With his wound slowly healing itself closed on his thigh, Joshua’s limp was lessening with each passing mile of shadowy forest. Mouth open in a steady pant as he slowly trotted in a wide arc that would take him back to the scene where the fighting had started, the russet werewolf kept his ears perked for any hint of another’s approach, friend or foe, and tried to keep the thoughts of that night’s strange events firmly at the back of his mind. Hopping over a shallow stream, he paused as the soft padding of paws sounded to his left, his golden eyes immediately focusing on the approach of a figure through the trees. He had a moment to feel relief add the recognition of a fellow packmate before his insides felt like they were shriveling up as he recognized the other werewolf.

Hale’s greeting was a low growl, though Joshua didn’t rise to the bait of his alpha this time. Instead, he lowered his head submissively, tucking his tail between his legs and releasing a short huff at the grey wolf. Hale eyed him incredulously for a moment before snorting, baring his large fangs briefly before indicating with a sweep of his tail for Joshua to fall in behind him, turning and heading into the trees himself. Grateful for the lack of an attack, Joshua followed after the other wolf, curling a lip at his back, But otherwise suppressed his rebellious nature.

Together, they made their way back to the path, pausing together at the edge of the dirt trail to survey the quiet scene. A few bodies could be seen strewn about, a badly savaged human that was clearly dead, the booted foot of a hunter half concealed behind a bush, and the limp body of an unfortunate werewolf. Hale strode over to the wolf, investigating the dark fur with several quick sniffs. His lips lifted away from his teeth as rage lit his eyes. He then tilted back his head and howled. Joshua felt the call to the pack sing through his blood and he instinctively answered with a return howl. In the distance, he heard others return the call too, heard The swish of foliage as several large bodies began moving in their direction. He blinked briefly towards Hale before stepping back into the trees, edging himself away from the path. If any hunters were on a return trip, they would be sure to come back this way, and he didn’t want to be compelled into yet another fight. Sinking down onto his belly, Joshua sighed, Waiting patiently to see who would return first: the wolves or the hunters.