed, marble eyes stare into nothingness. Intestines are stretched from its gut and rib bones are protruding, curled around its hole of a c.h.e.s.t like a creepy sea anemone but that's not the most disturbing part.

The most unsettling thing is the massive beast bent over the deer carcass, gnawing on the meat and tearing through the fatty tissue as if it were softer than sliced bread. It's mighty jaws snap through a bone like a scrawny twig. The tapered imposing teeth glimmer, dripping with sludge.

A chill runs through me as I meet its unblinking gaze behind a dark furred face. Golden eyes that are hostile as any carnivore but much too intelligent. It's staring at June and I, alert and ready. Even the smack of its chops seems calculated and focused.

I squeak into June's ear, "What… What the is hell *is* that!"

It's covered in dark fur and about as massive as a grizzly bear! I thought it might be a freakishly large wolf at first because of the face, pointed ears and tail but the anatomy is off. It's crouched and kind of hard to tell but it's structure might be more human than animal.

June just grins wickedly, her eyes are locked on the creature's. She extends her foot to take an intentional step closer.

A menacing c.h.e.s.ty rumble seems to shake pebbles on the ground and I feel my nails bite into the flesh of my palms.

"June, what are you doing!" I hiss in a panic as the creature's low throaty growl only grows more potent.

"Did you get lost or are you… Alone?"

I quickly glance at June wondering if she's talking to me but her gaze is bright and burning into the monster.

I flinch back as the creature moves suddenly. It pushes off the ground slowly, it's thick biceps flex. The thing stretches as it stands on two muscular legs. I yelp and cower behind June as we shrink before the colossal thing. It towers over us, straightening out. The monster has got to be at least seven, possibly eight feet tall!

It's broad c.h.e.s.t expands as it takes air into its lungs. The gold eyes shimmer, standing out from the muzzled face, beating down on us like we're two insignificant ants.

I gawk at the scary, furry, muscle bound monstrosity realizing Juniper isn't intimidated in the slightest. It's like two gunslingers having a standoff. But instead of a bang at the strike of twelve they might lunge for each other's throats.

I worried about being alone but following June was a bad idea. Am I going to have to fight this thing? I gulp and my eyes grow even wider at the frightening possibility. It looks ridiculously strong and likely fast. I hope it can't climb.

June and the thing remain dead silent, drilling holes into each other with their suspenseful showdown of dominance.

The creature moves and I jerk forward curling my fingers into the back of June's tank top like a scared little kid about to piss themselves. Juniper is a firm as a statue but the beast seems to be shrinking. I peer over her shoulder like a coward and watch the bizarre scene in front.

It *is* shrinking! That's not the only thing that's happening, it's… Changing. The muscles shift and bones pop loudly, it actually looks and sounds a pretty painful but it doesn't seem to faze the beast.

Well, it's becoming less of a beast by the second. The prominent ears perched near the crown of its head recede and the long tail disappears, slipping around it's backside. Even the fur seems to be melting away, s.u.c.k.i.n.g into its body like grass growing in reverse. The thing is starting to look vaguely like a person, a man.

What… What is this? A wolf man!

"No one told me about freaking werewolves!" I shriek but it's barely intelligible as my voice seems to be caught high in my throat.

The shoulders crack thrusting into place and his feet seem to crunch forming ankles. His massive clawed fingers become fleshy and start to resemble something like a normal human hand.

I cringe watching several bones pop and shift in his face as cartilage slides to form regular nose and mouth. I would image that hurts a lot but he only twitches and crinkles his nose a little as if it's nothing more than an itch. The blackish tint of his nose and full lips lighten into a healthy shade.

June's voice is filled with admiration as she comments, "A formidable one with no pack? How delightfully uncommon."

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I never would have believed the man standing before us was an intimidating wolf creature just a minute ago. An attractive but dangerous looking man.

His skin is bronzy and olive toned, stubble lines his very prominent jawline. His eyebrows are dense and curved sharp separated by a straight grecian nose. Thick lightly curled locks of dark brown fall from his head, covering his forehead and ears.

His deep set eyes are the same polished brass color, remaining intense behind heavy eyelashes.

He's very tall and pretty stacked, looking like he's lifted some serious weights. Not as tall or buff as before that nutty transformation but impressive, nonetheless. Not nearly as hairy, either. A bit is scattered on his c.h.e.s.t and arms and Oh My Eyes! He's stark n.a.k.e.d!

"Oh, shit!" I choke, immediately averting my gaze, putting up a hand to block the view.

I feel the heat of recent blood fill my cheeks. Being terrified and embarrassed is a truly undesirable combination. Juniper doesn't react to his apparent nudity like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

"What is it you want, Blood Demon?" His voice is rich as melted chocolate but fierce as a warrior.

"You're in my claim, Wolf. And I'm particularly territorial," she flashes her fangs at him and he snorts in vague amus.e.m.e.nt.

His lips pull back revealing sharp canine, his eyes catch the light like two brand new pennies, "So it's a fight you want?"

"That all depends on this conversation."

He seems surprised by her response, narrowing his eyes as one brow arches.

His gaze veers over to me and I recoil behind June instinctively. They are both bulldozing me with intensity.

His lip curls, "Your fledgling stinks of fear."

She coolly replies, "As we all do in the beginning."

He grunts seeming to concede to the statement. There's a long pause and the tension is palpable. Can I slip away, somehow find my way back to the cabin by myself? The conversation may be civil on the surface but I'm just waiting for one of them to snap. It's like counting down for a nuke to go off.

June stretches her hand out, delicate fingers roll as she inquires, "What is your name, Wolf, and why are you in my domain?"

He studies her for a moment, seeming to debate giving her an answer, "Cormac. I'm merely passing through, in search of something personal and important to me alone. And what do I call you, Blood Demon?"

Cormac is a fitting name for him, it expresses brutality and composure all tucked into a single name. This Cormac guy is strangely intriguing. Scary, but fascinating.

June muses, "Cormac the Sigma, hmm? I am called Juniper."

"Juniper the weed?"

She chuckles, "Oh, I suppose. Like the tree, shrub or berry."

She begins to circle him and I back up slowly feeling vulnerable without her in front. She's so much tinier than Cormac, almost childlike by comparison but stares him down as if she'll devour him whole.

He's entirely still, following her with only his gaze.

She stops, the blue in her irises start to glow, her tone is less playful, "You aren't ignorant, Cormac. You're strong enough to turn on command without a full moon. Which also means you're old enough to know better."

"And old enough not to care."

She seems to like that response. I'm not sure if she's referring to him knowing better than to be here or something else.

June narrows her eyes as they continue their ominous stare down, analyzing each other before she relents, "Very well, go. But if I see you again, I may skip the formalities."

They exchange bizarre looks of hostility, amus.e.m.e.nt and respect all wrapped in one. I freeze up as Cormac shoots me another glance. This time, his eyes trail over me with visible curiosity. He looks to June once more. With a quick bow of his head he actually compiles with her demands, turning to leave.

I watch the broad v shape of his back disappears into the woods, leaves crunching under his b.a.r.e feet all the way.

I let out a long breath of relief, I may have been holding it in that whole time.

"Holy crap, that was tense. I wasn't sure if you guys were going to kill each other."

She continues to stare after him, seeming to be deep in thought, "I was heavily considering it. Termination would have been the safer option."

It's unnerving how she talks about murder so casually, "*You* were thinking about killing that… Guy?"

"Yes, I should have eliminated him for various reasons. That was no ordinary Lycanthrope, Ashlen," she turns to me with a manic glint in her eye, "It is a wonder who would emerge victorious if the two of us battled. What a rousing thought."

She's such a frightening woman. I recall Sam calling me a trouble magnet and that makes Juniper is a total instigator of trouble or just a plain old troublemaker.

She glances up at the brightening sky and starts toward the cabin.

"Well," I swallow and ensue her path, "Then why did you let him go?"

"He has no pack, is fearless and lives by no rules but his own. Not only do I respect that but apprehend all those aspects of his character. Admiration may be my downfall."

"You mentioned a full moon and acted surprised. Is what he did unusual?"

"New wolves have little to no control under a full moon. They often fight against it's pull for many years before fully comprehending it's sway. That wolf is experienced and exceptionally skilled to turn on command so seamlessly. It's even more impressive on a lesser moon phase."

"Do werewolves usually have packs? I had no idea they were even a thing," I feel so silly asking about something that was presumed fictional until a moment ago. I still can't believe there's more undiscovered insanity out there.

"Yes, it's more common for Lycanthropes to move in packs, there is strength in numbers. The wolves are tribalistic by nature, if a lone Sigma has conflict with another wolf, he may have to defeat the entire pack," she explains wandering between two a.d.u.l.t c.h.e.s.tnut trees, "That Sigma is very old and his power is immense."

"He didn't look that old. Probably early thirties at most," I mutter, so wolves must be immortal in some way too.

The cabin slides into view, erect and square in the vast blanket of enormous plant life. It stands proud against the pines.

She crosses the wild grass floating up the steps to the main entrance. She adds, "I wouldn't be surprised if he's been a wolf for over a century."

A weird thought occurs to me and I share it aloud, "You know, with all of these ageless beings running around, why is it the world isn't over run by them? You don't seem to die of old age so that means-"

"That we murder each other," she finishes my thought, staring down at me intently from the broad doorway, "Vampires, humans, wolves… We're all opportunists by nature. You are no longer bound by the facade of philanthropy. We are all driven by brutal instinct, slowly eating each other alive. The only difference between mortals and immortals is we do not pretend benevolence comes before ourselves."

"You are the most fatalistic person I've ever met! Altruism is not a facade, Juniper! I don't care how old you are or how much you've seen, you're dead wrong about this one," I snap defensively, "I will never be as bitter as you or how you claim everyone to be!"

She closes her eyes, chuckling softly as I fume at her. It almost feels condescending, like I'm not to be taken seriously.

I'm about to chew her out when she clarifies, "You mistake what I see for a presumption of your character. Who can say, little dove? You may be the exception that proves the rule."

I give an outward sigh. This isn't about me, June may put up a front that she is ruthless and unfeeling, but I know better. I've *felt* it. I've felt her loneliness and know how mistrusting she is. I know there's something in her that actually feels and maybe that's what she's afraid of. To feel.

I let my easily provoked emotions settle before responding, "I'm sorry your view of the world is so depressing. I hope someday you can see it how I do," I cross my arms over my c.h.e.s.t and elevate my chin, "You know, the way it *actually* is."

She c.o.c.ks her head to the side and stares dreamily off into the glowing cobalt line of the eastern horizon.

She introspects aloud, "To see through the eyes of my young petite…"

I stare off in the direction the sun will rise with her and bathe in her pondering emotions.

I ask, "Do you miss it? The sunrise?"

"No."

I look back at her, "Is there something you do miss?"

Her eyes crinkle and she just smiles saying nothing. A sad beautiful smile into the predawn sky.