Howl of the Wolf

Chapter 18: One Month Later

*Raven's POV*

I hear four strong heart beats, beating in my stomach. I try to eat as much as I should but I am still heartbroken about my mom's death. I try my best to be a good Alpha like her but I don't think it is working. Noelle and Shane decided to get more pups and now Noelle is a week behind me. I yelped as I felt one of them kick me. I hear paws running up next to me.

"I heard you yelp, you ok?" It was Hotaru, worry was laced in his voice.

"Yeah, one of them just kicked. That one is a fighter or a leader."

"Or a little rebel," he chuckled. He looks at me seriously, "You know we are making a new species, it could be dangerous or friendly. And you give birth to them might kill you. Are you ready for that?" I thought about it for a moment.

"Yeah, I am ready. It's also not like I can go back on it now."

I walk into the clearing and over to the willow tree. Once I knew I was under it, I was panting. I carefully flopped down onto my side and kept my back against the trunk of the tree. I laid the side of my head on the ground and feel myself slowly drifting off to sleep. I woke up with a start and noticed I could see. I think my pregnancy is affecting my werewolf power thing. I looked up and saw Artemis standing over me.

"I still don't know why Luna chose you over me." I growled lowly. I forced myself to my feet.

"Maybe because I put others before myself! Maybe because I actually care about keeping the Pack together instead of playing favoritism! Maybe because I don't have an ego the size of this forest!" I feel myself getting louder and louder, "And Luna was still your mother, she still loved you and you don't show her any gratitude! You show respect to your Alpha, no matter who it is! I am showing you mercy for not kicking you out now!"

She flinched a little bit but stood her ground. She rolled her eyes and turned around. I thought about tackling her but stopped myself to protect my pups. I walked quickly over to Hotaru under the cherry tree before my vision faded to black again. Once I reached him, my vision went dark again. I leaned against him and laid down next to him. He leaned back against me, that assures me that he is watching over me. I laid my head down between my front paws, my eyes becoming heavier. I felt my eyes close and I fell asleep.

*Noelle's POV*

I walk out of the Pup's Den and walked into the clearing. I don't know what to do now that I have to relax due to my pregnancy. I can't go hunting with Shane so the only thing I am thinking about doing is pace back and forth. If I don't do something, then I will think about Luna. I would think, would I sacrifice myself for my pups and I know the answer is yes.

I look towards the entrance as I see the Hunter's walking in with a lot of prey. Shane and Shizen is dragging an enormous buck. I walk over excitedly over to the prey pile drop-off area. I sat down and waited for them to put the food down.

I watch Hotaru leading Raven over but it was more like Raven was leading Hotaru. Raven bumps her snout against all the prey and settled for a deer leg. I grabbed the other deer leg. Hotaru rips off the other legs off and the head. He takes the leg from Raven and puts it back in the pile. He picks up the body of the deer and drags it over to the willow tree with Raven trailing behind him. I walked over to the outside of the Pup's Den. I sit down and rip off pieces of the leg and scarf down the meat.

I look up and see Shane walking up to me, he is carrying a chunky rabbit. He sits down next to me and nibbles at him prey. We sat silently, enjoying each others company.