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

Chapter 10

"Catch me if you can!"

"Oh! I will get you!"

Misty groaned. Violet and Velvet had been running around all morning, yelling and making noise.

I'm about to rip their mouths off...

Misty growled and forced herself to stay put. They weren't worth her time anyway.

Rascal was out on a hunting party. The Pack was desperate for food. Anything they could catch would be a relief.

Misty rolled over on her side and stared at the wall. She hadn't really been feeling well these last few days. Stomachaches, headaches, spells of temporary pain. She didn't want to show weakness to her Pack mates though. She couldn't have them worrying over her when the Pack had to be fed.

She rose and paused. She swayed dizzily. Closing her eyes and taking deep breathes, she waited until it was over before walking out and being greeted by the warm sunshine.

Her half-sisters were running around, tossing up dirt and sticks. Their tongues lolling, tails streaming.

Misty scowled.

They're getting too old to be playing like a couple of coyotes.

She snorted and glanced over. Blossom was watching her young pups take their first steps. Isaac was proudly standing beside her, puffing out his chest.

Misty trotted over to them and sat down. Brave and Swift were just over a week old. They were already growing so quickly.

Swift was toddling quickly in small circles. He certainly was already living up to his name.

Brave, on the other paw, could barely stay on his feet. He had big, round, clumsy paws that got in the way of something as simple as walking. He tripped and blinked his wide innocent pup eyes. He smiled and wagged his tail. Although he may not be the smartest, he sure was a sweetheart.

Misty nudged him back to his paws and watched him stumble after his brother.

Isaac's eyes were as bright as the sun. "Aren't they great?"

Misty nodded. "They'll be strong wolves someday. Swift will be quick and agile, and Brave will be strong and powerful. They'll make a great team."

Blossom rested her head on Isaac's shoulders. "I can't wait to see what lives they'll lead."

Swift yapped and launched on Brave's back. The bigger pup went down like a tree. He didn't seem to mind his brother's playful nature. He only smiled, tongue lolling.

Misty gasped as Velvet barreled straight toward the new pups. Before anyone could stop her, she crashed right into them, sending them sprawling on the ground.

Isaac and Blossom rushed toward their pups, who were whimpering in a small heap.

Velvet didn't even look sorry. "Wow! That was insane!"

Violet trotted up breathless. "Yeah! We should play that again sometime!"

"Are you stupid?" Misty asked in disbelief.

The twins glanced at each other and shook their heads. "We were just playing."

"Playing? Playing?!" Misty snarled as she indicated the two shaken pups. "You could've seriously hurt them! Are you really that stupid?" Misty pushed her muzzle in their faces.

They glared back equally defiant. "You shouldn't boss us around! You act like you're our mother!" Velvet snapped.

"You need some discipline!" Misty shouted. "You spoiled, inconsiderate, lousy excuses for wolves! You're always worried about yourselves! Look at what you've done! Hurting pups that are only days old?" Misty surprised herself with her next move. Quick as lightning, she smacked Velvet across the muzzle. Not enough to hurt, but enough to get her point across.