they took over everything . . . but still we survived, and I returned to my rightful place . . . but then you and Everest came along and . . . well, I guess Aniu had other plans when I asked for a way out.”

 

“Unlike you, I don’t want to ask for a way out, Aleu,” Saba reassured her sister. “I just want to stay strong . . . for both my family and the Clan. I want to try my hardest to manage both, but I know that it’s a time of peace right now and I’m guessing that it won’t last too much longer.”

 

Aleu nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. Just try not to worry on trying not to be perfect . . . I know I wasn’t, but no one expects perfection out here. Things can still go wrong, for even the most perfect plans can go awry – just be yourself and remember that you’re now a wolf, and things should be fine.”

 

“Well, I was afraid of that too,” Saba smiled, knowing her sister clearly understood her. “When Aniu first told me that I was to take your place, I was so scared. I knew I wasn’t used to being a wolf before my death, but although she taught me many things, I was afraid I would make mistakes as Alpha.” She closed her eyes as she remembered what Aniu told her. “She told me that it was natural for me, as well as anyone else, to make mistakes . . . and since she had taught me so much on how to lead and fight like a wolf, I was somehow destined to do this.”

 

Aleu could only nod as she looked at her little sister who remained deep in thought.Well, she does seem meant for this,she thought. She’s no longer the petite little sister that I remembered from years ago. Thanks to Aniu, she looks . . . gosh, and even acts more like a wolf . . . even more than I do perhaps . . . Aleu felt her lips form a smile. You trained her well for me, Aniu – thank you so much . . .

 

“So if you feel that something could be brewing in the near future, I suppose we should be prepared for whatever may happen,” Saba opened her eyes once more, looking at Aleu with understanding. “I should tell the security teams to continue their training, just in case. I don’t want them to be caught off their guard.”

 

Aleu nodded, but within her thoughts, she feared for her mate as well as Saba’s. “But Shadow and Everest will . . .” She murmured, almost as if she had forgotten that she was speaking aloud.

 

“I know that you’re just as worried as I am for our mates, but this is their duty, just as mine is to lead,” Saba reminded her. “As wolves, all of us have made a commitment to protect and serve our Clan. It’s a natural risk, I understand, but we don’t know exactly what we are to fight as of now. We must be prepared, no matter what . . . and if something unfortunate happens, then it is only Aniu’s will.”

 

Aleu let out a sigh. She knew all of that already, but apparently her maternal instincts had been more dominant than her lupine knowledge. “I know. I guess my instincts as a wolf have been getting soft.” She chuckled lightly, but she knew this was no laughing matter – this was serious business, especially with the fear of not being able to be revived again.

 

“Well, maybe I can help remind you of some of the fighting skills Aniu taught me,” Saba offered. “My children are old enough to start learning now, and although Little Jadze is still rather young, I’m sure the two of you can better your fighting.”

 

“I really appreciate it, Saba,” Aleu lowered her head graciously. “but you know you don’t have to do this.”

 

“I know I don’t have to, but I feel like I want to help you,” the Alpha moved towards a cliff. “Perhaps it’s for a good cause . . .” She smiled as she looked below, hearing the working voices of the ones meant to protect her. “. . . and maybe there’s another reason to it. Maybe it’ll make you stronger now that you’re no longer in charge.”

 

She does have a point . . . Aleu smiled as she joined her sister at the ledge. “That sounds like a good idea. When can we start?”

 

“Tomorrow,” Saba grinned, feeling rather good about the deal that she just made. “We’ll start in the morning.”

 

 

 

Back inside the Alpha’s den, the light red male pup sulked angrily. He was laid on the ground, looking out at the open entrance. Oh, if only he could run through it without getting into trouble! He watched as his brother and sister played with their niece happily, but he merely growled under his breath and lowered his ears against his neck.

 

“It’s not fair . . .” Tram murmured with a huff, placing his head back onto his forelegs. “I was only practicing my skills on them, that’s all . . . God, what’s so special about those three anyway?” He began to mutter irritably with the din of the three pups coming from outside of the den. “Humph, I’m better than all three of them . . . I’m stronger, faster, and smarter than any of them . . . but no one, not even my own mother, gives a damn about me . . .” He was too proud to cry, but this was one time that wanted to shed a tear.

 

“Yessssssss, . . . you want to show them how much better you are . . .” It was a sinister voice, one Tram had never heard before, but it seemed like only he could hear it. It sounded like it was . . . speaking directly to him! “. . . you know that you deserve more praise than you get, Tram . . .”

 

Naturally to anyone, it’s strange to hear a voice you don’t know calling your name all of a sudden. So to a young pup at less than a year old, it was even stranger.

 

Huh? Who’s there? Tram’s ears pricked up, surprised by the voice. He didn’t want anyone to think he was insane, so he only used his thoughts. It’s just my imagination . . . No one else is here . . . God, I must be hearing things . . . or something like that . . .

 

“No, this is all real . . . I . . . I am real . . . and I know your true strength . . .” The voice tried to get the pup’s trust. “. . . those pathetic siblings of yours are no match to what you really are . . .”

 

A smirk grew on the pup’s face. Finally, someone understood him! I’m glad you think so, he thought. No one else here understands how powerful I can be, but at least someone around here actually does . . .

 

“Just follow my lead . . . trust in my words . . . and let me make you stronger . . .” the dark voice inside Tram’s head made him rise to his feet, no longer upset. “. . . I promise, others will start to notice what power you possess . . .”

 

Hmm, stronger, eh . . .? I do want others to see me, to take note on how tough I am . . . Tram’s smirk looked more evil and rebellious than ever as he looked out at the sight of his playmates. All right then – lead the way . . .

 

I want to be stronger . . . and if you say you can do it, I want you to help me . . .

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the three pups ran and giggled playfully. Despite being younger and smaller, Little Jadze could easily catch up to the larger strides of Rife and Sunny, running beside them, and at one point, she passed them, stopping them in their tracks.

 

“Wow, you’re fast!” Rife reared on his hind legs in surprise. “Much faster than me . . . and I’m older than you!”

 

“Yeah, that was awesome, Jadze!” Sunny giggled as she playfully pounced on the smaller pup. “You’re really good at running!”

 

“Thanks!” the cute beige pup strained to lift the gray female with her paws. It didn’t work at first, but she found a way to escape the strong legs of her friend and sparring partner. “I try my best . . . that’s all . . .” She panted, catching her breath and recovering her strength, but she still managed to smile afterwards. “That was fun! Do you want to play catch the pebble with us, Rife?” She turned to the dark-red pup.

 

He was more concerned with his sister actually. “Sure, I’ll play, but doesn’t your paw still hurt, Sunny?” His ears fell to the side. “I’m just worried about you, that’s all. You were bleeding a while ago, and all that careful running may hurt it more.”

 

“But I feel fine, you guys,” Sunny stood, applying pressure onto her injury and making her wince. “Ouch . . . oh . . .” She sat down and lowered her head and ears in disappointment. “Okay, maybe . . . maybe it still hurts some. And I really wanted to play . . .”

 

Little Jadze sighed, remembering that Tram had attacked her earlier. “But he’s right, you know – I don’t want you to feel any worse either. Maybe we should take a rest for now and let you recover, okay?” Strange how she was able to compromise – she really wanted to play, but if the others were so concerned about Sunny, she was too. After all, they were best friends.

 

“Are you sure, Jadze?” the gray asked the creamy beige with concern. She laid down on the rocky ground out of exhaustion. “I know that you like playing and all . . .”

 

Little Jadze nodded. “I’m fine. You’re my friend, and I don’t want you to be left all alone.” The two girls nuzzled cheek to cheek, chuckling at the feel of their fur against each other.

 

“I’m fine about it too,” Rife said, joining his sister on the ground and licking her other cheek. “Besides, it’s no fun without you playing with us. I’d rather never play again if you couldn’t.”

 

“Thanks, you guys . . .” She smiled, but it disappeared as a serious thought occurred to her. “I wonder what was up with Tram today,” Sunny thought aloud. “He’s never bitten me before.”

 

“That was weird,” Little Jadze commented, joining them on the ground. “It’s like he was a different pup today than usual. Sure he bites and fights like a rough fighter, but he’s never actually hurt one of us.”

 

“I only joined him because I thought it was just harmless fun,” Rife sounded sorry for his participation in hurting his sister. “He didn’t say

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