Page 69 of Alpha Power

She readjusted and jumped down, dirt wafting up around her clawed feet. Dropping to all fours, she stretched out her claws and scratched them along the ground, loving the feel of the cool damp earth deep beneath her hands.

Her senses were on high alert, keeping an eye out for any prey or predators that could be lurking in the shadows.

She ran lightly, enjoying the brisk night air ruffling through her silver fur. This was her favourite part. The freedom of a simple jog through the forest as her true self, being able to relax and just let her animal instincts take the lead.

A slight shift in the wind brought a familiar scent to her nose, making her hackles rise and a low growl tumble out of her mouth.

What? What is it?

I smell someone.

Who?

Red.

She inhaled deeply, letting the vampire's scent wash over her entirely before tracking her through the forest, following her trail with cautious steps and watchful eyes.

When the scent became stronger she paused, gazing into the darkness. Hushed voices reached her ears, and she knew she had found her target. She was curious about what the vampire was doing all the way out here in the woods and who she was with. Turns out she was just as nosey as Zamorra, who knew?

I did.

She huffed.

She leapt into the air and wrapped her hands around a thick branch directly above her, pulling herself up. She crouched low, took a few deep breaths to slow down her heartbeat, and situated herself so she could easily spy on the vampire.

Ophelia's slender body stepped out from amongst the trees, her red hair flowing through the wind like a leaf falling from the trees above, followed closely by a man she had never seen before. Skinny, with lanky arms and long thin legs. He wore a black baseball cap on his head, obscuring the majority of his facial features.

"I don't care what it takes," Ophelia hissed as she came to a stop. "Fix it."

"But-"

"No buts!" She slashed downwards, cutting deeply into the left side of the man's face with her sharp claws.

He cried out in pain as he gripped his cheek, blood dripping through his fingers and onto his shirt.

"Sort this mess out quickly and quietly, or you'll be next."

The man nodded quickly, his eyes wide open in fear before turning and sprinting off into the night.

She caught a whiff of his scent. A dark mage. A young one.

The question is, what is one doing with her?

She cocked her head to the side, studying the way Ophelia moved through the forest and out of her line of sight.

Should we follow?

She curled her fingers around the branch and slowly lowered herself until she was completely outstretched, then held still for a moment, dangling like a bauble on a Christmas tree.

Vampire senses might not be as advanced as her own, but that didn't mean Ophelia may not hear her, and her mission required stealth.

She listened to Ophelia's footsteps as she walked further and further away. Once she was satisfied there was enough distance between them she let go, landing with a small thud.

She froze, her ears twitching. "Is that-"

Powerful arms wrapped around her torso and lifted her off her feet, tackling her to the ground. She landed flat on her back, Void's werewolf pinning her down with a clawed hand to the throat. He snapped his teeth an inch from her face and growled.

Shift.

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