The Woodland Packs

The night was silent, except for my ragged breathing, but I could only imagine what would happen if the bears woke to find me gone.

The growling and screams of terror that would follow. I knew their tempers, their fighting and hunting abilities.

I’d watched them my whole life. And if I became the hunted, rather than the observer, then I was as good as dead.

Unless I could find her.

Claire. The doctor.

I turned the corner past the supermarket and ground to a halt.

Suddenly, there it was.

A huge, white building with bright lights and doors that opened automatically.

I staggered the last hundred feet, my energy depleted and my body relaxing as my safe haven was finally in sight.

I stopped on the sidewalk, fear skittling through me.

The bears would be able to track me if I went inside the hospital right now. They’d already tracked Claire there once.

I had to throw them off the scent.

Damn it.

I staggered to the right, going another block down, though fear truly raced along my nerves now.

I ripped off my tank and dropped on a park bench.

I walked to the next one and took off my jeans.

“Oh my God.”

It was freaking freezing!!

I jumped up and down in my old underwear and then ran back to the hospital.

Hopefully that would help!

I ran straight into the Emergency Room and the bright lights enveloped me.

I was shaking, freezing, panting and half naked.

The nurses rushed at me from everywhere. With blankets and juice, and nice words.

They admitted me straight away.

“What’s happened dear, were you attacked? Shall we call the police?”

The old nurse was preparing a bag of fluid and as she came for me, needle ready to put in my arm. I stopped her.

“Can I please have a shower? I smell bad, and I’m so cold.”

My scent would be greatly reduced after a shower. And thanks to the bears grabbing me early yesterday, I hadn’t had one in over twenty-four hours.

“Of course, you can, after we’ve done a few tests.”

I stood up. I couldn’t let her win this one. “No please. It’s important. I’m pregnant and I need to see Claire.”