BETA

P A R T || F I F T E E N

| D A R R E N

'How much further?' I asked, more eager than anything. Today, my dad and I were patrolling again and it was just us. The large wolf glanced down at me with radiant yellow-gold eyes. His lips curled in a snort. 'Come on! We've been following the smell for forever!' I skipped ahead, trying to keep up with his larger, more languid strides.

'The scent.' My dad corrected with a chuckle.

'Scent', I repeated, dropping my nose back to the ground. I had to make sure I paid attention to everything, that way I'd be a good Alpha when I grew up. Just like my dad. 'Can we move faster?' I want to know what it is.

'We could...' My dad, trailed thoughtfully. 'But what will you do when we get there? What if it's a rogue, or one of the pack that's been hurt, or a stray pup? What if it's dangerous?'

A learning question. I'm good at these because I pay attention. 'I'll have my beta and enforces-'

'Enforcers, good.' He corrected but let me continue.

'Enforcers. My beta and enforcers will help me with the rogue, but I have to make sure they're bad first.'

'Why is that?'

'So we don't hurt them for no reason. They could need help.'

'Good. And why do you have be the one to make that decision?'

'Because, I need to set a good, um...dad I forgot that word,' I admit, glancing up at him. 'You know, for showing so people can see what you're talking about.'

'Example. You're correct Darren. As Alpha it will be your job to make sure everyone is safe, even rogues. We are not a pack without mercy and understanding. Now, continue.'

'For a pack mate that's injured I have to make sure they're okay, and see what went wrong and make sure I tell Maryn.'

'Maryn may not be the pack doctor when you're Alpha, but you're correct. Always mind-link your pack doctor to give a heads up and so they can give advice. Now, what about the little pup?'

'Bring them back, duh! I laugh, bouncing up to put my forepaws on his front leg.' I slipped off as he took his next step.

My dad swatted me with his paw, and I just barely dodged it. He lowered his huge head, with a wolfy smile, tail wagging. My ears pressed down as I jumped at his face. He let me, growling playfully as I bit his ear.

His laugh rumbled through our mind-link. 'Alright, smarty-paws what if it's all three?' My dad asked, shaking his head dislodging my teeth. I landed on my butt, jumping up quickly with a yip.

'Then, I'll do my best!' I said, shaking out my fur that was a bit lighter than my dad's. We both have brown fur which is cool. Mom's wolf is the coolest though, her wolf is golden. Aani's wolf was pretty too, a very light gold that almost looked white. I like my sister. She's four now.

'Good, good. Let's hurry up and see what it is, then.' My dad took off. I pushed myself to keep up. He slowed, letting me catch up. 'Alright pup, catch the scent. I'll follow you.'

My tail wagged, my chest puffing. I took in a lung full of air, catching that weird scent of pine cones and something like cinnamon that made me want to rub my nose into the dirt. I padded forward, following the trail confidently. If I lost it I knew my dad would help me find it again.

Last time we went on patrol together nothing interesting happened. But it was still fun. Not as fun as this though. The stronger the scent got, the more my curiosity grew. Was it a pack member, a pup or a rogue?