Half-Breed

The echo of heels on the empty warehouse floor sent tingles down Christina’s spine. She swallowed hard, standing, not facing who she knew was behind her.

“Christina,”

Christina closed her eyes, still facing the wall, letting her jet black hair hang in her eyes. “What this time?”

“We’ve been looking for you.”

Christina jerked around, an angry glare on her young face. Behind her was a boy about 25. The one her parents had chosen to be her husband. “I’m old enough to go out on my own.”

“It’s dangerous. Come on,” He put his hand on her wrist. “It’s time to go back to the pack.”

Turning away from him, she closed her eyes, transforming into a midnight black wolf with silver paws and a silver patch around her left eye. Her eyes were a deep blue. “Fine…”

The boy closed his eyes, transforming into a solid black wolf. His eyes were a sharp yellow. “You know it’s not safe here…” He began walking to the door, nodding for her to follow.

Reluctantly, she obeyed. “I don’t understand why I can’t even go out in the city alone…”

The two left the warehouse, walking out on the sidewalk together. Though they could understand each other perfectly, all any of the full-breeds heard were sharp growls and barks.

“Christina, you know it’s not safe.” He cut her a sharp look. “And you know you are to obey me…”

She growled. “I’m not your wife yet, Leon. You have no control over me.”

He snarled his teeth, growled, and slammed his clawed paw into her face, making her wince from the stinging pain. “Don’t you dare backtalk. You know better.”

She retreated, letting him back in the lead. She hated obeying him, but what choice did she have? He was to be her husband. That was the way things were meant to be.

* * * * * * * * * *

Before long, they were back home, with the pack. Everyone was curled up around a small fire. Christina’s father was sitting up, staring into the flame. When Christina and Leon walked up, however, he walked over to them.

“Christina…” His growl was angry. “Where have you been? I sent Leon out hours ago to look for you.”

“Father, I was explor--”

“You weren’t where you were supposed to be. If it happens again, I’ll take you to the in-breeds and leave you there. We can’t have you risking our safety…”

“I was just out exploring! I didn’t speak to anyone, or transform in front of anyone… I wasn’t causing us any danger!”

“You had been in human form for nearly 12 hours… do you have any idea what would happen to us if you changed in front of full-breeds? We would be banished… killed… It would be all your fault.”