Wolf pack

Night Howlers

Cleo beamed as she watched Chrome speak out to the crowds with the clearest words he had ever spoken before.
The two wolves just stood there gratefully watching their student. It was a pride neither had ever felt before.
Anu lifted his head to look up at the sky, the sun would be setting. He gently shifted his arm back underneath himself to let Cleo free. 
She stood there and grinned a while before turning down the side of the rock. Anu walked down at her side as the sky continued to darken.
Jynx and Anya were quick to greet them near the stream. Anu turned to speak first after a drink. "It is getting late, we can stay here for the night and travel again in the morning. It'll allow the tribe to say goodbye too."
Cleo nodded in agreement as wolves were already swarming her to give their blessings. She had to get used to the attention, these wolves had never been comfortable with their leaders before, being the first meant she got a lot of extra attention.
"We will see you in the morning." Anya replied and nodded at Jynx, walking off to find a resting place.
Anu turned and watched the wolves swarm Cleo. It was admittedly humorous how different they reacted to him. Soon as he stepped forward the crowds started to disperse, giving him a healthy amount of space. They respected him like a vengeful god.
"May we?" Anu raised his paw as if expecting her to take it like a hand.
She didn't understand the gesture and he quickly lowered his paw to walk.
They arrived in their shaded spot and sat to watch the sun set over the rocks. The stars appeared slowly after, the moon shining bright overhead.
All who wondered where Jynx and Anya had chose to rest learned quickly. Two loud but gifted howls filled the sky in a perfect harmony.
Their howls set off a gain reaction as Haleras all over the canyon attempted to mimic the sounds.
The crackling was not quite as lovely as the werewolf sounds, but the effort was appreciated anway.
Cleo closed her eyes and gently raised her head to join to cacophony of hackles.
Her howl was unlike anything Anu had heard. It was soft and lovely, and full of crackles that always followed halera sounds.
It was warm, beautiful and yet still wild and free. It reminded him of fire.
Anu found it wildly attractive.
Chuckling a little to himself, he also raised his head and let out a howl. His was long and low, deep in the chest and vibrating through his throat. It was not as silky or soft as Jynx's voice, but rather husky and dark.
Anu didn't like his own singing much, but decided to ignore it for the occasion.
Just as it had started, the noises slowly faded out into silence.
"I've never heard you sing before." He chuckled again. "I like it."
Cleo turned back towards him. "I like yours too."
"I sound terrible."
"No you don't."
"I do!"
"Well, I like it anyway."
Anu slowly grumbled to himself. "Fine."
Cleo rolled her eyes at him and kissed his cheek. "It is a beautiful night."
He closed his eyes and pulled her in again. "You are what makes it beautiful love."
"I missed you."
"Missed you too. I'll admit it was hard to leave, I am glad you are coming with me."
Cleo lay down, facing the outside to watch the stars. Anu was close to follow, pulling her in tight.
She wanted to enjoy the quiet, but felt compelled to speak. "You met Nate?"
He didn't respond at first.
"You were hunting Melody, weren't you?"
Anu sighed. "Yes, I hunted the girl. I followed her blood trail but I did not kill her, she was not hurt more than necessary."
"More than necessary?"
"I numbed her, took blood, then healed and let her go. It replenished rapidly and she won't be harmed from it."
"And Nate?"
He tried to stifle the growl in his throat. "I tried to kill him."
When he felt her turn to protest he continued quickly. "-but I couldn't. He apologized for leaving you and explained his reasons. If Nate brought you with him, Melody's life would be at risk. He acknowledged his own inability to carry and care for both of you at once. That was why he had to leave you."
Cleo nodded quietly. "I suppose that makes sense. He left because it was best for her, not because he didn't care about me."
"I hate to admit he made the right decision despite it being a hard one. If he hadn't left I wouldn't have met you."
"For that, I am grateful."
They let the silence they both wanted to creep in.
Gently watching the stars again.