Alpha And Omega: Dept Paid With Blood

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...

Alpha And Omega: Humphrey's Nightmare

Chapter 1: The Nightmare

Humphrey was running as fast as his legs could carry him. I have to find Kate, I have to find Kate, Humphrey kept telling himself in his mind. She's gonna get herself killed, I just know it.
Humphrey ran up a long hill, and was starting to get tired. The pounding rain wasn't helping much either, as Humphrey slipped back down the hill,. He panted heavily, his aching chest called for him to rest, but he daren't stop, for fear that it might cost Kate her life. Humphrey sprinted back up the hill.
At the top of the hill, Humphrey stopped and looked across the long field in front of him, and managed to make out a figure in the distance. It's Kate! Humphrey thought in relief. Thank God I found her or…BANG! Humphrey's thought was interrupted by a loud shot that ripped through the air. Humphrey's relief soon turned to fear as he saw the figure of Kate fall to the ground. Humphrey sprinted across the field to where Kate was. Humphrey saw her, laying backside down with a pool of blood seeping out from underneath her, she had her paw held over her stomach.
"Kate! No!" Humphrey cried as he fell to Kate's side, panting heavily. "What happened?" Humphrey asked, concerned.
"Hunter…shot me. I managed to bite his hand…scare him away."
"Where are you hurt?" Humphrey asked.
"My…stomach." Kate weakly managed to say.
Humphrey lifted up Kate's paw which was covering her stomach and saw a massive gunshot wound, blood leaking out of it.
"Let me get help." Humphrey told her.
"No…it's too late for that now. I won't make it." Kate told him.
"I can't just let you die like this!" Humphrey said, feeling completely helpless.
"There's nothing you can do. Humphrey, you were right, I shouldn't have come out here, it was a stupid thing to do. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry, don't ever be sorry. You haven't done anything wrong." Humphrey told her, as he held her paw in his paws.
Kate coughed. "Humphrey...I love you."
"I love you too." Humphrey declared. "Kate, please don't go. I need you. I can't live without you."
"Humphrey…Goodbye…" Kate said, and with that, Kate had died. Humphrey let her paw fall to the ground, and cried uncontrollably into her fur.
Humphrey awoke with a gasp. He quickly looked around, and saw the familiar surroundings of his and Kate's den. Humphrey looked to his side, and saw Kate curled up in a ball, sleeping peacefully. It was just a nightmare, a horrible, horrible nightmare. Humphrey thought. That felt so real though. Humphrey put his paw to his eyes, he had indeed been crying. Yeah... very real. Humphrey thought. After a few minutes, Humphrey managed to calm down, and tried to get back to sleep.

Chapter 2: There's A Hunter About

Humphrey couldn't sleep that night. That graphic image of Kate dying was burned into his mind, and he just couldn't shake it off. It seemed so real. Humphrey kept thinking. Humphrey looked over at Kate, who was waking up, she yawned and stretched out.
"Morning Humphrey." Kate greeted him.
"Morning Kate." Humphrey greeted back.
"It's rare that you're up this early, normally it's me who wakes you up." Kate said.
Should I tell her about that nightmare? Nah, it might upset her. I don't want to do that.
"Well, I had a bad dream." Humphrey told her.
"What happened?" Kate asked.
"Well," Humphrey began, trying to make something up, "I dreamt that Balto hypnotised you again and made you rip my head off." Humphrey lied. That sounded…good. Humphrey thought.
"Oh Humphrey, that Balto business is behind us now. You don't need to worry about that happening again." Kate told him.
I hope not, Humphrey shuddered at the thought of what Balto could do if he came back.
"You're right, I've been worrying too much, the whole thing just shook me up a little bit." Humphrey said.
"Oh you poor thing." Kate said sympathetically. She hugged him, and Humphrey smiled for the first time today.
"Thanks Kate, it helps." Humphrey told the truth this time. Some love from Kate was always enough to cheer him up whenever he was feeling down.
"So Kate, what are you doing today?" Humphrey asked.
"Nothing much, just this Alpha meeting I have to go to this morning." Kate said.
"Mind if I tag along?" Humphrey asked.
"Not at all. I could use the company." Kate said. "You ready to go now?" Kate asked.
"Yeah, let's go." Humphrey said.
Humphrey and Kate walked out of their den, the glowing sun disoriented Humphrey for a second, him having being staring at the dark most of the night. Humphrey turned to Kate.
"Kate, you know I love you more than anything else right?"
"Of course Humphrey, and I feel exactly the same way." Kate told him.
For some reason Humphrey felt he had to let Kate know that. That nightmare's starting to have an effect on me. Come on it was only just a nightmare, it's not like Kate's really going to die or anything like that. I'm just being stupid. Everything's going to be fine. Humphrey tried to reassure himself.
As Humphrey and Kate came into the field where the meeting was being held, they could see Kate's father, Winston, talking to several other Alpha wolves.
"Looks like we're a little late." Kate said.
"Looks like it." Humphrey said.
"…there has also been a reporting of a hunter in the area…" Winston was saying to the Alpha wolves.
Humphrey eyes widened at the word "hunter". He remembered back to the nightmare.
"Hunter…shot me." Humphrey remembered Kate saying in that vivid nightmare.
"I would like to remind you all not to approach this hunter, as they are extremely dangerous." Winston told the wolves.
No, no, no. It's just a coincidence, a big coincidence. Humphrey thought worriedly.
Humphrey heard Kate scoff. "I could take on a hunter any day, I'm not scared of them." Kate declared to no one in particular.
"Well I don't know Kate, hunters are quite dangerous, so I think it's best to just stay out of their way." Humphrey told her.
"Oh come on Humphrey, they can't do anything to the top Alpha in the pack." Kate cockily said, pointing to herself.
Did that nightmare mean something? Humphrey asked himself. Is it something that's actually going to happen?
"Well I guess you could take a hunter on, but I wouldn't go out attacking one if I were you." Humphrey cautioned her.
"Oh Humphrey, I wouldn't do anything like that. I'm just saying I could defend myself from one, if the eventuality arose." Kate told him.
Thank God, Humphrey thought. Maybe this nightmare won't come true after all. But Humphrey still felt very uncertain, maybe I'll stay with Kate for a while so she doesn't make any rash decisions.

Chapter 3: Deja Vu

"Humphrey…Goodbye…"
Humphrey awoke again. He'd been having the same nightmare for a few nights now, and it was really getting to him. What does that nightmare mean? Could Kate actually...die?
"Humphrey."
Humphrey turned to see Kate looking at him.
"Kate? What are you doing up?" Humphrey asked.
"You were talking in your sleep." Kate said. "It woke me up."
"Oh, sorry." Humphrey said apologetically.
"No, no, it's okay." Kate said. "Humphrey, what were you dreaming about?" Kate asked.
"Oh, nothing important." Humphrey lied.
"Don't lie to me Humphrey. It sounded really horrible. What was it about?" Kate asked.
Looks like I have to tell her now, Humphrey thought.
"Well," Humphrey began, "I had this nightmare where, I found you lying in the middle of a field, you had been shot by a hunter, and you said you shouldn't have gone out there, and I was right, and you were wrong about something. And then you, died." Humphrey finished.
Kate looked shocked. "Is this the first time this nightmare has happened? Kate asked.
"Yeah." Humphrey lied.
"Well maybe it's linked to the whole hunter thing that's been going on lately, maybe the thought about the hunter being around just got its way into your dreams. It's probably nothing to worry about." Kate told him.
Nothing to worry about? You have to be kidding me. Humphrey thought.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Humphrey falsely agreed.
"Hey, cheer up Humphrey, you've not been acting like your usual self lately." Kate said.
Kate was right, Humphrey hadn't been his usual self lately. He never cracked any jokes, and just spent the days quietly watching Kate everywhere she went, making sure she didn't get into any trouble.
"I don't know what's gotten into me, I've just been feeling a little down lately." Humphrey said.
"Why don't you get some sleep, maybe that'll help." Kate suggested.
"Yeah." Humphrey said. He closed his eyes. "Goodnight Kate." Humphrey said.
"Goodnight Humphrey" Kate said.
"I love you." Humphrey said.
"I love you too." Kate said.
Humphrey finally managed to fall asleep, where exactly the same grisly scene presented itself yet again.

Chapter 4: Knight In Shining Armor

Chapter Four: Knight In Shining Armour
Humphrey was beginning to get tired of it now. Every time he slept, he suffered that grisly nightmare. Humphrey awoke, and looked around like he always did. Only this time, where Kate would usually be sleeping, there was an empty space.
"Kate?" Humphrey called. "Kate, where are you?" Humphrey shouted as he walked out of their den. He saw Kate, just a few metres away from the den talking to a brown wolf who he recognised as Garth. Humphrey ran over to them. "Kate, what's going on?" Humphrey asked.
"You mean you don't know?" Garth asked.
"No Garth, opposed to what you may think, I can't read minds." Humphrey replied in annoyance. Humphrey never really took much of a liking to Garth, Humphrey found him to be full of himself, and a show-off. Humphrey found it difficult to believe that Kate was originally supposed to actually marry him. Lucky for Humphrey that fell through.
"Well, that hunter was sighted nearby your den, you're very lucky I managed to scare him away, otherwise you and Kate would have ended up dead." Garth informed him.
"My knight in shining armor." Humphrey remarked. Kate laughed.
"That's more like the Humphrey I know." Kate said, pleased to see that Humphrey had appeared to be back to his old, happy, care-free self. But Humphrey was far from happy and care-free at the moment. Even though Humphrey was cracking a joke at the incident that had just happened, deep down he was grateful that Garth had stepped in and stopped those hunters from killing them both.
Thinking about it…me and Kate could have died if it weren't for Garth. Thanks Garth. Humphrey silently thanked him. I owe you one, well, half of one.
"Where'd the hunter go?" Humphrey asked Garth.
"I'm not sure, he's still somewhere in the area though." Garth informed him.
Humphrey remembered the nightmare again. If they're still around, then that nightmare could still become a reality. Humphrey thought fearfully.
"Thanks for the extremely specific information, "Barf"." Humphrey called Garth by his little nickname he had made up for him.
"You know I don't like it when you call me that. It makes me very angry." Garth said threateningly.
"Oh I'm really scared, Kate, protect me from the big, mean Alpha." Humphrey said, cowering behind Kate, pretending to be scared of Garth.
"I don't have time for this, I'll see you round Kate." Garth said, and he walked off.
"Yeah, see you later, "Barf"!" Humphrey called after him. No matter how troubled Humphrey was, he could always find time to make fun of Garth.
"Maybe you were a little too harsh on him Humphrey." Kate said.
"Oh come on Kate, it's Garth, he wouldn't get upset if his own mate got shot." Humphrey said.
BANG! A loud shot ripped through the air. Humphrey yelped in fright.
"Where'd that come from?" Humphrey asked.
Kate tried to determine where the noise came from. "It sounded like it came from…" Kate realised something horrible, "Lilly and Garth's den." Kate finished. She sprinted off.
"Kate, wait for me!" Humphrey called after her. He ran off to catch up with her.
Humphrey had a very bad feeling about this.

Chapter 5: Hunter Attack

When Humphrey and Kate arrived at Lilly and Garth's den, they could already tell what had happened. "Oh no." Kate cried as she saw Garth stood over the body of Kate's younger sister Lilly, who was unconscious. The side of Lilly's body, normally covered with snow-white fur had been dyed red with blood. Garth saw Kate approaching. "Is she dead?" Kate asked, looking extremely concerned.
"No." Garth replied. "She hasn't been hit anywhere serious, the bullet cut through her side. She'll be alright."
Humphrey joined Kate by her side. "Oh my God. Let me guess…hunter, right?" Humphrey asked Garth.
"Yes. He just took off when I showed up, looks like he remembered me from earlier." Garth told him. "I'll kill him for this." Garth said coldly.
"Not if I get to him first." Kate said vengefully.
"Kate, you shouldn't go up against that hunter. Something bad is gonna happen." Humphrey told her.
"Shut up Humphrey. I could take on a whole of group of hunters right now." Kate said.
Humphrey finally knew for certain, the nightmare was turning into a reality. She's going to go out there, and get herself killed.
"You can't! It's too dangerous!" Humphrey tried to convince her.
"I can take care of myself Humphrey! I don't need you!" Kate shouted at him.
That comment stung. But Humphrey knew deep down she didn't mean it, she was angry, and Humphrey couldn't blame her, given the circumstances.
"You know you don't mean that." Humphrey said.
"I know what exactly what I mean, and I know exactly what I'm going to do! I'm going to kill that hunter!" Kate shouted.
"You can't!" Humphrey argued.
"And why not?" Kate asked, challenging him.
"Because I know for a fact that if you go out there, you're going to get yourself killed!" Humphrey said.
Kate didn't listen, and turned away from Humphrey and started walking away from him.
"How do you think I'd feel if you died?" Humphrey asked. Kate turned around and faced him.
"Humphrey, I'm not going to die! Get that through your thick skull!" Kate shouted at him.
"How do you know?" Humphrey was shouting now.
"Watch me." And with that, Kate sprinted off in search of the hunters.
She's dead, she's going to die. And there's nothing I can do about it. Humphrey thought helplessly. Garth approached Humphrey.
"She needs you." Garth said, and for once, Garth had said something that made sense to him.
"More than you know." Humphrey said.
"Not that much." Garth replied.
Humphrey smiled, and took off in search of Kate, and as he sprinted across fields and through the forest, he knew one thing, Kate was going to die.
But not today. Humphrey thought.

Chapter 6: Reality

The weather had taken a turn for the worse, grey clouds had formed in the sky, and rain started to pound the ground, just like in Humphrey's nightmare. Humphrey approached the field that he recognised too well from his nightmare. I have to find Kate. I have to find Kate, Humphrey kept telling himself, just like in the nightmare. She's gonna get herself killed, I just know it. I have to get there before it happens. Humphrey thought. Humphrey ran up the hill, although this time, he was careful, and didn't slip down the hill, giving him precious time to save Kate from her demise. He'd learnt a lot from his nightmare.
Humphrey didn't stop at the top of the hill like in his nightmare, and kept sprinting across the long field. His chest ached horribly. I'm not cut out for this. Humphrey thought tiredly.
He could see Kate's figure in the distance, he saw the figure of a hunter, aiming his shotgun at Kate, he saw Kate getting ready to pounce and attack the hunter, Humphrey finally reached Kate and jumped into the air, and pushed Kate out of the way while she was in midair. The shotgun fired, and Humphrey fell to the ground, unconscious, he had got hit instead of Kate.
Kate landed on the ground, and saw Humphrey lying backside down with a pool of blood seeping out from underneath him. Her eyes widened in shock, she attacked the hunter, and bit down on his hand as hard as she could, the hunter screamed in pain and dropped his shotgun, he then turned and ran away, clutching his hand.
Kate immediately came to Humphrey's side, and stared in disbelief at Humphrey's motionless body. He…saved me. If it weren't for Humphrey I would have died. Kate realised.
"Humphrey!" Kate cried, shaking him. "Come on Humphrey, wake up! You were right. I shouldn't have come out here. It was a stupid thing to do. I'm sorry." Kate apologised. "Please Humphrey, I need you!" Kate declared.
This is all my fault. If only I'd listened to him, he'd be alive. Kate thought. She looked at Humphrey, she let out a sob, and started crying uncontrollably into his fur, heartbroken.
"It's not fair! It's not fair!" Kate repeated, as she continued to cry into Humphrey's fur.
Kate had no idea how long she cried for. But she finally stopped, and after one long last look at Humphrey's body, Kate walked away, her tail brushed past Humphrey's nose as she walked away.
"Kate…that tickles."
Kate's eyes widened in disbelief, and she turned around. She saw Humphrey, eyes open, staring at her.
"Hey." Humphrey greeted her.
"Humphrey…you're…you're…alive!" Kate screamed with delight. Kate ran back to his side.
"Are you okay?" Kate asked.
"I've felt better." Humphrey replied.
"I thought I'd lost you." Kate told him.
"I've thought the same thing about you a few times now." Humphrey told her.
"Humphrey, I'm sorry for saying I didn't need you. I didn't mean it. Of course I need you." Kate said.
"I know you didn't mean it, I can't blame you either, you were in a rage, what with Lilly being attacked and all." Humphrey said.
"Oh my God, Lilly!" Kate said. "I almost forgot about her."
"Let's go check on her then." Humphrey said.
"Are you sure?" Kate asked.
"Yeah, you know I'm fine." Humphrey told her.
"Can you get up? You look pretty hurt." Kate asked, looking at the pool of blood around Humphrey's body.
"I'll try." Humphrey said. Humphrey rolled over slowly, and tried to get up with difficulty. Kate saw a massive wound across the middle of his back, blood all around it.
"Looks like it only cut through you." Kate observed.
"Yeah." Humphrey said, wincing slightly in pain. "Wow, those hunters really have lousy aims." Humphrey said with a smile.
Kate laughed. "You look a little more cheery." Kate observed.
"Well, there's a reason for that." Humphrey told her.
"What?" Kate asked.
"It's a bit of a long story." Humphrey said.
"How about you tell it to me on the way back?" Kate suggested.
"Okay." Humphrey said.
They started walking, and Humphrey told her the whole story about his nightmare.

Chapter 7: Peace At Last

Humphrey and Kate had reached Lilly and Garth's den. Humphrey had just finished explaining to Kate the story behind his nightmare.
"So that's why you were so fixed on stopping me from going up against the hunter." Kate said.
"Yep, sounds pretty far fetched doesn't it?" Humphrey asked.
"A little bit, but all dreams have a meaning don't they? Perhaps the meaning of yours was to save me from being killed by the hunter." Kate said.
"Maybe it was." Humphrey agreed. It made sense to him, that's for sure, after what he'd been through.
Humphrey and Kate entered Lilly and Garth's den. A concerned Garth was looking over Lilly, who was curled up in a ball, no longer unconscious.
"Are you sure there's nothing you need?" Garth asked her.
"Yes Garth, I'm fine, for the fifth time." Lilly told him.
"Okay, but anything you need you just ask me." Garth told her.
"I know Garth, you've told me that about five times too." Lilly said. Lilly noticed Humphrey and Kate coming into the den.
"Hi Kate!" Lilly greeted her.
"Hi Lilly, how are you?" Kate asked.
As Lilly and Kate talked, Humphrey turned to Garth.
"Well, well, well, who knew? Garth has a sweet side." Humphrey said.
"Humphrey, one more joke out of you and I'll..." Garth stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Humphrey's wound on his back. "What happened to you?" Garth asked.
"I'd say it's pretty obvious." Humphrey replied.
"You were shot by a hunter, weren't you?" Garth asked.
"Well done Garth!" Humphrey clapped his paws together. "Your psychic abilities never fail to amaze me!" Humphrey said sarcastically. Humphrey turned to Lily. "Hey Lily, how you holding up?" Humphrey asked.
"Hi Humphrey, I'm okay, just a bit sore. I should be fine in a day or two. What happened to you though?" Lilly asked.
"Pretty much the same as you, shot by a hunter, what are the odds?" Humphrey joked. Humphrey winced in pain.
"Looks painful." Lilly observed.
"Yeah, it is, just a little bit." Humphrey said.
"Is it?" Garth asked, looking genuinely concerned.
"Yes." Humphrey replied.
"I'm sure it'll be fine in a few days." Garth assured him, then he slapped Humphrey hard on his back. Humphrey screamed in agony.
"What was that for?" Humphrey asked, still recovering from the pain.
"For being annoying." Garth replied.
"I'll kill you Garth!" Humphrey threatened.
"I'd like to see you try." Garth replied.
Humphrey growled at Garth.
"Oh leave him alone Garth." Lilly said.
"Thank you Lilly." Humphrey said. "Well, I should be going now, because I feel like my back is going to explode. So that tells me I should be getting some rest. I'll see you round Lilly, oh and Garth?" Humphrey said.
"What?" Garth asked.
"I hate you." Humphrey said with a smile.
"I know." Garth said.
"You coming Kate?" Humphrey asked as he walked out of the den.
"Yeah." Kate turned to Lilly. "I'll come see you tomorrow Lilly." Kate told her.
"Okay. See you tomorrow then." Lilly said.
"Bye."
Humphrey and Kate had exited the den. "Lilly seems okay." Humphrey said.
"Yeah, I'm more worried about you though." Kate said, as she stared at Humphrey's wound.
"Oh I'm fine. This thing will be gone in a few days." Humphrey pointed to his wound.
"I hope so." Kate said. "Hopefully you'll get a good night's sleep too."
"I doubt it, I have a bad feeling I'll have another nightmare just as horrifying as the last one." Humphrey said.
"You're not staying very optimistic." Kate said.
"Well it's hard to stay optimistic, I've had a lot of stress the last few days. You almost kill me after getting hypnotised by some freak, then you almost get killed by a hunter, and I take the bullet. Who knows what's next?" Humphrey said.
"You know it always works out in the end." Kate said.
"I guess so." Humphrey said. "Perhaps things will start looking up." Humphrey said optimistically.
Later that night, Humphrey slept snuggled up close to Kate, when he had another dream.
He and Kate ran through a field on a warm day, the sun shone in the bright blue sky. They playfully chased each other through the field.
"You'll never catch me Humphrey!" Kate shouted playfully.
"Oh really?" Humphrey teased.
Humphrey pounced at Kate and he landed right on top of her. They both laughed and gazed into each other's eyes.
"I love you Kate." Humphrey said.
"I love you too Humphrey." Kate said.
They nuzzled each other's noses, and for the first time in a long while, Humphrey slept with a smile on his face.

Humphrey Commits Suicide

When Humphrey got home, he told Kate the bad news.
“Oh Humphrey!”
“It’s horrible isn’t it.”
“Yeah!”
“Alright, Ima go hang in the garage.”
“Alright.”
Humphrey grabbed a pistol on his way out. He went to the garage, hesitated, and said prayer to God for forgiveness right before he put the barrel to his mouth.
“God, I have mass depression, please forgive me for committing suicide.”
Humphrey pulled the trigger. Kate heard the shot.
“What the hell? That sounded close!”
Kate went to the garage.
“Oh my God! Humphrey! No!”
Kate got on her knees to Humphrey.
“Humphrey, why did you have to go!? The murderer wasn’t smart to leave his gun here.”

Alpha And Omega: A Second Chance (2nd Part Of Death And Rebirth)

Chapter: 1

Two wolf pups were sleeping in a medium-sized cave, the golden furred one curled around the gray one in a protective manner. The gray wolf shifted in his sleep and the gold-furred wolf stood up beside him.
She shook the gray wolf's shoulder, "Humphrey, wake up."
Humphrey slowly opened his eyes, "Mm, good morning, Kate." He stood up and stretched his legs.
"Good morning, Humphrey. Did you have a good nap?" Kate asked him.
Humphrey nodded, "Yeah, it feels good to relax in the middle of the day. Why are you here, though, is something wrong?"
Kate shook her head, "No, I just wanted to see if you wanted to play. I had a bad dream, so I couldn't get back to sleep."
Humphrey sat down, "What was the dream about? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but it helps to get it off your chest."
Kate suddenly gave Humphrey a hug and started to cry softly, "It was awful. You and dad just died right in front of me, and I couldn't do anything about it."
Humphrey patted her back as she cried into his shoulder, "It's okay, I'm still here. I know your dad is old, but he's not going anywhere for a long time." he pulled her away from him, "Let's go see your baby sister, I heard that she opened her eyes finally. Who knows, she might turn out to be an Alpha."
Kate stopped crying and nodded, 'Maybe Lily will become an Alpha. Then the crisis may be averted, but it will take some interference for it to work right.' Kate thought to herself. "I hope so." she said to Humphrey...
Humphrey and Kate padded into the Alpha den, seeing a snow-white wolf pup suckling at Eve's belly. Eve moved one of her front paws towards them, but Kate immediately took up a defensive stance in front of Humphrey.
Humphrey tried to look around Kate, "Hey, I can't see." he protested.
Eve gave her daughter an odd look, which was answered with a silent threat. "Well, have you come to see the newest Alpha?" Winston asked, walking up between Kate and Humphrey.
Humphrey nodded, "Yeah... I mean, yes sir. I heard that she finally opened her eyes this morning."
Winston laughed, "No need to be so formal, Humphrey. I certainly hope that she displays the traits of an Alpha, we need more of those in the pack."
Kate smiled at Humphrey, "Humphrey, let's go. I thought of an awesome game we could play." Humphrey's face brightened at the thought of games, and he followed Kate out of the den.
Eve lowered her voice as she spoke to Winston, "I think that Kate would make a fine Alpha. I was raising my paw to tell them to be quiet when they entered; but Kate stepped between Humphrey and I, she even barred her teeth at me."
Winston's eyes grew wide, "She must have taken that dream more seriously than I thought. She dreamed that Humphrey was bleeding out in front of her; apparently, I had already died in this particular dream. I think that she loves him, even if neither of them realize it yet. She couldn't protect him in her dream, so she feels as if she has to in the waking world." Winston sighed, "What about that deal I made with Tony? If Lily doesn't have what it takes to be an Alpha, Kate will have to marry his son."
Eve gave him one of her trademark creepy smiles, "Don't let Kate hear you say that, she'll rip the fur off your body and use it to line her nest."
Winston gave a nervous chuckle, "I know, she would not be happy with me if I told her she might have to get married to somebody she doesn't even know. If Humphrey ever has feelings for her, I would hate to be the one to decide whether or not she had to marry Garth or not. If I made the wrong decision, I would have the eternal hatred of at least two wolves."...
Kate led Humphrey to the highest point in the territory, except for Howling Rock, and instructed him to get a large piece of bark. She positioned the bark so that it would fall off of the rock they were standing on and got in, "Come on, Humphrey. This is going to be fun, get in."
Humphrey warily sat down in the log, and Kate pushed them off the rock and down the hill. Humphrey screamed in terror the whole way down, Kate, however, was laughing the entire way. Kate turned the log left and right to avoid trees and rocks in their path, but when she saw a huge rock in their path, she grabbed Humphrey and pulled him into a tight hug.
The log hit the rock and shattered, sending Kate and Humphrey flying through the air. They landed with Kate underneath Humphrey. When he opened his eyes, he saw that his nose was touching Kate's. He quickly got off of her in embarrassment, "Wow, Kate, that was fun."
Kate stood up beside him, "Did you think I was lying to you?" she asked.
"No, but I would have sworn you were crazy, we could have died up there."
Kate silenced Humphrey by putting her tail over his mouth, "I wouldn't have let you get hurt," she said, "I won't ever let anything hurt you, Humphrey. That's a promise." Kate nuzzled Humphrey's shoulder as she spoke.
Humphrey blushed, but he didn't know why. 'What is this weird feeling?' he thought to himself.
Kate nudged him out of his thoughts, "Come on, it's time to go back."...
When Kate and Humphrey got back to the Alpha den, Eve and Winston were speaking in low voices. "Mom, dad, I'm back." Kate called.
Immediately the talking ceased, Winston turned to Humphrey, "Thank you for escorting her home, but we need to have a family meeting."
"Oh, okay. Bye, Kate, see you in the morning." Humphrey called as he went back to his den.
After Humphrey had left, Kate turned to her parents, "So, what's going on?"
Winston took a deep breath, "The Eastern Pack is running out of food. Tony, their pack-leader wants us to unite the East and the West, but to do that, we need a marriage between one of my daughters and his son."
Kate responded quickly and adamantly, "I won't do it. There is only one wolf I will ever think about marrying, and it is not that Easterner, Garth. Lily will have to go to Alpha school, because I will not leave Humphrey alone again."
Eve looked at Kate oddly, "What do you mean again? How did you know about Garth, we never said his name around you."
Kate knew that she was caught, "It is a very long story. To give you the shortened version, I have already lived the life of an Alpha. I sacrificed my life to protect dad and Tony from a stampede of caribou. I was resurrected by the Alpha's warrior spirit so that I could live with my mate again, but in the end, I had to watch him bleed to death while I was giving birth to his pups. I will never go back to the life of an Alpha, I sacrificed too much just to sacrifice again."
Kate sat down, finished with her story when they heard a voice say "What?"
Humphrey ran back into the den and skidded to a halt beside Kate. "I can't believe you!" he yelled at Winston and Eve, "You would force your daughter to marry someone when she just told you she is in love with somebody else? That's the lowest thing I've ever heard of."
Eve stared straight into Humphrey's eyes, "Were you eavesdropping on our family conversation?" she asked in a voice that promised pain.
Humphrey just glared at her, "Yeah, I was. A good thing I was, too. I can't believe that after the story she just told you," Humphrey looked at Kate, "which was very beautiful, you'll have to give me the details later." He turned back towards her parents, "You would still force her down a path she doesn't want to take!"
Kate rested a paw on his shoulder, "Calm down, Humphrey. I would never marry Garth, as I said, there is only one wolf for me."
Humphrey seemed to relax a little, "Oh yeah, that reminds me, who is that wolf you love? I'd really like to meet him."
Kate's jaw dropped at this statement, Winston slapped a paw to his forehead, and Eve began to giggle girlishly. "Humphrey, honey, you already know who it is." Eve told him, "You've known him since the day you were born."
Humphrey thought about it for a second, "Oh, you mean Hutch! No, that can't be right. He's an Alpha, and Kate's an Omega, that's against the rules." He began to scratch his head, "Don't tell me, I know this one."
Kate stood there for almost five minutes as Humphrey named off every male in the pack, disregarding them for different reasons. "Okay, Humphrey, are there any more wolves in the pack?" she asked.
"Not that I can think of, just your dad and I." Kate waved her paw in little circles, urging him to get the point. Humphrey's eyes widened, he looked at Winston and back at Kate, "Oh, that's just nasty!" he exclaimed, "Kate, are you serious, your dad?"
Kate slapped her paw to her forehead, "No, Humphrey, it's not my dad. Who else is there?"
Humphrey looked slightly annoyed, "I already told you, just me and your dad. Oh, I get it now. You're in love with a lone wolf!"
Kate was so annoyed by Humphrey's thickness, she was ready to slap him, "No, Humphrey, I'm not in love with a lone wolf. There is only one wolf left on the list, what is that wolf's name?"
Humphrey took a step back as realization hit him, "What, me? Seriously, you're in love with me?" he began to back away from Kate like she was going to hit him.
"Humphrey, come back." Kate said, "There's nothing to be afraid of. I love you, Humphrey."
Humphrey stopped dead in his tracks, his best friend had just told him that she was in love with him. He looked back and forth between Kate and her parents, confusion raging through his mind. 'Kate is in love with me? I know that we're best friends, but I never thought about her in that kind of a way. Come to think of it, I really like her, but...'
Kate pushed Humphrey's shoulder with her paw, "Are you okay?" she asked.
Humphrey jolted back to awareness, "Huh? Oh, I'm fine. I think I'll go take a nap now." He stretched, acting if the conversation never happened. He turned to walk back to his den, but as soon as he got out of the Alpha den, he collapsed.

Chapter: 2

Humphrey slowly opened his eyes to see a wall of golden-brown fur in his face. He sniffed and realized that it was Kate, despite himself, he smiled. He stood up a little too fast, and was rewarded with a sharp pain inside of his skull. He groaned in pain, waking Kate.
She was on her paws in an instant, "You're okay!" she exclaimed as she nuzzled his fur.
Humphrey took a step away from her, "What happened to me? All I remember is listening in on your family conversation, you didn't seem to like the direction it was taking. Then I woke up here."
Kate rested her head on top of his, "Well, you kinda got caught eavesdropping. When you tried to run away, you hit your head on a rock." she lied. 'The truth might only make him faint again, I don't want that to happen.'
Humphrey's eyes brightened, "Wait, it's coming back to me now. You were arguing with your parents about getting married, I rushed in and yelled at them. And then you said..." he paused.
"I said that I love you." Kate finished, licking his cheek.
Humphrey pulled away from her, "Kate, I'm really confused. A few days ago, you just changed. You started spending every minute with me, before you spent it all with your dad. I know you had a bad dream, but I'm not dying. And the day I see your dad die will be the day I fight an army of Southern wolves." Humphrey gave a small chuckle, but was interrupted by Kate, who had begun to cry.
"That's the point!" she screamed at him, "You did fight an army of Southern wolves, right after dad died." She began to cry uncontrollably into his fur.
Humphrey did the only thing he thought would be right, he patted her back while saying, "It's alright..."
She finally stopped sobbing and whispered, "You were going to be a father." Kate felt Humphrey stiffen and then go slightly limp in her grasp, she pulled him upright and shook him back to reality.
"A father, how could I be a father?" he was in a panic.
"It is a really long story," Kate told him, "I think I'll start with the stampede..." Humphrey laid down as Kate told him the story what happened to them (all details can be found in Alpha and Omega: Death and Rebirth). Occasionally he would ask a question, but for the most part, he was silent. Eve and Winston were listening to Kate as well, having come running at the sound of their daughter's crying. "Garth brought you back to the cave, but he got there too late. You promised me that you would be okay, right before you died." she took a deep breath to keep herself from crying again, "Then I fell asleep, and woke up like this. I left you alone last time, Humphrey, I won't do it again."
Humphrey stared at her in silent shock, 'She did all that, for me? She really does love me, but I fought a pack of Southern wolves for her... I guess I loved her too. No, not loved, but love.' Humphrey nuzzled her cheek and whispered in her ear, "I love you, too Kate."
Kate nuzzled him back as her parents put a paw on each of her shoulders. "We never knew that you went through so much, Kate. We're sorry, you don't have to get married if you don't want to."
Kate looked at her parents, "Thanks, that means a lot to me. I bet that Lily would love to marry Garth, but they should meet a long time before they are set to marry. It would give them some time to get used to the idea of being with each other."
Winston removed his paw from her shoulder, "Your sister is not even a month old, and you are talking about her getting married?"
"I'm barely over a year and you were talking about marrying me off, too." Kate countered.
Eve narrowed her eyes, "We do not want a war with the Eastern Pack, no matter their reasons for starting one. If we didn't offer them a chance for peace, many wolves would die needlessly."
Kate headed for the exit, with Humphrey close behind. "I understand why you wanted peace, but a forced marriage is not the answer. You should give them the chance to fall in love on their own, that's what happened when I was set to marry Garth. Lily didn't even spend a week with Garth before they fell in love with each other, I say that we give them a few months and see where that leads."
Winston contemplated this for a while, "Very well, once Lily is weaned, I will speak to Tony about her spending time with Garth. But," he added, with a dark smile on his face, "it will be your responsibility to look after them while they are playing. Kate especially, because she is your sister, but bring Humphrey with you, just in case."
Humphrey stood up, "Hey, why do I have to look after them?"
"Because I told you to, that's why!" Winston yelled, "Besides, it only makes sense for the older couple to 'mentor' the younger. Don't you agree, Kate?"
Kate stifled a fit of laughter at Humphrey's position, "I guess so, dad. Come on, dear, let's go get something to eat."
"Hey, I'm not a dear anything. Oh right, food, coming!" he called after her. Humphrey dashed out of the den, but was tackled by Kate when he rounded the corner.
"Typical Humphrey, always thinking with your stomach. You almost got yourself killed doing that, so I'm going to break you of that habit. Over the next couple of months, until Lily is weaned, I am going to turn you into an Alpha in everything but rank. In fact, I'm going to ask my dad if we can go to Alpha School with Lily, Hutch, and Candu."
Humphrey started to panic, "No no no, there is no way you are getting me to go to Alpha School. I wouldn't even make it through the welcome workout, you know that. There is absoluteley nothing you can say or do that will make me go to Alpha School."...
Winston looked at his daughter and Humphrey, "You two want to go to Alpha School?' he asked, "Kate, I can understand, but Humphrey too?"
"Of course, dad! Humphrey has always wanted to go to Alpha School, haven't you dear?" Humphrey opened his mouth to speak, but shut it instantly when Kate placed a paw on his shoulder. He just nodded.
Winston hadn't missed the flinch when Kate touched his shoulder, "Very well, Humphrey, I will consider it. You may go now, Kate, can I speak with you?" Humphrey practically sprinted out of the den, Kate watched him go with longing in her eyes.
"Okay, what did you do to him?" Winston asked his daughter.
She gave him the most innocent look he had ever seen, "What do you mean?"
"Did you hurt Humphrey before he agreed to go to Alpha School with you?"
"No, well, nothing physical anyway. I made him think I was going to drop him over the waterfall, the expression on his face was absolutely adorable." As Kate sighed at the memory, Winston made a mental note to keep Kate away from Eve...

Chapter: 3

Kate prodded Humphrey's flank with a paw until he stood up.
He stretched and yawned, relieving his sore muscles, "So, Kate, let me guess. More training followed by lunch and then an upstream swim in the river?"
Kate shook her head, "Nope, we get the day off until lunch."
Humphrey looked confused, "Why?" he asked.
Kate shrugged, "I don't know, dad told me to tell you that we had the day off. What do you want to do first?" Kate asked, trying to hide a smile.
Humphrey thought about it for a second before shrugging his shoulders as well, "Why don't you pick something for us to do?"
"No, I picked last time, it's your turn." Kate argued.
Humphrey sat down in thought, 'Log-sledding has gotten boring, it's too cold to swim, I'm not good enough yet to go hunting, so what are we going to do?'
"I guess we could play tag with the others." he offered.
Kate jumped to her paws, "Okay, you go get Lily and Garth. I'll go and get the Omegas, we'll meet by the feeding grounds." Kate scampered off, leaving Humphrey to wonder why she was in such an unusually good mood.
Kate reached the den that was shared by Salty, Shakey, and Mooch, and called out to them. They padded out of the den and stared at her, "Okay boys, we all know what today is. There is something very special planned for later, but you can't let Humphrey find out. I don't think that he even knows what today is, so this works to our advantage. Try not to remind him, I don't want him thinking about it all day."
Humphrey's friends nodded at her, all knowing what she meant by that. Kate continued, "Now, come on, Humphrey wants to get all of us together for a game of tag." The three Omegas pumped their paws in the air and followed Kate to the feeding grounds..
Humphrey ran to the Alpha den to see if Garth and Lily wanted to play. Lily had weaned a few week earlier, so Garth was allowed to come play with her. They became fast friends, Garth taught Lily how to stalk prey, and Lily was still trying to teach Garth about having fun.
"Lily, Garth, are you there?" he called.
Two large wolf pups rushed out of the den and tackled Humphrey to the ground. "Hi, Uncle Humphrey!" Lily squeaked.
Garth spoke in a very triumphant voice, "Looks like we beat you again, Humphrey."
Humphrey grinned at him, "Oh, yeah?" Humphrey rolled over, trapping the two younger wolves underneath him.
Garth tried to bite Humphrey's tail, but he bit Lily's instead, making her scream. Humphrey immediately got off of the two smaller wolves. Lily turned on Garth and jumped on his back, Garth rolled over and they began to wrestle. Garth forced Lily onto her back, "Hah, pinned ya." he exclaimed.
Humphrey "accidentally" pushed Garth over with his tail so that Lily could pin him to the ground, "Aha," she cried, "now look who's pinned! Thanks, Uncle Humphrey."
Humphrey laughed, "Alright, you two. Who wants to come play tag with me, my friends, and Kate?"
Both of them jumped up and called out, "We do!"
"Humphrey," Eve's voice rang out from the den, "make sure they are back before lunch-time."
"Don't worry, I will." Humphrey called back. Humphrey turned back towards Garth and Lily to see that they were already heading for the feeding grounds. Humphrey sighed good-naturedly and ran after them, wondering why Eve wanted them back so early... Kate was waiting in a low spot in the feeding grounds when she heard the telltale yips of laughter that signaled the arrival of Lily and Garth. She saw them dash into the dip and race towards her, Humphrey jogging behind them. The two pups stopped in front of Kate as Humphrey stopped at the edge, looking around. "Kate, where are the guys?"
Kate shrugged, trying to hide a smirk, when the three Omegas jumped at Humphrey from behind, crying, "Wolfpile!" Humphrey's eyes grew wide as he saw his three friends fly at him, he stepped to the side and watched them fall into a heap in front of him. Kate quietly stomped her paw in frustration, but Humphrey saw her.
"Oh," he said as he approached her, "you told them to do this, did you?"
Kate took a couple of steps back, "And what if I did?" she retorted, smiling.
Humphrey grinned at her, "Then it is your turn, get her!" he yelled.
Lily and Garth jumped on Kate's back from behind, knocking her to the ground. Humphrey padded triumphantly towards his pinned girlfriend, "I guess my team is better than your team, Kate."
Kate gave him a look that said, 'I love you too much to be mad at you.' and she said, "How about we have a game of hide-and-seek, with teams. The last team to have somebody found wins, and the losers have to admit that the winners are the better team."
Humphrey turned to the pups, "Does that sound fun to you guys?"
They both nodded their heads and Garth turned toward Lily, "Follow me," he whispered, "I know the perfect hiding place." Kate looked them all over, "Okay, so it's me, Salty, Shakey, and Mooch versus Humphrey, Lily, and Garth."
Humphrey interrupted "Eve wants them back before lunch-time, so we can't stay out too long."
Kate nodded, "I know, there is something my dad wants to show us after lunch, so we'll have to do this game quick."
Humphrey raised a paw, "Wait, who's it?" he asked.
"You and," Kate paused, "me, I guess."
"Is there hunter-interference?" Humphrey asked.
Kate sighed, "No, Humphrey. You can't get in the other hunter's way."
Humphrey sighed in defeat, "Alright. Ready, set, HIDE!" he yelled.
Humphrey and Kate covered each other's eyes and counted to twenty-five. When they reached the count, they both ran off, yelling, "Ready or not, here we come!"...
Humphrey, Salty, Shakey, Mooch, and Kate were all searching for Lily and Garth. It was almost lunch-time, and they all knew that if those two weren't back in the Alpha den soon, Eve would kill them. They had jumped into a river, effectively erasing their scents, and that's how Kate and Humphrey had lost them.
Kate nudged his shoulder, "They're not going to be found unless they want to be, but they know that they needed to be back before lunch-time. Let's go back to the den."
Humphrey hung his head in defeat and followed Kate back to the den. When they got there, Humphrey called out to Eve, "We're back."when Eve padded out, he continued, "Lily and Garth got away from us, I'm sorry."
Eve just smiled at him and calmly walked back into the den. A new voice rang triumphantly throughout the den, "I was right! I told you they would never find us here." Garth strutted out of the den, with Lily to his right side.
Humphrey turned towards Kate with a smile on his face, "Whose team is better?" he asked in a mocking tone.
Kate looked as if she was about to hit him, but she kissed his cheek instead. "Boys, you know what to do. Get him back here in an hour, okay?" she commanded.
The three Omegas nodded and carried Humphrey to the creek, where they began to thoroughly wash him down. "Ah, what are you guys doing?" Humphrey asked.
Mooch shrugged, "Kate's orders. She told us that she wanted you to be squeaky clean for lunch today."
After they had made Humphrey look presentable, he turned towards them, "Wait, tonight's not the Moonlight Howl. Why does Kate want me to get all spiffy for lunch?"
His friends looked at him, "Sorry buddy," Salty said, "we can't tell you. It's a surprise." Then they ran off, leaving Humphrey with a confused expression...
Kate was pacing back and forth, "Come on, Humphrey. At this rate, we're going to be late." she muttered to herself.
"Late for what?" Humphrey asked from behind her.
Kate whipped around, "There you are!" she exclaimed, "Come on, we've got to hurry or we'll be late." she dashed off without waiting for a reply.
Humphrey tried to follow Kate's scent, but he couldn't catch up to her, he looked up to see her waiting for him at the base of Howling Rock. Humphrey stopped beside her to catch his breath, once he had recovered, they slowly began to ascend the small mountain. When they reached the peak, Humphrey was welcomed by the sight of the all of his friends, Kate's family, and Garth.
"Kate, what is this?" Humphrey asked.
"It's your birthday, remember?" Kate kissed him softly on the cheek, earning howls from Humphrey's friends.
Winston stood in front of Humphrey, "I have good news, better news, and then bad news. The good news is that you and Kate will be sharing a den while you are at Alpha School, just be careful, Eve will be watching. The better news is that Garth will be coming with us on a sort-of 'apprentice' trip, and you will be his mentor, Humphrey. The bad news, which isn't all that bad, is that we leave for Alpha School at sunrise tomorrow."
Humphrey stood straighter, "I'm ready for anything, sir. I think of Garth as my little brother, it would be an honor to teach him."
Winston nodded and walked off, Humphrey turned to Kate, "Did you plan all of this?" When Kate nodded, he continued, "Not surprising, did you ask your dad for us to have the same den at Alpha School, too?"
Kate nodded again and Garth ran up to Humphrey, "Yeah, I get to go to Alpha School with you guys! I asked my dad if I could come with you, and now I get to. Are you really going to be my teacher, Humphrey?"
"Not just me," Humphrey replied, "Kate will teach you, Winston will help teach you, and I'm sure that Hutch would love to help you."
Garth's eyes lit up, and he pressed himself against Humphrey's flank, acting like a shadow. Humphrey, Kate, and Garth celebrated all throughout the afternoon, turning in only after night had fallen. Kate walked Humphrey back to his den, "I'll be here before my dad comes to get us. Trust me, Alpha School may seem hard, but you will be forever grateful because you went. Goodnight Humphrey, I love you. I hope you had a happy birthday."
Humphrey laid down in his den, "I love you too, Kate." he called before falling asleep...

Alpha And Omega: Death And Rebirth

Chapter 1: Death And Decisions

"No, no, no, NOO! You can't die! I love you," wailed Humphrey as he wept over Kate's body.
Winston padded up to him, "Humphrey, she's dead, there's nothing we can do."
Humphrey looked at his pack leader, only to see his own sadness reflected in Winston's eyes.
"No, she can't be dead, she can't be dead, no," he cried. Humphrey then looked over at Tony, "This is your fault! If you weren't so greedy, Kate would still be alive! You old fool, Kate gave her life to save yours, and you don't even have the respect to mourn her."
Tony flinched away from the cold fire in Humphrey's gaze. "Tony, I think you should take your pack home before mine does something drastic," Winston whispered to his old friend.
Tony nodded, "Eastern pack, we're going home!" Howls of protest rose from the eastern wolves throats, but a powerful look from Tony sent them on their way.
"Humphrey, it's no use. Come on buddy, let's go home," Salty nudged Humphrey's shoulder as he spoke.
"No, there's nothing for me there. I'm never going back there again. I'm going to leave Jasper, and hopefully my pain far behind." Humphrey growled as he stood up. "But first, I am going to bury her, it is the least I can do for her."
Late that night, after finishing Kate's grave, Humphrey left Jasper Park, vowing to never return to the place that had taken away the one he had loved….
The old wolf woke from a horrible dream to see that it had invaded the real world; HE was standing in the cave next to him. "So," asked the old wolf, "have you come to kill me?"
"For her," was the only thing the old wolf heard before he felt razor-sharp teeth tear into his throat.
The old wolf made no noise as he bled out on the floor of his den; but as his killer walked out of the cave, he managed to choke out, "I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused." The next morning wailing could be heard on the eastern side of the river, Tony was dead.

Chapter 2: Questions To Be Answered

Winston awoke to the familiar leader's summoning howl. He immediately realized that it didn't belong to Tony. Nevertheless, Winston answered the call and proceeded to the river where he usually met with his old friend.
When Winston arrived at the river, he was greeted by the sight of the entire eastern pack. "What is the meaning of this? Where is Tony?" demanded Winston.
"Tony was found dead this morning, he was killed in his den," explained one of the senior alpha wolves.
Even after Tony's exploits had caused the death of his daughter three years ago, Winston still felt a pang of sadness at the news of his old friend's demise. "Well, where is Garth, isn't he the pack leader now?"
"Garth left less than a month after 'the Incident', we never found any trace of him" explained the same senior alpha.
"Well," sighed Winston, "now I know why Lily left around the same time, I just pray that they are safe."…
"Come on, Lily, we're almost there," Garth called to his mate.
They had left Jasper Park almost three years ago; Lily, to escape the memories of her sister and Garth, to leave his father's sins far behind. Now, the two were climbing a mountain on their trek south, exploring as much land as they could. "Garth, slow down, I can't run that fast!" Lily cried as she again tripped over a snow-hidden log.
"Shh, I think I hear fighting up ahead, keep your head down, I'll go check it out." Garth hissed as he pushed Lily into the snow.
Garth quickly ascended the rest of the mountain only to see three bears fighting a gray wolf.
Just as Garth was about to step in and help the gray fighter, the gray wolf dashed past two of the bears, tearing open their throats with his claws. The last bear tried to flee, but the gray wolf jumped onto his back and bit down deep into the bear's spine. The bear gave one last roar before it fell on its side and lay still.
Then Garth saw the face of the wolf, "We all thought you were dead, how are you alive?" Garth asked, jumping from the shadows.
"Let them continue thinking that, I no longer concern myself with them," growled the gray wolf.
"Will you let HIM think you are dead too?"
The gray wolf did not answer, just padded away into the night.

Chapter 3: Rebirth

"Who was it, Garth?" Lily asked as she bounded up to sit beside him.
"I'm not sure, but it looked like…like…HER."
… After the stampede, Kate awoke to an all-consuming blackness. "Humphrey, where are you?" she cried.
Her last memory was of Humphrey covering her body with his own to protect her before she felt a sharp pain at the base of her skull and woke up here. "I hope he's okay, he must have loved me just like I loved him," thought Kate.
"He did love you, more that you or anybody else will ever know. In fact, Humphrey is waiting for you to come back to him." A bright light appeared from the direction the voice was emanating from.
"Who are you, how do you know about Humphrey, is he okay?" Kate asked in a rapid series of questions.
A powerful gray she-wolf walked out of the light and approached Kate, "I am the warrior spirit of all the alpha wolves of the world. I know everything about every alpha all across the earth; and don't worry, Humphrey is grief-stricken, but he will survive." the old she-wolf explained.
"Why am I here? Where are the packs? What happened to me?" Kate was on the verge of tears at this point.
"My dear, I am so very sorry, but you were killed in the caribou stampede. Humphrey tried to shield you, but he was too late, you were dead the moment you were struck in the head." The old wolf sat down as she spoke.
"Well, I can't stay here forever; I have to help my pack. I need to be with Humphrey, he'll never forgive the eastern pack… what if he tries to attack them on his own?" Kate was howling with frustration and sadness.
By the time she had finished, the old wolf had come closer to her. "Young one, you have a truly noble heart. I may be able to help you after all. Although you will look different, I can give you new life. In two and a half years as seen by the living, the ritual will be complete and you will have my earthly form. After I give you my earthly form, I will not be able to help you locate your lost love, but I wish you the best of luck on your journey."
As the she-wolf padded off, a bright light enveloped Kate and she once again fell into a long sleep…
Almost three years after she died, Kate was reborn.
"Humphrey, I'm coming."

Chapter 4: Of Hunting And Discovery

Winston returned to his den with a heavy heart, first his daughters had left, and now his oldest friend had been killed in his sleep. Winston decided that he would do something he had not done since the Incident, he would visit his daughter's grave.
He told himself that he was going to seek guidance instead of dwell on the past; but when he saw what had become of the mound of dirt and stone, his pain and sadness was replaced by rage. "Who dares defile my daughter's grave?" he growled.
"The grave was not defiled, Winston, Kate has been given a precious gift by the warrior spirit. She came to me in a dream and told me herself." Eve said, trying to soothe her mate's temper.
"Who came, Kate or the spirit? If Kate is not in the grave, then where is she?" demanded Winston, his hopes flaring for the first time in years.
"I'm not sure," Eve sounded thoroughly confused, "it looked like the spirit, but it spoke with Kate's voice."
"Find our two finest trackers, and bring them to me. I have a special mission for them."…
"Trepex, your job is to find Humphrey. Whatever the cost, I want him home immediately. Lumira, go to Kate's grave. Find a scent that does not belong to myself or Eve and find whoever it belongs to. You will then bring whoever it is here." Winston barked out the orders quickly.
The two wolves in front of him nodded their heads and raced off…
Humphrey left his small den and began to hunt in his small, secluded area of the forest in which he lived. As he was sneaking up behind a large rabbit, a familiar scent hit his nostrils.
He immediately recognized the scent and raised his head above the grass, scaring away his prey. Humphrey disregarded the rabbit and turned towards the direction of the scent. He raced towards it; as he ran, he couldn't believe what he was doing. 'She is dead, what am I doing?' he thought as the scent got stronger.
He slowed to a fast walk until he reached a small, shady clearing. Standing in the middle of the clearing was a shape he would recognize anywhere. The body was in shadows, but the scent made it unmistakable.
He crept into the clearing without making a sound.
He then called out in a soft voice, "Kate?"

Chapter 5: Lovers Reunited

The lithe shape in front of him turned at his calling, "Humphrey?" it called in a hopeful voice.
Even her voice was still the same, "I thought you were dead, I buried you. I… oh, Kate!" Humphrey then rushed towards the shadowy shape.
As he finally saw what she looked like, he stopped in his tracks. "What happened to you, Kate?"
"You were right Humphrey; I was dead for over two years. The warrior spirit of the alpha wolves gave me her earthly form so that I could be with you again." Kate explained as she rubbed her nose against his.
"I may look different now, but my love for you remains strong. I have traveled from beyond death's door to see you, and now we are together once more." Kate wagged her tail as Humphrey pressed his pelt against hers.
"I don't care what you look like, I'm just glad that you're alive. I won't let anything hurt you ever again." Humphrey promised Kate as he led the way back to his den, "Come on, I'll get you something to eat." Humphrey ran back to his cave happier even than when Kate had howled at the moon with him…
Trepex was still heading south after over a month of full-speed travel when he came across two unknown wolf-scents. When he saw them, he howled with delight. "Garth, Lily! I can't believe I found you." He cried as he raced toward them.
"Trepex, how have you been? What are you doing here?" Lily asked when he stopped.
"Winston sent me to find Humphrey and bring him home. Have you seen him?"
"No," replied Garth, "Has something happened back home?"
"Much has happened since the Incident. Let me give you the whole story."…
Kate suddenly awoke in the den, breathing heavily. 'This is very bad, we must get back to Jasper now,' she thought. "Humphrey, Humphrey, you need to wake up." Kate nudged him until he stood up beside her.
"What's wrong, Kate? Are you okay?" He asked.
"I'm fine, but I just received a vision from the warrior spirit. We need to go back to Jasper Park immediately. If we don't everyone we know will die." Kate whispered.
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" asked Humphrey as he padded out of the cave with Kate following.
'I have to tell him'…

Chapter 6: A Different Path To Follow

"What do you mean 'there's a catch'? I thought you gave me your earthly form so that I could be with Humphrey again." Kate growled at the spirit.
"I did give it to you, but your true form is still in the realm of the dead. Until you die or find a willing sacrifice, you will slowly lose speed, stamina, and strength to the point where you can no longer move. However, once you find a valid sacrifice, you will get your original body back." the spirit explained. "Death is missing an inhabitant; somebody must take your place. Once the sacrifice is chosen, they can never return to the world of the living," warned the old wolf.
"I understand. How long will it be before the degradation begins?" Kate asked.
"You will begin to feel its effects in just over a year."
"Isn't there any way that I could spend more than a year without feeling the effects?"
The spirit thought for a moment, "Yes, I believe there is. I will speak with Death and see what can be done."
The next day, the spirit came back to sit with Kate in the world of her dreams. "Death has chosen a person to take; with his death, you will have an extra five years before the degradation sets in," the spirit told Kate.
"Thank you, I will make the best of it while I can." Kate stood up and began to leave, but the spirit stopped her.
"If you do not find a sacrifice before the degradation completely sets in, you will never be able to see the one you love again. I'm sorry but even I cannot circumvent the laws of death."
"But there is only one that I can think of that would give their life for mine, Humphrey. If he gives up his life to keep me alive, his life would have been wasted. I can't live without him." Kate argued.
"There must be something, anything else that will work. Why must this be so difficult? Why can't we all just go back to the way things were?" Kate mumbled to herself.
"Calm down, my dear. You made a deal with Death; he does not give up that which he has very easily. If you are willing to risk everything for this Humphrey, then there may just be a way to help you. I must warn you, it has never been successfully done before"…

Chapter 7: Finding Friends Along The Way

Humphrey and Kate raced up the valley, heading north. They left almost a week ago from their den in the woods, and were on a straight path to Jasper Park. They were almost to the place where they would get on the train to Jasper when they heard two familiar voices.
"Kate," Humphrey whispered, "do you hear that?" When she nodded, Humphrey said, "We should surprise them, don't you think?"
Kate smiled; this was the Humphrey she fell in love with. "Let's do it, follow me."
Garth and Lily were standing underneath a large oak tree when Kate and Humphrey jumped on their backs. "Intruders, in our territory? What should we do with them?" Kate asked in a deep voice.
Humphrey, who was pinning Garth to the ground, growled, "Maybe we should kill them."
Lily began to scream and struggle against the weight keeping her down. Kate and Humphrey looked at each other and laughed.
"So, Barf, what brings you and Lily all the way out here?" Humphrey asked as he lifted himself off Garth.
"Humphrey, is that you?" Lily asked in a hushed voice. Humphrey nodded.
"Who is this wolf with you? You seem pretty close," Garth commented with narrowed eyes.
"Yes, we are. She is my mate; I'm surprised that you don't recognize her." Humphrey answered.
"Recognize her," Garth tilted his head, "why would we recognize her? I don't remember seeing her any… wait; she was the one that killed the three bears on the mountain!" Garth exclaimed.
"You never told me about the three bears, were they the same ones we met on our first journey?" Humphrey asked his mate.
"Yes, they were. They tried to attack me; they must have thought I was weak because I was on my own. I have received much strength from the warrior spirit, though, and I killed them easily." Kate explained.
"Were you hurt?" Humphrey asked, sounding anxious.
"No, they never laid a claw on me." Kate reassured her mate, nuzzling his fur.
"I saw the fight," Garth interrupted the moment, "I have seen only one wolf with alpha-skills like that. Can it really be you, Kate?"
"Yes, it is. I have returned. We must return to Jasper. If we do not, the packs will all perish."

Chapter 8: Secrets Revealed

"Lily, I need to speak with you." Kate called from the back of the group.
"Yes, what is it, Kate?" Lily asked when she fell back to talk with her sister.
"There's something I need to tell Humphrey, but I'm not sure how to do it." Kate admitted.
"Well," Lily urged, "what is it?"
Kate stumbled a bit as she spoke, "There's something happening to me that could become a big problem later on. I know that you probably know less about this kinda thing than I do." Kate whispered something in Lily's ear.
Lily's eyes widened as she fixed her sister with a strange look. "Well, you're right. I don't know how to handle something like that, but maybe mom will. She has been around the mountain a few times."
"Come on, girls! We're gonna miss the train if you stand there gossiping." Garth called over his shoulder.
"We're not gossiping!" Lily protested, "Kate was telling me..." Kate quickly cupped a paw over Lily's mouth to shut her up before she said something stupid.
"Whatever you do, I have to be the one that tells Humphrey. I don't want to see his reaction if he thinks that I don't think he can handle it." Kate pleaded with her younger sister.
"Do you think he's ready for this?" Lily queried.
"No, at least not yet. I just came back to him, what would happen if he knew what I was going through. No, I will tell him when I am ready." Kate decided.
Lily nodded and sped up to pad beside Garth. Kate still hung back a little from the others, 'What am I going to do now?'...
one month later...
Garth, who was scouting ahead, came sprinting back to Kate, Humphrey, and Lily. "I can see Howling Rock!" he exclaimed.
"We're almost home!" cried Lily and Kate in one voice.
Humphrey looked lovingly at Kate and then back at Garth, but he did a double-take on Kate. 'What is with her? She looks really preoccupied, I wonder if I can help.'
Humphrey went off and caught the first caribou that any of them had seen in months. "Kate, don't you want any?" Humphrey asked his mate, nudging her with his snout.
"No thanks, Humphrey. I'm already getting too fat from all this food you and Garth have been bringing in. Where did you learn how to hunt so well?" Kate asked, eager to change the subject.
"I kinda taught myself, whenever I left. I knew that if I was gonna live on my own, I would have to learn how to hunt." Humphrey told her, "why are you so interested in my hunting skills if you aren't even going to eat any?" he asked with a mischievous grin. "Is there something that you want to tell me, Kate?"
Garth and Lily, who had been listening intently from the beginning, began to snicker and then howl with laughter.
Humphrey took a step forward. Kate instinctively took a step back before holding her ground. "Yes, there is." Kate answered.
She shuffled her paws, not quite sure how she should begin explaining this to her mate. "Let me guess, you need to use the bathroom?" Humphrey joked.
"Would you shut up, this is important! I'm trying to figure out how to explain that I am going to..." Kate realized what she was about to say and stopped herself.
"You're going to... what Kate? Look, I'm sorry, but you haven't been yourself lately. I'm just worried about you, I love you." Humphrey nuzzled her.
"I love you too, Humphrey. Something is happening to me, and I just don't know how to deal with it; but as long as you are with me, I know that we will all be okay." Kate sighed.
"Don't you worry, Garth and I will keep you and Lily safe, no matter what happens." Humphrey promised.
"Lily wasn't who I was talking about. I meant you, me, and three other wolves." Kate thought that not even Humphrey could miss this one.
"Well, who are the three that are going to travel with us?" Humphrey asked, tipping his head to one side.
Lily and Garth were both laughing so hard, they were in tears by this point. "What are they laughing at?"
"They already know, because they pay attention and are not as thick-headed as you are!" Kate yelled with a brilliant gleam in her eyes.
"Humphrey, my love. I'm... I am... pregnant!" She squealed.
Humphrey's jaw dropped.
So many thoughts went through his head at once: 'I'm going to be a father? I don't know anything about raising pups! I can't believe Kate told Garth before me.'
Faced with all of these thoughts, he did what any omega would do in this situation, he fainted.
"Humphrey!" Kate screamed, she just managed to catch him before he hit the ground.
Seeing this, Garth and Lily began to laugh harder and harder until they couldn't breathe.
Lily was the first to regain her composure, "Garth, I'm pregnant too."
Garth immediately stopped laughing, "Seriously?" he asked.
When Lily nodded, Garth immediately followed Humphrey into the safety of unconsciousness.

Chapter 9: Returning Home

When Humphrey finally woke up, he noticed that Kate was laying right beside him. "I still can't believe it, I am going to be a father!" he exclaimed.
Humphrey flinched as he saw Kate shift in her sleep from his outburst. Humphrey crept quietly out of the cave and almost collided with Garth.
"Humphrey, can you believe it? We are going to be dads!" Garth almost shouted.
Humphrey nodded with a large grin on his face, but suddenly absolute terror gripped his heart like a claw made of solid ice. "Oh my god." he whispered.
"What, what's wrong with you?"
"Eve is going to kill us." Humphrey replied in a terrified voice.
Garth's eyes grew large and round in fear before he again fainted...
one hour later
"Oh no, Garth!" Lily cried as she rushed out of her den to see Garth passed out at Humphrey's paws.
"Lily, what happened?" Kate asked as she too darted out of her den.
"I just realized," Humphrey explained, "and told Garth that your mother is going to KILL us when she finds out that we got you two pregnant!"
The two she-wolfs looked at each other for a moment before beginning to chuckle.
"Hey, it's not funny! Your mother is going to rip Garth and I to pieces for this. How do you expect us to help raise pups if our bodies are scattered all over the territory?" Humphrey argued, but to no avail...
later that morning
"If we hurry, we should be able to make it to the Howling Rock before the moonlight howl. Phew, what an entrance that would make, eh?" Garth asked, breaking into a full run.
The others soon followed, happy to be heading home, happy to be together, happy to be alive...
At Howling Rock, there was almost absolute silence. Every wolf was there, but nobody had it in their heart to howl that night.
Tonight was the four-year anniversary of Kate's death.
Winston got up from beside Eve and began to head back to his den when he heard a howl that lifted his heart to the skies, Lily!
Another howl joined in with hers, Garth!
Soon they appeared almost at the peak of Howling Rock. Winston began to run towards them; but he stopped and starred at the peak of the mountain, just as every other wolf was doing.
Two gray wolves stood side-by-side at the summit of the mountain.
As one, they howled with so much passion and love that it brought tears to every eye in the valley.
Humphrey had returned home; and somehow, so had Kate.

Chapter 10: The Begining Of The End

When Kate and Humphrey finished their howl, the rest of the valley burst into song. The tension and grief was washed away by relief and happiness.
Winston darted up the mountainside astonishingly fast for a wolf of his age. "Humphrey, Lily, Kate, Garth, it is so good to see all of you again. Did Trepex or Lumira find you?" he asked.
"Trepex found Garth and I, but we never saw Lumira." Lily answered.
Winston narrowed his eyes, this was not a good sign. "So you never saw Lumira, but you saw Trepex for a short time?" Winston asked, checking to make sure he was right. "This is very bad, they haven't come back yet. I believe that something may have happened to them."
Winston turned to Eve, who had come to sit beside her daughters, " All that matters now is that you are all home."
Kate and Lily exchanged glances and took their mother away for a private conversation.
Winston shot a questioning look at the males, but they turned their heads shamefully away.
Winston showed the smallest hint of a smile, "So, it looks like I am going to be a grandfather, am I?" he asked the two wolves in front of him. They both nodded their heads, not daring to look him in the eye.
Winston laughed, loud and hearty. "What are you afraid of? Did you really think I didn't know this was going to happen? I was a young male once myself you know." Winston stood between the two wolves, a paw on each of their shoulders. "Let's hope that Eve isn't angry with you two, 'cause if she is you are on your own."
They heard a loud growl, followed by the sight of Eve hurtling towards them, killer intent in her eyes. Humphrey and Garth looked at each other; both ready to defend themselves, when their mates leaped forward and tackled Eve to the ground.
" As long as I live, no harm shall ever come to Humphrey." Kate growled into her mother's ear.
"And I wont let you hurt Garth either, no matter what." Lily exclaimed.
"Come on girls, let your mother up." Winston ordered, "Eve, be nice to the boys. If Kate and Lily are willing to have their pups, then I will allow it. I must warn you though, if either of you two hurt my daughters in any way, you will answer to me." Winston said gravely.
"On that note, good luck with your pups, because you're going to need it." Eve said cheerfully, a complete turnaround from her earlier actions.
Humphrey looked at Kate and Lily, "How does your dad put up with her mood swings?"
... later that night...
"Kate, Kate you must open your eyes."
Kate's eyes fluttered open and she jumped up on her paws. "What's wrong? Why have you brought me here? Kate asked, recognizing her surroundings as the lair of the alpha warrior spirit.
"I have discussed your proposition with the other spirits, and we have reached a consensus. We will give you another chance, but" the spirit warned, "you will not be an Alpha anymore. If this works correctly, you will be an Omega forever." the spirit explained.
"I don't care about my rank. Maybe if I become an Omega, none of this will ever happen" Kate mused.
"Perhaps, but remember, you will be the only one that will recall anything of this time-line." The spirit began to glow with a bright light, "Your wish shall be fulfilled when you are reaching your end and the beginning of others. The council wants to show you that you have to suffer for what you want."
Kate nodded as the spirit faded away into the darkness...
These last three months had gone by in a relative calm. Winston had been acting a bit strange, but Humphrey attributed it to nervousness about becoming a grandfather.
"Humphrey, Kate!" Eve screamed their names as they returned from a walk around the territory. "Winston is in his den, he needs to see you both now!"
Humphrey was about to race to the den when he looked at his heavy-bred mate. There was no way that she could keep up with him if he ran, "Kate can't run, we will be there as soon as we can."
Eve nodded at him, eyes betraying fear for the first time Humphrey could remember.
"Get there quickly, Winston is very ill, I can't do anything for him. He's going to die!" Eve began to cry on the spot, Humphrey let her lean on his shoulder as they slowly made their way to Winston's den.
"He tried to hide it from me for so long, but I could tell that something was wrong. He didn't want the pack to get worried about him, so he kept it a secret." Eve explained as they got closer to the den.
When they got inside, Kate immediately laid down and began to pant heavily.
"Kate, what's wrong? Did we go too fast for you?" Humphrey asked worriedly.
"No," she replied, "we got here just in time." She was interrupted by an odd spasm.
"It's time, the pups are coming NOW!"

Chapter 11: Ending And New Begining

"Now?" Humphrey asked, fear making his voice squeak, "What do you mean, now?"
"What do you think I mean by now?" Kate growled at her mate, "I mean right now!" Kate whimpered as another spasm racked her body.
"Humphrey, go speak to Winston. I will handle things here." Eve spoke calmly as to not frighten him any more than he already was.
Humphrey nodded and padded over to Winston, "Oh, my god. Not now, this can't be happening now."
"Calm down, Humphrey." Winston soothed, "Kate is a strong girl, she'll pull through. By the end of the day, you will be a father; and Kate will become the leader of the packs."
Humphrey's head shot up at this comment, "No, you can't die now. This is when Kate will need you the most. You have to be here to help her with the pups!"
"Humphrey, promise me that you will protect Kate and the pups with your life. You know what it is like to lose the one you love, but losing your pup is much worse than that. Promise me that you will protect them, my son." Winston begged.
"I will never let any harm come to them, dad." Humphrey swore with tears in his eyes.
Winston nodded, closed his eyes one last time, and passed peacefully into the next world.
Humphrey then rushed over to Kate's side, trying to help Eve in any way he could. Kate screamed as more spasms racked her body over and over again, making Humphrey feel scared and useless. Humphrey had just stepped out of the den to get some fresh air when Hutch skidded to a stop beside him.
"Humphrey, sir, there is a band of southern wolves headed straight for us. What are your orders?"
Humphrey growled with anger, "I will take our five best fighters and stop them, you stay here with the rest of the wolves and protect Kate at all costs. Tell Eve where I've gone." Hutch nodded and raced off to gather all of the pack to defend the main den...
Humphrey, Garth, and four other wolves raced to the place where Hutch's patrol party was being attacked. Humphrey's rage had continued to build until he felt nothing but blood-lust for the ones who would harm his mate and pups. His rage was such that he had run so far ahead of his patrol, they could no longer see or hear him. He leapt into the clearing and crashed into a southern wolf so hard, that it was slammed into a tree with back-breaking force. As all the wolves in the clearing froze in fear of the waves of murderous intent rolling off of Humphrey, he turned toward the southern pack, "Who wants to die next?"
The patrol party, sensing their safety, fled back to the main territory. The rest of Humphrey's patrol was still far behind him when all of the southern wolves jumped at him as one. For a moment, he was covered by a mass of fur and flesh; but he broke free and started slashing the wolves with a deadly rhythm. Humphrey had taken their numbers down to half of what they originally were before he was taken down by three southern wolves that had snuck up behind him. Noticing that he was weak now, the rest of the wolves began to close in on him; but Garth and the rest of the war patrol stopped them in their tracks. Candou helped Humphrey escape the three wolves that had ambushed him before joining the Garth looked back at Humphrey, all he saw was a bloody mass of gray fur lying on the ground. Garth ran over to him, placed Humphrey on his back, and began to run back to Eve's den...
Kate was still whimpering in agony as Garth returned to the den, carrying a heap of bloody fur. Eve snapped her head up at the scent of blood.
"What happened? Who is that, Garth?" Kate managed to whisper.
"Kate, I'm so sorry. I couldn't stop him, he just ran ahead of all of us. When we got there, he was buried under three southern wolves and surrounded by the bodies of twenty more." Garth explained.
Kate gasped, "Humphrey!" she tried to get up, but screamed at the pain.
"Kate, you must stay still. If you don't, you could kill yourself. Don't worry about Humphrey, he'll be fine." Eve tried to calm her daughter's racing mind, but only made it worse.
"What do you mean, 'Don't worry about Humphrey'? He is dying because I wasn't there to help him!" Kate shrieked.
"Kate... Eve is right, I'll be... fine. I'm just a little... tired is all." Humphrey stood up and began to limp towards his mate. He rubbed his nose against her muzzle before he fell to the ground, never to rise again.
"Nooo!" Kate screamed as she saw him die right before her eyes. She screamed again when the first pup began to emerge from her belly. Blood pumped from her body as Eve pulled the pup out of Kate's body.
"Garth, get me something to stop this bleeding. If we don't stop it soon, she might not make it." Eve ordered.
"It doesn't matter anymore, he's gone." Kate whispered solemnly.
"Just a little longer my dear, and all the pain will be washed away." the warrior spirit spoke to Kate in her mind.
Kate took a deep breath and pushed with all her might. When she opened her eyes, there were three small wolves lying beside her. Kate smiled as the world around her went dark.
"Kate, don't you dare close your eyes!" her mother ordered.
She did not heed her mother's orders this time and slowly began to pass into the void, following her beloved to the very Gates of Death...
A paw grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. It was the warrior spirit, "Kate, my dear, you have braved the ultimate sacrifices. You have proved to the council that you are worthy of their blessing."Kate made an attempt to smile at the kind spirit, but it came out as more of a scowl.
"I know that you are hurting, but soon you will be reunited with all those that you have lost."
A deep, booming voice joined in with the warrior spirit's, "It is time for you to go back, back to the beginning."
A white light enveloped Kate as she lay down to sleep. Her dreams were filled with visions of Humphrey bleeding out in front of her and of her father wasting away before her very eyes.
"Kate," they said in unison "we are so proud of you. We love you more than we could ever put into words."
Kate ran towards them, screaming their names, as they began to fade away...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~EPILOGUE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Humphrey...dad, wait. Don't leave me, WAIT!" a young, golden-brown she-wolf squealed as she awoke.
Panting heavily, she looked around the den, she was still alone. She was about to start crying again when she heard a voice.
"Kate, are you alright? I heard you scream." Winston called as he padded in through the entrance to the den.
Kate threw herself at her father and began to cry, he was still alive. "It was awful dad, I had this dream where you and Humphrey left me all alone. There was nobody else, and I was so scared."
Winston patted her on the back, "It's okay, honey. I'm not going anywhere and Humphrey is probably still asleep. If you are so worried about him, go see if he wants to play with you." Winston urged.
Kate nodded and raced off towards the Omega den to see if Humphrey was awake. 'I could never be happier than right now, they are both still alive.' Kate thought as she pushed herself into the den where the Omega wolves lived. She spotted Humphrey sleeping at the back of the cave and crept over to stand next to him. Kate looked lovingly at the sleeping pup. "Sleep well, my love. I will be here when you wake up, just as you always were for me," she whispered into his ear. Kate then curled herself around his sleeping form as best she could, swearing that she would protect him from anything that would try to take him away from her again.
Winston and Eve were watching from the entrance to the den, "Well, Winston, I think that our little girl has made her decision." Eve commented, still watching the two sleeping pups.
"Yes, it would seem that she has. I think that she truly loves him, even if she doesn't know it yet." Both of the Alphas starred at their daughter as she slept beside Humphrey and smiled.
This was the beginning of love to their eyes, but to Kate's, it was what was always meant to be...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~THE END~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~