Running From the Alpha

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ….

Sarah Marie jolted awake with sweat furrowing her eyebrows. Reaching out attempting to shut off the monster screaming in her ear to roll out of her nice cozy red satin sheet bedding and start her day.

Groaning Sarah Marie shuffled to the bathroom and began brushing her teeth and washing the sleep off her face.

Gazing at her reflection of long brown hair that was pulled back in a braid. Bright blue eyes were looking back and roaming over her soft facial features. Plump full lips were pouted out. A nose ring hung off the left side of her nose and septum hung from the bottom. Floral tattoos stretched up and down the right side of her arm. Sporting a crescent moon on the left thigh above her knee.

Sarah undid her braid and brushed out her tangles after a restless sleep. Nightmares have been haunting her and becoming more frequent. Images of a black blur flashed across her mind and she shuddered. The same nightmare has been playing on repeat every night this past week.

Moving swiftly to her closet she threw on a black tank top, black stretchy shorts, and running shoes.

Pausing, she couldn’t help but wonder why she felt so restless today even with the nightmares she never felt this restless.

Pushing the thought to the side she grabbed her pink key ring and hopped into her black car with tinted windows to head to her favorite hiking spot to help clear her head. Sarah was very proud of her car. She spent so many hours customizing this car. Rubbing her hand down the leather steering wheel and giving a quick pat of encouragement they rolled out of the driveway.

The sun began to rise and rays of light began to break the morning sky to began a new day that brought a fresh start. Sarah Marie sighed then smiled at the pink and orange rays that peeked through the horizon warming her up instantly.

The drive felt as if it lasted way longer then it normally has.

Pulling into the parking lot gravel crunched under her tires. The small wood sign read Wolf Creek State Park. Taking her normal parking spot in the back corner closest to the forest she threw her car in park.

Grabbing her pink water bottle, a blanket, and keys she began her journey down the dirt path that separated the tall full trees. Yellow small flowers were on each side of the dirt path that hinted at where Sarah Marie intended to go.

Venturing further and deeper into the forest she could hear the wildlife and river roaring to life. The closer she got to the split path the river gave a cool refreshed feeling. Sarah looked left contemplating if she should change her normal route and go left to visit the river.

Shaking her head she pushed on to the right and headed for her spot that she thought could only be visited in dreams.

Passing over the small hill she beamed. Flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors sprouted from the grassy area. The meadow seemed as if it gained more beauty each time she visited.

Red, yellow, blue, pink and purple hues coated the area like morning dew.

Sitting on the beginning edge of the meadow she took a few deep breaths and relaxed. Searching over the flowers in the meadow Sarah attempted to memorize the overwhelming amount of flowers. The meadow never ceased to fail at relaxing Sarah Marie no matter how overwhelming her life felt.

Taking a few more deep breaths she relaxed her shoulders sighing and closed her eyes.

After her parents passed in a car crash last year she felt her life hasn’t been the same. Closing everyone off felt like the right thing to do to help her cope. Sarah felt if she continued her life as before it would feel like she could handle living without them and was moving on. Working became her number one priority. Spending more time at work than home made time pass by quicker.

A few minutes passed when she felt eyes on her as if she was being watched. Watched like prey before an animal pounced and got the kill. Pretending not to notice thinking her nightmares were starting to get the best of her. Suddenly she heard a chuff and her heart rate began to quicken. Maybe she wasn’t alone after all. She continued not to notice. Maybe whatever it is will go away.

A low growl sounded. Her heart started beating out of her chest. There was no way she could slow it down now.

Slowly opening her eyes she squinted trying to adjust.

Once her eyes cleared she saw the biggest wolf she’s ever seen directly across from her at the other end of the meadow.

The wolf was an astonishing black with what looked to be bright green eyes.

Raising its head it sniffed the air then locked eyes with Sarah letting out a longer lighter growl.

Sarah Marie knew if she didn’t get out of there fast she would be this large wolf's next meal.

On shaky legs she blinked one last time at the wolf then took off as her life depended on it.