A Wolf's Tale (Book #2) Shadows of the Past

Chapter 4

Pale dawn light seeped on the den floor. Its gentle rays warming to the eye. The frozen air was still, but it chilled Misty to the bone.

She was staring out into the clearing, watching dawn come into the world. Gentle flakes fell softly, whispering as they touched the ground. One floated in and landed at Misty's paws. She leaned forward and sniffed it. It melted in her warm breath, the beautiful shape slimming to water.

Misty placed her head on her paws, the reflection of the bright flakes dancing in her eyes. Everything seemed so peaceful. The pleasing silence was dreamy to her ears.

Clouds hung low in the sky, almost blotting out the warm sun.

Misty snuggled up closer to Rascal. She felt fuzzy and safe. The pelt at her paws was soft and cozy. She sighed, wrapping her tail over her mate.

He stirred and rolled over. Misty scanned his face as he slept. His sides rose and fell in a soothing gentle rhythm.

Misty softly touched her nose to his. Rascal twitched his nose and settled back down.

She bit back a chuckle, not wanting to disturb him. But he wiggled around and opened his beautiful dark emerald eyes.

He gave a small smile and yawned. Misty reached out a paw and caressed his black fur.

"Morning." She whispered.

"Good morning, love." Rascal nudged her forehead with his.

She closed her eyes and took in his smell. It was comforting. Familiar. She absolutely loved him with all her heart.

"Sleep well?" Misty asked as she rose and stretched.

"Yeah." Voice husky, he stood and shook out his pelt.

Misty butted him in the shoulder. His eyes glinted mischievously, as Misty raced out into the clearing with him hard on her paws.

He caught up to her and stopped, balancing on his hind legs as he swatted at her playfully.

Misty laughed and rammed into his stomach. He toppled over. Before he could scramble to his paws, Misty leaped on him, pinning him.

Rascal smiled. His eyes were shining brightly as he and Misty touched noses.

"Enough fooling around!" A voice snapped in annoyance.

Misty sprang away from Rascal glaring in the direction of the voice.

Frost looked irritated. Her brown eyes flashing between the two. "You woke me with your noise! Keep it down next time!" As she turned away, Misty thought she could see the slightest smile on the older wolf's muzzle.

Rascal heaved to his paws and stared after Frost. "Who bit her in the rump?"

Misty chuckled and came to his side. She grinned and followed Rascal's gaze. "Frost will always be Frost." She replied with a shrug.

Rascal flicked an ear. "I wonder how the scouting party will go." He asked thoughtfully, changing the subject.

Misty remembered what had happened the previous day. A knot of worry lodged in her stomach. She glanced nervously at Rascal. "You think Tyrant may be able to negotiate with the new Pack's leader?"

"I can only hope." He whispered.

*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*

The sun was almost at its peak. Tyrant had gathered his Pack together to discuss who would come along.

"I shall accompany this scouting party. Isaac will lead. And Thunder, Oak, Sky, Misty, and Okami will come along. Any questions?"