The Fall of 06

Chapter 6

I stare at them from within the cover of the forest. They're talking with one another, both of them with their ears perked towards the trees. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hear what they were discussing. So these are the two that have been leaving their scent all around my territory, I determine for myself. Both brothers, I'm pretty sure. Their scents are both similar.

The one I nicknamed brown splotch due to the flick of chocolate dashed across his back turns his head towards the trees. "Namda, I don't even know if she'll mate with us."

The other brother, Namda, that brown splotch addressed turns himself. His eyes land on the edge of the forest and I immediately slide behind a tree. Now that they're facing my direction, I can pick up every word.

"Have some faith, Lamda. Besides, two mates is better than one. That's two times the amount of protection." The one called Namda takes a step forward, and I hear his paw crunch the fallen leaves.

I poke my head out from behind the tree and look them over. Each of them have the metal collars the strange creatures place on us. They're fine in terms of strength, but so were all the others. They also have beautiful coats of obsidian, but the others were also handsome, some more so than these two. The real question is would they let me lead?

I step out from behind the tree, taking a few steps forward and out of the protective forest. Thankfully, the great bird hasn't returned to my valley ever since that day months ago where I climbed the hillside. Their eyes widen in surprise as they see me. They should be surprised, I'm very good at hiding.

"Hello, gentlemen. What are you doing here?" I pretend that I hadn't just heard them talking about their reason for being here. Normally if wolves knew that, they would lie.

Namda bows suddenly, and Lamda follows him quickly. He lifts himself up elegantly, whereas Lamda comes up in a rush. "We're looking for a mate-,"

"Search elsewhere." I cut him off, just as I did all the others. This was the real test. To see if they'd answer with something sappy, something centered around them leading. Then my response really would be no.

His eyes widen for a split second. In those moments, Lamda turns away. But Namda kicks his brothers back leg joint and regains his calm composure. "Well, are you looking for a mate?"

What? I manage not to show my surprise. "Yes. I am looking for a mate. I want to start a pack."

Namda gives me a long look, then opens his mouth. "I know there's more to it than that. You've turned down wolves way more suited than we are. What are you looking for?"

I step farther away from the trees. It feels wrong to be talking from a distance. Namda doesn't move, and I take a few more steps closer. I turn my side to him and tilt my head. "I'm looking for a male who will let me lead. I will be the alpha. For many, that's something they refuse to do."

Namda only smiles. "You really are an interesting wolf. A female leading, that's unheard of." He steps closer, and I raise my tail in warning. Upon seeing my tail raised, he stops advancing. "If I let you lead, can me and my brother, Lamda, be your mate?"

"No." My immediate response surprises even me. Namda was the wolf I'd wanted, but he just seemed too accepting. Like he was luring me into a trap. "I'm not interested."

Namda raises his eyebrows, but doesn't say anything. Instead, his brother Lamda steps up besides him.

"Are you sure? We have nowhere else to go." Lamda puffs out his lower lip, giving me large puppy eyes.

I peel back my ears. "Yes, I'm sure." I take a step towards him and he ducks behind Namda. "Get lost."

Namda stands his ground, or noses almost touching. I feel his heated breath against my muzzle, and his unwavering gaze meets mine.

Then he shrugs. "Okay." He turns away, looking over at Lamda. "Come, she doesn't want us in her territory." He looks back at me, nodding. "Well, farewell then."

I watch Lamda slowly follow after him then nod without a smile. "Farewell." I sway my tail to the right and he continues on without looking back. I watch as they gradually make their way down the green hillside. They tread very carefully, as if the small insect-sized pebbles could send them to their doom. They're intentionally making it drawn out, but I don't care as long as they're gone.

Namda's paw crosses over the border of my territory and I wait until his whole body is over until I sit down. As soon as they're out, Lamda paws his face and Namda barks playfully, inviting his brother to a game of tussle. I look away, rolling my eyes at their immature behavior. What idiots! They still act like they're pups! What made them think I'd ever chose them to be my mates?

I get to my feet and turn tail, disappearing into the forest. Thank goodness I'll never see them again, I think to myself.