I am bit more at ease as soon as the white she-wolf takes a step back. Her eyes on my prize is diverted and I nod my head with approval. My already bloodstained muzzle goes back into tearing the muskrat apart. I am delighted with my kill. Even though the meat isn’t the best it is something. After all it is survival of the fittest. Someone has to die in order for another to live. That is how the world works. It sounds cruel, but it is the truth. No one said the truth had to be warm and bright like sunshine and beautiful like rainbows. As I eat I hear her question and I simply stare at her for a moment allowing the meat to settle as I digest it. Her comment allows my tail to limply sway side to side. Mother had indeed taught me well and I am glad someone at least took a notice. Mother doesn’t like to be around others, solitude aides her, but I think it hurts her. I nod and look back at the carcass, my voice still cracks from ache of non-use.

“Some different birds, rabbits, other varmints. I helped Mother bring down deer and I found baby alligators to eat after they hatched. I’m quite good, but the prey just keeps getting easier and easier…like…I can predict their movements. I’m not challenged at all…is that wrong of me to feel that way?”

I am not sure if it is right to speak of such things. I mean hunting is supposed to be a challenge right? My prey they are not…that smart. It is nice to be successful though. At least I win. I’d rather win than lose. If I lost then I would be dead and well, who wants to be dead? I am not really sure how a pack is supposed to work. Everyone here seems to have a mind that they have to preserve themselves before others. I too fall in this category, but no one has taught me otherwise. As I begin to chew along the bones, catching the leftover delicious marrow, one crimson ear is pointed in her direction to give her a sign that I am listening. Her words cause me to think. I am not sure what I am supposed to think. I see all wolves the same. Mother showed me the guts of one. We all had eyes, ears, nose and tail, teeth and claws. Our pelts are different, but as Mother showed me we have the same organs. So why some are seen lower than others I cannot phantom. I am aware that there are other members in the pack that are as white as she. Though why my Father is the one being treated badly I still just do not understand. Mother says he is weak and it is a shame she was forced to be tethered to him. I know I was unwanted by her and it pains me so, but I do not tell others about it. Letting go of the bones I lick my muzzle as I tilt my head to the side, speaking once more. I hope I do not offend her.

“I haven’t seen a need to think such things, but I’ve noticed how other wolves from other packs that are white are seen in a bad way. I’m just confused.”

I notice the frown on her lips and all I can do is simply lay my head down. My crimson ears fall back in an apologetic manner. Her words cause something in my mind to stir. Slowly I begin to rise to my crimson paws and I leap silently off. I approach her carefully keeping my head low no sign of aggression could be seen along my ebony frame. I stand before her for a moment and then sit down curling my ebony and crimson flared tail around my paws. I speak softly. It hurts to talk sometimes, but this I feel I have to say.

“I think he acts the way he sees he deserves. If he thinks he is lowest of the low then he shall act that way and if he didn’t he would have acted another way. Isn’t that how we all are? We do what we do to receive whatever value we wish to obtain or for others to view us in.”