Chapter 2: Found

I woke to the sounds of leaves crunching. I stayed as still as possible and listened intently. It sounded like at least two people from the whispered voices. I moved my body slowly to make myself as small as possible under the brush. I heard their foot steps get closer. I was so still that I was barely breathing, but my heart felt as though it would burst from my chest at any moment.

"I can smell the blood Eric. I think it's wolf. We have to be close", one man said to the other. His voice had a hint of worry in it. If they could smell me, then they must be shifters too, but what kind? What if they were here to capture me and take me back? I might be weak but I refuse to go without a fight.

Their foot steps were now right by the brush I was hiding in. Surely the men could hear my heart trying to escape its confinement.

"It's going to be okay. We will not hurt you. We smelled the blood and we just want to help". The man who spoke previously said. His voice was like honey trying to lure me out. I was staying put. I do not need their help. My body was starting to heal by itself, but I would need a couple more days to be perfect. I would have healed faster with proper rest and sustenance. I had to decide my next move quick. One of the men took another step closer. I growled low and menacing. The foot steps grew silent again.

"My name is James and my brother here is Eric. We live nearby and we can give you a place to rest until you are better." James seemed sincere and I wanted to believe him so badly. I wished there were good people in this world but I had yet to meet any. I just wanted them to leave me here. I growled louder in warning.

Eric finally spoke up, "Leave her be. She doesn't want help". His voice was stronger and more deep. His tone sounded final and cold. I heard his foot steps start to retreat back the way they came from. James never took a step away though. He must be weighing his options. My mind pleaded for him just to leave me.

"I'm going to come back with some food and water for you. You should be hungry from the healing. Please at least take that help from me". James seemed determined and I felt resigned by that. I would take the food and water but nothing more. I was starving and eating would be the fastest way for me to get out of here. I made no noise and he must have taken this as consent. His foot steps followed after Eric and before long I was alone again.