gonna sleep?"

Zuko opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He seemed at a loss for words, and Hazel knew that he hadn't thought about it. As always, he hadn't thought ahead. Hazel have an eyeroll on his behalf

"Drake, you could stay here for the night if you would like"

"Really? Can Zuko come too?"

"Yes, so long as he keeps to himself"

************************************

It was late into the night and the silver sheen of moonlight poured into the den, giving Hazel's extended forpaw a silver glow. Behind her Zuko lay at the far of the den, with Drake  nestled beside him. She didn't like having him so close to her, but she felt as if she didn't have much of a choice. She cared too much for Drake's welfare, even though the responsiblity was no longer hers to bear.

"You're not really asleep, are you" whispered Zuko from the other end

Her fur bristled slighty at his comment, but made no reply. She only gave her tail a small swish against the floor of the den to acknoledge his comment. She had nothing to say to him.

"I thought so, you were never much of an early sleeper"

She only flattened her ears to her head for a reply

"Look, I feel like I offer you small explanation, about Drake" he added "You see, um, he's not really my son. Biologically speaking of course"

Hazel turned her head towards him to display that she was listening

"I found him lost, after I left this place...He said that he split with his parents, and he wouldn't leave me alone. I don't know if you've realized this yet, but he has a tendency to grow attached to other quickly. So long as you are nice enough to him. It usually worries me. Anyway, we eventually found his parents...dead. He was all alone now and by then I had grown to like the little guy. He's something allright. He then began to refer to me as "dad", so now he's mine I guess"

He paused to see if he provoked a reaction out of Hazel, but she made no response. Except that her ears were no longer pressed againsnt her skull.

"Well, I accidentally lost him to some rogues and I have no idea what happened to him after that. Now I'm just grateful that he found you instead of some other stranger. Thank you"

Hazel didn't responded at all. She simply closed her eyes and allow sleep to consome her senses

***************************************** 

Several days have passed since Drake's first arrival. A high level of tension was set in the air, since Zuko was now amongst the pack. Several members, including Hazel, didn't trust him. He had brought sabotage and distress last time they allowed him within the pack. If it weren't for Drake, they woud've chased him out a long time ago. Something about Drake captivated the whole pack. Now that he was fully recovered, he ran round about the clan with a bright composition. He was never rude or bratty, he was more curious and somewhat mischievious. Some members didn't like him simply because he was allied with Zuko, but soon became to forgive him for it.

Hazel now spent her time keeping a close eye on him. She didn't have to, but she still felt oblidged to do so. Several times Drake ran up to her with a new question each time

"Hazel, why does Alpha always hide in his den?"

"Because he's resting"

"Thats boring"

"Be mindful of your leader" scolded Hazel lightly "Now go have fun"

"I wish, but no one wants to play with me" he said, looking bored

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, everytime I try to play with the other pups, they won't let me"

Hazel frowned at this information. Surely they weren't being bullies to Drake.

"Just be nice, and I'm sure they'll want to play with you"

"OKay..." with that, he dashed across the clearing towards the pack's nursery. Hazel watched with keen interest. Drake appoached a small group of pups and he crouched down as if wanting to play. Moments later, the pups were in a game of wrestle and tussle. Hazel smiled to herself, and felt content knowing that Drake was now accpeted amongst the young ones. Her attention was drawn to Zuko's appearance. He had seen Hazle and walked towards her. Hazel narrowed her eyes at him and turned away abruptly. Several times already, he had attempted to talk to her. She simply wasn't interested.

She then heard a pups cry from the otherside and a furious snarl. Both Hazle and Zuko swivleled their towards the source of the noise. The pups game had come to a stop, and they were all clustered beneath their mother, who Hazel recognized as Ciya. She was snarling at Drake, who looked terrified at the enraged female. A growl tore from Hazel's throat and seconds later, she stood over Drake with her teeth thrust at Ciya, daring the female to make a move. Zuko appeared at her side a second later, appearing frantic

"What happened?" he questioned, his gaze flickering from the enrage mother and Drake

 "Your pup attacked my litter"

"No I didn't!" protested Drake from below "We were playing and then I but down too hard. It was an accident!"

"Nonsense!"

"You're over reacting Ciya, pups always play a little to rough sometimes."

"Not if he is the father" she retorted, landing her gaze on Zuko in accusation

Zuko looked offended for a split second and then he flattened his ears, glaring at her. He opened his mouth but Hazel cut in

"Thats no excuse, Drake is innocent from such judgement. You're being unfair and baised!"

Hazel bent down and grabbed Drake by the scruff of the neck and carried him away, casting her a final dirty look. Drake looked at his former playmates with an apologetic expression and allowed himself to be lifted away. Hazel shoved Zuko aside and lifted her head  high. She could feel her packmates eyes burn on her pelt, but she was to furious to care.

"Keep him away from my pups" called Ciya to Hazel's turned back

When they had reached the otherside, Drake began to ask questions in a rush

"I don't understand, I didn't do it on purpose. And what was she talking about? What did she mean by 'not if he is the father' ?"

Hazel lowered him down and gave a resigned sigh. She didn't know if she should explain to him what the pack thought of Zuko. Zuko himself appeared at her side.

"Are you allright?" he asked, still looking fretful

"I guess" said Drake "Im not hurt or anything. But what was she talking about. And why did she look at you like that?"

Zuko's expression faltered and he looked at Hazel for guidance. Hazel only turned away slightly,refusing to assist him. It was his problem to deal with, he brought it on himself.

"Nothing, don't worry about it. It has nothing to do with you"

"But-"

"Look, its almost time to eat. How about you go pick out a piece of the carribou they just brought back"

"Okay!" he chriped, his enthusiasm retunrnig, and he sprinted off for the fresh kill.

When he was far away enough, Zuko redirected his attention to Hazel, looking grateful.

"Thanks, you really helped out back there"

"I didn't do it for you" she snapped and walked away.

She was still enraged by the outspoken prejudice of Ciya. Hazel understood that as a mother, she had the right to be protective of her litter, but she she was still being far too harsh to Drake, and it was all because he was tied to Zuko. It only encouraged bitter feelings towards him. It was unfair that other wolves had to suffer on his behalf, especially innocent ones.Hazel was then aware of someone's pressence behind her, and a soft voice spoke from behind.

"Hazel?"

Zuko? What could he possibly want now, especially after everything he has done.. She stood up abruptly and strode away to her den, she didn't even want to look at him.

"Hazel wait!" he cried, running after her "Can't we just talk?"

"There is nothing to talk about" she snipped without turning around, and then she ducked into her den, but he still followed her in. She whirled around and showed him her teeth "You are not welcome here!"

"Please, just hear me out" he begged, his head lowered

She was tempted to still send him away, but her curiosity prevented it. And still, she had some feeling for him still, despite what had happened just now.

"Fine"

"I know that you're still hurting after what I have done, and you have every right to be. But that was a long time ago, and well...I miss you Hazel" he paused to see how she would react, but her expression remained solid, so he continued "I guess what I'm asking for is a second chance. I know I don't deserve it, but I would still really like one. If you would allow it. You still have feelings for me,  I can tell"

She growled at the final sentence and turned her head away. As true as it was, she still didn't want to give in. She was simply scared of being hurt again. What if she gave him her trust and he stabbed her in the back again? She couldn't take such agony anymore. She shook her head, making her decision clear. He gave a disappointed sigh.

"I thought you wouldn't make it easy. I understand, but you leave me no choice...if you give me a second chance, then Drake can be yours too"

"What!" she gasped, he blue eyes wide.

"Its no secret that you are attached to him. Do you think the pack doesn't notice? When I claimed him as mine, I saw how hurt you looked, and I notice how you watch after him, even though he is no longer your responsiblity. He talks about you a lot, he really likes you. And he needs a mother in his life."

"You think..." she snarled,