Red and the Wolf 

Night's Angel

Chapter 4

Getting the six wolves to come into the house was not easy but somehow I did. Showing them to their rooms and getting them settle in was fun. They took to beds real fast. Grams has a real scents of humor. Seems she let Rachel have her room and some of her cloths.  They each got their own room. But one they all stopped and paid respect to one room. My parents' room. “Biter fate has me here" Rachel said and hung something on the door.

She went out on patrol before I could ask what she meant. Bruce and Alvin where wrestling on the living room floor. As Edward looked over their notes. Jessie and Shia had gone into the kitchen to start dinner. I went out and sat on the porch and wait for Rachel and or the other wolf to show up. And they did at the same time. The wolf was big. It looked more like Bruce and Alvin walking side by side. His tri color fur was grayer over brown or black. 

Rachel was walking a few feet behind him with her head low. He must have held a high rank if she gave that much respect. So I got up and stepped off the porch. Once I knew they could see me I dropped down to a knee like I had seen them do countless times and cross my fist over my chest. Alvin came out to let me know dinner was almost ready when he saw the wolf and dropped to his knee. “I bide you welcome to the house of my father and his father before him" I said turning my head up so he could see my face. 

I was met with a rich bark of a laugh. “You of all your people need not show me such respect Alpha Rex" the wolf said. I looked up to see who I was talking to. I felt like I knew him somehow but I couldn't remember. I stood up slowly keeping my eyes low but respectful. He chuckle with pride. “You have become a man since last we met Rex the red" he said. “Max" I said then corrected myself “Alpha Max."

Again he laughed. “you keep your father's honor true young alpha," he said “but here on your land and your home I bare no rank." I looked back at Alvin who had yet to move. “You can get up now" I said. The little wolf's eyes darted to the biggest one who just nodded. “Scout, let the others know I am here" he said and then spoke in their language. The little wolf gave a quick salute and almost fell rushing back into the house.

“Child go inside I must speak with your Alpha alone" the wolf said. Rachel went inside without a word. “Less than a day and you already know so much about us," he said “I hope they can learn just as quick." I didn't know what to think. “You seem taken by all this, young alpha" he said. “Not something I saw coming" I answered “sir." I must have said something funny because he started laughing again. “Still so much respect even in your own home" he said.

“Still my elder I guess" I said. He nodded and chuckled. “She lost that much rank because of me" I asked. “No, rank bares no place between father and daughter" he answered “that aside I wished to hear your views on this matter alone." He set a large sack that he had been caring on his back. I sighed with too much to think on.  “It's a lot to take on" the old wolf said his age showing some. “Not for her" I said to myself. “She is just like her mother," he said “may the great spirits keep her." 

“I'm sorry to hear that" I said. He cocked his brow then nodded. “Her mother was gentle but strong," he added “but that is for another time. Now you have only been an alpha for a day but the respect they have does not come from me." “I know… I understand I did that with a lucky shot" I said. “Lucky" he asked. “Yeah, she could have killed me if I hadn't spotted an opening in her guard" I said. “Just like her mother focused on attack not protecting" he said “but luck had nothing to do with you knowing how to use it."

Too many questions raddled around my head and each sound dumber than the last. I turned and looked at the house hearing bits of the six of them talking. “OWWW" I yelled painfully as something seemed to rip across the back of my neck. I looked back at the large wolf behind me who just licked his thumb. “I see" he said. “See what and what did you do to my neck" I said and check it with my hand. “I think your people call it a hicky," he said “by our people, you have been mark as a chosen." 

“Hicky" I asked “Chosen? By biting my neck? I know hickys are a dating thing but chosen for what?" “Yes, I have been told “dating" is how your people find mates" the old Alpha answered “I would say the one that bit you marked you as a suitor." “Suitor" I asked. “Yes, as in dating much like your people we must how do you say “play the field" to find a mate" he answered. I shook my head from the TMI or the image of wolves hitting a night club.

“But light hearted matters aside, to the rest of our people you are the outsider, and thus you must walk a harder road that any other" he said “some of my clan had even said to me once the blood debt is paid we should be rid of you." “Yeah, I can see how that is" I said “after all I'm the outsider." “So I spoke with the elders on the matter" he said “their answer was this." he took a small medallion from his pouch and handed it to me.

I held it up to the light it was a gold coin. “Their answer is to give you the test I took before I claimed right as alpha" he said “you have until the day of the long sun." “Oh boy" I said a bit more shocked about the matter. And before I could say anything he said drawing up to his full size reminding me he could kill me with one blow “don't let her down." I put the coin in my pocket and answered “you have my word, Alpha."

“Then that is all I need for now" he said bring his fist cross his chest and bowing his head “till next we meet." “Not staying for dinner" I asked. “No I have done what I came to do and I received what I came for" he said. “I guess till next time" I said and almost dropped to my knee. “And just so you know as an alpha you lower yourself to no other even another alpha" he added and showed me the Alpha salute.

Then he left without a word. I'm starting to think they have a thing about doing that or something about not needing the last word. After he left I check the back of my neck again and thought about it. “When did any of them get a chance to bite my neck" I asked myself. I shook it off and turned back to the house. “Hope they left me something to eat" I said and picked up the sack or well tried too. I couldn't even get it to move.

“Well I know no one is going to try and steal it" I said giving up on trying. I went back inside and was met with a loud yelp. “This can't be good" I said and followed Bruce's booming laugh to the kitchen.  I found everything was still where it should be and the table set and covered with food.  Five of wolves were sitting around the table and the sixth one with her fangs deep in the nap of Alvin's neck. I shook my head and sighed.

“Jessie you can let him go now" I said and sat in the seat Rachel had set for me.  There was a cut of meat already on my plate. I looked at the plate and around the table all of their plates were still clean and unused. “Its call the Alpha's bite," Rachel answered “no one eats before the alpha, and the Telro alpha would start with a small cut of food before … you say “digging in." I nodded a few times before using my fork to pick up the piece and ate it.

Thank god, someone who can cook! Before it even hit my stomach Rachel was loading food onto my plate more so then her own. “Woh" I said “I don't think I can eat that much." She shot me a glare and started loading her plate. I had set the coin down on the table forgetting I had it in my hand and started eating. Seems they knew better then I knew any of them. “Question," I said between bites “when is your summer solstice?" 

Edward looked like he knew but didn't answer. The others seemed lost by the question.  “Ok, forgot about that" I said “ok, in short I have a lot to learn and I have the feeling I don't have that much time to do so. So next time I asked something like that please if you know tell me." I think I just confused them. Rachel just happened to look down next to my plate and saw the coin. Her eyes got wide and fast. She looked up at me and back to the coin. 

I missed what she said as she looked back at me.  “The Alpha gave it to me" I answered “it's my test." She looked back at the coin and without looking up she gave clear cut orders they understood but I didn't mainly because I had no idea what she said. “About seven months from now" Edward said “the day of the long sun is about seven months from now." He turned back to his plate and quickly went back to eating. 

“This is going to be very confusing" she said and shook her head. “Maybe the sack the alpha left out front can help." She thought about it and nodded “I hope so." “This can all wait till after dinner" I said and went back to stuffing my face. Nothing else was said about the coin till after dinner. I was shock to find out we had hot water again when I went to wash the dishes. I made full use of the hot water by taking a long steamy shower. 

After I finished with the shower all seven of us sat in the living room to talk. “Ok, first what's with the coin" I asked holding it up. They all nodded. “It's an alpha challenge" Edward answered “Telro the Traveler who set down our laws said only those with such a coin may challenge the alpha of the clan." “The clan is made up smaller groups call packs" Rachel added “and those number between five and ten hunters."

“But one pack in the whole clan can overrule the Alpha" Bruce added “the elders." “They keep our laws our songs our stories our past" Jessie picked up “when they speak all listen." “Each of us is blood to an elder and in time we will take their place in the great hall" Alvin continued “after sickness took my father, I was made next in line to my grandfather's place." “The day of the long sun is the day of first hunt for new packs" Shia finished “the day alphas are chosen."

“Then there's the night of the long moons" Edward said unrolling a cloth and laying it out on the floor. “Stories say there was a pack of seven sisters, marked by our seven moons" he went on “this pack found a male sleeping in a field. After he woke he moved on but the sisters followed him. But at night the sisters would wake to find the others still asleep. Then they would go and lay with the male and return before the others would wake. 

Some say there were times a number of the sisters would share their time with the male. As stories go the male lead the sisters around the world and into the heavens. Part of the stories say that the sisters born him many children that grew and made homes wherever the sisters stop." “The night of the long moons is when the females that are of age chose their mates and share their first with their mothers above" Jessie added cuddling Alvin close to her. Poor guy looked like a sad dog being caged up and left alone. 

“Ok" I said picking at my chin “not to sound stupid or rude, what does that have to do with the coin?" Rachel pointed at the cloth then added “here, see where sun leads the moons." I looked where she pointed. Small glass stones dotted the cloth making different shapes. The set Rachel pointed out was eight stones parted by a line and seven of them where set like a point. Looking over the cloth I saw one set that looked the same but all the moon stones were red.

I pointed it out and asked “what does this one mean?" Edward looked at it and nodded. “That marks the Traveler's last words before he left" Alvin answered “story says when Telro left the village for the last time he turned to the alpha he had chosen and said “I will return the night of the long moons when the sisters bleed" And pointed to the moons." “Your people call it a lunar eclipse" Edward added “but for ages the elders watched for this sign." 

“What do you guys think would happen if they do see it" I asked. “Change" Alvin said “Telro changed our clan for the better, and said in time we will have to change again." “The seer spoke that the gates are a sign that change has come and the elders will know when the Traveler has returned" Shia said as she balled up on the floor. The rest of the night went on with stories about their world and history.

Later that night my head was swimming with thoughts. I couldn't get to sleep. So I just sat in my bed for hours just thinking about everything I learned in the past twenty-four hours. I rubbed the back of my neck. It stung where I was bitten. “Wait Rachel is Max's daughter" I said when that fact clicked in my head “then she was the one I met as a kid." Yeah, great time to be thinking like that. I shook my head trying to shake the idea from my head “I don't think she even remembers that day." 

I shook it off and got out of bed. I put some clothes on and went for a walk. It was dark and cold out but I guess that's why I like it. Being this far out from the city meant we didn't have as much light blocking the night sky which is something I like. “Dad," I said to myself walking along a small path we used to walk when I was little. It was always the best when it was just me and him just walking in the dark. 

“I met a girl the other day" I continued talking to no one “she's sweet, well maybe not that sweet but she's strong." I sighed just thinking about her. “She's cute, smart, little over barring but in a good way" I said and sat on a bolder. “I think Grams likes her" I went on “and she really is out of this world." I thought about was else to say about her. “I like hearing her laugh but something about it just sounds forced" I said turning my hands over “like she's putting on a show, like it's for everyone else." 

“She always seems sad" I said and rubbed the sore spot on my neck again “like she wants to cry but can't. Yeah, I know I've only known her a day but I don't know it's like you use to say “we smile the biggest when it hurts the most" and she must really be hurting." “Did you ask" a woman's voice asked walking up the path. “Forgive an old hag for interrupting a private matter" she said when she came into view “I couldn't help but over here you."

I shook my head “no biggie, better question is why are you trespassing on my grandmother's land?" “Forgive me it was a nice night for a walk guess I got myself lost" she said. Aside from calling herself old she didn't sound like it and she seemed to know right where she was going. “May I ask" she went on “do you always talk to yourself or is there someone here I can't see, thou I might not see going blind as a bad thing, makes listening easier."

“Just my dad, God rest him" I said. “I see, I am sorry for your lose" she answered “if I may, you should find time to talk to her, get to know her maybe you'll know more about her unseen tears." “I'll try" I answered. “Good lad, mind telling me which way is south" she added “I really did get myself lost." I pointed back down the path she walked up. “Thank you young man, try and get some sleep wolves are hard to keep up with when not rested" she said turning back down the path.

I turned to started heading back home. Then something clicked. “Wait, I didn't say anything about wolves" I said turning around. And she was gone. Hold it. The only thing south from here that anyone can walk to is the gate and that is still a good mile out. I shook my head and went back to the house. It wasn't long before I got back to the house. When it came into view I saw someone standing on the front porch.

At first I thought it was my grandmother by the way they were dressed. But they moved a little too quickly to be that old. And reload. My grandmother gave Rachel some of her clothes to wear and a night gown would be one of them. Her ears shot up as I got closer. “Who's there" she asked her ear dropping back. “Just me" I answered. It's hard to see but I think her ears twitched before opening up again and asked “Rex?"

“My, Grandma, what big ears you have" I said just tease. Her ears twitched then fold. “Something wrong with my ears" she asked and she sounded hurt by it. “Nah, I think you have cute ears" I answered and wave it off “it's from an old story." Her ear perked up before folding again. “Why did you call me grandma" she asked “we are the same age." “You're wearing one of my grandmother's night gowns" I said after smacking myself in the forehead. 

Her ears twitched as she thought about it. “I could take it off if you prefer" she said and reached for the hem of the gown. “No, no, no, you're fine it looks good on you" I said shaking my hands. “You are very confusing you know" she said and giggled “it is not uncommon to see others naked where I'm from." “True but humans are very confusing when it comes to these types of things" I said. “Well maybe you could tell me more about humans" she asked resting the tip of a finger on her lip.

This has to be the most girlish I have seen her act. “Um, yeah I guess I could" I said stepping on the porch. “You could start by telling me that story you were talking about" she said as I sat down. “Um, sure" I said loosely flicking my fingers. She sat across my lap and pressed up against me. “Don't get the wrong Idea it cold out here" she said. She was very warm. I put my arm around her and started recapping the story best I could, and reminded her that it was folk lore from ages ago. We spent the rest of the night like that.

Chapter 5

It's been a month after Grams went to the hospital and a pack of wolves moved in. I go and visit her when I could. The weight packs they had me wearing were getting easier to move around but they have been adding more sand and lead to them almost every day. And every day I would learn more about the wolves themselves. Each had two jobs, their place in the pack and their place as a future elder. And those were as followed.

Alvin is the scout for the pack. Speed and silence are his tools and can use them well. He is also a living copier more to the point the copy repeat and match anything he sees or hears. Hard part is keeping him focus on the task at hand so it's just easier to keep him moving. As an elder to my understanding his role is the listener or shaman.

In short the listener does just that, listen. To what? Spirits, ghosts, lost souls, and the like. His family is believed to be in touch with the other side and acts as waking medium between the two sides. I lost faith in a lot of things when I was young so I can't say who's wrong or right on the matter. I've watch the way he reacts to things, like just a soft breeze and he'll freeze up and close his eyes. He says “many voices speak your name but that's all I can hear."

Shia is the pack's tracker. She hold the most focus of the group and can track a target for days. She's the quiet type, shy and sheepish. Unlike her cousin and former Alpha Rachel. That aside she also tends to fill the role of cook. Top that off she really does play the role of the cute nerdy girl very well but she doesn't understand English when it's not spoken.

Her role as elder is the dreamer or seer. And that just means what it says she will sit there and just write down her dreams and study them for signs. In short the fortune teller. And no to my understanding they don't use anything to put themselves into what they call the dream state. The one time I found her coming out of that state she back away from me and almost ran out of the house to get away.

Jessie was one hunter you didn't want to piss off. As a trapper she could rig anything and knew how to handle rope like a pro. Case in point it was her weapon of choice when it came down to it. But she also tends to wear her heart out in the open. She made it clear that Alvin was hers even thou everyone already knew she liked him.

When her turn to be an elder comes up she will be filling in as the watcher or weatherman. Mostly it will just be watching clouds. But it's scary how good she is at it. She says it's going to rain then you grab an umbrella. I think that has something to do with the fact she fix a short in one lights just by touching it. I think I read something about at some point.

Next is the wall of fur and muscle Bruce, the pack's guard. And that just means he's for lack of a better word the pack mule. But after seeing him punch  clean through a brick wall I don't think he minds. But he's even said it himself that he is not much of a fighter. But honor is a big deal to him and will step in if he thinks something's not right. But my first thought of him still stands he is just a big old pup. 

As an elder his role fits him. The healer or doctor. He doesn't like to see people in pain. Ed told me about one of the hunts they were on and an animal was hurt. Bruce took the time to tend to it and made sure to could continue on. That helped me understand the hunter's way. Never take more then you need, never kill needlessly. 

Edward, now this guy fit's the role of super geek to a “T". As the pack's medic he is tasked with keeping up with everyone's well being and confirming the “kill". But he does have anger issues and gets upset very easily. Otherwise he is the smartest in the group. He learned to read write and speak English as a fifth language. 

His role as elder is the weaver or historian. The only thing he ever keeps with him is his blanket that he started when he was little. It's a hand woven blanket with all of the Telro stories making up it's design. He started a second one when they first came here. When I asked him about it he answered “this one will be finished the day you and I part ways in this life." and man does he work fast almost a month and he got most of my life made into a bed cover. Over done if you ask me.

And finally Rachel. Former Alpha and my second in command. And I still know almost nothing about her. She always stops me before I can even think of a question to ask her. But as an alpha she had to do all the same tasks as the others and keep a cool head about everything. And in the short time I've known her I started to understand some things that make  her so stand-offish when it comes to herself. Her father is the clan alpha. 

that's a lot to put on a kid and the dept she spoke of the second time we met. Half of the time we talk is when we're talking about the human world or my role as alpha or things I might need to know about the clan. But the rest of the time she would cut me off and change the topic. Great… I'm crushing on a girl I know next to nothing about.

But getting to know them and getting to know their world are two different things. And I was quick to find out when a messenger gave me a litter stating the pack was to return home for the winter solstice. It made it very clear that I had to go. I was packed and ready to go. Ed had done work on some of my clothes to keep them light and keep me warm. 

They even had shoes for me to wear. They were all glad to be going home. Well everyone but Rachel. Some part of her didn't want to go back. Like she just wanted to run away. But honor and pride wouldn't let her. The mile long hike from my grandmother's house to the gate felt like it took forever. The others had gone on ahead leaving me alone with Rachel. 

“I'm not the only one not looking forward to this am I" I asked keeping in step with her. “I don't want to talk about it" she answered. I looked down and then back to the path. “Does anyone know who you are" I asked finally thinking about it. “I don't want to talk about it" she answered. “You know the way you're acting is like you don't want to make any connections" I said pressing more then I should.

“I have my reasons" she answered. “Is there anything you want to talk about "I asked feeling flustered. She let out a long sigh and turn her eyes back to the path. “I have no idea of what you're in for" she said keeping pace with me. “Will you there for me" I asked. “I'm your second" she answered. “No not as my second" I said “as my friend." 

I took her in mine and laced our fingers together. “I need you" I said meaning every world. She looked at my hand then she looked me in the eye. She tried to hide it but I saw her eyes starting to water. “There will be many females who may take to you" she said “and many males who would see you dead for it."

“What if I was taken before that" I asked “you know say someone was to mark me as a suitor then maybe it won't so bad." “You want to lie about love" she asked. “Good point" I said “but the day the Alpha visited us he said someone already marked me." She looked away again. “I thought about it" I said “that first day you started school in the gym. You were the only one to touch the back of my neck."

She didn't answer and continued to watch the path. But she didn't pull away from me. After a few minutes she asked “if you could have one of us, would you?" I stopped and looked at her. She stopped and looked back at me. I pulled her close hugging her. “It may be too soon to know if it is real but I like you and care about you" I said “and if there was anything I could do to make you happy I would do it in a heart beat."

She pushed me away and took off for the gate. I stood there for a minute my heart broken. If I went back home I will have broken a weak trust between two worlds. And if I went on it would only hurt me. “For the good of the pack" I said and ran for the gate. I pushed my feelings aside and focused on what I needed to do. 

When I got to the gate we were all met by a red and gray wolf. He was resting on a walking stick and had the same childish grin Alvin had. The pack seemed lost at the wolf before them. “Hitol, Senta" I said. With that all six lined up next to me and together we all dropped to knee. “Save your welcome, for I was already given welcome to your land by the one who gave it to you" he said in prefect English. 

I looked up at him. “Your father and forefather are proud of you and all you have done" he said “and to all of your pack you have shown great honor to our people." we slowly stood back up. “May I have a word alone with you" he asked me. I looked between the wolves and nodded. “Hilal vi talir" I said to the pack and stepped aside and followed the old wolf.

Once out of ear shot of the others he turned and spoke to me. “You are hurt" he asked. I shook my head. “So you say your heart is not in pain" he asked. I paused. “Remember the body is made up of more then flesh and bone" he said. “I'm not ready to talk about it" I said. “I understand" he said “and as any form of comfort, your pain is not your's alone." 

“If I may asked" I asked as he nodded “how long have you been speaking English?" he paused and thought about it before answering “when I first spoke to you." He cut me off before I could asked “I may be blind but that makes listening easier." I chuckled to myself. “You find it funny" he asked. “No sir," I said “it's just someone I spoke with some time ago said something like that." 

He grinned. “I see, there is more to you then even we have been told" he said turning back to the gate “I believe it is time to go." We went back to the pack of wolves waiting were we left them. I gave commands to move out and we headed for the gate. The gate was not as big as I thought it would be. It was only a ten foot square marked by tape on a flat rock face. 

“Close your eyes and see it with your heart" the old wolf said stopping next to me. I wasn't sure what he meant but I tried anyway. I couldn't see anything or even feel what he was talking about. I shook my head and open my eyes again. “Don't worry, not many have such a gift" he said and headed for the gate “time to go." 

He pointed himself to the rock face and ran at it. Not slowly down he jumped right into the wall and was gone in a flash. One by one the wolves lined up and charged the gate. The human guards didn't even bat an eye as they past. Rachel was the last to go through leaving me behind. I got to where they started their runs and closed my eyes.

 This was the most scared I had ever been. I didn't want to go alone and didn't know what would happen. There was a flicker of light before my eyes. I blinked and looked around. “What was that" I asked myself and closed my eyes again. There it was again but it held. A soft glow, moving like waves. It was coming from the gate.

With my eyes closed I looked at the gate. I saw what looked like people waving me on. I felt warm even in the cold air. I took long deep breathe and broke out into a run. I charged right into the whirlpool of light. It felt like I did a belly flop face first into the shallow end of a pool. But I past that first wave I felt like I was falling.

I blindly gasped as unseen forces pulled me. I felt like I was spinning. Before I could think it all ended and I was falling again.  I open my eyes just in time to see Shia's eyes going wide as I flew right into her. We crashed to the ground. My head was spinning as I groaned. I started pulling myself up as Shia laid frozen in shock. 

Rachel growled at the sight but quickly quiet herself. “Sorry" I said and rolled off the sheepish wolf. She got to her feet and backed away from me. I started pulling myself but stopped when I got to my knees and my stomach caught up with me and my breakfast ejected. By time I could look around I had a dozen wolves standing over me standing guard. 

“Are you ok" Ed asked handing me a jug of water and started patting sweat off my head. “Yeah" I nodded and taking a drink. “First jump" a woman asked as the wolves parted to let her by. I was still breathing hard when she started checking. Dr. Richwell started waving a light in my eyes and ran a quick set of tests before even saying anything else to me.

“Welcome to the Lycan world," she said as she took out a notepad and writing on it “Alpha Rex Redwood." She got up and turned to one of the wolves that where standing over me. After talking to him she head to a tent a ways off. The wolf she had spoken to turned to the other wolves and barked orders. The other wolves took off. 

I was back on my feet still a bit shaky but standing. The alpha from the other pack looked down at me. I just looked him right in the eyes. We both nodded slowly and salute each other. We broke eye contact at the same time. “You have the respect of the third guard" Rachel said handing me back my things.

“That's a good thing" I said pulling my backpack up onto my shoulders. “Many of our people heard stories of honor about the one Tommy “the Gun" Redwood" the old wolf said “and some believe before his passing he taught this to you." I nodded. “yes sir, he taught me a lot and one of them is the three things a man must earn in life" I said “respect, loyalty and honor." 

The other alpha had walked off before we had started talking so I didn't get to ask his name. we had started walking to the human camp for the night. “Alpha Rex" the old wolf asked “tomorrow, we will be back with the clan and some may want to see if you are ready to fight for your place in the clan and more so for your life, do you feel you have the will meet them head on?"

“Willing or not," I said “sir, I'll do what I need to." “Very well then" he said and asked “if you don't mind I have not heard my grandson's voice for some time may I spend some time with him." “Sir he's your grandson before my scout" I answered “my grandmother always made it clear that family came first." 

He smiled and nodded and started walking ahead of me to catch up with Alvin. “You have charmed one elder so far but he was always the friendliest of them" Rachel said falling in place next to me. I did everything I could to not look at her. “But there will be one elder who will put you to the test" she said. “Then I just have to hope I can pass it" I answered watching the alien sky. 

It was an uneasy night for me. The wolves were asleep before their heads hit pillow. Me I had more going on in my head then before. I'm not trying to showoff or make a scene. I'm just doing the job I was given just like dad always taught me. But even the smallest thing I do is judge and made into some big deal. I tried to sleep but all these questions kept popping up.

The next morning we were all given a once over to make sure we weren't bring anything back with us and once we got the all clear we headed out at once. It was about midday when we sent out but it was still going to take hours to hike to the Telro camp. “I hope we don't miss anything" Jessie said “I don't want to miss the calling." 

“Don't worry little one, no one start without you" the old wolf said tapping his walking stick around the ground in front of him. What I thought this world was going to be like was way off. If it wasn't for the fact I saw four of the moons I'd think I was walking in the woods back home. The air was clean and the everything was so green. 

It was a beautiful place. I stayed quiet most of the trip really only talking when someone asked me a question. Rachel stayed next to me the whole time and it made me uneasy. But the elder made matters worst when he asked me if he and the others could go on ahead. Rachel spoke up before I could answer. She looked back at me shyly after letting them go on ahead.

“There was something I needed to talk about before we arrive at the village" she said her ears folding back. “There was something I wanted to ask you as well," I said “but mine can wait." “No as alpha what you ask matters more" she said. “No, as alpha my job is to take care of my pack and if one of you needs something then that matters more" I said “now say what's on your mind, and that's an order."

She gave me one of those puppy eyes looks before sighing. “I wanted to say I was sorry for pushing you away like that" she said. Her ears were folded back and her face was turned away from me. “No I was wrong for pushing the matter" I said and started looking around. I felt something in my hand before I felt her furry fingers gripping mine. “I will stand with you" she said “both as your second and as you friend."

I felt my face turn red as I squeezed her hand in mine. “There was something you wanted to ask me" she said. “Yeah what was your mother like" I asked “you don't …" “She has a strong spirit but her body was weak almost too weak to bear children" she answered “and she love my father but was to weak to mark him.

This just was I heard. But only a day before the calling they say he had a wrap about his neck and had taken it off before sitting down in front of her. low enough for her to reach without getting hurt. And when she bit him he yelled loud enough for all to hear." I found myself grinning. “She drew blood but many say he loved her enough to cut his own neck so she could and yelled so all would think she was not as weak as they thought she was.

But I never knew her myself. She used all of her strength to bring me into this world and died before she could even hold me" she said and almost pulled her hand away. “What did they call her" I asked. “Sela bulfo" she answered “soft thick head." “My dad was a boxer and my mom was a nurse" I said “they met after one of his matches and she had to stitch him back together. After a month of dating they knew it was real and nine month later I sealed the deal." 

She had to think on that one. “They got married shortly before I was born is what I meant" I said. She nodded. She looked away again. “If you were to met the one who killed them what would you do" she asked. “That is a silly question" I said “it was an accident, but I had thought about it and something my father always did after every fight.

I would go up to them let them know what happen then give them a big hug and say I forgive you." “do you really have no hate for the one who took them from you" she asked. I couldn't find the words to say but my month shot off on its own. “Do you hate yourself for losing your mother" I said before I could stop myself.

She pulled her hand away and turned to me sharply as she spoke “WHAT?" “that came out wrong" I said “and I'm sorry." but then it hit me. “let me put it another way" I said. She paused and turned her back to me. “bear with me here it's not easy to put into worlds but do you think your father hates you for losing your mother or loves you more because she risked everything just so you could live?" I said “I know its not the same as with me but it's the idea that I can't hate someone for something out of their control."

“Father told me my mother's last words were tell my little Raiglow I will always be there for her" she said “So yeah my real name is Raiglow which means rainbow." “It suits you" I said and slowly took her hand. She turned back to me tears in her eyes. She hugged me and cried into my shoulder. After  she finished we ran to catch up with the others and were stopped outside the village.

Chapter 6

I only knew a hand few of words and commands so it wasn't easy to make out what this alpha was saying. The most I got was: won't outsider enter. Which I think he said “I won't let the outsider enter." I looked to the elder who just shrug his shoulders. “Guys, go on ahead" I said “I can tell when I'm not wanted." I took a step back to let them past.

“We go as a pack or we stay as pack" Rachel said. And without anyone telling them too, the others agreed. The elder and the alpha spoke. The younger one yelled and threw his arms about. I was only getting bits of what was being said. “Bearfoe won't let you past not because you're an outsider but the fact the Alpha sent the order that you join us for the night of the long moons and the calling" Alvin said. 

“So he doesn't like the Alpha" I said “so this is just politics." “Yeah" Alvin answered. “Ok," I said “who wants to see me do something stupid?" Rachel gave me a worried look. I nodded agreeing that I was about to do something stupid. She look to the others who were all smiling. “Well, if you win, you'll get a lot of respect" she said and told me what to say and when to say it.

Alvin went and spoke with his grandfather as I started taking off all my gear. I took off my wolf fur coat fold it and paid my respects to the one it came from. I hand my coat to Rachel and pulled off my shirt. “Well it's not my best idea" I said and turned walking off by a few feet. The elder looked back at me and I sighed and nodded. This was the last thing I wanted to do but I had to make a point. 

I had to fight my own battles. And this was one of those battles. So I did as Rachel said. I called him out on the matter. And he answered. It was only a month that the wolf pack was teaching me so I knew I was in over my head. I took the weight packs off. They each hit the ground with heavy thuds. It was thin but I now had a layer meat padding across my body.

I took everything I had learned and put it to use. We follow the steps of an open challenge. We stood off from the other as both alpha medallions were handed over to the elder. We saluted and began. “Remember Rex, respect your opponent, in a fight start off by getting a feel of how they move" I head my father's voice from when he was teaching me about boxing.

He was fast for his size but something seemed off about his speed. Dodging him wasn't easy. But him using speed to fight could mean he wasn't using any power. “If you feel you can't get a good feel for the way your opponent moves then risk it and catch the hit. You'll know their next move by the way they pull back" my father told me.

I let the wolf swing at me. I blocked it with my arm and shoulder. It was a weight swing, he was just using the weight of his hands and arms to hit. There no power to it. He was holding back. But I knew why and shot my fist out with everything I had. He wanted to get close for a power hit. My knuckles popped as did his when both fist met head on.

But the cracking sound I heard didn't sound like popping knuckles. We both pulled back. He was holding his hand close to his body. My hand felt like it was asleep. “If you see you're opponent holds themselves means their hurt, do the right thing and don't use it against them" his words keeping in my mine. I stayed away from his broken hand and kept to quick hits on his upper arms and chest. 

The wolf swung long kicks at my feet. Dodging them was easy given I had years of footwork training. One kick went high. If I hadn't blocked it, would have taken my head off. But a quick punch to the knee cap knocked him back. Something wasn't right, this was to even of a fight. I know this guy could take me. But he wasn't holding back? 

I shook my head blocking another kick. “This isn't right, you're not at your best" I said. He grinned. Then I felt his broken fist hit right in the gut. “Weak" he said. My whole body hurt from just one blow. “My power is not speed or strength" he added throwing me back with another kick. I felt like I knew this fighting style. “A trapper's fighting style is best with their weapon of choice but when unarmed it best to keep the foe close and seem even or weaker to lower the guard" Jessie's voice popped in my head. 

I almost didn't catch my breath when he came at me again. But I nodded and ducked just in time. His foot went right over my head and letting me get out of the way. “Guard up Rex" I said to myself getting back to my feet. “To beat a trapper you must think as a trapper" Jessie's voice chimed in again. “He's an alpha" I thought “the alpha knows how his pack works and can use any means they use."

Scout hits fast throws them off. I rushed him before he could and threw a handful of jabs before pulling back. Tracker follows and predicts the next move and strikes. I watched him for a second to see where he might go and locked in. Uppercut and pull back. Trapper sets the ground work to corner. I let him get in close and moved just enough to have him graze my side with a hit. 

I got under his skin now he's going show me what he's got. Guard heavy hitter and best defense. Guard up, legs loose, block and move make him do all the work. “Good job Rex but don't let up yet" my father said. Medic check, confirm and control. He was still on his feet but winded. The second breaks the last line of defense. I had seen my father do it a thousand times and without thinking I pulled one arm up like it was a Tommy gun  and load it. 

The wolf came at me again. My loaded arm set I block him with my free hand and gave myself a clean shot at his ribcage. Tens shot in under three seconds. But I pulled them so they were nothing but light taps but it would take him a minute to recover. We both back off and took time to recover. Alpha finishes the job. I got myself under control and began taking in the world around me. Sights, sounds, smells, the texture and the vary taste of the air. 

I closed my eyes and let build up inside of me. I feel the ground moving in front of me. Something was coming. The wolf alpha I was fighting. The ground moved with each step. I pulled back my arm. I felt fire engulfing my fist. I saw a brick flying at me. I let go. My fist took off. My fire crashed into the brick. I saw the brick shattered and blow back. 

I thought I heard my voice but I didn't hear what I said. I opened my eyes and saw the large wolf laying on the ground. He was balled up protecting his hand. I heard the elder's voice speaking “Alpha Rex the Red has win this challenge." I sighed and went over to the fallen wolf. I stood over him my hand open and out. “You gave me the fight of my life" I said and waited. 

He looked up at me. He saw my hand. He looked back at me. He looked at my hand again before slowly taking it. I helped to his feet. I took a step back and saluted him. He returned the saluted with his good hand. I saw blood dripping off his other hand. “ED, WE NEED A MEDIC OVER HERE" I yelled. Within second Edward was next to me his kit open and ready.

“Rex are you hurt" he asked about to look me over. “No, I'm fine but his hand is bleeding and I think I might have broken a bone or two of his as well. “Bruce, get over here we might need your help" I called and the teddy bear wolf was there quickly. Between the two of them he should be just fine. The elder was next to me and handed both medallions to me.

“Well done Alpha Rex, you now command two packs as your own" he said as I put  mine back around my neck. I looked at the other then at the wolf it came from. “I am free to do with this as I wish" I asked. The elder nodded. “So I can put him in charge of that pack" I asked. “If that is what you want to do" he answered “thou it is unheard of to do so." 

“I'm sixteen, one pack is hard enough to control" I said. The old wolf laughed. As did another that join us before I knew it. “But you are still wise beyond you years" Alpha Max said standing next to the old big eared wolf. The wolf I just fought spoke up to the Alpha “if I knew a human could be that strong I would have mated one by now."

I think that's what he said. But anyway I turned to and held out the medallion. “Can I trust you with this" I asked. He looked at it then back at me. He looked down and said “you fight with honor, you fight with the power of your pack. I am honored to be at your command." He took the medallion  and eased himself back to his feet. 

His pack collected behind him. And as one unit they dropped to a knee and saluted me. “I am never going to get use to that" I said. The older wolves barked out laughing. Before I could turn back to face the Alpha and the elder I was pulled into a tight hug as sharp spikes ripped into the back of my neck. I almost bit my lip trying not to yelled. 

There was another outburst of laughter.  “Your pup takes after her mother" the elder said or I think that's what he said. And sure enough it was Rachel with her fangs deep in the back of my neck. “Any female tries and I will kill them" she whispered in my ear. “I don't think that would be a good thing" I said and turned to her.

“You're both a year too young to wed" the Alpha said “Now take him to the spring so he may refresh himself then find us at the lodge." my pack had collected my things and were about to follow Rachel. “No, only one of you should, the rest go meet with family and tell others your stories" he added. But things were about to get weirder.

I barely set foot inside the village as voices called out about the sky. I looked up and all seven moons were out and blood red. My first thought that I voiced “You have got to be kidding me." Eyes turned to me as wolves young and old backed away. “Telro returns" I heard many voices in gossip whispers. “Do not jump to such things as of yet this is a sign we the elders must speak upon" the elder said as the voices died out. 

I shook my head “I don't think they will listen." “Well I don't think you'll have to deal with anymore fights" Edward said handing me my coat. I put on it and pulled the hood over my head. “Ever hear the term false god" I said looking back at him. “Oh" he answered. “Go be with your families for a bit and we'll find out what's going on later" I said.

Rachel looked to her father who looked back at with the same understanding that I missed. “This way Alpha Rex" she said taking my hand and lead me past the crowd before they went nuts. We had to run to get ahead and around the whispers before they hit the far end of the village. “Yeah, come to our party meet the folks," I said to myself “be pegged as a legend." 

“Seven hundred year they have been waiting for this sigh and you just happen to be the only traveler to enter the village" she said “and you have no idea what it means to them." “That much is true" I said “and here I thought it was just a matter of this blood dept." She looked away when I said that and asked “is that all that matters to you?"

“If that is the only reason I'm here then" I said pulling her close and turning to face me “then I have no right to be here. It was a touching moment till a wolf spoke up. “Only reason I'm here" he said once Rachel told me what he had. He was a gray wolf almost a metallic color. And he was hanging upside down from a tree by his foot. 

He said something else but was kind shoeing  us away. “what was that last thing he said" I said as we walked away. “He said I'm being killed off in a minute" she said adding “and something about a cameo." we moved on quickly. She lead me to a large cave opening with a wolf sitting just outside the opening. Rachel spoke with the wolf who looked me over before speaking. I think she said “I thought you hated their kind.

I pulled my medallion out of my coat and let it hang about my neck. She looked back to Rachel who popped her knuckles and answered “I have my reasons." “Was this your father's idea" the wolf asked. “Does it matter" Rachel answered. Before I could react and Rachel could stop her the wolf caught me by the hood and pulled it off. 

She dragged her finger across my neck and licked the blood of it. “You are just like my sister" the wolf said and asked me if I could understand her. I answered best I could. She turned to Rachel and nodded back at me. “Follow the torches to fourth opening on your right" Rachel said “and check if anyone is in there first before going in." 

I nodded and did as she said. The cave was well lit and counting the openings wasn't hard. It just felt off being alone and somewhere I didn't know at all. I came to the last opening and called out. No answer. I walked down the path a short ways and called again. No answer. I did this a few times till a came to a softly lit chamber with a rocking crop acting like a low wall. I could hear running water on the other side of the wall. 

I called out again and still no answer. God someone was going to kill me if this was one of those misunderstandings. I got up to the stone wall but before I could go around it or even look over it I heard a voice. It was a woman's voice and she was singing. I dropped down before I was found out. I was going to make a break for before I was caught but her voice felt like it was almost calling to me. 

Before I could make up my mind about to do fate stepped in. “I know your there" she said “only cowards spy, otherwise show yourself." she had a point. I got up slowly making my way around the wall. “it is rude to spy, it shows cowardice and is demoralizing to its victim" she said when she saw me. “Ma'am, I was not trying to spy on you I didn't know anyone in here and I even called out a few times to make sure" I cutting her before she could flip out on me. 

I didn't really take notice of her till I spoke and I wish for my own well being I hadn't. she was slim mildly toned with thick dark red fur that was shining in the soft light and stuck to her body drawing her form. And she knew what just happen. “Oh so you find the body of old female not to your liking" she asked using her hands to draw my eyes across her form. “I didn't say that" I answered.

“Then why did you hide" she asked turning her head and open her pale green eyes to me. I swallowed hard before answering. “I heard you sing and I kinda freaked and hide and leave before you knew I was here and wait outside for my friend" I said. “Then why did you not leave" she asked “and would your friend not want to join us?" 

“I guess your song had me a little spell bond" I said. “Charming answered but what would your friend have to say about it" she said giving me the same smile. She was standing in the shallow water that stopped just above her knee. “Would your friend like what you see more then you do or would you like to see them more then me" she asked. 

“That is a loaded question" I said and trying and failing at not thinking about what she meant and what I was saying. “Oh, I see" she said “then maybe you need a load answer, like maybe you would prefer seeing your friend with me?" and now that thought was stuck in my head. “Games aside" she said easing into the water “intent or not, you have seen me it is only fare I get to see you." 

I started to shake my head. “Like I said it is only fare, after all I want to know the real thoughts you are having" she said “or I could just scream and see how fast you die." “that is not fare" I said. “no by all counts it is," she said waving her hand about “you walked in on me and thus I choose how you will repay me for what you saw."

“Fine" I said and began to undress. She smile and watched her tail beating under the water. “I wouldn't think wolves would like humans that way" I said hissing from the bruises across my body. Her head tilled again as she spoke. “I don't see your race" she answered “I see the same thing your mate does, a healthy strong young male, ready and not so willing to do anything."

I stood there unsure of what to do. I wanted to cover myself but it didn't seem to be a good idea. “come on in the water's fine" she said motioning with her hands. I felt like I knew her from somewhere but I couldn't place it. I stepped into the pond and found the water warm. I ducked down a bit so I wasn't just stand out in the open. 

“see isn't that much better" she said then picked at her chin. “Tell me the truth" she said sitting up herself bringing her chest above the water “the one that marked is the one you are waiting for?" “Yeah" I said looking away shyly. “Then you have nothing to fear of me" she said before standing up again. I looked at her and turned away quickly. 

“If you like what you see then by means look" she said “like I said before spying is cowardice, but if they know you are looking then you honor them by doing so." “But didn't you just put me through a whole test" I asked. “I just want to see if you would" she answered lifting herself out of the small pool “how well do you know your mate?" 

“I'd say I know what I need to know but not as much as I want" I answered. “I see" she said as began to dress herself “then I will leave you with a question till the third time we met." “Ok" I said turning to see she was fully dressed and had picked up a staff that stood to her shoulder with rounded stones capping the ends and red blue and green cloth wrapped about the length. 

“Well two questions really" she said “one, what is my name and the second is do you know why she cries?" I looked away think I heard something but when I turn bat the wolf was gone. Ninja wolves. I heard something coming from the other side of the wall. “Hello" I said calling out. “You started without me" Rachel said coming into view already undressed and stepping into the pool. 

I stood up to greet her. She curled up into my arms as we had our first kiss. Before I could speak she put a finger to my lips as she took hold of me. “Please I need no words for this." she said.