Broken Alpha (Book 1 of the Broken Wolves series)

Ice

After a moon of walking Ice wasnt sure if they were going to make it. They were half-starved and weak from lack of water. Their pelts were dirty and matted and their pads were sore. Ice looked at her daughters who were just old enough to eat meat. Namaras eyes were dull and she kept stumbling. Snow was not much better. Her pads were cut and she was limping badly. Even Aliac was in horrifying shape. She had cuts all over her and she was sick. Stone had to help her walk or she would collaspe. “Aliac we need to rest.” Mouse told her. She was as tired as the rest. Aliac looked at her and nodded. She layed down right where she stopped. “Mouse, Stone, and Kludd go hunting. Me and Eva will watch over Aliac.” Ice said. Stone nodded and signaled Mouse and Eva to follow him. 

Ice looked at Aliac and whimpered. Aliac was weak and her bones were showing. Ice bowed her head and layed next to her. She tried to get all the dirt and sticks out of Aliacs fur but their were too many. She watched as Eva curled up with Namara and Snow. Eva bowed her head to Ice and looked at Aliac sadly. Aliac layed her head on Ices paws and went to sleep. 

Ice waited for Stone to get back. When he did she ran to him and said “Aliac needs to eat now. I dont know how long shes gonna make it. But if theirs any chance she will she needs to eat.” She grabbed the fattest mouse she could and ran to Aliac. “Aliac, please eat.” She told her. Aliac lifted her head slowly and sniffed. Then she passed out. 

Stone ran to her and yelped “Aliac! Wake up.” Mouse looked frantically and picked up the mouse and ran to Aliac. “Open her mouth. If she drinks the blood it will give her energy.” Mouse said. Stone opened Aliacs mouth and Mouse poured blood into it. Then she closed her mouth and let her swallow. After a few times Aliac became conscious and she opened her eyes. Ice said “Take it slow, Aliac. Your weak but Stone went hunting. You need to eat.” Aliac sniffed the mouse and took a bite. “Mouse. You get her to eat. I need to talk to Stone.” Ice said. Mouse bowed her head and stayed with Aliac. 

Ice motioned for Stone to follow her and she walked to the far side of the trees. She sat and waited for Stone. He sat and Ice said “We will have to wait until Aliac is better before we keep going.”

“How do you even know if she knows where The Rocks are? I mean... We've been walking for weeks and were still not there. Is she even still able to lead?” Stone asked. Ice stood up and growled. “What do you mean 'if' shes able to lead? Your the last one I would expect to question her leadership! She will take us their no matter what. You know that. She would give up her life for us and so should we. Even if we have to stay for another moon, thats what we will do.Now go eat and stay with Aliac. She said dismissing him angrily. Stone stood there surprised and then walked to the small fresh-kill pile. 

Ice layed down and stared at Aliac, praying for her to get better.

Mouse managed to get Aliac to eat a few bites. Silver stood by Aliac and said “Shes resting but she will need more to eat” Ice said “OK. We will all eat then I will take Kludd and Eva hunting. Silver you stay with Aliac. Namara and Snow help Silver protect her. Mouse and Stone collect moss for bedding and bring back some water.” Mouse and Stone nodded. Namara jumped up and said “Yes mum. Come on Snow!” and she ran to Aliac with Snow following her.

Ice signaled to Kludd and Eva and she stalked off into the woods.