Generations, part 7
I kept an eye on my human family from a distance, staring at my former home whenever my travels took me near them. It gave me little comfort but at least I got glances of my beloved Caroline from time to time. Then three times I didn't see her. More than a little upset over this, I braved approaching Will as he returned home from work. He stared at me in amazement then looked around quickly. He walked up to me quickly then spoke in hushed tones.
"I'm sorry, Elk. Caroline doesn't live here any more. She got married to a soldier from the Army base."
My disappointment must have shown. Will patted my head in sympathy and murmured that it was good to see me again. He then walked away and entered his home. His home, not mine. I padded off, my head hanging low, and returned to the woodlands.
Now that Caroline was lost to me, I settled down and joined a small band of my own kind. It wasn't much later that I became the Alpha female since I was the largest hunter of the pack. As the lead female, I soon realized that I alone would be allowed to whelp pups with the Alpha male. I took him as my mate although my feelings for him were flat. He wasn't Caroline and she alone owned my spirit.
It was deep in the winter months that I gave birth to three cubs. Two of them were fine male specimens, showing promise of growing large and strong as adults. The third, my daughter, only promised to break my heart. She was much too small, a feeble pup that in all honesty should have been carried away from the den and allowed to die. But I wasn't raised solely by my own kind but along side humans as well. I had too much compassion and love for my daughter and I couldn't bring myself to harm her. I protected her from both my mate and my sons, keeping her near me except when I hunted.
When she was old enough to leave the den, she earned her Wolfen name, Luna, when she emerged from the den only to bark at the moon. Her puppy barks amused others and me and they seemed more forgiving of her small size. At least for now. One day she would be driven from our pack. As a lone Wolven, she would be in danger of starving to death or being killed by true hunters.
Our pack remained near the den for the winter but once my children were old enough to wean we resumed our circuit of our territory. Territory had to be constantly guarded against our own kind and wolves. Also, with the growth of the human cities, they also had to be watched. Even in our isolation we heard about the conflict overseas in Europe and the results of it was felt around us. Fewer men wandered the woodlands and the approach of humans slowed. We knew once this conflict ended that the humans would once more invade our lands.
It was time we formed our own allies with other packs but the others in my band were reluctant. I could only sigh at their stubbornness and hope it didn't cause our deaths one day. In the meantime, our territory was increased little by little. Our hunting range covered many acres of land, from near my former home to within a miles of the Army base. When I realized how near I was to Caroline, I felt my heart race. Did I dare try and see her?
That night I snuck away from my pack and headed for the military base. I knew my skills surpassed those of the human guards. I didn't really fear being seen by them. I was more nervous about meeting with Caroline again. Under the cover of darkness, I slipped over the chain-link fence in my half human form. I had long become convinced that this gave me the best of both worlds. Hands to grasp and limbs to climb. Along with my sharp senses and speed, I had little to fear from either species.
I quietly climbed over the fence, avoiding the sharp barbed wire at the top. I dropped to the grass below and remained crouched low as my nose and ears examined around me. The nearest guard was about sixty paces away and facing another direction. I kept to the shadows and breathed easier away from the fencing. Now I had the task of trying to locate Caroline by scent. A quick changeover back to my wolf shape and I began the hunt. I wandered in a zigzag pattern for many hours until her scent reached my nose. I followed the familiar smell until I reached a brick building. I stood at a window and breathed deeply. She was inside.
I placed my front paws on the brick sill and peered inside while my heart thumped so hard that I was sure that the neighbors could hear it thud. My eyes examined the dark room until I spotted her. She was alone in the bed and no other scent was fresh near her. Perhaps her mate was away.
My courage was failing me. Part of me wanted to wake her, to hear her voice and feel her touch. Another part of me said I had no right to be here and to leave her to her life.
In my own quandary, my body made a decision for me. I whined outside her open window. Realizing what I had done, I dropped back to the ground and wondered if I should run away. But the window opened further and Caroline's scent grew stronger.
"Elk?"
I looked up and saw her green eyes looking down at me in pleasure.
"Come on girl, come inside," she invited, patting the sill.
Shakily, I did as she asked, hopping into the small bedroom.
Her hands were on me immediately, stroking all my favorite places as she greeted me. I could only melt at the contact and wallow in the pleasure of the contact.
My mind must have been stuck in neutral at that point. The next thing I knew was on the bed on the empty side and she was sound asleep next to me with her hand resting on my shoulder. All I could do was stare at her as she slept, wondering if this was all a dream.
* * * *
I awoke the next morning to bird song. Caroline was still sound asleep next to me. A glance at her small alarm clock told me that it was almost seven in the morning and the sun was fully up. I was in so much trouble. How did I get off the base in the light of day?
I carefully got off the bed, doing my best not to wake her. She must have lowered the window after I entered but it was still open enough to allow me to place my nose under it. I lifted the stiff window and heard it squeal in protest. Caroline groaned and woke up.
"Where are you going, Elk?"
I whined at her, unable to answer.
"Stay," she begged me, making me hesitate.
"I've missed you. Jed is stationed in the Pacific so it's just me and the baby," she mentioned, placing her hand on her belly. It was just beginning to grow rounded with early pregnancy.
I really wanted to stay but I had three children to finish raising and a pack that depended on me as a leader. I couldn't indulge in my desire to be at her side. I walked over to her with a whine and licked her hand before turning back to the window. Without looking back, I leapt outside to the grass. I had to leave before my heart turned me back.
I didn't quite leave the base unnoticed. Several men cried out an alarm at the sight of a wolf running past the gatehouse but the shots fired were by young and inexperienced soldiers who weren't capable of hitting the broad side of a barn. I entered the safety of the forest minutes later and returned to my family.
Only one commented on my absence, my mate. "You smell of humans," he remarked.
I ignored him and returned to the den to feed my children.
* * * * *
Months passed by and my cubs were now weaned. They no longer slept in the den but joined with the others outdoors. Only my tiny daughter found this frightening. She cowered in the presence of the others, perhaps sensing their rejection of her small size. They would exile her soon in spite of my position within the clan. This worried me. I spent many days wondering what to do for her but all that I could do was see Caroline's face in my mind. Then it hit me. Caroline could take in Luna. She was lonely and my cub's gentle personality would be a comfort to her.
That night, I tread softly and woke Luna from her sleep. I whispered for her to follow me and we crept from the sleeping place and into the forest. My daughter said nothing for many minutes until her shaky voice asked if I was going to kill her.
Startled at such a question, I stopped and turned to face her.
"No, my daughter, but even you in your youth know the others will banish you soon. I have a safe place for you to go to. Trust me, Luna, I only wish to protect you."
My daughter said nothing more and I resumed our journey towards the Army base. Once we reached the fence, I began digging a hole for her to crawl though. It wasn't large but it would do. I transformed into my half human shape and went over the fence while she crawled under the chain links. I made a quick but painful changeover to my true form then we headed directly for Caroline's home.
When we got there, the window was closed due to the cooler evenings. I scratched on the panes with my paw until she woke and came to the window. She saw me there and opened the window. She reached out to touch me but I didn't dare allow this. My need for her was too great. Instead, I lowered my mouth and took hold of my tiny child. I lifted her carefully and placed her in Caroline's hands. I didn't give any of us time to comment or ask questions. I turned away, leaving my child in her care.
* * * * *
The months passed as I spent time teaching my sons how to hunt and taught them all they needed to know to survive. My relationship with their sire dwindled and finally he stopped trying to get close to me. As my sons became more independent, my interest in the clan lessened. My thoughts kept returning to Caroline. Finally I could take no more and I left our camp in full daylight without comment.
I reached the front gate of the base and waited until the busy guard's attention was away from my direction and rushed past him. No one stopped me as I trotted along the sidewalk although more than one mother yanked her kid inside at the sight of a huge dog. I didn't care. I approached Caroline's home just after noon and my nose told me she wasn't inside but behind the building. I found her there putting up laundry on the clothesline while Luna sat at her feet and watched happily.
She was the first to see me and greeted me, running up to me and nuzzling my muzzle. I licked her in return as Caroline noticed me. She squealed my name and threw her arms around me awkwardly, her belly making it difficult.
I was home.
Generations, part 8
Caroline had been taking good care of my daughter. Luna was healthy and happy in her care. Although she would never be a large Wolven, she would at least live a normal lifetime. She spent her days following Caroline around in adoration. I can't say I blamed her since I loved the strawberry-blonde woman myself.
I also followed her every step during her day but my excuse was that she needed help during her advanced pregnancy. Caroline was huge with her baby and often had trouble just standing up much less carrying things about. I would fetch what I could for her. When that wasn't feasible I would stand next to her so she would have something to hold onto when attempting to rise. I ignored the painful grip on my scuff as she pulled herself upwards.
My appearance in her life brought a lot of curious questions from her friends in the neighborhood. I'm afraid that I frightened her closest neighbor when I opened the front door when the doorbell chimed. I have to admit that having a door open to reveal a wolf that stood at rib height could be unnerving. However, the woman only screamed once before Caroline shushed her and told her it was all right. The woman eyed me nervously as she sidestepped into the living room.
"Caroline, what in the world...?"
Caroline chuckled, "This is my childhood pet, Myrtle. Elk is sweet even if she looks scary."
"If y-you say so," the older woman squeaked.
I sighed. I very well couldn't frighten off all her friends or Caroline would be both lonely and vulnerable if something happened to her. I would have to work hard at appearing harmless to the nearest people on the block at least. Besides, I didn't want some over protective M.P. to show up and try to shoot me because he was afraid for his children. I would begin with this woman.
I sat quietly as they chatted but every once in a while I would inch closer to her. The woman fidgeted a bit but didn't draw away. Eventually I was near enough that I could place my chin on her knee. I slowly lowered my head and did my best to look at her innocently and puppyish. It was several minutes before she lifted a shaky hand and stroked the top on my head. I let my tail thump against the floor and closed my eyes. She became braver with each minute. I had won a friend.
The next set of visitors was Dolly and Sandra. Dolly was an attractive woman with a four-year-old in tow behind her. She had stopped by to see if my mistress needed anything.
"Mommy! Look at the doggy!" her child had shouted, heading right at me. Ugh, I knew that look from the tar shack camp. It meant I was going to be this girl's favorite ride whether I liked it or not. Within seconds she was straddling my back and grabbing hold of my coat. I whined in misery even as the woman came to my rescue, pulling Sandra off of me and scolding her softly.
I noticed that Luna kept out of sight during the visit. I didn't know whether to think of her as cowardly or smart.
The next day Caroline made an appointment with the base veterinarian. It seems one of her neighbors reminded her that all dogs on the base had to have tags. I have never been to a vet before and the prospect of being there made me nervous. Dolly's husband stopped by with his huge Chevy car since Caroline didn't know how to drive. I reluctantly got into the back seat while Caroline rode up front. I was grateful the window was partly down because fresh air was all that saved me from becoming ill on his leather seats. I closed my eyes, sickened by the motion of the moving automobile and groaned.
When the car finally came to a stop I crawled out of it and headed for the grassy lawn in front of the building. Within seconds my lunch had made a return trip and I vowed to never, ever get back in that Chevy. Caroline petted me in sympathy and we slowly made our way inside.
I stern faced receptionist took a look at me, unfazed by my sized and reminded Caroline that animals were required to wear a collar and leash. My mistress apologized, explaining that in her condition she hadn't had time to shop for them but reassured her that I was well trained. The woman grunted in doubt.
"We'll see," she murmured, telling Caroline to take a seat. I sat down next to her and remained quiet. I didn't want to get on this woman's bad side. She was probably the one who gave shots.
When the vet entered the waiting area, he took one look at me and began writing notes on his clipboard. I hope that wasn't a bad thing. I stood steady while Caroline rose to her feet then followed the two of them to a back examination room. At first he considered having me placed on the table but he changed his mind. He began examining me as I sat on the floor, humming from time to time. After he was finished he took his chart and began asking Caroline questions. They seemed pretty routine to me until he asked my age. Caroline's question surprised him.
"She's fourteen? Are you certain? She's in excellent health and I would have guessed that she was only about four years old at the most," he told her.
My mistress shrugged. "I've had her since I was six years old and I'm nearly twenty-one, Doctor."
He shook his head and took another look at my teeth before taking more notes.
"When was her last rabies and distemper shots?"
"She's never had them. We were too poor," she explained. It was a common problem during the 1930's. The doctor told her how much it was and before she could complain about the cost, he reminded her that I would be taken banned from the base if she refused to have me vaccinated. She nodded sadly and I realized her funds were low and my appearance just made it worse.
I received the painful shots and Caroline got the tags from the receptionist after paying her bill. We left the building. Daniel was waiting for us and he kindly handed Caroline a cheap collar he had purchased at the BX while she was inside. The tags were attached then the collar placed around my neck. It felt odd but at least it wasn't choking me. Daniel opened the back door but I refused to get inside. I whined at my mistress and began trotting down the sidewalk towards home. I'd be damned if I ever sat in a car again.
Caroline turned towards Daniel. "She's gonna beat us home, you'll see."
"Not with this engine. Let me help you in then we'll race Elk home."
* * * * *
"Caroline, I was wondering," Daniel began as the five of them sat around the picnic table. "Danny is in the Boy Scouts. He has about every badge except for a few. One of them is the dog care one. Since we don't own a dog I was wondering if he could borrow Elk?"
Caroline chuckled. "Sure, its fine with me. But you ought to ask Elk first."
"Ask Elk?" Daniel said, wondering if Caroline was teasing him.
Caroline looked embarrassed then shrugged. "Pa and I always thought she was pretty smart. It seems she almost understands what we say."
"Uh huh, if you say so," Daniel told her, not wanting to offend her by making fun of that idea.
Caroline and I exchanged looks. I'm sure my expression showed offense at his attitude. Caroline adjusted her posture then looked at Daniel while speaking to me. "Maybe someone ought to go fetch me another soda from the cooler."
Before Daniel or Dolly could offer to get it for her. I trotted over to the metal cooler and pushed up the lid with my snout. After that it was easy to stick my head inside and grab hold of a nice cold bottle of cola. I returned to Caroline and placed the bottle in her waiting hand then went back to my spot under the tree. Daniel stared at me then turned to my mistress.
"You trained her to do that," he accused.
"No I didn't. We never trained her to do anything. I told you she's smart."
He still didn't look convinced so Caroline challenged him to test me.
He clapped his hands and told me to come over to him. I sat in front of him and waited.
"Lay down," he ordered. Oh brother. That was the best he could do? I yawned and rested on the grass. "Okay, roll over, Elk." This man was pathetic. He continued with just basic commands, which I obeyed, then he sat back. "I told you so. Elk has been taught a few things," he said smugly.
I could tell Caroline was as exasperated as I was with his mentality. She looked around for an idea to show him how intelligent I was. She spotted Myrtle and her husband walking hand in hand down the sidewalk.
"Daniel, notice that I'm not looking at Elk or pointing. Elk, go fetch Myrtle and bring her here."
I ran over to the couple. They both greeted me happily and I was glad that Myrtle had gotten over her fear of me. What I was about to do would do would frighten many people. I took her free hand by the wrist and began tugging her firmly towards Caroline. She came along good-naturedly and her husband followed.
Caroline grinned as we approached. Look what the dog dragged in," she teased, giving Daniel a satisfied look.
* * * * *
Maybe we shouldn't have shown off in front of Daniel. It had been a matter of pride but how was I to know the human was part of a special project that involved animal intelligence? Within days of our little demonstration I found myself being scrutinized by a sour faced officer in Caroline's back yard.
"You really think this mutt can learn the route, Sergeant?"
"I'm sure of it, General. Elk is the same animal that slipped past the night sentry a few weeks ago. She's smart as hell."
Caroline was reluctant to agree to my being trained for something and not given the details. Only the fact that she felt duty bound to agree. After all, she was married to a soldier. So she let them get away with escorting me away from her side. I was taken to one of the training barracks located on the far side of the base.
After the sickening ride I was put in charge of a young corporal who led me to an obstacle course. He began teaching me the exact course. That was fine. I learned it well enough before noon. We went to the mess hall for lunch and he bragged about how quick I learned the basic course. One of the sergeants grunted then told Corporal Sweeney to begin phase two, whatever that meant.
Phase Two was a nasty turn for the worst. I was going along the course when suddenly something exploded near me. I nearly jumped out of my fur and then was yelled at when I stopped following the path. The corporal prodded me with a stick and urged me to continue on. The nightmare continued all afternoon. The son of a bitch wanted me to finish the course at least a dozen times while nasty things like gas and bombs frazzled my nerves. By the time they finished with me for the afternoon all I wanted was to return to Caroline and cuddle. In fact, I was seriously thinking about sneaking out later that evening and going home. After all, I wasn't the one who volunteered for this!
Later that night I was cursing and locked up in a cage with a lock on the door. Maybe the stupid soldiers were smarter than I thought. I noticed that the other dogs, most of them German Shepherds, were in cages too but none of their cages had locks. I would have to think of a way out of this situation and soon. Caroline was due to have her baby any day now and I wanted to be near her.
I wearily put my head down and waited for the new day.
Continued...