Chapter Fourteen: The Hunter of Wolves

Michael and John hunt for the black wolf, William

           Hunting werewolves?  How can he know?  He obviously doesn't know who I am, or else he would've killed me already.  "Werewolves, huh?  Why would you actually hunt a werewolf?"
           "I have my reasons.  They're dangerous.  They're killers," John replied grimly.  "I must say, I am surprised you believe in werewolves.  Most people don't."  He held his axe with both hands.
           Michael fumbled over an explanation.  "Well, yes, I've heard stories of werewolves lately, actually.  I think I know quite a bit about them."
            "Really," the newcomer studied Michael, "do you fear the wolves?"
            "No more than anyone else."
            "Well then, would you care to join me?"  John asked.  "I have to admit that I don't know much about them."
            "Is it the black wolf that you hunt?"  Michael question, thinking of William.
            John looked surprised at Michael's knowledge of what the wolf looked like.  "That's one.  There's a smaller, gray wolf too."
            Michael knew who the gray wolf was, but he couldn't tell John that he was talking to it.  "I don't know the gray one, but I know where you can find the black wolf.  Follow me."
            "Alright.  Is this your ranch, Mr...?"
            "Madison.  Michael Madison.  And no, this ranch belongs to some friends of mine.  They're not around anymore though.  I have reason to believe the black wolf killed them last night."  Michael could recall the conversation with William.
            "So you've lost people too," John sighed.
            "Who did you lose, John?  If you don't mind my asking."
            John looked at him for a moment before replying.  "My wife.  My son.  Most of my town.  I've lost everyone."  His voice dropped low.  "So now I have to kill those creatures and any others I come across." 
             Michael motioned for him to follow, and the two left in the direction William went.  Together we'll kill William.  After that...after that I'll either have to run or kill John.  Or else he'll kill me. 
            Together the two walked.  The werewolf and the werewolf hunter.  The creature of the night sky and the hunter of darkness. 
             For the rest of the day, the two walked.  Michael wasn't sure exactly where William had stopped, but he knew they were going the right way.  Evening came, and Michael was beginning to feel nervous that the moon would come out before they found William.  He was also apprehensive about the decision about John.  Their journey had brought them together.  They had begun to become friends.  I can't kill him.  I'll have to run once William's dead.  Run or die.  It seems like that's all I do anymore: run or kill are my only choices so I can survive now.  That's not a life for anyone to live. 
             A town came into view.  More of a small gathering of houses than an actual town, Michael was sure this is where William waited.  "John, this is where he should be.  Be careful now."  John nodded and grabbed his gun. 
             Emerging from the trees near the "town", the pair stopped.  Standing in front of them was a man with gray eyes.  A bearded man whose beard seemed to be spreading across his entire body.  "Michael!"  William called out.  "Welcome!  Who's your companion?"
             Michael called back, "I'm here to refuse your offer, William.  We came here to finish this.  For John's family...and my humanity.  You've stolen both.  So we're here to take something too.  Your life."
             William smiled his wide, toothy smile; the change was almost complete.  "You're welcome to try."
             Turning to John, Michael warned him, "You won't like what I'm going to do.  But it's the only way to kill him."  Michael began to change.  "Just remember John," the growling voice cautioned, "we're on the same team.  We need each other until the black wolf is dead.  Remember that."  John nodded reluctantly and raised his gun at William.
              Two wolves and a human faced each other.  The wolves howled.  The human yelled. 
              There was chaos once again.

Reviews

[Ardeth Lane]

I can't believe that John went along with Michael so easily! I would have half expected him to feel repulsive towards him at least a little bit y'know?

[loowzerX]

I like the ending most. it's very effective. and I agree. best werewolf story ever.

[Shin]

A tag team on William, unexpected, but somehow, I did imagine it as a possibility, a cool one too, great job on this, this is like one of the best werewolf stories ever written I swear, it's just that great, I hope to read more.