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

Chapter 9

^^^This song makes me think of Jumper in the final battle! I listen to this song almost every day! It's called People Back Home by Florida Georgia Line.^^^

"They're precious," Rascal whispered as he stared happily at the two little pups snuggling against Blossom's belly.

The she-wolf smiled. "Aren't they? I just love them so much." She wrapped her tail over the two bundles of fur.

Rascal pricked his ears. "Do they have names?"

Blossom nodded. "Yes. Isaac and I discussed names before they were born. The dark gray male is called Swift, and the black male with a white underbelly is named Brave."

Rascal smiled warmly as he stared at the pups. "Wonderful names."

Blossom didn't take her gaze away from her pups. She said no more, and Rascal decided he should leave. He dipped his head respectfully and exited.

He scanned the clearing for Misty. She was nowhere to be seen. He frowned and checked their den.

Not here either.

Puzzled, Rascal noticed Thunder sitting by the meat pile. He bounded over to the male.

"Hey Thunder, have you seen Misty?"

Thunder nodded as he took a bite of stringy elk meat. "Yeah. Just a few moments ago I saw her leave camp. Is something wrong?"

Rascal smiled and shook his head. "No. I was just wondering. Thanks!" He barked as he went through the entrance into the forest.

The wind slammed into him as he braced against it. He tried to scent the air, but it was impossible in this wind. Rascal pricked his ears. The bare branches of trees swayed violently. Creaking and groaning echoed in Rascal's ears.

Instead, he wandered about, looking for his mate. He wondered where she was. Usually Misty would tell someone before going off alone.

But she's strong.

Rascal smiled to himself as he thought back to the time when he and Misty first met......

She took a pace to stand in front of him. "What brings you here? And who are you?"

He almost forgot to speak. "My name is Rascal, member of Ston-" He broke off and shook his head to correct himself. "Former member of Stone Hollow Pack."

The she-wolf turned to the brown male. "What should we do with him Jumper?"

Jumper? What an odd name.

The male shrugged. "I think we should take him back Misty."

Misty? Hmm...That's a nice name...

The one called Misty nodded. "I agree." Her fierce green eyes burned his pelt. "Let's go, Rascal. And keep pace." She whipped around.

Rascal chuckled. He remembered every little detail. From her aggressive nature to her beautiful eyes.

It was... magical...

If Rascal hadn't been caught by Misty and Jumper that day, he'd still be out there on his own. Or maybe even dead. And the mortals would've taken over the forest.

And the battle nearly killed us.

Rascal felt a guilty feeling knot up his stomach. He felt responsible for Jumper's death. The brown wolf had rushed in and saved Rascal, costing him his life.