by Cloe Cullen
"You're anything but feeble," Amara snapped. "Besides, I'm not looking for a partner right now."
"It's never too early." Her father stretched as he spoke. "I remember when I first met your mother. She was fierce and capable of wiping the floor with me. I feared my reputation would suffer if I didn't get strong enough to dominate her."
Amara raised her eyebrows. "Mom was stronger than you? That's news to me."
Her father nodded. "Yes, she was. Though not any longer. But, you're missing my point, Amara. After spending time wrestling and fighting with her, I realized that I wanted your mother to be my mate. I wanted her because she pushed me to get stronger, to be better, not just for myself but for others, for the Pride. I'm not telling you to find a drunk male idiot to be your mate, I'm telling you to find someone worthy enough to stand by your side. Whoever that may be…"
In the distance, a voice called out, and both Amara and her father perked their ears to listen. "Torian! Torian! Where are you?"
Amara's father clapped her back and stood up. "Well, that's my cue. I've made it a point to never keep your mother waiting." He winked at Amara and then leaped down from the cave, allowing Amara to finally be alone.
Amara hadn't noticed while she was talking to her father, but the feast and festival below had grown exceedingly wild and colorful, with numerous shifters dancing, rolling around on the ground, running to and fro. It was like frantic, chaotic energy swept through the crowds, and everyone shouted and cheered in pleasure.
Amara watched them all silently, her father's words echoing in her head. I'm telling you to find someone worthy enough to stand by your side. Whoever that may be…
Amara glanced over many of the males in her clan, but most were either already with another woman or so drunk they were stumbling and tripping over the gravel beneath their feet. Amara sighed. Maybe it would be a while until she found someone worthy enough to even be considered as a mate. One thing was certain though, if she wanted her people, and the males in her clan, to take her seriously, she'd have to step up her game.
But, for the time being, Amara could at least let herself relax for a little bit.
So Amara stood, stretching her limbs and rubbing the numbness in her butt from sitting still for so long, and began to climb her way down to the very festival she originally wanted to get away from.
Finding her mate and earning respect could wait for tonight.
Chapter Four: Amara
Mornings at Red Rock were much less hectic, something Amara greatly appreciated. After spending time mingling with other cat shifters during the festival the night before, Amara had come home to her bed exhausted, immediately collapsing on her bed and letting herself drift off to sleep.
She awoke the next morning, rising to greet sunlight streaming in through cracks in her room, and throwing off her stinking and dirty clothes from the night before, changing into fresher garments that didn't stick to her skin. Despite her drowsiness, Amara felt a need to get out and explore the Oldwood. It just felt like the right thing to do now, especially after hearing her father’s words the previous night. Even if her father was convinced that there wasn't any real danger, she still felt the need to do something.
A knock came at her door, and Amara rushed over to get it. Opening the door, she greeted a hunter.
"Your mother wishes to see you," the shifter said.
"Right now? What does she want?"
The shifter shrugged nonchalantly. "No idea, she just flagged me down to tell you." The shifter turned to leave, but hesitated, looking back at Amara. "Uh, is there anything else you needed?"
Amara perked up – this shifter was asking if she needed anything? No one ever asked if Amara needed anything. Was he...giving her the respect she was looking for? "Uh, no, I'm good. Thanks for asking."
"Sure." The shifter turned and left quickly, leaving Amara standing in her doorway, stunned.
Amara grinned and headed back inside to collect her things, and then left to go look for her mother.
***
Amara's mother was one of the Pride's healers, a matriarch that was not only as strong as a hunter or warrior but also studied the arts of medicine. The healer's lodge was where Amara was most likely to find her mother, tending the sick and wounded, just outside the central circle of Red Rock.
The trek was a quick one, taking Amara through the heart of Red Rock. Shifters whispered as she passed; she couldn't tell whether it was about her or not, but she chose to outwardly ignore all the distractions. Instead, Amara focused on getting to her mother, getting whatever talk her mother had in store out of the way and then moving on to exploring the Oldwood.
The healer's lodge was massive, with two full stories and seemingly endless rooms, though only two rooms have been used for as long as Amara could remember. She didn't bother knocking on the front door but walked right in. The place was quiet, except for a few moans and hushed voices behind a set of doors to her left. Following the voices, Amara arrived in one of the two rooms, where two women scuttled about.
The first of the women was tall and beautiful, with the same tawny hair and fair skin as Amara. "Mother!"
Amara's mother turned, her expression brightening at the sight of Amara. She rushed over and nearly tackled Amara with a bear hug. "Oh, sweetie! Thank you for coming to see me. I wasn't sure if that shifter would be able to find you."
Amara pulled herself away from the smothering hug, though she couldn't tear her mother's grip from her shoulders. "Well he did, and I'm here, so what did you want to talk about?"
The second woman came over before Amara's mother could answer. "Ah, Sarai! Amara just walked in."
Sarai was just was beautiful as Amara's mother. She smiled at Amara and pushed a lock of her red hair out of her stunning gray eyes. "Amara, I'm so glad you could stop by." Sarai ran her gaze up and down Amara, stopping on the pack over her shoulder. "Are you going somewhere?"
Amara shrugged. "Just to the Oldwood. Thought I'd get out and do something else besides just hanging around Red Rock today."
"Nonsense! You could spend time with me and Sarai today," Her mother said. She motioned to the room past them. There were beds set up throughout the room, with a dozen or so cat shifters inhabiting them. Most were sick, coughing or sniffling on cue as if they were adding extra effect to prove to Amara they really were sick. Others dealt with injuries that were wrapped in cloths and skins, and one or two looked passed out, or maybe just not paying attention, Amara couldn't really tell. "While Sarai and I could easily handle these cases alone, I definitely wouldn't mind having my daughter help out. You're rarely around ever since you grew up."
Amara shook her head. "Sorry, but I really need the fresh air today, especially after last night."
"Oh, that's right! I almost forgot, that's what I wanted to talk about."
Amara's mother directed a look at Sarai, who nodded. "I'll go tend to the patients. I'll leave you two alone, Zora."
When Sarai was safely away, Amara's mother grabbed Amara and lead her to a corner of the room. "Your father told me about what you did to that shifter last night, during the festival. What happened?"
"You didn't see? Father said he saw it all."
Her mother shook her head. "I was off checking on someone from the lodge. Now, tell me all about it."
And so Amara did, recounting the extremely brief but frustrating few minutes where she was hit on, once again, by a drunk male shifter. Most mothers would be incredibly shocked by this revelation, but instead of freaking out about some guy forcing himself on her daughter, Amara's mother quietly laughed enthusiastically, even to the point of earning looks from Sarai and some of the patients.
"Mother! It isn't funny."
"Sure it is, Amara. Besides, you put the guy in his place, right? There really wasn't anything to worry about. I doubt he'll try that again anytime soon."
Amara furrowed her brows in annoyance. "The point is that he shouldn't be doing that at all. I'm the Alpha's daughter, I should c
ommand more respect than whatever the hell that was last night. No women make those kinds of passes at father, or men at you, drunk or not."
Her mother cocked her head and grinned. "Please, Amara. If more male shifters come onto you like that, and you don't want them, then keep doing what you're doing. If they don't listen, then your actions will resonate with them. The Pride isn't a clan full of poets and word weavers. We like action, not honeyed words, unfortunately. Eventually, you'll find the kind of respect you're looking for."
"Eventually isn't good enough."
"Well, that's too bad, because that's the hand you were dealt."
Her mother glanced behind her. Amara followed her gaze, watching Sarai wrap up a male shifter's legs. His wound bled profusely, but Sarai kept him calm, talking to him and making him stare into her eyes while she wrapped and applied herbs to his injury.
"Listen, Amara, you don't want to become like her, alright?"
Amara cocked her head. What? That was a surprise. "Why? Sarai is wonderful."
"And she's mateless, has no children. Alone. She's my best friend, but I remember her being so full of life when we were younger, and now she's always quiet and often dreary. Ever since she was attacked by the Pack." Her mother turned her attention back to Amara. "I see similar traits beginning to form in you. You're not especially quiet yet, but you're pushing others away. I know what I said about the male shifters, but try not to kick every man you meet in the stomach, okay? If you're going to become Alpha one day, you need to find someone to mate with and have children, so that they can carry on our legacy. We're not like the savages of the Pack. We don't fight each other for the role of leader. Do you understand me?"
Amara looked away but nodded reluctantly. "Sure…"
"Good, then that's all! You can head off into the Oldwood now. Just be careful, who knows what’s lurking around every dark corner."
Amara protested that she didn't need to watch every corner, but her mother chuckled and walked away, leaving Amara alone by the door. Amara, annoyed, kicked the door post as she walked back out to the hallway and to the front door. Pushing open the door, someone called out for her just before she stepped outside.
"Amara, wait!"
Amara swiveled to see Sarai rushing towards her. The beautiful woman caught her off guard, and Amara stumbled backward. Amara wasn't quick enough to catch her fall, but Sarai was, seizing Amara's wrist and pulling her back to her feet.
Amara sighed with relief and thanked Sarai. "Did you need something? I was just about to head out…"
"Yes, actually, we need some more herbs and the like from the Oldwood. They're scattered around, and your mother nor I simply have the time to go fetch them. I know you're not going out there to hunt for foliage...but would you consider picking some and bringing them back if you have the time?"
"Of course, what do you need?"
Sarai lit up, a pretty smile manifesting on her lips. Sarai proceeded to explain the appearance of each herb, indicating with her hands the sizes and shapes of each. When she was done, Sarai placed a hand over her heart. "You really are reliable, you know that? I know you'll be just as good an Alpha as your father."
Amara blushed. "Well, I can only hope...say, why don't you have a mate?"
Sarai appeared startled by the question, though she remained entirely still. "Why do you ask?"
"My father and mother are asking me to start looking for a mate, but, I'm not exactly impressed by many of the males in the Pride so far…"
Sarai smiled. "Well, while I do have my reasons for staying single, I can assure you there is someone out there that will impress you enough to take a chance."
"But why would you choose to remain single? I mean, it's not the law to be paired with someone, but it's still so frowned upon."
Sarai's expression changed to something unfamiliar to Amara. She blinked, and the expression was gone, and instead, a blank face took the place of Sarai's shy smile from earlier. Except that shy smile came back, brightening Sarai's face. Sarai leaned forward. "I'll tell you a secret as long as you don't tell anyone else."
Amara, intrigued, nodded and leaned forward as well.
Sarai cupped a hand around her mouth. "Truth be told, there is someone I care for. But I just can't be with him right now."
"Really?" Amara couldn't believe it. "But, why can't you be with him?"
Sarai shook her head. "I'll tell you more when you get back with my herbs, okay?"
"Oh, come on!"
Sarai winked and placed a finger over her lips, shushing Amara. Amara tried to protest further, garnering for more information, but ultimately gave up and sighed, turning to leave and head out. She waved to Sarai before darting past the lodge and into the Oldwood, dashing between trees over large rocks and boulders.
Eventually, the rocky landscape dissipated and gave way to the natural forest the Oldwood was known for. Amara found a quiet spot and wiggled out of her clothes, stashing them in the bag she carried and transforming into her cougar form. Once fully transformed, Amara licked her lips and growled low, sniffing the air and pacing, trying to decide what direction she should go in. Once settled, Amara used her powerful jaw to pick up her bag, and she bounded away, quietly and softly, feeling the cool Oldwood wind ruffle her coat.
***
Sarai watched as she left. Staring after the girl as she disappeared into the forest was easy enough, but she couldn't say the same about the memories that surged back into her mind from Amara's questions. Zora's girl had caught her off guard, and now Sarai's mood soured once again.
It happened pretty much every day now, the souring of her mood. Being trapped within the Pride and not being able to see the ones she loved did that to a shifter, it hurt more than she could ever let Amara know. Or anyone else for that matter.
"Sarai? Where are you? Can you come back inside and help me?"
Zora's voice echoed from inside, and Sarai couldn't mistake the power behind it. She sighed and turned to walk back inside, but not before taking a quick look into the distance, like she was waiting for something. When that something didn't appear, like usual, Sarai looked away and shut the door behind her.
Chapter Five: Darius
Gavriel came to get Darius in the morning.
It was misty out in the Oldwood like it always was outside of Gray Creek. Darius hunted solo, stalking a pair of deer that wandered into his path. He didn't really need to hunt them since Gavriel always came back to their home with plenty of fresh kills of his own, but Darius had nothing else to do.
Most wolf shifters would go into Gray Creek to mingle and play games with others if they were bored, and while Darius considered it a few times, he realized no one there would truly give him the time of day. If anyone did, they'd probably just tell him to get lost or mock him.
A wave of loneliness swept over Darius as he watched the pair of deer from the shadows. They grazed, chewing on grass and berries, always staying close to each other. It was stupid of Darius, but he became jealous of the two deer; who did he have that would always be by his side?
Remus, he supposed, but Remus would be Alpha eventually, he didn't have the time to always be by Darius' side. Gavriel? Gavriel was around more than anyone, as a father should be, but Darius had always resented him for withholding stories about his mother. Maybe it was unfair of Darius, but he couldn't help how he felt. Nyssa? Remus' sister filled his mind once more. The girl clearly wanted to be by Darius' side, and she was beautiful...maybe Darius should give her a chance, despite his natural brotherly feelings for her.
Maybe a mate would keep Darius from dying of loneliness.
A howl cut the air, sending the two deer into a panic and sprinting away into the forest. Startled from his thoughts, Darius stood up on his four legs and watched the deer leave. His basic instinct to chase after the deer almost won out over his decision to stay, but before he could lope away, the breeze brought a familiar scent to his nostrils. Gavriel burst onto the scene moments later, panting and his giant, st
eel-gray wolf form pacing the clearing, his head snapping back and forth looking for Darius. Darius thought about staying still, letting Gavriel work to find him, but ultimately decided against it. From his spot on the thick tree branch, Darius leaped down to the ground, startling Gavriel. His father jumped back at the sudden movement and growled, but calmed down when Darius stepped into the light.
Gavriel glanced from Darius to the tree and back again, and Darius could guess what he was thinking. No wolves limbed trees. It wasn't in their nature, but Darius did. It just felt natural to him. Either way, Gavriel shook his fur out and barked at Darius to follow, turning and darting off the way he came.
Darius didn't answer, but he followed, like a quiet gray shadow.
When they arrived back at their wooden home, Gavriel shifted to his human form at the back of the house, quickly grabbing his clothes strewn about on the ground. Darius followed suit, changing back to his naked human form. Gavriel tossed him a deerskin tunic and pants. "Come on, the Alpha's son is here."
"Remus? Why?"
"To see you for some reason other than friendly chatting." Gavriel motioned for Darius to follow as he rounded the corner of their home. "They were antsy when I left them to come find you, but they wouldn't tell me why."
"They? Normally Remus comes alone…"
Gavriel's face became grave, and he stared holes in Darius' skull. "I'm guessing some sort of hunt, but by the way Remus and his lot are acting, it doesn't sound like you'll be killing rabbits today."
Darius spotted Remus as they found their way to the front of the house. His blonde head and blue eyes were unmistakable among the others, like a light in the mist. When Remus caught sight of Darius, he came over with a smile plastered to his face.
"Darius! I'm glad your father could find you. I didn't really want to leave without asking you to come along," Remus said.
Four shifters stood back, with crossed arms, all glaring at Darius and his father. Their aggression was palpable. Darius glanced from them to Remus. "Where are you planning on taking me, then? If it's just another hunt…"