The Packs of the Arctic Circle

Chapter Four: Whitepeak

(A/N Hope you enjoy!)

Hazel opened her eyes, gazing around. "Where... where am I??", she thought. Then she remembered. The avalanche, and being taken back to the strange icy caves with the wolf pack. She sighed, wishing Shadow was there. He always had loved the idea of being in a pack.

   A small brown wolf walked under the icy rock overhang and over to Hazel, dropping a snow hare in front of her. "Thanks, Leaf," Hazel said, digging into the rabbit. Leaf smiled and sat down. "No problem." Hazel swallowed a bite. "Leaf, what ranking are you? Are you a hunter or a scout?" Leaf sighed.

   "Neither," she huffed. "I am the omega of the pack; I fetch food for those who can't, and change den bedding." Hazel frowned. "Why are you an omega? You're very kind." Leaf shrugged. "Most likely because I wasn't born into the pack. But don't worry, you're a pup, so you probably won't be an omega," Leaf added just as Hazel's eyes grew wide with worry.

  Just then, another wolf walked in. "Hi, Edge!", Hazel woofed to the young black wolf. "Hi Hazel! You look much better today! Care to go for a walk around the camp?", Edge said, rolling some leaves up. Hazel stood up, stretching. "Sure, I guess I'll need to get a good idea of where everything is anyways."

Leaf, Edge, and Hazel all walked out together. Hazel blinked in surprise; outside of the Healer's den, the wind whipped all around, and snow burned her paw pads. Edge led her over to a large hole, which sloped down low underground.

  Hazel followed, surprised that it was fairly bright in the underground cave. The moss seemed to shimmer, as did a small stream. Edge turned around. "The alpha, beta, and the mothers and pups sleep in here: you'll sleep here until Alpha ranks you higher. I can sleep in the Healer's den again, now that your lazy tail is out," he said with a playful gleam in his eyes.

  Hazel mock growled. "Me? Lazy? I'll show you lazy!" Hazel pounced onto Edge, baring her teeth. "Eek! I'm sooo scared!", Edge said, huddling to the ground, laughter in his voice. A chuckle came from not far away, and Hazel looked up to see a huge snowy white wolf. Edge squeaked, scrambling to his paws.

  "Skye!", he said, sounding embarrassed. He dipped his head to the large female wolf, and after a moment, Hazel did the same. "She's the Alpha," Edge whispered to Hazel. A smaller grey wolf walked up beside Skye, her belly round and full of pups. Skye looked at Hazel, then at the grey wolf. "Good luck sharing the den with this one, Jade!", she chuckled.

  Hazel dipped her head down lower, her fur prickling with embarrassment. Jade's purple eyes gleamed with laughter. "I'm sure she'll behave herself; not sure about my own pups though," Jade said, staring thoughtfully down at her rounded stomach. Skye walked over to Hazel, looking her head to tail. "I bet that you'll make a fine hunter," she said.

  "Wow!", Edge whispered. "Your duty picked out already!" Hazel beamed with pride, straightening up. "Thank you, Alpha!", she said, trying to stop her tail from wagging. Skye smiled, then turned around, walking back to her den.

~

  After Edge had finished showing Hazel the rest of the caves, they went and ate in the large cavern. Hazel ate second; after Skye, with Jade, and the beta, Ace, a grey wolf with intelligent brown eyes.

Hazel settled down into her nest of moss and dried grass. Jade's breathing one nest away lulled her to sleep, like her mother's used to. The thought of Shadow flickered through her mind momentarily, but was soon gone as sleep overtook her.