Alpha's Blood (Book One)

Threats

Months have pasted since the gift of magic had been given to the pack. The combination of Stonehaven and Silverfalls. Things had been peaceful for a long time and even the sounds of new wolves filled the cave. The pups had been born. Resting and nursing at the stomach of Artemis laid three pups of different colors. Hades stood watch at the front of the alphas den, his black fur glistening with pride and his eyes narrowed with protection. Behind him the sounds of the pups echoed and it was obvious who was who. A bright ginger female rested in the middle of the three, she was second born. Her coat stood out between the other two, who took after their fathers dark color. Artemis found she was the reason for the fiery feeling within her when pregnant and her name stuck, KennaSage. To her left rested a large male, his size like a rock compared to his sister. He was first born and clearly the next alpha. His strength gave him his name, his silver and black color stunning. StoneArrow. Last but not least, the youngest of the three and the smallest. Her energy was weak but her black fur matched her father. Her whimpers were tiny and barely heard over her siblings. She was clearly a runt. Omega seemed ShadowNova's most likely rank once she was older and this saddened Artemis but she still loved the three with her heart and soul. These pups had been born weeks prior and they're eyes now were open and they're voices were forming. With ears opened, they had learned they're names and when they were spoken to, they reacted well. Taking a look at the eyes Artemis found something stunning. Arrow had the clearest silver blue color, like a storm in the day. Sage bore a brilliant blue with amber specks. But Nova's made Artemis's heart weep. A milky color showed in her light blue, blind. Nova was blind. Each pup held a chapter in their life that would tell a strange and mystical story, Artemis could sense it. Now, she curled around them, warming them from the brisk cold that flowed outside. Winter was coming and Hades had decided sticking up on food and staying to the cave would be best for the sake of the pups within the pack. In the months that had pasted since the gift granted to them, Artemis had learned Hades full name as well as the other pack members who joined at that time. TempestHades, now that name matched him well unlike Artemis's. She had always thought her name wouldn't work so she barely told others it but when Hades trusted her and told her she spoke hers out. AuroraArtemis, but how did that match her life? At least the names she gave her pups spoke their power but hers? What did her mother think when naming her? Even Hestia had meaning to her title name. MotherHestia showed how her sister would be motherly and a natural healer. But Artemis knew not her title name meaning. These names were the tradition but were rarely used.
As the alphess was lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize Hades had set out for the hunt with most of the pack. Closing her eyes she sighed and decided it would be best if she rested with her pups, she had a heavy day ahead of her.
Hades lead a large group of wolves among the frost covered forest, his paws crunching in the ice as they headed towards the meadow. He knew it would be filled with deer searching for remaining food and grazing as they searched for mates. Glad to be taking advantage of this weather, he felt pride in his broad chest but that was quickly killed off as they moved into the sight of the meadow. Empty. The meadow was filled with no deer, not even one. But in their place laid many wolves not of his pack, some eating off the carcass of a moose. These wolves caused a deep growl to exit Hades's throat as he rushed down the hillside into the meadow, his wolves following close behind him with hackles raised. The trespassing rogues gave high shrill barks at his arrival and whimpers, most of them backing away but some standing like warriors. Hades moved around them, searching for the one leading the group and what he found did not disappoint. At the back of the rogue group stood a large brute of a male, his white fur matched the first, and his eyes matched the weather to come. Deadly. Beside him was a young pup, his fur white like his fathers. The brute had dark black marks on his face that Hades had not determined if they were scars or more. Growling,he stood tall to face the male.
"You are trespassing on Stonefalls land. I suggest leaving with out a fight." Hades's black fur ruffled from his hackles raising and the wind suddenly picking up. His face showed even more anger as the white alpha laughed.
"Leave? Why would we leave? The land is so amazing here! And not to mention the magic I was given when entering the land." As he spoke, wisps of black shadows emerged from the ground and covered Hades, pinning him to the ground like vines. Surprise left the males flank but he knew it wouldn't last long. Willow leapt over his body and let heat resonate from her core, flames dancing along the ground. Hades gifted her his smoke, allowing her to control them with ease and created a wall around them, blocking the other wolves from joining. Only Willow, Hades, the white alpha and his son sat within the walls. A soft white light flowed outside the walls. Micah had put up shields around his pack. Good. Hades forced himself up out of the vines with the help of Willow's flames. His eyes looked at the male in a show of deadly hatred.
"I'm warning you now. Leave or your pack will be killed." His voice was grave, filled with razors in his words. Willow let her ears lay flat at the sound of his dominance but the white male and his pup didn't flinch.
"And I'm telling you no. I will leave after I give you my message. I have been watching your pack, and I see you have three pups waiting for you at home. Your strongest daughter will mate to my son, and we will be welcomed here. If you refuse, I will have your land burned." The white male laughed before looking at his son. "And you may call me Bone, this is my son Krater."
A shiver ran through Hades as he thought of Sage, his ears pinning back before a growl erupted from his throat. "My pure blooded daughter will never mate your pathetic son!"
Bone's eyes flashed red as he placed a leg over his son protectively. His teeth bared and his tail raised, he snarled softly. "Then war it is." Krater laughed under his father as the form of them shifted and warped. The wolves outside the walls disappeared out of thin air and the alpha and his son joined them. It had all been an illusion, but the threat was real. The walls made of flames fell and Hades turned to a frightened Willow, her tail dragging in the frost and around them, fresh falling snow danced, landing on the ground and covering it just like the dread covered Hades.