The Alpha Dire Wolf

“Your grandmother has always loved it. Had an appreciation for it and for the living things, much as I do. But while my love is more down to earth, more focused on the individual things, the tree here, the rock there, Charlie, etc., your grandmother saw thebig picture. She loved the forest, for all it…

We smiled and embraced, and then I watched her head down the driveway to where she’d parked her little red Mazda against the curb. Putting on a smile, I waved goodbye as she pulled out, hoping my impatience didn’t show. The second she was gone, I turned around, my back to the street, looking out…

Next week? It’s Thursday! You had better-“ “ Mr. Davenport!” Was yelling while being formal acceptable? I was about to find out. “Yesterday morning, I found out that my grandmother has been dead for three days. Do you know why I didn’t find out any sooner? Because she’s the only family I have left. Had…

“I’m the head of the New Lockwood Historical Society,” he said. “Your grandmother was a founding member.” “Oh. Okay?” Why was that important to me today? It didn’t feel like it should be. “I just wanted you to know that our seats are, um, sort of dictated in an older, more traditional method.” “Please, Mr.…

“Talk about what, asshole? How you cheated on me?” I clicked on his messages, so he could see I’d read them, and then I left it that way. Dick. Pausing at the bottom of the hill, I glanced back up at the gravesite, where my grandma was now buried next to her husband, reunited once…

And where they would be killed nine years later. After they had told me, I remembered crying and screaming, telling them I didn’t want to go. I wanted to stay. Then I had “run away,” dashing out the door before either could stop me and racing down the street to my grandmother’s house. My safe…

Quite a coincidence it was to have just stumbled upon her in that exact spot. At that exact time. And a creature so rarely affected by the virus as well. That was a few too many coincidences for me to believe. Padding over to it, taking care to go easy on my hind leg until…

“I’m just saying. The magic knows.” He shook his head, shaggy chestnut hair bouncing everywhere. “And you saved her from it?” “I killed a rabid bear because it’s not natural,” I growled, not appreciating the insinuation from my best friend. Or perhaps I was irritated because I couldn’t tell who I was trying to convince…

A momentary silence followed. “Uh, ma’am? Is this a Miss Sylvie Wilson? Sylvie Anne Wilson?” a young sheepish voice replied. “Yes, yes, it’s me,” I said hurriedly. “I’m sorry. I thought you were my ex that I just tossed out.” The buzzer let out a heavily distorted snort. “That makes perfect sense. Sorry to hear…

Taking slow breaths, I tried to put my hands on the wheel, but they were still shaking too badly. So I sat there. The driver of the other car came over and asked if I was okay. I assured them I was, that I was just shaken up, but ultimately I sent them on their…