The Breeders

Chapter 5 Accepted

'Sorry.'

It rang in my head. It was the last thing that I could grasp before falling into a deep sleep. I felt weightless floating into the sky, all at once I was back at home. Not just any home but when we lived freely in our human forms. Before the war and oppression, just freedom and the most important, security and safety.

Yet this dream was bizarre. I couldn't really see their faces, they were somewhat blurred. Due to my memory failing me and the fact I didn't know human ways anymore. I'd forgotten so much but remembered vaguely, my parents, my home.

I was back in my little purple dress with the big bow in the back sitting in the grass. My mother was humming a melody one she would hum when she was happy, braiding my hair into two pigtails. We were having a picnic alongside the river, other pack members had also come down to relax by the river. Everyone is enjoying themselves relaxing on a nice summer day.

Branches could be heard snapping to the right of us and I stood as did my mother. She wasn't alarmed like I was and I quickly realized why. My father stepped out into the clearing and I ran to him jumping up into his arms as he scooped me up. I really loved my father and my mother, they were all I knew as a child. My world was them, there was no one else.

My little world was perfect, a place where I was safe and secure.

All at once my dream turned into a nightmare, the once blue sky turned red from fire burning the land. The pack was in a state of panic, some transforming for the fight. My father hugged me for the last time handing me off to my mother and kissing her goodbye. Then he took one last longing look at us both before turning and running off into the woods.

My mother sobbed as she ran the other way with me holding me so tight against her chest. I could feel her rapid heart beat and it fueled my own fear. She was beginning to stagger like she wasn't in control, her strength failing her. She placed me on the ground pointing to me to run in the direction of the woods. High in the cold mountains where not many ventured off to.

My mother took off towards my father and I stood there paralyzed out of fear. The people around them were scary and my eyes widened in fear at the things I saw. People I knew they were different and all I could do was let out a scream that turned into a howl.

I was jolted awake by a rough nudge to my body still howling into the night. I was back inside the den with the black wolf growling at me as his eyes held concern. But no matter what I saw or knew that I was safe, I still howled. I was angry and sad and confused, having a sense of loss.

The black wolf approached, nuzzling my head, the physical contact ceasing my howling into whining. My body filled up with contentment relaxing my aching muscles before I started to tremble. There was snow outside and looked as though a blizzard would blow in. His body warmed my own as he settled behind me calming my thoughts and grabbing my attention.

'It's okay.'

I jumped up to my paws hearing the faint voice in my head, facing the black wolf all the while shivering from the cold. It was a bad idea not only because he took a defensive stance but because my body protested in pain. He shook out his fur walking directly in front of me standing over me with authority. His eyes never giving away the feelings or thoughts of what he felt about me. Did I hear anything at all?

I tilted my head to look up at him to admire him, and he took the time to observe me mainly for any sign of threats. It was a bizarre moment it was almost like we knew something of the other. My training taught me little of males and although good training, never meeting one was a hindrance if anything. I felt lost only knowing the protocol instead of the tricks. Was it even possible to understand male wolves? Really?