Fang

As we moved into new territory or at least new to me considering I had never been too far from our hunting grounds I am suddenly struck by an odd silence. At first I am too stunned to do more than strain my hearing turning my head this way and that hoping I am hallucinating.

I am not I am suddenly very sure that I can no longer hear the younger members of the pack. Their thoughts have been a constant under current in my mind for as long as I can remember and their abrupt absence strikes me like a lightning bolt to my heart.

I freeze where I stand for a moment then finding my feet somehow I turn and race back towards the den. Surely something horrible has happened my imagine tricks me even though somehow my head knows that is not the case.I cover only a short distance when their mind’s suddenly fills mine to the brim. I halt abruptly slowly scanning each of their minds to reassure myself they aren’t in any danger. They had been frightened by my sudden disappearance as much as I had been by theirs. I am too busy reassuring them that I am alright for me to notice that Michael has followed me.

“I was afraid this might happen.” Michaeladmits reluctantly. “Werewolf packs have a much greater range of communication than it would seem wolf packs do. I am sorry Jessie I should have warned you.”

I am speechless. Up to this point I had believed that even though I would not be able to see them with my own eyes I would still be able to feel their presence somewhat. This means that I willbe completely cut off from them without any contact at all. I howlin sorrow I can’t help myself. How long before I can no longer feel my DenMother or LongFang as well.

DenMother and WindChaserappears as if out of nowhere. DenMother immediately checks me over and throws nasty glances at Michael.WindChaser is as always playful yelping to get my attention. My heart feels too broken to even look at him. I just rush forward laying my head on DenMothers shoulder and close my eyes.

“He is too young for this. You can come back when he is older.” DenMother decides not really caring what Michael or anyone else thinks.

“We cannot wait that long for the Tribunal meeting. If wedally too long his innocence will be questioned. Even leaving now does not guarantee their appearance immediately. It can take many moons before they decide to attend a matter like this. Already he has unusual circumstances counting against him. We must leave now little mother in order to start the proceedings.”Michael lowers his head in respect for her authority over the younger members of the pack which includes me.

She reluctantly accepts his explanation but I don’t think she can help being her stubborn old self. “He is one of ours we will accompany him.”

This thought of hers makes me extremely hopeful. My hopes are dashed by LongFang’s response to her decision. “You will take our pack from the safety of our territory out into the unknown.” He knows her weaknesses and sends her images of the very little and the very old having to travel great distances.

She shudders torn between her love for me and her duty to them. I can’t take her being sad. “It will all work out for the best mother.” I say trying to sooth her fears unable to completely shield my own.

“My brave little boy.” DenMother thinks of me as I was the first time she saw me a helpless crying little human boy. She lovingly nudged my neck.

“Not so little anymore.”WindChaser chirped in affectionately pulling my tail.

I can see he had gone after mother and found her where I had fallen from the bluff as a child. I could not be moved and was unconscious for a few days after the fall. DenMother had stayed with me the whole time never leaving my side then and now in this she had followed us and wanted to see me through what she was afraid was going to be an even worst experience for me.

A bush rustles and LongFang appears looking determined. “Come my mate our children and your pack needs you here. You have to let go.”

She does not agree or even accept his decision in this but with a last lick of my cheek she turns and stalks past him back to the den.

LongFang rolls his eyes at her stubbornness and I have to smile just a little at that.

WindChaserhaving had enough of trying for my attention takes off with my tail firmly in his mouth.

“Owwww.” I growl being dragged off behind him.

I can hear Michael and LongFang discussing this new problem of mine. The conclusion they come to is not one I want to accept. LongFang is giving over his Alpha hold on me to Michael for the time being. “What does that even mean?” I demanded but know better than to expect and answer. I get my answer when my whole pack goes silent.

“LongFang!” I call out desperately pushing out with that part of my mind that is pack in every sense. Just as suddenly as they had gone silent they fill me up again and I can breathe.

“LongFang?” I whimper feeling his stunned reaction to what I have done.

“PaleFang…” He responds hesitantly. “This is for the best.” He answers my plea uncertainly.

“Please don’t exile me.” I plead assaulting him with images of everything I have done for the pack. “I did not ask for this please.”

“Not exile PaleFang. Never that.” His authority is back and he is trying to reassure me of my place with them always like he had said the night we had talked alone. “Where you go now we cannot follow in body or mind. Be strong and make us proud.” His words are final and they fade from my mind slowly this time.

“Jessie.” Michaels voice sounds defining in its singularity. “Please trust me now.” He urges pressing his Alpha dominance over my mind.

I do as Perseus had taught me and escape behind the cave I imagine protecting my mind. WindChaser is staring at me trying hard to communicate with me. We can see Michael and LongFang staring at us identical looks in their eyes. I’m doing something again I should not be able to like Ian said I would and warned others would not understand and might react toobadly. At this moment I do not care they, both of them had just taken my family from me.

I turn my full attention on WindChaser and am rewarded for my effort when his mind merges with mine. He is ecstatic jumping and yelping like a little pup. “You’re an Alpha! Woot! Let’s run away leave these grownups be.” He insists on the first thought that pops into his mind.

How can I do to him what they had just done to me? Take away from him all he has ever known and everyone he has ever cared for. “I will miss you most little brother.”

He understands my thoughts as only he has always been able to. “You have to come back soon. I want to hear your stories of the world.”

Letting WindChaser go is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. He fades away in my mind as he turns and walking slowly fades just as slowly from my vision.