This was hard. Standing—no. Pacing anxiously and nervously outside the cave, Achak, along with the rest of the pack, was waiting, listening. The distressed sounds coming from within clearly affected the wolves as well, as is to show how closely-knit their pack truly was. Every time Kiona was heard crying out, or just whimpering, the large, silver streaked alpha wanted to run inside and comfort her; hating hearing or seeing his mate in any sort of pain. His heart was pounding in his chest, ears pinned flat against the wolf’s skull worriedly. Yet, excitement also filled the air, and not just from the leader.
All wolves loved cubs, it was natural. The others were just as anxious as their alpha and friend, some were restlessly walking about the cave, while others sat or were laying down, their tails and ears twitching. Takoda had tried pacing with his brother to keep him company, but eventually Kanook pulled him aside, saying it was best to leave the black and silver wolf alone. When the cries died down a moment, everyone’s ears perked and they looked towards the entrance, Achak especially. His bright blue eyes were fixed on the big hole. Something didn’t seem right now. The alpha blinked and took a step towards the dim cave, just as the cries came again, more frantic and pained, making said wolf’s head to raise as he fought the urge, once more, to rush in. He knew the cries belonged to his mate, making it all the more painful to listen to. It brought the wolf some comfort knowing his mother was in there with the hybrid, helping her. All he and the rest of the pack could do was continue to wait, and watch their alpha and friend go back to pacing.
She didn’t know what to focus on, the physical pain or the emotional. Kiona barely registered Olathe’s soothing voice trying to calm her through the rest of the birthing process. The red female’s mind was frantic with images of what had just happened. The pup…their first…it was dead, stillborn! The idea was just crushing to her, and she just couldn’t handle it. She struggled weakly, but the pain of birthing kept her from getting up in her panic.
“Kiona, you must calm yourself, you’ve still got pups to come!” The older wolf’s voice was slowly getting through to Kiona, but she still seemed distressed, looking around for her first-born. Ayashi was currently hiding it from her view, her blue eyes sad and sympathetic as they caught the panicked, grief-stricken brown ones.
It was then the red female was briefly distracted as pain shot through her. The next pup was quickly on its way, forcing Kiona to focus more on it. Olathe’s calm soothing voice helped at least some, telling her to calm her breathing and stop struggling. With a strained cry, soon after there was a new pup brought into the world. Instinctively, the hybrid turned to check on it, even as exhausted as she was becoming, but barely moved before a paw came to keep her down. It confused and distressed the female. Why was the older wolf keeping her from her newborn? Then she heard it…or lack of hearing something. Usually pups would immediately start crying out once they hit open air. But the silence that surrounded the cave was deafening. Kiona’s body went rigid.
No…oh no… Thought the bright silver-colored wolf, as her blue eyes stared down at the second newborn cubs still body. Oh please not again. Inwardly hoping for the best, the older female bent down to the smaller’s body, gently nudging it with her nose, with no response. Acting quickly, she then began to lick at it, trying to stimulate the tiny form. Now Kiona was beginning to struggle again, and Olathe tried to keep her still.
“Ayashi, quickly, come hold Kiona down.” The poor dear, having to go through all this. It was all so unfair.
From her place from coming back after hiding the first pup further back in the cave, Ayashi did as she was told, gently laying herself over her smaller friend. Her blue eyes were sympathetic and saddened as they watched the other, soon having to turn her gaze from Kiona’s stricken looking expression. She had no idea how to even begin to try and comfort her. Instead, she focused on her mother who was still trying to aid the new pup, licking down its body and around its chest. Despite the situation, Aya couldn’t help but admire the small reddish-gray body, with silver muzzle, which trailed down to mid chest. Its closed eyes, of unknown color, were surrounded also by slightly silver patches. It’s ears, and two back paws were black. A strange, yet perfect mix of both parents.
Drawn out of her thoughts by a cry beneath her, the silver and white wolf looked down, heart breaking seeing the red dog weakly tossing her head in her struggle, tears running down her face in grief and pain. It was then another surprise came. Aya noticed there was another pup coming! Ears perking, awkwardly, the wolf tried taking over the task of talking the other through it, encouraging her to hang on. And she was never so happy to hear what came soon after. The sound of young cries.
What? It seemed only that small sound was what drew the red female from her grief stricken trance. Her head snapped around, eyes wild as she searched for the source of the small cries. It was almost too good to be true…
Ayashi was quick to gently nudge the small young one towards Kiona, who immediately began licking at it, pulling it closer to her and guiding it to her belly. This one was black with silver muzzle, with more silver markings on its legs. This pup was very similar to Kiona herself, marking wise.
There was no time to rejoice for too long, for just then, yet another pup came! And thankfully, like the previous, let out a high-pitched cry upon hitting the open air. Ayashi could have cried with relief, when just after the newborn’s cry, still another cry. But it wasn’t a new pup…it was the second one that had suddenly given voice! Olathe looked just as relieved. Thank goodness she had been able to save the newborn. If disaster had struck again…the oldest wished not to think about what would have happened to Kiona. What was most important was that it had not, by some miracle.
Gently the second pup was also brought over to join its siblings beside Kiona. It seemed the experience was finally over. Thankfully the new mother seemed to be calming down more now as well, as she focused more on her newborns. It was all so amazing to her, a completely new experience. She was exhausted yet still exhilarated, her brown eyes never leaving the tiny forms at her belly. Three beautiful pups. Kiona had been scared to death that all of them were going to be dead after the first. She had begun to blame herself to be as a terrible mother, not even able to give birth to pups, and still did that a bit. Atleast these three had lived. Their tiny content noises as they fed calmed her further. It really was an amazing feeling…she was a mother!
Just then, her red head rose to Olathe and Ayashi, who were watching her with soft smiles. Smiling back, though more tiredly, she glanced towards the entrance quickly, and then back at the two wolves.
“Can…Achak come inside now…?” While exhausted, she wanted the father of their pups to see his new addition to the pack. Though she was worried on how he would react to knowing their firstborn hadn’t made it. Would he think her weak? A knot began to form in the hybrid’s gut.
Olathe turned her silver head to her nearly identical looking daughter, who wordlessly got up with a bright smile and headed out to the entrance to fetch her brother. It wasn’t long at all before the clicking of claws on the cave’s floor returned. Kiona turned her head to see the large silver streaked wolf trotting over, his face somewhat drawn looking with worry and anxiety. For a moment, the red female felt bad for having worried him, but also knew it wasn’t her fault.
Achak hadn’t hesitated to enter once Ayashi came to the entrance and bade him to come inside. The rest of the pack had all come to attention at the silver wolf’s presence, ears perking and bodies turning. But they knew only their alpha had first right to see his offspring. Nonetheless they all grew excited.
The alpha passed his sister and started inside, anxious to see Kiona after the wait. Once catching sight of her, her perked, eyes taking in every little detail of the female. She looked exhausted; he could see it in both her eyes and her posture. Smiling at her as he neared, his blue eyes lowered to the small balls of fur at his mate’s belly. It was a beautiful sight. The wolf was so proud of Kiona; it shone in his bright eyes. The female seemed to see this, before her eyes grew sad, confusing him. Drawing nearer, he bowed his head to nuzzle the other.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” At his soft, concerned voice, Kiona clenched her eyes shut as her throat tightened from holding back emotions. This distressed Achak even more. He shifted closer, lying down to spoon beside the female. “Kiona, tell me what’s wrong…” He hated seeing her like this.
The continued soft toned voice, the hybrid couldn’t hold back any longer. A sob escaped her, and she buried her face into the thick fur of the other’s neck, tears now escaping her clenched eyes to trail down her face. Trying to form words became hard in her emotional state.
“I…I’m sorry! I t-tried!” Achak could feel Kiona’s entire body stiffen and shake with her cries, and wanted nothing more than to comfort her.
“You have nothing to be sorry for…Why are you saying this?” Tilting his head down, he rested it gently upon the other’s. He felt her shaking her head.
“I failed…! I’m a bad mother… I can’t even do this right!” That was certainly a surprise to hear coming from the female. The black and silver alpha’s eyebrows drew up in worry and confusion. What possibly could have happened to cause Kiona to break down so much?
“Nonsense, you did perfectly. You gave us three--”
“There were four!” Her voice broke at the exclamation, causing Achak’s head to rise. “There was another one…but it was…it was dead! I killed it!” Blue eyes widened. A fourth pup? What had happened then? Of course he didn’t believe for a second that it was Kiona’s fault. Glancing over at Olathe, who still sat nearby with a now sad look in her eyes, his own questioning. Olathe sighed, ears slightly lowering back.
“Unfortunately, the firstborn was still.” Achak’s confusion turned to shock, then understanding and sadness as he turned his head back to his female who was still crying, with her face buried in his neck. Once more he lowered his face to her’s and began licking gently at her face. He had to be strong for her.
“Kiona, things like this happen…It’s always tragic, but it’s not your fault...! We could never blame you; I could never blame you for this. It’s going to be alright…” Rubbing his head against the female, he wished he could take her hurt away.
What Achak was saying made sense, but in her pain, Kiona couldn’t help but feel responsible for what had happened. She was the mother after all. She had carried the pups within her as they grew. They had relied on her completely…and because of something she did, one of the pups had died. Just thinking about it made her heart throb.
Though, through her pain Kiona knew she wasn’t alone. Olathe and Ayashi had been with her the entire birthing process, encouraging her and giving her strength to persevere. Even in her highest pain she had heard their comforting, soothing words and presence beside her, keeping her grounded. And they weren’t the only ones.
Probably the most comforting presence was the one beside her at that moment, lending her strength. Achak had always been her rock, ever since they met; Kiona had only been most comfortable around the alpha, often seeking him out just to know he was nearby. And now that he had selected her as his alpha female, and they had grown closer, the hybrid had grown even more dependent, perhaps unconsciously, on the wolf. Not that it was a bad thing. They loved each other after all. And the love that was emanating softly from him right now did the job of slowly but surely calming her down. As long as Kiona had Achak with her, the female could persevere through anything.
Suddenly there was a tiny few squeaks, causing her to pull her face away from her mate’s body, gaze lowering. It caught the alpha’s attention as well, as Kiona could feel him shift against her. That’s right…they needed her right now. Needed the both of them. Lowering her head to her tummy where the three small forms rested, she made sure they snugly tucked in beside her and each other, giving them each a caress for comfort.
From over her shoulder, the great silver streaked wolf watched with soft eyes. Despite the tragedy that had occurred, the sight of the pups warmed his heart. They had done it. And Kiona was already showing the qualities of a great mother. He wasn’t worried. Besides, they had the entire pack to help. They were never alone. Glancing briefly at Kiona, Achak spoke.
“We’ll need names…” Seeing Kiona smile and nod at that, still watching the pups fondly. With her nose, she started pointing them out. Two boys and one girl. As the large wolf gazed at them all, his sharp eyes caught sight of how the little black and silver female reacted by licking at Kiona’s muzzle as her mother touched her. A name then came to him. “Nayeli.” The other looked over at that, having been distracted. Pausing to go over the name, she found she didn’t know what it meant. Seeing the question in her brown eyes, Achak continued. “It means ‘love’.” Brown eyes softened, turning once more to said pup.
“Nayeli…love…” her muzzle stretched back into a smile. “Yes.” Now for the other two…As they both thought, Kiona’s gaze couldn’t help but stray to her mate as he watched their offspring, his bright blue eyes sparkling. Such beautiful eyes…she had always been drawn to them…It was then her own brown eyes shone. “…Hinto.”
It was Achak’s turn to look up to her, questioningly. He went back over the word briefly. Hinto…
“Hinto…? Blue?” He was still confused, and Kiona’s smile widened, though more now in amusement.
“Mm. Is that alright?” While remaining confused, Achak nodded. If that’s what the other wanted, he didn’t really mind.
“If that’s what you wish, it’s alright with me.” Pleased, Kiona briefly leaned her head into her mate’s.
“Yes. And for this one,” pointing with her nose once more to the next pup, the gray-ish red, silver and black marked pup, “…Lets see…”
“How about Tonrar? I’d like to name one after my father.” Smiling softly, the black and silver alpha looked to the pup.
“Tonrar means ‘spirit’ right?” Achak nodded, smiling at the very memory of his father.
“His name meant ‘spirit warrior’.” And as far as he was concerned the name had fit his father perfectly. He himself was named after his father, his name also meaning ‘spirit’. Kiona saw the look in his blue eyes.
“Then Tonrar is a perfect name…” She had wanted at least one of them named after Achak. So she was perfectly content with the idea. “Nayeli, Hinto, and Tonrar. Our pups.” Feeling the exhaustion from it all coming back to her now, Kiona sighed and leaned into her mate, closing her eyes. Achak turned his own head to rest over hers gently, seeing and sensing the other’s exhaustion.
“Rest. You’ve deserved it.” Briefly, he licked the other’s face before shifting slightly so he could lay comfortably with the female. He could feel her relaxing immediately, showing just how tired she must have been. Beside her, the three pups now had had their fill and were now sleeping peacefully. His family, or, the new additions to the family. He would watch over them. The future looked bright for them and the pack. And hopefully it would continue for a long time.
Well done Kiona. I’m proud of you…
From that day on, Kiona and Achak were hardly ever away from their pups' side. Achak still led the rest of the pack on hunts and whatnot, but it seemed that ever since the pups were born, everyone was happier. It was funny how pups brought that kind of joy to everyone. Well, everyone but the omega, who watched the new additions, even when Kiona wasn't around (which she usually wasn't, until the pups had eaten) but even he grew to like them. Kanook was still amazed that he was a great uncle; he even got some humor out of it. He and especially Olathe were proud of Achak for fathering such healthy cubs. They were proud of Kiona too.
Ayashi was particularly thankful for the three of them. She probably loved them as much as the mother and father, and they appeared to love her back, which she was ecstatic about when they didn't cry when she was kept alone with them. Eventually the pups were comfortable around everyone, but just the same they were calling for Kiona the most, which was a good sign on her part. She was so grateful they weren't afraid of her, and Achak was aware of this, and it brought him such relief.
They were so small, at least compared to Achak, being the large wolf he was. When around the three of them, he was sure to be careful, gentle. Even at their young age, he could tell they were going to be strong. As the days passed they gained more energy, and moved around more, their cries also growing in strength, everyone was growing closer with the pups. Their individual personalities were already beginning to emerge. Just how her name meant, Nayeli was the sweetest, easy going pup of them, and didn't like being left alone for long before she grew scared and crying out. Tonrar was definitely the most active, natural curiosity to explore coming out strongly in him. They all guessed he would be the most trouble when he grew older. Last but not least, Hinto was similar to Tonrar, yet more neutral, for now. There was still plenty of time for his unique personality to come out. They were still very young.
It wasn't long before the pups were able to leave the cave. It was hard to believe that a month had passed already. As soon as they could walk, the three of them ran (well, as much as a wobbly hybrid cub could do to run) about the area. They didn't stray too far from Kiona just because this whole outside thing was strange, however, Tonrar was the first within a few moments to get comfortable with the world. Nayeli mostly sniffed about, getting acquainted with all of the scents, and Hinto just tried as hard as he could to pounce on his brother or sister. Hinto wasn't very coordinated right now, so he would often trip, but then again, all of them were very clumsy. Kiona stood by the mouth of the cave, stretching and walking every once in a while just to get some exercise, but her babies would rarely let her feet lift from the ground. She actually had to knock them over a few times in order for them to learn to stay out from where others were walking. It didn't take them long to learn that, especially since the last thing they wanted to get stepped on by was daddy's big feet.
The only thing that irritated Kiona about being a mother was that, every time she was sitting or lying down, the pups saw it as every opportunity to eat, even when they weren't hungry. Even before her hind legs rested on the ground, the three of them would exclaim, "Ee! Ee! Ee!" (Eat! Eat! Eat!). So most of the time, Kiona was standing, which she didn't really mind. Achak felt kind of bad for her, particularly because their cubs were growing their sharp baby teeth, so whenever his mate needed to rest, he made sure they were distracted with some kind of wrestling or chasing game. The funny thing was, Tonrar, Hinto, and even Nayeli enjoyed being pushed down, only to get back up again, then they would cry, "Gen! Gen!" (Again! Again!) and whomever they were playing with obliged them by gently pushing them to the ground, ending in giggles and chuckles.
Kiona sighed happily to herself as she watched Achak playing with their pups. They were ganging up on his head, making all the wolves of the pack, who were there and not out scouting, laugh to themselves.
"Ow," Achak gasped when Tonrar tugged at his father's lip. It was then when uncle Takoda decided to take over playing with the pups for his brother. These little bundles of joy were so full of energy, but it would only make them more tired at night, thankfully. Taking leave on his younger brother, Achak joined his mate's side, nuzzling her face briefly.
"Having fun?" Kiona asked softly, inwardly laughing.
"Of course," Achak replied. He remarked about how soundly they were going to sleep tonight, but almost as soon as he said it, he looked back at Takoda, and the three pups were sound asleep on his front legs.
One would think that looking after pups day after day in nearly the same way would get boring or tiring. On the contrary, especially with wolves, they loved being with the little offspring, and it was hardly boring. Tiring, at times, yes, but none of them ever regretted it.
As Nayeli, Tonrar, and Hinto continued to grow little by little every day, they were learning new things quickly. They didn’t like or want meat just yet, still being too young. Their mother’s milk was just great for them. But they were growing in their teeth, which were sharp. Unfortunately, the three of them, well, mostly just Tonrar and Hinto, they didn’t quite realize this yet. Often, when they were playing with an older pack mate, in their excitement and play, they would bite down on a paw, tail, or other body part, earning a yelp from the wolf.
One time Tonrar had chomped down hard on his great uncle Kanook’s nose during a tussle. The entire pack must have heard the loud yelp that the beta had let out. Tonrar of course, found it hilarious. But the poor older wolf’s nose was even bleeding for a little bit, little puppy teeth marks dotting the body part. Kanook didn’t hold it against the little one of course, and they were all playing soon after. Though the cream and chocolate colored wolf was sure to watch where his nose was.
Fortunately or unfortunately, Shiro earned more than his fair share of bite marks from the pups. To them, he was a better chew toy than uncle Kanook. It was probably because Shiro couldn't "punish" them like everyone else could. No matter what, he had to let them chew on him and push him around.
It only got worse when the three pups were about two months old; they were officially big enough to even tackle the omega to the ground. And they were now big enough to eat meat. So whenever the pack brought back the kill (aside from being ecstatic to see mom and dad) they dug in. Shiro was thankful for meal times at this point.
Kiona would never let herself teach her pups to kill. She left that as Achak's job because she was afraid to let her children know what a maniac she used to be. She wasn't sure why she was ashamed of it; she had never been ashamed of anything before (give or take meeting certain folks in her life). She just didn't want them to see her differently than they did now (although, now that she thought of it, Hinto might have found it cool). They loved her.
Achak leaned in to the kill and ripped a piece off, explaining how to tear the flesh in one tug, by using not just the teeth, but the entire body. They all gave it a try. Tonrar, with plenty of effort, happily tore a small piece meat and ate it. Hinto did as well, as did Nayeli, but she wasn't as malicious as her brothers. She was a lot like Ayashi.
After everyone had their fill, Kiona offered to scout the territory while the pups rested. Kanook offered to go with her, while everyone else remained behind at home. As the two were walking through a familiar route, the beta heaved a big sigh randomly to break the silence.
"So, need a break from being a mother?" Kanook asked, referring to Kiona’s checking out the neighborhood, which realistically wasn't uncommon.
"About as much as you need a break from being the pups' chew toy." Kiona joked. They both chuckled.
"Heheh, yeah, sweet little things, they are," Kanook said looking over little bite marks on his legs. It had already been about an hour since they started and Kanook asked if they could take a break. Achak had said it was alright, knowing that his uncle was getting on in years. They sat down in the shade of a large pine tree and rested for a few minutes.
"Do you hear something?" the cream and brown colored wolf asked his pack-mate.
Kiona moved her ears about, trying to pick up any sound out of the ordinary. When she looked in the direction Kanook was looking, she heard little short gasps coming from a short distance away. What was that?
The red hybrid headed in the direction the gasps were coming from, but cautiously. She still wasn't sure what it was. She peeked out from behind a rock and looked around, expecting to see a young vixen, but when she looked down and heard one last gasp, she realized it was not what she thought. It was a blonde, thin, muddy...hybrid cub.
Kanook, seeing the female go off a bit around a large group of rocks, grew more curious as well. At hearing her gasp, he started over. What had it been that caused that reaction? It was a strange scent as well. Peeking his head around Kiona's his blue eyes set upon the unexpected sight, his blue eyes widening. A dog pup? At least that's what it seemed like. Yet, there was something different about it.
The pup couldn't be much older than Nayeli, Tonrar and Hinto by the size. But it was hard to really tell even that because the poor pup looked half starved! Its ribs could be seen under the dirty blonde fur. And not just there, but also most of this young one's body was pretty bony. It was a shock to see one so young in such condition. It took the beta a moment to gather his thoughts. Frowning, he moved around the red alpha female and approached the pup.
"He must have been abandoned judging by his condition. Poor thing..." His heart went out to the smaller. Careful not to move too quickly, or seem threatening, seeing as the pup's eyes were wide and fearful, the older wolf tried getting a better look at him. "It's alright there, we're not going to hurt you. Are you all alone? Where's your mother?"
At that, the blonde and brown-patched dog whimpered, looking ready to cry. But he cowered, and tried to move away when the male moved closer. Kanook sighed sadly, moving back, not wanting to stress the poor pup. Turning to Kiona he wondered if she would have a better chance. "Why don't you try talking to him? He might be more willing to trust you, being female." They certainly couldn't leave him here.
Kiona stared down at the shivering pup. She hoped that they'd be able to find his parents soon, even though she was already growing very attached to him. She was almost afraid to ask his name, but in a matter of minutes, Kanook was back with a small hare in his teeth. The beta placed it on the ground in front of the blonde hybrid, who didn't hesitate to eat. He was too hungry to be timid right now. He appeared to already know how to tear chunks of meat off to chew on, and in no time, a good fraction of the rabbit was eaten. He burped and thanked Kanook for feeding him.
"It was nothing," Kanook smirked. He motioned for Kiona to leave. They had taken up alot of time and would need to be heading back. Her pups and Achak would be wondering where they were.
"Right," Kiona said, standing. She took the pup by the scruff of his neck and carried him back. He would be slow after eating so much, and he was probably too tired to travel anyway. Thankfully they weren't too far away from home, because this pup was getting too heavy to carry.
Kanook held his breath longer for each step they took nearer to their destination. This was not going to be a pretty sight.
It was a good idea that they carried the pup back. He soon grew tired from the full stomach, and was yawning, his golden eyes drooping. Little did Kiona or Kanook know what the pup's past had been. For now, he was just glad to be on his way to somewhere warm with company.
As they neared the caves, the two grew steadily tenser. Neither of them were looking forward with what was most likely going to happen once they returned. Kanook would most likely have to be the one to deal with Achak first, since Kiona was occupied. All they could do was hope that, over time, the alpha had somewhat changed his mind over hybrids, being with Kiona, and having the pups.
The little yipping voices of the pups were first to greet them as they came into sight. All three of them ran over excitedly, obviously awake and ready for more play. At first they didn't know what to think of the dirty blonde and brown form dangling from their mother's mouth. But they were soon over the shock and it turned to curiosity.
"What that momma?" Hinto asked, as he followed the two adults, along with his siblings. Tonrar, never one to disappoint or be outdone, chirped in as well.
"Yeah who is that? Can he play with us momma? Why does he look funny?"
"He not does look funny!" Nayeli objected, smiling at the newcomer.
Kiona placed the blonde pup down on the ground to get acquainted with her pups. They all appeared to like him, which was good, but everyone else, though well mannered, gave him a slightly peculiar look. Kiona would have to explain to them why she brought him here. She looked at Kanook, who shrugged, as if to say, "Here goes nothing."
So far so good. But where was Achak? Kanook walked over to Dartanion who was coming up, curious as to the new pup. His maroon eyes looked over the pup before making eye contact with his friend. Kanook looked nervous, he noted. The cream and chocolate wolf sighed a bit, glancing around once more before speaking.
"Do you know where Achak is right now?" The tri-colored wolf motioned with his head over his shoulder towards the caves, wondering if the new events were good or bad.
"He's taking a brief rest near the caves. Why?" He was increasingly getting the idea that they were asking about the alpha because they knew something bad was going to happen. It would explain their nervousness. It made the big wolf slightly nervous as well. And his answer didn't seem to ease his friend's.
The blonde pup was soon making friends with Nayeli, Tonrar, and Hinto. They got along quite well. So much for being tired, the four of them were soon up and romping around, laughing and running.
"In here!" Tonrar called to his playmates as he and them ran past Kiona into the cave. Kiona was in the middle of getting ready to wake up her mate to talk to her about the newcomer, but the four pups beat her to him. She grimaced when she thought of what would happen should he wake up to another hybrid.
"Meet Daddy! Daddy, wake up!" Hinto cried, pouncing on his father's face. Tonrar and Nayeli joined him while the blonde hybrid stayed back, afraid to go anywhere near the huge black and silver wolf.
Achak opened his sleepy blue eyes to the feeling of affectionate rough housing. And he sleepily sat up with a crooked smile on his face.
The large alpha yawned briefly, smiling down at the three pups as they stood there beaming up at him, their little tails wagging. So much for a nap. There was no way to go back now that the three were here, looking ready to play once more. Chuckling as Tonrar tackled his leg and started gnawing on it, the black and silver wolf gently knocked the pup off and pinned him to the ground with a paw. The red, black and silver pup squirmed, making little happy growling sounds.
"I wonder if I was this bad when I was your age..." Hinto soon charged up ready to join in the fun, attacking his fathers other leg. Nayeli sat nearby, not really wanting to join the rough play, finding it just as fun to watch. At Achak's statement, she cocked her head briefly.
"You were like us once papa?" Since their father was so big, it was amazing to them that he might have been their size.
"Of course, once. And I'm sure all of you will grow up to be big and strong too."
"Even our new friend?" The black wolf raised an eyebrow at that.
"New friend? Who might that be?" From his place still trying to attack the alpha, Tonrar paused, looking towards the entrance. But not seeing the new pup, he ran over to look. Kiona was sitting just outside with the blonde pup, trying to clean him some of the dirt and mud he was caked with. She had grabbed him while Achak was distracted. Maybe if she cleaned him up some, the pup wouldn't seem to...scruffy. Tonrar beamed again at finding the other.
"There you are! Come on, play with us!" he made little excited yipping noises, prancing
in place. His siblings soon joined him, Hinto running and tackled his brother to the ground playfully. Nayeli just walked over to their mother and new friend.
"Momma is he going to stay?" Kiona paused in her task, looking a bit troubled, and sighed.
"We'll see. I have to talk with your father about that..."
"Talk to me about what?" Coming from in the cave, getting louder, as the owner of the voice came closer. The red hybrid felt the nervous knot in her stomach return as she looked up as a shadow drifted over her. There was a silence...awkward, and tense. Then, "...Kiona, what is the meaning of this…!?"