The advantage of having her den on a hill meant that unless someone approached from the other side of the hill, Alana could generally see anyone coming long before they arrive. Her head still resting on her paws, she allowed her eyes to drift open once in a while to check for any signs of life other than the typical birds and squirrels. As her eyes drifted open yet again, movement caught her attention. She raised her head slowly. The wolf wasn’t facing her, but seemed to be watching a bird that was in a tree above her. It brought a slight smile to Alana’s face. Her actions seemed almost childish, although she was obviously beyond her puppy years. She hadn’t seen this wolf before. Perhaps this female was one of the new additions to the pack. She had caught the scent of newcomers but, being very pregnant by that point, she hadn’t felt much like introducing herself.


The bird that the stranger had been watching took off, flying overhead. She watched as the stranger blindly followed it. Didn’t this other female worry about her safety? It was Glorall, which was relatively safe save for the dangers of the ocean, but still. Alana had judged the stranger’s inattentiveness correctly, for once the female noticed she had wandered straight to Alana’s den, she dropped the flowers she had been carrying in surprise. Alana couldn’t help but allow a faint smile to cross her features.


Her smile grew fuller as the female attempted to explain herself. She seemed so carefree. Alana wished she could feel the same.


“It’s alright,” she said in her soft voice. She paused as Chickadee introduced herself. How apt, thought Alana, that the female had been following a bird. “I’m Alana. Have you lived here long?”


She was curious. It seemed that many wolves had followed the new alpha here. Perhaps he was actually here to stay this time. Of course Grendal took this moment to make his presence known, whining slightly as he woke up. She turned toward him slightly, making sure that he hadn’t managed to harm himself. But no, he was just complaining about nothing.


Looking back to Chickadee, her smile turned sad as she saw the expression on her face. If only she could feel such awe and excitement about her child. She feared that the circumstances of his conception would mar her view of him for his whole life, but try as she might, she couldn’t forget the monochrome male who had held her down.


Thankfully, Chickadee’s question was enough to distract her from that line of thinking. Her smile grew warm again, even if it was slightly forced. “Yes, he is mine. His name is Grendal. He’s probably too young to be out but…I just couldn’t force myself to stay inside any longer.”

Alana
. female . seven years . 29 inches 85 pounds . no mate . no life . Glorall .
. mother of Grendal .