This is a story I have been writing on another site. I have decided to put it on here since many of you love wolves and such. So, hope you enjoy the story. It isn't finished yet, so I will still be updating from time to time so check back to see if there are any new chapters.
Find more stories of mine here.
Find more stories of mine here.
Characters
Jordan~.jpg)
Storm~
Snow~.jpg)
Scarlet~.jpg)
Brooke~
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Rage~
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Bronze
The Pack Winter~
Alpha Male~Storm
Alpha Female~SnowBeta~Crystal(Female)
Lead fighter-Rage(Male)
Fighters-Scarlett(Female), Dagger(Male), Gold(Female), and Mason(Male)
Lead Hunter-Myth(Female)
Hunters-Bronze(Male), Brooke(Female), Sparkle(Female), and Jordan(Female)
Mothers(Nursing or caring for pups at the moment)-Flake(Mate to Mason)
Pups-Thunder(Male), Stone(Male), and Feather(Female)
Chapter 1~Me
Hi, I'm Jordan. Yes, I am a shape shifter. I was abandoned as a kid, and now I live alone. Most of the time I am in my wolf form. I probably phased when I was about three or four years old. Young, I know, but it happened. I learned to live with it. Hunting for myself, finding my own shelter, and just living alone. I travel around looking for new places to hunt, and stay for the night. I've tried to join other packs of my kind. Yes, there are many. Most of the time I just hated being ordered around by the "Alpha" of the group. It bugs me to live where I have to do what the alpha says. I really don't even understand the creation of shape shifters. We have no purpose in the world. Why not just have wolf and human. That makes more sense to me. Not all humans are wolves, and not all wolves are humans. It's confusing.
I sighed as I walked through the snow. I was cold, hungry, and I had no shelter. My last shelter had gotten stolen by another lone wolf. Definetely not a shape shifter, but tough enough to fight me off. I hadn't had that much strength anyways. I hadn't eaten in days. With the snow on the ground, and a wolf pack in the area, it was hard to find food that you didn't need to fight for. Being on your own is tough sometimes, but its better this way. No pack will except me. Even my own kinds thinks I deserve to be alone. I guess I better go into the city and get some clothes so I can actually get some real food.
I do that every now and then. When I don't have enough meat to feed me, I change into my human form and get some food that way. I honestly have no idea if I was born a wolf or a human. When I was abandoned I was too young to remember much. Although I do remember a pack of wolves caring for me as a pup.
I walked up the snowy hill and towards the town close to the mountain. When I finally reached the road I started searching around for a good will. Luckily, the pack that raised me were shape shifters, so they taught me how to read. They also taught me other things, but right now reading was my only hope. I kept walking around searching for a blue sign, with giant letters on it saying 'Good Will.' I sighed in relief after I finally found it. I looked for the giant bin that they have outside and looked for a way inside. I growled when I saw the only way through was the flap where you put your stuff you don't want in. I huffed and crouched down to leap. I jumped inside and landed on a plastic toy which hurt really bad. I whimpered, but shook it off looking for clothes that would fit me. I found some, and hopped out of the giant box running back into the forest near the mountain. I phased into my human form and started walking along the road again. I looked at the signs seeing if I could find a nice grocery. I kept walking and walking until I finally found a Walmart. I would have been much happier with a Martin's, but this would have to do. I walked inside and looked around for the meat section. Even as a human I preffered meat over any other food. I walked towards the sign that showed meat on it, and I could smell them cooking chicken. I started to drool, but I quickly wiped it off knowing humans don't usually do that. I walked up to the counter and orders a turkey.
About five minutes later I walked back over from where I was admiring their meats, and picked up my turkey. It smelled so good it took all my strength to not tear it apart right here. I started to walk out the door when a beeping noise stopped me. I looked at the beeping machine in confusion.
"Ma'am?" Someone asked me.
I turned around and saw a store clerk.
"Wha?" I asked confused.
"You have to pay for that," She said motioning to the turkey in my hand.
I looked down at the turkey my mouth open. I don't have any money. How was I supposed to buy this without any money. I grinned at her. "Of course!" I said.
She fake smiled at me and I followed her to the check out. I gave her the turkey, and watched her scan it.
"That's be ten fifty," the girl said.
I growled.
"I'm sorry?" She asked startled.
"Nothing!" I said trying to control my frustration. "It's just...I don't have any money,"
She looked at me. "No money? Then you can't buy this turkey," She said with a glare.
I glared right back and rushed out quickly right before phasing in the middle of the parking lot. I saw a car with a startled lady in the front seat and rushed back towards the woods. This was great. How was I supposed to eat if I couldn't catch any food, and I didn't have any money to buy food?
Chapter 2~ Hungry
I walked slowly through the snow. I was exhausted. I was mad at myself for phasing like that in the middle of a parking lot. I have controlled my anger so many times why did it slip away with me when I really needed those clothes? Now I had no more clothes and I really didn't want to go back to the shopping center and get more. I walked more until I smelled something. I put my nose to the ground and started sniffing. Wolves. Great, just what I need. The pack is near by. I hadn't realized I wandered this far. I kept walking towards the village in the mountains where I knew they had scraps of food somewhere. I usually went to a village while I was hungry during winter.
I could see the village lights in the distance when I heard howls. They were close. I started to run towards the village so I wouldn't have to fight my way through. I was a good fighter for a loner with no fighting training whatsoever. I guess it helps to learn tricks while fighting. I kept running when I heard the patter of more feet behind me. Crap! They found me. I pushed harder on the snow trying to go faster. I looked back and saw two black wolves on my tail.I started to turn my head to look forward when something crashed into me sending me flying. I landed on my side. I struggled to catch my breath when a wolf shoved their face in mine and growled. 'What are you doing here?' The wolf threatened.
I stood up and shook out my fur. I caught my breath and glared at the wolf. 'I'm passing through!" I growled.
The second wolf was a female, like me, and looked at me sympathetically. 'Let her go, look at her. She's starving!' She said looking at the male.
He shook his head. 'No Scarlet. She'll just come back and steal food,' He said licking the side of her face.
I took that moment as a chance to escape and started running again. My side ached from that stupid male running into me from the side. I heard paws behind me again, but they were farther off. I felt triumph. They weren't going to catch me, and I could make out the shapes of the village homes. I was getting closer. I could practically taste the food in my mouth. When I got to the edge of the village I smelled them cooking home made food.
My mouth watered, but I knew I wasn't getting any of the good stuff. Maybe if I was a dog they would happily give me some shelter and food for a while until I would escape, but no I'm a wolf. Humans kill wolves. As long as we don't bug humans or their animals they leave us alone. I stalked up to a nearby trash can staying to the shadows. My snow white pelt helped me in the snow, but at night with their lights shining it would cause me trouble. It was dusk now. Not fully dark yet, but enough for my coat to reflect their stupid light.
I sniffed the trash can up and down. It smelled terrible! I sniffled in disgust, but found some chicken legs that weren't finished. I grabbed them in my mouth and lay down behind the trash can to eat.
I was just finished with the chicken when I heard a noise. My head shot up straight away and I looked around. Then, I heard barking. Great. The dog came into site and saw me. It growled and started barking. I stood up and was much bigger than the dog. It was a good sized dog, but me having an advantage of being a wolf I was much bigger. I growled at it, but it wouldn't back down. Stupid mutt. A light flickered on and I flinched at the bright light.
I heard a scream of a human. Oh no. I tried to run but heard a gun fire. Then everything was black.
Chapter 3~ Trapped
I woke up with my vision hazy. I growled. I blinked a few times to clear my vision and looked around. I saw metal bars all around me. Great I was in a cage. I was surprised they didn't shoot me with a real gun. Must have been one of their tranquilizers. I shakily stood up, but just ended back on my butt again. I whined. I hated cages. I hated being trapped. I liked to roam. I needed to get out of this cage and soon. Maybe if I howled that other pack would hear me and think it was one of their kind. I shook my fur out. Nonsense. They know their own pack's howl when they hear it.
Wait.Maybe they would think I was on their territory and they would come and attack! I could lead them to the village and scare the humans. I tried to stand again and this time just barely stood up. I looked up and saw how low the cage was. Great. How in the world was I supposed to howl if I couldn't put my muzzle in the air? I growled in frustration and lay back down on the cold metal. I tilted my head back and howled as loudly as I could. Which wasn't very loud since I was laying on the ground. I flicked my ears in the direction of the wolf pack and tried to listen for either howls or paws padding on the ground.
Nothing.
I tilted my head back again, but before I could how a human threw something at my cage. I bolted up and growled. The human looked at me and smirked.
"Nothing you can do in there puppy!" He sneered.
I growled. I had so many things to say to him. He was going to wish he never said those words. I would so phase back into my human form right now, but knowing I would be naked doesn't sound real good right now. Especially in front of this old guy who looks like the one to be a perv. I shook out my fur again and let my hair lay flat. I lay back down so I could howl again.
"Shut up!" The human said.
Knowing he couldn't do much, but tell me to be quiet I kept howling until a growl silenced me. I looked around to see where it was and saw the black female wolf I encountered yesterday. I looked at the human and saw him startled. He started stumbling back towards his house. I saw him going towards his gun.
'Watch out! He has a gun!' I screamed at the wolf.
'No worries there's more of us,' she said just as a whole bunch of wolves came out of the forest teeth bared. I stared in astonishment. They weren't here to fight me. They were here to rescue me. Was that howl so pitiful that it sounded like a 'help?' I shook out my fur embarrassed, but happy that they were here to save me.
The human grabbed the gun and pointed it at the black female, but dropped it when he saw all of the wolves. Many black wolves, a few white, and three or four russet colored wolves. I knew this wasn't all the pack. Just the ones not out hunting or not taking care of their pups. I had to be honest. I loved the way packs worked together. I just hated that I couldn't roam. Maybe this pack is different. That black female seemed to care about others. Maybe they would take me in and I could finally fit in with them. These wolves were definetly not the same. They all had different shades of fur coats. Their eyes all had their own sparkle to them.
The human started running back to his house, but a russet colored wolf attacked him and grabbed his leg. The russet colored wolf let go when a large gray wolf growled.
He must be the alpha.
I looked at the pack. The 'alpha' motioned to a wolf, and the wolf went into the woods. Suddenly a human came back. I stared astonished. They were shape shifters. The new human started talking.
"Let the wolf go," She said.
The human stared at her with wide eyes. I understood exactly why. She was beautiful. Even as a wolf she was gorgeous.
"Let her go!" She nearly growled.
The human looked startled and reached in his pocket and took out some keys. He walked over to my cage and I bared my teeth at him. Once I was out and raced over to where the wolves were. The girl walked back into the woods and the wolves started running. I tried to find the black female, and when I did I ran up to her. 'Thanks for saving me,' I said.
She nodded and kept running along with her pack. I ran along and they finally stopped. The alpha came towards me with the female beside him. 'Leave!' he said.
I was taken aback. I was for sure he would let me stay. 'I can't join?' I asked him startled.
He shook his giant head. 'We used to have peace with the village. Now they must hate wolves!' He said.
I shrunk down into the snow. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to know the beautiful gray wolf's name. I wanted to become friends with the black female.
'Leave. Or die!' He bellowed.
I shook out my fur and stood tall. I was almost as tall as he was. For a female I was pretty big. I was scrawny from not eating much, but I was big. 'Why did you save me?' I asked.
He shook his giant head. 'Leave or you will die today,' He said again and walked off towards a dark part of the mountains with his pack following him. I stared after them wanting to go with them. To be warm. No, I was a loner. I would always be a loner.
Because....no one wanted me.
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Chapter 4~ The Kill
I stalked through the snow angry with myself. Why did I make it so everyone hated me? Why was I so unlikable? I mean I'm not any different from most of them in the pack. They were all either abandoned or didn't want to live with the pack or humans they were born too. Most of them were probably unwanted by someone. Me? I'm unwanted by everyone.
I had my head low. I was so ashamed. Embarrassed too. I shook my head and looked straight forward. I walked towards the forest so I could find shelter for the night. At the edge of the woods I turned and looked back towards the pack's camp. I sighed in frustration and walked into the woulds. I sniffed the ground and looked around cautiously. There was bound to be another lone wolf in here somewhere. Most of the time, those wolves weren't friendly. Lone wolves are usually very territorial because once they find a home they tend on staying there. Or, at least trying to. I finally found a cave made by a huge boulder and some fallen trees. I sniffed around the cave to make sure no wolf had already claimed it. I was happy when I didn't find any other sent besides rabbit on the rocks and branches. I squeezed my way under the fallen log and got inside. It was pretty big, and I think it would be a good place for me to start to settle. I walked in a circle around the place I wanted to sleep. Once all of the debris was flattened out and comfortable I lay down with a oomf. It had been forever since I've slept in a nice, warm place. I sighed in relief and lay my head on my paws. I was finally happy with a place for myself. Maybe the alpha sending me away was a good thing. Although, I still wanted to befriend that black female wolf. I wanted to know her name. I knew she was the one who told the pack to come and save me. It still surprised me that they did. If they didn't want me to join their pack why didn't they just leave me to stay with the humans? I had no idea.
After I was done with my heavy thinking my stomach growled. I couldn't wait till warmer weather came around, and I could hunt better. That pack takes all the good prey, and fights for whatever is left. I groan and lay on my side laying my head out on the dirt floor. I closed my eyes and started to think about prey. Soon enough I was asleep in my new den that I would soon call my home.
I woke up with the sun in my eyes. I stood up and almost hit my head forgetting I was in my new den. I stood up carefully and looked to see where the sun was coming in. I would have to patch up that hole to make sure it doesn't leak when it rains or when the snow starts to melt.
I squeezed back out of the den and stretched. I yawned and shook out my fur. I took a look around and finally saw everything clearly. It was pretty nice around the den. Many bushes and trees. I went up to a bush and sniffed it making sure it wasn't any of the poisonous bushes that are in the woods. When I made sure it wasn't I tore off some twigs and leaves and went to the hole in the side of my den. It looked like a chipmunk had dried to make a nest.
I shoved the leaves in the hole and sniffed the air. I was starving and I wanted food, now. I looked around and started to head out of the woods. When I was at the edge of the woods I sniffed the air again. Wolf. I growled. Not again. They would not get my food today. I sniffed the ground and found some deer tracks. I wagged my tail, but quickly held it still. This was going to be difficult. By the smell of it the deer was a buck, and would be hard to take down on my own.
Another reason I wanted to join a pack. Hunting deer and elk was easier in pairs or fours. I started to follow the track when the smell got really strong. I got into a hunting position and stalked forward. I peeked over a bush and saw the male deer eating from a low hanging tree branch. Perfect. It was distracted. I hopped over the bush and ran at it full speed. It heard me and its head shot up. Too late. I leaped towards its neck.
Holding on tightly as the deer swung his head back and forth I tried to bite his neck. He took a full powered swing and I flew off landing on my feet. Skidding to a halt I leaped again. There was no way I would get this deer by myself. Nipping at the deer's legs I heard footsteps. Just was I need a wolf trying to fight me for my deer. I growled and leaped at the deer's neck again. It fell over and I saw a flash of black leap on its back.
I took a killing bite to its neck and the deer lay still in the snow. Quickly I flung around ready to fight the wolf that had attacked the deer. This was my prey. I looked at the deer's back to see the black female standing there with a gleam in her eyes.
'This is mine!' I told her
She dipped her head and whined. 'Please let me take it to my pack' She pleaded.
I shook my head furiously. 'No, I tracked it and I killed it. It's mine!' I snarled.
She looked at me. 'Fine,' She said and stalked off.
I was happy it was her that came and not another one of her pack members. Filled with happiness I took a bite of the deer. Chewing happily I was suddenly knocked off my paws. I landed against a tree with a thud and saw a gray flash coming at me. The wolf put its paw on my neck and growled. I was dead.
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Chapter 5~ Try Again
I was breathing heavily. I was trying so hard not to panic. I heard a low growl above me, but the claws did not retract from my neck. I wanted to cry out. I wanted to lash out with my claws, but for some weird reason I was still. I breathed harder. Each time I would breath the weight on my neck got heavier and heaver.
'Didn't Storm tell you to leave?' The wolf said. I recognized that voice. That gray wolf that turned into a human when they were saving me? I started to struggle. I tried to roll over and kick out with my paws desperately trying to unbalance the wolf holding me down. The wolf snarled and leaped off of me. I bolted to my feet and got into a pounce position. My teeth bared I snarled at the wolf standing across from me.
Yep, it was her. 'He told me to leave the pack's camp! He said nothing about leaving the territory!' I snarled.
She growled. 'He meant the territory!'
I relaxed and sat down. She couldn't hurt me without her precious helpers to back her up. She was one of the smaller ones of the pack. Me, being a very large female, I could easily kill her. I wasn't going to though. If I did they would know it was me and be after me in no time. So, I just sat there.
'Where else would I go? These mountains have been my home forever!' I said acting desperate and flattening my ears to look innocent.
She growled in disgust.
'Where would a loner like me live outside of the mountains?' I whimpered trying to get her to cave in.
She shook her head. 'You're coming back with me, we'll just see what Storm has to say,' She snarled baring her teeth and then whipping around.
I stood behind her happy she had stopped trying to get me to leave. Now, all I had to do was convince Storm I wasn't a problem, and maybe get him to let me join his pack. I walked slowly behind the gray female as she stalked towards the direction of the pack's den. 'Do you mind telling me your name?' I asked her as politely as I could.
'Snow,' She snapped not even turning around.
Snow. That would be easy to remember. If only I could learn that black female's name. I think I heard her pack mate say it the day they confronted me, but I just can't remember. 'One more question?'
'What?' She growled obviously annoyed.
'What is that black female's name?' I asked her curiously.
'Which one?' She asked not even wanting to answer my question.
"The scrawny one. The one that had the pack save me that day in the cage,' I said.
She snorted. 'That's Scarlet, and she wasn't the one who wanted to save you,' She said.
She wasn't? That didn't make any sense. No one else in that pack wanted anything to do with me. I knew the pack hated me. Storm thought I was a danger to the pack. One wolf. A danger to a whole pack? I guess it could be possible. I mean, I did make them enemies with the humans.
'One more question?' I asked.
'No!' She snapped.
I wasn't surprised. I kept quiet and followed her the rest of the way.
When we got there Snow immediately took me to Storm. He didn't look at all surprised to see me again.
'Now what is she doing here for?' He asked clearly not happy to see me.
Snow glared at me. 'Caught a deer on our territory,' She said.
Storm looked at me. 'By yourself?' He asked.
I shook my head.
'Who helped you?' He demanded to know.
I looked down. I didn't want Scarlet to get in trouble, but why should I care about her? 'Scarlet did,' I told him.
He growled. 'Go get Scarlet,' He ordered Snow.
Snow nodded and padded out of the den quickly. A little later Snow came back in the den with Scarlet trailing behind. Scarlet didn't seem at all phased by the alpha wanting to see her until she saw me. Her face turned to pure horror.
'Why did you help this loner hunt, and then bring nothing to the pack?' He growled in her face.
'I uh, I,' She stuttered and looked down ashamed of herself. 'I don't know,'
He nodded and turned to me. 'I thought I told you to leave!' He snarled.
I started to shake a little in fright, but stopped. I couldn't show I was afraid. I needed to be brave. In order for him to accept me I would have to show that I was brave enough to stand up to him. I stood taller. 'I want to join your pack,'
'I already told you no. You cause too much trouble,' He said.
'But if I'm in your pack you will have control over me, and I will hunt for your pack!' I said.
He looked like he was about to consider it when a russet colored wolf came into the den panting. Storm looked at the wolf. 'What's wrong Gold?' He asked the female.
She caught her breath. 'The humans! They're coming on horses!'
'Didn't Storm tell you to leave?' The wolf said. I recognized that voice. That gray wolf that turned into a human when they were saving me? I started to struggle. I tried to roll over and kick out with my paws desperately trying to unbalance the wolf holding me down. The wolf snarled and leaped off of me. I bolted to my feet and got into a pounce position. My teeth bared I snarled at the wolf standing across from me.
Yep, it was her. 'He told me to leave the pack's camp! He said nothing about leaving the territory!' I snarled.
She growled. 'He meant the territory!'
I relaxed and sat down. She couldn't hurt me without her precious helpers to back her up. She was one of the smaller ones of the pack. Me, being a very large female, I could easily kill her. I wasn't going to though. If I did they would know it was me and be after me in no time. So, I just sat there.
'Where else would I go? These mountains have been my home forever!' I said acting desperate and flattening my ears to look innocent.
She growled in disgust.
'Where would a loner like me live outside of the mountains?' I whimpered trying to get her to cave in.
She shook her head. 'You're coming back with me, we'll just see what Storm has to say,' She snarled baring her teeth and then whipping around.
I stood behind her happy she had stopped trying to get me to leave. Now, all I had to do was convince Storm I wasn't a problem, and maybe get him to let me join his pack. I walked slowly behind the gray female as she stalked towards the direction of the pack's den. 'Do you mind telling me your name?' I asked her as politely as I could.
'Snow,' She snapped not even turning around.
Snow. That would be easy to remember. If only I could learn that black female's name. I think I heard her pack mate say it the day they confronted me, but I just can't remember. 'One more question?'
'What?' She growled obviously annoyed.
'What is that black female's name?' I asked her curiously.
'Which one?' She asked not even wanting to answer my question.
"The scrawny one. The one that had the pack save me that day in the cage,' I said.
She snorted. 'That's Scarlet, and she wasn't the one who wanted to save you,' She said.
She wasn't? That didn't make any sense. No one else in that pack wanted anything to do with me. I knew the pack hated me. Storm thought I was a danger to the pack. One wolf. A danger to a whole pack? I guess it could be possible. I mean, I did make them enemies with the humans.
'One more question?' I asked.
'No!' She snapped.
I wasn't surprised. I kept quiet and followed her the rest of the way.
When we got there Snow immediately took me to Storm. He didn't look at all surprised to see me again.
'Now what is she doing here for?' He asked clearly not happy to see me.
Snow glared at me. 'Caught a deer on our territory,' She said.
Storm looked at me. 'By yourself?' He asked.
I shook my head.
'Who helped you?' He demanded to know.
I looked down. I didn't want Scarlet to get in trouble, but why should I care about her? 'Scarlet did,' I told him.
He growled. 'Go get Scarlet,' He ordered Snow.
Snow nodded and padded out of the den quickly. A little later Snow came back in the den with Scarlet trailing behind. Scarlet didn't seem at all phased by the alpha wanting to see her until she saw me. Her face turned to pure horror.
'Why did you help this loner hunt, and then bring nothing to the pack?' He growled in her face.
'I uh, I,' She stuttered and looked down ashamed of herself. 'I don't know,'
He nodded and turned to me. 'I thought I told you to leave!' He snarled.
I started to shake a little in fright, but stopped. I couldn't show I was afraid. I needed to be brave. In order for him to accept me I would have to show that I was brave enough to stand up to him. I stood taller. 'I want to join your pack,'
'I already told you no. You cause too much trouble,' He said.
'But if I'm in your pack you will have control over me, and I will hunt for your pack!' I said.
He looked like he was about to consider it when a russet colored wolf came into the den panting. Storm looked at the wolf. 'What's wrong Gold?' He asked the female.
She caught her breath. 'The humans! They're coming on horses!'
(Picture is of Snow)
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Chapter 6~Accepted
I looked at Gold wildly. Humans on horses? Since when do humans in the village come out into the mountains on their horses?! I was startled and confused. I stared around at all the wolves gathered worriedly. Storm turned to me.
'If you prove you are loyal to this pack...' He trailed off. 'I will let you join,' He said dipping his head.
I bowed my head and looked at the pack. They were scared and confused. Gold rushed to the edge of the gathered wolves and started running towards the forest. Storm howled and raced after her. I gave chase and heard the rest of the pack running behind us.
'We can't let the humans find our dens,' He said to his pack.
They all howled in agreement and raced on. Soon they came to the edge of the forest where the village was just ahead. The pack stopped and stood there waiting and listening.
'Spread out,' Storm ordered. 'Make a line around the border of the territory. No humans will pass our scent mark unharmed,' He growled.
The wolves started to spread out into a line. I assumed that was the scent mark. I stood next to Scarlet on the line of the border and looked at her. She stared me in the eyes and nodded a greeting then looked forward as the sound of hooves came closer. Soon five horses with humans on their backs came into view. I heard a few wolves in the pack start growling and Scarlet got tense.
'I don't want to fight, I don't want to fight,' She kept repeating to herself.
I was worried. What if the humans had guns? I looked closer at the humans to see if they had come to kill. With our luck they came to chase us off, but with this many in our pack there was no way they would chase us off. I looked at the horses to see them getting a bit spooked by all the wolves. Especially being as fierce looking as they do now the horses must be terrified which would help us a lot in battle.
Storm howled and then charged the humans and their horses. The pack and I raced forward. The horses got startled and reared up neighing loudly. The humans shouted at the horses and pulled their reigns making them charge at us as well.
I looked at Storm and saw him approaching a horse. I almost yowled when the horse reared up, but he leaped under it nipping it's hind leg causing the horse to stumble to the ground landing on the human.
I raced towards a black horse and growled baring my teeth. It looked at me and reared up as well. I tried to do the same as Storm, but I wasn't fast enough. The horse came down on my tail and I howled in pain. Twisting around I chomped down on its front leg. Soon the horse fell over with two other wolves of the pack on top of it. I shook out my fur my tail throbbing and looked around the see the horses fleeing.
Storm howled telling the pack that the fight was over. The pack howled with him, but I stayed silent. This wasn't my victory. I wasn't part of the pack. I wasn't even sure if what I did was enough to prove I was loyal. I barely did much except distract the horse.
The pack turned and headed back towards the den. I sulked closely behind them.
Once back in the camp I looked around for Storm. I saw many of the pack members licking their wounds and the healer walking around seeing to the wolves who were hurt the most. I loved how the pack worked together. I really needed to get over my hate for being ordered around. Once I got accepted into this pack, if I ever do, I would be happy. Wolves there to care for me. Hunting for the whole pack. Helping the pack would make me feel like I actually had a purpose in this world. It would make me feel important.
I looked around one more time and saw Storm. I trotted up to him with hope in my eyes. He looked at me and nodded. I got all warm inside. I had did it! I had proved I was loyal! I was now a member of The Pack Winter.
'If you prove you are loyal to this pack...' He trailed off. 'I will let you join,' He said dipping his head.
I bowed my head and looked at the pack. They were scared and confused. Gold rushed to the edge of the gathered wolves and started running towards the forest. Storm howled and raced after her. I gave chase and heard the rest of the pack running behind us.
'We can't let the humans find our dens,' He said to his pack.
They all howled in agreement and raced on. Soon they came to the edge of the forest where the village was just ahead. The pack stopped and stood there waiting and listening.
'Spread out,' Storm ordered. 'Make a line around the border of the territory. No humans will pass our scent mark unharmed,' He growled.
The wolves started to spread out into a line. I assumed that was the scent mark. I stood next to Scarlet on the line of the border and looked at her. She stared me in the eyes and nodded a greeting then looked forward as the sound of hooves came closer. Soon five horses with humans on their backs came into view. I heard a few wolves in the pack start growling and Scarlet got tense.
'I don't want to fight, I don't want to fight,' She kept repeating to herself.
I was worried. What if the humans had guns? I looked closer at the humans to see if they had come to kill. With our luck they came to chase us off, but with this many in our pack there was no way they would chase us off. I looked at the horses to see them getting a bit spooked by all the wolves. Especially being as fierce looking as they do now the horses must be terrified which would help us a lot in battle.
Storm howled and then charged the humans and their horses. The pack and I raced forward. The horses got startled and reared up neighing loudly. The humans shouted at the horses and pulled their reigns making them charge at us as well.
I looked at Storm and saw him approaching a horse. I almost yowled when the horse reared up, but he leaped under it nipping it's hind leg causing the horse to stumble to the ground landing on the human.
I raced towards a black horse and growled baring my teeth. It looked at me and reared up as well. I tried to do the same as Storm, but I wasn't fast enough. The horse came down on my tail and I howled in pain. Twisting around I chomped down on its front leg. Soon the horse fell over with two other wolves of the pack on top of it. I shook out my fur my tail throbbing and looked around the see the horses fleeing.
Storm howled telling the pack that the fight was over. The pack howled with him, but I stayed silent. This wasn't my victory. I wasn't part of the pack. I wasn't even sure if what I did was enough to prove I was loyal. I barely did much except distract the horse.
The pack turned and headed back towards the den. I sulked closely behind them.
Once back in the camp I looked around for Storm. I saw many of the pack members licking their wounds and the healer walking around seeing to the wolves who were hurt the most. I loved how the pack worked together. I really needed to get over my hate for being ordered around. Once I got accepted into this pack, if I ever do, I would be happy. Wolves there to care for me. Hunting for the whole pack. Helping the pack would make me feel like I actually had a purpose in this world. It would make me feel important.
I looked around one more time and saw Storm. I trotted up to him with hope in my eyes. He looked at me and nodded. I got all warm inside. I had did it! I had proved I was loyal! I was now a member of The Pack Winter.
(Picture is of gold)
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Chapter 7~Mentor
I looked around happily. I was finally important. I searched for Scarlet and finally found her when Storm spoke up.
'You need a mentor, Jordan. I know you're too old, but you know nothing about the way of the pack,' He said.Jordan nodded excited. Who would mentor me? Who would he choose to teach me the ways of the pack. I hope its Scarlet. I want to get to know her so bad!
'Your new mentor will be Brooke,' He said.
Who was Brooke? I looked around, searching for a wolf that had a mean look in her eye. I don't know why I thought Brooke would be mean, but it just seemed like it. Finally a beautiful golden colored wolf came out of the clearing and dipped her head.
'I would be happy to teach her our ways, Storm,' She dipped her head to him again and looked at me. She had a happy gleam in her eyes. She looked to be younger than me. I was about 4 in dog years. Which meant I was about 28 in human years. She walked up to me and I smiled at her in the way that wolves smile to each other. She nodded.
'Hello! I'm Brooke!' She greeted excitedly.
I like her already. 'I'm Jordan," I told her.
She nodded. 'I'll show you the territory. By the way I'm a hunter, so....I guess I'll be training you as a hunter as well!' She said.
Hunters? Their jobs were separate? No wonder she saw Scarlet bordering a lot.
'There are separate jobs?' I asked.
She nodded and walked on me following her. 'Yes, there are lots. Alpha female and alpha male. They are the leaders of the pack. Beta is the second in charge. Healer is the one who heals all the wounds. Fighters are the ones who patrol and protect the pack and the camp from any dangers. Hunters, me, hunt for the pack and make sure its well fed. Most of the time we starve ourselves when there isn't enough food insisting the others eat first,' She said obviously proud about her pack and what she does for it.
I was going to be happy here. This was my place, and I was getting real used to the fact that I would have to be ordered around. By the way it looked Storm isn't the one to push wolves and such. So, maybe it wouldn't be as bad as I thought.
I silently followed Brooke further into the snowy plain. When we came up to the woods she sniffed.
'This is the end of our territory. In the center,' She said pointing with her tail. 'Is where us hunters usually hunt. We barely go anywhere near the border. Between you and me its because we aren't as strong as the fighters,' She looked me up and down. 'I don't understand why you aren't a fighter. You are huge! And very muscular even for being so thing,' She said.
If wolves could blush I would be so red. 'Well thanks, but I'd rather not fight anyways,' I told her.
She nodded in understand. 'Most of us hunters hate to fight. We know all the fighting moves and things, but we'd rather kill prey than our own kind,' She said heading towards the middle of the snowy plain.
I followed behind her sniffing here and there in search of prey.
She stopped. 'We'll hunt then we can talk under the tree over there,' She said pointing to a snowy tree with huge branches. 'and we can talk since you obviously already know how to hunt,' She said.
I nodded and looked around for deer tracks. When I found none I put my muzzle in the air and sniffed. I smelled deer farther away. I motioned with my tail for her to follow me and she nodded. We walked slowly and quietly sniffing the ground. Soon enough we found a large doe eat bark off a tree trunk. I went on one side and she went on the other. With a yowl she started running at the deer. I charged also, and the deer looked from side to side scared out of its fur. Before it could react we were on top of it. Me biting its neck and her on its back.
I dug my claws into its back and sunk my teeth into its neck. It fell limp in a few seconds and we stood there panting.
'Nice scenting!' She praised me.
I nodded proud of myself and we both dragged it back to camp. We set it down next to the other prey and headed back out into the forest. We headed to the tree and lay down. I was so excited to hear about the history of the pack and the way it worked.
(Picture is of Jordan and Brooke)
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Chapter 8~Learning
'So, the hunters hunt for the pack, and the fighters fight for the pack.....but the hunters can also fight?' I asked confused.
Brooke nodded. 'We only fight when absolutely necessary. Most of the time its only border line fights which is why hunters don't go by the borders,' She explained.
I nodded. It made sense. I was so excited about joining this pack. 'Do you guys ever...you know...phase?' I asked her.
She shook her head. 'Not usually, but when we need to some of us phase to talk to the humans and stuff,' She said.
I nodded in understanding. Why would you want to be a human. Being a wolf is so much better. Wolves are faster, more agile, and just so much better than humans altogether. Humans don't understand wolves. They attack us. We don't attack humans because we understand them. Some humans get us, but most of them just want us to leave them alone. We do, but they don't seem to understand that just because we step on their territory that we aren't going to kill anything or anyone.
'So is that all I need to know?' I asked her standing up.
She nodded. 'But! I will need to teach you some fighting moves. I understand you probably know many already, but you need to learn the pack's original fighting moves that have caused us to win most of our fights,' She said standing tall. She was so proud of her pack it made me glad to be apart of it.
I wagged my tail ready to learn. 'I'm ready for whatever you have to teach me,' I told her.
She nodded. 'Ok, first copy what I do,' She said standing up.
I nodded and focused on her.
She placed her feet strangely. Right front foot in front of the left front foot, and the right back foot in front of the left front foot. I stared at her feet confused, but copied what she did. I looked up at her face and saw she had her teeth bared.
'Ok, this stance will help you to leap at your enemy,' She said.
Then she crouch low and pushed off the ground at an amazing height. She landed right in front of me after the jump.
'You don't want to jump too high or your enemy will easily get out from under you. This attack will cause you to land on their back. Which can be deadly if the wolf is trying to kill you. Oh! Another rule. The Pack Winter does not fight to kill, they fight to protect. So, no killing unless absolutely necessary,' She said seriously.
I nodded quickly.
'We should be heading back to camp,' She said looking up at the sky.
It was getting dark. It would be bad for wolves to be out at night. Brooke turned around and headed for camp. I followed behind her. She walked into camp and looked around. She finally saw who she was looking for and walked over to a huge male wolf. She nuzzled him and he nuzzled her back with affection. She was too young to have a mate so she guess he was her father.
Brooke motioned me over. I walked slowly over to her and the huge male. He was very intimidating. I could tell right away he was a fighter.
'This is my father, Rage,' She said.
I nodded and looked up at him. He was staring down at me. He was a huge black and gray wolf with hazel eyes. I would hate to get into a fight with him. 'I'm Jordan,' I managed to say my voice shaky.
He growled and I flinched. I looked over at Brooke to see an amused look in her eyes and then back to Rage. He nudged me. 'I was only kidding,' He said.
'Well I have to show her the dens!' She said motioning me towards the caves in the back.
I followed her and we went inside a huge cave.
'This is the hunters' den. We sleep and rest in here,' She explained. 'You are allowed to sleep now,' she said motioning towards some dirt on the floor.
I walked over and patted it with my tail. She came over and lay down in a dirt hole next to me. I turned in circles and then layed down with a plop. I was happy to be warm and comforted in a cave. This was the best choice I've ever made. I thought before I fell asleep.
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Chapter 9~Praise
I woke up the next morning and looked around the hunters den. I counted off the wolves and said their names in my head. A russet brown male was Bronze. A silver gray female was Sparkle or Sparky. A black female who was the lead hunter was Myth. Then there was Brooke and I.
I had also learned the fighter's names. Scarlett was one. The male that was with her when we first met. He was black as well and he was Scarlett's mate, Dagger. The russet brown she wolf, Gold who had warned the pack about the horses. A gray black male who's name was Mason. Brooke's father Rage was also a fighter.
I stood up proud I remembered all the names and shook out my fur. I headed out of the den silently hoping not to wake anyone. I got out successfully and walked over to the prey pile. I picked up a rabbit and went over under a tree. I was about to bite into it when I was interupted.
'Hey!' Brooke yelled.
I looked at her confused. 'What?' I asked.
She groaned and rolled her eyes. 'You are a hunter. You hunt for the pack. We hunters eat last,' I nodded hot embarrassment running through my fur. I walked over to a mother who was watching her pups play around and dropped my rabbit near her dipping my head politely. She nodded at me grateful and called her pups over. They started to eat and my mouth water.
'If we hunt. We are allowed to eat once we bring at least three pieces of prey to the pile,' She explained.
I nodded eagerly. 'Please, I'm starving,' I said.
She laughed a wolfy laugh and we walked out of the camp going into the trees just outside of the camp. We both sniffed the air and must have smelled the same elk because we looked at each other at the same time. I nodded and we looked at the ground for tracks. Finding none because fresh snow had fallen we sniffed the ground hoping it wasn't to far away. We found the trail and followed it. Soon we came out of the tiny woods and found fresh elk tracks. We froze and looked around. A few yards away was a quite large elk.
'Does a giant elk count as three pieces of prey?' I asked her.
She nodded. 'More than that,' She whispered wagging her tail.
We crept forward. I went to one side and she went on the other. A simple hunting technique. We charged at the same time and the elk had no where to run. We were both latched onto its side when I reached out with a claw grabbing onto its neck. Firmly getting a grip I bit down hard under its neck and tried to rip its throat out. Doing enough to choke it made the elk weaker. It stumbled and finally fell to the ground. Brooke hurried and clawed its neck apart. We nodded in triumph at each other and dragged the giant prey back to camp.
Once in camp we dragged it to the prey pile. I could feel eyes on my back. I also heard whispered thoughts.
'That new hunter is very skilled,' I heard Dagger whisper.
'Its like she's a prey magnet! I haven't seen this much prey in so long!' The pup mother said.
Hot embarrassment ran through my body. I wasn't used to being part of gossip. It was strange, but it was good. This was a good kind of gossip.
Brooke nudged me. 'Looks like you're popular in the pack,' She whispered.
I nodded. I hoped to become friends with them all. I looked over at Bronze and saw him staring at me. My fur got hot under his gaze. He was staring admiringly at me. Why?
Chapter 10~Feelings
I had to practically rip my gaze from Bronze's. It was so strange. Why would he be looking at me like that. No one else was. I looked around just to make sure no one else was staring at me with that look in their eyes. I looked at Bronze again and he had turned to talk to Scarlet. I shook my fur out. Maybe I had just imagined the whole thing. I looked around and saw Myth walk over to me. I dipped my head respectfully.
"Hello Myth," I greeted her and looked up.
She dipped her head as well. "Hello, I was just wondering if you and Brooke could go on the first hunting patrol?"
I nodded my head and dipped my head in goodbye. I turned swiftly around and headed to where Brooke was laying down. I padded over to her side and nudged her head in greeting.
"Myth wants us to go hunting," I told her sitting down next to her.
She nodded. "Ok," She said and turned back to Sparkle. "I have to go hunting now," She nuzzled her friends fur and stood up to follow me.
I headed out of the camp and sniffed the fresh air. Sometimes I loved just coming out of the camp. I've only been here for a few days and it already felt like my home. The Pack Winter was a great place to live. All of the wolves are so welcoming. I was so happy when they didn't treat me like an outcast. I guess they really couldn't though since most of the pack weren't born in the pack. I shook out my fur to get rid of my thoughts. I needed to focus on the hunt.
Pricking my ears to listen for any signs of prey, I sniffed the air. I froze when I smelled an elk. Looking across the snowy plain I saw a huge male elk grazing on a patch of grass that hadn't died from the snow yet. I gently nudged Brooke, who was looking the other way. She whipped around silently and saw the elk. Her eyes widened. This was the biggest elk I have ever seen.
"I want to catch it," I whisper.
She nodded in agreement.
This elk would provide plenty of food for the pack. Was it even possible for us to kill it on our own. Brooke wasn't even full grown yet. Then I remembered we weren't the average sized wolves. We were larger because of our shape shifting genes. I shook out my fur and got low to the ground. I stalked forward and motioned for Brooke to do the same. I would not let this elk get away from me.
Once we got close enough I started to stalk backwards and make my way to the other side. Using our original technique would be the best thing with an elk this large. I flicked my ears telling her I was ready.
She nodded, but then her gaze flickered from the to the elk's feet, and back to me again. She wanted me to go to the feet.
I nodded. If I nipped the hind legs of the elk it would cause it to collapse. This would make the elk weaker and easier for Brooke to kill it in one bite. At the sound of her running footsteps I took off towards the elk's hind legs. Grabbing one in my mouth and biting down as hard as I could I heard the elk shriek. I hurried and nipped the other leg. When it didn't fall I panicked and went to its front legs. I bit down hard and twisted. This time, causing the elk to fall head first. I saw a flash out of the corner of my eyes and soon the elk stopped moving.
Turning to look at the elk I saw it still breathing. I went for its throat and started clawing at it. Making sure it was dead I stood there panting and looked at Brook.
"Nice job," She said nodding.
I smiled a wolfy smiled when I felt eyes on my pelt. I turned around to see a russet brown colored wolf staring at me. I looked closer and sniffed the air. It was hard to smell the wolf, but I did. Realizing who it was my eyes widened. Why did he keep looking at me like that? My ears twitched in confusion. Brooke walked beside me and laughed.
"Looks like stubborn Bronze finally found his lover," She said nudging me playfully.
Lover? "What are you talking about?" I asked her confused. I looked over again at where Bronze had been standing and saw he had disappeared. A strange disappointed feeling rushed through my body, but I shook it off quickly.
Brooke rolled her eyes."For months he's been going on and on about how he refuses to have pups with anyone because it makes males weak," She said disgusted. "But guess he has a new interest in you," She snorted.
I stared blankly at where Bronze had been standing. That couldn't be possible. I didn't even know him.
"Help me carry this!" I heard Brooke shout.
I got snapped out of my trance and rushed over to help her. Was I even ready to have that kind of relationship?
Chapter 11~Bronze
I helped Brooke haul in the elk. Once we got it to the prey pile I went to lay in the sun. Laying down with a grunt I started to think. Brooke says it seems that Bronze has an interest in me. He's never talked to me. He doesn't know me. How could that even be possible. I shook my head. I was tired of thinking. No, I was just tired. I looked around and saw some other members of the pack napping in the sun. Taking that as a clue it was ok to nap, I lay my head down. Looking straight ahead for a second I saw Bronze standing there. I quickly shut my eyes not wanting to talk to anyone. Slowly, I went into a little sleep. It was just a jumbled up mess of me thinking too much. Ok, being part wolf part human made things hard. For one my human feelings get the best of me, but on the good side at least they can't tell when I'm blushing. I thought and then finally went into a nice sleep.
I woke up and quickly lifted my head looking around. It was dusk. I had slept way too long. I tilted my head to one side. Then why didn't anyone wake me? I saw Brooke talking with her dad and Sparkle. I stood up and trotted over to ask.
"Hey Brooke!" I said. "I hope you guys didn't need me while I was asleep....I didn't mean to sleep for so long," I told her.
She shook her head. "Storm will just want you to guard the camp since you're so rested," She said.
I wagged my tail. That sounded fun. "Is anyone else going to be guarding with me?" I asked.
She nodded and looked over to her left. "It's Bronze's turn to do night shift," She said and then turned her attention back to her dad and Sparkle.
My fur got hot. Just my luck..I would have to spend the night sitting with nothing to do..with Bronze. I shook out my fur and trotted over to Myth. I sat down next to her and sighed.
"Hi Jordan," She said biting into a piece of elk I had brought back.
I dipped my head. "Hi Myth,"
She swallowed. "This was a nice catch you had," She praised.
I dipped my head in embarrassment. 'I wouldn't have gotten it without Brooke,' I said.
She nodded in agreement and continued to eat. I looked at the giant rock Storm always stood at and saw him staring out over the trees at the camp entrance. He then looked at me and hopped down. Walking over to me, I stood up.
I dipped my head respectfully. 'Is it time for my watch?' I asked.
He nodded and headed over to Bronze. I heaved in a deep breath and sighed. I don't understand why I was dreading this so much. Shouldn't I be glad someone has an interest in me? I shook my head and walked out to the tree I would have to sit, lay, or stand by. Soon after I did so, Bronze came out and sat down.
Immediately I looked away from him and smelled the air. The fresh scent calmed me and I sighed. Turning my head to look straight forward I saw Bronze looking at me in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to look at him and he quickly looked down.
"May I help you?' I asked trying to make that sound as polite as possible.
'I just...never talked to you,' He managed to say. 'I wanted to introduce myself,' He said looking me in the eyes.
His eyes were so beautiful. They were a golden brown color. They were so deep. It was as if I could get lost in them forever and never find a way out.
'Um...Hello?' He asked confused.
I shook my head. 'Sorry,' I said looking down.
'It's alright. Anyways, I'm Bronze. Not sure if you knew that already,' He said shifting his paws and looking down.
'I'm Jordan, but I'm guessing you already knew that,' I said.
He nodded and looked to his right. His ears stood straight up and a low growl formed in his throat. I quickly looked over his shoulder and saw bright yellow eyes shining in the bush. I rushed to my feet and stood there staring with my fur stuck up straight.
'Show yourself!' Bronze's deep growl ordered.
Slowly a scrawny wolf peeked out of the bush. It was shaking and it had cuts all along its side. I looked at Bronze as he gasped. His fur had gone flat and he suddenly was looking closer at the wolf. I looked closer and saw the wolf was a female. Her eyes brightened and she touched noses with Bronze. I stared in confusion as the female said, 'Bronze!'
'So, the hunters hunt for the pack, and the fighters fight for the pack.....but the hunters can also fight?' I asked confused.
Brooke nodded. 'We only fight when absolutely necessary. Most of the time its only border line fights which is why hunters don't go by the borders,' She explained.
I nodded. It made sense. I was so excited about joining this pack. 'Do you guys ever...you know...phase?' I asked her.
She shook her head. 'Not usually, but when we need to some of us phase to talk to the humans and stuff,' She said.
I nodded in understanding. Why would you want to be a human. Being a wolf is so much better. Wolves are faster, more agile, and just so much better than humans altogether. Humans don't understand wolves. They attack us. We don't attack humans because we understand them. Some humans get us, but most of them just want us to leave them alone. We do, but they don't seem to understand that just because we step on their territory that we aren't going to kill anything or anyone.
'So is that all I need to know?' I asked her standing up.
She nodded. 'But! I will need to teach you some fighting moves. I understand you probably know many already, but you need to learn the pack's original fighting moves that have caused us to win most of our fights,' She said standing tall. She was so proud of her pack it made me glad to be apart of it.
I wagged my tail ready to learn. 'I'm ready for whatever you have to teach me,' I told her.
She nodded. 'Ok, first copy what I do,' She said standing up.
I nodded and focused on her.
She placed her feet strangely. Right front foot in front of the left front foot, and the right back foot in front of the left front foot. I stared at her feet confused, but copied what she did. I looked up at her face and saw she had her teeth bared.
'Ok, this stance will help you to leap at your enemy,' She said.
Then she crouch low and pushed off the ground at an amazing height. She landed right in front of me after the jump.
'You don't want to jump too high or your enemy will easily get out from under you. This attack will cause you to land on their back. Which can be deadly if the wolf is trying to kill you. Oh! Another rule. The Pack Winter does not fight to kill, they fight to protect. So, no killing unless absolutely necessary,' She said seriously.
I nodded quickly.
'We should be heading back to camp,' She said looking up at the sky.
It was getting dark. It would be bad for wolves to be out at night. Brooke turned around and headed for camp. I followed behind her. She walked into camp and looked around. She finally saw who she was looking for and walked over to a huge male wolf. She nuzzled him and he nuzzled her back with affection. She was too young to have a mate so she guess he was her father.
Brooke motioned me over. I walked slowly over to her and the huge male. He was very intimidating. I could tell right away he was a fighter.
'This is my father, Rage,' She said.
I nodded and looked up at him. He was staring down at me. He was a huge black and gray wolf with hazel eyes. I would hate to get into a fight with him. 'I'm Jordan,' I managed to say my voice shaky.
He growled and I flinched. I looked over at Brooke to see an amused look in her eyes and then back to Rage. He nudged me. 'I was only kidding,' He said.
'Well I have to show her the dens!' She said motioning me towards the caves in the back.
I followed her and we went inside a huge cave.
'This is the hunters' den. We sleep and rest in here,' She explained. 'You are allowed to sleep now,' she said motioning towards some dirt on the floor.
I walked over and patted it with my tail. She came over and lay down in a dirt hole next to me. I turned in circles and then layed down with a plop. I was happy to be warm and comforted in a cave. This was the best choice I've ever made. I thought before I fell asleep.
Chapter 9~Praise
I woke up the next morning and looked around the hunters den. I counted off the wolves and said their names in my head. A russet brown male was Bronze. A silver gray female was Sparkle or Sparky. A black female who was the lead hunter was Myth. Then there was Brooke and I.
I had also learned the fighter's names. Scarlett was one. The male that was with her when we first met. He was black as well and he was Scarlett's mate, Dagger. The russet brown she wolf, Gold who had warned the pack about the horses. A gray black male who's name was Mason. Brooke's father Rage was also a fighter.
I stood up proud I remembered all the names and shook out my fur. I headed out of the den silently hoping not to wake anyone. I got out successfully and walked over to the prey pile. I picked up a rabbit and went over under a tree. I was about to bite into it when I was interupted.
'Hey!' Brooke yelled.
I looked at her confused. 'What?' I asked.
She groaned and rolled her eyes. 'You are a hunter. You hunt for the pack. We hunters eat last,' I nodded hot embarrassment running through my fur. I walked over to a mother who was watching her pups play around and dropped my rabbit near her dipping my head politely. She nodded at me grateful and called her pups over. They started to eat and my mouth water.
'If we hunt. We are allowed to eat once we bring at least three pieces of prey to the pile,' She explained.
I nodded eagerly. 'Please, I'm starving,' I said.
She laughed a wolfy laugh and we walked out of the camp going into the trees just outside of the camp. We both sniffed the air and must have smelled the same elk because we looked at each other at the same time. I nodded and we looked at the ground for tracks. Finding none because fresh snow had fallen we sniffed the ground hoping it wasn't to far away. We found the trail and followed it. Soon we came out of the tiny woods and found fresh elk tracks. We froze and looked around. A few yards away was a quite large elk.
'Does a giant elk count as three pieces of prey?' I asked her.
She nodded. 'More than that,' She whispered wagging her tail.
We crept forward. I went to one side and she went on the other. A simple hunting technique. We charged at the same time and the elk had no where to run. We were both latched onto its side when I reached out with a claw grabbing onto its neck. Firmly getting a grip I bit down hard under its neck and tried to rip its throat out. Doing enough to choke it made the elk weaker. It stumbled and finally fell to the ground. Brooke hurried and clawed its neck apart. We nodded in triumph at each other and dragged the giant prey back to camp.
Once in camp we dragged it to the prey pile. I could feel eyes on my back. I also heard whispered thoughts.
'That new hunter is very skilled,' I heard Dagger whisper.
'Its like she's a prey magnet! I haven't seen this much prey in so long!' The pup mother said.
Hot embarrassment ran through my body. I wasn't used to being part of gossip. It was strange, but it was good. This was a good kind of gossip.
Brooke nudged me. 'Looks like you're popular in the pack,' She whispered.
I nodded. I hoped to become friends with them all. I looked over at Bronze and saw him staring at me. My fur got hot under his gaze. He was staring admiringly at me. Why?
Chapter 10~Feelings
I had to practically rip my gaze from Bronze's. It was so strange. Why would he be looking at me like that. No one else was. I looked around just to make sure no one else was staring at me with that look in their eyes. I looked at Bronze again and he had turned to talk to Scarlet. I shook my fur out. Maybe I had just imagined the whole thing. I looked around and saw Myth walk over to me. I dipped my head respectfully.
"Hello Myth," I greeted her and looked up.
She dipped her head as well. "Hello, I was just wondering if you and Brooke could go on the first hunting patrol?"
I nodded my head and dipped my head in goodbye. I turned swiftly around and headed to where Brooke was laying down. I padded over to her side and nudged her head in greeting.
"Myth wants us to go hunting," I told her sitting down next to her.
She nodded. "Ok," She said and turned back to Sparkle. "I have to go hunting now," She nuzzled her friends fur and stood up to follow me.
I headed out of the camp and sniffed the fresh air. Sometimes I loved just coming out of the camp. I've only been here for a few days and it already felt like my home. The Pack Winter was a great place to live. All of the wolves are so welcoming. I was so happy when they didn't treat me like an outcast. I guess they really couldn't though since most of the pack weren't born in the pack. I shook out my fur to get rid of my thoughts. I needed to focus on the hunt.
Pricking my ears to listen for any signs of prey, I sniffed the air. I froze when I smelled an elk. Looking across the snowy plain I saw a huge male elk grazing on a patch of grass that hadn't died from the snow yet. I gently nudged Brooke, who was looking the other way. She whipped around silently and saw the elk. Her eyes widened. This was the biggest elk I have ever seen.
"I want to catch it," I whisper.
She nodded in agreement.
This elk would provide plenty of food for the pack. Was it even possible for us to kill it on our own. Brooke wasn't even full grown yet. Then I remembered we weren't the average sized wolves. We were larger because of our shape shifting genes. I shook out my fur and got low to the ground. I stalked forward and motioned for Brooke to do the same. I would not let this elk get away from me.
Once we got close enough I started to stalk backwards and make my way to the other side. Using our original technique would be the best thing with an elk this large. I flicked my ears telling her I was ready.
She nodded, but then her gaze flickered from the to the elk's feet, and back to me again. She wanted me to go to the feet.
I nodded. If I nipped the hind legs of the elk it would cause it to collapse. This would make the elk weaker and easier for Brooke to kill it in one bite. At the sound of her running footsteps I took off towards the elk's hind legs. Grabbing one in my mouth and biting down as hard as I could I heard the elk shriek. I hurried and nipped the other leg. When it didn't fall I panicked and went to its front legs. I bit down hard and twisted. This time, causing the elk to fall head first. I saw a flash out of the corner of my eyes and soon the elk stopped moving.
Turning to look at the elk I saw it still breathing. I went for its throat and started clawing at it. Making sure it was dead I stood there panting and looked at Brook.
"Nice job," She said nodding.
I smiled a wolfy smiled when I felt eyes on my pelt. I turned around to see a russet brown colored wolf staring at me. I looked closer and sniffed the air. It was hard to smell the wolf, but I did. Realizing who it was my eyes widened. Why did he keep looking at me like that? My ears twitched in confusion. Brooke walked beside me and laughed.
"Looks like stubborn Bronze finally found his lover," She said nudging me playfully.
Lover? "What are you talking about?" I asked her confused. I looked over again at where Bronze had been standing and saw he had disappeared. A strange disappointed feeling rushed through my body, but I shook it off quickly.
Brooke rolled her eyes."For months he's been going on and on about how he refuses to have pups with anyone because it makes males weak," She said disgusted. "But guess he has a new interest in you," She snorted.
I stared blankly at where Bronze had been standing. That couldn't be possible. I didn't even know him.
"Help me carry this!" I heard Brooke shout.
I got snapped out of my trance and rushed over to help her. Was I even ready to have that kind of relationship?
Chapter 11~Bronze
I helped Brooke haul in the elk. Once we got it to the prey pile I went to lay in the sun. Laying down with a grunt I started to think. Brooke says it seems that Bronze has an interest in me. He's never talked to me. He doesn't know me. How could that even be possible. I shook my head. I was tired of thinking. No, I was just tired. I looked around and saw some other members of the pack napping in the sun. Taking that as a clue it was ok to nap, I lay my head down. Looking straight ahead for a second I saw Bronze standing there. I quickly shut my eyes not wanting to talk to anyone. Slowly, I went into a little sleep. It was just a jumbled up mess of me thinking too much. Ok, being part wolf part human made things hard. For one my human feelings get the best of me, but on the good side at least they can't tell when I'm blushing. I thought and then finally went into a nice sleep.
I woke up and quickly lifted my head looking around. It was dusk. I had slept way too long. I tilted my head to one side. Then why didn't anyone wake me? I saw Brooke talking with her dad and Sparkle. I stood up and trotted over to ask.
"Hey Brooke!" I said. "I hope you guys didn't need me while I was asleep....I didn't mean to sleep for so long," I told her.
She shook her head. "Storm will just want you to guard the camp since you're so rested," She said.
I wagged my tail. That sounded fun. "Is anyone else going to be guarding with me?" I asked.
She nodded and looked over to her left. "It's Bronze's turn to do night shift," She said and then turned her attention back to her dad and Sparkle.
My fur got hot. Just my luck..I would have to spend the night sitting with nothing to do..with Bronze. I shook out my fur and trotted over to Myth. I sat down next to her and sighed.
"Hi Jordan," She said biting into a piece of elk I had brought back.
I dipped my head. "Hi Myth,"
She swallowed. "This was a nice catch you had," She praised.
I dipped my head in embarrassment. 'I wouldn't have gotten it without Brooke,' I said.
She nodded in agreement and continued to eat. I looked at the giant rock Storm always stood at and saw him staring out over the trees at the camp entrance. He then looked at me and hopped down. Walking over to me, I stood up.
I dipped my head respectfully. 'Is it time for my watch?' I asked.
He nodded and headed over to Bronze. I heaved in a deep breath and sighed. I don't understand why I was dreading this so much. Shouldn't I be glad someone has an interest in me? I shook my head and walked out to the tree I would have to sit, lay, or stand by. Soon after I did so, Bronze came out and sat down.
Immediately I looked away from him and smelled the air. The fresh scent calmed me and I sighed. Turning my head to look straight forward I saw Bronze looking at me in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to look at him and he quickly looked down.
"May I help you?' I asked trying to make that sound as polite as possible.
'I just...never talked to you,' He managed to say. 'I wanted to introduce myself,' He said looking me in the eyes.
His eyes were so beautiful. They were a golden brown color. They were so deep. It was as if I could get lost in them forever and never find a way out.
'Um...Hello?' He asked confused.
I shook my head. 'Sorry,' I said looking down.
'It's alright. Anyways, I'm Bronze. Not sure if you knew that already,' He said shifting his paws and looking down.
'I'm Jordan, but I'm guessing you already knew that,' I said.
He nodded and looked to his right. His ears stood straight up and a low growl formed in his throat. I quickly looked over his shoulder and saw bright yellow eyes shining in the bush. I rushed to my feet and stood there staring with my fur stuck up straight.
'Show yourself!' Bronze's deep growl ordered.
Slowly a scrawny wolf peeked out of the bush. It was shaking and it had cuts all along its side. I looked at Bronze as he gasped. His fur had gone flat and he suddenly was looking closer at the wolf. I looked closer and saw the wolf was a female. Her eyes brightened and she touched noses with Bronze. I stared in confusion as the female said, 'Bronze!'
Chapter 12~Feelings Hurt
If I could I would walk away. Walk away from this scene in front of me. I didn't know who this wolf was, but she is skinny as a twig, obviously hurt, and just walked up to Bronze like she knew him her whole life. Wow. I am a terrible mess. I shook out my fur and glumly walked back over to my watch position. They just stood there and talked happily. Not having a care in the world for me. I rolled my eyes. I guess this was why I didn't like getting close to anyone much. It always ends in heartbreak.
'Oh!' I heard Bronze finally say and walk over to me. 'This is Jordan. She is new to the pack,' He introduced me.
I pretended not to hear. Not the nicest thing, but I was tired and I was not in the mood to meet anyone who was not in the pack.
'Jordan, this is Delia,' He said with much affection.
I sighed. He loved her. Why did I even think he had an interest in me. I shook it off and looked at them. Smiling I said, 'Nice to meet you. Bronze shouldn't we be keeping watch? I mean, that's why we're out here,' I said a bit grumpy.
I saw him roll his eyes. 'I'm taking Delia camp,' He said.
I groaned. I was going to have to watch by myself. Once they left into the camp I immediately crashed. I had gotten my hopes up. I flattened my ears and looked at the ground. I barely knew Bronze. Why was this bugging me so much? I didn't know, but I wanted to know how Bronze knew that female.
The sun finally rose, and I stood up slowly walking into camp. I looked to one side and immediately saw Bronze and Delia sharing some of the elk Brooke and I caught. I sighed with my ears flat and walked over to Storm. He was sitting on his rock looking around.
'Would you like me to tell someone to take my place as guard?' I asked him dipping my head.
'No, during the days we don't need guards,' he said.
I nodded. It made sense. During the day our fighters were awake. During the day we had patrols. During the day it was harder for us to be snuck up on. I turned and saw Crystal giving orders. She was Beta of the pack. She told the lead hunter and fighter what to hunt and when to hunt. Once she gave the leaders their orders the leaders told us what to do and when. I trotted over to Myth and waited for her to tell us what we needed to do.
Looking straight at me she dipped her head. 'Good morning. I would like you and Bronze to go out and catch a deer or elk,' She said.
I dipped my head and froze immediately. She couldn't have chosen Sparkle. Or just maybe Brooke. I lifted my head and walked over to where Bronze and Delia were laughing.
'Myth wants you and I to hunt,' I said loudly and confidently.
He looked at me and nodded, standing up. He looked back at Delia. 'I will be back after,' He promised.
I rolled my eyes. Walking over to the camp entrance I turned to wait for Bronze. He slowly came out of the camp entrance and walked to my side.
'What are we hunting?' He asked.
'Myth told me we should hunt deer or elk,' I said.
He nodded and started to walk forward. I decided this would be a good chance to ask him how he knew Delia so well. No one was around. Delia wasn't around.
I cleared my throat. 'Before we hunt...I want to ask you something,' I said nervously. I didn't know how he would react.
He nodded for me to go on.
I took in a deep breath. 'How do you know Delia so well?' I asked bracing myself for the worse.
He looked down. His ears flat. 'She was once my mate,' He said sadly.
Just as I expected. He did love her. I had thought I had found someone to treat me special. Someone who would care for me forever. I shook my head. No, I didn't even know him. Why didn't I even think this way. It made no sense to me.
'She kinda started to drift away. Then suddenly she disappeared,' He paused looking at me with sadness in his eyes.
I pitied him. I did, but this wasn't making any sense.
'I went looking for her. Which meant me leaving the pack for a while. If you haven't noticed...I'm not really the most social wolf in the pack. Or....the nicest. Most of it was because of my leaving. Anyways, when I finally found her. I found her with pups. Pups that were not mine. They were another male's pups. She told me her story. Of how she purposely left to live with him,' He said.
I nodded my eyes wide. This was why he was so happy to see her. But wait...wouldn't he be mad? Why was she hurt?
"Why, why was she hurt?' I asked hesitantly.
He heaved in another breath. 'Her...new mate, I guess, hurt her. He attacked her after he scented me,' He explained.
I nodded. Looking down guiltily. 'One more question,' I said.
'Yeah?'
I breathed in. 'Why..did Brooke say she thought you had an interest in me?' I asked.
He froze. 'Uh...um....I have no idea,' He stuttered turning his head.
'Is it true?' I asked.
He shook his head. 'No! Why would I be interested in a stupid loner that I don't even know!?' He yelled and stormed off into the woods.
My ears flattened. That hurt.
'Oh!' I heard Bronze finally say and walk over to me. 'This is Jordan. She is new to the pack,' He introduced me.
I pretended not to hear. Not the nicest thing, but I was tired and I was not in the mood to meet anyone who was not in the pack.
'Jordan, this is Delia,' He said with much affection.
I sighed. He loved her. Why did I even think he had an interest in me. I shook it off and looked at them. Smiling I said, 'Nice to meet you. Bronze shouldn't we be keeping watch? I mean, that's why we're out here,' I said a bit grumpy.
I saw him roll his eyes. 'I'm taking Delia camp,' He said.
I groaned. I was going to have to watch by myself. Once they left into the camp I immediately crashed. I had gotten my hopes up. I flattened my ears and looked at the ground. I barely knew Bronze. Why was this bugging me so much? I didn't know, but I wanted to know how Bronze knew that female.
The sun finally rose, and I stood up slowly walking into camp. I looked to one side and immediately saw Bronze and Delia sharing some of the elk Brooke and I caught. I sighed with my ears flat and walked over to Storm. He was sitting on his rock looking around.
'Would you like me to tell someone to take my place as guard?' I asked him dipping my head.
'No, during the days we don't need guards,' he said.
I nodded. It made sense. During the day our fighters were awake. During the day we had patrols. During the day it was harder for us to be snuck up on. I turned and saw Crystal giving orders. She was Beta of the pack. She told the lead hunter and fighter what to hunt and when to hunt. Once she gave the leaders their orders the leaders told us what to do and when. I trotted over to Myth and waited for her to tell us what we needed to do.
Looking straight at me she dipped her head. 'Good morning. I would like you and Bronze to go out and catch a deer or elk,' She said.
I dipped my head and froze immediately. She couldn't have chosen Sparkle. Or just maybe Brooke. I lifted my head and walked over to where Bronze and Delia were laughing.
'Myth wants you and I to hunt,' I said loudly and confidently.
He looked at me and nodded, standing up. He looked back at Delia. 'I will be back after,' He promised.
I rolled my eyes. Walking over to the camp entrance I turned to wait for Bronze. He slowly came out of the camp entrance and walked to my side.
'What are we hunting?' He asked.
'Myth told me we should hunt deer or elk,' I said.
He nodded and started to walk forward. I decided this would be a good chance to ask him how he knew Delia so well. No one was around. Delia wasn't around.
I cleared my throat. 'Before we hunt...I want to ask you something,' I said nervously. I didn't know how he would react.
He nodded for me to go on.
I took in a deep breath. 'How do you know Delia so well?' I asked bracing myself for the worse.
He looked down. His ears flat. 'She was once my mate,' He said sadly.
Just as I expected. He did love her. I had thought I had found someone to treat me special. Someone who would care for me forever. I shook my head. No, I didn't even know him. Why didn't I even think this way. It made no sense to me.
'She kinda started to drift away. Then suddenly she disappeared,' He paused looking at me with sadness in his eyes.
I pitied him. I did, but this wasn't making any sense.
'I went looking for her. Which meant me leaving the pack for a while. If you haven't noticed...I'm not really the most social wolf in the pack. Or....the nicest. Most of it was because of my leaving. Anyways, when I finally found her. I found her with pups. Pups that were not mine. They were another male's pups. She told me her story. Of how she purposely left to live with him,' He said.
I nodded my eyes wide. This was why he was so happy to see her. But wait...wouldn't he be mad? Why was she hurt?
"Why, why was she hurt?' I asked hesitantly.
He heaved in another breath. 'Her...new mate, I guess, hurt her. He attacked her after he scented me,' He explained.
I nodded. Looking down guiltily. 'One more question,' I said.
'Yeah?'
I breathed in. 'Why..did Brooke say she thought you had an interest in me?' I asked.
He froze. 'Uh...um....I have no idea,' He stuttered turning his head.
'Is it true?' I asked.
He shook his head. 'No! Why would I be interested in a stupid loner that I don't even know!?' He yelled and stormed off into the woods.
My ears flattened. That hurt.
Chapter 13~Hunting
I shook out my fur. What he said shouldn't bother me, and I wouldn't let it bother me. I walked slowly back into camp and went up to Myth. I dipped my head and looked up at her apologetically.
'Bronze got upset, and he ran off into the woods. Could I have another wolf to hunt with me?' I asked her politely.
She nodded. 'Everyone is out at the moment so I will hunt with you,' She said warmly.
I think Myth and I are becoming friends. Which is good. I need more than one friend in that pack. Brooke hadn't been hanging around me much anymore. I didn't blame her. To Brooke I was probably an old, old wolf. I wasn't that much older than her, but usually younger wolves thought wolves my age were old. I shrugged.
'Thanks for hunting with me,' I said to Myth as we walked out of the camp entrance.
She nodded. 'No problem! I'm so happy I get to hunt with you!' She said.
That warmed my heart. It brought up my spirits to know someone at least wanted to be around me. I kept walked with Myth a little ahead of me. We were heading towards the center of the territory where the prey would most likely be munching on the bark, leaves, or bugs on the trees. The center of the territory was my favorite place to hunt. When I hunted in the territory, my prey would be less likely to cross over the border. Not that I wasn't allowed to hunt outside of the territory. Storm just thought it was more dangerous.
Myth sniffed the air while I smelled the ground and looked for tracks. She flicked her ears telling me to follow her. I stayed close behind her as she walked silently through the trees. Soon, we came to a clearing where there was a huge herd of elk eating bark off the trees. My ears flicked up and I smelled the air. Elk would have to be my favorite prey. I loved the way it smelled and tasted.
I looked at Myth for instruction. She turned to me.
'I want you to sneak over through those trees,' She said pointing in the direction with her tail. 'and when you see me start stalking towards the elk hide. Once the elk start rushing towards you, and you need to be careful, pick one you like and try to take it down. Once I see you doing that I will come over and help you finish it off,' She ordered.
I nodded and started to quietly creep through the trees. I got to the other side and found a bush to hide in. I made sure I was still able to see Myth and then I settled in it.
Not much longer after I hid Myth started to stalk the herd. The male of the herd got startled and ran in the wrong direction. I almost jumped out and raced after it when a female came rushing at me. I yowled in terror, but tried to nip its leg. Instead of doing as I planned to the female's hoof connected with my muzzle and I flew what felt like one mile through the air before hitting a tree.
Stunned I lay there. Suddenly I heard foot steps near me. I felt a wolf sniff my body and yowl with rage. The wolf sprinted off and then I smelled Myth's scent. Was that her going after the elk? I tried to move. I wasn't able to move even my ears or nose.
Then I heard another set of paws go after the angry wolf. Soon enough I opened my eyes and looked at my surroundings. I tried to move, but instead whimpered in pain and lay back down. I looked frantically around.
I heard paw steps again and looked in the direction they were coming from. I saw a russet colored pelt. Once the wolf was close enough to the tree I recognized Bronze. He slowly walked over to me and I quickly closed my eyes. I didn't want to talk to him. He was a terrible wolf. I thought, but then I heard him start whispering.
'Not again,' I heard him say in defeat. 'This is my fault. I shouldn't have said that to her. Why does this always happen to me? Why do I always lose the wolves I love?' I heard him ask himself.
I then understood what he said. He loved me? My eyes flung open. I looked around but Bronze was gone.
'Bronze got upset, and he ran off into the woods. Could I have another wolf to hunt with me?' I asked her politely.
She nodded. 'Everyone is out at the moment so I will hunt with you,' She said warmly.
I think Myth and I are becoming friends. Which is good. I need more than one friend in that pack. Brooke hadn't been hanging around me much anymore. I didn't blame her. To Brooke I was probably an old, old wolf. I wasn't that much older than her, but usually younger wolves thought wolves my age were old. I shrugged.
'Thanks for hunting with me,' I said to Myth as we walked out of the camp entrance.
She nodded. 'No problem! I'm so happy I get to hunt with you!' She said.
That warmed my heart. It brought up my spirits to know someone at least wanted to be around me. I kept walked with Myth a little ahead of me. We were heading towards the center of the territory where the prey would most likely be munching on the bark, leaves, or bugs on the trees. The center of the territory was my favorite place to hunt. When I hunted in the territory, my prey would be less likely to cross over the border. Not that I wasn't allowed to hunt outside of the territory. Storm just thought it was more dangerous.
Myth sniffed the air while I smelled the ground and looked for tracks. She flicked her ears telling me to follow her. I stayed close behind her as she walked silently through the trees. Soon, we came to a clearing where there was a huge herd of elk eating bark off the trees. My ears flicked up and I smelled the air. Elk would have to be my favorite prey. I loved the way it smelled and tasted.
I looked at Myth for instruction. She turned to me.
'I want you to sneak over through those trees,' She said pointing in the direction with her tail. 'and when you see me start stalking towards the elk hide. Once the elk start rushing towards you, and you need to be careful, pick one you like and try to take it down. Once I see you doing that I will come over and help you finish it off,' She ordered.
I nodded and started to quietly creep through the trees. I got to the other side and found a bush to hide in. I made sure I was still able to see Myth and then I settled in it.
Not much longer after I hid Myth started to stalk the herd. The male of the herd got startled and ran in the wrong direction. I almost jumped out and raced after it when a female came rushing at me. I yowled in terror, but tried to nip its leg. Instead of doing as I planned to the female's hoof connected with my muzzle and I flew what felt like one mile through the air before hitting a tree.
Stunned I lay there. Suddenly I heard foot steps near me. I felt a wolf sniff my body and yowl with rage. The wolf sprinted off and then I smelled Myth's scent. Was that her going after the elk? I tried to move. I wasn't able to move even my ears or nose.
Then I heard another set of paws go after the angry wolf. Soon enough I opened my eyes and looked at my surroundings. I tried to move, but instead whimpered in pain and lay back down. I looked frantically around.
I heard paw steps again and looked in the direction they were coming from. I saw a russet colored pelt. Once the wolf was close enough to the tree I recognized Bronze. He slowly walked over to me and I quickly closed my eyes. I didn't want to talk to him. He was a terrible wolf. I thought, but then I heard him start whispering.
'Not again,' I heard him say in defeat. 'This is my fault. I shouldn't have said that to her. Why does this always happen to me? Why do I always lose the wolves I love?' I heard him ask himself.
I then understood what he said. He loved me? My eyes flung open. I looked around but Bronze was gone.
Chapter 14~ Stuck Inside
I slowly got to my feet. He thought I was dead. He was probably back at camp getting some wolves together to take me away and bury me. He was probably so hurt! I shook out my fur and started to trot. My legs ached, but I ignored them as I began to run faster. I ran as fast as I could into camp and broke through the bushed that covered the entrance.
All eyes were on me and I stood there frozen like a statue. Brooke came running up to me, as did Myth.
'We were so worried!' Brooke wailed.
'I'm so sorry,' Myth said.
I shook my head. 'Not your fault. I think I need to see Carter,' I said and winced as I set my paw down.
I didn't realize it hurt so bad. I shook out my fur again and limped towards Carter's den. I called out before entering and saw him sitting there. I knew he knew I would be in his den. He dipped his head in greeting and came over. He didn't say anything as he examined my battered body. He sniffed here and there checking for any bad wounds. Then he sniffed my limp and nodded.
'It looks as if your leg is fractured,' He told me.
'What does that mean for me?' I asked him.
He headed over to a corner of his den without answering me. He came back soon with a long stick and some vines. I looked at them curiously. Usually if I were a human I would have a cast or perhaps a boot to walk around in. How would a stick and some vines help my fracture heal?
He set his supplies next to me and sat down examining my leg. Nodding to himself he positioned the stick along my leg. With soft teeth he grabbed some vine in his jaws and started to wrap them around the stick and my leg. Now I understood. This was going to keep my bone straight so it could heal properly.
'All done!' He said smiling at me. 'Bad news though. You will have to stay in the den for a few months until your leg heals,' He said.
I opened my mouth to refuse, but thought better of it. What use would I be with this leg anyways? I shifted into a more comfortable position and lay on my side. Then I remembered Bronze. I bolted upright.
'Hey Carter?' I asked hesitantly.
'Hmm?' He asked.
I shifted my foot. 'Does anyone know where Bronze went?'
He shook his head. 'I will go to Storm and ask for him to look...if you'd like,' He said looking at me sympathetically.
I nodded. 'Thanks Carter,'
He just nodded and headed out of the den. How was I going to survive inside this den alone and bored for months? I wonder if he would let me sun myself just outside the den. Soon enough Carter came back in the den, but said nothing. He turned to me and had a look on his face. Suddenly his face brightened.
'I almost forgot! Soon I will be having you do some exercises. So, no need to worry! You will be out of the den within two weeks!' He said.
I nodded. That didn't brighten my spirits much. I was worried about Bronze. We had this weird connection. Although we rarely talk, it was like we knew each other's thoughts. It was like we were meant to be together. I shook my head getting the idea out. No, I was just fantasizing. My thoughts were crazy.
I yawned and looked outside. It was getting dark. My stomach growled. I was starving. I looked over to where I last saw Carter and saw he was asleep. I shrugged. I could eat in the morning. I lay down stretching my legs out. I closed my eyes and was just on the brink of sleep when I heard a yowl. I shot up in a laying position and looked outside the den.
'Let me see her!' It yelled.
'No Bronze! She needs to rest, and Carter said no visitors,' I heard Rage say.
I heard Bronze's low growl. I knew one thing about him, and it was that he hated fighting. Would he really start a fight with Rage, the lead fighter, just to come inside and see me.
Suddenly, I heard yelps and growls. I knew for certain he was fighting with him now, and there was no way he was going to win. I stood up on three legs and was just about to go out of the den when Bronze appeared in the den entrance panting and looking straight at me.
All eyes were on me and I stood there frozen like a statue. Brooke came running up to me, as did Myth.
'We were so worried!' Brooke wailed.
'I'm so sorry,' Myth said.
I shook my head. 'Not your fault. I think I need to see Carter,' I said and winced as I set my paw down.
I didn't realize it hurt so bad. I shook out my fur again and limped towards Carter's den. I called out before entering and saw him sitting there. I knew he knew I would be in his den. He dipped his head in greeting and came over. He didn't say anything as he examined my battered body. He sniffed here and there checking for any bad wounds. Then he sniffed my limp and nodded.
'It looks as if your leg is fractured,' He told me.
'What does that mean for me?' I asked him.
He headed over to a corner of his den without answering me. He came back soon with a long stick and some vines. I looked at them curiously. Usually if I were a human I would have a cast or perhaps a boot to walk around in. How would a stick and some vines help my fracture heal?
He set his supplies next to me and sat down examining my leg. Nodding to himself he positioned the stick along my leg. With soft teeth he grabbed some vine in his jaws and started to wrap them around the stick and my leg. Now I understood. This was going to keep my bone straight so it could heal properly.
'All done!' He said smiling at me. 'Bad news though. You will have to stay in the den for a few months until your leg heals,' He said.
I opened my mouth to refuse, but thought better of it. What use would I be with this leg anyways? I shifted into a more comfortable position and lay on my side. Then I remembered Bronze. I bolted upright.
'Hey Carter?' I asked hesitantly.
'Hmm?' He asked.
I shifted my foot. 'Does anyone know where Bronze went?'
He shook his head. 'I will go to Storm and ask for him to look...if you'd like,' He said looking at me sympathetically.
I nodded. 'Thanks Carter,'
He just nodded and headed out of the den. How was I going to survive inside this den alone and bored for months? I wonder if he would let me sun myself just outside the den. Soon enough Carter came back in the den, but said nothing. He turned to me and had a look on his face. Suddenly his face brightened.
'I almost forgot! Soon I will be having you do some exercises. So, no need to worry! You will be out of the den within two weeks!' He said.
I nodded. That didn't brighten my spirits much. I was worried about Bronze. We had this weird connection. Although we rarely talk, it was like we knew each other's thoughts. It was like we were meant to be together. I shook my head getting the idea out. No, I was just fantasizing. My thoughts were crazy.
I yawned and looked outside. It was getting dark. My stomach growled. I was starving. I looked over to where I last saw Carter and saw he was asleep. I shrugged. I could eat in the morning. I lay down stretching my legs out. I closed my eyes and was just on the brink of sleep when I heard a yowl. I shot up in a laying position and looked outside the den.
'Let me see her!' It yelled.
'No Bronze! She needs to rest, and Carter said no visitors,' I heard Rage say.
I heard Bronze's low growl. I knew one thing about him, and it was that he hated fighting. Would he really start a fight with Rage, the lead fighter, just to come inside and see me.
Suddenly, I heard yelps and growls. I knew for certain he was fighting with him now, and there was no way he was going to win. I stood up on three legs and was just about to go out of the den when Bronze appeared in the den entrance panting and looking straight at me.
Chapter 15~ Finally
My eyes went wide as I saw him standing there. How was that even possible? He just fought the leader of the fighters. He was only a hunter. I stared at him in astonishment. He walked over to me when his breathing finally eased. He nuzzled the side of my head.
'I'm so happy you're alive,' He breathed.
I pulled away and looked at him. I heard what he said, but this was sudden. I just stared at him trying to figure him out. He was so confusing. First he hates me, then he says he loves me, and now he's showing it. I growled to myself softly. This was so frustrating. I tipped my head to one side acting as if I didn't hear anything he said in the woods.
'Since when do you care about me?' I asked him.
He stood back a ways and bowed his head. 'I know what I said. Let me explain,' He said.
I just lay there. Not that I could move or anything. I really did want to know his story. I wanted to know why he was so bipolar. I looked at him curiosity getting the better of me.
He sat down and huffed. 'The reason I acted so...mean to you was because I have an issue. When I fall for someone, I fall hard. Very hard, and its hard to not,' He took another deep breath. 'I understand if you don't believe what I'm about to say, but I believe it..I guess that's all that matters,' He said. He was still staring at his paws, but then he looked me straight in the eye. He really wanted me to believe what he had to say. 'When I start to love someone..they somehow end up hurt. Not hurt as in I break their heart...hurt as in dead, or in Delia and your case..very hurt to where you could have died,' He said bowing his head.
I thought everything he said over. Now I understood his temper. It made sense. I wouldn't want wolves getting hurt because of my feelings, but really...could that be the reason for them getting hurt? Or could it just be a coincidence? I guess it didn't matter.
'W-what you said in the woods?' I asked hoping he would understand what I was trying to ask.
His eyes widened. 'Y-you heard that?' He asked obviously embarrassed.
I nodded. 'It was sweet,' I told him.
He crept forward and lay closer to me. I lay my head down on my paws. I was exhausted, but I wanted to talk with him.
'What happened out there before you came in?' I asked him.
He shrugged. 'Rage wouldn't let me see you. We started to fight, then Storm broke it up and let me in,' He said.
I sighed in relief. I knew if he fought with Rage he would get shredded. I was so happy he wasn't hurt. I felt a rush of embarrassment even though no one could hear my thoughts. This was different for me. I wasn't used to liking anyone. No one ever liked me in that way, that was for sure. I was just a loner who needed to be avoided due to my size and fierceness. I put my head into the side of his neck.
'Thanks for caring. No one has ever cared much for me,' I said looking down at my paws realizing how lonely I used to be. No one ever cared for me as a loner. I was just there. I didn't mean anything. I wasn't important. I wonder what would have happened if Scarlett had never found me in that cage. Would the hunter have killed me? I didn't even want to think about it. Right now I was just happy I was here where wolves cared that I was alive.
Bronze cleared his throat. 'I have to ask you something,' He said nervously.
I nodded for him to go on looking at his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but didn't. I got worried when he didn't say anything for a long time.
He finally took a deep breath and opened his mouth. 'Jordan...I want you to be my mate,'
'I'm so happy you're alive,' He breathed.
I pulled away and looked at him. I heard what he said, but this was sudden. I just stared at him trying to figure him out. He was so confusing. First he hates me, then he says he loves me, and now he's showing it. I growled to myself softly. This was so frustrating. I tipped my head to one side acting as if I didn't hear anything he said in the woods.
'Since when do you care about me?' I asked him.
He stood back a ways and bowed his head. 'I know what I said. Let me explain,' He said.
I just lay there. Not that I could move or anything. I really did want to know his story. I wanted to know why he was so bipolar. I looked at him curiosity getting the better of me.
He sat down and huffed. 'The reason I acted so...mean to you was because I have an issue. When I fall for someone, I fall hard. Very hard, and its hard to not,' He took another deep breath. 'I understand if you don't believe what I'm about to say, but I believe it..I guess that's all that matters,' He said. He was still staring at his paws, but then he looked me straight in the eye. He really wanted me to believe what he had to say. 'When I start to love someone..they somehow end up hurt. Not hurt as in I break their heart...hurt as in dead, or in Delia and your case..very hurt to where you could have died,' He said bowing his head.
I thought everything he said over. Now I understood his temper. It made sense. I wouldn't want wolves getting hurt because of my feelings, but really...could that be the reason for them getting hurt? Or could it just be a coincidence? I guess it didn't matter.
'W-what you said in the woods?' I asked hoping he would understand what I was trying to ask.
His eyes widened. 'Y-you heard that?' He asked obviously embarrassed.
I nodded. 'It was sweet,' I told him.
He crept forward and lay closer to me. I lay my head down on my paws. I was exhausted, but I wanted to talk with him.
'What happened out there before you came in?' I asked him.
He shrugged. 'Rage wouldn't let me see you. We started to fight, then Storm broke it up and let me in,' He said.
I sighed in relief. I knew if he fought with Rage he would get shredded. I was so happy he wasn't hurt. I felt a rush of embarrassment even though no one could hear my thoughts. This was different for me. I wasn't used to liking anyone. No one ever liked me in that way, that was for sure. I was just a loner who needed to be avoided due to my size and fierceness. I put my head into the side of his neck.
'Thanks for caring. No one has ever cared much for me,' I said looking down at my paws realizing how lonely I used to be. No one ever cared for me as a loner. I was just there. I didn't mean anything. I wasn't important. I wonder what would have happened if Scarlett had never found me in that cage. Would the hunter have killed me? I didn't even want to think about it. Right now I was just happy I was here where wolves cared that I was alive.
Bronze cleared his throat. 'I have to ask you something,' He said nervously.
I nodded for him to go on looking at his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but didn't. I got worried when he didn't say anything for a long time.
He finally took a deep breath and opened his mouth. 'Jordan...I want you to be my mate,'
Chapter 16~ Misunderstanding
I was speechless. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. I quickly nodded as soon as I saw his face fall a bit. I smiled at him. This was amazing. I was finally accepted fully by someone.
~~~~~~~~~~Sorry skipping~~~~~~~~~~~~~better things~~~~~~~~~~~~~3 months later~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I could finally leave the den! I was so excited. All of the exercises and me being stuck inside helped my leg get better quickly. I went out of the den after talking to Carter about my leg. He told me I still can't hunt, but I can walk and go out of the den. I walked into a sunny spot and stretched my leg. It felt nice to finally have the warmth of the sun on my fur. I looked around the clearing of the camp and saw Bronze. I padded over to him. He looked at me and his eyes brightened.
'You're allowed out?!' He asked happily.
I nodded and jumped up and down happily. I was tired of being stuck inside the camp, but at least I wouldn't have to lay in the dark now. I looked around and then I heard Myth calling Bronze over.
'Sorry, I have to go,' He said and nuzzled my neck goodbye.
I nodded in understanding and looked around for Brooke as he ran over to Myth. I found her sitting with Sparkle once again. I padded over to them and lay down next to Sparkle.
'Hey guys!' I said.
'Hi!' Sparkle said.
Brooke just nodded at me and then got up and walked away. I stared after her in confusion. What was wrong with her?
'Hey Sparkle? What's bothering Brooke?' I asked her.
She looked at me sadly. 'She was so scared for you. She thought you'd died. Now, she's just upset because you never asked for anyone to come and get her so you could see her,' She said.
I opened my mouth then shut it. I understand. She feels like I abandoned her. I felt so bad. I stood up and nodded a goodbye to Sparkle. I turned to where Brooke disappeared. Once I saw she disappeared into the hunter's den I sighed in relief. I wouldn't have to disobey now. I walked slowly over to the den and walked inside. I saw her laying down and breathing slowly. I hope she wasn't asleep.
I stood beside her for a while and then lay down. I stared at her fast pleading for her to turn her head.
'Look Brooke, I'm so sorry I ignored you when I was hurt...' I said not even sure what to say.
She moved her head away from me further.
I scooted close to her and nudged her shoulder. 'Brooke you're my best friend. You were the nicest one to me when I came here,' I told her trying to get her to talk.
'Yeah, but you were too busy with Bronze,' She said.
I nodded and walked over so I could see her eyes. 'It's only because I've never felt that way about anyone,' I told her. 'It was overwhelming for me, and I needed to get used to it. When I'm with him, its very hard for me to think,' I told her.
She was still young, so she wouldn't understand the feeling. There weren't many males in the pack at the time. I nudged her shoulder playfully. 'Thunder is almost old enough for a mentor...maybe you'll get close to him,' I said.
I heard her giggle and I smiled. My stomach growled.
'I'd better go eat. We can talk later,' I told her and stood up.
I walked out of the den and to the prey pile. I got a hare and walked over to site under a tree. Half way through the hare Delia came up to me. I looked at her and smiled in a greeting. She just looked me up and down like she was sizing me up. My eyes widened. She wanted to hurt me.
'Delia? What's wrong?' I asked.
She growled. 'You know exactly what's wrong!' She growled again.
I stood up and backed away. 'No, I actually don't,' I said.
She snorted. 'You took Bronze away from me. You got hurt on purpose so he wouldn't be my mate again!' She almost howled.
I shook my head. 'You don't know what you're talking about!' I told her.
Then before I knew it she was on top of me trying to rip out my throat. I heard gasps around me, but I wouldn't let her beat me. Even with this leg I knew I would be stronger. I heaved up with my three good legs and pushed her off I stood over her and growled. I looked down at her and saw her whimpering.
A flash a russet brown went through my vision and I saw Bronze growling at me standing in front of Delia. She knew he was nearby. She set me up! I stared at her in disbelief and then at Bronze. His eyes flashed with anger and he kept growling at me. Why did he still care so much for her? I didn't hurt her.
~~~~~~~~~~Sorry skipping~~~~~~~~~~~~~better things~~~~~~~~~~~~~3 months later~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I could finally leave the den! I was so excited. All of the exercises and me being stuck inside helped my leg get better quickly. I went out of the den after talking to Carter about my leg. He told me I still can't hunt, but I can walk and go out of the den. I walked into a sunny spot and stretched my leg. It felt nice to finally have the warmth of the sun on my fur. I looked around the clearing of the camp and saw Bronze. I padded over to him. He looked at me and his eyes brightened.
'You're allowed out?!' He asked happily.
I nodded and jumped up and down happily. I was tired of being stuck inside the camp, but at least I wouldn't have to lay in the dark now. I looked around and then I heard Myth calling Bronze over.
'Sorry, I have to go,' He said and nuzzled my neck goodbye.
I nodded in understanding and looked around for Brooke as he ran over to Myth. I found her sitting with Sparkle once again. I padded over to them and lay down next to Sparkle.
'Hey guys!' I said.
'Hi!' Sparkle said.
Brooke just nodded at me and then got up and walked away. I stared after her in confusion. What was wrong with her?
'Hey Sparkle? What's bothering Brooke?' I asked her.
She looked at me sadly. 'She was so scared for you. She thought you'd died. Now, she's just upset because you never asked for anyone to come and get her so you could see her,' She said.
I opened my mouth then shut it. I understand. She feels like I abandoned her. I felt so bad. I stood up and nodded a goodbye to Sparkle. I turned to where Brooke disappeared. Once I saw she disappeared into the hunter's den I sighed in relief. I wouldn't have to disobey now. I walked slowly over to the den and walked inside. I saw her laying down and breathing slowly. I hope she wasn't asleep.
I stood beside her for a while and then lay down. I stared at her fast pleading for her to turn her head.
'Look Brooke, I'm so sorry I ignored you when I was hurt...' I said not even sure what to say.
She moved her head away from me further.
I scooted close to her and nudged her shoulder. 'Brooke you're my best friend. You were the nicest one to me when I came here,' I told her trying to get her to talk.
'Yeah, but you were too busy with Bronze,' She said.
I nodded and walked over so I could see her eyes. 'It's only because I've never felt that way about anyone,' I told her. 'It was overwhelming for me, and I needed to get used to it. When I'm with him, its very hard for me to think,' I told her.
She was still young, so she wouldn't understand the feeling. There weren't many males in the pack at the time. I nudged her shoulder playfully. 'Thunder is almost old enough for a mentor...maybe you'll get close to him,' I said.
I heard her giggle and I smiled. My stomach growled.
'I'd better go eat. We can talk later,' I told her and stood up.
I walked out of the den and to the prey pile. I got a hare and walked over to site under a tree. Half way through the hare Delia came up to me. I looked at her and smiled in a greeting. She just looked me up and down like she was sizing me up. My eyes widened. She wanted to hurt me.
'Delia? What's wrong?' I asked.
She growled. 'You know exactly what's wrong!' She growled again.
I stood up and backed away. 'No, I actually don't,' I said.
She snorted. 'You took Bronze away from me. You got hurt on purpose so he wouldn't be my mate again!' She almost howled.
I shook my head. 'You don't know what you're talking about!' I told her.
Then before I knew it she was on top of me trying to rip out my throat. I heard gasps around me, but I wouldn't let her beat me. Even with this leg I knew I would be stronger. I heaved up with my three good legs and pushed her off I stood over her and growled. I looked down at her and saw her whimpering.
A flash a russet brown went through my vision and I saw Bronze growling at me standing in front of Delia. She knew he was nearby. She set me up! I stared at her in disbelief and then at Bronze. His eyes flashed with anger and he kept growling at me. Why did he still care so much for her? I didn't hurt her.
Chapter 17~ Surprise!
I stood back letting my fur lie flat. I stared at him in disbelief. He was protecting her. When she was the one who attacked me. I glared at Delia and saw her smirking. I shook out my fur. I couldn't hurt her. It wouldn't be right. Brooke came up to me and nudged me away. I just kept staring sadly at Bronze.
Brooke led me to the prey pile again. She picked up a hare and motioned for me to eat it. I shook my head. I'd already eaten. I flattened my ears and stared at the ground in despair. She got what she wanted. Bronze took her side instead of mine. What did he see in her anyways. Yeah, she was beautiful, but her personality was terrible. She was a liar. She cheated on him for crying out loud. I growled to myself. Frustrated I stomped over to a shaded spot in the camp. I still wasn't allowed out and I knew Carter wouldn't be happy about me trying to get into a fight with a healthy wolf. Especially one that had it out for me.
Just as I had expected I saw Carter walking over to me with a grim look on his face. I looked away as he stood before me.
'What was that?' He nearly growled.
I shrugged. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was heart broken.
'Why would you even think of fighting? Jealousy is not right!' He said.
I snorted. 'I wasn't jealous! It was her who started it. I was just defending myself, but no she had it planned out,' I growled.
He looked at me. I felt his stare in my pelt. I slowly looked up at him. I felt like a lonely pup who had just gotten in trouble. He sighed.
'I need to examine your leg,' He said.
I nodded. 'Can you do it later? I kind of wanted to go visit the pups. It seems they like me,' I asked.
He nodded. 'Later then, but nothing too rough,' He said.
I rolled my eyes and walked over to where Flake was laying with her three pups. I walked up to Stone and nudged him with a paw. He tumbled over and then whipped around growling at my paw. He looked up and immediately his tail started to wag.
'Jordan!' All the pups squealed at the same time.
I laughed. 'Hey Stone!' I said pushing him over again and laying down so I was at his eye level. 'How's my favorite fighter?' I asked him.
He jumped up and pounced on my good leg. 'Soon I'll be able to fight you paw!' He yelled to it causing me to chuckle.
'Remember not to touch my bad leg,' I warned them. All of them nodded except Stone who was still threatening the paw that caused him to fall over.
Feather, Stone's sister, rolled her eyes as she walked over to them. She had gotten really big. 'Hi Beta Feather,' I said humorously dipping my head.
I heard her giggle. 'Hello puny hunter!' She said.
I looked around. 'Where's Thunder at?' I asked her.
She turned around in a circle and saw him. She bounded over to where he was hunting a leaf. She just stood there waiting for him to pounce. I looked at them amused as Feather pounced right on top of Thunder. They started wrestling and I looked back at Stone.
'When are you going to start training?' I asked him.
He trotted over to me and nuzzled my face. 'Soon!' He said excitedly.
I nodded enthusiastically. These pups were like my siblings. They were so fun to be around. When I was younger I used to think pups were annoying, and I vowed to never have any, but now I wasn't so sure.
Thunder and Feather bounded over to us and sat down. 'Soon we'll be as good at hunting as you!' Thunder squealed.
I nodded and motioned my tail to Feather. 'Yes you two will be the best hunters. Now, you need to remember to listen to your mentor. If you don't you won't be the best hunters,' I told them.
They all nodded. Stone was the only fighter of the litter.
'I want you to be my mentor,' Thunder whined.
I laughed. 'Maybe,' I said just as Carter called me over for my examining. I groaned. 'I have to go now pups. Carter needs to check my leg,' I said and they all started whimpering. I nudged them all. 'I promise to be back later today or tomorrow,' I told them. They all nodded in agreement and started to play again. I stood up and trotted over to Carter. I lay down and stretched my leg out for him to examine. He looked at my paw then went up the leg making sure no bone was sticking out. He got up to my shoulder. Then he suddenly had his paws on my stomach. My ears flew up.
'What are you doing?' I asked him.
I kept pressing on my stomach. I sniffed his paws. Finally he said. 'Your stomach seems to be a bit larger than it should,' He said still examining. After a long while of that he seemed to know what the problem was. Did I have worms? I hope not, that would be terrible. I looked at him expectantly. 'Jordan, you...you're going to have pups,' He said.
Brooke led me to the prey pile again. She picked up a hare and motioned for me to eat it. I shook my head. I'd already eaten. I flattened my ears and stared at the ground in despair. She got what she wanted. Bronze took her side instead of mine. What did he see in her anyways. Yeah, she was beautiful, but her personality was terrible. She was a liar. She cheated on him for crying out loud. I growled to myself. Frustrated I stomped over to a shaded spot in the camp. I still wasn't allowed out and I knew Carter wouldn't be happy about me trying to get into a fight with a healthy wolf. Especially one that had it out for me.
Just as I had expected I saw Carter walking over to me with a grim look on his face. I looked away as he stood before me.
'What was that?' He nearly growled.
I shrugged. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was heart broken.
'Why would you even think of fighting? Jealousy is not right!' He said.
I snorted. 'I wasn't jealous! It was her who started it. I was just defending myself, but no she had it planned out,' I growled.
He looked at me. I felt his stare in my pelt. I slowly looked up at him. I felt like a lonely pup who had just gotten in trouble. He sighed.
'I need to examine your leg,' He said.
I nodded. 'Can you do it later? I kind of wanted to go visit the pups. It seems they like me,' I asked.
He nodded. 'Later then, but nothing too rough,' He said.
I rolled my eyes and walked over to where Flake was laying with her three pups. I walked up to Stone and nudged him with a paw. He tumbled over and then whipped around growling at my paw. He looked up and immediately his tail started to wag.
'Jordan!' All the pups squealed at the same time.
I laughed. 'Hey Stone!' I said pushing him over again and laying down so I was at his eye level. 'How's my favorite fighter?' I asked him.
He jumped up and pounced on my good leg. 'Soon I'll be able to fight you paw!' He yelled to it causing me to chuckle.
'Remember not to touch my bad leg,' I warned them. All of them nodded except Stone who was still threatening the paw that caused him to fall over.
Feather, Stone's sister, rolled her eyes as she walked over to them. She had gotten really big. 'Hi Beta Feather,' I said humorously dipping my head.
I heard her giggle. 'Hello puny hunter!' She said.
I looked around. 'Where's Thunder at?' I asked her.
She turned around in a circle and saw him. She bounded over to where he was hunting a leaf. She just stood there waiting for him to pounce. I looked at them amused as Feather pounced right on top of Thunder. They started wrestling and I looked back at Stone.
'When are you going to start training?' I asked him.
He trotted over to me and nuzzled my face. 'Soon!' He said excitedly.
I nodded enthusiastically. These pups were like my siblings. They were so fun to be around. When I was younger I used to think pups were annoying, and I vowed to never have any, but now I wasn't so sure.
Thunder and Feather bounded over to us and sat down. 'Soon we'll be as good at hunting as you!' Thunder squealed.
I nodded and motioned my tail to Feather. 'Yes you two will be the best hunters. Now, you need to remember to listen to your mentor. If you don't you won't be the best hunters,' I told them.
They all nodded. Stone was the only fighter of the litter.
'I want you to be my mentor,' Thunder whined.
I laughed. 'Maybe,' I said just as Carter called me over for my examining. I groaned. 'I have to go now pups. Carter needs to check my leg,' I said and they all started whimpering. I nudged them all. 'I promise to be back later today or tomorrow,' I told them. They all nodded in agreement and started to play again. I stood up and trotted over to Carter. I lay down and stretched my leg out for him to examine. He looked at my paw then went up the leg making sure no bone was sticking out. He got up to my shoulder. Then he suddenly had his paws on my stomach. My ears flew up.
'What are you doing?' I asked him.
I kept pressing on my stomach. I sniffed his paws. Finally he said. 'Your stomach seems to be a bit larger than it should,' He said still examining. After a long while of that he seemed to know what the problem was. Did I have worms? I hope not, that would be terrible. I looked at him expectantly. 'Jordan, you...you're going to have pups,' He said.
Chapter 18~ Mixed Feelings
My eyes widened as he said that. No, no no no no no. I wanted to cry out like I was in pain. This was horrible. I never meant to, no. I didn't ever mean for this to happen. I didn't want pups yet! Why did I follow Bronze out into the forest that night? I wanted to beat myself up now. He couldn't even choose who the heck he wanted to be with. I growled softly under my breath. At least it wasn't too noticeable...yet. I stood up and shook out my fur.
'Thanks for telling me, Carter,' I nodded to him and turned quickly to leave. I didn't want to be in camp right now.
Looking both ways to make sure no one was looking I snuck out of the camp. This reminded me when I snuck out with Bronze. It was when I wasn't even allowed out of the den yet. We both agreed my leg was fine, so we went out. I shook my head. I didn't want to think about it. I didn't want to think about him. So many things can happen in just a few months. Even in a few weeks everything could go wrong.
'Heck! In a day something went wrong!' I nearly yelled out loud.
My eyes widened at my sudden outburst and I scurried away from the camp in case anyone over heard me talking to myself. I got to a clearing with a nice little pool in the center. I walked over to it and lay down. I stared down at the water, looking at my reflection for a moment. What did Bronze even see in my yellow, ugly eyes.
I kept staring at myself for a long moment when I realized it was beginning to get dark. I quickly stood up and walked back to camp. I walked back into camp like I had just gone out to go to the bathroom. I remembered I had promised Flake's pups I would see them before tomorrow. I spun around and headed for the nursing den. I called out and then walked inside as Flake told me to come in. Immediately the pups jumped out of the corner, and I fell over pretending to be scared out of my fur. They all giggled and hopped on top of me. I laughed with them then rolled over so they were under me, but not me crushing them.
I fake gasped. 'Where did all the little buggers go?' I asked like it was a mystery.
I felt them pawing at my stomach and I stood up and looked in between my legs. 'What were you doing under there?' I asked like I had no idea.
Stone came up to my face and pawed at my muzzle.'You layed on us!' He squealed as I batted at his rear end with my paw.
'Hey pups, I have something important to tell you. Its a secret, and I'm only going to tell you guys,' I told them. I figured I should tell them why I would be spending a lot more time in the nursing den. They'd be in here until I would have to move in because of my pups.
They all sat down and looked at me eagerly.
'Promise me you will not tell anyone my secret,' I told them.
They nodded and said, 'We promise!'
I smiled warmly at them. 'Well, I will be moving into this den for a while,' I said looking over at Flake who had a surprised look on her face. I gave her a 'I will tell you later' look. She nodded and I looked back at Feather.
'Why?' She asked.
I looked at them all. 'Because, I will be a mother. Just like yours,' I told them.
They all looked at Flake and back to me. 'So you're going to have pups?' Thunder asked bouncing around excitedly.
'Will we be able to play with them?' Stone asked.
I shook my head. 'I'm afraid by the time they'll be able to play you'll be too busy training,' I told them.
They all whined. 'We want to meet them though!' They whined again.
I laughed. 'They won't go anywhere. You can still play with them, but just not right now,' I told them happy that they were excited.
A lot more excited than I was. I was nervous. What was I going to tell the pack. What was I going to tell Bronze. I honestly had no idea if I wanted him to act as the father of them. He...just..didn't seem like a good father. I hated thinking that.
I looked at Flake and motioned for us to talk outside the den. She nodded and rounded up her pups to go to bed. I walked out of the den and sat down looking at the stars. She soon came out after the pups were asleep.
'What happened?' She asked.
I shrugged. 'Bronze and I snuck out, and well...I guess we sorta...' I trailed off looking at my paws.
She nodded in understanding. 'Will you tell him,' She asked anxiously.
I shrugged again. 'I don't know if I want to tell him if I'm going to have pups,' I told her.
'You're having pups?!' I heard him yell.
My ears flatted. I didn't want him to find out this way.
'Thanks for telling me, Carter,' I nodded to him and turned quickly to leave. I didn't want to be in camp right now.
Looking both ways to make sure no one was looking I snuck out of the camp. This reminded me when I snuck out with Bronze. It was when I wasn't even allowed out of the den yet. We both agreed my leg was fine, so we went out. I shook my head. I didn't want to think about it. I didn't want to think about him. So many things can happen in just a few months. Even in a few weeks everything could go wrong.
'Heck! In a day something went wrong!' I nearly yelled out loud.
My eyes widened at my sudden outburst and I scurried away from the camp in case anyone over heard me talking to myself. I got to a clearing with a nice little pool in the center. I walked over to it and lay down. I stared down at the water, looking at my reflection for a moment. What did Bronze even see in my yellow, ugly eyes.
I kept staring at myself for a long moment when I realized it was beginning to get dark. I quickly stood up and walked back to camp. I walked back into camp like I had just gone out to go to the bathroom. I remembered I had promised Flake's pups I would see them before tomorrow. I spun around and headed for the nursing den. I called out and then walked inside as Flake told me to come in. Immediately the pups jumped out of the corner, and I fell over pretending to be scared out of my fur. They all giggled and hopped on top of me. I laughed with them then rolled over so they were under me, but not me crushing them.
I fake gasped. 'Where did all the little buggers go?' I asked like it was a mystery.
I felt them pawing at my stomach and I stood up and looked in between my legs. 'What were you doing under there?' I asked like I had no idea.
Stone came up to my face and pawed at my muzzle.'You layed on us!' He squealed as I batted at his rear end with my paw.
'Hey pups, I have something important to tell you. Its a secret, and I'm only going to tell you guys,' I told them. I figured I should tell them why I would be spending a lot more time in the nursing den. They'd be in here until I would have to move in because of my pups.
They all sat down and looked at me eagerly.
'Promise me you will not tell anyone my secret,' I told them.
They nodded and said, 'We promise!'
I smiled warmly at them. 'Well, I will be moving into this den for a while,' I said looking over at Flake who had a surprised look on her face. I gave her a 'I will tell you later' look. She nodded and I looked back at Feather.
'Why?' She asked.
I looked at them all. 'Because, I will be a mother. Just like yours,' I told them.
They all looked at Flake and back to me. 'So you're going to have pups?' Thunder asked bouncing around excitedly.
'Will we be able to play with them?' Stone asked.
I shook my head. 'I'm afraid by the time they'll be able to play you'll be too busy training,' I told them.
They all whined. 'We want to meet them though!' They whined again.
I laughed. 'They won't go anywhere. You can still play with them, but just not right now,' I told them happy that they were excited.
A lot more excited than I was. I was nervous. What was I going to tell the pack. What was I going to tell Bronze. I honestly had no idea if I wanted him to act as the father of them. He...just..didn't seem like a good father. I hated thinking that.
I looked at Flake and motioned for us to talk outside the den. She nodded and rounded up her pups to go to bed. I walked out of the den and sat down looking at the stars. She soon came out after the pups were asleep.
'What happened?' She asked.
I shrugged. 'Bronze and I snuck out, and well...I guess we sorta...' I trailed off looking at my paws.
She nodded in understanding. 'Will you tell him,' She asked anxiously.
I shrugged again. 'I don't know if I want to tell him if I'm going to have pups,' I told her.
'You're having pups?!' I heard him yell.
My ears flatted. I didn't want him to find out this way.
Chapter 19~ Clueless
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Flake stared in astonishment at Bronze. Where did he even come from? I've been sitting here forever, and there wasn't anyone in camp...that was awake at least. Obviously I was wrong. I just stared at him.
'Well?' He asked.
I couldn't stand it. 'Yes! I am going to have pups! Yes, they're yours!' I finally blurted out. I hoped no one else was awake. I seriously didn't want anyone to know. I didn't know why, but I had a feeling Brooke didn't even want me falling for Bronze in the first place. She probably knew all he was was trouble. I looked up at Bronze to see him just staring at me. He wasn't even blinking. Then his gaze softened and he looked at me lovingly. I grunted and looked down.
'Don't pretend you love me. Not now, not just because I'm going to have pups that are yours,' I growled to him.
I wasn't going to be soft. I was going to give him what he deserved. He didn't deserve my sympathy. I would let our pups know he was their father, but I was not going to be his mate ever again. He could stand in as the father figure if he'd like, but I will give my pups enough love for both of us. I didn't even trust him to give them the love they deserved. They weren't going to be punished because their father couldn't choose who he loved more, and I would fight with Bronze everything breath I took. It wouldn't be fair for them.
I looked into his eyes. He was mad at what I said. 'We will raise the pups together,' He said as calmly as possible.
I nodded. 'Yes, we will. But, I am not your mate any longer,' I said.
Right when I said that Flake got up and nodded a goodbye to me. I understood why she left. I would have too. I looked back to Bronze. Anger flared in his eyes. 'And why don't you want to be my mate any more?' He asked.
I rolled my eyes. 'As if you don't already know!' I snapped keeping my voice low. 'You can't choose between me and Delia,' I said, saying Delia's voice with so much venom it sound like I was talking about rotten food that someone decided to feed me.
He glared daggers at me. 'So, I can't protect my ex-mate?' He asked.
I almost leaped at him when he said that. Is he serious? Protect his mate who was being attacked by me? I was just injured a few months earlier and he decides to defend a well fed and well trained fighter? I shook my head in disgust. 'If it means protecting your injured mate. Then no, you can't protect your ex-mate. Exactly what I'm saying. Your ex-mate is more important than your mate,' I said sadly looking down.
Don't get me wrong I would understand him defending her if it was pure jealousy causing me to attack, but it wasn't. It was self defense and he chose to defend someone who probably didn't have any care in the world for him. Who left him, even had pups with another wolf. I didn't care if I would be single for the rest of my life I would never be mates with a blind wolf like he was. I sniffed the air in disgust and walked back into the nursing den. I decided I would move in now. Not that I needed to, but I didn't want to spend the night in the hunter's den. Not with him, no.
I walked to the far side of the den away from the pups. I didn't want to disturb their sleep. I layed down and looked around the den. It was warm and had the sweet smell of new born pups. I could easily get used to sleeping in here. Living in here. I would have to for a while. It wouldn't be so bad. I looked towards the den entrance and saw Bronze's shadow disappear. Good. He finally left. I lay my head down on my paws and closed my eyes. I decided I would just let Carter tell the pack. Or maybe it would be obvious with me spending all my time here. Hopefully they would get the idea and I wouldn't have to tell them myself.
'Well?' He asked.
I couldn't stand it. 'Yes! I am going to have pups! Yes, they're yours!' I finally blurted out. I hoped no one else was awake. I seriously didn't want anyone to know. I didn't know why, but I had a feeling Brooke didn't even want me falling for Bronze in the first place. She probably knew all he was was trouble. I looked up at Bronze to see him just staring at me. He wasn't even blinking. Then his gaze softened and he looked at me lovingly. I grunted and looked down.
'Don't pretend you love me. Not now, not just because I'm going to have pups that are yours,' I growled to him.
I wasn't going to be soft. I was going to give him what he deserved. He didn't deserve my sympathy. I would let our pups know he was their father, but I was not going to be his mate ever again. He could stand in as the father figure if he'd like, but I will give my pups enough love for both of us. I didn't even trust him to give them the love they deserved. They weren't going to be punished because their father couldn't choose who he loved more, and I would fight with Bronze everything breath I took. It wouldn't be fair for them.
I looked into his eyes. He was mad at what I said. 'We will raise the pups together,' He said as calmly as possible.
I nodded. 'Yes, we will. But, I am not your mate any longer,' I said.
Right when I said that Flake got up and nodded a goodbye to me. I understood why she left. I would have too. I looked back to Bronze. Anger flared in his eyes. 'And why don't you want to be my mate any more?' He asked.
I rolled my eyes. 'As if you don't already know!' I snapped keeping my voice low. 'You can't choose between me and Delia,' I said, saying Delia's voice with so much venom it sound like I was talking about rotten food that someone decided to feed me.
He glared daggers at me. 'So, I can't protect my ex-mate?' He asked.
I almost leaped at him when he said that. Is he serious? Protect his mate who was being attacked by me? I was just injured a few months earlier and he decides to defend a well fed and well trained fighter? I shook my head in disgust. 'If it means protecting your injured mate. Then no, you can't protect your ex-mate. Exactly what I'm saying. Your ex-mate is more important than your mate,' I said sadly looking down.
Don't get me wrong I would understand him defending her if it was pure jealousy causing me to attack, but it wasn't. It was self defense and he chose to defend someone who probably didn't have any care in the world for him. Who left him, even had pups with another wolf. I didn't care if I would be single for the rest of my life I would never be mates with a blind wolf like he was. I sniffed the air in disgust and walked back into the nursing den. I decided I would move in now. Not that I needed to, but I didn't want to spend the night in the hunter's den. Not with him, no.
I walked to the far side of the den away from the pups. I didn't want to disturb their sleep. I layed down and looked around the den. It was warm and had the sweet smell of new born pups. I could easily get used to sleeping in here. Living in here. I would have to for a while. It wouldn't be so bad. I looked towards the den entrance and saw Bronze's shadow disappear. Good. He finally left. I lay my head down on my paws and closed my eyes. I decided I would just let Carter tell the pack. Or maybe it would be obvious with me spending all my time here. Hopefully they would get the idea and I wouldn't have to tell them myself.
Chapter 20~ Trapped
I opened my eyes to the shining sun the next morning. There was a ray of sunshine coming right through the crack at the top of the den. I guess I should patch that up in case any rain came through. I stood up and yawned, stretching my legs. I looked over at Flake's sleeping area, and saw she and her pups were already gone. How long had I slept?
I crawled out of the tiny den entrance and out into the open. The air smelled nice and fresh. I yawned again and looked to my right seeing the pups playing with each other while Flake padded over to the prey pile.
'Why were you in the nursing den?' I heard a deep voice ask.
I turned quickly to see Storm standing there. I sighed. I didn't want to tell Storm. I didn't want anyone to know about the mistake I made. Everything I did was a mistake. Falling for him. Going out with him into the forest that night. I was so groggy from the herbs Carter gave me that I barely remember much about what had happened. 'Ask Carter,' I muttered finally.
He nodded to me and padded towards the Healer's den. I was surprised he didn't force me to tell him.
I shrugged and trotted over to the prey pile. I bent down and picked up a deer's leg that someone had decided not to eat. I padded back over to where the pups were and settled down to eat. They bounded over to me squealing and laughing. I ate my deer with amusement glittering in my yellow eyes. They were so cute, and fun to be around. I think I would like being a mother more than I think I would.
Thunder tumbled over onto my prey as Stone pushed him. I gently nudged him back to his feet and pushed him towards Stone. With the extra momentum Thunder pushed Stone over with so much force that Stone did a couple backwards somersaults before landing on his rear end.
I tried to hold in some laughter as Stone had a surprised look on his face. Finishing my deer I stood up and threw away the bones into the bone pile just outside the camp. I turned back around just in time to see the three pups hurl themselves at me.
Dramatically falling over I pretended to be hurt. I started whimpering as they were on top of me. 'I surrender!' I said as they giggled.
They all dropped down from me and stood there growling with their fur raise. 'You three are terrifying. Good thing I'll be in this den,' I said motioning towards the nursing den, 'for most of the time you're training,' I said playfully nudging them.
Stone nodded. 'You should be afraid!' He said making his voice deep and standing up tall and proud.
I nodded. 'Totally afraid,' I said. I could already tell he was going to be a strong fighter. I knew that once he was older I would probably be afraid of him.
I got up and yawned. I stretched out my legs and looked around. Well, I still can't go outside the camp. I sighed at the thought. I turned my head when I heard Storm's voice. He was talking to Carter. Well good, I'm glad Carter told him. I walked towards the drinking pool and lapped at the water. I savored its coolness on my tongue and then shivered. It had just gotten really cold.
I looked up at the sky and saw dark clouds moving quickly towards the mountain. My eyes widened as I realized those weren't snow clouds. I quickly ran back to where the pups were playing again.
Scooping Thunder into my mouth I nudged the rest to the den quickly. Once inside they started to whine. They were unhappy but safe. I hurried back to where Flake had fallen asleep. I nudged her awake quickly. I was panicking. During storms I was not the one to want anyone outside in them. The storm kept coming faster and faster. I looked around quickly and howled warning the pack to get inside the, thank god, rock caves. Hopefully these caves would keep them safe.
As soon as they heard my howl they barked in alarm and darted inside their dens. I sighed in relief as they were inside safely. Looking back at the storm I saw a tornado forming in the cloud. My eyes widened and I prayed for the tornado to go by safely. I scrambled back towards the nursing den and got inside just as a huge rock was lodged into the entrance of the den. I heard the pups squeak and I knew right away that we were trapped.
I crawled out of the tiny den entrance and out into the open. The air smelled nice and fresh. I yawned again and looked to my right seeing the pups playing with each other while Flake padded over to the prey pile.
'Why were you in the nursing den?' I heard a deep voice ask.
I turned quickly to see Storm standing there. I sighed. I didn't want to tell Storm. I didn't want anyone to know about the mistake I made. Everything I did was a mistake. Falling for him. Going out with him into the forest that night. I was so groggy from the herbs Carter gave me that I barely remember much about what had happened. 'Ask Carter,' I muttered finally.
He nodded to me and padded towards the Healer's den. I was surprised he didn't force me to tell him.
I shrugged and trotted over to the prey pile. I bent down and picked up a deer's leg that someone had decided not to eat. I padded back over to where the pups were and settled down to eat. They bounded over to me squealing and laughing. I ate my deer with amusement glittering in my yellow eyes. They were so cute, and fun to be around. I think I would like being a mother more than I think I would.
Thunder tumbled over onto my prey as Stone pushed him. I gently nudged him back to his feet and pushed him towards Stone. With the extra momentum Thunder pushed Stone over with so much force that Stone did a couple backwards somersaults before landing on his rear end.
I tried to hold in some laughter as Stone had a surprised look on his face. Finishing my deer I stood up and threw away the bones into the bone pile just outside the camp. I turned back around just in time to see the three pups hurl themselves at me.
Dramatically falling over I pretended to be hurt. I started whimpering as they were on top of me. 'I surrender!' I said as they giggled.
They all dropped down from me and stood there growling with their fur raise. 'You three are terrifying. Good thing I'll be in this den,' I said motioning towards the nursing den, 'for most of the time you're training,' I said playfully nudging them.
Stone nodded. 'You should be afraid!' He said making his voice deep and standing up tall and proud.
I nodded. 'Totally afraid,' I said. I could already tell he was going to be a strong fighter. I knew that once he was older I would probably be afraid of him.
I got up and yawned. I stretched out my legs and looked around. Well, I still can't go outside the camp. I sighed at the thought. I turned my head when I heard Storm's voice. He was talking to Carter. Well good, I'm glad Carter told him. I walked towards the drinking pool and lapped at the water. I savored its coolness on my tongue and then shivered. It had just gotten really cold.
I looked up at the sky and saw dark clouds moving quickly towards the mountain. My eyes widened as I realized those weren't snow clouds. I quickly ran back to where the pups were playing again.
Scooping Thunder into my mouth I nudged the rest to the den quickly. Once inside they started to whine. They were unhappy but safe. I hurried back to where Flake had fallen asleep. I nudged her awake quickly. I was panicking. During storms I was not the one to want anyone outside in them. The storm kept coming faster and faster. I looked around quickly and howled warning the pack to get inside the, thank god, rock caves. Hopefully these caves would keep them safe.
As soon as they heard my howl they barked in alarm and darted inside their dens. I sighed in relief as they were inside safely. Looking back at the storm I saw a tornado forming in the cloud. My eyes widened and I prayed for the tornado to go by safely. I scrambled back towards the nursing den and got inside just as a huge rock was lodged into the entrance of the den. I heard the pups squeak and I knew right away that we were trapped.
Chapter 21~ Idea
I was breathing heavily in the silent, dark cave. The pups were crying in the corner where their mother was trying to comfort them. I looked around and realized something very important.
We were trapped.
No, this couldn't happen. We couldn't be trapped. That isn't possible. Maybe if I pushed hard enough the boulder would move? I thought about it for a long while, but decided not to try at the moment because of the fact that the storm may still be going on. I sniffed at the edge of the boulder to see if I could smell the outside air through any cracks. Maybe I could tell if the rock was weaker or more round on one side making it easier to roll.
I shook out my ruffled fur and padded over to the corner to help Flake comfort her pups.
'You three come here,' I ordered them like a leader.
They all dipped their heads. It was a little game we played. I was the leader and they were my pack.
'Now, we are stuck in this cave,' I said looking around. 'You three will need to make comfortable sleeping areas for the five of us. We may be here a while, and until I know the storm has passed safely I will not try to find a way out,' I said acting like a leader.
'Yes leader Jordan!' Thunder squeaked and started creating holes in the sand for sleeping areas.
Once they were all working and busy I walked back over to Flake and nodded to her.
'You are so good with them,' She said with a sparkle in her eyes. 'You are going to be a wonderful mother,' She said nuzzling my muzzle.
I was warmed by her words, but that wasn't going to keep me from trying to get them out of here. I wasn't very good in tighter places. This was going to be a challenge for me to stay calm in here, but if it was going to keep the pups from panicking then I guess I would try my hardest.
Once the pups finished their work they bounded over to me very excited. I was surprised they could walk around so easily in this terribly dark den, but I guess they've had some practice. 'We've finished your sleeping area!' Feather said excitedly.
Stone grabbed my ear in his mouth and pulled me eagerly. 'Come on we want you to sleep in it now!' He said happily and padded over to where they had dug a hole, smoothened it out, and put stones around the edge of it.
I nuzzled their heads. 'Its lovely,' I said laying down inside of it and looking at them.
'Pups, it is time for bed,' Flake said.
Wow, today had gone by so fast. It was a wonder that I could have stayed so calm. I guess the pups really helped me forget things. I would try and get out in the morning. I decided as I lay my head down to sleep.
I woke up to the sound of voices outside of the den. I stood up and walked over to the entrance. Forgetting the boulder was blocking it I ran straight into the giant rock head first. I sat down and shook my head. Ow. I whined, but then shut my mouth because I didn't want to wake up Flake and her pups. I listened closely and heard Bronze and Delia talking outside of the rock.
'Leave them there to die!' I heard Delia say.
'What? No! There are innocent pups stuck inside that den! You want me to just leave them because you don't like Jordan?' He asked in astonishement.
I rolled my eyes. So now he figures out how terrible she is. I put my ear back up against the rock.
'Well she deserves to starve to death,' She said like it was her mission.
I shook my head. She was such air head. I turned back around and headed for my sleeping area. I didn't care if she wanted me dead. I would rather die than have these pups suffer in here. Then I remembered I was carrying pups. Had she found out about them? Is that why she wanted me dead because she wanted to have Bronze's pups?
I snorted. Well, she could just go right on ahead and have pups with him. For all I cared he could have pups with every female in the pack. I forgot my bitter thoughts and lay my head down to sleep again.
I woke up to a bright light shining on my face. I blinked once and looked up. How was the sun getting in if the boulder was blocking the entrance? I let my eyes adjust to the light and then looked up again. The crack in the roof! I could still be heard from here. I looked around and saw a ledge right under the crack. I stood up quickly and wagged my tail. I climbed up to the ledge and stood there. Oh how mad Carter would be if he knew I was climbing. I shook my head in amusement.
I tried to claw at the crack to make it bigger, but it wasn't working. Then I remembered...I was a shape shifter! I hopped down from the ledge and looked around for something to cover myself with. I soon found a huge leaf that one of the pups must have carried in.
I quickly changed into my human form and made a quick makeshift shirt and underwear type clothing for myself. Once I was finished with that I climbed back up to the ledge. Looking at the crack I started to hit it with my fist. I watched the pieces of earth crumble and the hole got bigger. Soon enough I started to easily pull more earth down and I could fit my head through. I smiled in happiness and hit the top. This time a giant bunch fell and I could fit my whole body through. I stood at the top and jumped up and down with victory.
I looked back in the hole and saw Flake and her pups still sleeping. What was I going to do about them now that I was free?
We were trapped.
No, this couldn't happen. We couldn't be trapped. That isn't possible. Maybe if I pushed hard enough the boulder would move? I thought about it for a long while, but decided not to try at the moment because of the fact that the storm may still be going on. I sniffed at the edge of the boulder to see if I could smell the outside air through any cracks. Maybe I could tell if the rock was weaker or more round on one side making it easier to roll.
I shook out my ruffled fur and padded over to the corner to help Flake comfort her pups.
'You three come here,' I ordered them like a leader.
They all dipped their heads. It was a little game we played. I was the leader and they were my pack.
'Now, we are stuck in this cave,' I said looking around. 'You three will need to make comfortable sleeping areas for the five of us. We may be here a while, and until I know the storm has passed safely I will not try to find a way out,' I said acting like a leader.
'Yes leader Jordan!' Thunder squeaked and started creating holes in the sand for sleeping areas.
Once they were all working and busy I walked back over to Flake and nodded to her.
'You are so good with them,' She said with a sparkle in her eyes. 'You are going to be a wonderful mother,' She said nuzzling my muzzle.
I was warmed by her words, but that wasn't going to keep me from trying to get them out of here. I wasn't very good in tighter places. This was going to be a challenge for me to stay calm in here, but if it was going to keep the pups from panicking then I guess I would try my hardest.
Once the pups finished their work they bounded over to me very excited. I was surprised they could walk around so easily in this terribly dark den, but I guess they've had some practice. 'We've finished your sleeping area!' Feather said excitedly.
Stone grabbed my ear in his mouth and pulled me eagerly. 'Come on we want you to sleep in it now!' He said happily and padded over to where they had dug a hole, smoothened it out, and put stones around the edge of it.
I nuzzled their heads. 'Its lovely,' I said laying down inside of it and looking at them.
'Pups, it is time for bed,' Flake said.
Wow, today had gone by so fast. It was a wonder that I could have stayed so calm. I guess the pups really helped me forget things. I would try and get out in the morning. I decided as I lay my head down to sleep.
I woke up to the sound of voices outside of the den. I stood up and walked over to the entrance. Forgetting the boulder was blocking it I ran straight into the giant rock head first. I sat down and shook my head. Ow. I whined, but then shut my mouth because I didn't want to wake up Flake and her pups. I listened closely and heard Bronze and Delia talking outside of the rock.
'Leave them there to die!' I heard Delia say.
'What? No! There are innocent pups stuck inside that den! You want me to just leave them because you don't like Jordan?' He asked in astonishement.
I rolled my eyes. So now he figures out how terrible she is. I put my ear back up against the rock.
'Well she deserves to starve to death,' She said like it was her mission.
I shook my head. She was such air head. I turned back around and headed for my sleeping area. I didn't care if she wanted me dead. I would rather die than have these pups suffer in here. Then I remembered I was carrying pups. Had she found out about them? Is that why she wanted me dead because she wanted to have Bronze's pups?
I snorted. Well, she could just go right on ahead and have pups with him. For all I cared he could have pups with every female in the pack. I forgot my bitter thoughts and lay my head down to sleep again.
I woke up to a bright light shining on my face. I blinked once and looked up. How was the sun getting in if the boulder was blocking the entrance? I let my eyes adjust to the light and then looked up again. The crack in the roof! I could still be heard from here. I looked around and saw a ledge right under the crack. I stood up quickly and wagged my tail. I climbed up to the ledge and stood there. Oh how mad Carter would be if he knew I was climbing. I shook my head in amusement.
I tried to claw at the crack to make it bigger, but it wasn't working. Then I remembered...I was a shape shifter! I hopped down from the ledge and looked around for something to cover myself with. I soon found a huge leaf that one of the pups must have carried in.
I quickly changed into my human form and made a quick makeshift shirt and underwear type clothing for myself. Once I was finished with that I climbed back up to the ledge. Looking at the crack I started to hit it with my fist. I watched the pieces of earth crumble and the hole got bigger. Soon enough I started to easily pull more earth down and I could fit my head through. I smiled in happiness and hit the top. This time a giant bunch fell and I could fit my whole body through. I stood at the top and jumped up and down with victory.
I looked back in the hole and saw Flake and her pups still sleeping. What was I going to do about them now that I was free?
Chapter 22~ Free and Threatened
I stood up and looked over the ledge and into the cave.
"Stone, Thunder, Feather!" I yelled into the den hoping they would understand what I was saying.
Their ears perked up and they looked around. They were confused.
"Psst! Guys!" I said again.
This time they looked directly at me. They all suddenly growled which took me by surprise. Once Flake woke up and looked at what they were growling at she barked at them. I guessed she was telling them to stop, but without me hearing their thoughts I wasn't so sure. I was still squatted there until Flake looked up and nodded to me. I smiled down and got an idea.
"Can you understand me Flake?" I asked hoping she would. Sense she was a shape shifter also she should know the English language, but her pups may not because they are so young.
She nodded to me. "Ok! Great! Now, carry your pups up to the ledge there,' I said pointing to it. 'Then reach as far as you can towards this hole with your neck and I'll pull them up," I told her.
She nodded and grabbed Thunder first. She struggled getting up the ledge, but did it quickly. She stretched her neck up as far as she could and handed Thunder to me. I reached down with my hand and grabbed his scruff. I heaved and pulled him over the ledge. He started running around excitedly.
Soon, Feather and Stone were both on the top of the cave and all I had to do was get Flake up. This was going to be hard. Then I thought, she could just go to her human form as well! I looked back at the pups and saw they were looking away. Quickly I took off the leaves and formed back into my wolf. I scraped the leaves back into the den.
'Form into your human form and put the leaves on so you can climb,' I called down to her.
She nodded and I looked away so she could form. Soon enough she was on top of the den as well and immediately formed back.
'I hate being a human, it seems so unnatural,' She said with a shudder.
I nodded in agreement and looked back at the pups. I walked over to the ledge and tried to find away down. Luckily I found a few crevices on the side of the cliff. I grabbed Feather and carried her down easily. I climbed back up and grabbed Stone. Flake had Thunder in her mouth and we started to climb down. Once on level ground I layed down in exhaustion. I was so glad to not be stuck in the cave anymore. I was so happy to finally be outside of that den. It was worse than being stuck in the healing den for so long.
I looked around and saw Delia. I stomped up to her.
'Nice to know you want me dead!' I growled to her.
She whirled around immediately and had a sly look on her face. 'Yes I did, and it will happen,' She said.
I rolled my eyes. 'Why do you want me dead so bad? You can have that dumb male,' I snarled.
She laughed. 'That's not the reason,' She said.
'Then what is?' I asked not really caring.
'You don't deserve to have those pups. To be happy with a family. My pups were my life, and they died because of Bronze,' She said.
What? He wouldn't kill pups....well, I guess I don't really know if he would or not. He wouldn't in this pack or Storm would have his head off in seconds.
'Yeah, why don't you make Bronze suffer then? Why make me suffer?' I asked.
She shrugged. 'Its fun to see you hurting.'
I rolled my eyes for the fifteenth time and turned around to walk away. I trotted over to the prey pile and grabbed a huge deer. I dragged it over to where the pups and Flake were and layed it down.
'You must be starving!' I said and started to eat as the pups ran over.
They dug in right away and tore away at the deer leaving barely any left for Flake and I. My eyes widened. I shrugged and gave the rest to Flake. 'I already had a bite,' I told her.
She shook her head. 'No you are going to have pups eat it or I'll hurt you,' She said.
I laughed and obeyed eating the rest of the deer. I lay down in the sun. It felt nice to feel it on my fur again. I closed me eyes and waited for sleep to come. A thought occurred to me. Delia couldn't kill my pups. Could she?
"Stone, Thunder, Feather!" I yelled into the den hoping they would understand what I was saying.
Their ears perked up and they looked around. They were confused.
"Psst! Guys!" I said again.
This time they looked directly at me. They all suddenly growled which took me by surprise. Once Flake woke up and looked at what they were growling at she barked at them. I guessed she was telling them to stop, but without me hearing their thoughts I wasn't so sure. I was still squatted there until Flake looked up and nodded to me. I smiled down and got an idea.
"Can you understand me Flake?" I asked hoping she would. Sense she was a shape shifter also she should know the English language, but her pups may not because they are so young.
She nodded to me. "Ok! Great! Now, carry your pups up to the ledge there,' I said pointing to it. 'Then reach as far as you can towards this hole with your neck and I'll pull them up," I told her.
She nodded and grabbed Thunder first. She struggled getting up the ledge, but did it quickly. She stretched her neck up as far as she could and handed Thunder to me. I reached down with my hand and grabbed his scruff. I heaved and pulled him over the ledge. He started running around excitedly.
Soon, Feather and Stone were both on the top of the cave and all I had to do was get Flake up. This was going to be hard. Then I thought, she could just go to her human form as well! I looked back at the pups and saw they were looking away. Quickly I took off the leaves and formed back into my wolf. I scraped the leaves back into the den.
'Form into your human form and put the leaves on so you can climb,' I called down to her.
She nodded and I looked away so she could form. Soon enough she was on top of the den as well and immediately formed back.
'I hate being a human, it seems so unnatural,' She said with a shudder.
I nodded in agreement and looked back at the pups. I walked over to the ledge and tried to find away down. Luckily I found a few crevices on the side of the cliff. I grabbed Feather and carried her down easily. I climbed back up and grabbed Stone. Flake had Thunder in her mouth and we started to climb down. Once on level ground I layed down in exhaustion. I was so glad to not be stuck in the cave anymore. I was so happy to finally be outside of that den. It was worse than being stuck in the healing den for so long.
I looked around and saw Delia. I stomped up to her.
'Nice to know you want me dead!' I growled to her.
She whirled around immediately and had a sly look on her face. 'Yes I did, and it will happen,' She said.
I rolled my eyes. 'Why do you want me dead so bad? You can have that dumb male,' I snarled.
She laughed. 'That's not the reason,' She said.
'Then what is?' I asked not really caring.
'You don't deserve to have those pups. To be happy with a family. My pups were my life, and they died because of Bronze,' She said.
What? He wouldn't kill pups....well, I guess I don't really know if he would or not. He wouldn't in this pack or Storm would have his head off in seconds.
'Yeah, why don't you make Bronze suffer then? Why make me suffer?' I asked.
She shrugged. 'Its fun to see you hurting.'
I rolled my eyes for the fifteenth time and turned around to walk away. I trotted over to the prey pile and grabbed a huge deer. I dragged it over to where the pups and Flake were and layed it down.
'You must be starving!' I said and started to eat as the pups ran over.
They dug in right away and tore away at the deer leaving barely any left for Flake and I. My eyes widened. I shrugged and gave the rest to Flake. 'I already had a bite,' I told her.
She shook her head. 'No you are going to have pups eat it or I'll hurt you,' She said.
I laughed and obeyed eating the rest of the deer. I lay down in the sun. It felt nice to feel it on my fur again. I closed me eyes and waited for sleep to come. A thought occurred to me. Delia couldn't kill my pups. Could she?
Chapter 23~ Goodbye
My eyes fluttered open and I saw Flake was still laying beside me watching he pups with sad eyes. I looked at her in confusion.
'You ok Flake?' I asked which made her jump.
'I didn't know you had woken up!' She said startled. She then shrugged and turned her head back to her pups. 'They're just growing so fast, and being a fighter is dangerous. I'm afraid for Stone,' She said worriedly.
I nodded. 'Yes, but once they learn they'll be able to defend themselves easily.' I told her.
She sighed. 'Yes you're very much right,' She said. 'Oh forgot to tell you, but well the three of them are being mentored today,' She told me a new excitement in her eyes.
I smiled happily, but it soon faltered. They were going to be so busy. I wonder if they would visit me. It was going to be so lonely inside the nursing den. I sighed. 'Thunder! Come here! Oh, bring your siblings!' I called to them sadness clearly in my voice.
I heard Thunder say what I said, and then they all three bounded towards me tongues out as they panted. I sighed looking down.
'Now, this is the last time you will be able to play like this,' I lectured them. 'When you are training I know you will be so busy I will be just a little memory in your guys' brains. I just want you to promise me that you will visit me at least once from now and until I rejoin you as a hunter,' I said looking at all three of them.
Feather came up to me and licked my cheek. 'I will visit you every day!' She told me. I smiled and nuzzled her.
Thunder came over to me next and touched noses with me. 'I don't promise to visit every day, but I will try to every chance I get,' He said. He sounded so wise. I knew he would be a great hunter. Heck, he could even be a Healer with his ability to remember so many things.
Stone bounded over and pounced on my head. I pretended to growl at him and he stood there fur raised. 'I will protect you forever and ever!' He declared. Now Stone wasn't the smartest, but he wasn't the weakest. I knew he would learn his fighting moves with ease during his training.
Right when I shoved Stone over I heard Storm call them over to them. I turned my head just as Flake turned hers and watched as the pups I watched grow pad off towards Storm. I looked at the three wolves standing there ready to start their mentoring job. Scarlett was standing there ready to train Stone. Sparkle was stood there happily touching noses with Feather. Thunder, his mentor was the one wolf I would have never wanted to mentor him, Bronze. I shook my head in disbelief and looked down at my paws.
I felt movement near me and saw that Flake had stood up. She stretched and nodded a farewell to me. 'Thank you, for helping my pups grow,' She said and dipped her head. I was glad she was a hunter with me. I watched as she trotted over to Myth for hunting instructions and I lay there in the shade of the blocked off nursing den alone and sad.
I sighed and stood up. I walked over to Storm and stood there. He looked at me.
'You are definitely showing,' He said gesturing to my stomach. I turned my head and looked at my huge stomach. My eyes widened. Then I shook my head remembering why I was here.
'Where will I sleep now that the nursing den is blocked off?' I asked him.
He stood there with a thoughtful look on his face. 'I will have our fighters dig out a new den for you and your pups, but for now you will have to sleep in the healer's den,' He said.
I dipped my head and walked over to the healer den. I needed to rest. I was surprisingly tired. I walked over to my old sleeping area and lay down.
Carter walked in and came over to me. I just lay there as he examined my stomach. 'They should be due any time,' He said mostly talking to himself. I sighed in relief as I felt a kick in my stomach. Thank god they would finally be out. I was so glad they weren't hurt when I formed into my human. Then I remembered Delia's threat and immediately curled up into a little ball and glared at the den entrance waiting for her to appear at any moment.
'You ok Flake?' I asked which made her jump.
'I didn't know you had woken up!' She said startled. She then shrugged and turned her head back to her pups. 'They're just growing so fast, and being a fighter is dangerous. I'm afraid for Stone,' She said worriedly.
I nodded. 'Yes, but once they learn they'll be able to defend themselves easily.' I told her.
She sighed. 'Yes you're very much right,' She said. 'Oh forgot to tell you, but well the three of them are being mentored today,' She told me a new excitement in her eyes.
I smiled happily, but it soon faltered. They were going to be so busy. I wonder if they would visit me. It was going to be so lonely inside the nursing den. I sighed. 'Thunder! Come here! Oh, bring your siblings!' I called to them sadness clearly in my voice.
I heard Thunder say what I said, and then they all three bounded towards me tongues out as they panted. I sighed looking down.
'Now, this is the last time you will be able to play like this,' I lectured them. 'When you are training I know you will be so busy I will be just a little memory in your guys' brains. I just want you to promise me that you will visit me at least once from now and until I rejoin you as a hunter,' I said looking at all three of them.
Feather came up to me and licked my cheek. 'I will visit you every day!' She told me. I smiled and nuzzled her.
Thunder came over to me next and touched noses with me. 'I don't promise to visit every day, but I will try to every chance I get,' He said. He sounded so wise. I knew he would be a great hunter. Heck, he could even be a Healer with his ability to remember so many things.
Stone bounded over and pounced on my head. I pretended to growl at him and he stood there fur raised. 'I will protect you forever and ever!' He declared. Now Stone wasn't the smartest, but he wasn't the weakest. I knew he would learn his fighting moves with ease during his training.
Right when I shoved Stone over I heard Storm call them over to them. I turned my head just as Flake turned hers and watched as the pups I watched grow pad off towards Storm. I looked at the three wolves standing there ready to start their mentoring job. Scarlett was standing there ready to train Stone. Sparkle was stood there happily touching noses with Feather. Thunder, his mentor was the one wolf I would have never wanted to mentor him, Bronze. I shook my head in disbelief and looked down at my paws.
I felt movement near me and saw that Flake had stood up. She stretched and nodded a farewell to me. 'Thank you, for helping my pups grow,' She said and dipped her head. I was glad she was a hunter with me. I watched as she trotted over to Myth for hunting instructions and I lay there in the shade of the blocked off nursing den alone and sad.
I sighed and stood up. I walked over to Storm and stood there. He looked at me.
'You are definitely showing,' He said gesturing to my stomach. I turned my head and looked at my huge stomach. My eyes widened. Then I shook my head remembering why I was here.
'Where will I sleep now that the nursing den is blocked off?' I asked him.
He stood there with a thoughtful look on his face. 'I will have our fighters dig out a new den for you and your pups, but for now you will have to sleep in the healer's den,' He said.
I dipped my head and walked over to the healer den. I needed to rest. I was surprisingly tired. I walked over to my old sleeping area and lay down.
Carter walked in and came over to me. I just lay there as he examined my stomach. 'They should be due any time,' He said mostly talking to himself. I sighed in relief as I felt a kick in my stomach. Thank god they would finally be out. I was so glad they weren't hurt when I formed into my human. Then I remembered Delia's threat and immediately curled up into a little ball and glared at the den entrance waiting for her to appear at any moment.
Chapter 24~ Welcome to the World
I opened my eyes and realized I had fallen asleep without noticing. I looked around and then noticed it was morning. I had slept for a long time. I looked over and saw Carter sorting out some things. I tried to look over his shoulder, but when I couldn't I stood up clumsily and walked over to where he was sat. He was so concentrated on what he was doing that he didn't even notice my watching.
'Carter?' I asked softly so I wouldn't startle him. Which didn't work because he jumped.
'You scared me!' He whisper shouted.
'Why are you whispering?' I asked.
He shrugged. 'What is it you want?' He asked going back to his work.
'Well...I've noticed I've been more tired lately than I should and its starting to worry me,' I told him.
He shrugged. 'It's you being pregnant,' He said still obviously concentrating.
I cringed at the word pregnant. I don't know why, but that word gave me shivers running down my back. I shook it off and padded out of the den. Walking down the slope to the camp clearing I stood at the base of the slope and looked around. Everything was so peaceful. I sighed in relief as I looked around and realized both Delia and Bronze were not in the camp. I happily walked over to the prey pile and grabbed a small little hare. It must have been a little baby. I suddenly put it back realizing I would be eating a dead baby. I walked backwards slowly away from the prey pile with wide eyes.
Shaking my head I was suddenly not so hungry anymore. I walked over to a patch of sunlight. Laying down with a grunt I watched the camp suddenly buzz with movement. Wolves were running left and right. I stared confused as they looked happy. Why were they happy? I wonder to myself as Flake walked up to me.
'They figured out your secret,' She whispered and then moved her head away. 'They are very excited,' She said laughing.
I nodded. 'I noticed,' I responded.
She just laughed and walked away. Myth came up to me and congradulated me. I nodded in thanks as many more did the same. By the time everyone had gone and the camp settled down I needed a nap. I had just closed my eyes as I felt a prod. I shot up quickly I looked around. No one was around. I shrugged and went back to lying down and trying to nap. When I felt another prod it was in my stomach and I realized right away that my pups were kicking about.
I cringed as once kicked pretty hard, but I shook it off as Feather came padding up to me. My eyes widened. She grew so much in a night! She dropped a dead hare at my paws.
'I caught this for you!' She said proudly.
I smiled at her. 'It just warms my heart that you remembered to visit. Thanks for the hare,' I thanks her and started eating.
My appetite had come back thankfully and I devoured the hare in just a few seconds. I heard Sparkle call her away and she bowed her head to me and dashed off.
I was glad Sparkle taught her some manners. If she didn't I would have to whop Feather. I laughed to myself as I felt another hard kick in my side. I sighed and stood up. I struggled to walked in a straight line towards Carter's den. Once I finally got up the steep slope I felt a large pain in my side.
'Carter!' I whined.
He rushed out and his eyes widened. 'They are coming now!' He yelled.
I just lay there breathing hard. Carter dashed inside and came out with a stick. 'Bite on this,' He said.
I nodded and bit down on the stick as I felt pain rush through my body. I squezzed my eyes shut in pain, and bit down hard on the stick. All I heard was a few encouraging words from Carter and then Flake was by my side.
'Just breathe,' She told me.
I nodded to her and pushed every time Carter told me to.
Soon enough I felt two little mouths starting to nurse. I was now officially a mother.
'Carter?' I asked softly so I wouldn't startle him. Which didn't work because he jumped.
'You scared me!' He whisper shouted.
'Why are you whispering?' I asked.
He shrugged. 'What is it you want?' He asked going back to his work.
'Well...I've noticed I've been more tired lately than I should and its starting to worry me,' I told him.
He shrugged. 'It's you being pregnant,' He said still obviously concentrating.
I cringed at the word pregnant. I don't know why, but that word gave me shivers running down my back. I shook it off and padded out of the den. Walking down the slope to the camp clearing I stood at the base of the slope and looked around. Everything was so peaceful. I sighed in relief as I looked around and realized both Delia and Bronze were not in the camp. I happily walked over to the prey pile and grabbed a small little hare. It must have been a little baby. I suddenly put it back realizing I would be eating a dead baby. I walked backwards slowly away from the prey pile with wide eyes.
Shaking my head I was suddenly not so hungry anymore. I walked over to a patch of sunlight. Laying down with a grunt I watched the camp suddenly buzz with movement. Wolves were running left and right. I stared confused as they looked happy. Why were they happy? I wonder to myself as Flake walked up to me.
'They figured out your secret,' She whispered and then moved her head away. 'They are very excited,' She said laughing.
I nodded. 'I noticed,' I responded.
She just laughed and walked away. Myth came up to me and congradulated me. I nodded in thanks as many more did the same. By the time everyone had gone and the camp settled down I needed a nap. I had just closed my eyes as I felt a prod. I shot up quickly I looked around. No one was around. I shrugged and went back to lying down and trying to nap. When I felt another prod it was in my stomach and I realized right away that my pups were kicking about.
I cringed as once kicked pretty hard, but I shook it off as Feather came padding up to me. My eyes widened. She grew so much in a night! She dropped a dead hare at my paws.
'I caught this for you!' She said proudly.
I smiled at her. 'It just warms my heart that you remembered to visit. Thanks for the hare,' I thanks her and started eating.
My appetite had come back thankfully and I devoured the hare in just a few seconds. I heard Sparkle call her away and she bowed her head to me and dashed off.
I was glad Sparkle taught her some manners. If she didn't I would have to whop Feather. I laughed to myself as I felt another hard kick in my side. I sighed and stood up. I struggled to walked in a straight line towards Carter's den. Once I finally got up the steep slope I felt a large pain in my side.
'Carter!' I whined.
He rushed out and his eyes widened. 'They are coming now!' He yelled.
I just lay there breathing hard. Carter dashed inside and came out with a stick. 'Bite on this,' He said.
I nodded and bit down on the stick as I felt pain rush through my body. I squezzed my eyes shut in pain, and bit down hard on the stick. All I heard was a few encouraging words from Carter and then Flake was by my side.
'Just breathe,' She told me.
I nodded to her and pushed every time Carter told me to.
Soon enough I felt two little mouths starting to nurse. I was now officially a mother.
Chapter 25~ Names
I stared lovingly down at my pups as they nursed. My stomach growled and I looked at it. I actually never noticed myself getting at all big while being...pregnant. I still hate that word. I shook my head forgetting the thought and looked at Carter who was sorting out his...not even sure what to call them..healing supplies?
'Carter?' I asked him softly still exhausted.
'Hmm?' He asked not looking up from his organizing.
'I'm a bit hungry. Could you maybe, get me something to eat?' I asked him kindly.
He nodded and turned to head out of the den. I lay there and the pups had finally stopped nursing. I looked at them and started to lick their heads. They were so adorable. Soon enough Carter came in with some prey in his mouth and set it beside my head. Immediately he went back to his work. I rolled my eyes and quickly ate the prey that he had given me.
'You know, you will have to get your own prey,' He told me.
I looked at him confused even though he couldn't see me.
'You see, in the wild wolf mothers have to leave the den to search for food. Well, that is, unless their mate brings them food. Which is not always the case,' He told me.
I nodded in understanding. So next time I was hungry I would leave my pups in my sleeping area. I stared at them as they cuddled up together and snoozed. I nuzzled the top of their heads and remembered something very important.
They didn't have names.
Now, how in the world was I going to name them? They were both males. They both had white fur just like me. I was thankful that they didn't look much like their father except for maybe the eyes. Neither of them had gotten my strange yellow eyes. I got an idea for a name for the largest and strongest one of my litter.
I touched my nose to the top of his head and said, 'Blaze,' That was a good name for a nice fighter.
I looked at my more scrawnier pup and thought for a long while. What name would suit a hunter that was white and male? I just stared at him. This pup of mine had a strange eye color. It was more of a green blue than a hazel or yellow color, like Bronze and I had. I tilted my head to the side and saw the difference between my two pups. The teeny one has a darker coat than Blaze. I suddenly got the perfect name for him.
Touching my nose to his head I said his name loud and proud, 'Ash,'
Blaze and Ash. My two pups. I couldn't believe I was a mother. It still seemed so unreal. It was like just yesterday I was a loner in the mountains. I never did get close to Scarlett at all. I guess she was just too busy being a fighter. Fighters and hunters don't usually talk much, but Mason and Flake made it work. I sighed thinking about Flake. I missed them. I missed the nursing den. I looked back down at my pups realizing I was staring outside the den.
I lay my head down on the hard stony floor. Wrapping my tail protectively around my pups I closed my eyes and soon fell asleep. I had a strange dream.
~I was running through the woods. Suddenly I was in the valley of the mountain just near the village that I had been captured in. Knowing this was a dream I walked into the village center where my cage had been and saw the pack standing there. It was like I was reliving what had happened to me. I soon saw Snow go back into the forest and then come back as a human. She talked then disappeared again. I stared at the human who had trapped me. I finally took a glance at the cage and saw me in there. I was dreaming about my capture. Suddenly I saw a wolf behind my cage. It had red glowing eyes and looked as if it would eat me whole. I stared in shock as it dug its claws into my back and I fell back bleeding to death. I stared in horror as I saw two pups sitting beside the red eyed wolf. They were Blaze and Ash. I heard the wolf laugh evilly and the pack suddenly disappeared. I walked closer to the red eyed wolf and my pups. Once I got a closer look I saw it was Delia. She had my pups, I was dead, and she was going to kill them.~
I woke up breathing heavily. I looked wild eyed at my two little ones. They were safe, I was in the den, and Delia was asleep right next door.
'Carter?' I asked him softly still exhausted.
'Hmm?' He asked not looking up from his organizing.
'I'm a bit hungry. Could you maybe, get me something to eat?' I asked him kindly.
He nodded and turned to head out of the den. I lay there and the pups had finally stopped nursing. I looked at them and started to lick their heads. They were so adorable. Soon enough Carter came in with some prey in his mouth and set it beside my head. Immediately he went back to his work. I rolled my eyes and quickly ate the prey that he had given me.
'You know, you will have to get your own prey,' He told me.
I looked at him confused even though he couldn't see me.
'You see, in the wild wolf mothers have to leave the den to search for food. Well, that is, unless their mate brings them food. Which is not always the case,' He told me.
I nodded in understanding. So next time I was hungry I would leave my pups in my sleeping area. I stared at them as they cuddled up together and snoozed. I nuzzled the top of their heads and remembered something very important.
They didn't have names.
Now, how in the world was I going to name them? They were both males. They both had white fur just like me. I was thankful that they didn't look much like their father except for maybe the eyes. Neither of them had gotten my strange yellow eyes. I got an idea for a name for the largest and strongest one of my litter.
I touched my nose to the top of his head and said, 'Blaze,' That was a good name for a nice fighter.
I looked at my more scrawnier pup and thought for a long while. What name would suit a hunter that was white and male? I just stared at him. This pup of mine had a strange eye color. It was more of a green blue than a hazel or yellow color, like Bronze and I had. I tilted my head to the side and saw the difference between my two pups. The teeny one has a darker coat than Blaze. I suddenly got the perfect name for him.
Touching my nose to his head I said his name loud and proud, 'Ash,'
Blaze and Ash. My two pups. I couldn't believe I was a mother. It still seemed so unreal. It was like just yesterday I was a loner in the mountains. I never did get close to Scarlett at all. I guess she was just too busy being a fighter. Fighters and hunters don't usually talk much, but Mason and Flake made it work. I sighed thinking about Flake. I missed them. I missed the nursing den. I looked back down at my pups realizing I was staring outside the den.
I lay my head down on the hard stony floor. Wrapping my tail protectively around my pups I closed my eyes and soon fell asleep. I had a strange dream.
~I was running through the woods. Suddenly I was in the valley of the mountain just near the village that I had been captured in. Knowing this was a dream I walked into the village center where my cage had been and saw the pack standing there. It was like I was reliving what had happened to me. I soon saw Snow go back into the forest and then come back as a human. She talked then disappeared again. I stared at the human who had trapped me. I finally took a glance at the cage and saw me in there. I was dreaming about my capture. Suddenly I saw a wolf behind my cage. It had red glowing eyes and looked as if it would eat me whole. I stared in shock as it dug its claws into my back and I fell back bleeding to death. I stared in horror as I saw two pups sitting beside the red eyed wolf. They were Blaze and Ash. I heard the wolf laugh evilly and the pack suddenly disappeared. I walked closer to the red eyed wolf and my pups. Once I got a closer look I saw it was Delia. She had my pups, I was dead, and she was going to kill them.~
I woke up breathing heavily. I looked wild eyed at my two little ones. They were safe, I was in the den, and Delia was asleep right next door.
Chapter 26~ Pups
After that horrible nightmare I had slept pretty well that night. I woke up to the sunshine blaring in my face. It wasn't a new thing. I guess I just had a thing for finding sleep areas where the sun just decided to reach in the mornings. I almost stood up when I remembered I had two pups I had to care for. I look over to them and saw they were still asleep. Taking that as an advantage I quickly rushed out of the den and to the prey pile. I grabbed a hare and went to lay down next to Flake. She looked at me with shock.
'Shouldn't you be with your pups?' She asked.
I nodded and kept eating. Finally swallowing I replied to her, 'Carter said that in the wild mother's usually hunt then feed their pups. So, this is kinda me hunting,' I told her.
She nodded and ate her prey.
'How are your pups doing in training?' I asked her.
She shrugged. 'They're always off doing something. I never see them much except for my two hunters in the den. I was so warmed when they chose a sleeping area next to mine. Never really thought they'd ever want to sleep near me again, but I guess I'm not always right,' She said rolling her eyes. 'Thank god,' She laughed.
I laughed to and finished the rest of my breakfast. Scraping the bones towards the bone pile I nodded a farewell to Flake and trotted off to the healer's den. I poke my head in and sighed in relief as my lovely pups were still asleep. I walked over to them and curled myself around them waiting for them to wake up.
Soon, Carter awoke and padded out of the den. He came back in a while later and made such a noise that the pups were woken up. They started to wail, but I hushed them with my tail. They finally quieted down and started nursing. I sighed in relief as the wailing stopped and it was quiet again.
I couldn't wait for the pups to be able to walk. It was so boring laying here while they just ate and slept. I sighed as they finally finished their breakfast and lay my head down. How did Flake ever survive this?
My head shot up as I heard paw steps at the den entrance.
'Carter?' I heard the devil's voice say.
Immediately I curled my whole body around the pups and glared at the front of the den just as Delia walked in. I felt a growl in my throat, but held it in. No reason to start a fight over a silly old dream Jordan. I told myself.
'I twisted my paw in a hole just by the border,' She said obviously fake limping towards him.
She turned her head towards me and my litter and gave me a pitiful look. 'Nothing will save your pups,' She snapped.
I did growl then. She must have made the thought private just for me because Carter hadn't noticed it except for when I growled. He rolled his eyes and beckoned Delia over. She limped over to him and he examined it.
'Nothing's wrong,' He grunted.
She shrugged. 'Must have hurt more than it damaged,' She said and walked over to me.
I glared at her as she got closer. I felt a deep growl in my throat, but didn't dare let it out.
'Better keep a close eye on those pups of yours,' She threatened and then swiftly walked out of the den.
I breathed once again and licked the top of Blaze's head.
'I promise I will let nothing hurt you,' I told him.
Then, I nuzzled Ash's head. 'Nothing will ever hurt you, my love,' I told him.
I sighed again and looked at the den entrance, laying my head down so I could keep watch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~1 month later~
Blaze and Ash were outside of the new nursing den play wrestling. I still watched over them like a hawk. Never letting them get out of my sight. Flake came by to watch them while I would go eat. She never questioned why, which is the reason I love her so much. Since that day, Delia hasn't threatened or come close to my pups. She has, though, been looking. Almost as if she was trying to figure out my routine to know when I would be away from them. Every time she did that, I'd glare. Sometimes I did wish looks could kill. She would be dead in minutes, and they couldn't blame it on me. I can see she isn't very popular in the pack. The only one who really talks to her is Bronze. Makes sense to me.
Ash tackled Blaze, but soon Blaze was back on his feet and had his teeth around Ash's scruff.
'Blaze!' I fake growled. 'Let your brother go. He isn't an enemy,' I told him sternly.
He nodded and let go letting Ash flop to the ground.
'Aw Ash,' I cooed and grabbed him. I set him in front of me and fixed his neck fur. 'Your fur is all messed up,' I fussed.
He squirmed and got out of my grip. He was a mamma's boy only because Blaze usually didn't want anything to do with me. He reminded me of Bronze. Bronze didn't want me, and Blaze didn't want to be around me. I still loved him. I looked over to where Blaze was standing, but he wasn't there anymore. I looked around frantically. No, no I hadn't watched him. I had fussed over Ash. No, why did I do this. I looked around quickly and finally found him. I was about to run over to him when I realized he was talking to someone. I relaxed as I saw he was talking to Bronze. Good, Bronze needed to have some time with his son. Then I saw a gray pelt next to him. Her head was bent down next to Blaze's ear. Right after she pulled her head away Blaze turned his head to glare at me. I stared in horror as my son had all the hatred in the world right in his eyes, and he was pointing that hatred right at me.
'Shouldn't you be with your pups?' She asked.
I nodded and kept eating. Finally swallowing I replied to her, 'Carter said that in the wild mother's usually hunt then feed their pups. So, this is kinda me hunting,' I told her.
She nodded and ate her prey.
'How are your pups doing in training?' I asked her.
She shrugged. 'They're always off doing something. I never see them much except for my two hunters in the den. I was so warmed when they chose a sleeping area next to mine. Never really thought they'd ever want to sleep near me again, but I guess I'm not always right,' She said rolling her eyes. 'Thank god,' She laughed.
I laughed to and finished the rest of my breakfast. Scraping the bones towards the bone pile I nodded a farewell to Flake and trotted off to the healer's den. I poke my head in and sighed in relief as my lovely pups were still asleep. I walked over to them and curled myself around them waiting for them to wake up.
Soon, Carter awoke and padded out of the den. He came back in a while later and made such a noise that the pups were woken up. They started to wail, but I hushed them with my tail. They finally quieted down and started nursing. I sighed in relief as the wailing stopped and it was quiet again.
I couldn't wait for the pups to be able to walk. It was so boring laying here while they just ate and slept. I sighed as they finally finished their breakfast and lay my head down. How did Flake ever survive this?
My head shot up as I heard paw steps at the den entrance.
'Carter?' I heard the devil's voice say.
Immediately I curled my whole body around the pups and glared at the front of the den just as Delia walked in. I felt a growl in my throat, but held it in. No reason to start a fight over a silly old dream Jordan. I told myself.
'I twisted my paw in a hole just by the border,' She said obviously fake limping towards him.
She turned her head towards me and my litter and gave me a pitiful look. 'Nothing will save your pups,' She snapped.
I did growl then. She must have made the thought private just for me because Carter hadn't noticed it except for when I growled. He rolled his eyes and beckoned Delia over. She limped over to him and he examined it.
'Nothing's wrong,' He grunted.
She shrugged. 'Must have hurt more than it damaged,' She said and walked over to me.
I glared at her as she got closer. I felt a deep growl in my throat, but didn't dare let it out.
'Better keep a close eye on those pups of yours,' She threatened and then swiftly walked out of the den.
I breathed once again and licked the top of Blaze's head.
'I promise I will let nothing hurt you,' I told him.
Then, I nuzzled Ash's head. 'Nothing will ever hurt you, my love,' I told him.
I sighed again and looked at the den entrance, laying my head down so I could keep watch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~1 month later~
Blaze and Ash were outside of the new nursing den play wrestling. I still watched over them like a hawk. Never letting them get out of my sight. Flake came by to watch them while I would go eat. She never questioned why, which is the reason I love her so much. Since that day, Delia hasn't threatened or come close to my pups. She has, though, been looking. Almost as if she was trying to figure out my routine to know when I would be away from them. Every time she did that, I'd glare. Sometimes I did wish looks could kill. She would be dead in minutes, and they couldn't blame it on me. I can see she isn't very popular in the pack. The only one who really talks to her is Bronze. Makes sense to me.
Ash tackled Blaze, but soon Blaze was back on his feet and had his teeth around Ash's scruff.
'Blaze!' I fake growled. 'Let your brother go. He isn't an enemy,' I told him sternly.
He nodded and let go letting Ash flop to the ground.
'Aw Ash,' I cooed and grabbed him. I set him in front of me and fixed his neck fur. 'Your fur is all messed up,' I fussed.
He squirmed and got out of my grip. He was a mamma's boy only because Blaze usually didn't want anything to do with me. He reminded me of Bronze. Bronze didn't want me, and Blaze didn't want to be around me. I still loved him. I looked over to where Blaze was standing, but he wasn't there anymore. I looked around frantically. No, no I hadn't watched him. I had fussed over Ash. No, why did I do this. I looked around quickly and finally found him. I was about to run over to him when I realized he was talking to someone. I relaxed as I saw he was talking to Bronze. Good, Bronze needed to have some time with his son. Then I saw a gray pelt next to him. Her head was bent down next to Blaze's ear. Right after she pulled her head away Blaze turned his head to glare at me. I stared in horror as my son had all the hatred in the world right in his eyes, and he was pointing that hatred right at me.
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