Journey of the Mates

Chapter 10

“At a certain point, even if the one alpha male is dominant, at a certain point there's a younger lion that is stronger, and everyone knows it.”~ Josh Lucas
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            The blazing sun lighted my way as I pushed my legs through the dense snow; green blurs pashing as I continued my quickening dash to The Alter. Another horn was signaled for our host, the only retired Alphas alive: Veronica and Axel Claw. We’ve only been introduced once when I was a pup, but I had a gut feeling that I personally knew who they were. Howling groups pulled me from my thoughts, all wolves currently at The Alter welcoming the Claws with every being in their bodies. ‘The Claws made it, surely another horn shall signal.’ And just as I expected, a horn was played- the tone louder, longer and more demanding…The Alpha’s Call. Then only a few short moments later I noticed a clearing up ahead and let out a vigorous howl. As I approached the clearing, i was introduced to the scene of my pack’s backs; the scent of excitement surrounded me, making me take notice that all the other packs had arrived safely. As I had a mental conversation with myself and my mind raced, I spotted Safari in the front of the pack’s alignment; she took her place next to Julia and Richard. I felt her hesitantly enter our link and try to coax my mind with soothing thoughts, helping me relax.

‘Thanks…’

 ‘Your welcome, Valkyia.’

 

My eyes traced along the other pack’s formation and from what I saw everyone’s was similar, the form of a basic triangle. In the center of the clearing stood The Alter, a large circular stone covered in fluffy snow and held four platforms for each Alpha, not to mention that it was beautifully decorated with our ancient native language.         
The wind blew gently as the last horn was blown only for a second…It was time for our host to introduce the Alphas.

            Two wolves stood at the sides of The Alter, the smallest I assumed to be Veronica Claw, her coat was a golden brown and her eyes a striking violet, Alex Claw stood on the opposite side; his form significantly larger then his mate’s and his pelt a deep gray as his orange hue eyes stuck out in contrast.

‘I welcome all you wolves and Alphas,’ he gave a slight bow ‘this years mating season is sure to be extravagant. It is to my understanding we have veterans who’ve searched far and wide in search of their mate and newcomers who yearn for the experience. I ask everyone to welcome one another in our celebration and to enjoy each others company!’ As Alpha Claw spoke, most replied with excited growls or whines; Veronica was next to speak, ‘As my mate has stated, please enjoy your stay!’ Then a few moments later both Claws yelled simultaneously, ‘Now let us welcome our Alphas!’ Once the last words were said, all wolves broke out in howls. I growled in anticipation. Then after the silence grew, as if all at once, all packs open their formation to let their Alpha through. Slowly walking forward, my chest rumbled and my pack lowered their heads with flattened ears and tails between their legs; a sign of submission that Alphas were privileged to witness. As I walked closer to the front of the formation, the wolves behind me joined back together. With a powerful yet strait posture, I walked to were my higher ranks were bowing and let out a dominating growl, making sure they knew their place. I scanned the area quickly, noticing the other Alphas stared to slowly circle the place and I assumed to view the other packs submissions- which was a new concept; however, changes could have occurred since we haven’t arrived in the past few years.

            I growled, lifting my tail higher and held my head high with confidence as I began my walk around The Alter. The thick snow made a slight crunching noise as I approached the first pack, The Infernos, lead by Alpha Seth Wagg, the smallest (and wimpiest in my opinion) of all the Alphas, including myself; also leading our dominion’s weakest pack. I growled softly at the first few wolves that I approached. As I glanced at the packs size, I noticed that they held two times the numbers my pack did. All wolves knew that my pack was the smallest… ‘We were the last to get slaughtered by rogues.’ I thought freely, knowing I shut my mind link with everyone. I then slowly came to a stop in front of a few wolves who were bowing but I felt like their tails and ears could be lower. I approached them and held my face close to theirs and growled. They complied, a slight scent of fear coming off of them. Mentally smirking, pride swelled within me and I continued to the next pack. I figured all Alphas were doing as I was- there was a loud commotion in the direction where my pack settled. I turned my head to see none other then Alpha Jet Luna, leader of The Lunas, bearing his teeth at my Beta, Gamma and Delta. I growled in response but he was to busy being “Mr. Possessive”. ‘He is too cocky for his own good, thinking my pack should submit more to him.’ I growled louder now, a little frustrated yet continued to the next pack, The Lunas. I groaned in my head and took my steps to the edge of their formation and further.

            Approaching Jet’s higher ranks, they displayed very little signs of submission and it ticked me off. ‘They have no respect…’ I steeped towards them and made sure they saw my carnies as I growled fiercely at them. They submitted, if only for a second yet I wasn’t going to be selfish and ask for more. ‘They obviously are scared out of their wits, they stench of fear.’ I was off to the next pack, The Eastern Tribe, the largest of all packs and lead by Xavier Claw, considered the strongest of all Alphas. He was just recently handed over power from his father, around the same time I had to take control, so I’ve never meet him, just heard rumors. And since of the previous circumstances, he has only heard rumors about me as well. His pack was large and very well trained. I continued but came to a halt when a white ball landed in front of me.

               Jerking out of my thoughts, my eyes laid upon whoever had the courage to jump this Alpha. Silence filled the tree tops; only breathing being heard as the chilling wind grazed our backs. I heard a soft hum, a growl likely emerging from Alpha Xavier; possibly disappointment in his growl to whoever got out of line, and warning me not to give a harsh punishment. Just as I was about to confront this disrespectful wolf, I abruptly realized that a cub only of age to come to our gathering was beneath me. My anger immediately vanished while my motherly instincts took over. I lowered my muzzle, leveling it with his to nudge him lovingly. He whimpered, his body shacking- fear obliviously paralyzing him. I chuckled mentally and tried to nudge him again to get back into formation. No such luck. ‘Poor thing…’

I could feel all eyes on us. Then I heard muffled wolfish giggles; turning my gaze, my sight came across young cubs just as the LittleOne in front of me. ‘LittleOne…- I must be picking such talk from Mother and Julia…’ I took a few steps towards the bullies that most defiantly push my LittleOne onto the path. I growled protect fully, stopping them right away from continuing any more of their laughter; their eyes were wide and filled with terror as they stared into Alpha eyes. They resumed bowing as their shameful scents clouded the air. I then went back to my LittleOne, licked his ear and picked him up by the scruff of his neck purring softly at him, showing him I would cause no harm. Placing him back in alignment, I growled and he kept his submissive form; nudging him, I then licked the cub one last time as I left him with kind words, ‘You have no need to fear me, my LittleOne…’ As I set myself back on track and headed towards The Alter, for all Alphas did at this time. It was only a matter of time that all four Alphas made all other wolves cower in fear.