The Packs of the Arctic Circle

Chapter Five: A Loyal Member

(A/N Enjoy the chapter! Note: Some of this stuff is like Warriors; I'm not trying to rip it off of Erin Hunter or anything, I just really like their ideas and books!)

*about two months later*

Shadow slunk through the bushes, staring at the deer grazing in the frosty grass. "Foolish deer, you shouldn't wander from your own pack," Shadow thought as he crept forward. Young deer that strayed made easy targets; but received high praise from the Alpha.

Suddenly a twig snapped under his large paws, and the deer froze, staring straight ahead. Shadow let out a fierce snarl and bounded from the bushes, landing square on the fleeing deer. He bit down on it's neck, and shortly following a large crack, the deer went limp. Shadow dropped the deer, licking his lips as his stomach growled at the taste of blood.

As he picked the deer back up to drag it to camp, he recited the Pack's Code of Honor; like he did every day since he was given a trainer. He found it was one of the best ways to become the best packmate he could be:

1) Feed the pack before yourself.

2) No mates allowed from any other pack.

3) The life of your packmates should always be placed above concern for yourself.

4) No trespassing into another packs territory unless needed.

5) The forest in between the two packs is free for all, but you may not pass the tree line.

The last rule was a touchy subject, causing much tension between the packs. Shadow had yet to be in a battle with the Whitepeak pack, but he was often challenged in the forest, and a few scuffles had happened recently over prey and herbs.

Shadow curled his lip, nearly losing his grip on his prey. Whitepeak! What a horrible pack! They were terrible mutts; always slinking around in their icy plains, with no code of honor. Shadow had heard stories from the older pack members about Whitepeak killing Darkmoon members with no second thoughts. Of course, some of it was probably exaggerated... but still.

As Shadow reached The Tree, Red bounded up to him. "Nice catch," he woofed. Shadow dropped the deer. "Why do we have to do the stupid hunting anyways?", he growled, spitting fur out of his mouth. "Isn't that the hunters jobs?" Red sighed.

"Shadow, we've been over this before. We're short on prey, and there's nobody to fight! You have to train somehow, you can't just sit around like a lump all day. Besides, hunting can be good fighting training too." Shadow snorted. "Can't we just train with fighting? Haze is pretty good. And since when has a young deer lashed out at you with it's teeth and claws?", he said, baring his teeth. Red snarled. "Don't show disrespect to your trainer, let alone any wolf more experienced than you!", Red growled. Shadow hung his head. "I'm sorry, Red."

Red sighed, putting his nose on the top of Shadow's head momentarily. "It's okay. The hunger and cold makes us all a little grumpy; and you're right. A little fighting training wouldn't hurt us." Shadow lifted his head up, his spirits lifting. "But", Red continued, "we should eat and rest first. Training will start again tomorrow." Shadow gave an excited yelp. "Thank you Red!" Red chuckled as Shadow bounded off, his tail wagging.

Haze ran over to Shadow, his small light grey tail wagging. "Hey, Shadow! I saw that deer you caught; nice!" Shadow nodded his thanks. "Nice rabbits!", he woofed back, gesturing to the two large rabbits on the food pile. A howl came from the roots of The Tree, and all the wolves gathered around. Storm was standing on the tallest root, his head up high.

Dust sat not far away, licking a paw elegantly. Haze stifled a laugh beside Shadow. "What?", Shadow whispered. Haze leaned close to him. "Dust spends half of his time grooming. Foxes!", he woofed softly, laughter in his bark. Shadow grunted in laughter, amused.

"It is time to eat!", Storm howled. The pack gathered closer grabbing pieces of prey. Shadow saw Quinn grabbing his deer, and her pups jumped all over it, yelping, and tails wagging. Shadow's tail wagged slightly, he loved the little pups, they were talkative but adorable.

Shadow looked up in surprise as Alaska came and sat down next to Haze. "Alaska!", Haze barked happily. The white she-wolf dipped her head, blue eyes glimmering. "I thought you usually ate with Aurora?", Shadow asked. She shrugged, taking a bite of rabbit. "Felt like eating with my brother," she said after she swallowed, staring at Haze.

She took another bite, done with her explanation, but Shadow felt like she wanted to say more. He sighed and took a bite. "While you all eat, I have one more announcement!", Storm barked, his voice loud and commanding. "In four days, we shall try to claim more prey rich land, just on the other side of the forest!", he said, his eyes gleaming. Several gasps came from the group of wolves, and howls of approval rose up.

Excitement bubbled up in Shadow. Finally! The chance for Shadow to prove his skills! He let out a growling bark of excitement. Alaska tilted her head. "We'll need to get herbs ready...", she mumbled. "Forget herbs!", Haze yelped, his eyes gleaming. "We're going to claim Whitescum territory!"

Shadow took a bite of the rabbit, thoughts running through his head. They were going to WIN!