Chapter 1
Word Count -:- 3437 Words
Rae ushered the three wolves out the door before walking out and carefully shutting it behind her. The night air rushed past with a chill as she stepped out onto the concrete porch. She slipped her sandals on, then lent down to gently pat the large wolf waiting for her. She glanced over the two males play-fighting off to their right before taking in the sleeping female draped over the larger ones back. With a sigh she looked down at the mother.
"Are you sure this is how you want to do it Erouke?" She asked softly and the mother wolf only crooned in response before starting off down the path, her two sons quickly ending their fight to follow her. Rae watched them for a moment before crossing the slippery wet grass onto the foot path. Erouke had stopped to wait for her and once they were side by side, they started down the road towards the Wolf Point Rescue Centre. They walked in silence, passing street light after street light. It was early in the night, around 8 pm, but the streets were void of all motion, no cars or people anywhere. Rae looked around at the trees, the wind had stopped blowing so they were no longer swaying in the breeze, she felt uneasy as she took in the silent street around them. Like something was out there, watching them, focused solely on the female wolf walking by her side. Her pace quickened as she shifted her left hand over the females head and patted her lightly, in a comforting caress. The she-wolf nuzzled into the touch and Rae continued to pat her as she kept an eye on the brothers who were quietly trotting in front of them.
“It’s okay mother, we're almost there.” She whispered and the wolf nodded in understanding.
Across the street, through the thicket and out into the woods. A lone male wolf followed Rae the four wolves. His eyes never left their side. A sigh of relief fell form Rae's lips as she saw the doors of the Rescue Centre. She stepped onto the dry grass under the shelter of the building and glanced around. ‘It's strange that no one is out tonight…’ She thought to herself before heading towards the doors. The male wolf that had been trailing them from a distance skidded to a stop and glanced behind him. ‘Good,’ he thought, ‘I wasn't followed here.’ He then glanced back to see Rae and Erouke follow the two males into the Rescue Centre. A light box above the door had glowed red as the doors parted to give her entrance, then the doors shut and the red glow disappeared. The male waited a few seconds before jumping over the bush he was hidden behind and trotting over to the doors. He looked up at the box above the door, then at the doors themselves. He stood before them but the light didn't glow and they didn't open. A sigh fell from his lips before he backed up slightly and stood on his hind paws watching the box. His left ear twitched when it started to glow red and the doors opened once again. He dropped down to his paws and the doors started to close. Moving quickly, he slipped between the doors just before they shut. He glanced around the building and saw Rae walking towards a desk near the left side of the room, the wolves trailing a few paces, the boys sticking close to their mother. There was also a man behind the desk, but that was it, the room was empty apart from the mentioned occupants. Rae walked over the clerk and lightly rested her gloved hands on the counter.
“Good evening Rae.” The clerk greeted with a smile, to which Rae returned.
“Yes it is Kuno. I didn't think you would be working tonight, you usually like to stay home with the family.” She said as she took off her gloves and bent to give the female wolf a reassuring pat. The mother glanced up at her for a moment before she carefully let her daughter down from her back and nuzzled her two sons. The three quietly sitting beside Rae.
“Well Bane's not much company when he is in a bad mood and Jordon is supposed to be going to see her friends, it gets lonely being there by myself. And Shyaku is here…” He whispered the last part before shaking his head and smiling. “I knew you were bringing Erouke and the remaining pups back today so thought I would be here. I handle almost all of your business here and the others here no nothing about you and the work you have done for us. After the misunderstanding last time, I've decided to handle all your cases myself.” He explained and Rae sighed.
“Well I'm glad, I hate having to keep repeating my situations to new people, it gets tiring.” Kuno chuckled and shuffled through some papers on his desk before he pulled out the sheet he was looking for, he then handed it and a pen over to Rae who accepted the offered items with a smile.
“Okay, you just need to fill this out and everything will be set to go. “ Kuno explained and Rae nodded in understanding.
“Alright.” She said as she started filling the form out.
The male wolf had been watching the humans interact from behind a pot plant beside the door, when he was sure that both of the humans were distracted with the form the elder was filling out, he slunk across the room and hid under the desks overhang. His presence as immediately noticed by the three wolves and he lowered his head as he slunk past Rae, careful not to let his tail brush her legs. He quickly pressed himself up against the counter when Kuno glanced down in their direction and patted Erouke on the head.
“We won't be too much longer, then we will get you back to your mate.” His said in a soft voice smiling down at her. His attention was then pulled back to Rae when she pushed her form towards him with a question about it. The male sighed with relief that he hadn't been seen and made eye contact with Erouke who just smiled. With a smile of his own, he crossed few steps between them and sat down.
“Moonlight.” Brooke murmured as she nuzzled into the females neck.
“Mother...” The male replied returning with a light hum.
They remained like that for a moment before he pulled back. His ear twitched and he glanced up at the two humans, he backed up slightly so he was out of view, just in case and sat down again. He glanced to the two males watching him silently and crooned softly.
"Rioja, Jason." He greeted and the two lowered their heads in return.
His eyes then trailed to the lone sleeping female, clearly much younger then the rest of them and a confused look crossed his face. He glanced up at his mother with a frown. “Mum...” He started before glancing back at the grey pup. “Where is the other twin?”
Erouke closed her eyes and sighed. A sad look clouded her usually lively expression as she used her nose to lightly nudge the sleeping female. "It turns out I had three pups.” Brooke whispered and at Moonlight's startled expression she continued. "Mother said she could sense the twins, the powers welling up inside of me... Inside my pups. I'm not sure what happened, but the girls, all three of them have inherited the Mugai genes. They all have unique powers, the twins more so then their third." She said as she looked down at her daughter then back up at her eldest son. "Dakota and Gemma will stay here with Rae." She said softly and Moonlight bit his tongue to hold in his yelp.
“You can’t split up the twins, you remember what father said...” He rushed out but stopped when the Erouke laid her paw over his with a sad look in her eyes.
“Moonlight...” She started calmly. “I know what your father told me about not separating the twins and I don’t plan to. I have spoken to Rae about the situation, I believe it is safest for them to remain here in Wolf Point. The twins and Gemma will remain here and I will return to our homeland with your brothers. We will explain everything to Sebastian, he will understand. Please take Mana with you.” Erouke urged again lightly nudging the sleeping female and Moonlight stepped back out of defiance.
“But mother…” He started in protest but stopped when his mother spoke.
“You yourself said they can’t be separated, but they can not grow up together and be themselves. I know you will have the right judgement as to when Mana will re-join her sisters and reunite as a family again. Until that time comes keep her safe and watch over my three girls.” Erouke said with a sad smile on her face and Moonlight's ears drooped.
“Yes mother.” He replied as he bowed his head, eyes shut.
“Now go.” Erouke instructed and Moonlight solemnly nodded before tugging Mana onto his back by her scruff.
"We will distract the humans." Jason said before he and Rioja got to their feet, they moved in the opposite direction to the doors and began jumping around and barking.
Kuno and Rae both looked in their direction and Kuno moved to see what was wrong and Rae returned to the form. Moonlight took the opportunity to bolt towards the doors, he stopped as they opened and glanced back at his mother.
"I love you." She whispered and Erouke watched with pride as her eldest son carried their family legacy to safety.
Kuno's attention turned from the playful wolves at the sound of the door in time to see the blue wolf dart out with the brown pup on his back.
"Wait!" He shouted but stopped when Erouke sat before him and nudged his leg.
He looked down at the mother and at the determined look in her eyes, Kuno sighed. He headed back to Rae, noting how the brothers seemed to have calmed down and were now sitting quietly beside their mother and looked down at the form.
"We will need to make another change." He said softly, crossing out the two and writing down three.
"But I'm only keeping two of the girls." Rae said in confusion, having missed what just happened due to her focus on the form. "I have already discussed it with Erouke."
Kuno shook his head with a soft smile and corrected a couple more things on the form to allow Rae to keep Mana aswell. "It seems Erouke had plans for the pup you didn't plan to take." He explained and once he was done he handed the pen back to Rae. “Just sign here and you're done.” Kuno said pointing to the final line at the bottom of the form.
Rae took the pen and paused for a moment, she glanced down at Erouke as the wolf looked up at her. Erouke then turned her head before she lay down between her sons with a sad sigh. Rae watched the mother with a frown before she signed the document then placed the pen down beside it with a sigh of her own.
“If it's what she wants..." She said softly to herself before lightly rubbing her wrist slightly. "Is that all?”
Kuno nodded as he read over the form to make sure everything was filled out right, including the new addition.
“Yeah, that’s everything.” He replied when he finished going over it. “So it's just Erouke, Rioja and Jason.”
“Yes.” Rae confirmed, “I have kept Dakota and Gemma and was leaving Mana with her mother and brothers.”
Kuno glanced down at trio. “And Erouke has made plans for Mana aswell.” He said before adding his own signature to the bottom of the document. "We are all set then, so lets get these three set up for the night and I will organise their ride back home tomorrow." He said as he filed the document and gestured for the three to follow him. He stopped before the doors which lead deeper into the Centre and looked back at Rae. "If you don't mind waiting a moment, I can drop you at home. It's too late for you to be walking around alone." He offered and Rae nodded.
"Thank you." With that said Kuno, Erouke, Jason and Rioja disappeared through the doors and Rae sat down on a bench to wait for Kuno to come back. It was a few minutes later when he returned.
"Have you gotten all the necessary paperwork for the pups shots or do you need me to grab them for you?” He asked as he crossed the foyer towards a door situated behind the counter.
Rae looked up at his question and nodded her head. “I have the paperwork for Dakota and Gemma, but after careful consideration I will be needing papers for my two grandchildren aswell.” She said and Kuno nodded as he disappeared through the open door.
He came back out a moment later, keys in hand and his jacket slung over his arm. His eyes shifted over the papers covering his desk as he moved to flick through them. “Ah, here you go.” He said as he picked up three stapled bundles of paper and headed towards the doors. He waited for Rae to join him before they left the Centre together. He passed her the documents as they walked to his car. “It's just standard procedural questions as you know, but as humans are involved, there are a few more included just to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Rae nodded understandingly as she took the bundles, she flicked between the three and frowned as she saw that the third was an identical packet to what she already had at home. She looked up to him in confusion but he just smiled and moved to get in his car. Rae quickly joined him, and after she was buckled in and the car was moving Kuno spoke.
"I spoke to Erouke about young Mana. It seems her current home will only be temporary. Erouke is not sure when, but she believes Mana will come seeking her sisters in due time. Hold on to the papers for when that time comes." He said and Rae nodded, looking down at the papers with a soft smile. They drove in silence for a bit before Kuno spoke again.
“What time will I be expecting you tomorrow?” He asked, wanting to make sure he would be there.
“Around mid-morning, early afternoon. It depends on how early I can get Zander out of bed.” She said with a laugh Kuno joined in. "Will you be there?" Rae asked after they calmed down and Kuno nodded.
He went to reply when something on the side of the road caught his eye and he slowed to a stop.
"Speak of the devil." He chuckled before looking to Rae. "Your grandson is sticking out of a bush."
She looked out the driver side window only to see Zander on his hands and knees, rummaging through the bush out the front of their house. "Thank you for the lift Kuno, we will see you tomorrow." She hastily said good bye before she hopped out of the car and went to see what the teenager was doing.
"Zander, why are you out here?” She asked as Kuno drove away and Zander froze for a second at the sound of her voice.
“I don't know how, but when we weren't looking Dakota got out and well… I'm looking for her.” Zander admitted as he pawed another branch out of his way in frustration.
Rae smiled before looking towards their front door over the bush only to see Sasha peeking out with a tired look on her face. “Have you found her yet Zander?" Sasha asked her brother before directing her next statement to her grandmother. "Grams one of the pups got ou-” She stopped when she felt fur brush up against her leg and when she looked down, it was to see both pups sitting beside her looking happy and unharmed.
“They both look fine to me.” Rae pointed out as she grabbed Zander by the arm and helped him to his feet.
She then walked inside with the pups trailing behind her. Sasha glanced at Zander and they both shrugged before following Rae into the house. Rae was in the kitchen with the pups at her feet whining.
"You two hungry?” She asked Zander and Sasha as they walked into the kitchen and sat down at the bench.
“Sure Grams.” Zander answered excitedly.
“You’re always hungry.” Sasha commented looking at Zander who stuck his tongue out. She shook her head before she turned to Rae. “What are you making?”
“Zebra.” She answered simply as she moved around the kitchen and Sasha pulled a face.
“But-” She stuttered and Rae smiled at the expected reaction.
“It’s for the pups.” She chuckled as she heard Zander’s sigh of relief. “However you two will be eating similar meats soon.” She added on and both Zander and Sasha looked at her confused.
“Us, eat that?” Zander asked pulling a disgusted face.
“Oh...” Sasha voiced, realising what Rae had mean't. “Were finally getting out forms?”
“Indeed you are, by this time tomorrow in fact.” Rae started as the pups jumped up on the bench before them. “Your little sister and cousin will be your responsibility. We are not sure how old they will be as their human age will reflect their maturity, so I am going to need your help with them.”
Rae finished cooking in silence as the two teens mulled over her words and it was broken by the sound of Rae placing the bowl on the counter. Sasha and Zander looked at the strips of zebra meat with curiosity. It looked just like steak. The pups eagerly dug into their meal and Rae smiled.
"You two should give it a try." Rae said gesturing towards the food.
Zander reluctantly picked up a piece of the cooked meat and placed it in his mouth, as he chewed his unsure expression grew satisfied. Sasha, seeing her brothers acceptance of the meat also tried some. “Surprisingly this is nice.” She commented taking another strip, only to recieve a growl and nip on the hand from white fangs.
“I thought you might say that, here.” Rae said as she passed them a bowl of more cooked strips to share. “I made enough in case you two liked it, you should know better then to take food away from an animal.”
Both Zander and Sasha started to eat their meal, contenting their hunger and talking quietly. Rae smiled at them as she made herself something to eat. After her soup was finished cooking, she Rae sat down with her bowl and the five of them ate together at the dinner table. When they were finished, the pups jumped off the table and ran into the lounge room where they curled up by the fire for a nap. The three humans finished their meals before they got up to put their plates in the sink, Rae lent against the counter top watching Zander and Sasha. Just as they were about to leave the room she called them back. “Zander, Sasha.” Her voice was sharp and they turned to see what they had done wrong.
“Yes Grams?” Sasha asked confused and Rae only smiled.
She gestured towards the pups bowl with a wave of her hand. “The first step with them in your care is cleaning up after them.” She said and Zander and Sasha looked at each other.
When Zander looked away first Sasha knew he was palming the task onto her and she huffed in annoyance as she watched her brother walk off. “I'll do it.” She complained before she walked over to the table and picked up the bowl. She then put it in the sink, washed it along with the other bowls and left the room. Rae watched her walk out and smiled as she draped a tea towel over the drying bowls and grabbed herself a glass of water.
Sasha walked through the lounge room and the pups glanced up at her, but almost immediately they went back to sleep. She walked out into the hallway and started walking towards her room. She passed Zander’s room and his door was open, the light was on but he wasn't in there. Curiously she walked in and seeing that his window was open, she looked out to find him him sitting on the garden chair out the back. Sasha placed her hand on the windowsill and jumped through, landing lightly on the damp grass. She crossed the lawn and sat down beside her younger brother. He didn't look at her, he just continued to look at his hands intertwined on his lap. Sasha wrapped her hand around his and placed her head on his shoulder, offering him the comfort she thought he needed.
“You’re worried about tomorrow, aren't you?” She asked softly and his answer to her question was a sigh. She sat up looking at him with worry. “Zander... Talk to me.” Her voice was soft and comforting.
“I just...” Zander started, but then he stopped. “Nothing, it’s stupid anyway.”
“Well I'm here if you want to talk.” Sasha said before she stood up, crossed the lawn and jumped back through Zander's bedroom window. She walked out into the hallway and went into her room, where she changed and went to bed. Zander looked up to the sky and his blood red eyes reflected the full moon. He watched the stars for a few seconds then he too, stood up and jumped back through his window, he laid down on his bed and stared at his shadowed roof. He laughed lightly as he heard Sasha's snoring drift down the hallway. The light noise while annoying, soothed him and he rolled over before drifting off to sleep. Rae rinsed her glass as she the snoring followed by a light laugh reached her ears, with a content sigh she walked into the lounge room. She noticed the pups were curled up by the fire and went over to them. She draped a blanket over them before quietly leaving the room. On her way up the hallway she stopped at both Zander's and Sasha’s doors to check on them, both teens were asleep. So with a tired smile she walked into her room and switched off the light.
Out the front in a large bush, Moonlight stood silently with a groggy Mana sitting by his side as the watched the now silent house. Quietly, he walked out into the yard and looked back at his sister.
“Wait here.” He ordered and Mana nodded.
“Okay brother.” The young pup said and she watched as Moonlight approached Zander’s still open window.
Moonlight placed his paws on the windowsill and looked in, Zander was fast asleep off to his left, so he lightly pulled himself up and through the window. He landed silently on the floor before stealthy making his way out of the room and into the lounge room. He stopped to take in the surroundings. ‘Good no ones in here.’ He thought, then he trotted over to the two by the fireplace. Two pups were curled up, wrapped around each other under the blanket and sleeping peacefully. Moonlight sat down before the basket as one of the pups turned over, kicked off the blanket and intertwined her paws with the other pups. Moonlight smiled, before he lowered his muzzle and brushed his nose across the dark grey wave marking on one of the pups back left hip. “The other twin.” He whispered and breathed in her scent. “Dakota.”
His ear twitched as the other pup kicked it's back paw into Dakota's thigh. “And Gemma.” He he added, rubbed his muzzle across Gemma’s face as he drew in her scent aswell.
The pup didn't open her eyes but a slight whimper fell from her. “Please stay.” She whispered in her sleep as her small paw shifted till it rested on her older brothers blue muzzle.
“I'm here...” Moonlight whispered as he shifted his muzzle out from under Gemma’s paw and licked her on the face, he then nuzzled into Dakota before he walked back to the entrance of the hallway. He stopped and glanced back at his two little sisters, a whisper falling from his maw.
“I’ll always be here...” The words followed him as he trotted into Zander’s room, jumped back out the window and trotted over to Mana. She watched him warily, eyes flicking between him and the house and he just shook his head.
"Let's go." He said gruffly and the two silently ran off through the bushes.
"Are you sure this is how you want to do it Erouke?" She asked softly and the mother wolf only crooned in response before starting off down the path, her two sons quickly ending their fight to follow her. Rae watched them for a moment before crossing the slippery wet grass onto the foot path. Erouke had stopped to wait for her and once they were side by side, they started down the road towards the Wolf Point Rescue Centre. They walked in silence, passing street light after street light. It was early in the night, around 8 pm, but the streets were void of all motion, no cars or people anywhere. Rae looked around at the trees, the wind had stopped blowing so they were no longer swaying in the breeze, she felt uneasy as she took in the silent street around them. Like something was out there, watching them, focused solely on the female wolf walking by her side. Her pace quickened as she shifted her left hand over the females head and patted her lightly, in a comforting caress. The she-wolf nuzzled into the touch and Rae continued to pat her as she kept an eye on the brothers who were quietly trotting in front of them.
“It’s okay mother, we're almost there.” She whispered and the wolf nodded in understanding.
Across the street, through the thicket and out into the woods. A lone male wolf followed Rae the four wolves. His eyes never left their side. A sigh of relief fell form Rae's lips as she saw the doors of the Rescue Centre. She stepped onto the dry grass under the shelter of the building and glanced around. ‘It's strange that no one is out tonight…’ She thought to herself before heading towards the doors. The male wolf that had been trailing them from a distance skidded to a stop and glanced behind him. ‘Good,’ he thought, ‘I wasn't followed here.’ He then glanced back to see Rae and Erouke follow the two males into the Rescue Centre. A light box above the door had glowed red as the doors parted to give her entrance, then the doors shut and the red glow disappeared. The male waited a few seconds before jumping over the bush he was hidden behind and trotting over to the doors. He looked up at the box above the door, then at the doors themselves. He stood before them but the light didn't glow and they didn't open. A sigh fell from his lips before he backed up slightly and stood on his hind paws watching the box. His left ear twitched when it started to glow red and the doors opened once again. He dropped down to his paws and the doors started to close. Moving quickly, he slipped between the doors just before they shut. He glanced around the building and saw Rae walking towards a desk near the left side of the room, the wolves trailing a few paces, the boys sticking close to their mother. There was also a man behind the desk, but that was it, the room was empty apart from the mentioned occupants. Rae walked over the clerk and lightly rested her gloved hands on the counter.
“Good evening Rae.” The clerk greeted with a smile, to which Rae returned.
“Yes it is Kuno. I didn't think you would be working tonight, you usually like to stay home with the family.” She said as she took off her gloves and bent to give the female wolf a reassuring pat. The mother glanced up at her for a moment before she carefully let her daughter down from her back and nuzzled her two sons. The three quietly sitting beside Rae.
“Well Bane's not much company when he is in a bad mood and Jordon is supposed to be going to see her friends, it gets lonely being there by myself. And Shyaku is here…” He whispered the last part before shaking his head and smiling. “I knew you were bringing Erouke and the remaining pups back today so thought I would be here. I handle almost all of your business here and the others here no nothing about you and the work you have done for us. After the misunderstanding last time, I've decided to handle all your cases myself.” He explained and Rae sighed.
“Well I'm glad, I hate having to keep repeating my situations to new people, it gets tiring.” Kuno chuckled and shuffled through some papers on his desk before he pulled out the sheet he was looking for, he then handed it and a pen over to Rae who accepted the offered items with a smile.
“Okay, you just need to fill this out and everything will be set to go. “ Kuno explained and Rae nodded in understanding.
“Alright.” She said as she started filling the form out.
The male wolf had been watching the humans interact from behind a pot plant beside the door, when he was sure that both of the humans were distracted with the form the elder was filling out, he slunk across the room and hid under the desks overhang. His presence as immediately noticed by the three wolves and he lowered his head as he slunk past Rae, careful not to let his tail brush her legs. He quickly pressed himself up against the counter when Kuno glanced down in their direction and patted Erouke on the head.
“We won't be too much longer, then we will get you back to your mate.” His said in a soft voice smiling down at her. His attention was then pulled back to Rae when she pushed her form towards him with a question about it. The male sighed with relief that he hadn't been seen and made eye contact with Erouke who just smiled. With a smile of his own, he crossed few steps between them and sat down.
“Moonlight.” Brooke murmured as she nuzzled into the females neck.
“Mother...” The male replied returning with a light hum.
They remained like that for a moment before he pulled back. His ear twitched and he glanced up at the two humans, he backed up slightly so he was out of view, just in case and sat down again. He glanced to the two males watching him silently and crooned softly.
"Rioja, Jason." He greeted and the two lowered their heads in return.
His eyes then trailed to the lone sleeping female, clearly much younger then the rest of them and a confused look crossed his face. He glanced up at his mother with a frown. “Mum...” He started before glancing back at the grey pup. “Where is the other twin?”
Erouke closed her eyes and sighed. A sad look clouded her usually lively expression as she used her nose to lightly nudge the sleeping female. "It turns out I had three pups.” Brooke whispered and at Moonlight's startled expression she continued. "Mother said she could sense the twins, the powers welling up inside of me... Inside my pups. I'm not sure what happened, but the girls, all three of them have inherited the Mugai genes. They all have unique powers, the twins more so then their third." She said as she looked down at her daughter then back up at her eldest son. "Dakota and Gemma will stay here with Rae." She said softly and Moonlight bit his tongue to hold in his yelp.
“You can’t split up the twins, you remember what father said...” He rushed out but stopped when the Erouke laid her paw over his with a sad look in her eyes.
“Moonlight...” She started calmly. “I know what your father told me about not separating the twins and I don’t plan to. I have spoken to Rae about the situation, I believe it is safest for them to remain here in Wolf Point. The twins and Gemma will remain here and I will return to our homeland with your brothers. We will explain everything to Sebastian, he will understand. Please take Mana with you.” Erouke urged again lightly nudging the sleeping female and Moonlight stepped back out of defiance.
“But mother…” He started in protest but stopped when his mother spoke.
“You yourself said they can’t be separated, but they can not grow up together and be themselves. I know you will have the right judgement as to when Mana will re-join her sisters and reunite as a family again. Until that time comes keep her safe and watch over my three girls.” Erouke said with a sad smile on her face and Moonlight's ears drooped.
“Yes mother.” He replied as he bowed his head, eyes shut.
“Now go.” Erouke instructed and Moonlight solemnly nodded before tugging Mana onto his back by her scruff.
"We will distract the humans." Jason said before he and Rioja got to their feet, they moved in the opposite direction to the doors and began jumping around and barking.
Kuno and Rae both looked in their direction and Kuno moved to see what was wrong and Rae returned to the form. Moonlight took the opportunity to bolt towards the doors, he stopped as they opened and glanced back at his mother.
"I love you." She whispered and Erouke watched with pride as her eldest son carried their family legacy to safety.
Kuno's attention turned from the playful wolves at the sound of the door in time to see the blue wolf dart out with the brown pup on his back.
"Wait!" He shouted but stopped when Erouke sat before him and nudged his leg.
He looked down at the mother and at the determined look in her eyes, Kuno sighed. He headed back to Rae, noting how the brothers seemed to have calmed down and were now sitting quietly beside their mother and looked down at the form.
"We will need to make another change." He said softly, crossing out the two and writing down three.
"But I'm only keeping two of the girls." Rae said in confusion, having missed what just happened due to her focus on the form. "I have already discussed it with Erouke."
Kuno shook his head with a soft smile and corrected a couple more things on the form to allow Rae to keep Mana aswell. "It seems Erouke had plans for the pup you didn't plan to take." He explained and once he was done he handed the pen back to Rae. “Just sign here and you're done.” Kuno said pointing to the final line at the bottom of the form.
Rae took the pen and paused for a moment, she glanced down at Erouke as the wolf looked up at her. Erouke then turned her head before she lay down between her sons with a sad sigh. Rae watched the mother with a frown before she signed the document then placed the pen down beside it with a sigh of her own.
“If it's what she wants..." She said softly to herself before lightly rubbing her wrist slightly. "Is that all?”
Kuno nodded as he read over the form to make sure everything was filled out right, including the new addition.
“Yeah, that’s everything.” He replied when he finished going over it. “So it's just Erouke, Rioja and Jason.”
“Yes.” Rae confirmed, “I have kept Dakota and Gemma and was leaving Mana with her mother and brothers.”
Kuno glanced down at trio. “And Erouke has made plans for Mana aswell.” He said before adding his own signature to the bottom of the document. "We are all set then, so lets get these three set up for the night and I will organise their ride back home tomorrow." He said as he filed the document and gestured for the three to follow him. He stopped before the doors which lead deeper into the Centre and looked back at Rae. "If you don't mind waiting a moment, I can drop you at home. It's too late for you to be walking around alone." He offered and Rae nodded.
"Thank you." With that said Kuno, Erouke, Jason and Rioja disappeared through the doors and Rae sat down on a bench to wait for Kuno to come back. It was a few minutes later when he returned.
"Have you gotten all the necessary paperwork for the pups shots or do you need me to grab them for you?” He asked as he crossed the foyer towards a door situated behind the counter.
Rae looked up at his question and nodded her head. “I have the paperwork for Dakota and Gemma, but after careful consideration I will be needing papers for my two grandchildren aswell.” She said and Kuno nodded as he disappeared through the open door.
He came back out a moment later, keys in hand and his jacket slung over his arm. His eyes shifted over the papers covering his desk as he moved to flick through them. “Ah, here you go.” He said as he picked up three stapled bundles of paper and headed towards the doors. He waited for Rae to join him before they left the Centre together. He passed her the documents as they walked to his car. “It's just standard procedural questions as you know, but as humans are involved, there are a few more included just to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Rae nodded understandingly as she took the bundles, she flicked between the three and frowned as she saw that the third was an identical packet to what she already had at home. She looked up to him in confusion but he just smiled and moved to get in his car. Rae quickly joined him, and after she was buckled in and the car was moving Kuno spoke.
"I spoke to Erouke about young Mana. It seems her current home will only be temporary. Erouke is not sure when, but she believes Mana will come seeking her sisters in due time. Hold on to the papers for when that time comes." He said and Rae nodded, looking down at the papers with a soft smile. They drove in silence for a bit before Kuno spoke again.
“What time will I be expecting you tomorrow?” He asked, wanting to make sure he would be there.
“Around mid-morning, early afternoon. It depends on how early I can get Zander out of bed.” She said with a laugh Kuno joined in. "Will you be there?" Rae asked after they calmed down and Kuno nodded.
He went to reply when something on the side of the road caught his eye and he slowed to a stop.
"Speak of the devil." He chuckled before looking to Rae. "Your grandson is sticking out of a bush."
She looked out the driver side window only to see Zander on his hands and knees, rummaging through the bush out the front of their house. "Thank you for the lift Kuno, we will see you tomorrow." She hastily said good bye before she hopped out of the car and went to see what the teenager was doing.
"Zander, why are you out here?” She asked as Kuno drove away and Zander froze for a second at the sound of her voice.
“I don't know how, but when we weren't looking Dakota got out and well… I'm looking for her.” Zander admitted as he pawed another branch out of his way in frustration.
Rae smiled before looking towards their front door over the bush only to see Sasha peeking out with a tired look on her face. “Have you found her yet Zander?" Sasha asked her brother before directing her next statement to her grandmother. "Grams one of the pups got ou-” She stopped when she felt fur brush up against her leg and when she looked down, it was to see both pups sitting beside her looking happy and unharmed.
“They both look fine to me.” Rae pointed out as she grabbed Zander by the arm and helped him to his feet.
She then walked inside with the pups trailing behind her. Sasha glanced at Zander and they both shrugged before following Rae into the house. Rae was in the kitchen with the pups at her feet whining.
"You two hungry?” She asked Zander and Sasha as they walked into the kitchen and sat down at the bench.
“Sure Grams.” Zander answered excitedly.
“You’re always hungry.” Sasha commented looking at Zander who stuck his tongue out. She shook her head before she turned to Rae. “What are you making?”
“Zebra.” She answered simply as she moved around the kitchen and Sasha pulled a face.
“But-” She stuttered and Rae smiled at the expected reaction.
“It’s for the pups.” She chuckled as she heard Zander’s sigh of relief. “However you two will be eating similar meats soon.” She added on and both Zander and Sasha looked at her confused.
“Us, eat that?” Zander asked pulling a disgusted face.
“Oh...” Sasha voiced, realising what Rae had mean't. “Were finally getting out forms?”
“Indeed you are, by this time tomorrow in fact.” Rae started as the pups jumped up on the bench before them. “Your little sister and cousin will be your responsibility. We are not sure how old they will be as their human age will reflect their maturity, so I am going to need your help with them.”
Rae finished cooking in silence as the two teens mulled over her words and it was broken by the sound of Rae placing the bowl on the counter. Sasha and Zander looked at the strips of zebra meat with curiosity. It looked just like steak. The pups eagerly dug into their meal and Rae smiled.
"You two should give it a try." Rae said gesturing towards the food.
Zander reluctantly picked up a piece of the cooked meat and placed it in his mouth, as he chewed his unsure expression grew satisfied. Sasha, seeing her brothers acceptance of the meat also tried some. “Surprisingly this is nice.” She commented taking another strip, only to recieve a growl and nip on the hand from white fangs.
“I thought you might say that, here.” Rae said as she passed them a bowl of more cooked strips to share. “I made enough in case you two liked it, you should know better then to take food away from an animal.”
Both Zander and Sasha started to eat their meal, contenting their hunger and talking quietly. Rae smiled at them as she made herself something to eat. After her soup was finished cooking, she Rae sat down with her bowl and the five of them ate together at the dinner table. When they were finished, the pups jumped off the table and ran into the lounge room where they curled up by the fire for a nap. The three humans finished their meals before they got up to put their plates in the sink, Rae lent against the counter top watching Zander and Sasha. Just as they were about to leave the room she called them back. “Zander, Sasha.” Her voice was sharp and they turned to see what they had done wrong.
“Yes Grams?” Sasha asked confused and Rae only smiled.
She gestured towards the pups bowl with a wave of her hand. “The first step with them in your care is cleaning up after them.” She said and Zander and Sasha looked at each other.
When Zander looked away first Sasha knew he was palming the task onto her and she huffed in annoyance as she watched her brother walk off. “I'll do it.” She complained before she walked over to the table and picked up the bowl. She then put it in the sink, washed it along with the other bowls and left the room. Rae watched her walk out and smiled as she draped a tea towel over the drying bowls and grabbed herself a glass of water.
Sasha walked through the lounge room and the pups glanced up at her, but almost immediately they went back to sleep. She walked out into the hallway and started walking towards her room. She passed Zander’s room and his door was open, the light was on but he wasn't in there. Curiously she walked in and seeing that his window was open, she looked out to find him him sitting on the garden chair out the back. Sasha placed her hand on the windowsill and jumped through, landing lightly on the damp grass. She crossed the lawn and sat down beside her younger brother. He didn't look at her, he just continued to look at his hands intertwined on his lap. Sasha wrapped her hand around his and placed her head on his shoulder, offering him the comfort she thought he needed.
“You’re worried about tomorrow, aren't you?” She asked softly and his answer to her question was a sigh. She sat up looking at him with worry. “Zander... Talk to me.” Her voice was soft and comforting.
“I just...” Zander started, but then he stopped. “Nothing, it’s stupid anyway.”
“Well I'm here if you want to talk.” Sasha said before she stood up, crossed the lawn and jumped back through Zander's bedroom window. She walked out into the hallway and went into her room, where she changed and went to bed. Zander looked up to the sky and his blood red eyes reflected the full moon. He watched the stars for a few seconds then he too, stood up and jumped back through his window, he laid down on his bed and stared at his shadowed roof. He laughed lightly as he heard Sasha's snoring drift down the hallway. The light noise while annoying, soothed him and he rolled over before drifting off to sleep. Rae rinsed her glass as she the snoring followed by a light laugh reached her ears, with a content sigh she walked into the lounge room. She noticed the pups were curled up by the fire and went over to them. She draped a blanket over them before quietly leaving the room. On her way up the hallway she stopped at both Zander's and Sasha’s doors to check on them, both teens were asleep. So with a tired smile she walked into her room and switched off the light.
Out the front in a large bush, Moonlight stood silently with a groggy Mana sitting by his side as the watched the now silent house. Quietly, he walked out into the yard and looked back at his sister.
“Wait here.” He ordered and Mana nodded.
“Okay brother.” The young pup said and she watched as Moonlight approached Zander’s still open window.
Moonlight placed his paws on the windowsill and looked in, Zander was fast asleep off to his left, so he lightly pulled himself up and through the window. He landed silently on the floor before stealthy making his way out of the room and into the lounge room. He stopped to take in the surroundings. ‘Good no ones in here.’ He thought, then he trotted over to the two by the fireplace. Two pups were curled up, wrapped around each other under the blanket and sleeping peacefully. Moonlight sat down before the basket as one of the pups turned over, kicked off the blanket and intertwined her paws with the other pups. Moonlight smiled, before he lowered his muzzle and brushed his nose across the dark grey wave marking on one of the pups back left hip. “The other twin.” He whispered and breathed in her scent. “Dakota.”
His ear twitched as the other pup kicked it's back paw into Dakota's thigh. “And Gemma.” He he added, rubbed his muzzle across Gemma’s face as he drew in her scent aswell.
The pup didn't open her eyes but a slight whimper fell from her. “Please stay.” She whispered in her sleep as her small paw shifted till it rested on her older brothers blue muzzle.
“I'm here...” Moonlight whispered as he shifted his muzzle out from under Gemma’s paw and licked her on the face, he then nuzzled into Dakota before he walked back to the entrance of the hallway. He stopped and glanced back at his two little sisters, a whisper falling from his maw.
“I’ll always be here...” The words followed him as he trotted into Zander’s room, jumped back out the window and trotted over to Mana. She watched him warily, eyes flicking between him and the house and he just shook his head.
"Let's go." He said gruffly and the two silently ran off through the bushes.