“Alright, I’m starved” Phelan said when Knave awoke the next morning. The pup gulped.

“What are you going to eat?” he asked nervously.

“We are going to have deer”

“Why can’t we have something like rabbit?” Phelan looked at him with bright eyes.

“Because, I’m hungry for something bigger and plus now I have two bellies to feed.”

“Ok, but I’ll be able to hunt for myself soon” Knave said, with some confidence.

Phelan laughed. “Yeah, you will” he smiled. They both trotted on and Knave stopped each time the wolf stopped to test the air. He envied the way his nose was stronger then his own. As if he were the dull edge of a blade and Phelan was a sharp edge that would slice at the touch.

“Alright, there’s a herd just ahead” he said anxiously. “Now, when we get up there do not dare budge”

“Well how am I going to-”

“You’ll learn by observation first” he answered. Knave followed the wolf until they were at a clearing, where a herd of white-tailed deer grazed in the early morning.

“Well this shouldn’t be hard” Phelan exclaimed, excitingly. “Alright, Wait here and don’t move” he slowly crept out of the shelter of the trees then turned back to Knave. “No matter what happens.” he added and inched towards the herd. The setter found it hard to stay put but he knew if he blew this, they would both go hungry and Phelan would never treat him with the same respect again. He tingled with excitement when he saw the wolf was only a few yards away from a young buck. Foolish in his prime, he snaked his head and showed off his antlers while trotting around two does. A perfect time for Phelan’s attack, which he took for granted. The wolf burst through the thick brush and ran two lengths before he leaped onto the bucks back. Having no idea what happened, instead of running, the buck swiveled his head sideways, trying to see what was on his back. By that time, it was too late and Phelan snapped the bucks spine, breaking his back then bit into his vulnerable neck. It was over and only when the wolf turned to him did the pup emerge from the trees and too the carcass.

“Stupid animals” Phelan snarled. “Know nothing but instinct and foolish pride” Knave nodded still a little stunned.

“You’ll get used to it” the wolf said when he saw the pup’s widened eyes.

“Alright, let me explain” he sat down, panting and the pup noticed blood smeared on his tongue. “The softer parts are the best: Intestines, Kidneys-”

“Ok, I got it” Knave said, shuttering.

“Hey, you’re the one who wanted to live like a wolf”

“I know, it’s just new to me”

“Exactly, that’s why I’m giving you pointers” Phelan said, smiling. “Now, take a bite” he coaxed. Knave gulped and put his muzzle to the bucks side, that smelt of grass and blood. He took a bite and got a mouth full of fur and hide. He spat it out and raises a brow as Phelan chuckled.

“That’s always the worst part” he laughed. “but it gets you closer to the good stuff” Knave got past the sickening feeling of wanted to regurgitate the warm blood and raw meat. For the first time, he felt like a real wolf.

“Well” Phelan said, licking blood off of his muzzle. “You did a fine job for your first time”

“Thanks” The wolf looked around, satisfied at his friends confidence to even go to such high limits to become a wolf as he. It was good to have someone represent them as not being savage beast but living their lives. Phelan smiled to himself and turned to the pup.

“Alright, after what you’ve accomplished I believe you deserve a reward”

“What kind of reward?” Knave asked.

“We’ll do anything you want to do”

“Is sleep good enough?”

“Uh, Yes, That’s what I was thinking but I figured a younger mind would want to explore” he looked quizzically at the pup.

“Oh trust me, I do but I don’t know if I can play and still hold this new cuisine down at the same time.” he said, a little off balance. After Phelan stopped laughing, the two both settled down under two huge spruce trees and drifted into a light sleep.

To be Continued….