| Thinking For Themselves

Jack watched as Maski raised his arms and fell forwards into a crouching position. His form seemed to blur and run like watercolors in the rain.

Jack flinched to see a lean, sinewy wolf suddenly facing them, eyes narrowed and burning with malice.

'A further mistake,' Jarvis announced calmly. 'In that form, you cannot issue orders to your men.' The old woman raised her voice and cupped her hands to her mouth. 'Hear me! This degenerate before me has sought to use you, to make you fight for his callous ends. But now you are freed from the hold he has over you!'

With a roar of hatred, the rangy white wolf arched its back and then pounced forward, jaws snapping for the old woman's throat.

*****

Jack shoved Jarvis out of the way. The old woman staggered and fell between two benches.