CHAPTER ONE

Smokeheart laid by the the warrior's den with a snake, next to his mother Nightwing, breathing in deeply and drinking in the sights and sounds of the ShadowClan camp.

"Smokeheart," Nightwing meowed, taking a bite of the snake. "You've already been a warrior for a few moons now. I think it's time you took a mate."

Smokeheart was astonished. "Why, Nightwing?" He scoffed. "None of the she-cats like me!" Especially not Honeyshower! he added silently.

"Maybe you'd think that, son," Nightwing purred. "But I know a cat who loves you, very much."

Smokeheart snorted. "Who could that be?"

Nightwing looked over at the fern patch, where two new warriors, Poppydrop and her brother, Clawnose, were enjoying a vole.

Smokeheart groaned, "No, not Poppydrop!"

"What's wrong with Poppydrop?" Nightwing asked, eyes widening, the snake long forgotten.

"She has been mooning over me since she became an apprentice. She's so annoying."

Nightwing frowned. "Now, Smokeheart. I know you don't mean that." She turned her head and called, "Poppydrop! Hey, Poppydrop, over here!"

Smokeheart groaned again. But I like Honeyshower! he wailed in his head.

Poppydrop bounded over. "Hi, Nightwing," she mewed cheerfully. She turned to Smokeheart, "Hello, Smokeheart."

Nightwing shot her son a smug look and Smokeheart rolled his eyes. His mother could be quite... pushy, to say the least.

Smokeheart acknowledged her with a nod.

A scathing she-cat voice rang out, "Well, now. It's Stormcloud and his mate Poppyjump!"

Smokeheart bristled and turned to see Honeyshower. He forced his fur to lay flat, even though he hated it when cats called him Stormcloud just because he didn't really have any interest in any of the she-cats.

That is, except Honeyshower, he thought, But no cat knows I like her.

Poppydrop bristled with rage and leaped over to to Honeyshower. "We are not mates!" she spat. "Well, not yet," she added quietly.

What does she mean not yet? Smokeheart bristled with disgust.

Honeyshower glared at Smokeheart, Poppydrop, and Nightwing, then stalked off into the forest.

Smokeheart glanced sadly after her. We would be perfect for each other, he thought. With her sharp tongue and her battle skills and my hunting skills and confidence, we would be unstoppable.