THE PACK
PROLOGUE
A black wolf ran silently through the snow, the soft continuous sound of crushing snow following. He paused, lifted his muzzle into the air, and sniffed. A small sound, incomprehensible to humans because it was drowned out by the sound of the snow and wind, made the wolf's ears prick. He started forward again.
He came to a stop at a small hole in the ground. He shook his coat and dug inside. Once inside, he kicked up the frozen dirt at the entrance to the hole, barring any snow from coming in. He turned and padded towards another wolf lying on the ground.
"Shadowheart, are you ok?" the wolf asked anxiously.
The wolf on the ground didn't reply.
"I'm sorry, Poisonfang, I'm doing the best I can. I'm afraid the journey here was too much for her, as much as I hate to say it." A red and white she-wolf murmured, stepping forward.
Poisonfang touched his muzzle into Shadowheart's fur for a moment, then stepped back.
"Is she still alive?" he asked.
"Hardly." The red and white wolf answered, "Her breathing's slowed down terribly, and her heart rate is even slower."
Poisonfang stared at Shadowheart.
"What about her pups?" he asked, hardly more than a whisper.
"Three of them made it. The rest are dead." The red and white wolf murmured.
Poisonfang's head dropped. "How many were there?"
"Nine. I'm so sorry, Poisonfang. I'll do the best I can for Shadowheart, but I'm afraid it's just too late…"
Poisonfang nodded and stumbled outside.
Once outside he raised his head slowly and let out one long, slow, sad howl.
Chapter 1