It was cooler to stay within the den. With the weather turning hotter she found it most disagreeable. While Tobias did not like the sun, Tick Tock did not like the heat, finding it quite annoying. Earlier that morning there was hardly a breeze and after a full night hunting beside Tobias and Flare, Tick Tock felt she deserved to sleep in. She was at peace, spending this moment curled up beside her imprint and his forever silent mate. Ever since she developed the sense of responsibility for taking care of her pack all selfish desires for herself were ignored, but in this moment in time, she decided to be a little bit selfish. The pack was growing in size, and the young ones were growing with age, and they were thriving. She was proud of them all, each member, all were doing their part to help better themselves and their pack. Because they were working hard she wanted to reward them, and so, she decided to create a rank that celebrated their achievements and simultaneously encourage the other members to strive for their best. As she slept one of her members, that she considered an adopted son, approached to prove his worth and serve his pack, with information she did not have.

It was his call that woke her up from a well-deserved sleep. Ebony dial would rise upwards slowly, sapphire eyes blinking a few times to regain her sight, looking at the opening of her den. Her thick ebony and grey fur melted seamlessly with Tobias’s midnight fur; Flare’s ivory and crimson fur, their warmth seeping through her. With a heavy sigh she turned her muzzle and gently stroked it gently with Flare’s muzzle, then turned her head around, one pink tongue sliding across Tobias’ own cheek, nuzzling him gently, then stood up and made her way out. Her nap was done, and so, duty calls for the Alpha. Emerging from her home, dark eyes look to see the emerald orbs that belonged to Lonhro. Her banner waved side to side in friendly greeting, noticing how his ears tucked down, her own pointed forward with interest. She liked the boy, she cared for him and his brother, coming by their own den and checking on them. At times she would even drop off a kill or two, just to be sure they were doing well. They were not her sons, but she still cared for them. There was a touch of grey on her muzzle as she gently brushed it against his cheek and muzzle, an affectionate and caring gesture, reserved for those she trusted and those she considered family. As she sits herself in front of him, her attention focused solely on him, she speaks softly to the boy, her voice cold and gentle all the same.

“Lonhro, we are family, you do not need to call me ‘Impa.’ I’d be happy to listen to your secret.”