“Ouch.” Valerie’s waist-long rich brown hair spilled around her shoulders as she tripped over one of the many bones littering the deep blue carpet. Their dog never seemed to finish any of his bones. With their large German Shepard spreading them throughout the house you were bound to trip on at least one, every day. Freckles looked up from his current bone, his ears perked up. Valerie could see only the blackness in his eyes, it sent a shiver down her spine. Sometimes when she was left home alone, like tonight, she got the feeling he would lose control, and turn on her.
Freckles was rescued three years ago from the humane society; having been abused as a puppy he tended to not like most people. Somehow Laura fell for Freckles and he became hers. Their love had forged strong. He was extremely protective of her, including everytime Valerie got angry with her sister. He would stand in between them --his but to Laura-- letting out a deep growl, hackles risen, teeth bared; his warning not to touch his love. Honestly he terrified Valerie, she hated being left alone with him. Settling herself on the sofa she opened her book and drifted into the other world.
Crack. Crunch. Teeth scraping on bone dragged her from the pages. ‘It’s only him gnawing on his bone, calm yourself Valerie,’ she thought turning her attention back to her book. The sound continuing to pierce her concentration. Finally admitting defeat she closed her book and rose with uncertainty. With every scrape she felt a shiver run down her spine, sparking a deep chill within. Hoping to reassure herself she reached down to pat his head.
Her hand was inches from his thick brown fur when he lifted his head, a deep throaty growl warned her not to touch him. She froze, terror swept over her. She couldn’t pull her hand back, her black sock clad feet were bolted to the carpet beneath. Eyes wide fearing what was sure to come, she saw his lips pull back. Teeth sharpened from bones, shimmered in the light. Slowly she managed a step back, away from the beast. Her foot touched solid ground and Freckles seemed to grow, he stood a gigantic beast ready to rip her apart.
The door creaked open and she saw him tense, ready to lunge at this oncoming prey. “Valerie, Freckles we’re home.” Laura shook the snow from her boots, not even glancing up. The beast’s hackles shrank, his lips loosened. His tail started wagging back and forth as he loped towards his friend; all preys’ forgotten.