Wolves of the Falling Stars Book 4: The Return

Chapter 12

Even Strong Boulder knew he had made a mistake when he tumbled into his napping mother's side while wrestling with Tall Willow. Shining River's eyes immediately opened, and a low growl rumbled from her throat.

"Sorry!" he exclaimed, seeing the anger on his mother's face.

Though she looked ready to snap at her children, Strong Boulder watched his mother take a deep breath before feigning a smile. 

"Accidents happen," was all she muttered. "But to ensure they don't happen again, why don't you two go visit your grandmother. I'm sure she has many stories to tell you."

"Can we?!" Tall Willow exclaimed. Strong Boulder was practically bouncing beside her.

"Yes, yes. She should be in the den next to the alphas. Go," was the last Shining River said. "You can lead the way, Strong Boulder."

"How come he gets to?!" Tall Willow complained.

"I'm the boy, that's why," Strong Boulder retorted as he led his sister out of the den. The beta den was tucked away under some trees at not that far of a distance from the alpha den. Occasionally, Shining River would take the pups there, though letting them visit themselves was a treat. 

Strong Boulder peeked his nose in the den, finding Silver Snowflake yawning. It appeared she had just woken from a nap as well. Slowly, Silver Snowflake caught sight of the two pups.

"My, my! Look at who came to visit!" she exclaimed.

Tall Willow rushed to the white she-wolf, while Strong Boulder lingered behind. Silver Snowflake was quick to rasp her tongue over Tall Willow's fur. Strong Boulder thought he had escaped it, but soon enough he found his grandmother licking the fur between his ears as well.

"And what brings you two here?" she asked.

"Mom said we should visit!" Tall Willow exclaimed.

"Is that so?" Silver Snowflake asked. Her eyes were slant in a glare as she asked this. 

"Will you tell us stories?" Strong Boulder asked.

"I suppose. Gather around, then," Silver Snowflake said. Tall Boulder took a seat next to his sister and listened as the beta regaled stories of battles past, how the pack used to be without dogs, and what had changed since the newest alphas had arrived. It was thrilling to hear so many stories from times past. 

"You've been beta for a long time," Strong Boulder realized.

"Yes," Silver Snowflake said with a sigh. "But I look forward to the day I can be alpha. It has been a long day in the coming."

"You will be a great alpha!" Tall Willow exclaimed.

Silver Snowflake smiled some. 

"Do you think I could be alpha one day?" Strong Boulder asked.

Silver Snowflake stared at him intensely for a few moments. "With training...perhaps," she said.

Strong Boulder's heart sunk some, but quickly, Silver Snowflake lightened the mood again.

"Don't pout. I see great potential in you, Strong Boulder. Strength is even in your name. Do not share this to the pack, but I have already decided that when I do become alpha, Shining River will be my beta. And if our line continues, and Shining River will become alpha, then where do you think that leaves you?"

"As beta?" Strong Boulder asked.

"Very good," Silver Snowflake said. "That is something to keep in mind, though you have to earn it. Shining River has already proven yourself. Soon, you will be training, and you can gain the pack's attention as well. Now, you two better head back. Your mother should be done with her nap by now, since I assume that's why she sent you all over."

Though Tall Willow was already exiting the den, Strong Boulder lingered back and looked up at his grandmother once more.

"Do you really think--"

"Do not doubt your abilities, Strong Boulder. We all see potential in you."

Feeling as if he were on clouds, Strong Boulder smiled and raced out the den. Though Tall Willow was already disappearing back into their den, suddenly, Strong Boulder noticed his father out of the corner of his eye. He raced toward the wolf, who was lost in thought. Trying to get Feather Wings' attention, Strong Boulder tapped his father's flank with his paw.

"Oh, what are you doing out of the den?" Feather Wings asked, finally making eye contact with his son.

"We went and visited Silver Snowflake, and she told us all about the history of the Pack of the Falling Stars!" Strong Boulder exclaimed.

"How nice," Feather Wings murmured with little to no enthusiasm.

"She said I had the potential to be alpha! One day, I'm gonna be alpha!" Strong Boulder declared.

"There are many steps to take before you get there. You shouldn't brag," Feather Wings said, and with that, he walked away, leaving Strong Boulder behind in the dust. Strong Boulder watched him go, mouth agape. He had thought for sure his father would be proud of him hearing those words.

Angry, Strong Boulder matched back into his den, finding his mother awake finally. She was quick to notice his sour face.

"And what's the matter with you?" she asked.

"Dad doesn't care about whatever I say or do," he moped.

"Where'd you see Dad?" Tall Willow asked. "Is he coming here?"

"No," Strong Boulder murmured. "I told him all about the things Silver Snowflake told me, and he didn't care. Why is he like that? Why doesn't he care?"

"Oh, nonsense. He cares a lot about you," Shining River said. "That's just his personality. He's a bit...harder to talk to, if that makes sense. He used to treat me the same way. Sometimes he still does."

"Still..."

"Feather Wings is an intelligent wolf," Shining River explained. "His mind often wanders, but he is doing good things for the pack. Don't go around bothering him. He has important things to do."

"But--"

"It must be hard for him being the only one in his family who isn't an omega, you know. There's no respect for his family anymore. He's all they have left," Shining River explained. "So leave him alone."

"Why doesn't he visit, then?" Strong Boulder complained. 

"He'll visit when he wants. Now then, why don't you and your sister play something quietly for a while? I'm going out to hunt," Shining River said.

Strong Boulder pouted as his mother went. He turned to Tall Willow for support, but she seemed to agree with her mother.

"Daddy is busy a lot. So...we should leave him alone so he can get his work done faster and play with us," she said.

Strong Boulder agreed, though it seemed like Feather Wings playing with the pups appeared only as a distant dream. Most days, his father only felt like a stranger to him.