Succession

My nose caught Alpha's trail and he was not alone. The breeze brought me another scent on the wind, and something urged me towards them both. They were not all that far ahead of me now, but beyond the range of my ears still. They moved north through the trees, towards an all too familiar place, and my pace picked up as soon as I realized where they were headed. I had said I would be there, and I was hell bent to make sure I was.

I stared into the water of the warm pool, seeing the odd reflection of the crystal cave beyond, a trick of the light, an optical illusion of sorts, and I spot my quarry, and apparently, theirs as well, all standing it seemed with copies of themselves, three times over. I stared and marveled at the oddity as I do every time I see it before I gave my head a shake and dove into the water. I came up into the pretty little cave, dripping wet yet focused on the naked pair the wolves had hunted down finally.

I was embarrassed for them both, for neither of them seemed to have the self respect to be so for themselves. The Fallen made me cringe, listening as he turned from insolent egomaniac to pathetic and pleading in a few short minutes, all the while calling upon my sister's name in order to spare himself his fate. How he could stand there and beg to be allowed to remain in Pack lands...using her as his shield, while his naked wench stood three paces away? Wolves mate for life...

I bared my teeth at her and she scurried away, apparently 'One' is brighter than she seems. Once the pale impostor was gone, it was far easier to focus on the task at hand, as Alpha showed his true colors, and impressed me. He was firm, concise and yet not so arrogant as to not consult and respect his subordinates. The entire matter was settled quickly and without bloodshed, for now and that was far better than I had hoped for.

There may still be trouble ahead, but we had survived our first task as Pack. I see not only Alpha but another as well, one I had not expected such cooperation from, in a new more, appreciative light. It leaves me hopeful, which I will confess, is a rare thing. Can it be possible, that there is hope still....for the Pack?