Way of the Wild

By H.L. Hines

Pulled from her house in the dead of night, Cordie is no stranger to survival. But facing down a wolf's angry snout is just the beginning. She must navigate sparring matches with leopards, evade handsy enforcers, and contend with the perpetual dominance of Clive, the Skypeak's Alpha.

In a world rife with sabotage and danger, Cl

• Language: English
• Publisher: KeystrokeImaginings
• Release date: Apr 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798987044889

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Asharp yelp pierced the night. The massive black wolf snapped wildly, cutting the air with its knifelike fangs as more people filled into the courtyard. With nearly half a dozen guards converging from every entrance and exit of the cold war military compound, the world started to shrink. 

When she stepped back, it advanced, seemingly unconcerned with the encroaching danger. The guards, armed and determined, failed to deter its focused gaze. The creature’s nostrils flared, inhaling deeply as it scented the air, its snout tracking her movements. 

Move! Someone shouted behind her. Cordie jumped back and bumped into her on again off again lover Adrik’s chest.

Why’s it doing that? Cordie asked Adrik quietly, shifting from foot to foot, ready to run. Adrik was a solid man. 

It’s a weakened and cornered animal; he’s scared and pissed, he answered. Gigi, I thought you sedated him? The first step Adrik took to back both of them up, the wolf growled a deadly warning. Each breath and heartbeat quickened at the dark promise in the creature’s eyes. 

I thought I did! The doctor pulled at her wild blond coils bouncing in the frigid air.

Adrik’s arm wrapped around Cordie. He tucked her into his side in such a smooth motion that she didn’t realize she’d moved until she peeked around his shoulder. The creature raged, stomping and thrashing its head. Intelligence burned with fury from the duel orange glow that never seemed to dim within his eyes.

More! Adrik and Cordie both shouted at the doctor at once.

Yelling at me won’t help! Her yell seemed to grab the wolf’s attention, and finally, it backed away, turning towards the doctor. 

Gigi! Dustin’s voice broke as he hollered. The pack enforcer’s thick brow furrowed, but he seemed just as paralyzed by the thrashing wolf as Cordie. The woman fumbled to open the plastic kit in her lap, but once the equipment was in her hands, she loaded and prepped the syringe like a veteran sharpshooter field stripping their rifle. 

But every step she took, he shifted away, snapping and lunging at the men closing in on him. It’s not going to work, Gigi pulled back, He recognizes me.

Whatever the doctor had previously injected the creature with stopped it from shifting into its lethal shadow form and, unsurprisingly, only seemed to piss it off more. The growling deepened, and its focus turned to follow Cordie’s movements, drawing back on its hunches. Oh boy.

Adrik widened his stance, giving her more cover as he focused on the threat before them. As Cordie's gaze met Adrik's, she sensed a flicker of something otherworldly in his eyes, a hint of power lurking beneath the surface.

Get out of here, Cordelia, Adrik directed.

Pulling away, Cordie turned and stumbled towards the double doors that led into the building. In response, the creature snarled a warning. 

No, Gigi started. Cordie, stop! Dustin, cause a distraction.

You’ve got to be kidding me! the stoutly built enforcer snapped, flush-faced.

Just do it! she ordered sharply as she slinked away from the pitch-black wolf. Adrik!

Immediately, the seasoned Lunar Enforcer sprung into action, drawing the wolf’s attention. A few hesitant seconds later, Dustin begrudgingly followed suit. It was the first time Cordie had seen the two opposing pack enforcers work together.

Cordie, catch! Gigi hissed, and in an underhanded toss, she passed the syringe. The world narrowed to the flashing metal falling from the sky. Don’t let me drop it. Don’t drop it, make the catch!

With a squeak she hoped nobody heard, Cordie caught it with a clap. Flinching, she glared at the curly blonde doctor. Why would you throw a needle at me? she snapped, rolling the thick mechanical injector in one hand. Her heart pounded in her chest, and the hard drum made her dizzy as she squeezed the device in her sweaty palm.

Now, while his back is turned! Gigi shooed. 

With a suffering groan, Cordie bound forward. Her heart jumped in her head as she focused on the area of coal-black fur between the creature’s shoulders. One. Two. Two and a half. Oh, to hell with it! Cordie leaped on its back just as it lunged at Adrik. Clamping her knees into its ribs, she shoved the needle into his shoulder and pressed the button. 

Cold air escaped, and the soft rustle of the injection became lost to the creature’s growl as it bucked underneath her. The creature’s long and wickedly sharp fangs snapped in the air, lunging even with Cordie’s weight to finish his attack on Adrik. With a mighty twist, the creature slung the full-grown man ten feet into the side of one of the compound’s many concrete buildings. Cordie locked her legs and held on, frozen with panic.

Jump! Dustin yelled.

He’s moving too much, I can’t! Cordie wrapped her arms around the neck of the creature and pressed her face into the spot she’d just pierced and did all she could to hang on.

Gigi shouted something unintelligible.  

Only when the substantial wolf stilled and shifted hesitantly from one foot to another did Cordie jump, falling back. She hit the sidewalk hard, scuffing her naked knees. It turned, drawn by the sound of her hard landing.

Hoooly shiiit, she sang nervously as its massive form shuffled to turn towards her.

It stepped forward, its head zig-zagging just as Adrik staggered forward, slowly closing the distance. He won’t make it to the wolf before the wolf makes it to me! In three thunderous steps, the creature stomped nearer to her as she scrambled back until she couldn’t back up any further. 

With dawning horror, Cordie opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out. The wolf refused to topple as each of its legs wobbled underneath it. Then, in one final groan, the wolf collapsed inches away from Cordie’s feet; its orange glow flickered in its eyes until they faded, replaced by a pair of tired gray eyes that refused to break contact with hers.

The following five minutes were a frenzy as the doctor and her helpers set up an IV and prepared the wolf for transportation.

Where are you taking him? Cordie asked as Adrik helped pull her to her feet, drawing her away quickly from the large mouth of the beast. 

We need to get him under observation.

You’re still going to keep him here? Cordie felt her heart leap into her throat. She clutched Adrik’s waistband at the thought of laying her head down anywhere near that killing monster. With the way the wolf’s gray eyes sparkled back, she knew there would be hell to pay when the sedative wore off. 

Adrik tucked her under his arm, and automatically, she looped her arm around his waist. She felt warm and safe in his arms, protected. They barely knew one another, but already they’d saved each other’s lives more times than she wanted to count. 

But nothing would make her feel secure, knowing just how close Dr. Gigi kept the shadow creature. As long as it remained trapped inside these walls, it could kill them all. He’d escaped before. Cordie shivered, and Adrik pulled her closer and rubbed her arm; she pulled herself closer to his side, trying not to melt into his warmth.

I’m taking him somewhere safe. Don’t worry about a thing, it’s under control now.

Really, Doctor? He’s just proven he can escape, and your serum doesn’t work. Adrik waved his hand towards the destroyed courtyard.

Cordie shook her head and rolled her eyes. Another one of the doctor’s lies. I’m starting to get a second sense of it. Just make sure you keep that monster away from me.

Cordie! Gigi started to scold, but Cordie cut the woman off.

Pardon me if I get a bit prickly when you want to play Barbie vet with the fiend that nearly tore off my leg, Cordie snapped.

Come on, Cordie. Let’s go. Adrik tugged on her elbow delicately. Grabbing his side with a shallow breath, he steered her away from the panting animal who refused to fall into the sedative’s spell. Eventually, Cordie let him lead her far enough away that she didn’t feel the wretched creature’s pitiful stare.  

After they’d left the chaos behind, Adrik slowed to a stop. From one moment to the next, his eyes went from warm comfort to pinched pain. Adrik coughed into his fist as he reeled back, clutching his side, his hand stained with fresh blood. Then, abruptly, he collapsed forward. Cordie leaped into him, bracing against his weight and slowing his fall.

What’s wrong? Adrik! Was that from the wolf? 

Cordie, don’t let them, Adrik whispered. 

Let them what? Adrik, stay with me! Don’t let who do what? But it was too late. His eyes remained squeezed closed, sweat beading his hairline and dampening his brow. Behind the closed lids, his eyes darted back and forth, trapped in pain. Sinking to her knees, Cordie slid from underneath him, holding his head in her lap. No! Cordie wailed. Just tell me what to do. She clutched him hysterically. Her hands trembled, and the vibration went straight to her spine—cold, hard fear. Just wait right there. Tears welled in her eyes at the spike of guilt.

Already, his body was starting to relax. The movement behind his eyes stilled. Just as the last of his breath wheezed out, he started jerking as if he were trying to gasp for air.

Somebody help! Cordie tipped his head back and opened his mouth. Help! Please! Somebody get a doctor!

The hallway echoed with Cordie’s desperate cries as she rolled Adrik over to get him on his side. Still, he struggled with short, gasping breaths. Panic gripped her, turning her mind into sludge as she tried to make sense of the dire situation. Leaning down, she pressed a kiss wet with her tears to his forehead, a weak attempt at offering him comfort, before running to get help.   

1

INTO THE UNKNOWN

W hat happened? Dr. Gigi’s authoritative voice demanded, storming down the hall with two men in tow. Cordie, breathless and wide-eyed, met her gaze.

I don’t know, we were just walking, and then he collapsed. Cordie dropped next to Adrik, brushing his dark waves off his forehead while the doctor swiftly assessed the situation. Gigi, a force to be reckoned with, looked him over.

Gigi pulled back his eyelids and flashed a penlight in his eyes. The world seemed to shrink down to the doctor’s concerned face. Nothing. Gigi lifted his shirt, and a string of curses sharper than a scalpel cut through the corridor as she discovered the ominous black and blue swelling that covered his chest.

Damn it, he’s bleeding internally. Get him on the stretcher and take him. 

It must have happened in the attack. One of the guards, a younger man with kind eyes and vibrant red hair, leaned over Adrik’s body.

Is he going to be alright?

Not if he continues to bleed internally. Besides, Gigi eyed her, a thoughtful curvature lifted her mouth, revealing dark contemplations, it may be much worse than that. When the doctor made a demand, things got done. Two men came from behind her, working with seasoned proficiency to roll and transfer him to a bed. 

Worse? Cordie sputtered.

Cordie, I need you to do something. For Adrik, Gigi stated, already ushering her away from the two men.

Anything. Where are they taking him? Is he going to be alright? Cordie asked as she wiped away the tears spilling down her chin. The two shifters disappeared behind a corner, taking Adrik with them. What’s going to happen to him? Is he going to fall into a coma? Or would he turn into another creature like what attacked us?

It’s hard to say. But I’ll do everything I can to keep Adrik as he is. But meanwhile, I need you to do something for me.

Do you need more blood? Cordie immediately started extending her bruised arm.

No, not yet. The doctor followed the path of the dark hall toward the building that no one ever used.

I can’t be in two places simultaneously, so I need you to make yourself useful.

I want to be with Adrik. I need to be by his side.

I need you to be there when he wakes up, which could be any minute now.

He who? But she had a sinking feeling she knew. 

The wolf, the Alpha of the Skypeak Sanctuary, your new Alpha, Clive Blakewell. He needs our help, too.

Clive, so that’s the creature's name? Cordie knew the doctor was cruel, but she had no idea how vicious she was. Terror pitched in her stomach. Behind her eyes, the creature’s white teeth flashed and snapped. Everything under her skin froze at the thought of being near him. The shadow wolf? No. No way! Cordie pulled back. I can’t do that.

Of course, you can, Gigi encouraged gently. You can either be useless at Adrik’s side or help me save your Alpha. Though the woman possessed a gentle allure, Cordie was once more reminded of her forever calculating mind.

But― Cordie shook her head, but the doctor hadn’t paid her any attention.

―Because if you don’t, I’m afraid Adrik won’t survive. I can only be in one place at a time, and if I have to choose between Adrik and my Alpha… There was a squint in her eyes that underscored her threat. Wouldn’t that neatly tie up all those loose ends? 

What kind of doctor are you?

The pragmatic kind.

I can’t. Cordie shook her head.

Don’t worry, Cordie, you have a way of calming him.

Calming! Every time I’m around, he attacks!

But he hasn’t tried to kill you yet. You have a gift, just like he is the shadows. I don’t know how or why, but I need you to try. I’ve tried everything I dare to get him back, and I couldn’t get him out of his shade. The key is in your pheromones.

Me?

It’s in your nature, Cordie. As a chameleon, you’re meant to blend in and adapt to your environment. Your pheromones are going to help you seem familiar and safe.

It’s not like I can control it you know!

Cordie, your pheromones are your greatest defense. Chameleons aren’t strong or fast, you don’t have a protective layer nor do you have claws or poison.

Aren’t you just saying that I’m an easy target?

Your strength is going to be in your ability to adapt. Mimic his wolf, it will make you smell familiar, show submission.

What does that mean? And I don’t know how to shift into a wolf! Shouldn’t one of the actual wolf animus, you know, be better? I mean I don’t have any control of what I shift into.

We’ve already tried the others; they only agitated him.

What if I shift into something that he sees as a snack? What if he goes back to being a shadow and tries ripping me apart?

When he’s in a semi-vaporous demolecularized state, he can hide and avoid attack. I think it’s a defense mechanism. You need to keep him in the physical world by not being a threat. The way the woman’s eyes rolled up Cordie’s body gave her chills. Gigi had perfect angles and flawless hair, but something was degrading in her stare. Show him that you’re not a threat. Make him feel safe enough to bring his humanity back.

What if there’s no taming the shadow wolf?

I refuse to believe that. You’ll be fine. Gigi gave her an irritated look at her watch, her face finally reflecting the freezing temperatures in her eyes. If he really wanted to kill you, you never would have made it out of your backyard, or the woods, or the courtyard; you can trust that.

That’s not helping!

I’m not going to lie; the next hour is critical for both men. It’s your choice, because I can’t save both.

Alright, Cordie whispered.

If you can’t shift, it might help if you wear some of his clothes. He’ll recognize the scent. Just don’t let him wake up alone, ok?

O…ok. I can do this. Cordie nodded, but Gigi had already started jogging away, her thick-soled mountain boots squishing against the linoleum. All I have to do is be around when he wakes up. I can do that. Cordie imagined herself standing around an antler alter or a metal bed frame.

But after she followed the narrow, dimly lit hallway, she hesitated to walk into the room. One of the double French doors was already open, left ajar by men shuffling around. Cordie looked at it and closed her eyes. 

You can do this. But she didn’t move forward.

Cordie, Dustin barked from behind her.

Jumping, Cordie’s hands batted the air before she exhaled her annoyance. What are you doing here? I thought you’d be with the doctor helping Adrik.

Yeah, that’s what she asked me to do.

I see. But she didn’t.

Gigi will do anything to protect Clive, but that doesn’t mean you have to, he said, holding out a ten-inch hunting knife. After all, I saw what happened the last time someone escaped his clutches. I’ll never forget what he did to that old lady.

Mrs. Polaris. The widow down the road from me. 

His smile was tentative as he tilted the hilt and waited for her to reach for it. But as Cordie took the knife, an uneasy feeling crept over her. The silver flashed, outlining the engraved D.P. 

You don’t have to do this, he said with an unusual gentleness.

We both know that is not true.

You’re right. If you fail, lives are on the line, the first being our Alpha’s and the second, Adrik’s.

Once the doctor decides it would be easier to eliminate him and his knowledge of this whole mess. From there, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to see me being next. What have they gotten me into? Cordie had thought those words so many times it was starting to become a mantra.

We don’t know how he’s going to wake up, Cordie, Dustin cautioned, his eyes holding a subtle suggestion that lingered in the shadows. In his vaporous state, he’s untouchable. We know from firsthand experience how dangerous that is. There are only two options for him: either you pull him back to his humanity, or I’ll have to put him down. Attacking him in his weakened state might be the best chance we have to keep him from posing a greater threat when he regains consciousness. With that kind of ability, we could never let it go unchecked.

Cordie didn’t need enhanced senses to pick up on the unspoken subtext. The unsaid insinuation hung in the air, a dangerous suggestion that could easily get her killed. Are you trying to protect me, or get me to do your dirty work? 

Ok, no pressure. I can do this, she hoped out loud. 

I hope so, for Adrik’s sake.

What do you mean by that?

If Adrik has what Clive has and you can’t save the wolf, you’re setting a precedent for anyone else infected. Making the only solution death.

Yeah, more pressure, great. The very thought of stepping past those doors and closing herself up with that beast made her want to vomit. Her mouth was a desert, waiting in preparation for a sudden deluge. It was easier to smile and nod, trying to swallow around the parched tongue, than to step a foot in that room.

Great, I just have to face the monster haunting my nightmares.

He’s still human; try to see more than the monster.

I... Cordie trailed, looking down at the knife clutched in her fist. But Dustin had already turned and retreated. For a moment, she watched him fill up the hallway as he strode with solemn determination. She turned and, this time, didn’t hesitate to step into the room.

2

SHADOWS AND WHISPERS

Inside the expansive building lay an impressive sight: an enormous greenhouse stretching out beneath a concrete roof framed by sturdy dark steel pillars. The roof was adorned with a massive skylight, and long lines of pitched glass windows ran almost the entire length of the structure, allowing natural light to flood the interior. Within the greenhouse, lush greenery filled every corner, with plants of all shapes and sizes—a rugged and modern blend of strength and beauty.

The air inside was heavy with the earthy scent of soil and the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers. The soft hum of the rooms HVAC’s system was almost imperceptible except for the fresh air that it circulated working to keep the room crisp instead of humid. As soon as she walked in, she faced the kitchen in the back of the building but her attention was drawn back to the massive thirty-foot windowed walls that separated the apartment with an attached greenhouse. The floor to ceiling window walls was a breathtaking backdrop for the simple and overstuffed brown leather chairs and coffee table. 

The room was furnished with only simple pieces that transitioned into an equally bare but fully decked out kitchen area. Between the living room and the kitchen was a light-stained hardwood table pressed against the wall with three matching chairs tucked around it. To the right of the kitchen and against the glass greenhouse wall was the beginnings of a bedroom. 

The mattress was still on the floor, surrounded by short waist high shelves, a dresser and a few stacked boxes that was the closest thing to a wall the room had. It looks like he’s still unpacking.

Cordie’s heart was struck with fear when a rustling came from the foliage. 

Then, a glass door slid open, and the two men from earlier stepped out. They looked at her and nodded, quickly stepping out of the room. Further back and away from the imposing responsibility, her eyes sank to the low-laying black chrome bed frame that dominated the back corner of his home.

The room was divided only by four blonde pine hip-high bookshelves. Cordie’s curiosity piqued when she spotted a long row of books that ranged from Dante’s The Divine Comedy to  Hosseini’s The Kite Runner with a long row of John Grisham novels. Pulling open his drawers, she unabashedly snooped. She found the usual drawer of undershirts, organized by color, dark to light; socks; assorted boxers, briefs, boxer briefs, and even a white nylon jockstrap; athletic wear; loungewear.

It was a bit chilly, so after she grabbed a pair of black Nike jogging shorts and a crisp white undershirt, she searched the drawers for a hoodie. Everything had been neatly folded and organized. The last drawer, however, stuck as she pulled. She tugged harder and harder until the wood scraped and the drawer jerked open. Out plopped a red OSU zip-up hoodie; the cuffs were worn, the color faded, and the hood frayed around the edges. It was probably the only item with character she’d seen. Everything else was fresh, clean, and designer.

Pulling it on and zipping it halfway, she tucked the shorts and shirt under her arm then grabbed her knife and made her way to the glass doors. For once, her hesitation wasn’t born from fear but confusion. Earlier, she’d seen the men walk out of the high-ceilinged chamber. The monster-sized terrarium was a sealed vault with no handles. 

Even the seam of the door was concealed. Cordie looked around discretely, not wanting anyone to see her fumbling. She pushed at either side of the copper frame until the glass panel popped back with a quiet ‘whoosh’. Immediately pulling her hands, she waited for the glass to fall or break. It didn’t. With more confidence, she reached for the glass and it turned from the middle. 

But now, with the door wide open, she paused. This time, it wasn’t confusion. It was fear. When she was distracted, she’d forgotten what she was about to do for a brief moment.

Hello? Cordie called out, barely above a whisper. Clearing her throat, she tried again, inching her way away from the glass door. Hello! Listen here, wolfie; I’m not here to hurt you, even though you gave me the worst case of rabies. There was a winding trail leading deeper into the greenhouse and she followed it until it came to a split. No funny business. I mean it.

Cordie held her false bravado like a shield. Nothing. The silence is worse than his growling. Shouldn’t he have pounced on me by now? 

In the dimly lit greenhouse, Cordie caught a glimpse of glowing eyes and pointed ears disappearing into the shadows—the creature from her nightmares. It’s already awake! Terror froze her mid-step. 

Instead of the attack she’d braced for, there was nothing. Maybe it’s just my imagination. With fractured breaths, Cordie unlocked her muscles, trying to believe herself.

After a brief moment where she fortified her will, Cordie took the path to the right following it until it led to a bouldered rockbed. On top of the flat sandstone was a shock of black fur laying on its side. It looks dead. He looks dead, Cordie corrected, scolding herself. She had almost closed the distance between her and his prone form when his leg twitched. His paw slapped the air, reminding her of Rufus when he dreamt of giving chase. Think of him as human, not a monster, she reminded herself over and over. 

As slow and quiet as she could, she knelt down, preparing to shift. Breathe, I can do this. Shift into a wolf. Cordie squeezed her eyes and tensed. Holding her breath, she clenched her body encouraging the shift. 

Nothing. Not a leopard, not a wolf, not a tingle. Maybe I’m too scared?

All she knew of this creature was the power of its bite and the force he had in taking her down. That and he was a cunning and intelligent predator. One that saw her as a chew toy. And they think I can help him? Cordie scoffed at the thought.

Just be chill. However, she didn’t know if she was talking to him or herself. Leaning back, she rolled her shoulders and wiggled the tension down her arms out her fingers. Inhaling deeply, she tried to pretend the wolf wasn’t there.

She tried again.

Again, nothing.

Huffing with irritation, Cordie shoved herself into the clothes, keeping a steady eye on the wolf.

As she approached, a film of sweat blanketed her neck. It was either fifteen degrees hotter with a humidity index of at least 90 percent, or she was stress-sweating. It could be either one. As she walked deeper into the greenhouse, the thick waxy leaves slapped at her as she passed. Greens of all different shades lit the room, even with only the moonlight shining through the glass skylight.

She approached him with the hesitant determination of a woman twice burned. She kept her knife always angled towards him. There was nothing to suggest that he would immediately lunge after her. The oversized black wolf was hard to see at night, but nothing close to his shadow form.

I won’t let him out of my sight. He won’t get the jump on me again, she vowed.

But ten minutes turned into an hour and the excitement of earlier bundled with the depressive fear for Adrik now exhausted her into a state of lethargy. Soon, her eyes drifted, and across from the man and monster who’d changed her life forever, she fell into a deep, disturbed sleep, still clutching her knife.

3

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Something cold and wet slid against her cheek. Cordie smiled and nuzzled into the touch. Heat spread like a steady rinse down her stomach across one breast and down her hip. Sighing, Cordie turned into the warmth, slowly opening her eyes. A black and shiny ball was the first thing she saw. Until she realized she was staring nose-to-nose with the black wolf. Frozen in place as it loomed over her. The dream fractured, and reality revealed the terrifying creature looking down its muzzle at her.

Did you just pee on me? Why? You mother fu―

His growl started low, and he snapped at her and stopped right before catching her skin. The bass of his disapproval filled the greenhouse deep enough to bounce back. And it vibrated through her as his piss dripped and cooled down her side.

The wolf stood over her, his feet caging her on all sides. Her legs trembled as she crab crawled away until her back pressed against a stone bench lit in the morning light. Throwing her leg over it, she climbed over it slowly, keeping her eyes on the animal as it watched her with an unblinking focus. Kneeling, she grabbed the edge of the bench and put her weight on her knees.

Easy, she said as she unzipped and pulled the wet jacket off. It had gotten the worst of it. 

A frantic and erratic rhythm threaded her pulse, and an immediate alarm filled her soul. Risking an attack, Cordie looked around. She must have wandered deeper inside the atrium than she’d initially thought. No matter how high Cordie looked, she couldn’t see even a glare off the windows. Cordie had no idea which way the door was. The expanded space immediately started to feel like a cage—one she shared with a vicious beast.

Imagine being locked in a room with the monster that attacked me, the one that started all of this madness. Gigi had the audacity to ask me to help save him, and I, dumbass that I am, agreed! 

The wolf moved forward, not letting her out of his sight or reach. His chest rose and fell rapidly, showing his desperate struggle for control. It was a disturbing reminder of all the reasons why she was here. 

Was Adrik out of surgery by now? Cordie glared at the creature who, with one careless act, changed her life forever.  And may have ended Adrik’s for good.

The animus was a two-hundred pound coal black wolf with a bad habit of melting into the shadows. His semi-translucent form, except for his bright orange eyes, made him nearly impossible to see. But as vaporous as form was, his attacks were one hundred percent corporeal.

All the while, the all-black oversized wolf watched her. He inched closer, one step at a time. Nearer and nearer he crept. It was all Cordie could do to not run or cry. Or wet herself. 

There’s no need to make more of a