L.F. Gardner’s story from WEREWOLVES VERSUS: NATURE puts the reader in the pelt of a werewolf prepared – eager, even – to defend its territory from particularly unwelcome invaders.

You would like to think you’re some sort of vigilante. A hero that swoops in to stop the evil-doers. You’re not; you’re just hungry. There is no line of reasoning that can justify what you do - you’re just hungry.

You smell Hemlock - Tsuga canadensis.
The bark of this tree can be used to treat colds and fevers.

It’s not like you eat somebody every time. Only when somebody is stupid enough to be there. They know by now. The papers published it six months ago - GRUESOME ATTACK AT NATURE SANCTUARY. Really, if they’re here, they’re asking for trouble. Asking to see you. Asking for you to see them.

You smell White Birch - Betula papyrifera.
The bark of this tree can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is also a diuretic and a laxative.

It’s their own fault for being here. This is a State Park. They come here after dark to drink, and carve their names in trees, and have sex, and paint their names on rocks. They come here to destroy.

You smell White Oak - Quercus alba.
This tree’s wood is popular for flooring, lumber, and interior woodworking.

The leaf litter crunches under your feet despite your best efforts. You are trying to walk slowly and purposefully, but you are excited. You’re excited because you’re hungry, and you’re excited because you hate them. They come here to destroy.

You smell Red Oak - Quercus rubra.
The acorns of this tree offer a food source for a variety of animals, including humans who know how to prepare them.

A short laugh! You heard it! The laugh came from the northwest. There must be more than one if they are laughing like that. More than one here to destroy. More than one challenging you.

You smell White Pine - Pinus strobus.
The needles of this pine tree are full of vitamin C.

Your paws are fast and your ears are sharp - you can hear their chatter. What are they talking about? School? Sports? Television? Will they hear your approach? You will need to be completely silent. They are not fools - they’ve seen the newspaper articles; they know it is not safe here.

Read the rest and discover what happens to these inconsiderate interlopers in WEREWOLVES VERSUS: NATURE, available for $1 or more at Itch.io! Your purchase will benefit all of the contributors to this issue.