Chapter 2 The Hunt for the Mysterious Monster

Long, curved ears grew out of his head, and white, sharp fangs hung over the lips of his mouth. Spines grew along his back, ending in a sharp barb at the end of his tail that he’d threatened to hit Zander with one too many times.

The boys were supposed to be working, for three days the clan had been trailing the mysterious monster and were exhausted. There was no harm in having a little fun? Or so Zander thought.

He bounded back into his shifter-skin and chased after him. He increased his strides in order to catch up. Zander knew Jordan was faster he had to push himself to retain speed. Jordan was more or less breezing effortlessly along the trees.

His running skills was almost unbeatable. This made him extra competitive with the other wolfs their age.

Zander was no small wolf by any means— nearly twelve feet in height — but he had yet to gain his position as an Aldanian alpha,

Jordan was having a delightful running in the field. Zander could hear his barrel-laughs as he struggled to catch up.

Zander's father, Talbot Jonas broke through the trees to join the race. He wore a wide smile, and paid no attention to the destruction that Jordan had caused on his way down. Jonas’ stance was wide and commanding. His long hair was gray, broad shoulders covered by a long cape of bear’s fur. People in the clan said he was a mountain of a man, though I was nearly as tall as he was. His large hands were covered by skin gloves, one of which grasped a tight dagger in his belt, set with rare gems and polished fangs.

"What are you boys up to?" he asked.

"Nothing dad, just goofing around," Zander said. Lucian, his father's right-hand man was not with him, which Zander was thankful for. He slowed down, beckoning to Jordan to do the same.

Jonas had a tendency to be less of himself and more of a leader when people were watching him. His eyes slightly narrowed. "This isn’t a game, boys. There’s a monster on the loose."

"Sorry dad. It was Jordan's idea." A chuckle danced at the corners of his mouth. His eyes darted from corner to corner alert for any sudden movements.

Jordan changed to his human form "I’m convinced it flew off. A beast disappearing for three days is unheard of," he said. He snorted, and strands of hair fell of his nostrils.

"We saw drops of blood back in the forest, it's possible the monster is wounded," Zander added.

Jonas listened keenly. "There is reason to be concerned because this something is off about this one."

From the distant look in his eyes, Zander could tell his father seemed troubled. “I’ve killed my share of monsters. Why would this one be any different?” Jonas frowned. “I’m not sure, son. Monsters usually leave clues behind. This one… it’s too clean. There’s no scent, no tracks, no indication that it’s been in the area at all, Something’s not right.”

Zander glanced at Jordan. He also agreed with what Jonas said. It was time t stop playing around and take the hunt more seriously. When they had found the bodies of the slain Aldanians, they’d been outside of town, bodies ran through with twisting spines that pierced through their bodies. Blood and entrails everywhere, though there was enough indication the monster that had killed them desired to feed. The bodies had been marauded, hearts ripped off their chests and brains sucked out. This creature seemed extremely hungry for blood. "We need to hurry before sunsets," Zander said.

Jonas waved his hand, as an indication for the Zander to follow. He pointed upward. “Search the skies, Jordan Perhaps there’s something we’re missing. Maybe the creature can fly.” Jordan became his wolven form, and took off, climbing a tree. The white wolf quickly reached the top spot of the tallest tree and howled into the sky.

Jonas transformed, from his brusque human body to his wolven form. The old wolf’s fur seemed to be getting grayer by the day.

Zander followed his lead, and changed himself. His father towered beside him as they stalked the woods, keeping close to the ground.

Jonas alpha nature was fierce, powerful and intimidating. Zander hoped to be like him someday. Other Wolvens were jealous of his leadership qualities and sorcerers had to pay with their blood to earn a privilege with Jonas.

Zander had yet to prove to the clan his worthiness, and unique capabilities to be a true alpha. Zander wasn’t sure what he had to do in order to prove that — he had hopes that someday his father will spill the secret.

Zander was aware his father's rank increased when he met his mother. His first true mate had betrayed the clan and wandered off with a sorcerer who had promised her the gift of eternal life. She was never heard from until date. He always vowed he could’ve accomplished ten times more than what he already did if his mother had become his mate, although he never spoke this openly in the presence of my mother. He loved her, too much, and Mother was an accomplished sorceress herself but having a wife wasn’t the same as having a mate, something he’d drilled into my head from the moment Zander had come of of age.

Jonas noticed Zander's mind was drifting. His face was getting melancholy. He tapped Zander's shoulders and squeezed. “I have faith that within the year, you will accomplish more than you would ever imagine. But come what may, know that I will always be proud of you. You will be a great leader."

Zander fought tears clouding his eyes The statement humbled him instantly. He'd spent most of my life fearing that he would screw up. The pressure increased every day.

His father's declaration made every journey worth it. And that meant everything to Zander .

Zander made to say something, but words failed him. As he finally came up with something, there was a cracking sound somewhere up ahead—the sound of wild vines breaking.