Fall of the Packs: Void

Chapter Five

At long last, blessed spring was finally coming upon the forest. The air warmed, the leaves sprouted, and most importantly, the prey began to return. The pack was eating far better, but Draco had ensured that the hunters remained calculating and frugal in their efforts. It would do no good to over-hunt the prey just as it was coming back.

Regardless, everyone's spirits had lifted, and even Draco had relaxed enough to agree to Desert's suggestion to take Gannon and Jas on an excursion out from beneath the overhang. The two would be trainees in just two months, and even though the number of pups in the clearing had decreased upon Thyme and Cypress's promotion to trainees, they were more anxious than ever to get out and explore. So on one peaceful evening, Draco and Desert led them out to a small pond which was only a short distance from the overhang, on the other side of the hill. It had a small stream flowing out of it which came through the rock into the cave where the healers kept their patients and supplies, serving as Night Pack's main source of water.

"I could have stayed and discussed tomorrow's patrol assignments with Pebble," Draco said as they trotted through the forest. "But I suppose this is better."

"You should be thanking me," Desert replied. "All you would do is strategize and plan if I let you. And besides, those two won't be small forever. You should spend as much time with them now as you can."

"I know." Draco's eyes clouded wistfully. "I always dreamed of being alpha--"

"Yes, I know, you talked about non-stop when we were pups," Desert interrupted.

"...but I never imagined how much responsibility it was," Draco finished, giving her a good-natured glare. "It's just occasionally hard to find the time."

"That's what Pebble is for," Desert said. "They'll all still be there when we get back. Relax."

There was a sudden yelp from Gannon as he ran up to the pond's edge and made contact with the water. "Merciful Siglitun, that's cold!"

"Hey!" Desert scolded. "Watch your language. Where did you pick up saying that?"

"I wonder," Draco commented dryly.

Desert glared at him in response before turning back to her nephew. "We only use the Hunter Dog's name in serious, solemn moments. Understand?"

"It was really cold," Gannon replied, smiling cheekily.

"That's enough of that," Desert growled, cuffing him gently. "You'll have to learn respect if you ever want to become alpha like your father one day."

"But if I'm the alpha, doesn't that mean everybody else has to respect me?" Gannon challenged.

Draco laughed. "Yes, but you have to get there first. And you earn respect by giving it. You'll understand."

"I understand," Jas said proudly. "I bet I become alpha, and then Gannon has to respect me."

"In your dreams," Gannon retorted. "But maybe I'll think about making you my beta."

Jas tackled him in response and Draco and Desert watched as the two wrestled playfully. "I don't know if the pack is ready for them to become trainees," Desert said.

"They're a force to be reckoned with," Draco said, pride shining in his eyes. "They take after their mother."

"Are you sure? Because I'm pretty sure the stubbornness comes from their father."

"Maybe stubbornness isn't always a bad thing. And don't pretend that you aren't just stubborn as I am."

"Then I guess we all come by it honestly," Desert said. "But fortunately for me, Minerva has always been obedient."