A Pack of Misfits

Chapter 30

I sat next to Jacob's sleeping form, watching as his chest slowly rose.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Eli and Sunset rolling around with each other, Sunset still in her wolf form. Eli jumped onto her, engulfing her into a tight hug as he let out a giggle. She wagged her tail, rubbing her about against his head. I smiled at the sight before turning my attention a lot to Jacob.

Slowly, I brought my snout to his face, letting out a small huff. He twitched slightly before turning to his side, away from her.

I tilted my head, flowing slightly.

Jacob isn't a deep sleeper. He usually wakes up at the fairest touch. I-I guess this whole thing has taken a toll on him.

My wolf let out a whine, blue-grey flashing through my mind.

Worry.

I think it would be a good idea to leave him be. We can talk to him once he wakes up.

My wolf lowered her head but nodded, albeit reluctantly.

We can nudge him once if you like? Y'know, just to make sure he isn't having a nightmare.

My wolf nodded her head, her tail wagging slightly.

I leaned down again, gently rubbing my snout against his check before stopping as I got no reaction from him. I let out a shrug before joining Sunset and Eli, jumping onto Sunset as I tackled her. Eli let out a giggle before joining the pile and gripping Sunset's fur.

I laid on top of her chest, nibbling her ear as I grinned widely. From behind me, Eli laid over her back legs. She was trapped under both of our weight.

It's been a while since you've played with another pup, wanna take control? I suggested.

My wolf immediately perked up, jumping up and down as she wagged her tail.

Kay. I responded, smiling.

I let my wolf take control.

~~~~

It was already afternoon when Jacob woke up.

We were munching on whatever was left of the deer when I noticed that Jacob awoke. I perked up, bounding towards him with a leg in my mouth. I plopped it in front of him, sitting back on my haunches as I shifted into my human form.

"Morning! Well, it's actually afternoon, but like still! Anyways, I hope you had a good night sleep!"

Jacob rubbed his eyes, sitting up as he started stretching his arms.

"Mornin'," He yawned.

His voice was quiet, mostly likely due to the fact he just woke up.

He stared at me, squinting slightly before petting my head. I wagged my tail as I nudged the leg close to him.

"Thank," he said groggily.

"Lunch! Sunset made a cooler last night to prevent flies from getting it, so don't worry about that. Also! Eli's tooth has been growing in!"

Jacob leaned on his arm, his eyes slightly hazy. He made an "mhm" sound before muttering a "nice." His eyelids fluttered as he struggled to stay awake.

I lurched towards him, shifting back onto my wolf. I rammed my face into his, booping my nose against his.

I DID not just stay up the whole morning only for you to fall asleep again! The least you can do is wait to fall asleep after I ask my question!

Jacob let out a yelp rubbing his nose while I jumped back, only to trip on his legs. I fell on my back, whining slightly before I rolled back up.

"Karma," He whispered. "Anyways, what the hell was that for!"

I looked at him sheepishly as I shifted back, tapping my fingers together.

"You didn't eat the leg yet! And I also have a question to ask you but first, eat the leg!"

"You didn't have to fucking break my nose."

"To be fair, I could've cracked my skull. You know how delicate and fragile I am. And I'm sure your nose is fine~" I said matter-of-factly, ignoring his stern look before continuing. "Anyways, this question can't wait any longer! It's reallllllly important."

My god do I sound like a brat.

My wolf let out a huff, nodding her head in agreement.

He let out a sigh before saying, "Fine, ask away. But I'm going back to sleep after this."

"Fine by me! Anyways, I just wanted to ask... what exactly are we gonna do now? W-We—I-I don't—no longer have any attachments to my family. Now that mom is gone, my pack won't be able to find me, and I won't be able to find them." I pressed a hand to my chest, gripping my shirt tightly as I looked at my feet. "You and Eli have now where to go either! A-And so, so many of my friends are d-dead or missing!"

Jacob's eyes softened as he reached a hand towards me. He rubbed my head, his eyes glistening with tears.

"Oh, Mystic... it'll be okay. I-I promise. Right now, we have to find a safe place for us. Luckily, I know a place, or at least, I hope I do. After that, we can find your friends and bring you back home. "

"Thank you." I said, looking up before engulfing him into a hug.

"We're gonna have to travel far though, all the way to the mountainside in fact. But it'll be safe, it'll be impossible for the hunters to follow us there. After all, it is in a national park and hunting wolves is prohibited. A rogue that m-my mom helped a few years ago lives there. She loves pups and I have no doubt that she'll welcome us with open arms. And I bet that she might even have a few friends of yours. She'll do whatever she can to help pups. Although, we will have to travel in our wolf forms."

I perked my ears up at that, my wolf letting out a happy rumble.

"Why?" I asked.

Jacob rubbed the back of his head, saying, "Well, it's... complicated. Let's just say, she kinda... gave up her humanness after what her ex-mate did to her. She'll still accept us if we're human, but it's easier for her if were wolves. She doesn't exactly have a house. At least, not from the last time I visited her. And plus, it's gonna be fucking cold. It's gonna be a lot warmer as a wolf, and we'll get there faster. Only problem is getting Eli something warm enough to wear."

"Sunset can just make him some winter clothes!" I exclaimed.

"Well, I guess that settles it." Jacob said as he turned to the left, staring at the distant mountains. "To the Withered Slopes we go."