Humphrey lay awake in the den. His thoughts wouldn't go down the road of unconsciousness. Everything was a distraction, or seemed slightly out of place. Even the moon that night was willing to hide itself. Either a new one was forming shapes, or it was somewhere behind the mountains. A few clouds covered the black sky, turning it gray with their wispy appearance. It may have been a sign of rain.

The crickets were usually chirping at this time, but tonight the chorus was unfamiliarity silent. The air was a little cooler then it usually was. The season was approaching it's conclusion at this time of year, when the air as well as the environment all cool down mutually in temperature. These all worried Humphrey in little ways. But they seemed even larger at night when all was quiet, and not a voice to be heard.

Humphrey couldn't take it. He squirmed to his paws, shaking himself off from the debris. He looked over at Kate hoping he didn't awaken her. Sighing, he licked her cheek then stepped out of the den.

Kate's eyes slowly opened. She saw his figure distinguish under the hill in front of their den.

Every wolf was slumbering by this hour as Humphrey made his way to the small stream. He lowered his muzzle to take a drink. The cold water drizzled down his throat, refreshing him from drowsiness. As he looked up his eye set on the trees ahead. Now dyed in color and fading from it's greenery into autumn colors, but still gave off quite a beauty. Humphrey wiped his dripping mouth with the back of his paw, as he heard something behind him.

Springing backwards he came face to face with Kate. She giggled when she saw his surprised expression. "Sorry, Humphrey."

Humphrey smirked, recovering rather quickly. "Well, well, that was better then before. Nice hunting skills. I take it you'll use them tomorrow on the big one."

"That's not even my latest." She gloated. "I've been working on one that is so quiet, you'd probably think I'm invisible."

"Invisible?" Humphrey inquired. "Really?"

Kate let out another laugh, rolling her eyes. "Well, okay, not invisible. But pretty darn sneaky. It was Lilly's idea." She crouched lower to represent an example. "She said if you walk only on your paw pads closer to your joints instead of your nails, then your approach could even keep the sand from scrunching under them. Might even work with crunchy leaves."

"I wish." Humphrey groaned. "Those things are so loud! They'd give you away for sure."

"Well, not unless you walk around them."

Humphrey shrugged. "That's why I use a log. Works every time. Advantage is speed, not patience."

"Wow, Humphrey." She said with a smile and a sly laugh. After a moment the two of them were silent. Kate looked into the sky, now filling with more clouds then earlier. "So, what are you doing out here?"

Humphrey took another drink from the stream before answering. "Couldn't sleep."

"Does it have to do with the transfers in hunting class?" She inquired.

"Uh... not really." He frowned. "Why do you ask?"

"Cause you were whining the whole time about it." She began to dramatically imitate him earlier that day, " 'Oh, wait! I don't want to hunt with them, they're too slow! Ah! No, Mooch would belch too loud and blow our cover! Hey, no way! I'm not going with them! What do you think I am shredded warthog?' "

Humphrey managed a chuckle. "Okay, that's grossly underestimating the seriousness of the situation I was in."

"You were acting like a little cub." Kate scolded.

"So what? At least cubs don't have to worry about hunting." Humphrey shot back.

"Well they would if their lives depended on it."

"No... That would depend on if their lives were at stake."

"That's what I said." She was now confused.

Humphrey stopped. "Oh..." He thought a moment. "But my life isn't at stake."

"It could be if you endanger us again, and the pack may even turn on you."

"Oh, that would be a tragedy." He said sarcastically.

"Humphrey!" Kate slapped her face. After a moment of breathing and recollection she hung her head backwards. Looking at the sky, her train of thought halted where it was. She smirked at herself. "I... think I forgot what we were talking about."

"I'm not mad about the hunting class." Humphrey confirmed. And just like that the topic was again more serious.

He turned around to recline on his haunches next to the stream. He looked out to see the rocky cliffs, and the waterfall pouring in the distance. Humphrey vaguely wondered if that waterfall was to go dry some time soon... like several other things that seemed to have lost purpose recently. The trees... the midnight howl...

Being an alpha...

Kate walked up next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. A few silent moments elapsed until she inquired softly, "Are you worried about dad?"

Humphrey felt a lump twist in his stomach. He nodded solemnly. "More then you know."

The two of them sat there for a long time, relying upon each others' company almost as if it was all they had. Even for the moment... it was good to have one another around. As the rain began to trickle on top of them, it became clear as water. They needed each other right now... maybe it was all they were going to have for a long time.

Times were hard... really hard.

You know, I really do appreciate reviews. If it's not too much trouble, you could drop one off before leaving. It's not like I didn't put work into this chapter.

Thanks for reading.