Warriors: Beyond the River (SOB prequel) (COMPLETE)

Chapter 7

It was morning, and the sun was shining in the sky. It was a warmer day today. Many cats were in the clearing, relaxing or sharing prey. Iceslide stretched out in the grass, letting out a purr of content. It hasn't been this warm in a while! He rolled onto his back and looked across the clearing. He saw Blizzardfur and Coralshine laying together, purring loudly. He felt a rush of happiness for his brother. They make a good couple. He began wondering if he would ever have a mate. Violet is the only cat I really like. He sighed and closed his eyes. I wish we could be together... He decided to talk to her about this the next time he was in twolegplace. 

I could go now... He opened his eyes and nearly had a heart attack. "Ah!"

"Hi!" Lilynose stood over him, her pale green eyes shining. 

For StarClan's sake! Iceslide quickly stumbled to his paws. "H-Hi, Lilynose..."

"You looked comfortable," She purred. After a moment, she froze. "I didn't disturb you, did I?"

"Oh, no, not at all," Iceslide mumbled, slowly relaxing. "What do you want?"

Lilynose hesitated, looking at her paws. "I-I was wondering if you'd like to go hunting with me." Her tail twitched hopefully. "Just the two of us. It'll be fun!"

Oh please, no. He tensed at the thought of having to waste time hunting. I just want to see Violet! "Err, well..."

Her green eyes shone with hope, and Iceslide's heart twisted with guilt. I don't like her, but I don't want to hurt her feelings. "I... Sure..."

Lilynose's eyes lit with joy, and her tail shot into the air. "Really? I mean, great!" She hurried toward the camp exit, waving her tail at him. "Let's go!"

Oh, what have I gotten myself into? Iceslide groaned and reluctantly followed her out of camp.

***

"Good catch!" Lilynose exclaimed as Iceslide pounced on a mouse. "The kits will love it! Or the elders!"

Iceslide swallowed back a growl of annoyance. They'd been hunting for a while now, and he wanted nothing more than to run to twolegplace where he didn't have to hear Lilynose's constant commentary. She was driving him crazy. 

"Well, I think we have enough now." He tried to sound cheerful. "Let's go." 

She nodded, and they gathered their fresh kill. As they headed back to camp, Iceslide could feel her watching him and flattened his ears. What's her fascination with me? Why can't she bother someone else? He tried to comfort himself in knowing he was now free to go to twolegplace. As soon as we drop this prey off, I'll go!

When they reached the camp, they deposited their prey on the fresh kill pile. In the nursery, Petalfin's kits seemed to be waiting. They scampered out of the den, eyes lit with excitement. 

"Look what the warriors caught!" Willowkit exclaimed, clamping her teeth around the tail of a mouse and dragging it toward her. "I'm gonna bring it to the elders!"

"No, I will!" Darkkit protested and pounced on her. As the two kits fought playfully, their brother, Mintkit, snatched the mouse up and hurried toward the elders den. The other kits called out to him in protest and ran after him.

Lilynose let out an amused purr. "Isn't it a great feeling, bringing prey back for the clan?"

Before Iceslide could respond, a cat meowed behind him. "It certainly is."