TO FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE

The scents were strong and very potent. Their own scent markings were far different than any canines' scent. It struck fear in the young adult's heart. It wasn't for his own protection but that of his pack and his dear friend Luana. There had to be at least five of the creatures. It was a daunting thought. He'd only seen a large cat a couple of times. Even then it was from a distance. He'd known well enough to stay away. Stories had also been told. They attacked with not only their teeth but razor sharp claws. One wolf couldn't take one on, and if you encountered one you were bound to get messed up.

The boy was careful about where he walked. He avoided walking in the night when they seemed to be the most active, and he hardly ever walked alone. Lately though he was becoming more and more edgy. He'd pace back and forth, growl a little bit, red eyes would stare out at the landscape of Ludicael warily waiting for something to suddenly attack him.

This day would prove to only heighten his nervousness. The smell of blood only made it worse. It was the companion that their Sol had with her. Mercury. A different scent shifted on the breeze and it caught the gray and white male's attention. Ears pricked forward and his snout began to wrinkle in a silent snarl. White teeth glistened before blackened gums lowered themselves to hide his incisors. The howl of his Alpha caught his attention, but not for long. The boy set out in their direction but made a wide detour. He was more interested in the scent of two felines.

Black nose went downwards as he followed the scents. Ears flicked back and forth with paranoia as he began tracking them. Silent paws moved his almost fully grown body slowly forward. He made sure not to make a single sound for fear they would hear them. He could see them now. Whether they could hear them was a mystery but he could clearly see a mother and her cub. His chest tightened. This was a risky move but he knew they were stalking his companions. More importantly his Alpha.

The teen stopped a little ways away still making sure he was completely silent. His stance widened and he rocked back and forth on uneasy paws as he prepared to run away. This felt so stupid but perhaps it could help them. His sharp nose had followed this pair of cats this far. The others in the pack that had gathered probably didn't know they were there. So this was for the greater good. His head lowered and red eyes set themselves on the felines before he let out a series of loud barks to scare both animals. He wouldn't risk an attack. Not without the pack. He was inexperienced and therefore that meant more injuries. For now he'd play a nice distraction.