Fate

Chapter One

Usually, the wind ruffling through my heavy coat, and the snowflakes landing on my frigid nose wouldn't have bothered me. Hell, I would've stopped and rolled in the snow.... But...

"Nix! Please, we have to find shelter! This is getting too bad!" Tossing my head back, I made eye contact with my Beta, Bella. Casting my gaze over my small pack, I swallowed, before nodding,

"Alright! Stay here! Me and Nora are going to find shelter!" My whole pack sighed in relief, everyone laying in the deep, heavy snow. Nodding to my Beta, I watched as she laid down, curling around her daughters. Looking as one of my Deltas, Nora, ran up, craning her neck submissively, before we both took off. 

"Nix, do you think this storm will be long?" Nora asked softly, her gentle voice vibrating through my head. Sighing, I let her gently brush against my frame, allowing her to stay close as we ran. I was typically smaller, but my fur was thicker, and radiated much more warmth than any of the other female's.

"I pray to the Moon Goddess that it doesn't." I rumbled out, slowing down to perk my ears up, "While we're looking, we need to hunt as well. The little ones need their strength, and Viola is due any day now.."

"Yes my Alpha." Nora spoke, casting her gaze elsewhere. Trotting forward, I sniffed under trees, and dug under roots. Any fox holes, or badger dens would suffice... We were all used to squeezing together.... "Nix! I found something!"

Turning my head sharply, I turned and bounded after Nora. The snow was getting too thick to see.... Finally, through the white haze, I saw her red pelt, halfway in some crevice. Gently prodding her with my nose, Nora backed away, letting me stick my head in. Nodding, I gently licked her nose in approval,

"Good job. This'll work perfectly. Get inside, and get warm. I'll go get the others." Before she could complain, I pushed her gently inside before turning and bounding off. Letting out a howl as I did, I slowed, pausing as I waited for a response. Perking up upon hearing Bella's howl, I took off in that direction, fighting through the snow.

As I ran, my foot suddenly collided with a root, causing me to stumble with a loud, sharp yelp. Groaning a little, I rolled over, getting back on my feet. Shaking out my fur, I started trotting. No more running for me... Not on this now twisted leg...

"Nix! Did you find a place!" Bella's voice rang through my ears, and I nodded, approaching her and my pack,

"We did. Everyone! Grab a puppy, and let's move! It's big enough to fit all of us, but it might be a little squished!" I barked out my orders, watching all the girls scramble to pick up a puppy or two. I couldn't help the warm smile that graced my face as I watched Diana and Taylor, two of my younger packmates, help Viola, letting her lean against them. 

"We're ready, Alpha." Viola's motherly voice spoke, radiating through my skull. Nodding, I turned on my heel, frowning as my tracks were almost already disappeared. Tipping my head back, I let out a loud howl, praying Nora would hear it over the roar of the storm. Waiting for a minute, I relaxed as I heard her response, faint, but there. Nodding to Bella, I gently took one of her daughters from her and started off, lifting my legs high so the little one didn't get as much snow on her. 

"Nix, what happens if the storm doesn't let up for a few days?" Glancing at Bella, I sighed softly, rolling my shoulders slightly,

"If it doesn't let up Bella... We'll wait it out... We're strong, we can do it." When I saw the uncertainty in her eyes, I lightly nudged her, smiling. Bella visibly relaxed, nodding. Looking ahead, I exhaled hard through my nose. Despite reassuring her we'd be fine, I... I wasn't so sure myself..