Chapter 1 - Freedom

Freedom, what an indescribable feeling, this magnificent, wondrous freedom that she felt. To finally be free from the shackles that had once chained her was one of the most exhilarating things she had ever felt. It was even better than those first bursts of power that slipped through the cracks in her cage and she wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Everything felt new, brighter, louder, sweeter and so much more powerful than before. As if she had been reborn and everything had changed, every one of her senses was heightened, she could see farther than ever before, colors held more vibrance, even the slightest of sounds reached her new and improved hearing, and the world held new scents for her heightened nose, it was just so much more, better than life behind that of human limitations. 

To feel the earth beneath her paws, the way her claws sunk into the dirt below her, the smell of the trees, pines, oaks, and all the other types of flora that she could never name, their leaves, the grass, and whatever flowers had bloomed, the feel of the summer breeze through her fur coat it was all so delectably new and something she could never bore of.

The way her heart beat in her chest was like a drum, strong, loud, and proud, so very proud of this newfound strength. Her breath escaped through her snout in short pants as she raced through the woodsy terrain. She was feeling inexplicably free, as her heart pumped the exhilaration through her veins and into her very bones.

She whizzed past those many trees and boulders faster than the human eye could see, as not only were her senses heightened but her speed and strength as well. She could tear a giant oak from the ground with nothing but her bare hands, and she could run faster than ever before, and as a wolf that was all tripled.

Through this newfound freedom that she was so enjoying, she felt him long before she heard him but still, she ran, knowing deep within her very soul that he would find her no matter where she ran. So she paid no mind when she was soon joined by another.

Her ears easily picked up the sound of his paws hitting the ground, drawing him closer and closer to her. She could hear his heartbeat, his breath as he too panted, and each crunch of leaves and twigs as he caught up to her.

And although his dark charcoal coat blended into the shadows of the forest, she saw him clear as day. He was taller than her, brawnier but still she felt no threat as he matched his pace with hers, instead feeling a flash of happiness at his presence.

He felt it when she did, and that in turn made him ecstatic which she too felt. She nudged her head into his shoulder without breaking her stride and he barked playfully at her in reply.

Spurred on by his playfulness she slowed down just a fraction, taking him off guard and before he could match her pace one more she leaned down and nipped him with her teeth causing him to let out a whelp of surprise.

She laughed, but it came out as more of a wheezy chuff, and sped up attempting to lose him in the trees, challenging him to a game. He was quick to catch up and let out another wolfish bark accepting her challenge.

Excited, she dug her nails into the ground and took off like a speeding bullet, dodging and weaving between trees, bushes, boulders, and shrubs almost skillfully as she was now more familiar with the terrain until she felt a flash of frustration mixed with amusement and she knew she had successfully lost him.

She howled in triumph and could practically hear him grumbling in return but felt no real animosity toward her, instead, she felt a swell of pride. The wolf changed direction and made quick work to close the distance between herself and her playmate.

He was already waiting for her in the all too familiar clearing, in his human form and clad in nothing but denim shorts. He was always awe-struck whenever he laid his eyes on her wolfish form. The snow-colored pelt glinted like jewels under the sun as she exited the treeline and entered the clearing with him.

She moved with such purpose, powerful and elegant it almost always took his breath away. Her electric eyes sent shivers down his spine when he met them and felt a smile pull at his mouth, she was absolutely breathtaking.

The way her snowy coat glistened like thousands of diamonds in the morning sun, the way her muscles rippled beneath her fur with every step. The delicate way her paws hit the ground as she all but trotted toward him. The way it all just stunned him into a definite, irremovable awe, that left his heart racing and his wolf howling in delight. 

Pride and love vibrated through every cell in his body at the mere sight of the playfulness in her shocking gaze. The easy way she maneuvered toward him thrilled him to no end. Yes, she was something entirely apart from this world, and his poor, unguarded heart stood no chance against her charms, both feminine and canine alike. 

Yes, she was indeed the most breathtakingly stunning creature he’d ever laid his eyes on that all but left him a mere victim to the power she held over him. And he prayed, she’d never let him go from this painstakingly thrilling hold.