Werewolf Skin

24

The two werewolves wrestled with their prey.

I heard a shrill bleat of pain. Then I saw four hooves shoot up in the air.

Not a human, I realized, squinting into the dim light. They’ve trapped a deer. A baby deer.

They’re going to kill it.

They’re going to tear it to shreds.

What can I do? I asked myself. How can I save it?

I didn’t think. I was too terrified to think clearly.

I tossed back my head. And I let out a loud wolf howl.

My cry echoed off the trees.

The snarling werewolves stopped their attack. They raised their heads.

They turned toward my cry.

Just long enough for the fawn to scramble to its feet. It shook itself-like a dog after a bath-and took off into the trees.

The werewolves sniffed the air furiously. They didn’t seem to notice that the fawn had escaped. Their eyes glowed red in the pale moonlight. They turned, uttering low, angry growls. Lowered their heads. And came charging at me.