like Everett would be enough to unleash your full potential to be a full-fledged wolf of the Runaway Clan, . . .” She paused to let out a deep sigh of disappointment. “but . . . I never thought that it would grow into something like this.” 

Although Everett felt responsible for this sudden beat-down on the quarter-wolf’s spirit, he began to speak up – “My Alpha, . . . I —” – until he was completely interrupted by Aleu’s own voice and a lifted light-beige paw near his head.

“No, Everett; I can speak up for myself.” Everett backed down with respect of his lover’s wishes, allowing her to continue. “White Feather, I am truly sorry for what has happened. Everett was such a wonderful teacher of what he has learned from you on hunting . . . and,” she let out a sigh mixed with a slight giggle. “I guess, I began to feel like I was meant to be here with him . . .” Her admittance of that made her lower her light brown-gray head in shame. “I know my excuse sounds silly, . . . . but I’m so sorry for letting you down, ma’am. I really am. I won’t let you down again, I promise.” A tear swelled up in the corners of her eyes and dripped onto the ground. 

Seeing this side of the quarter-wolf made the Alpha want to forgive her immediately, but another cry from within the main chamber changed all of her plans.

“Alpha! Alpha, the prisoner has awakened!” Geona’s light-gray body ran into the tunnel, stopping in the presence of the Alpha and the other two canines. “What should we do with him, My Alpha?” 

Prisoner? Aleu thought as her ears pricked up suddenly. Did Geona and the guards catch someone else while we were gone?A strange sense of nervousness hit the pit of her stomach, as if it was a sign for her to feel a bit threatened by this “prisoner.” She didn’t understand why she was frightened, but she had a feeling she would find out.

“I shall question him in the afternoon in the main chamber,” White Feather replied. “For now, keep him in the prisoner’s quarters until the trial begins.” 

“Yes, my Alpha,” Geona bowed quickly and went on her way to the prisoner.

“Aleu,” the gray-white she-wolf turned to the quarter-wolf. “I want you to help Geona with the prisoner. I’d like to talk to Everett in private, if you don’t mind.” 

Aleu’s eyes grew large in surprise, but still there was that tinge of anxiety that made her want to fear this prisoner. I can’t refuse White Feather’s orders,she thought. She’s already upset with me for staying with Everett instead of returning for the hunt; no matter how I feel right now, I have to do what she says. I do want to be a part of this Clan after all . . .

“Yes, ma’am,” Aleu lowered her head in respect, trying to show that she was really sorry for her actions. White Feather and Everett watched with their careful eyes as Aleu scampered over to where Geona was waiting for her. 

“Oh, Aleu!” Geona ran up to her and nuzzled her in friendship. “How did your first hunt go? I was starting to get worried when you didn’t arrive back with the others.”

The light pink had returned to Aleu’s cheeks at the sound of those words. “Well, . . .” The phrases were slow to come out, but eventually Aleu was able to say it. “Everett taught me the basics of hunting, . . . but I didn’t exactly use them for real.”  

“Huh? You didn’t get to hunt?” The light-gray motioned her to follow her to where the prisoner was being held. “That sucks.”

“It wasn’t all bad,” Aleu began to lower her face to cover her embarrassment. “Everett and I . . . well, . . . we . . .” She let out a shy giggle as Geona’s mouth grew wide with a gasp. 

“You mean, you two . . .”

“Uh-huh . . .” Aleu continued to grow even redder and shyer as she nodded her head. Suddenly her voice was filled with pure joy. “Oh, Geona, he’s the most amazing guy! I don’t know what it is about him, but I . . . I’ve fallen in love with Everett!” 

Geona smiled happily. “Love is a normal feeling. I just can’t believe you’ve become such an easy target so soon!”

“Yeah. It must be destiny, I suppose,” Aleu was afraid to change the subject, but she had to get into the current situation. “Now, what’s all this about a prisoner?” Her legs began to faintly shake nervously. “White Feather sent me to help you transport him to the prisoner’s quarters.” 

“Well, my team of guards caught him taking a drink of water and sniffing the air near our waterfall,” Geona explained. “He was acting strangely around our territory, and for our safety, we had to take him down and bring him for judgment . . .” She turned to her companion. “just like we did with you, Aleu. The safety of our community and the ones we love is more important than anything and always comes first.”

Aleu nodded. “I understand.” Wow, she really has such devotion to her Clan. Perhaps . . . perhaps Papa means the same way as well, . . . just like White Feather told me . . . 

“Oh, here’s the prisoner, Aleu,” Geona introduced. “He’s just woken up, so be careful with him.”

Aleu only replied with a gasp and a thought of total shock.  

P-p-p . . . Papa?

(Part III – completed 11/01/07)