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Chapter 2. Problems

That night was cold but clear as Kiba sniffed around a caves entrance checking for any scent of disease or death but there was none. The large grey wolf trotted up to the white with a hulking buck in his mouth and displayed it at Kiba's feet. Hige and Toboe only managed a few rabbits but it was enough for the five of them to enjoy a decent meal for once. Blue edged out and nuzzled her mate as she took one of the rabbits before slinking away to eat alone. Toboe knew that because he was the runt he would only get what the others didn't want but Kiba was kinder than most alpha's and often gave him more than he dissevered. Once the other had taken their dinner away Kiba and Tsume were left with most of the buck between them. As alpha Kiba should get more but there was something else going on that the others weren't privy to and there was the fact that Kiba was well aware that the grey wolf was bigger built than him and needed more meat. The white wolf ripped open the throat and began to eat the still steaming flesh fully aware of Tsume lying beside him as they ate. It didn't take them long to all be full and contented as the whole pack gravitated towards the back of the cave were it was warmest.

"We still have far to go."

"But at least we found enough food for once."

"Yeah that's all you think about porky."

"Tsume stop being mean!"

"Pup I am only telling the truth."

"Stop calling me pup!"

"It's better than runt."

"Enough everyone we need sleep, we still have a long way to go."

"Its so cold."

"We will huddle together so we all keep warm."

The alpha was correct as his pack cuddled down together at the back of the cave, as it was warm and dry. Kiba stretched out as the others flopped down around him, Toboe was huddled with Hige and Blue all forming a circle around the white wolf. Tsume stalked around the opening of the cave making sure that nothing was within the range of their little resting place. Once he was sure there was nothing to endanger the pack he padded on silent paws back to the pile of different coloured fur at the back of the cave. The grey wolf circled until he could see the slender alphas back as he was curled slightly on his side. Tsume lay down and after checking the others were asleep he carefully laid his head on Kiba's back and settled his larger body against his alphas back and slowly feel asleep. Kiba opened one liquid golden eye before smiling when he felt the heavy heat of Tsume against his back and the light warmth of breathe on his stomach.

The sound of crunching awoke Kiba as he became aware of his surroundings, light was streaming in and his pack was already up and about. He could see Blue and Toboe as they sat and talked in human illusion but not Hige or Tsume. Slowly he picked himself up and shook out his thick fur and stretched all his limbs before changing into his human form. His dark hair fell into his azure eyes as he sat with the other two at the cave mouth.

"Morning Kiba, sleep well?"

"Surprisingly well thank you Toboe."

"Do you want to come and bathe with us?"

"Yes but tell me where are Hige and Kiba?"

"Gone hunting as we are planning to go for a bath but we wanted to wait for you."

"Shall we go then?"

"Yep I hate being this dirty."

"Toboe that is because you grew up as a house pet so were cleaned often and before you bite my head off I don't mean that in a bad way it's just a fact."

"I know Blue and thanks."

"You are welcome."

The three set off in human form to the lake they knew was near by, the sun was warm so the water was bearable rather than freezing. Blue wasn't the most modest but she would only bathe in human form with Kiba and Toboe, the reason for this was obvious when it came to Toboe as he was far too young to have any sexual feelings towards while it wasn't clear why she was so comfortable around Kiba. Toboe was the first to strip and jump into the deep clear water, Blue and Kiba weren't far behind him. As the three swam and playfully splashed each other they heard the unmistakable sounds of the other two finishing their hunt.

"Come on or those two will eat all of breakfast."

"That's mean Blue."

"Ha it's not mean but true when it comes to Hige."

"Race ya."

Toboe shot off but he was nowhere near as fast as Kiba although he could beat Blue if he really tried. The elegant white wolf was the first to skid to a halt just outside the cave entrance. Blue and Toboe bounded through the edge of trees just after each other and ended up in a heap at the alphas feet, there was laughter from the cave as Toboe managed to untangle himself but fell over again as his tripped on his own paws. Blue laughed but nudged the pup back on his feet. If a wolf could blush then Toboe would be bright crimson as Hige carried on laughing as he followed the older wolves in for breakfast.

Tsume was slightly shocked in the slow change taking over the white alpha wolf, he was mellowing slightly and seemed to be able to enjoy being with his pack far more than he had with Cheza. No one liked bringing that name up in Kiba's hearing as it was still a sore subject with the white wolf. Although he had gotten over the shock and rage at the Lunar flower's death he still went quiet and sad if her name was mentioned.

"As soon as we have eaten we need to keep going."

"There is a city near by."

"Looks like we will need to pass through then."

"It smells alright but we will need to keep our heads down."

This time Hige had managed to find found as well as Tsume but not as much. They quickly ate the lightly salted meat of a weird hoofed animal and some sweet fruit that was really juicy. Kiba stood and shook his fur out, his lithe muscles rippled as he stretched and threw a look at the grey wolf over his shoulder. Tsume couldn't help his eyes wandering over Kiba's lean form when he moved; the proud white wolf was smaller than him but bigger than Hige. The look Kiba shot him was enough to burn through his veins like liquid fire. Tsume knew something had changed between them as he was slowly treating the white wolf as one would a courting mate. He had started presenting his catch to him, sleeping as close as he could and sharing meals. All this he had been unaware of doing till he thought about it, he was courting his alpha as his mate! But what made it so strange was Kiba was responding in kind and accepting the gifts without comment. Tsume threw a glance at the other wolf as his thoughts spiralled faster and faster around his head. As they ran at a steady lope through the snow Tsume sorted threw his thoughts and organised them so he could think straight. Surely he hadn't meant to court the white wolf? Then he cast his eye over the object of his thoughts and saw his leaning close to Hige to hear what the other wolf was saying and a wave of anger and passiveness washed threw him. He wanted to rip Hige to pieces for being that close to Kiba. Tsume had to stamp down on that impulse fast. It was decided he did want Kiba for his mate; there was no other explanation for that private display of jealousy. Now to see if Kiba knew what he had been doing when he accepted his gifts, a plan formulated in Tsume's mind as the city came into view on the horizon.

Scene Shift

Alex lay on the warm grass watching his mate and three pups play. He knew the sun would go in soon as he would have to disrupt this wonderful scene in front of him but for now he let his family play. He watched as his eldest son pounced on his mother and sent her rolling towards him, the younger two gave a yip of excitement and scampered to follow. At this Alex stood and caught the rolling balls of fur as Adrian and Frost continued to mock fight.

"Come on kids, Frost its going to get dark soon and we need to get back home."

The white wolf stood and pinned the pup under her paw until he gave in and laughed.

"Ok, ok I give mam you win"

"I thought so."

Frost picked her smallest pup up by the back of his neck as Alex picked the second smallest up in his. Adrian hated being carried and anyway he knew his brothers were tired so they would be asleep before they got back anyway. He was very proud to be the biggest and loved to watch over his younger, smaller brothers. He had his father's dark colouring while his brothers had his mama's.

"You alright there Adrian?"

"Course I am Father."

"Stubborn pup, you are just like your father."

"I am not sure weather that was a compliment or an insult."

"Take it as a compliment Father."

"I would but I have a feeling it was an insult."

They reached the cave just as darkness fell and Adrian had been correct his two younger brothers were already asleep. Although he too was yawning as his mama put them to bed in their basket made from straw, feathers and blankets. The two adults settled together by their sons and whispered softly.

"They will be here soon."

"Good this place is getting lonely."

"Ha you just want someone else to mother."

Frost stuck her tongue out at her mate and then laid her head on her paws and closed her eyes when she felt the familiar weight of her mate's head on her shoulder. Alex cast one last look around the cave before closing his eyes and succumbing to sleep.

Scene Shift.

Hige, Blue and Toboe had gone off to find food in the city. This left Tsume the perfect opportunity to set his plan in motion. They were scooping out places to send the night as there was something slightly off about the scent of this place. Kiba had decided they would move on as soon as they could.

"Will this do?"

Tsume started at the sound of Kiba's voice calling to him from behind a large row of rocks. The grey wolf trotted over to see what Kiba had found there was a large tree with a big hollow beneath it. The ground was covered with soft grass and leaves rather than snow and the rocks were good shelter from the wind.

"It looks fine."

"Good I am glad you approve."

"Why do you need my approvable Kiba? After all I haven't challenged you for the alpha position."

"No but you are courting me are you not?"

This left the grey wolf stunned for a few seconds.

"You were aware of what I was doing?"

"Of course I was or why would I have accepted your gifts?"

"You are a Submissive."

"You are a Dominant. So what is the problem?"

"A mated Submissive cannot hold the alpha position."

"I know."

"That's all you have to say?"

"Tsume I want you as my mate, I have made that clear. I know the rules and it won't matter when we get to Paradise anyway because there is already an alpha pair."

"Alright."

"Happy now?"

"Yes alright I apologise for being stupid."

"That's the first time you have ever said thank you"

"Only you will ever hear me say thank you."

"Typical"

Tsume took his human form while Kiba finished scrabbling around in the tree litter, the white wolf turned to Tsume to find the human version leaning against a tree. Kiba changed as well before padding over too the grey wolf, he stopped with only a foot in between them. Tsume couldn't take his eyes away from the beautiful white alpha he looked at the azure eyes for permission. He found the heat behind them encouraging and Kiba gave him a blazing look. Tsume couldn't help himself and leaned down the height difference to press his lips the coral ones of Kiba. The white wolf groaned and pressed himself flush against Tsume's muscled body. They fought for dominance, tongues sliding together and teeth nibbling to gain the upper hand. Kiba slowly surrendered to the stronger grey wolf, his body softening against the taller and his aggression fading. Tsume's powerful arms circled Kiba waist as they broke apart to breathe, he didn't want the alpha to escape his hold anytime soon. Although it was taken out of his hands as his sensitive ear picked out the sounds of the others returning, he kissed Kiba quickly again and separated to go and prowl the perimeter. The burning look he shot the white wolf over his shoulder promised that their activities would be continued at a later date.