Through the Eyes of a Predator
Chapter 10: Accepted
Claw couldn't believe it, when he got back to the raptor clan, he was actually being cheered and praised. The raptors, who not even a few hours ago, had given him angry glares and snarls, were now chirping happily. He felt like he was a hero. Raven and Bear were on either side of him, with smiles on their faces, for they too, were being praised. They made their way upward through the pack. As they came into Radox's nest, he stood there smiling.
"Welcome back Claw." Radox said, " I'll be honest with you, none of us has been able to take down a , so when I gave you that task I expected you to die."
Claw figured as much. No one would have given him such a mission and expect him to survive. He cast his glance beside Radox, where an angry Jet stood. He stared down at Claw, with hatred in his eyes. Claw had a feeling he would not be able to win Jet over, unlike the rest of the pack.
"However," Radox continued, making Claw turn his gaze back at the leader, "You did as you were requested and I shall kept my word. You will be inducted into our pack. Come tomorrow night, we shall hold a ceremony to welcome you. Go now Claw and rest for tonight."
Claw bowed his head and exited Radox's nesting grounds. He was met by a crowd of adoring raptors, hammering him with questions about his battle with the dreaded dinosaur. So Claw told them the events of what happened, and they listened eagerly. After he was done with his tale the clan retired to their nest for the night. Claw just decided to find a spare area and sleep there for the night. He had no materials to build a comfortable bed, so he was forced to sleep on the cold hard ground.
"You know Claw, my nest is a little too big for me. If you want you can join me for the night." Claw looked up to see Raven standing over him.
"Thanks Raven," Claw replied, standing up, "It sure beats aching legs in the morning."
"Sure. Just don't get any funny ideas," Raven said, winking at him, "It's only for one night. Besides, I'm a girl you have to work for."
Claw chuckled to himself and followed her to her nest. It was a little farther away from the rest of the pack's nests. Raven stated that she enjoyed a little privacy and peace from the others. Raven was right though, the nest was pretty huge. She got inside and curled up, and Claw got into it and lay down behind her.
"Raven," Claw said, "Why is your nest so big?"
Raven was quiet for a long time; finally she spoke up, "Please Claw. Don't ask me that question, at least not now. It's a long and painful story."
Claw nodded and nestled his head close to hers. She scooted up behind him, warming up to him from the night air. They fell into a peaceful sleep, little did they know that a pair of angry eyes was watching them, plotting malicious acts for the future.