I awoke feeling refreshed. So much had come to pass and there was more still to come but finding my true pack was a blessing. I still needed to find my Beta but with our small pack it wasn't a high priority. I could always find someone worthy in the Winter Knights to be my Beta when all was settled and done. It felt weird to plan my life after a war, like it was a blip and not a major obstacle I've yet to over come. Perhaps it helped me keep cool to plan like we were already victorious. Truthfully our numbers of united wolves was small, so many packs lived only for themselves. I had the semi cooperation of the Willow Star packs, Blue Moon took lead and combined with Wolfsbane and Honey Fang into one fighting unit specifically for the war. The three alphas sign every report back to me. I also had steady contact with Hawk and Derrick. Hawk was more constant, I received an update daily, no matter how miniscule. Derrick reported the necessities, though he would occasional send a letter in friendship. I had minimal contact with Davion, my heart carried a dull achewhen I thought of him. How different my life could have been had he not interfered and pushed me to someone who was not my intended mate. Personal feelings aside he would send me clues for potential allies and we would travel.
Our travels took us all over the territory. I got to see several werewolf cities, often run by more than one alpha. Most of them were lost into their own politics, I managed to persuade the alpha of a small city. Alpha Theodore of the Silver Wind Pack. I gained his help thorough his Luna Ashlyn. I had never gotten to meet her in the past but she proved to be string willed, passionate and loved dearly by her husband. I gained an ally and a new friend.
I made many friends in my journeys, Alphas wanted to make bridges, Luna's wanted to hear my tale and various others were genuinely surprised a former wall flower could blossom so well. I had always been told I was useless and every one hated me. Despite growing past the craving for validation, I was genuinely pleased to find everyone finding me agreeable if not lovable.
I also slowly grew my pack. What was an easily manageable trio slowly became a small pack of six, then we hit double digits and grew with every new place we visited it seemed. I met a set of twins, abandoned by their pack. Nina and Nala. Sisters with a strong telepathy. They were scared and untrusting at first but they bonded with Anya when they saw her fight a group of ferals. They cling to her despite her constant complaints. We also collected the small pack of Ash Wood after their alpha died in combat. They were heart broken but it was their alpha's dying wish that we protect them. They were a pack of ten. Their Beta became a Gamma, his name was Erik. He was their voice which was fine for us as long as they were safe and fed. Hunting became more difficult as we grew. Anya and Erik took turns as lead hunters, one would lead and the other would guard. We had good hunters but they labored true combat skills. I didn't have time to fully train everyone though. When our group grew to twenty I had to make the choice to send them to Derrick. He promised to provide them food, shelter and training until I had the time to return. Erik took them on my command and acted as temporary Beta. The twins refused to leave Anya's side. In time she grew to love them like sisters and taught them to fight. Nina was a quicker more precise attacker, Nala proved ferocious and more sporadic but stronger in raw power. Together they were a terrifying duo.
We found some spare time in the Hollow Night Village, their Luna Rochelle welcomed us to rest. It was nice to settle, I thought about my growing pack. I needed to put in for a plot of land soon. I hadn't the time to really think about it. I spent most of my time fighting, adventuring and planning with all my allies and Davion. The ferals were getting bolder and the news spread far even without our recruiting. Even the elders took notice. The one who freed me from my chains took the highest interest. He sent a small fleet to Davion to fortify our borders.
I found myself wandering to old memories as I stumbled on my mother's old pack land. A small memorial stone resided where the camp use to rest, remnants of lives lost scattered through the over grown weeds and the haunting silence somehow peaceful. I took a moment to honor those lost, telling my mother stories of my life and my new pack. My group showed reverence as they howled in unison, in that moment a warm breeze blew through as if to say farewell.
Anya looked at me, her eyes reflecting concern for my feelings. "How are you holding up Sera?"
I looked at her and tried to smile but she knew it was all a facade and hugged me tightly. I sobbed silently in her embrace. I thought I had let it go but the pain remained and weighed me down with guilt. I pulled away and smiled, genuinely as I felt better with a friend by my side. She took the twins to hunt while Brock and I protected camp. We had gotten closer with time, he didn't talk much but he shared a few words and I learned more about him through our travels. He was more of a lover than a fighter but was fierce when he was protecting his loved ones. He liked to craft things and enjoyed gardening. He always watered flowers we passed and if we spent enough time somewhere he tried to plant things. He also loved food but he was kind and would eat the left overs to ensure everyone was full.
I handed him some jerky I had saved and he ate it with enthusiasm. "Thank you." He mumbled shyly.
I smiled. "No problem." I sat there. Lost in thought. "Where would be the perfect place to call home. " I didn't expect an answer as we sat in silence but Brock surprised me.
"Good farm land. We can garden and raise livestock."
I looked at him and his longing expression. Anya was the main hunter, leading him alone. Raising life stock was costly but over all a good idea for our pack. The elders ration land and resources, the most stable and productive packs get more while the smaller ones tend to fend for themselves but every new alpha is given a fair starter amount. There are exceptions, the Rogue City was self sufficient and imported things they lacked because their alpha never registered. I use to have reserves about registering. Running an official pack takes time and I would have to report everything to the elders, I also had to appoint a beta to register. Erik was a possibility but he was reluctant and we didn't have a strong bond. Anya wanted to be my personal gaurd. Brock was much to timid and hated conflict. I sighed softly as my mind slowly sank in the sea of thoughts. I kept a smile on my face as we ate, watched Anya put the twins down for bed and even chatted with her until she went to bed. I couldn't shake the thoughts that plagued me though. I shifted, hoping to feel free once again.
It was therapeutic to feel the cool grass against my paws and the chill of autumn. The days were growing colder, resources would be harder for us as they hibernated. I wasn't sure what to do in the winter season. I shook my weary head to erase those thoughts for a moment and ran through the thin trees. The air in my fur and the smell of nature helped clear my worries away.
I found myself at a creek I use to play in as a child. It felt so similar but so much had changed. That was the beauty of life though. What could feel so nostalgic could change so much you wouldn't believe it. Like watching a seed turn into a tree, you remember the seed fondly but you can't deny it changed and though you miss the seed you can appreciate the tree all the same. That's how I felt.
I lapped up the cool creek water and watched as my subtle reflection danced in the ripples. I snorted softly and batted at my image in amusement. As it settled I was startled by Davion with his brilliant, lonely eyes and moonlit ebony fur. He said nothing and nodded for me to follow. I didn't forgive him for the things he did but I couldn't deny the calm that would wash over me when he was around. I couldn't deny I missed him.
We strolled through nature, a steady pace only enough to feel the breeze through our fur. I forgot how nice it was with everything going on. Being a new alpha, gathering allies and training my energy left me little time to smell the flowers. We stopped at a well lit clearing. Looking at him, under the moonlight serenaded with the sounds of nature I couldn't help but feel our attraction grow stronger. I lost my senses for a moment as we tangled in the night. From beast to man we remained one, lost in the love I had tried so hard to deny. Maybe it was the stress or the full moon but I let go of everything to the pleasure. As we stayed together the whole night the faded image of the full moon remained serene and magical.
I awesome the next morning, my head pounding and my legs weak. The memories of the night played in my mind causing my cheeks to burn a bright pink. I looked around to find myself alone, I felt disappointed until I touched a neatly tucked letter under a bouquet of wood flowers:
My dearest goddess,
I don't know if you remember last night as fondly as I do but I will never forget it. You are a goddess. My true mate. I hated to part with you but there is movement on the coast. The elders have summoned us both but I told them to give you time to rest. Meet me at the castle when you're able.
~yours truly, Davion
I smiled fondly as I caressed the bouquet. He was a gentleman indeed. I stood up feeling more refreshed than ever as I let the flowers blow in the wind with a lighter heart as I walked back to my camp, ready for every challenge left to come.