Seasons The Fox Heart (Book one) Redfire

Chapter 13

The new leader overlooked the beautiful forest below from where he sat on the cliff. He had found a tranquil spot to rest after he was chosen as leader. He still couldn't believe it had happened.
"So you're leader now." Redfire jumped as Peony rubbed her herself against his side. "I'm proud of you." She licked his ear and purred.
"Peony," Redfire felt his voice get tight. "Um, you're not mad at me."
"Hmm." Peonys eyes glistened with love.
"About...Autumn," Redfire gulped.
Peonys gaze dropped to the ground. "Oh, yeah, of course I'm not mad at you." She brought her gaze back up and nudged him. "You were just being kind."
Redfire nodded. "Always remember, you are my love." Peony smiled and licked his cheek. Redfire was happy to know that Peony was not mad at him. He remembered her gaze when she saw Autumn giving him affection. Guilt swept through him for not telling her to stop. But, then again, Peony seemed awfully fond of Arrow. His gaze darkened. "Peony, what about you and Arrow." Peony stepped back, feeling the venom from his words.
"Nothing, he was just..." Her voice drifted away. "It's not what you think. He was helping me." Redfire could have let his anger fade away, but he let it stay.
"You were glaring at me because Autumn was seducing me, but to only let the same happen with you."
"Arrow was seducing me," she shot back. "I tried to tell him to back off, but he wouldn't listen to me."
"Didn't look that way to me," Redfire continued. Peony gasped and turned her head. Redfire found his fur bristling, and he let himself relax. The silver fox looked at him with teary eyes. "I'm sorry, Redfire, I truly am, I do you love you, it's just... I don't know how to handle stuff like that. You are always with me. You said you will always and now... someone's trying to take you away from me." She laid down and cried softly. The new leader felt terrible. He had never yelled at Peony before. Her soft cries made his heart drop.
"Peony," Redfire bent down and pushed her curled up body up against his. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-." A soft rustle sounded from behind them. Redfires heart dropped when he saw Arrow pad up to them. His gaze flashed anger, but he remained calm.
He bowed his head. "Pardon my interruption," he said, but guards have spotted movement not far from the outskirts of the village."
Peony looked up at Redfire with worried eyes.
"Could it be."
Redfire nodded. "It has to be." The Loners, who else. "Have the guards returned?" he asked Arrow.
"Yes," he nodded.
"Very well," Redfire rose to his feet. "Keep an eye on Peony for me." He hated the fact he had to leave Peony with Arrow, but he had no idea where the others were. Besides, if he loved her so much, she was sure to be well taken care of. Peony seemed shocked and looked up at Redfire. Redfire dragged his tail across her mouth. "Do not worry," he whispered. "I will be back." She nodded and nuzzled him."Be careful." Affirming her with a nod, Redfire padded past Arrow, who came to Peonys' side.
"Oh, and Arrow," Redfire said with a smirk. "Don't get too close to her." Arrows gaze darkened. "Very well."
The young leader padded through the bushes and bounded down the mountains slope. He really hoped that Arrow would obey his orders and leave Peony alone. She seemed greatly disturbed by his attention but didn't want to show it. He growled. How dare he hurt Peony like that. Redfire made his way back to camp and was met by a group of guards with Silverbird among them.
Redfire sharpened his gaze. "Silverbird."
"Redfire, I bring you grave news," said Silverbird uneasily. "The Loners have been spotted close to our territory." Redfire felt like he was drowning in the ocean. How did they find us so fast?
"What should we do?" asked a marble dog fox.
"We need to leave this place and head for the Fox Heart," said Redfire. "That's the only place where we'll be safe."
"What's going on?" Heads turned as Lightwing came limping towards them.
"The Loners," said Silverbird. Those two words were enough information for Lightwing to figure out the whole thing.
"How?"
Redfire shrugged. "We don't know. But we're in danger if we stay here. We've got to find the Fox Heart now."
Lightning nodded. "I agree."
"We don't need your agreement," Silverbird mumbled.
"I'm just saying that what Redfire said was a good idea," Lightwing shot back.
"You are not needed," growled Silverbird. "You will do good to remember we still do not trust you."
Lightwing seemed taken aback. His gaze flicked over to Redfire.
He sighed. "I'm sorry, Lightwing, but it is true. We still do not trust you."
Lightwing smiled. "I understand."
"Good, now, gather the Tribe and tell them we're leaving."