A Pack's Decision (Kisu & DamiClo)

[DamiClo]

Some time ago, in the past, people used to believe in mythical creatures, supernatural entities that would easily be able to crush humanity if they tried to. They were considered a danger and as such they had to be eradicated, vanished from the areas inhabited by the poor humans who were constantly threatened by such monstrous beings.


Soon, the fear of being destroyed took over those who believed in the creatures and a delusional braveness overcame the fear. Hunting groups were formed among those who wouldn't consider themselves safe until not a single monster would be left for them to be afraid of. Humans couldn't be the weak ones, because as the weak ones they would be the one to fall.


Those were harsh times and as such no mythical creature could consider itself completely safe from human attack. True, they were much more powerful, but in matter of numbers they were quite a few compared to the human race. Sad, but that was reality. Cruel and terrifying reality. Some of them dreamed, longed for the time when they were unbeatable beings, when the were even revered by those lowly human beings, but those times were gone and now they could only hide to survive...


Now, let's start with this story. Right on the very center of a European country two villages coexisted. They were partially normal, normal people and normal business. What was that made them partially ordinary? Their werewolves problem. For years villagers had claimed to hear a howl on the woods, to even catch a glimpse of a human like furry blur in the middle of the night during a full moon and they had lived in fear for a long time.


Over the years a group was created. They called themselves the 'fraternity'. Brave and outstanding men from both of the villages got tired of being afraid of being tore apart by inhuman beings that were able to take a human appearance but that would be devouring you in the blink of an eye without hesitating and so they got together to end their 'pest problem' once and for all.


But what about the wolves? Were they really as inhumane as humans believed them to be? Or were they much more civilized than those barbarians that could only think of war and the bloodshed of their kind? Let's talk a little bit more about the packs then. There were two of them, each one divided by a forested area which at the same time divided the two villages as well. They had also coexisted for a long time, though werewolves can be quite territorial and so the sole thing that kept them from fighting and allowed them to be able to live despite the proximity was for the borders and limitations to be respected, no member of any pack could cross that line if so either they would immediately be executed or a war would broke out between the two packs.


Nevertheless, things were changing, the situation was changing and soon the werewolves would be forced to turn to each other for help and maybe even merge the two packs together or they would be executed by the humans whom would stop at nothing until having them all dead. The times were moving forward and if they were not willing to change their ways time would soon leave them behind, for time is always indifferent and cruel to those who cannot adapt to the change of it.


And so all of this begins...


A cloaked petite girl rushed through a packed street as she seemed to be holding a bag between her arms. The girl was agile and fast and soon she found herself out of the market area, running down the main street towards the village borders. It was something that would be considered careless for most, considering it that no normal human would usually move in such a way. But the girl was in a hurry and she didn't have the time to go and be acting human.


As soon as she reached the village walls she slowed her peace though and casually walked through the huge gates. The guards sleeping as she knew they would and as noiselessly as she could she sneaked out of the village to the thick forested area that separated her from her home. As soon as her feet touched the grass and she could no longer see the village behind her she let out a triumphant yell, which would sound to any other as a howl, before running deep into the forest, a smile peeking out from her cloak.

 

[Kisu]

A long legged, sandy colored male paused in the woods, tilting his head as a short howl filled the dusk air. No matter. It wasn't an alarm call, or a command for him to stop. The wolf was slightly larger than the average wolves in the area, and there was something strange about him. His golden eyes surveyed the woods around him, and the strangeness was revealed.


His eyes were far too intellegant.


There was also something in the wolf's mouth.


He set down the wrapped item, panting slightly. The territory the packs shared was huge, but the packs were growing, and the humans were even more noticable. Even more rules had been implimented to keep them safe. Whether or not this was happening in the rival pack was unknown, at least until tonight. The sandy wolf gather the wrapped back back in his mouth, his short rest over.


He continued along the path, stopping to sniff occasionally. After a while, the wolf set the bundle down again. He was technically on their territory, and it was probably already known that he was here, but the sandy wolf would follow protocol. He set the bundle down again, and raised his black nose to the sky.


His howl was long and clear, a full message carried on the wind. He was here to meet with the rival alpha, under orders of his own alpha. He came alone, with no intent to harm, and requested entrance to their 'den' to discuss important matters concerning both packs.


From far away, another howl rose. As well as a message to the rival pack, the howl had carried a message to his own. It let him know he was alright, and currently safe, but had alerted the rivals to his presence. The answering howl acknowledged, but also steeled the heart of the sandy wolf. His pack mate's message to him had been clear, if he was harmed, their wolves waited across the border to make sure justice would be carried out.


(Not quite as long as I'd like, but a pretty average size for me. I hope it's doable for you...)

 

[DamiClo]

As a howl, soon followed by another reached the alpha's ears they twitched a little before he looked up at the horizon. Right there, on the 'safety' of his den, the relatively human like man stood from the floor. His eyes were grey and his long hair jet black, it being tied to the side by a pale blue bead. He sniffed the air and tilted his head a little, why would the other pack send a messenger there to them?


He rubbed the back of his head lightly before he stepped out to the 'balcony' of his 'home'. His den's organization was the following: They were mainly gathered around a small waterfall that led to a brook were they got some of their food supplies and their basic water ones. Some of them lived on tents which they organized according to their tastes, others on small caves near the waterfall and some, like him, up on the tall trees. They were simple houses made of the wood itself, but they were cozy enough. The only problem being during winter, though they would rely on their wolves forms during those months.


He looked down to the ground and found some of the males gathered around the tree where his house was located, their ears twitching as well as they pointy fangs peeked out their mouths, awaiting for orders. He gave a light nod and soon some of the males were rushing to the woods, their semi-human bodies disappearing behind the bushes as a glimpse of their furry wolf ones could be seen if one was to follow them with their sight.


He then lifted himself up and jumped down, finding himself surrounded by the males who remained and bowed to him in respect as soon as he stood in front of them. Just then he allowed himself to speak.


"Tell the others of this event and of my decision. I don't want any harm to fall on that messenger. Not until we know what he wants to say at least" His voice came out deep and kind of rusty, the true firm voice of an alpha from a wolves pack.


He then howled himself, the howl reaching the petite girl who had turned into a white wolf and was reaching the den's location as well as those who had stopped what they'd been doing at the howl of an stranger. The leader, whose name was Parduc, headed to one big tent where meetings usually took place. For if the other pack was contacting his, it was surely an important matter.


A beautiful looking female, whose hair was as dark as that one of the leader and whose amethyst eyes shimmered with genuine curiosity wagged her back tail lightly before she jumped down from rock to rock to the ground from the top of the waterfall, her exquisite features lighting up at the expectance of the important event as the water slightly splashed her skin.


The group of five wolves soon reached the borders, stopping right in front of sandy colored male. They all examined him carefully, sniffing the air, searching for any threat he could be bringing with him as the walked from side to side. At the lack of any of that they stopped, giving out a harmless growl followed by a howl which was directed to their own alpha. They meant for the messenger to follow them, for they would be the ones taking him to their leader.


(No worries, it's absolutely ok)

 

[Kisu]

The sandy wolf had waited patiently, the tiny bundle at his feet. A howl from an unknown source made him scramble to his feet, where he had been laying next to the bark. He stood over it protectively.


A few minutes after the howl, a group of wolves burst through the trees. The male stood there quietly. His head was lowered, revealing he had peaceful intentions, though his hackles were raised, showing how tense he was. The wolves howled loudly, and the sandy wolf's ear flicked at the unfamiliar dialect.


He could understand just fine, but he supposed it was like humans with accents. They sounded strange, and a few of the tones were hard to understand. He understood enough: Follow them.


He paused before lifting the package into his mouth. He didn't want to occupy his main weapon, but, his alpha was adamant, it was for the rival's alpha only. And he couldn't come himself, because it would be taken as a gesture of war.


So only the slim, fast wolf was sent as a peaceful gesture.


Once he held the wrapped and tied bark item, the sandy male wagged his tail and stepped forward, ready to follow.

 

[DamiClo]

The wolves nodded at him, all at the same time, before they turned back on their feet. They guessed the wolf would be fast enough though they knew it would take them a while longer to get to the den's location. Why so? Well because they wouldn't use the same straight path they had used before. It was a strategy and so as such, they would be taking the sandy wolf through a longer path than the one it would actually be needed. And so with that in mind the wolves bended over a little before, with their heavy and strong feet to push them forward, they ran back.


The quite big white wolf turned into the little girl as she transformed back, coming out from the bushes with her cloak still on, the one she had gripped with her mouth as she rushed through the forest. She was actually itching to know what was happening.


Parduc sat down on his chair as he patiently waited for the messenger to be brought before him. Some of the males, who had already spread their leader's message were waiting by his side, ready to protect him if anything went wrong. The place itself was spacious enough to handle a bunch of people and Parduc's chair was placed just at the very center at the end of the tent. Even with his calm gaze and relaxed posture, anyone would be able to tell he was the leader over there.


The black haired girl was quickly walking, practically rushing to her father's tent, she had caught his scent and wanted to be there when everything, whatever it would be, happened. As she headed to her destined place she caught a glimpse of a familiar scent and cloak and stopped on her heels, turning her amethyst gaze to it. Her smile widened as her sharp fangs easily showed


"Took you a while" She said with a friendly tone of voice, the tone just as confident and kind of powerful as her father's, before taking the small girl by the arm and drag her with her.


"Don't pull on me like that" The cloaked girl complained though she let herself being dragged all the way to the tent. That girl's voice, on the other hand, was kind of soft and soothing, though it had a lilting manner too as well as a rather strong british like accent.


By the time the wolves arrived to the den, quite a lot of other people had gathered around the tent, though none of them had dared to take even a step inside if the alpha was not to allow them in. The wolves shifted back to their semi-human forms and dressed up with the clothes some of their comrades had brought for them. They looked down at the sandy wolf, waiting for him to do the same, a pair of clothes brought for him as well if he was to need it.

 

[Kisu]

The light brown fur was a flash in the forest as he followed. He could smell various scents around him, unknown wolf scents, and would pause on occasion, sniffing when one scent because especially interesting. It seemed like a split second before he was off again.


While it was obvious the others were taking his a rather roundabout way, the wolf didn't say he knew so. Once they had began turning, however, it was plain to see. Finally, he was in the midst of the group. He shifted, though it seemed to take him a moment to reach for the clothes.


Their pack got lazy or just didn't care, and someone could walk around naked for a while before someone got fed up with their nudity and threw a pair of clothes at them. This pack, however, got dressed right away upon shifting. Again, not wanting to see rude, he tugged on the tunic laying on top of the pile they had brought. Though he was tall, the tunic covered pretty much everything of importance, so the male left the rest of the clothes be, glancing around.


His tail wagged slowly, and his ears twitched as he tilted his head. Finally, he gave the huge group a giant grin, which tugged up bigger on one side of his mouth and made him look like his whole head was crooked, instead of just tilted. "Hiya. I'm Dash. Where's this alpha?" It was obvious he had been brought to the huge tent, so inside the huge tent was where the alpha must wait, but Dash wanted to give no reason for this pack to rip him apart, and want verbal permission to enter.

 

[DamiClo]

"Who is it that you're gonna greet, father?" The dark haired girl tilted her head to the side as she made her way to Parduc's chair. Her tone was sweet but somehow demanding, but hey what could you really expect of the alpha's daughter? She stood in front of the black haired man with her hands on her hips as her tail lazily wagged behind her in expectation. The cloaked girl stood beside her quietly.


"A messenger from the other pack" Parduc's eyes glistened with uncertainty as he himself realized he didn't really know what was it that the other pack would want from them. If it was to be a war, it would trouble him a lot at the moment, they were having enough with those human pests as they were. Even more when they started to hunt them down and had been tried to find his den. Sometimes he swear he just wanted to finish them all, but if he had to be logical it was not the best way to proceed. So what did they have to do? Hide like cowards, but as cowards they would be able to survive and the only thing that was much bigger than his pride was his instinct to keep him and his pack alive.


"From the other pack? What do they want here?" The girl's tail stopped wagging and her ears lowered a little, she had been taught all her live to avoid contact with the other pack as much as she could, because almost anything could destroy their silent pact of peace.


"Listen to your father first, Sotet" The cloaked girl said with a reassuring tone of voice before she tugged on her cloak and slid it off. The girl was definitely truly different from any other member of the pack. Her white hair contrasted greatly with that ones of the others, whose hair - being it red, brown or even blonde - were always dark colored. Her fair skin, which irradiated a strange vibe of delicacy, also differed from the others, being it that everyone had a sort of light maple-syrup colored skin including the the alpha himself and his daughter, Sotet. Even the way she spoke was different, as her tone was loaded with a strong british like accent that she herself had taken from her mother - Someone who didn't originally belonged to that pack.


The girl was far from being as beautiful as Sotet but what made her different from the others and the aura she emitted gave her another kind of beauty. Something that was obvious even on her petite self and delicate features. If Sotet was the strong, enrapturing and confident night, that girl was the pure and even mysterious snowy morning. The snow itself was what gave her, her name which meant snow in their language: Nix.


As soon as Nix's shimmering blue eyes met Sotet's amethyst ones, the dark haired girl immediately relaxed and nodded, she always used to have that kind of soothing effect on her.


"Well then. What do they want?"


"We don't know. That's what we are going to find out"


Sotet huffed "But when?"


"Step aside, they are here by now" Parduc sniffed the air as he signaled to his daughter and to Nix to move behind him.


"My name is Trevor and I'll take you to him. He's waiting" One of the males, who was in fact kind of a young man with the usual maple-syrup colored skin, gold-green eyes and curly black hair, took the lead as he turned on his heels and walked into the tent, guiding their visitor to the meeting place, as the people scooted back for them to enter. The other males followed behind the visitor and Trevor.


"I welcome you to my den, young man" Parduc stood up as soon as the group walked inside, Sotet tilting her head to the side a little to look below her father's arm to the stranger who gave quite the unusual scent "I understand you've come to deliver a message" He stopped as he waited for the sandy haired man who stood in front of them. He found it strange that he had dressed up though, he was aware of his people binging him clothes but he didn't think he would actually take them. For he was aware the members of the other pack were used to nudity. It was not like his own pack was uncomfortable with it but they actually preferred to use clothes rather than not doing so.


(That's her ^^)

Spoiler

 

[Kisu]

(She's so cute!)


The tall wolf followed once again. He was extremely graceful, his motions fluid. It was almost like the wolf was dancing or floating above the ground. After he followed Trevor into the tent, he paused automatically, raising his head. He sniffed the air quietly, before letting his blue eyes roam over the wolves inside. Sizing them up, gathering information on numbers, female to male ratio.


"Thank you..." The alpha speaking brought Dash back to the present. He gave a low bow, and nodded. "Yes, sir. My alpha gave strict instructions: Your eyes only, until you wish to give me your answer."


His left hand, still clutching the bundle, lifted his up. He untied the string that kept the bark rolled. It came undone, and Dash lifted the tiny roll of paper from it. He bound forward, handing it to the alpha before stepping back once again.


The note was handwritten. While small, it carried a life changing proposal in it.:


Parduc,

My father and mother knew you well, since there were many fights, however, they have recently passed. I am Axel, the new alpha of the Twin Rivers Pack. The humans have brought our numbers alarmingly low. They are enough of a threat, and with our territories growing so much, we are quickly becoming a threat to each other.



So I make a proposal. We lack females, you have females. You wish peace, we bring peace. I have been told of your daughter. I propose a marriage to her. She will come live with me. Once you pass, our offspring will rule both packs.



I await your answer anxiously. I know this will not be an easy decision, feel free to take your time. I look forward to meeting you.



Axel

 

[DamiClo]

Parduc scanned his eyes through the paper, considering each word very carefully. So there was a new alpha, now that was something we didn't know and not knowing something was not a pleasant feeling for him. Nevertheless, he shook that feeling off and with impartiality he kept on reading. Once he reached the last word written on the roll he remained quiet, lowering it a bit. Even then the air felt somehow... Tense.


Now Parduc had a decision to make. It was true that humans were hunting them down and it was also true that their territories had been growing - mainly because of the need of food and such. So the question was, how to proceed? He had to think about what was best to his pack but his daughter... His grey eyes looked for hers and a spark of curiosity was lit on her amethyst ones when the found each other.


Sotet was sort of taken aback by his father expression, any other person apart from her - his daughter - would think of it as serene and collected, but Sotet, that knew him well, saw a hint of anxiousness on his eyes. She tilted her head a little, her long and black straight hair falling a little to her side. What was her father thinking? What did that roll say? Sotet was sure that she was not the only one thinking about that.


Parduc took a step forward to talk but whatever he was to say was cut off when a plaintive howl rose from outside of the tent and made everyone freeze. They all knew what that howl meant and they had been hearing it constantly the last few weeks, it still didn't change the fact that it would always be a horrible thing to hear. Injured, possibly killed wolves from his pack.


"I'm sorry. You'll have to wait a moment to hear my response. Trevor, stay with our visitor I'll go and check on the damages myself" And with that Parduc left the tent.


"Yes, sir" Trevor said with a bow as he stood beside Dash.


Sotet left the tent as well, her jet black hair dangling behind her as she rushed out, followed by Nix, whose white one and white skin seemed to stand out even more as she followed Sotet and passed by Trevor.


As Parduc stepped outside he froze, so did his daughter and her friend and those who had stepped outside behind them. His people being brought to the den all bloody and covered with dirt. Some in wolf form others not. Most of the ones who were still on their wolf one being it because their life had been drained out before they could even shift back, their dull eyes showing no sign of life. The scent gave out the culprits and Parduc's body shivered with rage; humans!


Soon the others were around the dead ones and those who had barely managed to survive, most of them letting out whimpers as they recognized their loved ones. Parduc saw and heard desperation, sorrow and grief and it hit him much more than the others, for he was the alpha and he loved them all, he had to duty to protect them all. He clenched his fist before turning on his heels. He found his daughter gaze full of rage, a mirror for his own and Nix's one loaded with horror.


"Go check on the injured ones, do everything that's on your hands to help. I've got things to discuss"


Nix gave a quick nod before she and Sotet went to the now formed crowd.


Parduc loved his daughter, he loved the mirror of his previous mate and what had become of their child but as alpha he also loved his people and for that reason he was to think the best for them. He stepped into the tent, where by now only a few wolves, Trevor and the visitor stood, impatience loading the entire place. Parduc knew what those males wanted and he was there to grant it, for he was to speak to the visitor alone.


"Leave us a lone" Usually some of them would complain, not wanting to leave their leader alone, but with the imminent stench of death and Parduc's tone of voice they left at once. Leaving the black haired man and the sandy one alone.


"Listen well, because I'm only going to say it once. Tell your alpha I'll consider his proposition, only and only if he is to come to my den and present himself to my people and my daughter. If he is to take my daughter away from my side and from her home he must come here before, so that my people will also judge by themselves if that is the one being they want for the father of the next alpha"


(Yay! ^^ Glad you like it!)

 

[Kisu]

Dash had glanced around, noting various things he had been told to find out. His attention was stolen by a tiny female in the group. A fact they had tried to hide with almost a sense of desperation: They had two females. In a tiny group of thirty, two females was a death sentence for the Twin Rivers Pack. Dash found himself wiggling his fingers and grinning far more than a messenger should.


Even flirting was pushed from his mind as a howl filled the air. Desperation, and pain. Hurt wolves. Dash glanced to the nearest alpha, puzzled. Parduc spoke, and left the tent. Dash glanced at Trevor, wondering if the order to stay with him meant that he was Dash's guard, and if Dash would be permitted to see what was going on. The male didn't bother asking, moving quickly to the entrance and looking out.


It was a sight far too close to home. At least once a week, someone was brought back, injured or worse.


Parduc moved to come back inside, and Dash returned to his previous position in the tent, watching him sympathetically.


He spoke, and a look of shock crossed Dash's face. "Take your daughter away? Next alpha...father?" He hadn't known about the plan, but he certainty did now. Dash regained his composure and gave the alpha male a bow. "Yes, sir. I'll return tonight, and tomorrow we will come. We'll bring you medical supplies as well." Not that the Twin Rivers Pack had many, but if the den here was like home, things like bandages were hard to get and always low.


The slim man didn't waste anymore words, folding the shirt and handing it to Trevor with a grin and salute. He shifted and, much like his namesake, was dashing out the tent. He paused by a widow grieving over a body, to whine softly and touch his forehead against hers.


A minute after he consoled her, however, the sandy tip of his tail was vanishing into the trees.


(This is what I picture Dash as, by the way. An Ethiopian wolf. Really fox-like.)

 

[DamiClo]

By nighttime the stranger's visit had been practically completely forgotten, for the pack had started its mourning ceremony for the loss of their fallen ones. The only one who couldn't forget about it being Parduc. The idea haunted his mind, left him restless, but each time doubt started to take over him, the fire rising to the sky with his family's ashes reminded him of his duty, far more important than any other. The messenger had told him they would come by tomorrow and he hoped this new alpha would be good for his daughter, for he was a loving parent and would hate to marry his beautiful Sotet to an unworthy male.


"I don't understand why don't we go and do something. They are ending up with us! They are destroying us! We don't even attack humans anymore, when did we become weaker than them?" Sotet complained to Nix as both of them sat on a hanging rock by the waterfall. She truly didn't understand. She used to hear stories, stories about how human beings feared them, how did they avoid contact with them. Now.. Now they were just scared puppies trying to stop their fall. Her deep grief over the dead ones, pushing away the memory of the sandy haired man.


"We can't" Nix shook her head softly as her loose curls dangled softly because of the breeze "You know we can't, Sotet. Humans outnumber us, it would be suicidal to show ourselves to them" Nix hated their own weakness as well but she couldn't let her emotions befog her reason. Their pack alone would certainly not be able to take them all down. That was what her mother's pack had tried before being destroyed, crushed until only her - who had managed to escape - had been the only remaining wolf.


Sotet nibbled down on her bottom lip, vexed "I know!" A growl escaped her lips "I hate them. I truly do despise them" Her ears lowered to her head as her tail curled, she was feeling so mad.


"Sotet stop it. You're gonna shift again" Nix warned her as she brushed one of her tiny white hand against Sotet's maple-syrup colored one.


Just then the black haired girl realized her body had gotten a lot warmer and her fangs had started to grow, Nix was right, if she didn't hold back she would shift into a human like wolf and that was something she certainly didn't want. So she took a deep breath.


"I just want today to end" And with that last complain the long day finished for the troubled pack.


(Awn I love it! Two of my favorites animals in one! x3)

 

[Kisu]

Axel had received the news with his usual curt nod. Dash could recall a time when The light blonde male had smiled and laughed. He used to laugh more than any of the other wolves. But, for the past few months, Dash's alpha was somber.

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​

While the rest of the pack gathered around in the pitiful den they occupied now, Axel propped himself at the entrance to the huge hole, staring at the sky.

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​

It had taken him a long time to come to this decision. He wanted to be like any other wolf. Mating with someone he truly couldn't live without. Living his life with that female. It was almost worse than being sentenced to death, not being able to select his own mate. But, his own pack would die out without more females. Without more wolves, period. If his life could be given up for his pack's well being, then it was a life well lived.

​

​

And he couldn't forget the poor female. She'd be tied to him, unable to select her own mate as well. It would be worse for her. She would leave her home, her friends and family, to come here. Axel's mismatched eyes turned to stare down the hole. She would come to his pitiful home.

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​

His ears lowered to his skull and he gave a tiny whimper. Sometimes, he still felt like the tiny bundle that had walked outside with his mother years ago, blinking, and afraid of the bright light. They'd lived at the twin rivers, then, what had given the pack it's name. They had been reduced to a dug out hole in the ground.

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~~

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Axel sat like that through the night, finally rousing his pack. Now that he would enter the other pack's territory, he would not go without an escort. "Dash...Xavier...come on..." His two friends, and guards, stood and stretched. Xavier paused, kissing the tiny Lithuriel. As Axel watched with envy, the girl shifted in her sleep.

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He wanted that. A mate who had wanted him as badly as he'd wanted her.

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The males shifted, dragging Axel from his haze, and the three wolves turned and rushed towards their rival's territory. They only paused at the river they needed to cross, glancing upstream. Five miles up, this river connected with another. Their true home had laid there. It had been beautiful and peaceful. But the human's had found it, and they had been forced to leave.

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The three wolves shook themselves at the same time, and turned away, plunging into the river. By the time dawn's rays touched their fur, the wolves had been laying in the same place Dash had stopped last night, licking their fur quietly. The betas were silent, sensing their alpha's irritation and anger. Finally, the cream colored wolf sat up, and let out a loud howl.

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This was much more than Dash's plaintive, questioning howl the night before. It wasn't a wolf asking permission to enter. It was an alpha stating they were coming. And that's what the trio did. Though Dash was to his side, they didn't need to slow down to follow his path. His scent was so familiar the three ran down the path almost at a full run. They burst through the trees in a short amount of time.

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Here, they did stop. Axel lifted his head and tail, looking around slowly. His different colored eyes carefully taking in the various tents, the houses in trees. Finally, he blinked slowly, the green and yellow eyes covered for a moment. The poor female that would be coming with him. This was clearly a nice place, beautiful and the rushing waterfall he could hear must be a joy to the whole pack. He'd need to think of something to make her transition much smoother.

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(The only difference being his right eye is yellow, while his left one is green.)

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[DamiClo]

The fated day had finally come and Parduc was walking from side to side on his spacious tent. He had forced everyone else to leave him alone, his worries seemed much greater than they seemed yesterday and that even made him kind of irritable. He thought about his daughter, about his pack, about the humans, about his deceased mate...


He even thought about that beautiful and marvelous white wolf who had enraptured him on his younger years. She had been so different, so... particular, she had taken his heart on the blink of an eye. Parduc did loved his mate, Sotet's mother, but what he had felt for Nofalo - Nix's mother - had been completely new and different. She had been an entire mysterious world for him, her and the place she came from.


An exasperated sigh escaped his lips as he tried to shrug those memories off, each time he allowed himself to be overwhelmed by those old feelings he felt as if he was cheating on his beloved mate and on his best friend, the male who had captured Nofalo's heart.


Sotet herself was lazily sleeping on hers and her father's house up on the tree. The breeze moving her black hair from side to side as her tail lightly wagged. She loved that place, she loved the place her mother and her father had built together, she loved it all. That was also the main reason she hated humans, they were destroying it all, they were harming them when her and her people had been yet to do anything to them. She growled softly in her sleep as she shifted to the side. So soundly sleep that her sharp ears had not heard the powerful howl. Unaware of what was to become of her life and who had came to her den to change it all.


Each member of the pack had their own troubles. It was another new day, a day of fearing again, a day of grieving over those who had been lost the day before. They had managed to survive until now but they had come to live in fear each day of their lives. One couldn't stop from wondering, who were the predators and the prey now. That, once blooming and powerful pack, had been reduced to a hidden and frightened one. How cruel could that be?


Nix was one of those who grieved as well, she had not lost an actual family member though, not a mother, father, brother, sister or so. She had lost her mother and her father long ago but she still loved each of the pack's members, each one of them. Since early in the morning, even before the the crack of dawn, she had been staring at the sky from her usual spot, near the waterfall but was snapped back to reality when a strange, not usual, scent and noise reached her senses. Her ears twitched and she sniffed the air on reflex.


She then stood with a graceful jump, almost as if she had floated from her sitting position and had neatly landed on her spot. She moved her pure white hair a little before she once again seemed to fly on the sky with one jump of hers, which this time landed her on the grass just beside the brook, so green and blossoming. She shook softly, like a wolf would do before she, curiously, headed to the unusual scent.


Just as Nix, followed by her senses, headed to the fated place, Parduc - who had been warned about their presence by the howl - had summoned some wolf males, between them Trevor. As they were on his territory it would not be considered an offense for him not to go and greet them. For he was to wait on the tent as the previous day to discuss things, by night he would summon all the pack to introduce their new guests. With just a simple order the males exited the tent and, as the unique white haired girl, they went to meet with the other pack visitors.


Nix made it first just by a little bit, stopping on her heels as her icy blue eyes met with some yellow and green ones. So deep and strong. She could feel it in her bones, that light haired wolf was not a normal one. He was like... like Parduc in one way, though his younger status made him appear not as powerful, but surely that would be only because of the age difference. Just then it hit her, what was the other pack's alpha doing here? Her lips quivered for a moment, but even if she had been meaning to speak or not, could not be known as, suddenly, the other male wolves appeared, making Nix step back automatically, her gaze being taken away from that wolf's one.


Trevor was the one to talk again. Just that this time he showed his respects to the alpha, for that was the right thing to do. The others bowed at him as Trevor did, a short bow, but a respectful bow nonetheless.


"I welcome you to the East Brook Pack's den. I'm here to lead you to our alpha" He waited patiently for him to answer, as Nix - his and Sotet's childhood friend - peeked out from bellow his arms, her hair hanging to the side.


( Squee!! I loved it!!)

 

[Kisu]

Axel had waited patiently, knowing a group would be here soon to greet him. He was surprised, however, by the tiny form wrapped in white fur that can forward first. White wolves were not a common sight. In the Twin Rivers Pack, mostly everyone was light colored, ranging from red to blond. And the East Brooks Pack, mostly everyone has dark hair, with exotic olive skin. A white wolf with dazzling amethyst eyes caught Axel off guard, and he paused to glare at Dash for a moment.


A million things flew between them quickly, though no words were spoken. Dash stated he hadn't noticed her, busy flirting with others, and apologized to his alpha.


Axel didn't forgive, making a note to berate him later. If this was to be his mate, then he had been worrying for nothing. She was beautiful! The male didn't lower his head, but he did drop his tail slightly, stepping forward and wagging it slowly.


Before he could introduce himself to the other alpha's daughter, a tiny group of males did appear. His ears flickered in irritation, before he shifted, and beckoned for them to lead the way. His eyes remained on Nix, quietly watching her. His nostrils flared for a moment. He could easily smell the wolves in front of him, and he inhaled Nix's scent.


Yes, it appeared life had finally taken pity on him.


Dash was the first to speak from the Twin Rivers Pack. "Let's go, then!" He wagged his tail, spinning in a circle after it , before bounding ahead, already knowing the way to the large tent. His tongue sagged from his mouth as the puppy inside him made an appearance. Axel was a bit too preoccupied to respond at the moment, ignoring his beta.

 

[DamiClo]

Just as Axel eyes remained on Nix, her eyes remained on his as well. He was sort of intimidating but.. alluring at the same time. She was curious about him and for a moment she had actually found herself mad at Trevor for having interrupted them in such a way for she had been almost sure he was gonna say something to her. She, unconsciously, followed the group all their way to the tent as some pack members glanced at them with surprise.


Nix asked herself many things at the same time. However, they were not quite the same questions the others were asking themselves. For instance, most of them wondered inwardly 'Who are they?' 'What are they doing here?' 'Have they come to start a war?' 'Have they come to ask for something?'. While Nix could only wonder other different things 'What is his name?' 'What is he doing here?' 'Is he going to stay long?', all of that as her gaze was locked on him. Nevertheless, she was cut off when they reached the big tent, Nix stopping on her heels.


True, he was Parduc's protégée and he even treated her like a daughter, but she didn't felt herself confident enough to enter the tent so nonchalantly as Sotet would usually do. Her blue eyes darkening a little on sadness as she lost sight of the stranger. The other males taking them all into the tent, where Parduc was surely waiting. For the first time in years, Nix had actually forgotten about Sotet, whom she would have usually rushed to, to tell her the news.


"I haven't seen you in a while, Axel. How was your trip?" Parduc was educated enough to make a little chat before they went straight to the point, however he would not fall on the silliness of telling him the last time he saw him he was just a cub "I'm so sorry about your parents deaths, I had not heard of it before" He was indeed sorry, for even if the two packs didn't interact a lot he still respected the other alpha.

 

[Kisu]

The male had moved into the tent fluidly, settling on a cushion. He glanced around, looking for the white female, puzzled. Why hadn't she come? Surely Parduc would have told his daughter the reason he was here...


He pushed the thoughts away. Time for political chit chat. He smiled and nodded to Parduc, though the smile was stiff, from one who rarely got to now. "Yes...a lot has changed. The trip was fine. I wish the rivers weren't still chilly." His smile vanished at the mention of his parents. "There's quite a bit we've kept hidden for a while. I don't know if you'd realized yet, but we were chased away from the rivers...Humans. As usual. My father was the only reason so many got out alive."


"Dash told me of last night's events. My condolences..." Axel paused to run a hand through his blonde locks, risking another glance around.


Dash had vanished, slipping under the tent, he'd found his way to the falls, sitting with a few females. He was in his element, laughing and joking.

 

[DamiClo]

Parduc nodded, this time rather slowly. Now that was something he had only heard rumors about, but he hadn't really confirmed it not had wanted to believe it. He intertwined his own fingers tightly before loosening the grip. The male standing in front of him seemed confident and strong enough and that strangely gave him a feel of comfort, maybe if that was to be Sotet's mate he could feel calm.


"They are actually getting out of control" He finally granted with a sigh "We did lost a few yesterday but it has not been the only one" He rubbed his temples lightly, his ears twitching softly "I hope you understand it but I've been yet to tell my daughter about your... proposal" Sotet could sometimes be quite hot headed and he didn't really know how would she react. She was as free spirited as her mother after all.


Sotet had been actually woken up when she felt a small hand brushing agains her skin, making her open her eyes and show her fangs on response, only relaxing when a white blur appeared in front of her, soon materializing itself into her best friend. She lazily sat and yawned, shaking all her body as she tried to wear off the sleepiness.


"You surprised me" She stretched with a light fake pout "Nix"


Nix just smiled at her "I'm sorry. If I'm bothering you I can always leave"


Sotet chuckled "Yeah right. You've come to tell me something right?"


"Oh my, was I that obvious?" Nix own smile grew wider and rather mischievous, making her look like a child trying to act bad, but that was just the way Nix was around her own best friend.


Sotet shrugged with a smile


"Listen me out first, okay?" And with that the two females engaged in a conversation which took Nix much longer she had actually expected. To be honest, she had took quite a while describing the alluring young alpha, though she had kept to herself the praising words towards him that would reveal to Sotet her strange attraction she felt towards him, she had never met a male like that and to be sincere it was the first time she felt like that.

 

[Kisu]

"They are..." Axel agreed grimly. "Hopefully, we can get our number up to at least protect ourselves again." The next thing the other alpha said made Axel frown. "Haven't told her...I noticed she didn't come in. I suppose that could explain some of it. When will you tell her?"


His frown deepened. "Excuse me if I seem forward, or rude. But, even with last night's attacks, it seems like our numbers are down far more than yours are. And..." His ears lowered as he stated another pack secret. "We are lacking females. Desperately. I'm sure you understand when I say I can't be away from my pack for too long. But, whatever she needs or wants to make her stay more comfortable, she can bring, or we will supply. " For the white haired beauty, Axel would do anything.


The alpha paused to glance around again. "What was her name? She was lovely..." Xavier raised an eyebrow at his alpha. The blonde man had sat forward, and with the way he was looking around, it confused Xavier. He hadn't see Axel act like that since they were both pups. He had seen the white haired girl, but he'd been paying attention, and he had realized that the female didn't smell anything like Parduc, so they couldn't be related.


He just hoped his alpha wasn't talking about the little white vixen. Xavier gave a small sigh, unnoticed by Axel.

 

[DamiClo]

"Have you already met my daughter?" Parduc sounded completely surprised. Not because of the fact that he had met her, that wouldn't really surprised him that much, but what he had said about her. The simple 'I noticed she didn't come in' Make him greatly doubt he was talking about Sotet, for she would have stormed into the tent as soon as she would have the opportunity, not even him could have stopped her from doing so. Parduc couldn't help it but raise his brow "Are you sure you met my..." But even before eh could finish his sentence a black haired girl, stepped into the tent without hesitation, dragging the white haired tiny female with her as she would usually do.


"Dad! I've found out that the alpha from the other pack has come and-" Her voice died out when she noticed the two unknown males in front of Parduc, who looked at her rather displeased, for even if that was the way she was, he still didn't like it when she didn't even ask for permission to enter. Parduc gave out a kind of exasperated sigh as he glanced at Axel with a rather apologetic look on his face before he gave Nix an exact one which she returned with just a good-natured one, she knew the leader was thinking Sotet was dragging her around as always, but this time Nix was actually grateful about it, for she had been able to see the light haired man again.


"So you're the other pack's alpha? Aren't you quite young?" Sotet placed both of her hands on her hips, skimming the two men with her amethyst eyes.


"Sotet!" Her father scolded her in a way that made her flinch lightly and made her back down a little "I'm sorry for my daughter rudeness"

 

[Kisu]

Axel had stood at the entry, a childlike look of admiration flooding his features. He hesitated and looked comically puzzled for a few minutes. His multicolored eyes flit from Sotet to Nix, and back. The dark haired girl called Parduc father! Not the white haired one! Axel felt like growling in frustration.


Xavier stood awkwardly, wanting to make his alpha look less startled. While Axel collected himself, the grey and white male strode forward, holding out his hand. He shook Sotet's gently, his voice soft and husky when he spoke. "A pleasure to meet you. Please, come sit down with us. Some of this concerns you as well..." Xavier moved back to his place, sitting gracefully.


While Xavier was speaking and covering for him, Axel smelled the air. Now that she was here, it was plain this was Parduc's daughter. He smiled politely, though there was still a touch of anger in his eyes. Life hadn't given him a bone, so to speak. Instead it had thrown sand in his face.


Not that Sotet was bad to look at...but the white wolf...she had stunned him when he'd first saw her, and Axel didn't feel that kind of attraction to Sotet. His eyes ran over the white female again, before he forced himself to focus on Sotet. Her words registered, and he gave a small bow. "No, no. It's quite alright. Younger than normal, yes. However, I assure you, I'm every bit the alpha my father was. You won't have to worry."

 

[DamiClo]

Sotet tilted her head to the side as she shook Xavier's hand, nodding in acknowledgment. She found strange the way the other male, the alpha, was looking at her. She felt anger on them but she didn't actually feel a bit intimidated by it, still she felt even intrigued.


"I actually prefer to stay stood, if you wouldn't mind it, thanks" She smiled politely, her sharp fangs peeking out of her mouth "Concerns? What does?" She turned to her father but he just gave her a small shrug. She then understood her father was asking her for hearing them out and so she turned her attention to them.


Just like that Nix felt so out of place, as if she was not meant to be there at all. She felt the alpha's eyes on her for a moment but just after that he felt him focusing on Sotet and that made her feel strangely dejected, wanting to get out of there, what if he had been taken aback by her friend's beauty? Why would she care either way? Nix nibbled down on her bottom lip as she tried to quietly sneak out from the tent.


"Don't leave" Sotet complained as she locked Nix's arm with hers, turning to Axel once again. Sotet liked it when Nix stayed with them, if so because she kind of helped her feel confident. Much more than she usually was anyway "I wouldn't worry. You're not my business after all" A thing that Sotet lacked, was sometimes delicacy and that had always made her be outspoken. She would always speak her mind without taking the possible consequences into consideration.


"It shall be" Parduc sighed as Sotet looked back at him yet again


"What do you mean?" The black haired beauty frowned, somehow she felt a shiver running down her spine, as if she was having a bad feeling about this conversation.


"Make your proposition, alpha" His piercing grey eyes laid upon Axel, if there was to be a marriage, he would have to propose to his daughter, right there and right now, in front of him.

 

[Kisu]

Xavier had smiled warmly and nodded to the females. Axel wasn't doing too good of a job at making Sotet feel nice and warm, but it seemed like she was a difficult female to handle. The male had continued to focus on Sotet, though occasionally his gaze slid to her friend.


As the East Brook's leader spoke, Axel glanced to him, then to Sotet. He finally sighed, all traces of the smile he wore a moment ago gone, replaced with his usual surly expression. "After last night, I'm sure you realize how low the wolves numbers are. In order to protect all of our people, we need a way to group together." He began, his gaze moving to the top of the tent.


"We lack females...you are closer to the human town. We both have disadvantages, and we both have some advantages. If we bring our packs together, we will be stronger than ever. There's too much bad blood in this generation for that to happen. However, if their was a mating between our packs, and the next alpha was produced, that alpha could rule both packs. Together."


"It only seems logical, then, for the alphas of each pack to mate. Obviously, the alpha here is your father. So next in line...would be you. And I am the alpha of the Twin Rivers."


Xavier gave a small cough, and Axel turned to glare at him for a moment. "What I'm trying to say. Very badly. Is that my hope is for you to become my mate. To come with me to the Twin Rivers den, and bear the alpha to bring our packs together." Though again Axel wanted to look at the white haired female, he forced his gaze to settle on Sotet. "Whatever you'd like to bring to make you more comfortable, we will help you move. We will keep you safe and fed. I will be everything an Alpha should be." He hesitated for a moment, "And everything you could want in a mate."

 

[DamiClo]

Sotet froze on her spot and strangely so did Nix. He wanted her to what? Her displeasure was obvious on her features though Nix, fortunately, had been able to hide her own behind a blank and emotionless look she had managed to settle on her face. It took a minute for the black haired girl to react and when she did, it wasn't exactly.. pleasant.


"You? My mate? You're.. You're kidding right?" She turned to her father "Tell me he is kidding"


Parduc's gaze didn't change. It was also cold and collected. Sotet saw on his eyes the anguishing truth. She was vexed! No! She was angry! Did they want to marry her off? Never! She had decided to choose a mate she would love, she had chosen to live a love like her parent's. She started to tremble, she would not go with an arranged marriage. She would not bear that man's child.


Nix snapped out of it before Sotet's own father did, he just stayed there, didn't he see that his daughter would shift unwillingly if she kept going like that?


"Sotet. Sotet think of the pack. Think of what will become of them if you react like this" Nix tried to talk her back to her senses.


Sotet's amethyst eyes met with Nix's blue ones. She was trying hard to understand her friend's words. She. Was. Just. So. Angry.


"Sotet. You'll do this for your family. Would you rather see us all dead. You're not a child anymore, you don't get to act like this. At this rate everyone of us will die, you're my daughter. The alpha's daughter. You don't get to only think of yourself anymore" Those words hurt Sotet greatly, if not because she understood that what her father was saying was indeed true. She turned to Axel and her eyes flashed with anger before it slowly died out, her trembling ceasing as well just as slowly.


"I.." She looked around as she tried hard to find which words to speak "I won't leave without Nix" Her grip around the white haired girl tightened as she looked up at her in surprise. Even Sotet was surprised of what she had said, but once said she wouldn't back down on her words. Yes.. She wouldn't leave without her.


"S-Sotet I.." Nix looked at her confused, stammering lightly.


"Sotet that can't do" Parduc frowned, annoyed by his own daughter unreasonable and selfish petition.


"I said I wouldn't leave without her!" Sotet's eyes glistened with determination. As if she was giving them an ultimatum. As if she was saying 'I truly won't go if she doesn't come with me. I promise'. Sotet turned her amethyst gaze to Axel's, waiting for his response.

 

[Kisu]

Axel had stared at the female with a maddeningly calm expression. It was clear Sotet was used to getting her way. He waited patiently until she was calm once more. But her demand took him by surprise. His mouth actually dropped open for a minute.


So, he'd need to mate this female, with the tiny little white female around him everyday? To be honest, the alpha wasn't sure if he could do that. "Sotet...you must understand...we don't have many females...wolves would constantly be fighting over your friend. Food will be supplied to you, because you will be our alpha female, but your friend would need to hunt for herself when times get tough." His voice was strained, and his gaze had turned almost pleading.


Xavier gave a small cough again, and Axel glanced back. Unlike before, however, he didn't glare. Xavier gave him a look, as if telling his alpha it was too important to fight over. Axel sighed, and ran a hand through his hair. "If your friend..." Nix... His mind whispered to him. Great, now he had a name to go with the face. "Can agree to that...she can come. But, we leave in the morning, agreed?"

 

[DamiClo]

Sotet had not actually believed he would agree to that and a smile had appeared on her face when he started to want to talk her out of her idea. Nevertheless, it disappeared when he finally agreed. Though her teeth were gritted she agreed.


"Fine" She answered sharply.


"Wait a moment, Nix can't come with you" Parduc took a step forward "Stop being childish, Nix is not a toy for you to play around, Sotet"


Sotet pouted. She was sure used to getting her way but she was not lying. Nix was her best friend apart from Trevor and she didn't want to go to the other pack alone. She would find it unreasonable if she had asked for Trevor instead, after all he was a male and one of his father's best fighters. Instead, she asked for Nix, who was almost always with Sotet anyway "She will come"


"I'm sorry to but in, but I'll have to agree with your father, Sotet. Nix can't come with you" Trevor, who had been dead quiet, suddenly jumped in and easily took Nix out of Sotet's grip, pulling her to him "You heard him, Sotet. Food will not be provided, males will fight for her. Nix won't fit in there" Trevor tightened his grip around the white haired girl as he hugged her closer to him. Trevor could not say what he truly thought about Sotet going to the other pack to be the alpha female but he certainly could about Nix.


"Let go of her, Trevor. Nix will come with me" Sotet hissed.


"She won't" Parduc and Trevor said at the same time.


Funny enough is that it seemed that they had even forgotten about the two males who were standing there, too into their little fight about the white haired girl's future.


"Let go of me!" Nix finally snapped as she found herself even suffocating as Trevor practically pressed her face tightly against his broad chest "I'm not your doll for you to decide where I go and where I stay" Nix was usually a calm person, but once she had snapped she started to resemble more her big and ferocious wolf self than her semi human one. Her fangs clearly showed as she glared at them "Be even more aware of where all of you decide to even start this ridiculous discussion" And with that said she stormed out of the tent, clearly angry.


"Nix! See what have you done?" Sotet growled at all the males who were left on the tent, funnily enough she growled at Axel and Xavier as well "You idiots" And with that she rushed behind her friend.


Parduc just sighed in exasperation "She will meet you here by dawn" He was yet again irritated "You may explore our den if you'd like or might as well sleep. You're more than welcomed to do whatever you like"