Chapter 2: Disturbance (written from March 28 to April 23, 2014)

Meanwhile, at the Western Region, Stephen was enjoying life in the Grand Pack. When the rains stopped the fire, wolves of the East had crossed back over the river and resettled. During this, Stephen moved with them. He had a mate now, named Kyra. They lived with Rhys who also decided to settle in the East. She was due to have pups soon. Stephen was worried about them. They were scarred because Stone was their father and they would be carried by a widow. He and Kyra volunteered to help the pups when they come. In fact, Kyra considered it as "good practice" for the future.

"I believe practice makes perfect," she had said to her mate. "I wish to be an excellent parent. I'll teach our pups the values and laws of life." She was known for being an inspiring speaker, devoted to keeping domestic peace even know she was an Alpha, not an Omega.

Problem were arousing in the Grand Pack. A new era of reform and change has spread across the territory since the Stone War. Protests and roits became daily news. Many more wolves have joined the Alpha and Omega Mating Movement, an organization whose main goal is to push leaders to allow Alphas and Omegas to mate. Their inspiration came from the mother and father of the current pack leader: Stinky. Years ago, these two from the Western Region had went missing during the Moonlight Howl and came back a few days later in love with each other. The male, named Humphrey was a laid-back, fun-loving Omega while the female who accompanied him, named Kate was a strict, take-charge Alpha; basically, they were opposites. Unfortunately back then, an Alpha falling in love with an Omega was considered utterly unbelievable because it had never been done. However, Kate was the daughter of the Western Pack leader at the time. He didn't want to deny his daughter's choice of who to marry so he urged his advisers to change one of the pack laws. Now, a pack leader's son or daughter may marry whatever wolf he or she wishes regardless of rank (besides Beta). This change became the foundation for the Movement. But one changed rule wasn't enough to satisfy it. Regular wolves still couldn't mate the way they wanted.

Though Stephen and Kyra, both who knew little about Kate and Humphrey's affair didn't quite favor it. Kyra believed in the importance of neutrality and thought compromises should be made without the influences of the common wolf. Stephen wished despite his hatred for his old adopted father, that Stinky should remind his citizens of his supremacy over them and send troops to stop the riots that were interfering with the peace. He thought the pack was getting a little too democratic.

Nonetheless, differences were once again nibbling at the social interations within the pack, making wolves wonder if the unification of the East and West was such a good idea after all. These interactions were important to their culture and their society. It was essential for wolf packs to have communication. It's what makes a wolf who they are; showing their identity. If a pack couldn't regulate and secure its social interactions whether voilent or nonvoilent among its members' differernt interests, how could a pack prosper? The end of the Stone War may have brought some peacefulness but it couldn't hide the memory of Kate and Humphrey's marriage. Such a scar could cripple a great pack.

"My..." Rhys said quietly. She was staring oustide, sitting at the mouth of Stephen's den. "There sure is a lot of commotion out there." Stephen came to her side.

"I know," he agreed. "A lot of things have changed since I first arrived here. But we'll learn to make it work. Stinky will eventually deal with problem somehow, even if we don't like it."

"What was this pack like when you first came here? I heard that when Stone exiled you, you came to this pack seeking refuge-and a new family. What was it like?"

"Well, umm... Let me remember..." He tried to think. "Hmm... when I first came here, I actually ended up in Kate and Humphrey's den."

"Really? Was Stinky there?" she asked. Stephen nodded.

"Along with his siblings," he added. "The whole family was there. Anyway, I stayed in there for a day or two, watching the classic mischief of the pups. I still remember how Stinky's siblings, Claudette and Runt used to argue over the privileges of runts." Rhys gave a small chuckle.

"So it was pretty peaceful, huh?"

"In a way. It was very calming listening to their memories and watching the pups play games outside. It was as if I belonged there."

"Is that why you wanted a new family? To feel those emotions once more?"

"Yes. Though I didn't want to forget my old family. You know... you, Kris-"

"Jane?" Rhys finished.

"Yeah," Stephen responded, "Of course her. I still miss her. I miss everything about her, from her grey fur to her adorable smell."

"That's sweet. There's something... umm..."

"What is it?" he asked. Rhys couldn't remember.

"Uhh... Man, I wish I had it. Must've slipped my mind." She realized there was something she must tell him but what was it? She decided to abandon it.

"Oh, hi honey," Stephen greeted he mate as she entered theri den. "How was the hunting trip?"

"Unseccessful as last time," she replied, sitting down. She was covered in dirt and looked tired.

"Oh..."

"I hope you've gotten better news here."

"Nothing much. Fortunately, there has been talk that a conference will be held at the Central Region to deal with the mating issues."

"Good."

"You know, they say they are selecting the top Alphas and Omegas to attend it."

"Okay. So?"

"Well, Kyra. I think you might be picked."

"You really think so Stephen?

"Yep because you a stunning conversationalist and a great debater."

"Heh, heh. You're not wrong there," she bragged, giving a far away look.

Rhys was surprised how educated this couple was. It seemed as if they were smarter than her! How ironic it was to know how smart Stephen had gotten. Rhys still looked back at those days when he barely even knew how to speak correctly. If you were to meet him now, you would have never known that he was an orphaned pup who was cared by Stone and Rhys.

Next: Chapter 3: Outcasted