Fall of the Packs: Void

Chapter Twenty-Three

"I have to pick the dogs for the Hunter's Moon tonight," Gannon said, licking his chops after swallowing a bite of the turkey he and Desert were sharing for breakfast. "Out of all of the duties I have as alpha, I didn't expect this one to be the most annoying."

Desert gave him a look. "Why?"

"I don't know." Gannon shrugged. "You have to remember who went last time and who's asked if they can go and all that. It's just tedious, is all."

"I would have thought it's the easiest thing you have to do," Desert commented. "But I suppose some things come easier to some dogs than others. Did you have anyone in mind yet?"

"Well, you and I and Tansy all have to come, of course." He paused. "Who's hosting again?"

"Frost Pack."

"Right. Can't send anyone who doesn't like the cold, then. I'm sure it's still freezing up there. Symphony will have to come, since she just received her full rank. That leaves four more."

"Bravo might like to come," Desert suggested. "He wasn't there last time and I know he enjoys them."

Gannon nodded. "All right. And Jas told me last night she wanted to come too. Does Minerva want to come?"

Desert slowly shook her head. "No. I know she doesn't."

"Because of Tinder?" Gannon's eyes darkened. "He's gotten worse, hasn't he?"

Desert simply nodded in response. Minerva was still as reserved with her emotions as always, and she had almost been avoiding visiting Tinder, but Desert could tell that it was because she was scared, and she was scared for her daughter as well. If Tinder really had the same disease that Colt had had, there wasn't much hope.

"We can't go six months without a dog dying," Gannon growled under his breath. He shook his head and went back to the original subject. "I'll take Arrow and Kirsty. That should be everyone."

"Good," Desert said with a nod. "You're getting good at making decisions. Draco would be proud."

Gannon said nothing in response. Desert hesitated, knowing where both of their minds were inevitably turning. She took a deep breath. "Gannon."

"Yes?"

"You knew this conversation was going to happen sooner or later."

He sighed. "Honestly, I'm surprised you waited this long." He looked hard at her. "Are you going to lecture me? Tell me about how I'm wrong to fight for our territory? That's what you always told my father, isn't it?"

Desert looked down. "I don't want to lecture you. Siglitun knows it never got me anywhere with Draco." She closed her eyes and paused before saying, "You're an intelligent dog, Gannon, and you always have been. I just want you to stop and think about why you're really fighting this war."

Gannon stiffened. "I'm fighting for the pack."

"For the pack," Desert echoed. "That's what your father always said. But you're not. Don't argue with me, you know you're not. But nothing I can say will make a difference. You have to make this choice for yourself."

"What choice, exactly?" he asked. "The choice to let Wind Pack get away with all they've taken from us?"

"No." Desert gazed at him steadily. "The choice to be a better leader than your father. To tell yourself the truth. To actually fight for the pack, and not for yourself."

Gannon looked away, saying nothing in response. Desert slowly rose to her paws. "Just think about it," she said. "That's all I want."