Blaez The Beta Male
Book 4: Summer
Part 1
The sun rose high up in to the sky, its blinding glare and searing heat kept ever animal out of the sun. Konnor and Azure were laying down lazily in the shade looking out to the distance with Konnor asleep and Azure smirking to herself.
Saffron was near a few rocks with Sage nearby watching Saffron trying to teach him how to fight but being as shy as he was Sage found it hard to think of the idea of attacking another wolf where as Saffron found it very exciting.
Keaton frowned harshly as the small Shangkai pup named Night played with his tail oblivious to the heat that seemed to be affecting everyone around him. Night had the same markings as any other Shangkai wolf with two distinctive black arrow shaped strips on his forehead and on his tail. No one was quite new why Shangkai wolves all seemed to have these markings but then again not much was known about the Shangkai pack let alone their history and heritage.
Standing beside the river Blaez looked down at his reflection the scar left by Torren left a menacing reminder on his face and it was a constant reminder of what he had done to Jate and made him wonder what became of him.
Nearby Akela watched him for a moment before slowly padding forward and stopping beside Blaez who didn’t look up at her. ‘You still mopping around here?’ She asked smiling to herself.
‘I’m not mopping I’m just thinking.’ Blaez said as he watched Akela’s reflection in the cool water before following the small river and looking out towards the distance. The land which only weeks ago had been destroyed by the mountain of water was ever so slowly starting grows back but the hot summer was scorching the ground making it hard for any plants to try and regrow. ‘We should try and do some more training.’ Blaez said looking up at Akela who sighed.
‘It’s to hot at the moment.’ Akela argued not liking the idea of more training.
‘The weather isn’t going to get any cooler and it’s nearly autumn which mean I don’t have long to take back our land so my pack can come home again.’ Blaez sighed. ‘We’ll wait till dark it’s much cooler then…’
Akela frowned ‘We’ve been training for weeks we are more then ready…’
‘Of course we’re not ready, Night and the others thought they were ready and now thanks to me the entire culture of the Night Pack has disappeared forever.’ Looking at Blaez Akela slowly walked forward and nuzzled him softly before saying.
‘It wasn’t your fault Blaez…’
‘Then who’s was it?’ Blaez turning to look at Akela’s blue eyes with his grey ones which seemed distant and vague as the memory of Night still haunted him.
Before either of them could say anything Sage walked out from some overgrowth quickly causing them both to step back away from each other and look away.
‘Can I talk to you Blaez?’ Sage said looking up at Blaez who nodded as Akela sighed before saying out aloud.
‘I better go…’ With that she quickly padded away as Sage walked up and sat down beside Blaez who looked down at his son.
‘I-I need advice…’ Sage said biting his lip.
‘Sure, but I’m not the best wolf for advice, lately I’ve been lacking making any right decisions.’
‘Would you think of me as coward if I was afraid to fight Blaez…?’ Sage said looking up at Blaez who looked shocked and quickly shook his head.
‘Of course not, why would you think that?’
‘Saffron and everyone else is so much better then me and I’m scared that if I’m not as good as them I’ll let everyone down.’ Sage looked back down at his reflection in the water.
‘Don’t listen to Saffron she just thinks she’s really good…’ Blaez joked and looked down at sage who obviously didn’t find in funny. ‘Would you like me to teach you how to fight?’ Blaez said looking at Sage who looked up at him with a gleam of excitement in his eyes as he nodded and quickly jumped to his feet.
‘When can we start Blaez?’ He asked looking very excited as Blaez laughed out aloud.
‘Wait till tonight when it’s cooler and I’ll teach you some thingS that even Saffron doesn’t now…’ Blaez winked at Sage who smiled up at him as he quickly started to pad away until Blaez called out after him, ‘Can I ask you something Sage?’
Turning around Sage nodded and quickly walked back towards Blaez who felt a large lump in his throat as he tried to find the right words to say. ‘Did you ever have any siblings?’ Blaez said looking unsure down at his son who seemed to be taken aback for a moment.
‘Yes, I had one sister…but why does it matter?’ Sage said looking a little confused.
Blaez quickly tried to think of something before saying ‘I just wondered because we need every wolf we can get, that’s all.’ Blaez knew it was a really bad explanation but he just had to know about the daughter he’d never met, What did she look like? What was her name? Was she as beautiful as her mother? Was she like him at all?
‘Oh…’ Sage sat down on the ground. ‘My sister was called Cimron by our adoptive mother but we never spent much time together because when the Shangkai pack attacked we were separated and that was the last I ever saw of her.’ Sage looked sad for a moment before standing up, ‘I guess she’s just another casualty…’ With that Sage quickly walked away as though not wanting Blaez to ask any more questions.
Blaez refused to believe that his only daughter was dead but before he had time to think about anything Konnor quickly bounded up to him out of breath. Looking down at Konnor Blaez raised an eyebrow.
‘Quick Blaez Night’s talking…’ Konnor managed to say as Blaze smiled down at his friend and they both quickly went to find the small Shangkai pup.
Part 2
The small Shangkai pup stood quietly beside Azure just as Blaez and Konnor quickly arrived at the front of the cave where the small pup instantly looked up at them.
‘What did he say?’ Blaez asked turning to Konnor who simply shrugged as they both look at Azure. Every since Blaez and Night had saved the small pup he hadn’t spoken a word and kept silent. The small pup was scared to be on its own and when ever it was it would whimper till someone came and comforted it.
‘Don’t take me back…’ The small pup spluttered looking down at the ground as though scared to look any of the other wolves in his eye.
‘Take you back where Night?’ Blaez asked softly as he sat down in front of the pup who still refused to look up at him.
‘Back home I want to stay here.’
All the wolves looked shocked for a moment as they looked at each other. Every since the small pup had stayed with them it seemed to be scared to go any where near the Shangkai pack lands and would cower when ever he heard them howling during the night.
‘Why what’s wrong with your old pack lands?’ Konnor said looking down at the pup and both Blaez and Azure looked up at him and frowned causing him to frown and step back.
‘My uncle he said he’d kill me and-and I can’t find my brothers and sisters…’ The small pup whimpered as small tear began to slide down his face as he cuddled up beside Azure’s leg.
‘It’s ok Night’ Azure said gently as she looked down at Night who still didn’t look to comfortable.
‘We’ll never let anyone hurt you; if you tell us who your uncle is we’ll protect you from him…’ Blaez said as the small pup finally turned around and looked up at Blaez.
‘Torren…’ As the name slurred of the little pups mouth Blaez restrained himself from growling as a deep anger inside seemed to try to and get out as he turned and started to walk away. Once he was further enough away form the small pup he sat back down as Konnor and Azure walked up and sat beside him.
‘I left Night with Keaton.’ Azure said looking at Blaez who nodded.
‘I’m sure he’ll enjoy that.’ Konnor said laughing and smiling to himself but stopped when Azure frowned up at him.
‘We haven’t spent much time together lately have we?’ Blaez sighed looking at his friends who looked a little confused.
‘We haven’t had any time, our pack comes first.’ Azure said nodding as Konnor agreed with her.
‘Once this is all over we are going to have to spend more time together.’ Blaez said nodding trying to reassure himself that everything would turn out right in the end.
‘Let’s get there first shall we?’ Konnor laughed out aloud as all three friends looked out towards the distance at a land that was once their home but was now over run by the powerful Shangkai wolves nearly twice their size and a vengeance for their blood, Blaez knew that Torren would never stop until he and his friends were dead. Although during the Winter Blaez had to give Torren some credit because he respected Torren for the fact that he won’t put his families lives in danger and that although he’ll do anything to kill Blaez that he won’t let any harm come to his family. Smiling to himself Blaez stood back up and turned around to face his friends.
‘I think I know how to defeat the Shangkai wolves.’ Blaez said smiling at Azure and Konnor who looked at each other and shared the same smile.
Meanwhile Akela was out hunting near some trees which had escaped much of the damage from the flood when she heard footsteps, she instantly stopped and hid behind some bushes and as she peeped through them she could make out two Shangkai wolves lurking nearby. As the wolves edged closer towards her it didn’t take long for her to able to understand what they were saying.
‘I’m telling you these wolves would have been killed.’ A white Shangkai wolf with brown and black arrow shapes down the back of his neck said.
‘Look we do as Torren says do you want to end up like Jate?’ Akela could feel her claws digging in to the mud but she didn’t make as sound.
‘Lets just turn back and say that no one survived and there’s no sign of that elder that Torren is so worried about…’ The white wolf said but didn’t get to finish as the other wolf instantly jumped in front of the wolf and barred its teeth causing the white wolf to slink back submissively.
‘Listen to me, we do our job and unless you do as I tell you Torren will dispose of you easily…’ With that the wolf turned around and began to walk away with the white wolf reluctantly following behind him.
Akela watched them go and as soon as they had disappeared she quickly stood up and began to run back towards the caves to warn Blaez that the Shangkai wolves were starting to edge closer to their hide-out and that Torren was looking for an elder that seemed to worry him enough that he had to have patrols looking for the wolf.
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
The End Characters Blaez, Akela, Konnor, Azure, Silver, Torren, Keaton, JD, Night, Luna, Sage, Saffron, Cimron, Dusk, Tackon, Jate (C) Kaynight THANKS FOR READING!
‘Stop pacing my mate…’ Dusk said sweetly looking up at Torren who was pacing from side to side as his small pups slept beside their mother.
‘You don’t understand Dusk I had them, I had Blaez I could taste victory but then he got away and saved our pups…’ Torren turned to look at Dusk who simply frowned before standing up and walking over to him.
‘He did that to save his own neck…’ Dusk hissed angrily ‘…but don’t worry soon enough he will again be in your grasp.’ Torren smiled weakly though it was still obvious that his thoughts were still on Blaez and what could have been.
Before either of them could say anything the two wolves Akela had seen earlier walked up to Torren who eagerly looked down at them.
‘We did not find the elder.’ The white wolf said looking down at the ground as Torren yelled and turned around starting to pace again no one quite sure what to say.
‘If that elder is found we’re all as good as dead now I want you to keep searching till you’ve found them!’ Torren yelled at the wolves who instantly nodded and ran away but he had also woken his pups up and they seemed to cower slightly, they were scared of their yelling father thinking they had down wrong. Looking down at his pups and seeing them look distressed Torren turned to Dusk who looked angry. ‘Take care of them…’ With that Torren quickly bounded away in to the forest as Dusk looked after him before looking down at the pups who kept close to her obviously scared of their father.
‘This is a stupid idea…’ Keaton frowned and turned around from the wolves who all looked at him.
‘Just because its not your idea.’ Konnor growled and stepped forward towards Keaton who turned to look at him, the pair had never gotten on well and Konnor was always waiting for an excuse to get back at him.
‘Look there is no point in all of us arguing, you can either do as I say or you can leave and last time you left you got yourselves in to trouble.’ Blaez said sternly looking at Keaton who couldn’t help but agree and so he simply turned around and sat back down.
‘They’re are too many wolves though, for you to even get close to Torren we would need many more wolves then we do now.’ Konnor said turning back around.
‘I can take them on.’ Saffron muttered as Azure looked at her and frowned.
‘Remember the Night Pack they trained all winter and still they didn’t succeed what chance do we have in our tiny group?” Keaton muttered.
‘We need to find a weakness…’ Blaez said looking down at the ground the haunting image of the Night pack still coming in to his mind. Before anyone had a chance to say anything Akela jumped forward from the trees and he looked up at her. ‘Akela are you alright?” Blaez asked quickly standing up and walking over to her as she caught her breath.
‘We need to move away from here the Shangkai wolves are getting too close and I believe I have just found something that scares Torren.’ When she finished Akela looked up to see everyone smiling at her including Blaez.
A few moments later after all the wolves had moved towards the river coming down the mountain did Akela say what she heard. ‘I heard some Shangkai wolves talking about an elder that Torren was looking for.’
‘I have lived here my entire life and I have never heard of this elder before.’ Blaez said pacing slightly knowing that their salvation could have been right in front of them from the very beginning and yet they haven’t stumbled across it yet. ‘Night spoke to me one night about the other side of the mountain that his pack rarely went there, could that be it?’ Blaez asked out aloud looking at all the wolves.
‘We might as well take a chance we have nothing to lose.’ Konnor standing up before turning to Azure who stood up beside him.
‘We have everything to lose, Aleu and the others maybe returning in only a few months.’ Azure said as Blaez tried to not think about letting Aleu down.
‘I think some of us should go over there and take a look whilst the rest of us stay here just incase the Shangkai wolves threaten to come any closer.’ Akela said looking at Blaez who nodded.
‘Ok then, I’ll go…’ Blaez started.
Saffron quickly jumped forward and stood up tall before saying ‘I will come to!’ Looking at Saffron for a moment Blaez looked past her and saw Konnor and Azure standing beside each other not looking at Blaez who smiled for a moment.
‘I believe a strong warrior like yourself Saffron should stay here, I think that Konnor and Azure should come along three is better then one.’ Saffron frowned but Blaez didn’t seem to notice as both his best friends smiled up at him.
‘We’ll leave now so the darkness can cover our tracks.’ Blaez said looking out to the distance where the sun was beginning to set and the stars were beginning to come out. Slowly Blaez, Konnor and Azure began to walk away as Akela called out to them.
‘Good luck Blaez!’ Turing around for a moment Blaez smiled at her before the three wolves disappeared around the corner leaving the rest of the wolves turning to look at Akela.
A cool breeze blew past the wolves as the coolness of the night seemed to sizzle away the scorching heat of the day. ‘I’d forgotten how lovely our land looked during the summer.’ Azure said looking out to her pack lands which glowed under the moonlight.
‘The land we moved to last year had plenty except that it didn’t feel like home…’ Blaez started but was interrupted by Konnor.
‘Yes it was alright till the sudden disappearance of the caribou.’ Looking out to the distance where Blaez could just see the sea he sighed hoping that across the ocean Aleu and his pack mates were still alive.
The three wolves walked carefully along the narrow tracks, they had never ventured around here before because this was still part of the Night Pack territory which meant they weren’t allowed back here when the Night Pack was alive.
The stars in the sky shone like diamonds as finally the wolves walked on to firmer ground, a small ledge that was an escape from the windy pathways that had a sear drop on one side. Konnor quickly jumped on the ledge and sighed out.
‘Scared of heights?’ Blaeze teased and laughed as he and Azure walked on to the small ledge as Konnor simply frowned at them but didn’t say anything. Looking ahead Blaez noticed that the windy path seemed to continue on into the darkness and after hours of walking they didn’t seem to be getting anywhere and fatigue was making them all very tired.
‘We’ll rest here for awhile.’ Blaez said suppressing a yawn as both Azure and Konnor quickly laid down. Blaez sat up for a little while longer as though keeping watch but he laid down for a moment telling himself he’d just rest his eyes for a moment…
A small drop of water slowly fell down hitting Blaez on the nose as he instantly opened his grey eyes and stood up looking over at Konnor and Azure who were still both fast asleep next to each other. Sighing in relief that his friends were alright Blaez looked up to see where the drop had come from. Above him seemed to be an even smaller ledge with many water droplets hanging over the edge waiting for a slight breeze to push them over.
Looking back at his friends Blaez quietly turned around and looking up at the steep climb to the smaller ledge wondering whether or not it was climbable. Slowly but surely he used all his strength to pull himself up the steep angled cliff thanking that his large paws were finally coming in handy. With one last ditch of effort Blaez jumped on to the small ledge his feet landing in a puddle of water. Looking down at the water while he caught his breath he looked at his reflection before following the trickle of water with his eyes until he saw a tiny entrance to a cave in front of him.
Looking back down at his friends as though scared that they’d leave him he finally looked in to the dark cave and slowly walked forward till he reached the tiny entrance. Blaez had crawl through a tiny whole and once he did he gasped as he looked up at the ceiling because it seemed to glitter like a thousand suns right above him. Smiling up at the ceiling he walked forward on the damp ground not realizing that he was being watched. Hearing someone splash behind him Blaez quickly turned around and bared his teeth expecting to see a Shangkai wolf standing before him, but what he saw shocked him. It was a black wolf with a white face and blue eyes looking directly at him.
‘How dare you enter the realm of the Night Pack.’ The wolf growled at Blaez who quickly stood back up straight.
‘No listen I’m not part of the Night pack but I know…’Blaez sighed ‘…knew Night the alpha male.’
The ears of the other wolf perked up knowing the name. ‘This still gives you no right to be in here unless Night gave you permission…’
Looking down at the ground Blaez swallowed hard, ‘I’m sorry to tell you this but Night died and so did the rest of the Night Pack.’ Looking back up the wolf who didn’t seem to change their facial expression Blaez looked confused.
‘I know they are. I just wanted to test to see if you would lie to me…’ The wolf sighed as she sat down on the ground. ‘My name is Luna and I live around this side of the mountain, I was an omega to the Night Pack for many years my salvation was this cave.’
Blaez knew that the life of any omega was a hard one, when Nava was in control of his pack they banned the horrible act of someone being the Omega because it was so degrading. Omega’s were treated lower then anyone else just because of birthright. Looking back up the ceiling Blaez who about to speak when the wolf interrupted him.
‘The ceiling is covered in a precious metal, this mountain was once a volcano and it created these beautiful stones. This was one of the greatest secrets of the Night pack, we hoped it would bring us hope and serenity but I see that I was wrong.’ Luna sighed as she looked at Blaez who looked down from the ceiling and also sat down on the ground as a silence came over them the only sound being the dripping water from the roof.
‘Luna I have come to seek an elder who lives on this side of the mountain…’ Blaez started but was interrupted.
‘I am that elder you seek.’
‘Will you help me?’ Blaez asked looking at Luna who looked away.
‘I will not.’
Blaez looked taken aback as he quickly said, ‘Why not?’ Slowly standing up Luna looked back at Blaez but didn’t say anything as she slowly began to walk away. Jumping up on to his feet Blaez quickly ran after her till he was standing in front of her making her stop. ‘Please listen to me Luna, The Shangkai wolves have attacked and killed many wolves including the Night Pack you must help or else they’ll find you.’
‘They will not find me here this place is forbidden to any wolf who isn’t of Night Wolf Blood.’ Luna said looking Blaez directly in the eye.
‘These Shangkai wolves don’t do as they are told, they’ve taken over my pack lands and nearly killed my friends. Torren their leader has sent wolves out to search for you if they find you…’ Blaez looking back at Luna who still remained emotionless as she simply walked past him as Blaez looked after her but didn’t say anything. ‘If you won’t help then at least let me help you, let me protect these Night lands, I owe Night something.’ Blaez looked down at the ground as Luna stopped and turned around to face him.
‘I do not have all the answers Blaez…’ Looking up Blaez wondered how she knew his name he hadn’t even mentioned it, ‘but one thing I do know about the Shangkai wolves is that those arrow shaped stripes on their fur are not simply there as a decoration…’ Luna laughed for a moment ‘I know you wonder how I knew your name, me and Night talked many many nights about you, he considered you a friend.’ With that Luna slowly disappeared in to the darkness as Blaez looked after her.
As soon as she was gone it hit him that whilst Night had been alive he and Luna must have been talking, that’s how she knew he had been killed, Night had never returned to these caves and so Luna knew that the reason Night wouldn’t return was because he had been killed.
Turning back around Blaez thought to himself that Luna was right in the fact that every single Shangkai wolf he had seen had these familiar arrow shaped stripes somewhere on their body but he thought it was simply a pattern on their fur he never knew it could be something more important.
Slowly Blaez began to walk forward towards the entrance but before he reached it something on the ground caught his eyes as he looked down. Shimmering in a small pool of water a piece of the ceiling had fallen down in the water it was a crystal clear diamond and sparkled as the moonlight crept in through small holes above him. Looking back to where Luna disappeared he slowly picked it up in his mouth before walking back towards the exit of the mysterious cave.
‘Konnor…Konnor wake up…’ Azure pleaded nudging Konnor who slowly opened his eyes and looked up at her.
‘What is it Azure the sun isn’t even up yet.’ Konnor grumbled as he yawned.
‘Blaez he’s gone!’ Azure said sounding worried as Konnor instantly sat up and turned around noticing that he wad indeed gone.
‘Blaez?’ Konnor yelled out just as Blaez slid down the steep slope and jumped behind Konnor who jumped and turned around and saw him.
‘What happened I thought the Shangkai wolves might have got you.’ Azure said sounding relieved as Blaez put down the diamond on the floor.
‘I found the elder.’ Blaez started.
‘Where is he?’ Konnor asked looking around as though expecting the elder to jump out from any where.
‘Luna was in a cave not far from here and she was just like every other Night Pack wolf I’ve met, except she did help me. She told me the weakness we have been looking for is in the Shangkai wolves coats, those patterns on their fur are not just coat patterns I believe they might be just what we need to defeat them.’
‘This is excellent news!’ Konnor said jumping up.
‘We’re finally going to get our pack lands back and Aleu and the others can come home!’ Azure said smiling up at Konnor, but Blaez looked unsure as he stepped forward.
‘We need to defeat them first, now we better get moving the quicker the others know about this the quicker we can organize something.’ As Blaez finished he slowly began to walk back along the narrow path. Konnor watched him looking a little unsure as Azure walked up beside him.
‘Don’t worry Konnor you’ll be safe.’ Azure smiling as Konnor looked in to her blue eyes and suddenly felt safer as he slowly but surely began to follow Blaez with Azure close behind him.
By the time the three wolves reached the other side of the mountain it was sunrise and even though Blaez had told Konnor not to make to much noise Konnor had obviously not done as he was told as he ran past Blaez in a small shallow cave where Blaez could hear him yelling at everyone to wake up. Turning to Azure who looked angry Blaez laughed ‘I don’t think I’ll ever know someone quite like Konnor.’
The wolves in the cave all looked tired as they walked and saw Blaez who quickly walked up to them.
‘What happened?’ Akela said looking up at Blaez who smiled.
‘Thanks to a Night Pack elder I know how we can take back our lands and so now all we need is a plan and a time of attack.’ When Blaez finished all the wolves looked excited even Keaton who normally didn’t like any ideas thought of by Blaez.
Blaez was sitting down looking at his reflection in the water as he thought about the plan he and the others has discussed and he knew that it greatly resembled the one Night had and yet his still turned into a disaster.
He and the others were going to attack at the end of summer which meant that if Blaez failed Aleu and the others would never return home but if he did succeed he knew his fellow pack mates could finally return home.
'What are you doing over here we’re starting training again now.’ Akela said walking up Blaez who turned to look at her and nodded.
‘Don’t you ever get the feeling that something bad is about to happen?’ Blaez said looking up at Akela who simply smiled.
‘Now you’d never guess Blaez but the first time I met you I had that exact feeling.’ Blaez smiled and looked up at Akela as he slowly stood back up and quickly followed her back to the clearing where all the wolves where waiting in the shade escaping the summer sun.
‘Now everyone Night taught me a few things but I am in no way the best fighter out of everyone here…’ the wound on his cheek where Torren had slashed him seemed to hurt for a moment before he quickly continued. ‘So if anyone has any input then please speak out aloud because in a months time we will be facing the Shangkai wolves and we need every last bit of skill we can have.’
Saffron who was standing beside Sage playfully nudged him but Sage didn’t say anything as he looked at Blaez intent on catching every word he said.
Looking at the worried looks of everyone but Saffron Blaez smiled for a moment, ‘Don’t look so glum everyone we might as well enjoy ourselves while we do this.’ Blaez put his head down to the ground in playful position as he showed his pearly white teeth ‘Who wants to try and pin me first?’ All the wolves looked at each other but Saffron instantly jumped at the chance and jumped forward.
The two wolves circled each other for a moment before Saffron leapt at Blaez who easily dodged to the side as Saffron grumbled to herself but didn’t lose concentration. Lunging again at Blaez Saffron missed again as she frowned.
‘First lesson Saffron, your opponent doesn’t stand still…’ Blaez smirked at Saffron who didn’t look to happy as the wolves watching seemed to laugh quietly. ‘Try again…’
‘I see training is coming along quite nicely.’ Torren nodded at a wolf who walked up to him as the wolves behind him were all practice fighting with each other. ‘No other wolf will be able to match our speed, strength and power.’ The wolf said holding his head up a high hoping he had impressed Torren.
‘Now listen to me Tackon underestimation is our worst enemy so I want you to make sure these wolves are ready. I want a clean victory our new land is at risk and I will not let Blaez take it away from me.’ Tacken quickly nodded as he ran to check on a few wolves as Torren watched the practice session.
One of Torren’s pups crept up to him and leapt on his tail biting it playfully with his sharp little teeth. Turning to look at his pup Torren smiled as he picked him up and put the pup down in front of him so he could see the wolves practicing.
‘Soon my son you will be one of these warriors…’ The small pup stood up tall as Torren smiled to himself knowing that if such loyalty came from a tiny pup then his pack will have no trouble in defeating the Blaez and the others.
The sun had set by the time Blaez and the others were winding up their training session for the day. Watching over everyone Blaez smiled at their progress but he couldn’t help but wonder where they really ready or did they jus think they were? The last two times Blaez had come against Torren he had beaten him quite easily and although Blaez wasn’t scared of him a pit deep inside worried constantly.
Looking over at his son who didn’t even know he was his father Blaez watched him with a smile as Saffron was trying to teach him a few tricks but Sage didn’t seem to be getting them much to the irritation of Saffron.
Konnor was trying to be funny as Azure tried to ignore him while she worked on her quick reactions and Akela and Keaton had already finished and were now sitting down and talking to each other. All the other wolves in the small group where either settling down for the night or practicing fighting with another member just as excited.
Night slowly walked up to Blaez and sat down beside him his tail wagging from side to side as he watched the wolves in front of him wanting nothing more to join in. Looking down at the small Shangkai pup Blaez bite his lip for a moment before bending down and asking. ‘Do you miss your family?’ Blaez asked as the young pup looked up at him.
‘I…never knew my father and my mother was taken away after I was born and I haven’t seen my siblings since you rescued me…’ Night said sadly as Blaez smiled down at him.
‘You can return to your pack any time to like, we are by no means keeping you here.’ Blaez said. By no means was he or the others keeping him here if he asked they would take him home
‘No, I like it here with you.’ Night said moving closer to Blaez who looked down at Night looking shocked it seemed as though he was looking up to him like a father figure. Looking over at Sage Blaez smiled to him self for a moment but didn’t say anything as more stars started to appear in the sky behind them.
The weeks dragged on and both sides worked all the time into preparing for the oncoming battle, each knew it would happen by the end of summer but none knew when exactly, all they knew was that it would be soon.
It was nearing the end of summer and the nights began to grow colder which told Blaez that soon he had to gather his friends and prepare them for a battle that even he wasn’t sure they could win.
As the sun began to set Blaez knew that it was now or never and slowly he walked in front of everyone and they turned to look at him, each with hope gleaming in their eyes.
‘It is nearing the end of Summer and the ice bridge will be forming very soon so it is now or never that we start our assault on the Shangkai pack.’ Blaez looked out towards his pack lands, ‘They have ruled out lands, killed our family and friends and now finally it is time for us to take it all back from them. I’m not going to fool around and say that we’ll all make it or even that we’ll succeed, all I can say that because we are fighting for the land which was once ours it gives us more of a chance then those Shangkai wolves will ever have because we want it more.’
All the wolves looked at each as though the thought of them not seeing each other had only just entered their minds and for some the hope in their eyes seemed to dim slightly.
Akela slowly stepped forward beside Blaez and looked at all the wolves whom had followed her leadership throughout the passing two years and she smiled softly at them before sighing. ‘I never knew that this time two years ago my pack would be killed and that I would be in charge of such a strong group of fighters but for the final battle I think that I need to pass over my crown that I have worn over to the Blaez who has been my unofficial Beta Male.’
Blaez looked up at Akela and looked shocked for a moment, ‘If it hadn’t been for you I would never have survived the first day back here in my old land and besides…’ Blaez turned to his fellow wolves ‘…I am no more in charge of your decisions then any one else should be, we are all equal here and if we survive this is how it will stay. Now please enjoy our last night of peace.’ Blaez finished and looked at everyone who smiled weakly up at their leaders as they slowly dispersed in to small groups.
Konnor and Azure walked over to a small area and looked up at the stars as Konnor chuckled slightly to himself. ‘Remember before we left how I made you come with me?’ Konnor said turning to Azure who blushed under her coat as she nodded.
‘You wouldn’t leave me alone.’ She laughed.
‘If I had known what we would have gone through I would never have let you come along.’ Looking away from Azure Konnor sighed, but Azure simply smiled as she nuzzled him making him turn back around and look at her with a smile on his face.
‘If I had never come I would have never known the real Konnor.’ Both wolves smiled as they sat close beside each other and looked up at the stars in the sky.
Shutting his eyes trying to fall asleep Sage didn’t notice as Saffron walked up beside him and sat down making him look up at her.
‘Please no more training I need some rest for tomorrow.’ Sage said putting his head back on his paws.
‘I’m not here for more training it’s not all I do you know.’ Saffron laughed to herself. ‘I’m more worried about you that’s all…’ Sage suddenly sat up and frowned but didn’t say anything as she continued, ‘...you don’t seem to want to fight and we’ll be up against the Shangkai wolves tomorrow.’
‘So what don’t you think I can protect myself?’ Sage said standing up and looking away from Saffron. ‘I don’t think you should give yourself so much credit yourself.’ With that Saffron frowned and both wolves walked away from each other.
Blaez was lying down near the entrance to the shallow cave as Akela walked up and laid down beside him making him turn around and look at her.
‘I have a surprise for you.’ Blaez smirked at Akela who raised an eyebrow as he quickly padded over to some nearby rocks and picked up the diamond he’d take from Luna’s Cave all those weeks ago, he had hid it as soon as he had returned hoping to surprise Akela with at the right time. Walking back over he put it down in front of Akela as he laid back down beside her.
‘Blaez it looks so beautiful it’s like one of the stars in the sky.’ Akela said looking up at the stars which shone above her.
‘A beautiful jewel for a beautiful wolf…’ Blaez said looking at Akela who blushed madly under her fur.
‘Would you think any less of me if I told you I was scared about tomorrow.’ Akela said sounding unsure as she looked at Blaez who simply smiled.
‘I don’t think one wolf here tonight can claim to not be scared and if they did they would be lying.’
The cool crisp night flew by so fast it was as though the time had sped up just to tease the group of wolves. Before anyone knew it the sun was rising which meant the dawning of the fight for their land had only just begun.
Torren’s eyes opened as the sun seeped in through the entrance of his den as he quietly stood up and looked down at his mate Dusk and his two pups who were still fast asleep. Smiling down at them for a moment he stood up and walked outside his den where the entire force of the Shangkai pack stood before him all ready for battle. Holding his head up high Torren inspected his force before turning around and walking in to the jungle all the wolves following him obediently, a smile ran across
The sun had only just risen and yet the heat coming from it was already enough to dry up pools of water almost instantly. Blaez looked down at his fighting group and found it hard to even say anything the lump in his throat so large that he could hardly breathe. Slowly he turned around and began to walk in down the mountain all the wolves except for young Night who was hiding up in the cave followed Blaez each one to scared too breath and too scared to say anything. As they walked Blaez suddenly held back a little until Sage was walking beside him.
‘Sage I have something to tell you…’ Blaez admitted looking down at his son knowing that this could be the last time he could have a chance to tell Sage the truth. ‘You might not believe me but two years ago now I had pups with my beautiful mate Kia but my pups where taken away from me, the alpha threatened to kill them if I ever stepped foot on his land. Before we go in to battle Sage I need you to know that…that I’m your father.’ Sage looked taken aback for a moment before looking down at the ground and smiling a little to himself.
‘You now Blaez deep down I thought that you seemed too similar to me in a few ways.’
‘You have the same fur coloring your mother had.’ Blaez smiled down at his son.
‘My sister had the exact same markings as you except her fur was a lighter color.’ Sage said looking up at Blaez who at that moment would have given the world just so he could see his only daughter again.
‘If we make it I promise I will spend more time with you…’ Blaez said as they both exchanged a meaningful glance.
As they neared the edge of the forest Blaez ran ahead of the wolves before sighing and saying loudly, ‘Everyone find a partner and remember to look after each other, our land may be important but nothing is as important as in making sure we look after each other.’ Looking down one last time as his friends Blaez couldn’t help but feel guilty as turned around and they walked in to the forest not knowing that only 200 meters away Torren and the Shangkai pack were closing in.
For a few moments everyone was quiet until Blaez suddenly stopped and sniffed the air and frowned as he looked in to the shadows. He couldn’t see anything but before he could put another foot forward something leapt out of the trees and tackled JD who was next to Blaez on to the ground, and so the battle began.
The entire group of wolves split almost instantly as an onslaught of Shangkai wolves reared out from the shadows onto the wolves below. A large Shangkai wolf leapt in front of Blaez and swiped at his face but Blaez managed to step back just in time. The white wolf leapt up at him his mouth open showing sharp white teeth. He pushed Blaez to the ground where Blaez managed to keep his front paws near the bottom of the white wolfs jaws preventing it from getting further down to bite him. Blaez’s eyes looked madly for the arrow shaped marking on the white wolf as he could feel the white wolf’s hot breath on his face and finally Blaez saw the arrow shaped stripes on its back. Moving his paws the white wolf thought he saw its chance and bit down just nicking the side of Blaez ears as Blaez moved his head using all his energy to push to the white wolf off him, before the white wolf had time to recover Blaez leapt back on to all fours he opened his jaws as he leapt on the back of the white wolf and bit down right on top of his strip causing the white wolf to yell painfully as he threw Blaez right off him. Quickly getting back up Blaez looked down at the white wolf but he wasn’t dead but seemed to be drained of his energy. Looking down at the white wolf Blaez simply turned around he wasn’t a meaningless killer the wolf was defeated and could fight no longer so killing him would neither help the situation nor make it worse. Before Blaez had time to do anything else another Shangkai wolf attacked him pushing him down on the ground snapping madly at his face.
Meanwhile Saffron was circling a single Shangkai wolf who watched her carefully smirking to it self thinking that she wouldn’t even be a match. The wolf leapt at Saffron but she managed to jump out of the way and suddenly everything Blaez had told her made sense as she again a dodged an attack smiling to herself thinking that for once he Blaez had been right.
Meanwhile Konnor who had just defeated a Shangkai wolf was trying to find Azure, as he ran he could see fights in the corner of his eye going on all around him but he couldn’t find Azure. Suddenly Blaez jumped next to him breathing heavily the side of his face covered in blood as he looked at Konnor glad his friend was alright.
‘You seen Azure?’ Konnor asked looking worried as Blaez shook his head. Before either of them could say anything Blaez saw JD being cornered by two Shangkai wolves and he instantly ran over to help him not thinking for a moment as snatched on to the Shangkai wolf who was about to attack JD.
Looking in to the distance Konnor saw a Shangkai wolf attacking Azure and instantly Konnor ran forward but was soon stopped when Torren leapt in front of him.
‘Not Blaez but you’ll have to do…’ Torren snarled opening his jaws wide as Konnor looked worried.
The wolves had all scattered into the forest area and Akela had been separated from everyone as she ran through the forest desperately trying to find anyone, she suddenly came to a clearing but she still couldn’t see anyone
‘Don’t come any closer or I’ll kill you.’ Dusk snarled as Akela turned around to see Dusk standing outside a den entrance.
‘You.’ Akela said growling remembering Dusk for when she had captured her are her fellow friends. ’You killed Jate.’
‘I did not kill him but he was a traitor, he deserved everything he got.’ Snarling Dusk leapt at Akela.
Meanwhile Konnor was looking up at Torren and his worried expression had changed to a smirk as he looked up at him. ‘You don’t scare me.’ Konnor sneered and Torren laughed and before either of them could say anything Torren leapt at Konnor.
The two wolves that had been attacking JD lay on the ground as Blaez quickly ran up to JD who didn’t look to well as he laid down on the ground.
‘I’ll be fine I just need some rest.’ JD said painfully looking up at Blaez who looked guilty, ‘Go!’ JD said loudly as he laid his head down on his paws and just laid there not looking up at Blaez who turned around but before he left he said, ‘I’ll be back JD.’ With that Blaez quickly ran off in to the forest but before he could go any where he heard someone cry out in pain and instantly Blaez knew who it was as he turned around and ran in the opposite direction.
Bursting through a clearing Blaez watched as Torren threw Konnor down on the ground and instantly turned to Blaez who suddenly felt a hatred he had never felt before as he walked slowly towards Torren who watched him.
Azure who was nearby quickly ran up to Konnor who was still alive, she stopped the tears from falling down her face as Konnor looked up at her with a weak smile.
‘This is the last straw Torren leave now or I swear I will kill you.’ Blaez snarled deep and low as Torren simply shook his head and laughed.
‘This is my land and no wolf is going to take it away from me.’ Torren spat as the two wolves began to circle each other, nearby wolves who had been fighting all suddenly turned around to watch forgetting for that moment that were at war.
Blaez leapt at Torren but stood his ground because he knew that he was larger then Blaez which meant he was stronger and could hold his own against him. Blaez knew Torren would think this so just before he reached Torren Blaez used his speed and agility as he dodged to the side and swung back around jumping on Torren’s back. Latching on to Torren’s back Blaez bit down hard as Torren snarled and reared his head around grabbing Blaez by the back of his neck and throwing him away from him. Hitting the ground Blaez quickly stood back trying to catch his breath as Torren glanced at the wound Blaez had done to him which only made him even angrier.
This time is was Torren who jumped at Blaez and this time Blaez was to slow and Torren who knew he had caught Blaez of guard leapt on his back and using his weight pushed Blaez down to the ground biting down on the back of Blaez’s neck causing him to yell painfully.
Meanwhile Akela and Dusk were still fighting but it seemed to be an even match and just before either of them could attack each other again they both heard a whimper and from the den the two small pups crawled out of the end. Instantly Dusk turned around and ran over to her pups and stood in front of them protectively. Standing up Akela looked at her and took a step back.
'You’re pups were in your den the entire time.’ Akela said stepping back looking shocked not knowing that Dusk had only been protecting her pups she had thought that pup sitters would have taken them to a more safe location.
‘If you come near them….’ Dusk snarled.
‘I will not harm you or your pups.’ Akela said shaking her head looking at the pups who looked scared. With that Akela turned around and ran back in to the forest leaving Dusk to look after her with a shocked look on her face.
In his mind Blaez could see Aleu and his pack mates watching him, he could see the daughter he never knew and Akela all standing there staring right pack at him, he couldn’t let them down he made a promise to look after them, bring them home.
His eyes flashing for a moment Blaez scratched the side of Torren with his back leg causing Torren to let go and as soon as he did Blaez swung around jaws open wide as he bit down hard on
Looking up from Torren Blaez saw all the wolves looking at him some with faces of horror whilst others looked happy as they watched him. Looking down at Torren Blaez suddenly jumped off him as he turned around and walked back and looked down at Torren who looked up at him.
‘Kill me Blaez I will not surrender to such humiliation.’ Torren sneered breathing heavily looking up at Blaez.
‘Leave my land…’ Blaez said frowning as Torren laughed.
‘You won’t even kill me what possible threat do you pose if I say no?’
‘I may not want to kill you Torren but my friends do. If you do not give me your word then my friends will be more then happy to do the job so believe me when I say this Torren leave my land or you will be killed.’ Turning to look at all the wolves watching who were a mixture of Shangkai wolves and Blaez’s friends they all looked shocked. ‘Everyone listen to Torren!’ Blaez yelled as he stepped aside as every one turned to Torren who looked up at Blaez before looking at all the wolves gathered. Just when he was about to say that he’d never surrender at the corner of his eyes in the trees he saw Dusk and his pups hiding and watching him. Closing his eyes Torren couldn’t think as the image of his own family came in to his mind, if was ever to be a coward it would be to protect his family.
‘Give me your word Blaez that me and my family will be allowed to leave, we will leave you land if you don’t hurt them.’ Looking down at his enemy Blaez through all the hate and pain that was running through his veins could only understand one thing about the killer Torren was and that was that no matter how much of a tyrant someone is they will always protect their family and loved ones and that was something Blaez could respect.
‘You don’t have my word Torren…’ Blaez said as Torren looked shocked up at him, ‘I give you my promise.’
Suddenly from the trees a Shangkai wolf leapt out causing Blaez to instantly turn and growl at him as though expecting the fight to start all over again but he was surprised when the Shangkai wolf said to everyone, ‘Alpha the ice is breaking up it seems to be creating some kind of bridge?’
Turing back to Torren Blaez walked forward towards him and looked down at him ‘Gather what remains of your pack you are leaving.’ Blaez turned around and watched at the corner of his eyes as Torren slowly stood up as Dusk ran forward to her mate and nuzzled him.
‘Torren what should we do?’ She said looking up at Torren who looked down at his mate and tiny pups who ran up beside him.
‘Follow Blaez we’re are leaving.’ Turning to look at Blaez Dusk saw Akela and for a moment, Dusk smiled at her before she and the remaining Shangkai wolves followed Blaez and Akela to the beach. When they were at the beach Blaez ordered that every Shangkai wolf must cross it before it breaks apart. Slowly all the Shangkai wolves started to follow the bridge but before they had all gone Torren turned to Blaez.
‘At the back of the Night pack mountain a group of survivors I let survive live there…’
‘Leave.’ Blaez snarled at Torren and frowned as he watched Torren very closely follow the Shangkai wolves across the ice bridge until they disappeared in to the distance.
Sighing to himself Blaez finally sat down on the ground feeling as though his legs could no longer support his weight.
‘Blaez how are you?’ Akela said walking up to Blaez and looking down at him.
‘I’ll survive but we must go back some of us might be hurt.’ Standing back up Akela quickly followed Blaez back to the forest where he saw a few that had survived helping the others. Walking up to Konnor Blaez look down at him and smiling weakly.
‘Hey.’ Blaez said sitting down as Konnor looked up at him. ‘You alive?’
‘No.’ Konnor groaned as Azure looked up at Blaez and smiled.
‘He’ll be fine in a few weeks.’ She laid down beside him and licked the side of his face.
Looking up at Akela who stood beside him Blaez looked down at the ground as he muttered, ‘How many did we lose?’
‘Four…I’m so sorry Blaez we all did our best but now our lands are back in our paws.’ Despite the comforting words from Akela nothing seemed lift the weight that seemed to be pulling Blaez down towards the ground as he thought about those who hadn’t made it.
‘Dad?’ Sage said walking forward with Saffron by his side as Blaez turned to face his son. ‘We did it dad the Shangkai wolves are no more.’
‘Won’t that mean all this lush forest will disappear because they are gone?’ Akela asked sounding worried as she looked at Blaez.
‘Don’t worry Akela I think everything will be alright.’
Everyone looked confused as Blaez breathed in the hot air and for the first since he had arrived back on his olds lands he felt at home.
Sitting on the cool sand a few days later Blaez looked out towards the ocean the waves rolling on to the shore wetting Blaez’s paw’s but he was to sore and tired to move as he sat there looking in to the distance watching and waiting. Akela slowly walked up and sat down beside Blaez who didn’t turn and look and look at her.
‘You can’t sit here forever Blaez.’ She said softly looking out to the distance.
‘I can’t wait as long as it takes, they might need my help.’ Blaez muttered wanting nothing more then to see Aleu and the others coming across the ocean on a large iceberg back to their home.
‘I have a surprise Blaez some of us that weren’t baldy hurt found those wolves on the other side of the mountain…’ Turning to Akela Blaez suddenly smiled as he looked past her and a saw a wolf standing a few meters away that looked almost exactly like Blaez except that she had a lighter fur.
‘Cimron.’ Blaez said standing up as she slowly walked up and smiled at her father.
‘Dad.’ Cimron stepped forward and nuzzled her father, Blaez’s smile swept across his face he could not have been happier he had found his long lost daughter and his long lost son and they were both more then he could have asked for.
‘Are you alright?’ Blaez asked quickly looking at her making sure that she was.
‘I’m fine dad, what about you?’ She asked sounding worried as Blaez laughed to himself and shrugged.
‘I’ll survive which is more then I can say for a few others.’ Blaez looked down at the ground as Cimron followed his gaze and just smiled weakly at him.
‘Don’t think about those who didn’t make it, think about those who did and think about a land that I now call my home and so will you.’ Blaez looked up at his daughter.
‘Please forgive me for leaving you.’ Blaez said quietly.
‘I forgive you…’ Cimron laughed. ‘You only did what you had to, to keep me and my brother alive.’
Turning around Blaez saw Sage and Saffron walk down from the forest and instantly Sage jumped up excitedly as he ran down the sand banks ‘Cimron!’ He yelled gleefully as Cimron turned around and grinned as she ran over to him.
‘Sage I thought you were dead!’ She laughed.
‘No I thought you were…’ Sage said back. Looking at his two pups who were now young adults the pain Blaez felt seeped away, his family was once again whole.
Looking up at the forest all the wolves that had survived looked down at Blaez and as he looked up at them he felt a pride that he had never felt before. Keaton, Konnor, Azure, JD, Night and the others looked down at Blaez who smiled as he turned back around and howled to the setting sun and as he did he could hear the others doing the same.
When they stopped Blaez’s ears suddenly perked up as he heard a howl in reply. Looking out to the distance he could just see the small image of something coming towards them. Konnor and Azure ran forward and stood beside Blaez as they watched as Aleu and their pack get closer and closer to the land.
Once they were close enough all three wolves ran through the cool water and jumped on to the iceberg where the entire pack cheered in delight. Aleu was standing at the front and Blaez walked up in front of her and breathed in before saying ‘Alpha Aleu our pack lands are rich in life again and are safe enough so that we can all return and I know that this time the caribou and lush life will not leave.’ Blaez glanced back at the small pup Night the Shangkai wolf whom was now part of the pack which meant that his power to bring life to an area would stay with them forever.
‘Blaez the Beta Male…I thank you.’ Aleu said as slowly she and the others walked off the iceberg and on to the beach where they saw Akela and the others standing there watching them.
‘These wolves have no home because there pack has been killed so I ask if they may stay with us?’ Blaez asked turning to Aleu who looked at the wolves who looked a little unsure.
‘They are welcome to stay on my land, any hero that saved my land like you Azure and Konnor did is more then worthy to live here.’
Blaez couldn’t contain his excitement as he ran up to Akela and nuzzled her as he looked in to her eyes.
‘Hey there Blaez.’ Someone said as Blaez turned around and saw Silver standing a few feet away from him.
‘Silver you’re alive!’ Blaez said exceitly as Silver walked forward, ‘I’m sorry I let you down…’ Blaez admitted.
‘No Blaez I am sorry…’ Before he could finish Azure and Konnor ran up to Silver both looking just as excited as each other.
All the wolves talked deep in to the night and explored their new land. Blaez told his pack of what had happened and how the Shangkai wolves had taken over their land and about the Night pack and the puppy Shangkai wolf who had stayed with them and how he found his long lost children. By the morning Konnor had admitted how much he loved Azure and Blaez had admitted that he loved Akela and as the sun rose the next morning the pack was all back together with a few more additions.
Luna the wolf who lived in the caves stood upon her mountain and watched over Blaez and the others and every few nights Blaez would go up and speak to her just like his friend Night done when he was alive.
At night the stars shone brightly over their new combined land and after one year of fighting Blaez The Beta Male and his friends could finally enjoy life as it was meant to be back on their old lands.
Blaez stood beside Akela, Konnor and Azure as they looked out from the top of the mountain over their new land and howled a song pride and to respect all those had given their lives to help them.