Fall of the Packs: Void

Chapter Twenty-Six

For all of Gannon's confidence, the wolves did not appear to be daunted. Minerva had been there with the rest of the pack when the alphas had refused Songan's offer, but if he was in any way intimidated, he did not show it.

Gannon, however, was always one to back up his words with actions. He was requiring that every hunting party be accompanied by two defenders, and that was what Minerva was doing, along with Jade. They kept their distance so as not to interfere with the hunters' work, but remained close enough to jump in if there was trouble.

"If it's not one thing then it's another, isn't it?" Jade asked, stopping briefly to sniff a tree trunk. "First Wind Pack and now these wolves. We can't seem to keep the peace for long, can we?"

Minerva said nothing. It was a rhetorical question, and warranted no answer from her.

She heard Jade give a slight sigh. "I suppose that's why we're defenders, though," she continued. "Our lives would get rather boring if everything was peaceful."

Thyme, one of the hunters, suddenly let out a short woof to indicate he had caught the scent of prey. "Deer," he said. "...It's coming this way."

All of the dogs pricked their ears to hear the pounding of hooves. Moments later two does came racing past, tearing off into the trees before the hunters could react. "They're running scared," said Candace. "But from what?"

A gust of wind blew past and every dog's hackles raised. "Take a wild guess," growled Samuel.

"Let Minerva and I take the lead," Jade cautioned, stepping out in front of the hunters. "We'll try to scare them off."

The hunters complied, hanging back while Jade and Minerva walked ahead to see if the wolves were still close by. They soon saw rustling in the bushes up ahead and three large wolves came slinking out, their bright eyes glittering.

"I don't think I should have to tell you this," Jade growled, "but you're on Night Pack land. Clear out."

Amusement flickered across the wolves' faces. "You were right, Dichali," said one, a dark brown male, to his companion. His voice was melodic and thickly accented by the wolf dialect. "These dogs are even uglier than you said."

Minerva heard a growl rumbling deep in Samuel's throat. "Speak for yourself, fleabag," he retorted.

The wolves only looked more amused in response. Jade cleared her throat. "I take it you didn't hear me the first time. Move along or we will make you."

The third wolf, a pale gray female, stepped forward, licking her lips. "Make us."

Jade bared her teeth and obliged, slamming into the she-wolf with the full force of her body. Shock briefly flickered across her face, as though she had not been prepared for the Bull Terrier's forceful assault, but she quickly retaliated. Before either of the male wolves could assist, Minerva attacked as well, grabbing a hold of the dark male's leg and clamping down. He howled in pain and attempted to pull free, unaware that once a Night-dog bit down on something, nothing could make them let go.

His companion, a white wolf, attempted to come to his defense, but he was swiftly bowled over by Samuel and Candace. Minerva had confidence that they could handle it--many of Night Pack's hunters were as skilled at fighting as any of the other packs' defenders. She kept her attention focused on the wolf within her grip, who was now snapping furiously at her ear to get her to let go. Her grasp weakened as he landed a particular harsh bite and he scrambled away, his teeth gritted in pain. Minerva wasted no more time, leaping on him and slamming her paw against his throat. He made a choked gasping sound, sprawling on the ground. Minerva pressed down harder, holding him in place with her hind paws. He was a strong wolf, but Minerva was stronger.

She glanced up to see how the rest of the fight was going, and saw that Jade had successfully chased off her opponent. The other male soon followed after, blood streaming down the side of his face. "Minerva," Jade now growled. "Let him go. We don't have to kill them."

Minerva stepped off of the wolf. He gasped for air, raking a furious glare over the Night-dogs before staggering after his companions. "Get home safe!" Samuel jeered after him. "We'll see who's ugly after those wounds heal."

Jade scoffed. "This is what Gannon was worried about," she said. "Now we've scared off half the prey in this part of the territory."

"We still have to eat," Thyme said, trotting up. He appeared to have let his packmates handle the fighting, which was probably wise, considering his smaller size. "Do any of you need urgent attention?"

Both Candace and Samuel appeared to be fine, and Jade nodded. "I'll live. But you might want to get that ear looked at, Minerva."

Minerva shook her head briefly, causing a few blood drops to splatter. The ear appeared to be shredded, and it stung, but it wouldn't seriously affect her ability to fight. "It's fine," she said.

"Something like that could get infected," Jade protested. "You don't want to take a risk like that during times like this."

"It's fine," Minerva repeated.

"Then do it so you can report to Gannon, and if the healers clear you then you can come back," Jade said, evidently refusing to take no for an answer. "We'll be fine until you get back."

Minerva finally flicked her tail and turned to leave. Before she left she heard Jade add in a quieter tone, "Tinder would want you to take care of yourself."

She stopped. "Why do you talk about him?"

"He was my son." Jade's tone was a mixture of grief and patience. "I like to remember him. Wouldn't you?"

"No." Minerva began walking briskly before anything more could be said. She wasn't going to entertain thoughts like those for any longer. She only wanted to forget the pain.