Disclaimer: I do not own Little Red Riding Hood

His body stilled, muscle and sinew and bone coming to a graceful stop as blood dripped from his fangs. He lowered himself onto all four and gave his body a soft shake, his thick black fur rustling softly and the thick chain around his neck jingled. On the other end of the chain stood a girl, the leash in one hand and an axe in the other. Her grip on the weapon loosened and she affixed it once more to her back with a single fluid motion. The glowing green eyes of the beast before her watched every move with a subtle curiosity. She knew if she did not pay it enough attention it would result in her death, and so, kept a vigil eye on the creature at all times.

"Master." He gave a patronizing bow, his features twisted in a smirk. His hand went absently to hang on the thick leather strapped to his neck. While in human form, he still had the telltale mark of a werewolf in his canine ears protruding from his mop of black hair, and slightly elongated incisors. Her eyes narrowed on him.

"Best be careful how you play with that, lest you'll end up like these." She said toeing the recently felled carcass at her feet.

"And you best be careful how you play with that axe, lest you end up between my teeth." He said, ears back, teeth bared. She gave the chain a warning yank and he snarled, but backed down.

"We'll sleep here tonight. Clear the bodies while I start a fire." She said.

"As you wish." He bowed once more, his words dripping hostility.

They sat to their first freshly cooked meat in weeks and had enough to pack away for the next day's journey. His eyes followed her every move, and hers, his, but with her ever clutching the chain, and axe so close at hand he dared not make a move. Not yet at least. For now, her word was binding, but soon, he vowed. Soon.

"Get some rest. I'll take first watch." She said, knowing full well neither of them would sleep. They were too vulnerable in this position, and the fire didn't help. He was silent and moved to the safest vantage point, all senses on high alert.

She watched him move, his tanned scarred skin hiding his unimaginable power. His green eyes shut, but his ears were constantly swiveling. The nighttime creatures were emerging and he was aware of every single one. She too was aware, alert, vigilant.

There were two approaching, one on land and one in the sky. Cleverly stealthy, the barn owl ghosted low over the trees, its primaries' giving it undetectably silent flight, but the moonlight glittered in its orb like eyes. On land, the approaching human made nary a sound, his approach only noted by his faint breathing and even fainter heartbeat. He slowed, signaling the owl to inspect their target. Returning shortly it gave no signs of any real danger. Through the tall grasses he saw a small girl and a sleeping man. The girl was so slight and dainty she wouldn't even reach his shoulder in height and her delicate frame would definitely not withstand even an attack from his owl. The sleeping man however, could prove more difficult. He signaled his owl to take the girl while he sought out the man. Stealthily he moved around their small camp, nearing the man, but before he made it even half way, the girl suddenly appeared in front of him.

She pounced, axe swinging expertly and relieving the would-be attacker of his head. The owl swooped low to attack and managed to drive one taloned foot into her left hand before she got a good hold on it and snapped its feathered neck in one move. She dropped the bird by the fire and went over to check the man's body. "Thief, bandit probably." She reported to the wolf, knowing he was listening.

"Justify all you want, you killed that man, cold blooded murder." He replied, not opening his eyes.

"I should have let him kill you." She grumbled as she dragged the body away.

"What stopped you?" He asked. Her eyes found his. He'd never thought of her as light hearted or easygoing, or even the type of person to show any emotion at all, but in that moment, for a brief flash he saw amusement before her gaze returned to cold and unfeeling.