Author's Note: The listing of all pack members in each pack is now located after the last chapter so it won't clash with the chapter numbers. If you ever need it as reference, just peek at it there. I know it may be difficult for some to keep track of everyone in the story. (:
The summer sun rose over the tops of tall pines of the Alaska wilderness and shone down on a clearing with a cave and a large lake. Steele, the alpha male, waited outside of the cave, clearly impatient about what was going on in the cave. A short distance from him, Coal, Freya, Teagan and Heather were also gathered in a small circle, stealing anxious glances at the cave's entrance. Finally, there was movement from within the cave. Aleu emerged from the entrance with two pups, a black and tan male and light brown and white female, following closely at her side. Steele stood straight, his tail wagging excitedly.
"At last their first day out of the cave. Good morning, little ones." Steele said with a happy grin, addressing the pups. The male pup glanced around to all the members of the family and took a few steps before relaxing. The pup play growled and ran towards Steele. Steele chuckled softly and pawed gently at the active pup.
"Even on his first day out of the cave, Russel's ready to play." Aleu commented with a smile. Coal walked over with a grin and sat beside his father and his younger brother, admiring the pup's similarity to his own personality. The rest of the family approached a little more as the female pup stood between Aleu's legs shyly peeking out at the others.
"Go on Honey, no need to be shy." Aleu said in a soft voice, nudging the pup with her nose. Heather was the first to come closer, understanding the pup's hesitation. She too, had been the youngest and more hesitant of the group in her younger days.
"Hello there, Honey. I'm your big sister, Heather. It's nice to finally see you outside of the cave." Heather said in a gentle voice. Honey wagged her tail lightly and walked over to her older sister and yipped softly before playing with her older sister's ear.
The new pup's first time outside of the cave was cause for celebration in the family. They were all happily wagging their tails and interacting with the pups. Steele lifted his head and howled and soon the rest of the family joined in the celebratory howl. The two new pups yipped softly in an attempt to howl with the others. When the family had finished their howl, Steele glanced at the entire family for a moment before glancing towards the wilderness.
"Alright, time for a hunt. Heather, stay with your mother and help keep watch here until we return." Steele said firmly. Heather dipped her head then walked to the entrance of the cave and settled herself down. Steele barked and took off running towards the usual feeding grounds of the deer that travelled to this area in the summer with Coal, Freya and Teagan trailing in a line behind him. After a few failed attempts, Steele and his offspring had managed to bring down and elderly buck. Steele ate his fill first then tore off one of the legs to take to Aleu. Coal, Freya and Teagan also got their fill and before heading out, Freya tore one of the remaining legs off to take to Heather. Coal announced their arrival with a bark and Heather barked back in response. Freya placed down Heather's portion and Heather pressed her nose to her sister's muzzle in thanks then began eating. Steele walked up to the cave then placed down the meat and barked softly into the darkness. Aleu emerged and quickly finished off the meal, thanking Steele with a nuzzle and an affectionate lick. Steele returned the affection then went to fetch another helping so Aleu would have plenty of nourishment. Once the entire family was fed, they began to settle for the night and dug swallow pits in the soft dirt to sleep in.
By nightfall, the entire family was asleep, aside from one. Coal rose from his sleeping place and walked over to the lake that was only a short distance away from the cave then leaned down to take a drink. He lifted his head and flicked his ears as paw steps approached. He saw the large figure of his father and dipped his head slightly out of respect. Steele nodded once in response then leaned down to get a drink before looking at his son.
"Everything alright?" Steele asked casually as he licked the excess water from his muzzle after drinking. Coal nodded once, but then glanced out to the distance for a moment. Steele followed his gaze and then glanced back at his son. Coal sighed gently then turned his gaze to his father's.
"I think… The time for me to go out on my own may be coming soon." Coal said quietly. Steele flicked his ears and a gentle smile crossed his face.
"You're nearing two years old now and so are your brother and sisters. This is around the age that you may want to go on your own and have your own life and family. There's no need to feel worried about it. You are free to decide when you are ready to make your own path." Steele said before pressing his nose to his son's shoulder and heading back to his bed. Coal smiled lightly, feeling comforted by his father's words. He could leave when he was ready. He yawned then headed back to his bed as well before finally settling in for the night.