Atlas could feel the warmth on her fur as the morning sun shone onto her. She let out a sigh, enjoying the quiet moments of the morning. She could feel Nanook’s body against hers, breathing in and out softly.

When she finally managed to flutter her eyes open, Nanook was beginning to wake as well. “Goodmorning, my love,” Atlas cooed.

Nanook rose and shook out his fur. He looked out into the forest and enjoyed the greenery. They were lucky to have such a kind winter, but the next one might not be so gentle. “Goodmorning my dear,” he replied to his mate.

Together they stood atop the flat rock on the hill. Nanook enjoyed the view; from their small hill they could just barely overlook the forest. “I’ll see you in a while,” he told Atlas, and he began his long trek around their territory. These days, they need to mark as frequently as possible to warn surrounding packs that they are here. Tonight, his friend Ahanu will patrol. Friend. Ahanu was more a brother. Nanook trusted him with his life.

Ahanu woke up only moments after Nanook left. He slept to the side of the hill with his brother just below and to the side of where the alphas slept. He climbed up the hill and greeted Atlas. It would be only a short while until she had her pups, and he could sense her nervousness. She had lost many litters and pups to the winter, but she seems to forget the many she managed to save when all odds were against them. He looked at her stomach, perhaps for a moment too long, and entertained the thought of having pups one day. His thoughts were interrupted at the sound of the kids stirring below the hill in front of them. “Sound’s like the kids are up,” he announced. Atlas smiled. They hated when he called them that. To them he was like an uncle, to him, he felt as though he were their third parent. He had raised hem alongside their birth parents after all.

Catori was the first one up, grumpy as usual. She stepped on her brother and sisters and climbed up the hill.

“Catori, sleep well?” Ahanu asked.

“How could I sleep well when I sleep there with that idiot,” Catori spat as Nomad followed behind her.

After Nomad, Tamaska and Matsi climbed up side by side, almost leaning on each other in their morning grogginess. While the four youngsters bickered, Ahanu watched the sleeping white wolf and patiently waited.

Atlas could see him staring at her daughter and took a deep breath. “Well, if Kai and Dakota dont get up soon, you’ll miss the morning hunt... Ahanu, can you go and wake Kai up please? I’ll go wake up Dakota.”

Ahanu was slightly embarrassed, he knew Atlas saw him waiting. It was no secret that he was fascinated with Kai; she changed him. He used to be an aggressive, violent, brute, and Kai’s innocence made him soft. As he walked towards her, he took careful steps, as if he were trespassing.

“...Kai?” Ahanu whispered. She moved a bit.

“Goodmorning Ahanu,” Kai replied quietly.

“Y-you’re mom... Atlas... she asked me to come wake you... the morning hunt.” Ahanu felt embarrassed, he should’ve never disturbed her.

“Alright, I’m up,” Kai answered, standing to her feet.

As the pair made their way towards the rest of the group, Ahanu saw Dakota was awake and looking grumpy as well.

“Morning brother,” Ahanu said to Dakota. “Ready to go?”

Without answering Dakota rose and began walking toward the forest. The group followed. Although Ahanu was the beta, he knew Dakota was the better hunter and made sure Dakota led the hunts.

As the group disappeared into the forest, Atlas was left sitting by the den, where she would soon go to birth her pups. She sat, waiting for her mate to return from patrol. She prayed silently that the group would return with food, she was hungry and had many mouths to feed.

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Away from the den...

Ahanu was somewhere in the middle of he group of wolves as they walked through the forest. His eyes kept darting to the white wolf beside him. Kai walked so close to him, she sometimes brushed against his thick coat. Kai has a sweet soul. She was larger than her siblings, but she still looked like a young wolf next to him. It’s no secret that Ahanu and Dakotas pack was made up of much larger and stronger wolves. Ahanu thanks the gods every day that Nanook and Atlas found them. Without their upbringing, he would be some monstrous brute.

Ahanu’s younger brother led them. He knew not to speak to his brother unless it’s about hunting. Dakota tunes into the teachings of his old pack when he hunts. He becomes bloodthirsty beast. Ahanu admires this about his brother, he doesn’t know if he’s be able to tune back out if he did that.

Dakota felt powerful with their hunting party at his back. Nanook raised gentle offspring, but still, they were good hunters. With them, he has a family. But during the long night of winter, sometimes it’s good to have beasts for brothers. His brother Ahanu was strong and powerful, but having Kai around is his weakness. Dakota believes Ahanu would die for her. He lives his brother, and he loves his pack, but he fears their softness will one day be the death of them, all of them. Catori on the other hand scares Dakota. She’s not necessarily powerful or monstrous, but she’s sneaky and she’s mean. Sometimes he wonders how Catori and Matsi could possibly have the same upbringing. He knew Catori took a liking to him when she was a pup, and for this reason he avoids her. If Nanook realizes she sees him as a role model, Dakota fears Nanook might feel like he hasn’t quite let go the teachings of his old pack, he fears he’d kick him out.

Dakota continues to let his mind wander as he walks through the forest when suddenly, the scent of a deer caught his attention. His body tensed, and then he crouched. Completely spaced out from the rest of the world he began stalking the animal.

Tamaska was close behind Dakota and could feel his energy shift. He’d been training alongside the lead hunter for a while now and can notice his every movement. Only seconds after Dakota noticed the scent, Tamaska was close behind him in crouching. The rest of the pack moved slower. Dakota always told Tamaska a good hunting party must move as one mind.

The rest of the group copied Dakota and the hunt began.

At the Densite...
Atlas was laying enjoying the afternoon sun when she felt a shadow cover her. Her eyes opened gently and above her stood Nanook. “How was the walk?”

“I think you were right, about our neighbors.” Nanook sat and looked over the forest. Atlas sat next to him. Over the winter they noticed a little more prey in their territory. The winter was nice but it wasn’t uncommon for mange to take an entire pack. Atlas had guessed that their closest neighbors had passed.

“Why do you say that?” Atlas asked her mate. “It’s possible they left the forest.

“She would have had her pups now. He would be patrolling more often to protect the new ones. He hasn’t yet. I went close to their bounds and couldn’t smell them. They would never leave with new pups.”

Atlas was silent. The poor things.

They sat together on that hill until Matsi returned with a muzzle of blood. He had a large chunk of meat in his mouth and lates it at Atlas’ paws. “Here, mother.”

Anoki approached. He looked at his daughter and her mate, and then at his grandson. “Shall we join them?” Anoki asked Nanook. The old male was getting weak, and knew he only had a few more winters left. Still, he wanted to stay strong for the pack.

Side by side him and Nanook made their way to the carcass while Matsi and Atlas stayed behind. Usually Anoki didn’t like leaving his pregnant daughter behind unless a wolf of higher rank was there with her. He loved Matsi but he wasn’t a fighter, and he was small. However, Dakota and Ahanu eat first in their group so they’d probably return soon.

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At the densite

Ahanu opened his eyes and stretched. His brother Dakota was still asleep next to him. He enjoyed the freedom of sleeping away from the group. In the winter they’re forced to huddle so close together. As he made his way towards the hill, he sees Kai and Atlas chatting.

“Good morning Ahanu,” Atlas greeted. “Why don’t you and Kai go on patrol today? Nanook will hunt.”

Neither wolves protested and they began their long walk around the territory.

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At the river.

Nightwing was tired from a long journey but he was paranoid about the scent of a wolf pack near by. So as the rest of the pack rested and recovered from their journey in a small meadow, he'd walked to the river. He knew at some point they'd have to drink from the river so he sat silently and waited. Nightwing thought he would be able to get an idea about how many there were in the pack or he would find out if they were aggressive. Nightwing lay down in clear view of the opposite bank he was still on high alert though and his mostly white fur was easy to spot when it caught the sun.

At the small meadow.

Yin noticed Nightwing's absence, though it wasn't unusual for the wolf to go off on his own it probably wasn't safe in an area they do not know well enough. Yin sniffed the air for his scent, everyone else had accepted her so easily but he didn't trust her yet, still she was concerned for him. She hadn't heard the wolf speak once since she had been with the pack and she was beginning to think he couldn't speak. Finally Yin picked up Nightwing's scent and began to follow it towards the river.

(sorry its not long)

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Patrolling the Territory...

Ahanu and Kai walked side by side, patrolling their borders he knew so well. Both knew that her mother had sent them to give them some time alone. Although the entire pack seemed to know of their love for each other, it still seemed like a secret neither of them have told the other.

Everything was normal. Since winter, they’ve been noticing less and less other pack scents. It’s as if they all thought the same thing: last winter was a warning, a grace period from Mother Nature. It was her way of helping them build up their strength so they could leave.

That’s one thing Ahanu and Nanook disagrees about. Ahanu believed they should have left the forest and found a safer place for the next winter, before the pups were born. But Nanook wanted to stay. This was his home. Ahanu backed him up no matter what, but he would have left if it were up to him. It was as if they were alphas together. Nanook always came to him for his opinion. Not for approval, but as a kind gesture.

As they neared the river, both wolves picked up on a stranger’s scent.

“I think it’s comingfrom the river,” Ahanu announced. “Kai, go let your father know.” Kai didn’t hesitate. She ran straight to the densite and Ahanu made his way to the river.

As he neared the water, he saw a wolf on the opposite side. The water here was shallow enough to cross, but Ahanu needed to know if this wolf was dangerous first.

At the Densite...

Atlas was sitting on the hill with her mate when her eldest daughter came running. The entire pack shifted their attention to the female.

“There’s a stranger at the river,” Kai huffed. Instantly Catori and Dakota spring to their feet.

“I’m up for a fight,” Catori cooed.

Dakota shook his head at her. “Let’s see what’s going on first.”

Nanook stepped up. “Everyone relax, you guys are acting like you’ve never met another pack before. We won’t all go, if they’re friendly, we don’t want to intimidate them. Ahanu is there alone so a few of us will join him. Catori, Anoki, Nomad, Matsi—stay behind with Atlas. If you hear us howl, then one of you stay behind and the rest come. Tamaska, Kai, Dakota—come with me.”

Everyone took their places without question. Catori was visibly upset. Anoki would have like to join them, but he would have worried for his daughters safety if he left.

The four wolves began running towards the river.

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At the river...

Nightwing stood when he noticed Ahanu on the opposite back, He chose not to show fear or aggression towards the stranger instead he waited for Ahanu to make the first move. Nightwing would attack if this wolf got aggressive. Nightwing didn't want to call the pack he doubted his voice could handle it and they probably wouldn't recognize it either. Nightwing let out an audible sigh. Nightwing could smell Yin she was close by probably trying to hide from him. Still his attention was on the stranger.

When Nightwing flicked his right ear back in her direction, she knew her cover was blown but she noticed something had his attention. Yin approached Nightwing carefully after giving up on staying hidden. Yin spotted Ahanu and took off towards the meadow as fast as she could.


At the small meadow...

Yin caught her breath when she reached the meadow while doing so she was looking for one of the alpha's her brain screamed at her to find Sol she was the easiest to approach of the two. It wasn't long before she spotted Sol with her younger two pups.

"Sol what a relief, Nightwing has spotted another wolf at the river, I'm guessing its a pack wolf," Yin blurted out.

"Alright then time to greet the neighbors," Sol laughed she wasn't too worried about them.

"I'm ready when you are," Yin yapped in excitement.

"Banshee! Rhya! and Anzar! come lets go introduce ourselves, the rest of you know what to do," Sol ordered.

The small group quickly made their way to the river. Sol was more worried about Turbo ruining everything than she was about the other pack. Anzar could see the concern on Sol's muzzle.

"Don't cha worry Rum and Kato will keep things from goin' sour," Anzar tired as he was tried to comfort Sol.

Sol gave a small nod of acknowledgement to Anzar. Having the older wolf around seemed to calm her, Anzar had been the reason they had made it this far at least that's how Sol saw it.

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At the River...

Ahanu and the wolf simply watched each other. Eventually, Ahanu decided to speak.

“Hey,” he said. “I don’t recognize your scent. I don’t think our packs have met each other. Just to let you know, a few other wolves will be joining me.” Ahanu told the wolf. He hoped it didn’t come across as a threat, but he didn’t want the wolf to get scared when the others arrived. Also, he didn’t know which wolves would be coming. He prayed not all of them.

Shortly after announcing this, his pack arrived. Nanook quickly took over.

“Hello there, I’m the alpha of this pack.” Nanook didn’t really know what else to say. He thought for a moment, and then continued. “Are you in a pack yourself? If you need a group for the winter, we’re more than happy to have you, no wolf should be alone this next winter, we think it’ll be a rough one.”

Nanook waited for a response. His pack didn’t seem bothered or surprised by his invitation, it was normal for him to sympathize with lone wolves, as he himself was once one.

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At the river...

Nightwing was calm and seemed not to be bothered by the pack in front of him. Nightwing thought about remaining silent but decided against it. It would be best if he answered the alpha's questions so he cleared his throat quietly.

"I'm Nightwing, Please forgive my voice it doesn't receive much use, Thank you for the offer but I'm afraid I can't join your pack, I belong to a pack, they will unfortunately be here soon hopefully minus the alpha male," Nightwing's voice started out a little rough but smoothed out the more he spoke.

Nightwing immediately looked at his paws hoping the alpha heard and understood him clearly. Nightwing was about to say something else but paused hearing a gasp behind him. Nightwing turned to see Yin staring at him with a shocked expression. Nightwing had been so focused on the wolves in front of him he hadn't noticed her.

"Hey guys?! did you know that the ghost could speak?!" Yin shouted and looked behind her.

Nightwing glared at Yin and snarled a warning for her to stop and rolled his eyes as she continued to bother him. Nightwing found Yin to be a nuisance she was only tolerable when she was asleep.

Sol was the next to appear followed closely by her two older daughters and Anzar, she paused only for a moment to take in the appearance of the other Wolves. Sol slowly approached them unsure of what they wanted. Sol smiled at the wolves before sitting in front of them.

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At the River

“Hello there,” Nanook announced. “I am Nanook, alpha of this pack.”

Ahanu and Dakota stood at either side of him. The two large wolves cast a shadow over their alpha. Ahanu scanned the pack.

“Where is your alpha male?” Ahanu asked. If this pack didn’t have one, they may be in trouble with the surrounding packs. Some of the males can be aggressive.

Dakota tolled his eyes at his brother. Sometimes Ahanu overstepped his bounds, even as beta. In Dakota’s opinion, Ahanu should mind when he spoke, especially in situations like this.

“These are my friends,” Nanook introduced, gesturing to Ahanu and Dakota. He mentioned them as friends in hopes the pack would get the hint that their friendly, even towards non blood relatives. “The other two are Kai and Tamaska, my son and daughter.”

Nanook waited, hoping for a friendly response. With Atlas due soon and winter coming, it may come in handy to have friendly neighbors, especially if food becomes so scarce that they have to leave, maybe they could travel together.

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At the river...

"A pleasure to meet you Nanook, I'm Sol the alpha female of this pack," Sol said in a soft and calm tone.

Sol made eye contact with Nanook then her eyes drifted towards Ahanu. Sol looked displeased with the question about her mate but it was quickly replaced with another emotion. Sol locked eyes with Ahanu.

"We are not all here, There are a few back at the meadow including my mate, However I'm hopefully the only alpha you will have the pleasure of meeting from this pack" Sol said trying not to bad mouth Turbo.

Sol seemed quite small compared to Banshee. Banshee glared at both Ahanu and Dakota warning them to stay where they were, Banshee didn't trust them.

"Oh yes introductions, where should I start" Sol says in a happier tone.

Sol was about to introduce Anzar when a very angry alpha male shows up and snarls at Sol.

"What do you think you are doing?! I'm the alpha of this pack not you! I make the decisions" Turbo snarls.

Sol glares at Turbo clearly not liking the way he spoke to her. The other pack members seem Protective of Sol. Turbo bares his fangs millimeters from Sols face and she doen't back down. Turbo turns his attention to Banshee and growls threateningly.

"You even brought one of the disappointments with you?! of course it had to be that one!" Turbo snarls.

"Do not speak about our daughter like that!" Sol snarled finally snapping.

"What?! that disgrace is no child of mine!" Turbo snarls as he starts circling Sol.

To turbo's surprise and anger Sol was not backing down. Sol was not afraid of him. Nightwing scoffed at Turbo which was an unfortunate mistake as Turbo went in for an attack but before Turbo could react Sol's teeth were on his neck. Turbo was Shocked but obediently stood still clearly afraid of his mate.

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Nanook was shocked at the way this alpha male was treating his mate and his daughter. He wondered how this pack made it through the past winters. He could feel both males tensing on either side of him. They wanted to step in. Of course, none of them knew whether or not it would overstep their bounds.

Suddenly, as all 3 males were internally debating whether or not to interfere, the splashing of water interrupted their thoughts. Kai was sprinting across the river. The female stood beside Sol and bared her teeth to the male, her maternal instincts clearly taking over.

The four males watched in shock but quickly crossed to back their packmate up. They stood in the water still, but next to the two females.

“We mean no harm,” Nanook said to Turbo in a calm voice. “We are all stressed for the upcoming winter. If we can work together, maybe it won’t be so unbearable.”

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Back at the Den

Atlas and Anoki later on top of the hill and chatted while they waited for the group to return. The wolves that were left behind mostly paced in anticipation.

“Anoki, I think it’s time Kai and Ahanu have pups if their own. Last summer would have been better, but they’re ready.” Atlas told her father.

“I think the pups will be too young when winter comes at this point, but maybe since you’re having pups yourself it could give them a better chance. With two mothers in the group the pups will be well fed at all times and the extra warmth in the den wouldn’t hurt... I think you’re right. Have you spoke with them about it?” Anoki asked his daughter.

“I’ve spoken to Kai about it, and Nanook. Kai was suppose to speak with Ahanu, but then all this happened. They truly love each other.” Atlas cooed. She was so happy Kai found love, especially with Ahanu. With him being the father, their pups would be large and stronger than any of Atlas’. Kai was a sweet girl and would be a magnificent mother, and Ahanu a father.

“Well, at this rate, sooner is better than later. You’ll be having your pups soon and the closer in age they are, the better.” Anoki stated. Atlas nodded.

Meanwhile, Catori was pacing impatiently by the treeline.

“What’s taking them so long? Do you think they need my help?” Catori growled.

“Oh yes, a crazed pack of wolves is attacking Ahanu, Dakota, and father, I’m sure all they can think about is how much they need you there,” Nomad chimed in. Matsi smiled.

Catori growled and lunges at her brother, pinning him to the ground. She hated her fangs and got in his face..

“H-hey, quit it!” Nomad whined, squirming.

“Can’t take a joke, Catori? With that stone heart of yours?” Matsi teased.

Catori tolled her eyes and tried to seem offended, but the stone heart comment flattered her.

“Maybe when they got there, the wolves were really nice so they’re chatting,” Matsi suggested.

“Yeah, maybe they other pack has some single ladies for us, eh Matsi?” Nomad teased. Matsi shook his head.

“You take so much about mates yet you never leave the densite,” Matsi responded.

“Hey, I was by your side for every hunt, give me credit.” Nomad pouted.

“Yes brother, I’ll give you that.” Matsi admitted. The five of them continue to wait impatiently for their alpha to return.

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"I am not interested!" Turbo snarled.

Banshee without any sort of warning let out a loud weird sounding howl and glared at her father. Turbo glared at Sol and then at the other wolves.

"Sol we will finish this later!" Turbo growled.

Sol gave him one last threatening snarl before trying to calm herself. Anzar was also shocked by the fight, that was the first time he'd seen the two alpha's fight like that, sure he'd always hear them arguing in their den but he never thought things were this bad. Turbo stormed off towards the meadow. Rum and Kato passed him with the twins and Turbo attacked Rum to get his anger out but forgot that Rum always fought back. Rum came out of the fight without a scratch and Turbo received a torn ear which made his attitude worse. Turbo continued back to the meadow and Rum quickly joined the others.

"What happened here?" Rum asked.

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“Are you guys okay?” Nanook asked them. “If you guys need a place to go, we’re just past the river. My mate is due soon, but you’re welcome to join us, or even to visit just to... get away,” Nanook offered.

“Speaking of Atlas, we should be getting back.” Kai gestured to Ahanu. The pair walked off to finish patrolling. Tamaska left to go back to the den. Just Dakota and Nanook remained at the river.

Ptrolling...

As Kai and Ahanu walked, Kai gently pressed her weight on Ahanu.

“That was crazy, how could an anyone treat their mate like that?” Ahanu shook his head.

“Ahanu, I want to have pups, with you.” She said, nervous.

Ahanu stopped and stared at the white wolf. “But... your parents?”

“They approve. I want pups with you and we’re both getting older. We don’t have to leave, we can stay with them, with our family,” Kai explained.

Ahanu smiles and jumped from excitement. “Kai,” he trailed off. He didn’t know what to say. He’d been wanting this since he met her. Of course, he never thought they’d be able to.

The two butted heads gently and continued their walk.
(Fade to Black)

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Rum looked at Nanook and Dakota. Rum sits and thinks for a moment before standing again. Rum seems to do a head count.

"We are ok, thank you for your concern" Sol says quietly.

"Nanook do you have enough room for Sol, Banshee and the two pups, They are the ones most at risk and it would only be for the night" Anzar asks.

Sol looks shocked at the suggestion and Banshee tries to protest. The twins don't seem enthusiastic about it either and Rum tries to convince them to go.

"I'm sorry to say it but my brother seems to have some sort of madness, He has to be crazy I've never seen him that bad before, We would all be happier if you were safe with Nanook's pack for the time being, only if they are ok with it of course" Rum says.

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