a cold winter's night |all in|

[amaroq]

Up in the mountains of ZH snow had already begun to fall. Each year autumn was cut short by old man winter and this year was no exception. Amaroq had decided to call the entire family together to discuss the mating season which was coming their way. He was interested in having a family this year but he wasn't sure which girl he wanted to rule beside him as the Alpha Female. He cared for Ula and Lilith and thought they would both make decent leaders of the pack, but who? It was something he pondered when he was alone, and this fine evening was no exception for the large black wolf. His gold eyes scanned the surroundings tirelessly, expecting the pack to arrive. Pacing back and forth for a moment the alpha climbed up onto a rock and sat down tiredly. Ever since the incident with Kali that past summer he had restrained from a major pack hunt. The biggest animal the pack had hunted had been elk and they were seasonal, now the winter had touched ZH the herds had left. They had went down into the valleys and would remain there until spring time. This was the hardest time for the family and he worried for them all as any good leader would.

"I just hope the pups can make it come spring."

Amaroq murmured aloud his eyes looking down as he watched the snow continuing to fall around him slowly. He was aware that perhaps some of the other members of the pack may want to mate, and he'd allow it if they asked him. He just didn't want to have ten surprise litters come spring, since honestly the pack couldn't support a huge amount of pups. Figiting back and forth the black male sighed and tilted his head back, howling for his clan and pack. Calling them from the shadows to attend a meeting that was needed to keep the peace come winter.
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[nails]

Nails had been working with the few youngsters the pack had in between watching over his little sister and sleeping. Ula was Kappa and so helped with watching the cubs but she also liked to spend as much time as she could with kali, no one begrudged her that. Arashi had been not only quick but sincere in offering her services to help with the pups. The dark fae had proven a patient and soft paw, and would make a find replacement for Ula if she was chosen to lead beside his brother. Lilith was the only other fae he knew of in the running, he had not had a chance to ask Nic about it. The brown fae was a bit bold and mouthy at times but her heart was in the right place. If she was chosen the pack would hardly fall apart, Ula might but not the pack as a whole. The idea of the females competing was intriguing but also worried him just a little, a jealous female was a dangerous creature indeed. Amaroq knew what he was doing, and the fae were all adults who could make up their own minds. Kali was starting to get her strength back and he hoped soon the pack would be able to stop worrying so much about her, himself included. Winter was here but thankfully had arrived softly this year, a blizzard would do none of them any good right now.

“Do not worry brother the pack is stronger now then it was even last year. The little ones have a chance because of you, a chance is all we can give them. Why have kali ask and I am sure Cheveyo will drag us home a bull elk by it’s short little tail.”

Chuckling the grey male nudged his darker brother trying to cheer him up somewhat, all joking aside they had acquired a few sets of strong paws this year. Closing his eyes he rubbed his cheek against his bother knowing he loved his pack with a strength beyond his years. The new wolves saw and responded to it as well, it had not taken long for them to feel like they had always been there. Speaking of Cheveyo he smirked a little his little sister had managed to make quiet the impression on the other, it was adorable really. None of the pack still believed the pale stranger a possible threat to their baby girl, they were all rather protective of Kali. It would do them all good to see her up and about, even if she would not be allowed to romp around just yet.

“Speaking of.”

Nails turned his head catching sight of the pale male moving up to them looking a little distant. Cheveyo had done anything asked of him but had not been all that talkative. Arashi was quite, Lilith depended on the subject, Cheveyo he was not sure if he was just quiet or if he was still worried for his friend, and feeling guilty he had not been able to do more to protect her. As a brother he was comforted the large male was so protective but he did worry a little. Kali would feel horrible if Cheveyo was harmed because he was entirely there. Lilith saw to that most days, her mouth did have its uses besides hunting, but he still patrolled all alone when not needed. Amaroq had to keep his head in the now or the pack could suffer, Cheveyo was the only one that would if he faltered. At his nod the grey male gave him an encouraging smile, he liked the other wolf who had never been a threat to his kin. His report to his brother was more of the same, all who walked this mountain knew what was ahead of them and few would mess with the pack and become a target. Nodding he drew gold eyes and he smiled again, at least Cheveyo seemed to be all there.

“Thank you Cheveyo, I am sure Kali will be glad to hear you have been looking after us all so well. She might join us if she is up to it, I think she is sick of healing, poor thing.”

Pale gold closed with a soft relived sigh and Nails smiled, as board as the yearling might be she did not have the energy to rush to the gathering, if she was even awake. He knew the prey heading to their winter feeding grounds and the pack’s mating rules were nothing she had to worry about just yet. Liked or not he knew Amaroq had already lightly teased the pale male about joining with their little sister, hurt or not she was only a yearling. Arashi and Nic were the only fae with no preference he had heard of, winter had just started after all. At any rate there would be at least two litters for Ula and himself to look after an train, one of which being her own. Lilith liked him so he was not worried about her trusting him with her offspring, Ula knew him already. No mater which fae managed to take the rank the pack would change because of it, every King needed a Queen after all.

[cheveyo]

Pale paws paused with a soft sigh from their owner, the male looked down at the snow but did not really see it. Since the hunt in which Kali had been hurt Cheveyo had not been all that concerned with little things like the weather around him. Borders were kept safe, hunts attended, anything asked of him he did without question, other then to clearly his given orders. Nails had been keeping a brotherly eye on Kali when not performing his duties as Delta Male. Arashi had found a place seeing to the good humor of the pack since Nails was a bit busy. Lilith had relaxed a bit having proven her worth beyond a pretty face and healthy breeding stock, not that any of the pack thought of females like that. His own place had been secured, his worth proven to all but himself. Sighing softly pale gold eyes turned back towards the den site those not patrolling or scouting hunting trails were likely resting at. He knew Nails was there since the cubs were kept nearby after dark and when the sky was quite dark with clouds. Arashi liked to scout since she was dark and fast, Lilith would be doing whatever kept her busy, Nic was likely patrolling, Ula may or not be with Kali, Amaroq could be anywhere. As if on cue his dark master called for him and the others not already gathered about. Content there was nothing nasty lurking near their home the pale male turned form the vast lands beyond and headed back. The gently falling snow was peaceful but in time it would prove anything but, how long he was entirely sure. Reminding himself he would be told if they were in for anything harsh the warrior put the snow out of his mind. He had one this to worry about right now, seeing what was required of him, and then doing it.

Pale stare caught sight of moving grey before still black, Nails and Amaroq were already waiting for the others to answer the call. Approaching slowly the palest male of the pack gave Nails an absent nod of greeting before lowering himself to the snow before Amaroq. Required or not he was not in the habit of ignoring protocol unless they were in a hurry. Rising slowly the male took a set where he could watch the others as they came up to them out of habit. It would not take long for those who had remained near the den site to join them, a few stranglers would be understandable. Frowning at a small glob of snow that landed on his back nose the male huffed it away.

“Nothing nasty lurking about so this meeting should not be rudely interrupted.”

[meisha]

Meisha ever since the incident with her sister had spent a lot of her time with her mother and baby siblings. She figured that the pack as a whole was taking great care of her sister and her being there wouldn't really do much for the injured wolf. Instead she took care of her baby siblings and helped her mom make sure they were well fed. It was not an easy job really but she wouldn't have it any other way. The lonely cry from her alpha brother made the dark wolf shiver with anticipation, she always enjoyed pack gatherings even if she was the lowest ranked amongst them. As she loped along the dark female would sometimes pause to munch on some snow, it always tasted so good to her, even better than water. Chewing on a clump of ice in an almost thoughtful manner the she wolf came into the clearing where the pack had holed up since Kali's accident that summer. Seeing her two littermates the dark female whined under her breath in sheer happiness her tail wagging at a million miles per hour as she bounced towards them. Automatically she showed submission towards her brothers and then went back to her playful happy stance. She turned to glance at Cheveyo and repeated her submissive crawl and roll since he too was higher than her in the pack. With that completed the dark she wolf loped around in the snow, watching the snow mist drift into the air thanks to her smacking paws.

Winter was always the harshest time of year for the pack, but it was also her favorite season. The snow was something she enjoyed very much, and this year was even more exciting. Her brother was finally going to begin the process of picking a alpha female to rule beside him. Personally she liked both candidates, and wasn't sure who she hoped would win out at the very end of it all. Chomping on another mouthful of snow the black female finally settled herself down, sitting down promptly in the snow she loved so much. Most likely this meeting would deal with mating, and the harshness of winter since some of the pack didn't know about it.. How bad things could get if the weather turned out bad.

She wiggled in the snow as she waited for the rest of the pack to show up to this meeting. Perhaps Kali will even come? Oh how she hoped the younger female was doing better now.

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[kali]

I honestly didn't want to leave the safety of the den. Twin peaks shifted back and forth, as a lovely jagged scar ran up over my chest now. My tail shifted as well, as cold wind kissed my body. I was a shy lass now. But how I see it, it was only that accident that made me stronger. A lot more stronger. I stood there for a few moments before I left the shadows of the den and came up against Amarqo and Nails. Given them both little nuzzles upon the thick fur that took place of the fur that I remember from summer time. A chill ran threw me as I thought of summer.

" Hello brother and everyone. " Was all I really said to be honest. I didn't know what else to say at all. But I was glad that everyone was save and sound. That's all that mattered to me really. I looked towards Nails then everyone. My eyes caught onto Cheveyo then, and smiled. I known he was around almost the whole while during my injury. I didn't want no one to see me weak, but I figured that they would as much and that worried me just a little bit. I shook my bodice and left the snow that had gathered upon my frame land upon the snow covered lands. Soon I looked around quickly for Ula. Ula was the one female that I trusted and could talk to about everything. Soon a light whimper left from me. And I known that my family would not let me do anything major as of yet.

This I huffed about and then looked towards Meisha and moved slowly too her. I would sit there and wait. Thats all I can honestly do right now anyway. But hey it was a live and learn experiance which in that I have learned from. " Surprised to see me up and about? " I grinned and chuckled at that point.

[ula]

I looked around for a moment, then the howl of the ebony beast caught my attention. I moved threw the lands of Zilar Heights, the snow making the small journey seem to take longer than ever before. My eyes caught sight of everyone, well almost everyone there. Then they survayed the lands once again, a few of the pack members missing, but we were strong in numbers and would take some time for the others to come to their Alphas calling. I known this. But what really caught my attention was little Kali nuzzling against her brothers, I sat down and smiled about this. The wound healed into a wicked jagged scar. I snorted about this, the girl shouldn't be scared. But she still looked beautiful. I rose up and my filth appendage danced around behind me.

" Kali. I am glad too see you finally up and moving dearest. Amaroq you know its always a pleasure as well as you Nails. This pack is growing in numbers and I have noticed that of Cheveyo doing a wonderful job on helping us all. " I said with a grin upon my muzzle. Snow fell from the tree tops down upon my ebony colored pelt, and I just let it pepper my coat. I was happy to see Kali up and about, but known that Amaroq wont let her do anything major as of yet. But it made me proud to know that she was still here with us. I stood there awaitting for the others to arrive. Winds blew threw the pack lands as twin peaks flicker upon my dial.

[arashi]

Arashi turned her head at a howl she knew well by now, she was being summon but nothing was pressing at least. Patting the snow she had disturbed the black female moved away from one of her caches of bones and headed toward the den where the call had come. So far such calls meant a little socializing before a hunt was started, it had been nice getting to know a bit more about the others. Trotting along she noted a dark brown shape move thought the trees and yipped a hello. Pale gold turned to look over a lighter shoulder relaxing when they recognized the dark female coming up to her. Smiling at the amused smirk Arashi fell in beside her lighter friend a little surprised to find her near here favorite place to bury bones for the pups.

“I am thankful the snow is nice a light, it will not hinder us much when we hunt again. And I know it will not last so save your venom for our prey.”
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Lilith’s good humored snort was followed by chuckling and Arashi joined in with her own more melodic laugh. In good spirits the dark fae was not surprised to see the brothers sitting side by side as they often did. Nails was not a dominant wolf unless the pack was threatened, he was however a calming voice of reason. Cheveyo was also in his normal on hand and ready to follow any order given, he had proven a very faithful provider. Meisha was also there but out of the way, she gave the shy wolf a warm smile but said nothing as usual. Ula was also there before here, her fellow black fae had warmed to the new comers as they proved trustworthy and she considered her a friend. Kali being up and about made her giggle like a yearling herself. It was good to see the child back on her pale paws, now perhaps Cheveyo would cheer up? Lowering her tall thin frame the dark fae greeted her pack with the respect the was more then happy to show. Formal greeting out of the way she took a seat near Ula, leaving Lilith to sit near where she wished once she was done submitting
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“Kali dear it is good to see you so full of spitfire but do save some of it for after the meeting hm? You have some need of us Amaroq?”[/center]

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[lilith]

Lilith glanced up just watching the snow fall ever so slowly towards her unconcerned with the delicate pieces of fluff. Winter was here and that was fine by her, tough had never bothered her. Ears turned at deep voice of her friend and master and she smirked heading off to meet him. Seemed it was time to kill again, good she had some angry she needed to burn off, chilly air could do that to some wolves. A yip behind her to her left got her to turn to look over her shoulder before smirking at Arashi. Rolling her eyes half-hardy she shorted before chuckling at the other’s serious sounding threat.

“So damned delicate the lot of you. Very well the hoofed ones shall feel my smiting rather then you who think the snow is ever so pretty.”

Bating her eyes she chuckled again as the dark pair neared the path that lead them to the favored meeting spot. Allowing Arashi to take the lead the touchier fae took stock of who was there, she noted Nic was late but she was Beta and so could have been anywhere when the call went out. The white brushed fae had a feeling she knew what was going to come up besides talk of a hunt and she glanced at Ula curious if he had talked to her as well? Noting Arashi went to sit beside her fellow dark friend she just gave her a little nod of hello. Facing the family she lowered her form as was the tradition before leaning and giving Kali a little nudge towards Cheveyo before sitting down leaving a spot open for Kali between her and Cheveyo, and one open between her and Arashi for Nic.

“Hey Kid good to see you back with us. So…anything more then the good news to share?”

[cheveyo]

Cheveyo remand where he was at the others began to file in, they had spread out as to do what they were required to do, Ula and Nails were often around the den though. Meisha got a slight but sincere smile, he was still not sure how the shy wolf felt about him but he did not seem to terrify her so he did not dwell much. Ula’s compliment got him to chuckle at little as he shook his head, they had come a long way since there first meeting.

“I only do what is asked of me, just like everyone else here, but that you.”

He would not be surprised if Ula was teasing him a little like Lilith like to but either way it was kind of her to praise him. Turning from her to Kali he was not sure what to say, thankfully Arashi and Lilith chose that moment to arrive together. The black fae smiled at the shy Meisha as she greeted the others, always considerate of the Omga’s shyness. Taking a seat beside the equally dark Ula she chides Kali ever so gently before asking what was needed of her. He was not surprised Arashi had fit in so well here, she was just not a threatening wolf outside of hunting. Lilith was not quite so innocent or kind but she did care about all of them, even if she tried to hide it sometimes. The brown female gave Kali a gentle nudge towards him before taking her own seat and addressing the gathered wolves in own candid and casual style. Shaking his head at her he turned his attention to Kali, she did seem to be alright now but he knew he was not he only one who was worried. Patting the snow beside him with his paw he nodded towards her giving her the alright to take the seat beside him as Lilith had not so subtly intended.

“Could you gush anymore Lilith it’s embarrassing really?”

Pale gold turned in a dirty look and Cheveyo just smiled at her innocently, the pair had taken to bantering like siblings since they had met and so far nothing had changed. With Kali up and about he was in a better mode and someone had to tease Lilith besides Kali now and then. At the mock sigh of defeat he turned his attention back to Amaroq, who likely had more then the good news to share.

“If it’s a hunt just say the word.”[/center][/color]

[amaroq]

Amaroq watched silently as the pack slowly began to trinkle in, his gold gems watching the pack in a warm way. He was the Alpha here and always made sure his clan was well taken care of. That was his duty in life, or at least one of them. It was good to see how well they managed to get along with one another now, the bonds have been secured over the last few months. It was good to see it. His attention fell upon his sister Meisha and how she danced so playfully in the falling snow. The Omega was truly a beautiful creature, and she kept smiles on everyone's faces when things were low. Nuzzling her gently the black male returned to watching his pack. Cheveyo, Arashi, and Lilith soon arrived on the scene all seeming in high spirits, which he was glad to see. Kali exited the den and joined in on the pack meeting, he was glad to see his baby sister doing so well. Giving another howl he again called the remaining pack to him and then took a seat on the rock he was standing upon.

"I've called everyone together for a few reasons. One we need to do another large hunt. Two, as a pack we need to mark the borders so the neighbors know our scent and how big our clan is. It'll deter any one from trying to chase us off or challenging me. Third... it's winter here in the mountains.. Our winters are a lot harsher than those down in the valley and forest.. We must all work together to survive in this place. Finally, it will soon be mating season for the clan. I'm not sure if any of you are interested in pairing up and producing pups, if you are it is important that I know. We can't support a lot of litters so we need to plan these things accordingly. Also I am interested in taking mates this winter, yes I said mates.. I'm not sure whom I want to be my Alpha Female so if interested I am willing to give you all a chance.

This isn't a 'player' move, I care for everyone in the pack.. however I want the mother of the strongest most adaptable pups to be my female. The other females will still have a high rank and their offspring will be loved by me reguardless.. Is anyone interested?"

Amaroq finished speaking and looked amongst the pack, wondering if perhaps anyone would take him up on his offer for pups and perhaps the Lead female rank within ZH.

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[ula]

I sat there silently for a few moments before that of Arashi and Lilith came to the meeting that Amaroq had called. Today was going to be a beautiful day, as I smile towards the gathered members. I chuckled at Arashi's words to Kali. " Kali, Arashi is right dearest. Please settle down. But it is wonderful to see that you are with us. "I turned my attention towards Lilith and nuzzled her shoulder lightly. And enjoyed watching her nudge the white yearling. I couldn't help but chuckle about that. Then as Amaroq began to speak out to us, I waited until after he was done. He known that I would help with anything and everything.

" Amaroq, I believe whom ever challenges or even trys to chase us off they are foolish and wouldn't fit so well with them. " Lilith was a strong minded fea and I respected that about her. As he spoke of the winters to come I shivered with excitement. " Yes, I am intrested in you're proposel. " I flicked my whip to the other side and continued to sit there. I looked to Kali and then towards Amaroq. " I think one would be a little scared of doing the hunt with us. Even though we will do a large hunt. It will bring us stronger together as a pack. "

My ears flickered a little bit as I lowered my frame down upon the lands if even only for a few seconds. My raven tincture warming up from the little bit of the warm sunlight. Jadeish yellow orbs looking at everyone else at the gathering as I sat up right then and there and waited to see what would happen next. My attention going to Kali, noticing she shivered at the word hunt.

[kali]

I sat there as Arashi and Lilith made their apperance. I settled as Arashi spoke and Ula about saving some of my built up energy. I looked towards Cheveyo as I was nudged gently by Lilith and as I watched Cheveyo pat the snow covered land beside him, I lifted my head and padded next to him. Looking towards Lilith wondering if there was movetive behind what she just did. As Ula gently nuzzled the other dark feas shoulder I couldn't help but smile. Then my brother spoke out to those before him. At the sound of a hunt I shivered slightly.

Hoping no one had noticed, but of course someone had too. " I will also take part in the hunt. I have learned and it was only a one time deal. " I smiled as I wasn't going to let my prey get the best of me this time. I turned to Cheveyo and nipped at his shoulder in a playful manor, and then nuzzled. Knowing that everyone noticed it but hopefully wouldn't say nothing at all. " Thank you. " I whispered to him and smiled. At the next sound of my brother speaking. I looked towards Ula and Lilith. " I'm not into that. "

I laughed hoping that everyone took it as a joke, and layed down and rolled around into the snow. Not doing much to my already crystal coat.

[lilith]

Pale gold turned when Ula nuzzled her lightly, she was not use to the pack being touchy feely towards her but she smirked and returned the gesture. The pack was harmless so there was no need to be weary pr suspicious of any of them anymore, it was exhausting anyway. Lilith smiled to herself as Kali took a seat beside her white knight looking as innocent as she could just sitting there. Ula let out a chuckle and she couldn’t help but grin when Cheveyo turned to them. The larger white wolf just smiled a little before shaking his head at them, as if he could be upset with them. It did not take long for Amaroq to get things started once he was satisfied the pack was done teasing each other. At his concerns of challenge she turned to Cheveyo who had a serious frown on his face. Nails was not a big bad fighter but he was no slacker, she knew just how tough he was, stamina was important as well as bulk.

“A challenger better bring a pack if they wish to walk back out here with everything still in working order, I don’t take orders from just any male.”

Fangs were bared in a savage sneer, she had no problem obeying Amaroq, Nails, or Cheveyo, they were good men and hardly bossy brutes. Weaker sex or not Lilith was a fighter, even the soft spoken Arashi could be viscous when called on, the pack would not go down easy. Arashi tilted her head at her when she said any male but said nothing, let them wonder. At last he brought up mating, it was the season and all. As she understood it no one else was interested in mating besides the Alpha. Kali was too young for such things even if Cheveyo did wish to ask for her now he would do nothing but keep rouges from her. The fact the white male was honorable a wolf as their dark master was a comforting thing, lustful males were problems. Kali nipped and nuzzled Cheveyo’s shoulder adorably but she only gave them a little wink, she owed Cheveyo a good teasing but Kali did not need to be embassies as well. Ula was the first to speak up about accepting the proposal, it did not seem to surprise anyone gathered there. Lilith had no doubt the darker female could do the job just fine but the Dark King had sparked her interest and she was up to any challenge presented to her. Knowing winning could damage their friendship the brown fae was willing to accept that risk. Her namesake had been scorned and revenge was the talk of nightmares, she foresaw no such cruelty in her future.

“It would hardly be much of a computation with only one wolf in the running. I too accept your proposal and its terms.”[/center][/font][/color]

[arashi]

Arashi closed her eyes and smiled content with the feeling of peace the pack radiated with Kali back among them. Ula and Lilith both chided Kali gently and the youngest of them had taken a seat beside her protector much to Ula’s and Lilith’s amused delight. She could not help but smile at the pair’s chuckles, Cheveyo just smiling a little and shaking his head at them not at all displeased. It was good Kali had found someone to care for her family approved of, even if he was older by a little bit. A year or two made little difference really, this year would not be their’s however. Talk of challenge brought a thoughtful frown before both Ula and Lilith expressed their displeasure at such foolishness. Cheveyo also did not seem to care for rouges but that was hardly surprising, the other did not like threats to his friends any more then they did. Nodding to show her understanding and agreement the dark fae with green eyes said nothing. She was not one to belittle or mock rouges so she let Lilith have her fun. When the talk moved to mating she glanced around her fellow wolves curious to see their reactions. In the end Ula and Lilith both voiced their desire to try and claim the coveted rank, though neither were in it for power alone. Ula cared for the Alpha as they were old friends, the rank was simply a bonus really. Lilith was not an old friend but the pair got along rather well, for her the rank was a bit more then a bonus but she would do her duty credit in the end. As the only other single female not related to the alpha at the gathering she had the right to join the other two in competing. Nic she was unsure of her feelings but she was not concerned with her becoming Alpha Female either. Clearing her throat she sat there for a moment as eyes turned to her.

“I respectfully decline. I am not the kind of wolf who makes a good leader outside of hunting now and then. Skilled with caring for cubs I will ask to be considered to fill Ula’s role if she is chosen to stand beside you, or to work with Nails if she is not. I wish you both luck, while different I feel either of you will do us proud as our new Alpha Fae.”[/center][/font][/color]

[cheveyo]

Cheveyo turned his head at Ula’s chuckle, catching Lilith and even Arashi amused with Lilith’s little nudge. Giving up on frowning at her he just smiled a little at himself as he shook his head, Kali seemed a little lost but not upset so he let it go. Ears perked then lowered with a contemptuous growl when challengers were mentioned. Ula reminded her old friend such wolves would not fair well against them, Lilith agreed in her more spitfire way. Arashi and Nails said nothing but looked thoughtful, they were not the fighters of the pack. Leaving his growl alone as his opinion of such fools the pale male did not care to waste anymore time with them just then. Marking borders was something he did while patrolling anyway so it was nothing new to him. At the mention of mates he turned to Lilith who just sat there as Ula spoke up, he was not all that surprised the dark fae agreed to the Alpha’s terms. Lilith agreeing as well did surprise him a bit, he had not seen much of the interaction between the two. The brown fae was as confident as always but if you wanted to be an alpha confidence was needed, and she was not being rude about it. Arashi cleared her throat before announcing she had no desire to become an alpha, Delta was as high as she cared to climb, before wishing luck to the others. She may not be dominant enough to play the part of alpha but she had the manners of a fine one. At Kali’s nip and nuzzle he lowered his chin to her head with a smile, she really was a sweet little thing.

“Anytime.”

He assured her as he lifted his head before kali said she was into that before laughing, she was still a child really. Lilith just winked at them but did not say a word to tease them and he gave her a little nod of thanks. Blowing in Kali’s ear is teasing he just grinned at her, he did not mind her lack of interest in taking mate. In all truth if she had done more then teasingly chosen him he would have become rather uncomfortable. It was no secret he cared for the yearling but no one in the pack still believed he would join with her as young as she was. Amaroq and he had already had this discussion, as gently as was possible between a protective big brother and a stranger. Nails just chuckled at his little sister and he new he was relieved she was still too young for such things. If Kali wanted cubs the pack would be hard pressed to tell her no, those eyes were hard to deny. It seemed two litters would come in the spring, the pack could support that many as long as they continued to work so well together. Three or more would be pushing it, Arashi declined and Nic was the only other single female not related to anyone. Nails did not seem inclined to take a mate, not surprising since he looked after everyone else’s whelps. Meisha was too shy to really ask anyone, if there was really anyone to ask. He remembered a Carin but had not seen much of the Beta since they had first all come here, not even during hunts. As far as he new only he and Carin were not related to the family leaving males in high demand. Since the pack could not support as many litters as others he did not feel guilty about not taking a mate this season. Next spring, if Kali wanted, he could always become a father. Sighing softly when Kali said she would join the hunt he nuzzled her shoulder trying to cheer her a bit. Getting hurt like that could stick with anyone for a while, the fact she was so young could only make it worst. Tilting his head so he could whisper into her ear he offered her a bit more comfort.

“Don’t worry Kali, I’ll always be there to protect you.”[/center][/color]