Changing Color

Turmoil

Chapter One

"Highs for tomorrow look to be in the upper seventies with lows in the mid sixties making for a lovely fall day. Better cover up your plants again tonight as their are frost advisories out and temperatures tonight will be in the lower forties," the weatherman droned on.

A sigh escaped as I rested my head on the arm of the couch. "How do you find this interesting dad. We could be out doing things way cooler than this."

"While you may find it boring, I see it as a way to gather information. They share more than what tomorrow's forecast will be. I can hear about activities in the area, be it good or bad, and decide if it's something the pack should be worried about or not. This is more interesting than reading articles online or in the newspaper at least." When I failed to reply he looked my way. Leaning in he began tickling my feet, which had escaped the protection of the blanket. "Right Rain," he managed to say amongst the laughter.

"Sh-sha-sure dad," I managed to squeaked out, causing him to stop.

We both sat in silence, each of us taking a few moments to regain our breath. Dad tuned back into the news, they were currently taking about some political turmoil or something. I turned my head and looked out the window.

The trees swayed back and forth in the breeze. Geese, on their migration south for the winter, were noisily flying somewhere in the distance. Squirrels ran to and fro, gathering food to store for the coming winter months. A vibrant orange leaf floated to the ground from a nearby maple tree. It twisted and turned in the air till getting caught between the blades of dulled green grass.

Taking in a deep breath, I could smell the fall air just beyond the windows and walls. Amongst the sent also came three others which stood out most. One of the sents was very familiar, the other two were much larger and caused my body to immediately stiffen up, my wolf growled inside my head.

Sitting up, I looked to my dad then out the window once again. A mahogany furred wolf raced from the forest. Its large paws crushing the fallen leaves. Bringing up its head, a howl echoed through the area. I continued watching as the wolf padded toward the door. Pausing momentarily, he shifted into a man we all know as the beta.

Once he was out of view, I heard the door get thrown open. Turning around, my dad stood up and walked quickly towards the beta to find out what was going on. He held his usual calm demeanor the whole time.

"Beta Silas," dad began in a professional tone.

"Al-" Silas began, both men glanced toward me peeking over the back of the couch before continuing the conversation, "oh... Ah. Crito, I have good news and bad news to report. Both quite important."

"I can already assume what both are by the scent but let's get the bad news over with first."

"A group of rouges are rapidly approaching the northern border. They bring trouble with them. Off to the southeast, Alpha Durane, his son Xyst, and a select few others from the Ambermoon Pack are nearing the river crossing point," Beta Silas spoke hurriedly.

Crito stood in thought for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Silas, take two others with you and meet with Alpha Durane. Welcome him and lead their group to the pack house. I will lead the rest of the pack to the north. I don't like it, but I suspect the rogues don't want to talk. They can never leave without a fight it seems."

"That usually is the case. Good luck Cri."

With that said, both men shared a final nod, probably sharing something through the packs mind link as well, before splitting ways. I stood up from the couch, a crack sounding out as I stretched. A pair of amber colored eyes turned towards me.