Through a Wolf's Eyes

Terminology (Alphabetically)

Hi, everyone! Thanks for reading. Here you will find a list with definitions or explanations of words or terms that will appear throughout the story. I advise you to quickly skim through it, but it is not necessary since most words will be explained at some point within the story itself. I just thought this list might come in handy for some people since I've given a bit of my own twist to some terms. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story and thank you for reading!

Alpha – The leader of a group of wolves. Almost every pack or group has one. His/her job is mainly to protect the pack from harm by giving commands. The role of an alpha may vary depending on the system of power the pack/group uses.

Beta – Usually, the term refers to a wolf in charge who only answers to the alpha him-/herself. He/she is allowed to give orders and make decisions, as long as the alpha does not tell them otherwise. When the alpha passes away or is injured, it is usually a beta who takes command. A pack/group of wolves may have one beta or more, some even have none and only consist of an alpha.

Bond – A mental connection when a wolf is in their wolf form. When two wolves have a bond, it allows them to mentally communicate with each other when they are both in their wolf form. There are three types of bonds: the alpha bond, the family bond and the mate bond. Every wolf (in a pack or group) has a bond with its alpha, however, this bond only works in one direction. The alpha can give orders to his wolves in their wolf form, it does not work the other way around. A family bond usually takes place between parents, pups and siblings. They can communicate fully with each other, on the condition that they have a very close relationship. Sometimes, even wolves that are not related with each other can form a 'family' bond when they are very close. Although a 'mate' bond is rather common, there are still mates who don't have a bond. A mate bond works in the same way as a family bond, with the exception that mates can still feel each other's emotions even when they are miles apart.

Changing – The first time a wolf shifts. Wolves are born in human form and only receive their wolf form when they are about ten years old. The first time they shift can be very painful and tiring, and some wolves will need several days to recover. Afterwards, it becomes easier to shift.

Deputy – The second hand man/woman of the alpha. He/she can be seen as an alpha in training and will take participate in most of the actual alpha's duties. Most packs/groups of wolves do not have a deputy, but instead a beta who takes these responsibilities. In the case that there are both a deputy and one or more beta's in a pack, the deputy has higher command and will take over after the old alpha passes away or is injured.

Mate – A romantic companion/partner. Wolves don't look at another's gender when they choose their mate, but are attracted to each other's smell instead. Therefore, pairings between wolves can be male/female, male/male or female/female. Wolves are not bound to a single mate and can have multiple mates throughout their lives. Some mates, however, create a bond with each other, which allows them to communicate in their wolf form. Bonded mates tend to have a strong relationship with each other and almost never part.

Pack – An officially established group of wolves. The conditions for a pack are to have at least ten members, to have an alpha who leads the pack and to own a territory that is recognised by the human law.

Pups – Wolf children who have not yet had their 'Changing' and are still in human form.

Rogue – A lone wolf who lives without a pack. A rogue can either be born outside of a pack, or has left their pack because of banishment or personal reasons. Rogues are not always alone. They can group together, but are not recognised as an official pack. Rogues tend to be nomads and travel a lot. Most of the time, they try to avoid territories of pack wolves, but when they do cross, conflicts arise and often end in violence.

Shifting – The process of changing between human form and wolf form.