Giving her up

The air was electric with excitement as we, the competitors, readied ourselves for the thrilling transformation into our wolf forms. I could feel the anticipation bubbling up inside me as I braced for the familiar rush of fur sprouting from my skin and my muscles shifting and reshaping.

As the change took hold, I reveled in the sensation of raw power and agony coursing through my veins, my senses sharpening to a razor's edge. When the transformation was complete, I stood on all fours, my wolf self mirroring the determination and readiness I felt as a human.

Around me, my fellow competitors underwent their transformations, and with a collective howl that sent a rush of adrenaline down my spine, the competition officially began, and we surged forward, our paws pounding against the earth as we raced toward the hunting grounds.

The scent of prey hung in the air, driving us forward with a primal urge to hunt and conquer. As we navigated through the dense foliage and rugged terrain, our pack instincts guided us, leading us toward our target with precision.

Amidst the chaos of the hunt, I locked eyes with Cole, his wolf forms a fierce presence among the competitors. There was a silent challenge in his gaze, sparking a rivalry that only fueled my determination to succeed.

As the hunt progressed, the tension mounted, pushing us to our limits as we fought for dominance amidst the primal chaos of the forest. The sounds of snarls and growls filled the air as we clashed with our prey.

And then, I spotted my prey - a magnificent stag, its antlers gleaming in the sunlight as it bounded through the undergrowth. With a surge of adrenaline, I sprang into action, my instincts guiding me toward my target with unwavering focus.

The chase was exhilarating, a blur of motion and adrenaline as I pursued the stag with single-minded determination. With each stride, I closed the distance between us, my senses attuned to its every move.

And finally, with a burst of speed, I closed in, my jaws snapping shut around the stag's throat in a swift and decisive strike. With a triumphant howl, I brought down my prey, tearing at its neck as I savored the taste of blood that taunted my tongue. 

When the light finally died down in its eyes, I dragged it away, back toward our territory. The moment I appeared out of the woods, the sound of cheering and hooting filled the air as my pack rejoiced over our triumph, the pride welling within me at our shared accomplishment as I tossed the deer to the ground, looking around as I basked in glory. 

My mother slowly clapped, and I caught a faint smirk on my father's face as he silently nodded at me. But then his eyes suddenly darkened with rage glowing in them and when I turned around, I saw Cole dragging two jaguars by their feet and tossing them on the ground before mine. The deafening silence echoed after the loud thud they made, a chorus of murmurs rising. 

Suddenly, Cleo stood at the judges' table and started cheering with a little dance and a wild smile, "Go, Cole! You are awesome!" 

My wolf ears twitched as I heard others joining in, their voices growing louder until they were nearly screaming, chanting, "Cole, Cole, Cole." 

"Silence!!" My father's voice suddenly boomed, his voice reverberating throughout the clearing. All noise ceased instantly, and he looked upon us, eyes blazing with anger, "The competition is not over! Not yet!"

"His pack has the two top wolves in the lead. Why does he seem more angry than happy." A mumble echoed in my ear.

"Isn't it obvious? The one in the lead is Cole. Of course, he would be pissed off." Another mumbled.

Struggling to keep my wolf from raging out, I looked over at my mother, and she gave me a faint smile before nodding in approval. I returned the gesture and then eyed Cole before turning around and racing into the forest.

The sight of him speeding past me sent a surge of rage through me, but I pushed it down, focusing instead on the task at hand. I had to catch up, to prove myself worthy of the title, to show my father that I was just as capable, if not more so, than Cole.

With renewed rage, I pushed my muscles to their limits, my paws pounding against the forest floor as I raced after my rival. The wind whipped through my fur, the scent of the jaguars still lingering in the air as I pushed forward with single-minded focus.

As I closed in on Cole, I could see the determination in his eyes, the same fire that burned within me. But I refused to let him outshine me, refused to let his victory go uncontested.

With a burst of speed, I surged forward, closing the gap between us until I was running neck and neck with him, our breaths coming in ragged gasps as we pushed each other to the limit.

Just then, our gaze rested on a Bengal tiger, and then we locked eyes, a spark of defiance and hatred igniting within me.

Suddenly, I launched toward the Bengal tiger, but Cole held back unlike what I thought. He then changed direction, rushing further into the wood. 

The roar of the tiger shook me out of my reverie, reminding me that this wasn't the time to be distracted. I quickly turned around and launched at it in excitement, knowing that a kill like this would put me at the top, realizing that Cole was giving Cleo up so easily, and I didn't know if I should get offended or not.

As I reached the tiger, my jaws opened wide, preparing to sink my fangs deep into its jugular. Before I could take a bite though, a powerful force knocked me backward, sending me sprawling across the ground with a yelp.