Fall of the Packs: Void

Chapter Twenty-One

Desert realized it had been exactly a year since Colt's election, and Wind Pack was hosting this Hunter's Moon as well. She didn't really enjoy the fact that all of their alphas were being elected on their rival's territory. She didn't want to fight Wind Pack, but that didn't mean she liked them.

Since both their alpha and beta had died, Tansy instead announced the situation to the other packs and presented the candidates. There was some surprise at Gannon, due to his young age. Desert wondered if it would really end up making a difference in her packmates' decision. Gannon had won many of them over, and not without reason.

In the end, Frost Pack, Earth Pack, Lake Pack, and Wind Pack all voted for Desert. Storm Pack was the only one to cast a vote for Gannon. Desert would have liked to believe that meant she would have an advantage, but she hardly dared to hope at this point.

While Night Pack discussed their final decision, Desert and Gannon sat together a short distance away. For a while, neither of them said anything, until at last Gannon looked hard at her and asked, "If they choose you, are you really going to reset the border? Move on like none of this ever happened?"

Desert heaved a sigh. "I know we can't do that. But I would end the fighting. It's gotten us absolutely nowhere."

"The other packs would call us weak," Gannon said. "They'd never stop going on about how the big, bad Night Pack was walked over by those skinny collies."

"What the other packs think is of so little consequence in my mind that I really can't understand why dogs keep bringing it up," Desert snapped. "Your father was the exact same way."

"And he was a good alpha," Gannon countered. "He gave Night Pack hope again."

"And he got himself killed."

Gannon grunted. "We all take risks to defend the pack. And if I become alpha, I'm not going to let his killer walk."

Desert closed her eyes. "Just like your father," she murmured.

They waited in silence until Night Pack finally turned to face everyone again. "Night Pack has made its choice," said Tansy. "Gannon will be our leader."

Desert saw several emotions flicker across her nephews face before he hardened it in resolve. She could see surprise rippling across some of the other packs, but no one objected.

Tansy stepped up to Gannon and began, "The position of alpha of Night Pack has been bestowed upon you. Do you accept it?"

Gannon gave a firm nod. "Yes, I do."

"Then lead, well, strong, and fairly. The grace and blessings of Siglitun be upon you until the end of your time. Who do you choose as beta, to assist you in leadership?"

Gannon glanced towards where his packmates were assembled, his brow furrowed in thought. But he finally turned towards Desert and nodded again. "I choose Desert," he said. "Do you accept?"

Desert blinked in surprise, but then she felt a mixture of relief and pride. Gannon was more mature than she had expected. "I do," she said finally.

"Behold," Tansy declared, "the new alpha and beta of Wind Pack!"

The other packs cheered, appearing satisfied nonetheless. Desert couldn't interpret the expressions of the Wind-dogs, but they didn't look to be any more upset with Night Pack than usual.

Soon the cheers ended and Gabriel ended the night. Before Night Pack left, he gave Gannon a nod which the Doberman did not return. Desert suppressed her bad feelings and walked up to her nephew.

"I'm surprised," she said simply. "But pleasantly so."

Gannon smirked. "You're welcome," he said. "I figure it's the best way to keep an eye on you."

"You realize it's not going to make me any quieter, don't you?"

"Yes. But an unchallenged leader isn't necessarily the best one. I respect you, and I always have. But I'm the alpha, and I will make the decisions."

Desert sighed. "Yes, I know."

Gannon simply gave her a short nod and continued walking on. It wasn't until the pack had made it back to the overhang that Minerva approached Desert. "Congratulations," she said with a slight smile. "Does this mean he has to listen to you now?"

Desert gave a largely humorless laugh. "He doesn't have to do anything. All I can do is pray that he'll listen a little closer."

Minerva made a "hmm" noise low in her throat and then hesitated before saying, "I wanted to talk to you. For just a moment."

Desert pricked her ears. "You want to talk to me?"

"Well, yes." Minerva shifted uncomfortably and Desert chided herself. It was just such a rare occasion for Minerva to be the instigator.

"Of course," Desert said. "You can always talk to me, at any time at all. You know that, don't you?"

"I do."

"Then what is it?"

"It's about Tinder." Desert leaned in closer and Minerva gave her a look before continuing. "I guess it's been obvious to all of you, but a while ago he... he told me he loved me. And I... love him too."

An unexpected rush of elation flooded through Desert. "Have you told him?" she pressed.

Minerva nodded. "I did. We agreed we want to spend the rest of our lives together."

"Minerva, I... I couldn't be happier." Desert tilted her head. "What do you need to talk to me about, then?"

"I want to do it right." Minerva's dark eyes were grave. "For him. And you... you loved my father, didn't you?"

"Well, of course." Desert felt a stab of grief followed by guilt. She thought of Balder so little these days. It was mostly because the thought of his absence was difficult to bear, but what kind of mate was she, really, if all she did was try to forget?

"Then how do I do it?" Minerva asked, disrupting Desert's thoughts. "How do I love him?"

"...You're ready to take care of him, right? To do whatever is best for him?"

"Yes."

Desert smiled in a mixture of warmth and sadness. "Then I think you're doing just what you need to do. Love isn't something you have to think about. It's something you just do, again and again and again. Even when it hurts."

Minerva's eyes flickered. "But you're sure I'm doing it right?"

"I know you are." Desert gently touched her nose to her daughter's head. "None of us know how to do it 'right,' really. We just keep trying and doing our best. I know you'll do just fine."

"You're a lot better at it than I am."

"...No. Not really." Desert looked down at the ground. Siglitun willing, maybe I can love Gannon better than I loved Draco.

She raised her head and nodded toward where the pack had all settled down for the night. "Go on and get some sleep. We could all use some rest."