Shadow Claw: The Life Story - The Third Chapter

Ch. 1 - Letters From A Friend

It was a beautiful day, there was no doubt about that. However, the pack was not coping well with the roaring arguments emitting from the Alpha cave. Shade's parents had visited for a mere few hours, just to see how we were getting along, and out of the blue, Shade and his father start a fight against each other.

"That's it! I've had it with both of you!" Shade's mother yelled and stormed out, quickly followed by her mate who was whining and apologizing over and over, nuzzling her side and assuring her it would not happen again. I sighed, watching from a way off - I disliked loud noises very much, ever since I first visited The Burrow, and I already had a headache. I felt a small tug on my tail and I slowly turned my head to see young Lost, Nova's adopted son, pouncing playfully behind me. Nova herself was laying in a tree not far off, an amused expression on her face because she did not know I could see her.

"It's a shame you don't blend into the trees. I might not have seen you."

I heard a loud THUMP then a string of curse words that would make any male twitch. Nova padded over to me and sat down, watching Lost. "How could you-"

"Experience." I replied quickly, not interested in conversation that day. Lost mewed at me and I pressed my nose to his head. "Shadow!" He giggled, nudging my paws. I rolled my eyes and pushed him over to his adoptive mother, "You need a clean, mister." I wrinkled my muzzle and he whined, struggling when Nova began to lick his patchwork of fur.

I turned away, flicking my ears. Shade's parents had left and all he was reduced to was a raging mess, that only I could clean up. I leapt down from my perch beside Nova and Lost, gradually padding towards my cave. I could hear dull growls and snarls from inside and I sighed, knowing exactly what I had to do.

I slipped inside, pressing my pelt to his side. "I'm going to hurt you." Shade stated, but his words were laced with sadness. "It hurts me more to see you like this." I entwined our tails and licked his cheek, causing him to purr gently. "I hurt you last ti-"

"This isn't last time. Last time, you hadn't been my true mate." I murmured. His head slowly swung to meet my gaze and he leaned down, pressing his grey nose to my cheek. "I love you." I smiled, knowing my Shade was back. "I love you more." I spoke silkily.

"I doubt that." He purred seductively. I smirked, waggling my rear end, "Come and get it, tough guy."

We bounded around the camp, laughing as he chased me and slowed down for my sake. I felt like a cub again, but this time, I was free from the attic - there was nothing to hold me back. "Can't catch me!" "Oh, yes I can!" "Nu-uh!"

"Alpha Shade! Alpha Shadow! There is a pile of letters awaiting for you. I believe most of them are for Alpha Shade." A guard called to us. Shade immediately went to Alpha mode and brushed his pelt with mine, padding forward to inspect. "Stay." He commanded me, however I followed suit, shifting and crouching down to look at the letters.

"I told you to stay. They could be dangero-" Shade said sternly, scolding me.

"Dangerous letters. Huh, I doubt that." I replied in a condescending tone. He growled softly but said nothing more.

"Sirius." I whispered. I had two letters; the first one read:

Dear Shadow,

I cannot tell you where I am, however you must know that Buckbeak and I are very happy. I wanted to explain what happened all those years ago, but I somehow doubt that you would want to know, so if you do wish to know, you can ask and I will tell you the next time we meet.

Harry and his friends are going to the Quidditch World Cup but again, I somehow doubt you would really want to go.

I seem to know you better than you thought. Well, I did witness your first ever word. Do you remember that still?

I wish we could go back to that time, when the world was not so complicated.

Stay young forever,

Sincerely,

Sirius, your make-do father.

The letter brought tears to my eyes, and before I knew it, they were rolling down my cheeks and Shade was rocking me gently in his arms. "Hey, hey, hey, it's alright. Don't cry." He kissed my tears away and I hugged him tightly. "You have another one." He murmured, sitting down and pulling m back against his chest, nestled between his legs.

The second letter read rather scruffily;

Shadow!

I NOW HOW TO POOST. THIS IS AMASINNG.

Shadow, sorry, James still doesn't know how to write properly. Of course. Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the Quidditch World Cup, Sirius sent us two tickets! How he managed to get them, I do not know, but he told us you wouldn't want to go.

We know you better than him, do we not?

Do you want to go?

Reply soon,

HI SHADEE, SHADOW TINKS YOU REALY SEXEE!!!

Oh dear.

From Jenny and THE BEST FREEND EVAR, JAMS.

I was laughing by the end of it, even more tears running down my cheeks. Shade hummed softly, "Well, is it true?" He purred. I blushed, sniffling, "I do think you are pretty sexy." I bit my lip and he laughed, making my heart skip a beat. I truly loved it when he laughed, "Come on then. Are you going to reply?"

We stood up and Shade scooped my into his arms bridal style, "Nope." I popped the 'p' and snuggled into his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck. He frowned, "Why ever not?" He asked. I grinned, "Because I'm an unsociable bitch, now, carry me slaaave!" I cried, my eyes still a little irritated from all of the tears.

"I'd be content to be your slave, sweetheart."

I paused and blinked at him blankly, before I shivered "No. Just, no, don't even go there. No."

HEY! FIRST CHAP OF THIRD BOOK! How was it? Did you like James and Jenny's letter? :3