Chapter 1: Dept Paid With Blood
The Wind Crackled as it Passed throught the trees, Sending warm air into the undergrowth and into the bushes. A lone bull grazed below, it chewed on the wild grass it's long legs like stone pillars his antlers covered in velvet and the scratches of old fights lay visible.
The wind shifted , as the Old bull cocked his head releasing a loud snort. Admist the bush a pair of Glowing eyes focused on the moose, to the eyes their was nothing else just it's prey. the eyes took note of every breath , every movement, every blink of the bull.
The bull was old but it was not frail, it turned it's head to glance at the bush and the field of tall wild grass.
Time seemed to stop as the Moose locked eyes with the Glowing eyes. There was a flash, the bull turned it's horns, but any defense was forseen. Their was a yell then a slash of fur and the bull staggered, it thrashed out in a blood rage, not aiming just lashing about in its final fight for life. After each movement it slowed. It grew colder the bull was as if in a fog then it let out its death scream and collapsed sending the birds in the trees scattering. The wolf stepped into the light and studied he's work. He cleaned the blood from his mouth and turned He's head up and signaled the others. The oldest stepped near him and spoke "Nice kill you'll make her proud"
The old wolf spoke With words of stone
"I'am almost good enough" Thought Humphrey "almost'' It had been a winter since they last saw eachother the thought of her made him dizzy, her golden fur always soft , and the scent of flowers that were always with her.
He flashed back to the conversation 3 months prior . " I am not good enough" He said finnaly after their short howl. " what do you mean'' she hummed back. '' kate if you know want ...puppies " he shook from his mouth I need to be strong and fast and and a Alpha" He tried to say proudly "humphrey i like you the way you are" she mused . "No Kate I need to be Strong for the Pack and for you"
Chapter 2: The Return
A winter later humphrey patrolled the tranning grounds , His fur rippled with new powerful muscles , his face a darker , more confident look with powerful eyes. Over the time he spent traning with Winston he had learned to kill with scary efficency . He could track deer from a mile away. He could Almost become invisible to anything unsuspecting. He leapt from rock to rock till he stood on the cliffs peak. He laughed to himself he recalled when it had took him half a day to traverse it now a matter of seconds . That was just part of his traning . He had to hunt with his eyes closed , fish and command pack members which was hard because who wanted to listen to a former omega? He had also sparred personally with Winston who despite claiming such, held nothing back , each day humphrey went to sleep bruised and bloody , so sore that as soon as he hit the ground he fell asleep. Then came a day during the sparring he seemed to feel like winston was moving slower , he could see his blows before they came and dodged them as he returned with powerful hits shaking winston. " He must be going easy on me" Humphrey thought. "Surely this isn't all you've got Winston" Said Humphrey dodging a slugish blow . " Of ... course ... not " coughed Winston Panting. Then it came , Humphrey saw an opening and took it . Slamming Winston's side and turning him over , then Humphrey jumped on him and pushed down. "I give Humphrey "still panting as Winston got up "nice ... Job" Humphrey smiled barely breathing heavy at all. "It's time for the mountain " Winston spoke regaining his breath "The Mountain" Humphrey said quietly.
"The Mountain" Was for what its worth a very steep rocky hill covered in dirt and very sharp fist sized rocks meant to cut up paw pads. What's worse is that the Trainee Humphrey in this case has to traverse the mountain while it was raining turning already loose dirt into mud making it very hard to climb up the last boulder to the peak . " This is not going to be fun is it Winston?" Winston just chuckled and moved to the viewing position.
Lightning cracked and thunder bekoned for Humphrey to start . He Sighed and took his position at the base. As if a signal the rain began to fall " Of course now it can't be just a shower '' Humphrey said weakly. "All right Humphrey get ready ... set ... Go!"
Chapter 3: The Mountain
''GO!"
Humphrey leapt from the starting stone and up onto the first boulder, his paws looking for a foothold
Slipping, he quickly grabbed a ledge. He yelped as he cut his paw on the hidden rocks, ignoring the pain he pulled himself up through the mud and onto the top of the boulder, his bleeding paws making it slippery. He would have laughed if he wasn't out of breath when he reached the top of the first boulder.
He aimed at the second one and leaped, catching mud with his face in the process .He hit it belly first and his legs dangled from the ledge, grunting he used his tail as a counter balance and swung his legs up so that he appeared sideways on the ledge. He put one foot up and over the edge and then slowly his arm till he could roll over on to the top. He spat out mud and dirt and griped the edge to use as a lever. The rain poured harder it had even begun to sting.
Humphrey ignored it and shook himself as best he could; he leapt for the edge and caught it with one paw. "oh please " He thought himself . His alpha muscles wouldn't help him he needed luck. He swung for a mystery foot hold and prayed one would be there. "Thank you Fate "He said to himself and pulled himself up. Mud caked between his claws, he shook them and stood up shaking himself free of heavy water. He laughed out of breath as he climbed to the top where the other alphas and Winston were waiting. He couldn't help laughing as they congratulated him on his newly achieved rank.
"I guess now, I am officially a square "He thought to himself. Without a doubt he knew that what he had achieved was good for him and that it would help the pack.
"Humphrey" Winston spoke His voice cracking, "Good Job! But now you know you need to elect your lieutenants".
Humphrey coughed "what?"
"You need lieutenants to help you out " Said Winston almost smiling .
"Well um... Hutch!" Hutch's face snapped up .
"Yes Humphrey I Mean Sir" He said with a hiss
"I" cough* " Will you serve as my lieutenant umm for now " Humphrey said with new confidence in is voice.
Hutch looked at Winston who nodded and said okay.
"Yes Sir!" Said Hutch standing at attention
"Alrighty then" Humphrey said looking to the stars.
Chapter 4: Kate
Kate woke up early as she did most every morning . She cleaned herself in the stream next to the den Humphrey had built before he left for advanced alpha school , him not even being able to sleep in it at all. She laughed as she remembered how he slaved over it , hollowing out the tree and being attacked by a family of upset owls in the process. He smoothed out the interior , making sure it was comfy and spacey but also cozy. He had put his love for her into the den , making sure it was, what did he say "worthy of you" . She giggled as she stretched and limbered up for the morning hunt . "Okay " she said to herself "Lets do it!".
Kate strolled over to the hunting patrols meeting spot, she saw Candu was already there waiting.
"There you are sleepy head ! " Candu said with a voice way to excited this early. Kate shook her head, Humphrey had said that before he left.
"Sure Candu just be quiet" Kate said a little meaner than she meant. They then jogged to the valley's basin where fresh tracks lay. " On my right" Kate said with a whisper ordering him. He snapped to the position as the both moved low to the ground , the fur on their bellies scraping the dirt and grass.
" Here we go" She said as a fresh scent caught her nose. Her eyes scanned as they moved , looking for the prize.
"Kate I see It" Candu said with a happy growl as he pointed with his nose towards the target. The target was a young Bull(Male Moose) who had in it's own confidence had left the main herd to eye some females. Kate almost felt sorry for it as Candu went right as she went left. "Lead him to me Candu" Kate said with a smile , who to the command grunted a yes.
The Bull Knocked it's antlers against a naked tree , trying to rid itself of a velvet coating It had developed over growth. Kate got very low to the ground , the tan grass around her concealing her as she slowly shimmied toward the Moose. It let loose a grunt with a foul odor as it continued to scratch the poor tree to a slow death.
Candu crept up behind the beast and from the top of his lungs let loose a bark that would have scared anyone , the moose jumped and yelled as it dashed almost tripping over its own legs as it ran away from the loud noise. Kate tightened her haunches to get ready to pounce " go for the throat " Eve said in her head.
In one quick , fluid motion Kate leapt from her camoflague and slashed with her teeth and severed the cartoid artery causing the Bull to Yell , a sickening sound that was stopped by the flowing of blood into the throat . The Bull shook from side to side as it bleed out , slowly coming down to a rest. Kate smiled at Candu and they then began the long drag back to home.
Kate ate her fill in their den and hummed to herself a beautiful melody that she came up with as she went along , not really meaning anything just pure and sweet. Kate full, left the den and then returned to the stream to clean herself and drink. As she rose her head from a long and refreshing drink she looked up to see Sunny, a female she had shared few words with. Between Sunny's legs came two pups , barley a few weeks old. Sunny played with them and cleaned them as she sang to them a tone not unlike the one Kate had sung to herself moments ago. Kate watched in awe as the mother played with the kids , her face seemed to glow with happiness as she rolled them over and tickeled started to walk away giving the pups one last look.
Kate decided to take a walk through the meadow to clear her head. She wondered if Humphrey would be back soon , his voice soft and nice with the scent of pine on his fur. She missed him more than she had realized and almost began to tear up. She thought of asking Humphrey something but shook her head away from the thought ." He wouldn't would he? maybe if I mentioned it to him" Kate thought to herself as she stopped when she heard the clear sound of laughter.
Kate walked towards the sound of the laughter and right away recognized Lilly's voice with a much deeper one , one she was all to familar with .
" Oh I'm sorry " Kate said with a quiet voice as she saw Lilly and Garth cuddiling and cleaning eachother.
"Oh umm hi Kate we were just telling eachother jokes... you did'nt bother us really" Said Lilly trying to be reasuring .
"Um Oh yeah Kate no prob" Garth said a little distracted.
"Bye " Kate said quickly and ran away , her thoughts now very clouded .
'Even Lilly and Garth are thinking about it" Kate felt very sad in her mind. She ran to Humphrey's and her den and curled up on the warm floor . Kate slowly closed her eyes as she pondered how to ask Humphrey about puppies.
Chapter 5: The Wicked
Humphrey woke up as the light broke through the trees catching his eyes.
"Oh good you're up we need to move "Winston said grinning.
"Wait you mean were going back!" Humphrey said happily, is heart fluttering with thoughts of returning to Kate.
"Yes we are but first we need to go through another packs turf" Winston said, Humphrey could tell he missed Eve although Humphrey did'nt.
"So whose pack are we going through?" Humphrey asked puzzled, he had never heard of any other pack close by.
"It's run by a young wolf named Victor, the pack in question is made up of loose females and Rogues'' Winston said disgusted. "Many a male wolf has fallen prey to the desires of the flesh". Humphrey understood him. "be careful... not that I doubt you" Winston warned and Humphrey nodded.
They continued walking until meeting the base of the Canyon. Ahead of them lay a dark opening with a Human sign reading ''Abandon mine stay out".
"Why do we have to go through here again?" Humphrey questioned.
"Well the difference is go through here and it will take only a day or the other way witch will take about 3." Hutch responded coldly silencing Humphrey. Inside they heard talking and laughter.
"Let's go then" Winston said readily.
They made their way into the cave slowly checking corners and angles. The cave was dark except for parts where the sun broke through cracks in the celling. The entered the main chamber of the cave and saw wolves of all shapes and sizes lying around. A hot spring in the middle bubbled up and formed a pool . In the pool a large gray wolf and two red wolves lay and joked.
"Ah Winston comrade!" The Large gray wolf exclaimed, "What are You doing here friend?"
Winston stepped forward with a stone face.
"We need to pass through to get home if you would please let us? " Winston said his face made a sign of discomfort.
"Da of course comrade , no need to ask but if I could just talk to you for moment...alone" Victor said happily .Winston nodded and followed Victor to a dark hole. Humphrey wanted to find out what they were talking about but decided to put it to rest.
"Hey you two look lonely " A red wolf with dark eyes said seductivley .
"You two need any company"a dirty blonde one asked Humphrey and Hutch.
"Uh sorry ladies I'm taken" Humphrey said strongly. These girls were pretty and well easy but they were nothing compared to Kate , not that for a second he even considered them. "Come on Hutch lets go...Hutch?...HUTCH!"Humphrey yelled at Hutch , the red wolf wrapping herself around him.
"Oh yeah sorry"Hutch said somewhat dissapointed and pushed back the red wolf. "Sorry ,your pretty maybe another time" Hutch said trying to be nice after rejecting her .
" All the good ones are taken " The red wolf mumbled to her friend as they walked away. Hutch sighed looking at them longingly. Humphrey had never thought of Hutch as lonely , to Humphrey he seemed like a married to the job kind of guy but he guessed eveyone needed someone , Humphrey new that very well.
Winston emerged from the cave a dark look on his face. "alpha team we're leaving" Winston yelled coldly. Victor's face looked as dark as Winston's.
"Alright let's go Hutch!" Humphrey yelled excited. Hutch sighed and nodded as he rose from the floor.
"I'll escort you to the exit comrade's " Victor said almost ordering. They walked through the gloomy path , past stalagmites and an overpowering odor that Humphrey really hoped was'nt from the residue in the hotspring.
" Here we are friends good luck" Victor said his accent thick, then as they were leaving a whisper "Oh Winston, remember what you owe me" Victor said his voice totally changed a moment ago. Winston nodded solemly and turned his head forward as the group at once sprinted towards home.
Humphrey ran with his new speed, grass and trees a blur , he ran far faster and ahead of the others . Humphrey smelt the good old familar scent of the pine trees , the soft sound of the waterfall hitting the rocks. He smiled to himself as he grew closer and closer to their den.
Kate strolled through the meadow , she coudn't believe he was going to be back. She missed him , his' funny personalty although his' new alpha body helped. Her heart fluttered as she thought of new big , strong , alpha humphrey and she giggled to herself like a little girl.
Humphrey ran nearly bumping into a small pretty white wolf.
"Humphrey is...is that you?" Lilly said very surprised.
"You bet, hey is Kate around ?" The strong, handsome , blue eyed alpha asked her.
" Oh umm shes in the meadow " Lilly said trying to hide her blushing , not easy with white fur.
"Haha okay thanks Lilly ! " Humphrey said chuckling and leapt by her with strong legs and ran toward the meadow rapidly. Lilly could'nt help but fan herself as she watched Humphrey run. "Your lucky Kate " Lilly thought to herself.
Humphrey ran toward the meadow , his head full of endorphins almost exploding. Humphrey ran until he caught her scent. The sweet smell of flowers and well to Humphrey , love.
Kate opened her eyes and looked up at the gray wolf. His muscles very clearly showing , his hair short , his eyes oh his eyes, she could lose herself in them.
Humphrey gazed at her , her beautiful golden flowing fur , her lovely brown eyes , the flower above her ear.
"Hey " Humphrey said standing still and grinning.
"Hey " Kate said smiling.
Chapter 6: Mixed Feelings
Humphrey could hardly believe it as he gazed at his love , his head at a loss for words.
"Oh Kate " He said as they broke from their trance and hugged each other , both of them rejoicing in the scent and comfort of the other.
" I missed you so much Humphrey !" Kate said a tears in her eyes.
" Me to Kate, me to" He said nuzziling her back. They stood there not talking, just taking in eachother's presence wrapped in their warm embrace.
"look at you " Kate said finnaly pulling away to Humphrey's disapointment. She walked around him and inspected him. "Strong legs...short fur...long tail hmmm the only thing that makes you look close to old Humphrey is your eyes!" She said pretending to investgate him. She looked at his eyes and felt herself fall into the seas of blue . She stared at them for minutes until she shook her self from his trance. "Who are you and what have you done with Humphrey?" She said smugly her head cocked. Humphrey just laughed.
" Oh yeah well the Kate I remember was nicer" He told her.
"Humphrey " She said playfuly hitting him.
"Oh You want a fight well check out these!" He said flexing. She looked at his new body.
"Kate quit drooling !" He said laughing as she tackled him. They wrestled and rolled in the meadow. They chased eachother and played hide and go seek. Kate ran from Humphrey laughing , however much to her surprise he quickly overran her with his new speed. Humphrey gently pushed over Kate and they laughed as they looked into eachother's eyes.
"Months away from you was hell" Humphrey tolled Kate as she jokingly rolled her eyes.
"Well you certainly got an Alpha's mouth on you" Kate teased.
"I got other alpha things to..." Humphrey grinned and raised his eyebrows.
"Humphrey!" Kate giggled.
"What Kate , I meant a new set of hunting skills" Humphrey laughed.
Kate licked Humphrey's face and he licked her back.
"Do that again and you will not like where it's going next " A new all to painful and familar voice yelled.
"Eve" Humphrey said getting up.
"You two aren't even married yet" Eve scolded them as she walked towards them.
"Mom" Kate sighed.
" Wow Eve seems you got self control while I was gone" Humphrey smiled weakly.
"Don't push it you!" Eve barked making Humphrey take a few steps back. " I just can't see my daughter upset". Humphrey looked apologetic at Kate. " I really really REALLY hate to say it but welcome back " She whispered.
"Thanks Eve" Humphrey smiled.
" Well I am a mother" Eve said matter of factly. Humphrey looked at Kate and shook his head slightly.
"Umm you two should go to the Den Winston wants to talk to you Humphrey about the change of command" Eve said almost sadly. Humphrey nodded at the command . He Knew that once He married Kate officially he would become Alpha leader. He was nervous but knew his training would kick in.
Humphrey remembered his and Kate's secret wedding.
The Sun shined on their secret spot in the forest. The spot was gaurded by a circle of pine trees they wanted to be alone. Kate stepped toward Humphrey his fur groomed and His eyes like the sky. Humphrey gazed into her brown eyes and knew he had no doubt he was with the one he loved. She looked at him , she couldn't help but smile . She could be with the one she loved. They exchanged their vows not breaking eye contact. Then when the time was right they touched noses and closed their eyes, not breaking away for along time .
Humphrey could'nt be happier he was back where he belonged but to him as long as he was with Kate he was Home.
Later after the meeting Humphrey strolled in the cool night air . The meeting went well he thought . He was told that Kate , Garth , Lilly and Him were after Their weddings to officially move to the leader positions. Winston said he needed this retirement as much as Humphrey needed his training.
Humphrey walked towards their den to find Kate waiting for him anxiously.
"Hi Humphrey" Kate said excitedly to her love.
"Hi Kate" Humphrey smiled at her.
Kate moved towards him and began to kiss him. She kissed him and nuzzled him and licked him. Humphrey enjoyed it but then began to shift uncomfortably.
"Kate " She stopped "Is something wrong" He asked
"No why would their be ?" She resumed kissing him.
" Kate what is it ?" Humphrey said breaking free from her.
"Well I just thought that since the packs united their is more food so we need more wolves to hunt " Kate said clearly not the whole story.
" Oh I get it you want to recruit rogues I understand they can be a tough bunch" Humphrey said falsely relieved
"No Humphrey I was thinking..." Kate whispered
"Yeah go on.." Humphrey said nodding his head.
" That you and me should have.."Kate said looking down.
"What Kate?" Humphrey asked .
"...puppies" Kate finnaly spat out . Humphrey stopped , his heart skipped a beat. He shut his mouth tight.
" You want ..." He finnaly shook from his lips with no trace of emotion.
"Yes ...Please Humphrey!" She begged.
Humphrey looked at her , she was beatiful he wanted her so bad. Then Humphrey did something he didn't think he could ever do to Kate .
"No..." He said coldly.
"Wha...what" She asked tears forming in her eyes.
"Kate I ... I can't Kate I'm not ready to be a father " Humphrey pleaded with her.
"It's me isn't it ?' tears streaming down her face.
"no no kate its me please understand Kate" Humphrey begged.
"no I don't need to " She shook her head and turned .
"Kate Come Back" He yelled at her as she walked away.
"Kate Please!" Humphrey now sobbing .
She didn't turn around as she kept walking towards her parent's den.
"Kate Please!" He cried to her .
Kate slept in her mothers's den and gently cried her self to sleep.
Chapter 7: Reasons
Humphrey moved through the trees, the rest of his patrol squad close by . He scanned the forest with sharpened skill looking for a sign of hostiles.
"Hutch you got anything?" Humphrey asked with a commanding whisper.
"No sir" Hutch shook his head as he looked around for anything.
"All right fan out and report back to the rendezvous when you find anything" Humphrey said rising from his camouflage. "Sir!" The squad said quickly and broke from his sight. "I really hope they don't find anything" Humphrey thought to himself.
Humphrey hadn't gotten very much sleep over the next few days. His shattered relationship with Kate wasn't easy when she was his second in command. He definitely needed to talk to her, but felt he could not for the damage was done. Humphrey felt his heart ice over and he became very solemn and performed his job. He realized that he was becoming Hutch to his fear. He put together hunting patrols for the morning and returned to his vacant den.
"I miss you Kate so so so much!" Humphrey said to himself tears pouring down his face not realizing they were. He needed her as much as he hoped she needed him. He just couldn't fulfill her wish. He didn't know quite why he just was not ready to be a father. Humphrey dreamt that she would scream in pain during child birth, her scream pierced his ears. She begged him to end her misery and Humphrey couldn't he ... he just watched her bleed out from the complications. He did nothing but watch in the nightmare and that scared him.
Humphrey woke up early and walked to the squad's meeting place, his mind unfocused. Kate was already there and he looked at her with a face of stone.
"Morning" Humphrey said quietly to her. He could tell she had been crying.
"Morning" She answered back just as soft.
"Sir Sir!" Candu came running.
"It's its Hutch sirs" He said panting acknowledging Kate.
"What is It Candu?" Humphrey asked instantly attentive.
"He's gone!" Candu said upset.
Humphrey looked at Kate her eyes full of worry.
"When was the last seen" Humphrey asked.
"Well he was with the squad yesterday" Candu answered.
"Send out a search party ... NOW!" Humphrey yelled.
"Sir" Candu quickly nodded and ran away.
Humphrey looked at Kate before walking away.
Kate walked alone through the northern most point of the forest. Tears gently streamed down her face. Words could not describe the way she missed Humphrey. She needed him like air she said lostly. She continued walking aimlessly until she heard a twig snap. Her ears snapped forward as she moved into a defensive stance.
"Hey easy easy Kate it's me John" The large alpha stepped towards her.
"Oh sorry hello john" Kate said relieved, recognizing him as one of the packs best hunter.
He was very strong and very smart also not to bad looking at all.
"Hi Kate" John said innocently.
"What are you doing out here John?' Kate asked, nobody came out here.
"I could ask the same" John said smiling.
"I just needed some space..." Kate spoke hoping he couldn't see her eyes.
"From Humphrey right?'' John asked with an odd look.
"John I don't think that's any of your business" Kate said trying to be nice.
"Oh okay sorry it's just that you two don't seem to talk that much anymore" He said with a frown.
"John what are you doing out here?'' She asked nobody came out here.
"Lovely day isn't it" John said ignoring her question. " excuse me for a moment " He said jogging into the bushes. Kate was interested in what John went to do so she followed him.
She came upon a small clearing with dead grass.
"John what are you?" Kate asked as she looked at John.
Between John's jaws was a black wolf. It's neck bloody and torn. The poor thing was very clearly dead.
"John what are you doing?" Kate asked now scared. John turned around surprised at her voice.
"Kate what did I say!" John yelled angrily.
Kate ignored him, "John is that ... Is that Karen?" Kate asked looking at Hutch's now dead sister in John's jaws. "John ... John you killed her didn't you?'" Kate asked shaking.
"There's no one her Kate...no one to help you" John said letting go of Karen.
"Why John why did you do it?" Kate asked backing away slowly.
"Well Kate it's just that when I ask for something I get what I want" John smirked.
Suddenly it made sense to Kate why John hadn't taken a mate yet.
"John you didn't please tell me you didn't? "Kate pleaded.
"Oh I certainly did Kate and I'm going to do the same to you then I'll kill you" John said evilly moving towards her.
"No!" She yelled and slashed his face spraying blood drops onto her.
"I like them rough" John said as he grabbed her and pushed her down onto the ground.
John held her down, still struggling, and he kissed her laughing.
"I love how they squirm and plead!" John laughed trying to force her legs open.
Kate cried and begged for him to stop while also scratching and biting him. He was too strong for her she quickly found.
"Please John don't!" Kate begged crying.
"Here we go!" John said laughing as he prepared to do the dark deed her legs weak and open.
"GET OFF HER YOU FREAK!" Humphrey yelled tackling John off of her.
"Humphrey Thank you thank you" Kate said crying.
"I am going to kill you!" Humphrey yelled his eyes seeing red.
Humphrey pushed John down as he tore at his face his teeth a blaze. The two struggled , John's stronger body getting very close to overpowering him. John's teeth were almost at Humphrey's throat , a wicked look in his eyes.
" Oh this is good fun! " John laughed as he pushed harder on Humphrey's throat.
"Heres some fun!" Humphrey yelled pushing off John and ripping into his face.
The slash ripped through Johns eye and his entire left side of his face. John fell back in pain , the wound sprayed blood onto Humphrey's face. John jumped up still screaming and ran from Humphrey , his wound still bleeding.
Humphrey shaking with anger , wanted to chase him and choke him and and ... he could'nt . His anger died as he looked at Kate . She needed him now. He'd sent a kill team for John later.
" Hey Kate I'm here" Humphrey said ignoring his wounds.
She moved into his warm embrace. Humphrey wrapped around her and comforted her, Kate cried into his shoulder her tears soaking his fur.
"It's okay Kate I'm here" Humphrey whispered to her,
"I'm here and I'm not going to leave you"
Chapter 8: Doubts
Humphrey woke up with Kate's head on his chest, her gentle breathing soothed him. He looked at her, the morning light giving her a glow. He didn't want to leave but someone needed to hunt. He sighed after a few minutes of watching her and gently rested her head on the soft leaves. He didn't want to wake her, she needed her sleep after the John incident yesterday. He gave a last look at Kate and left the den.
Humphrey's reunion with Kate wasn't what he expected. They didn't talk much, he just held her as she sobbed in his embrace. He still needed to tell Winston and Eve what John tried to do and that he was a traitor and needed to be dealt with. Humphrey didn't know how to tell them about Karen much less Hutch. Hutch didn't have anyone except for Karen; it would kill Humphrey to have to tell him.
With the fresh kill back at home he felt he needed to tell Winston and Eve now before they found out from Kate. He walked slowly to their den trying to figure what to say, but everything he came up with seemed wrong. He took a deep breath and walked into the den.
"Winston, Eve may I speak to you?" Humphrey asked the two who were having a conversation.
"Yes Humphrey what is it? Having my daughter run back to you after making her cry wasn't enough?' Eve asked him. Humphrey didn't blink.
"Yes Humphrey what do you need? Have you found Hutch and John yet?" Winston asked moving closer to him.
"That's actually why I am here" Humphrey stammered. The two older wolves moved closer.
"Yes go on?" Eve said nodding.
"Yesterday, Kate went into the forest to clear her thoughts..." Humphrey said trying to sound strong. Eve and Winston just listened.
"She ran into John and ..." Humphrey said to them their eyes locked with his.
"John left her and she followed him and found found ...Karen'' Humphrey said still looking at their eyes.
'' Oh that's great! Where are they?" Eve asked smiling. This was harder than Humphrey imagined.
"John Killed her …." Humphrey said after a pause.
"What!" Eve and Winston asked simultaneously.
"He killed her after he um…" Humphrey trailed.
"After he what?" Eve asked tears forming in her eyes.
"He umm" The words caught in his throat. "He forced her to …" Humphrey said quietly .
"He forced her to mate with him and then he killed her" Humphrey shook out .
" Then he tried to do the same to Kate but I stopped him" Humphrey said trying to point the brightside out.
Humphrey half expected Eve to go balistic , screaming and yelling but that was'nt what she did at all. Eve stood still , tears flowed from her eyes.
"My daughter he he tried to ..." Eve said burying her face in Winston's shoulder.
"I can't believe John would, he was such a good hunter , I trusted him ... I swear I'll kill him" Winston said upset and very angry.
"I trained him" Eve coughed " I should have known".
"John was always weird , he ...he never seemed interested in a mate but was very angry around girls." Wintson said with angry eyes.
" If he comes near Kate or anyone I'll kill him , I wish I did" Humphrey said coldly.
"Thank you Humphrey for protecting my daughter" Eve said giving him a lick on the cheek.
" Oh yes Ma'am" Humphrey said surprised by Eve's affection. "I'll give my life for her" Humphrey said strongly.
" Thank you Humphrey for telling us , me and Eve need to talk about this alone" Winston said.
"Yes sir " Humphrey said leaving their den.
Humphrey walked towards the Alpha's stream for a drink where Garth and some others waited .
" Hey look who it is The new "Alpha " now" Garth laughed with the others .
" So tell me Humphrey How come you get your so high up ? I've been an Alpha since birth and you, well your still an omega! " Garth said getting up.
" I'm not an omega Garth , I'm an Alpha now for Kate but I'll never forget who I was and who I am" Humprhey said trying to ignore him.
" Alpha huh? so why does Winston let you lead squads more than me ? Is it cause your screwing his daughter" Garth smiled looking at his friends.
"Shut up Garth or I'll show you why I'm an alpha now" Humphrey said growling.
The two wolves locked eyes with eachother , bearing their teeth. Humphrey's new muscles shaking. Humphrey's size was now equal with Garth , both of them very strong.
" Tough guy ! Go ahead try something punk!" Garth barked.
Humphrey's rage boiled through him. He wanted to hurt Garth , make him bleed.
Humphrey prepared himself for a fight.
" Get out of here Humphrey go back to that loose girlfriend of yours" . That blew it, Humphrey tackled Garth.
" Don't you dare call her that !" Humphrey said hitting Garth. The two struggled the anger between them palpable. Humphrey felt his anger move his jaws around Garth's neck. Humphrey's new strength and training easily overpowering Garth's mad state.
"Humphrey STOP!" Kate yelled at him. Humphrey Immediately cooled off and got off of Garth.
" Yeah sorry Kate" Humphrey said walking towards her. " Lets go" Humphrey said nodding.
"Oh and Garth!" Humphrey said to the red wolf as he got to his feet. "thats why I'am an Alpha" He said as the to walked to their den.
That night Humphrey let Kate cuddle up with him her head on his chest . Her gentle breathing calmed him.
Thing had'nt been totally fixed yet but at least she was with him.
Chapter 9: Kate's New Feeling
Kate woke up alone, Humphrey's spot vacant but still warm. She scolded herself for not waking up early, even though today she was off she still liked waking up on time. She liked the peace and the quietness that remained over the park in the early morning . With a yawn she rose from her spot and stretched.
Today seemed like any other day but for her it was somehow different. She wondered what it could be but she needed food more than an answer, so she walked out of the den and made her way to breakfast.
A few of the other alphas had already caught breakfast and were already digging in. The said hello to Kate and paid very close attention as she ate.
"Is my fur messed up?" Kate thought to herself. She was used to attention, but eventually their eyes bothered her and she wanted to leave.
"Um I'll see you guys later" Kate said almost annoyed as she walked away.
The others looked at her walk away.
''Is she?" One wolf asked another.
"Definitely!" The other wolf answered with a smirk.
Kate decided to talk with her mother who she hoped would clear things up.
She strolled by their den and poked her head in.
"Hey Mom! "She said greeting her mother.
"Hello Dear!" Eve exclaimed as she walked over to greet her daughter.
"Hi mom " She said giving her mother a quick hug.
"Um mom "Kate said pulling away." I have a question "Kate said.
"What is it dear?" Eve asked, enjoying the feeling of being needed.
"Umm Mom I'm feeling a little weird ... do you know what it could be?" Kate asked her mom with a soft look. The question caught Eve off guard, she felt lost to words.
"Um what do you mean weird Kate?" Eve asked with concern.
"I don't know I just feel like I have a fever or an itch" Kate asked turning away.
"Oh no!" Eve thought. "This is to soon not now!" Eve shook her head.
"Um Kate it might be a fever you should go cool off in a stream, Oh I know there is one behind the feeding spot its very enclosed for privacy" Eve hated lying to her daughter. She really didn't know why she did she just didn't want her to be used or looked at or worse.
"Go Kate, go wash" Eve said giving her daughter a hug.
"Thanks mom" Kate said giving her a lick on the cheek and turned to leave.
After she was gone Eve sat to herself and felt upset. She didn't want to have to lie; Kate was about that age when it started to happen to Eve. Eve's parents weren't supportive and she had to deal with the stares, the sniffs and the constant badgering from the males without any help.
Winston had saved her from all the suitors and made her happy. She only wished Kate didn't have to go through that with Humphrey around. "Mm mm who would have thought Humphrey?" she thought. She had learned to like the young wolf and it made her happy that he made Kate happy.
She hoped he would protect her and keep her away from everyone else. She didn't have to like the thought of what they would do together but she knew he was best for her. But so help her if Humphrey made Kate do it or used her. She knew in that situation she would kill him, she knew she would.
Kate walked to the stream freshly made from the melted snow with the summer heat. It shined with the sun and formed a small pool just its surface lay just under Kate's knees. Kate took a drink and then proceeded to clean herself. The cold water felt good on her fur as she rinsed it, cleaning out dirt and bits of grass from her perfect pelt. She dunked her head into the water to rinse her face; the chilled water refreshed her and woke her up. After a while she decided she needed air and pulled up, the warm sun's sudden rays heating up her face.
"Why am I still warm?" Kate thought to herself as she shook her fur dry. Kate stopped, she was being watched. Her eyes scanned the bushes for anyone.
"You come out here!" Kate yelled, angry that she was spied on.
"Um sorry Kate but would you want me to join you?" the annoying, "ladies man" Kurt said stepping out from his place.
"Back off pig " Kate said turning her head. Kurt ignored her and got closer.
Kate flinched at the advancement that brought bad memories back.
"Oh come on Kate it's no secret that you're ..." Kurt said grinning.
"That I'm what Kurt?" Kate growled.
"You're in heat and Humphrey's not around so what do you say?" Kurt said licking his lips.
''I'm in... Heat, is it really that noticeable?" Kate thought very conflicted.
"Get out of here Kurt you know I'm with Humphrey" Kate said showing her teeth.
"Oh please Kate the whole pack well all the guys know except for Humphrey that you're in heat and we all know he won't so why can't I?" Kurt said pushing his boundaries.
"Kurt gets the heck out of here!" a new voice boomed.
"Not you again!" Kurt mumbled at the new comer.
"Hi Alan" Kate said gladly recognizing one of her alpha school mates.
Alan with his dark gray fur and matching eyes walked in between Kurt and Kate. His size matching Garth. Kate liked Alan, he was a good sparring partner and he was always calm.
"Kurt leaves please...now" Alan said his voice emotionless and his eyes locked with Kurt.
Winston had once said Alan could win an argument with his eyes; Kate never knew what he meant until now.
"Kurt I'm not going to ask you again" Alan said moving closer to Kurt.
Kurt grumbled and tried to look mean, Alan didn't budge.
Kurt realizing he was defeated shook his head.
"Forget you guys'' Kurt said slouching away. He mumbled something under his breath as he disappeared into his hiding spot.
"Umm Thanks Alan but I could have handled it myself" Kate said trying to keep calm .
" Sure Kate I have been meaning to talk to you" Alan said he eyes stabbing her.
" About what ? " Kate said trying to return the gaze.
" Well I don't mean to push but with Hutch gone I was wondering ..." Alan said growing quiet.
" Oh so this is what he wants ... makes sense Alan is smarter, stronger and faster than Kurt but I'm forever Humphrey's "
The scowl on Kate's face told Alan what she thought he meant .
"Oh no no Kate not that " Alan said embarassed. " I' mean if you would have me I was wondering if I could be your and Humphrey's Lieutenant". He stopped wondering if he had gone to far.
" I don't want to replace Hutch it's just well he is gone and you do need help" Alan said looking hopeful.
"OH Um well I have to wait till the wedding when Humphrey , Garth , Lilly and I receive the Alpha leader's duties, but I'll consider it " Kate said smiling.
"But honestly Alan I can't think of somebody better for the job".
" R..really ... thanks Kate ! I won't let you down !" Alan said trying to contain his excitement.
" Hold on their cowboy, just because you have my vote does not mean everybody is already cool with it so..." Kate said with a sly grin.
"Ummm cowboy?" Alan said puzzled.
"Don't worry about it " Kate said with a laugh.
" Well thanks for your vote Kate !" He said turning around to leave.
"Oh Alan wait umm is it that noticable? " Kate said embarassed.
" What do you mean Kate " Alan said.
"You know ..." Kate said with a come on really ? glance.
" Oh whew umm..." Alan's face as red as an apple. " A little ..." he finnaly answered
Kate's face grew red.
"But hey Kate your the boss don't let them get to you" Alan said comfroting her. Alan was kind that way.
" Thanks Alan" She said happily.
"Always " he said with a bow and left.
Kate's talk with Alan had calmed things but she still felt the eyes and the sniffs . One wolf was lucky if he still had a nose after one of his sniffs got a little to close for Kate.
The cold bath had'nt lasted long as Kate soon felt the itch return. As she came to the den she hoped Humphrey was their to talk to .
"Hi Humphrey " Kate said giving the gray wolf a lick on the face.
" Hey Kate did you bathe in honey ? " Humphrey said giving her a return lick.
"Ha no" She said as she nuzzled him.
" Then why do you smell amazing ?'' He said returning the affection.
" Because Humphrey I'm in heat" She said to him in a whisper.
Humphrey paused unsure.
" Your hot ? " He said confused , the day was warm but with the night it was quickly cooling.
"You could say that " she hummed giving him a lick across his chest.
" Well Kate we could go get a drink ?" Humphrey said clueless.
" Oh no , Humphrey dose'nt know or his he just immune to anything new? Oh come on". Kate thought frustrated.
" No Humphrey let's just go to bed" She said giving up.
" Alrighty then" Humphrey said still confused but laid down anyway.
"You know Kate you can tell me anything"
" I know thanks"
" I love you Kate" He said embracing her.
" I love you to Humphrey" . Kate whispered .
Chapter 10: Not Out Yet
Not Available Yet...
