Bright Moon by Andria Canayo Page A

time.”
    Her mind itched for answers. She also knew
she had little choice but to do as he said. When her argument died,
he revealed his plan. “I have not made an alliance or asked
permission to wander these lands. I’m going to survey our
surroundings to make sure the werewolf isn’t near. Things could
turn ugly if we run into them. I won’t be back for fifteen
minutes.”
    “Is it safe?”
    “Of course not, your life has changed for
the worse. Safety is not a luxury you have anymore. I will protect
you. Stay here and nothing will happen.”
    Having said that, he left in a blur. Her
mind needed time to absorb everything she’d learned and she was
relieved to have a few moments alone. Presently she knew fifteen
minutes had passed and she worried. Her heart jumped when he
emerged not as the Tyson she expected, but as the giant black wolf.
The enormous black bundle of obvious strength approached slowly as
if he expected her to make a dash for it. His icy blue eyes watched
curiously and even seemed surprised.
    “I guess we better get going?” she asked
weakly. Tyson moved so his shoulder was parallel with her line of
sight then crouched low. “You want me to…sit on your back?”
    He nodded his enormous head once.
    “Are you sure? I am perfectly capable of
walking.” His eyes flashed. She nodded and mumbled, “okay, okay.”
She stood for a delayed moment trying to find a way on his back.
She’d never been riding, horseback or any other kind. In the end,
all she could do was grab a fist full of fur and pull herself on.
He didn’t shy away and stood carefully after she situated herself
between his shoulder blades. With a giant leap he began gaining
speed until they were once again a blur. Her body protested with
shards of pain at each movement. She hugged his neck and stayed
low. The wind stung her cheeks and she found it easier to hide her
face in his fur. She squeezed her eyes shut and the wind rushed all
the louder.
    Every powerful stride sent thrills through
her very bones. He panted for breath and his heart thudded as he
moved indefatigably. The aroma of pine and dirt was in his coat and
the scent mingled with the fresh air of the forest. His power was
exhilarating and calming all at once. If it weren’t for her wounds,
nothing would have dampened her excitement. After some time she was
lulled into a strange place where she was only half aware and the
only thing keeping her awake was pain. She was drawn from the state
when Tyson’s ears fell flat and he slowed his pace to a walk. He
sniffed the air with his ears lowered and a low growl rumbled in
his chest.
    “What is it?”
    Tyson stood still, his eyes focused on
something in the distance. She could only see trees, but the woods
were strangely still. She was glad she hadn’t let her grip relax
when he suddenly bolted forward, almost throwing her. If possible,
he moved faster and she grabbed him tighter. A few torturous
moments later they stopped again and she gasped in alarm. The
forest had cleared to an elevated, barren rocky area. He moved
around the face of the mountain at a less unsettling pace until
they were on higher footing. His head moved this way and that as he
searched for something she could only guess at. Finally, they came
to an opening in the side of the rock. Nothing but stone and blue
sky could be seen from the nook he’d chosen to stop in. He found a
small cavity and crouched low.
    “You want me to get down?” she asked in a
panic. He glanced at her and nodded. She slid off his back and her
feet touched uneven surface, but her legs buckled. She caught
herself by leaning against his colossal body. He shook her loose
and urged her into the mouth of the cave. “Where are you going?”
she asked quickly. He shook his head and stuck his nose in her
stomach, forcing her beneath the shade. She ducked to avoid hitting
her head. He pushed her even further back and she fell on her rear,
scraping her elbow on a rock. He pulled his head out,