Hello Readers,
This is just a fun little chapter setting up some information on Pack Politics and the Howlington Pack in general. Criticism always welcome and enjoy!
-CG
Arnold struggled with his tie in the bathroom, growing increasingly agitated as his reflection failed to get the accessory to co-operate. He growled in frustration and yanked the disobeying fabric off of him. He rested his paws on the cool porcelain of the sink and sighed.
"I know that sigh," Jackson said from behind, "It's your 'This is hopeless' sigh."
"You know my sighs now?" grumbled the red Wolf.
The white Wolf appeared in the mirror with a smug grin, "Arnie, I know All your noises!" His mate finished the statement with a wink.
Arnold couldn't help but smile, a slight blush in his ears, "And I know yours love, don't forget that." He glanced back at his husband, grinning slyly, "Or do I have to remind you?"
Jackson stepped into the bathroom and picked the tie off the sink. "As much as I would enjoy a quickie, we need to Not smell like we just rutted before the debate." He pulled the tie around the red Wolf and began to tie it. "Even with the Alpha's blessing, other Wolves will want Any reason not to vote for you." With ease the white Wolf knotted it and pulled it snug to Arnold's throat. He smiled and placed a delicate kiss on his mate's nose, "You look handsome."
The red Wolf wanted to protest, but knew the other lupine was right. Arnold wasn't one for putting too much effort into his appearance, but Jackson had worked diligently to pick the perfect outfit for the debate. The Lieutenant wore his navy blue suit with a white button down. The infernal piece of fabric that was his tie was a emerald green number that his mate had bought.
"I can't believe I have to actually debate about pack politics," groused the red Wolf as he loosened his tie a bit, "What do they expect me to say 'Everyone's gay now!'" Arnold announced in mock flair, sweeping his paws broadly. He pointed to an imaginary Wolf, "You're gay!" To another, "You're gay!" To finally a third, "And you're Certainly gay!" He heard Jackson laugh and he couldn't help chuckle himself. "It's ridiculous Jacks!"
"While it may be ridiculous," the white Wolf tried to speak sternly, but failed as he smiled amusedly, "It's more about the old farts feeling like age old traditions will continue. Do you want to stop the Howl? Or would you stop young Wolves from asking permission to date?"
Arnold frowned, "No, but not everyone goes to the Howl and everyone's just hooking up instead of dating."
"I know that, you know that, I wouldn't be surprised if Granpa Julius knew that too." Jackson stepped closer, smoothing out any creases in his mate's suit, "All they want to hear is that you won't change the things that matter to them."
"Isn't that the problem? Change will come if I'm elected."
"Oh definitely," the white Wolf responded, nodding his head empathically, "but you're a change they can deal with." He pulled the red Wolf out of the bathroom and into their small apartment. "You're...not me..."
Arnold's brow rose, "Because if I was, you would have married yourself?"
The teacher chortled behind a paw, "No...what I mean is that you're not...effeminate...like I am..."
"If you were female, I wouldn't have been attracted too you," grumbled the red Wolf with arms crossed.
Jackson smiled and pecked his peeved mate on the cheek, "I know Arnie, but you know how stereotypes go." The white Wolf sighed heavily, "They've always expected me to just float away...I guess..."
"Hey," Arnold began, clasping the arms of his mate, "Don't think like that. You're an amazing teacher, a beautiful singer and, dare I say it! A sexy male." He added in a playful growl and peck of his own. The Lieutenant pulled his husband into a reassuring hug, "You should be the next Beta."
"No," whispered the teacher as he embraced his love back, "I wouldn't get even close to being elected. Maybe one day someone...like me...could be elected on their merits, but that isn't today. I don't think it's tomorrow either."
The red Wolf hugged the white tightly before loosening his hold. "Kiss for good luck?"
Jackson rolled his eyes with a smile and planted a passionate kiss on his husband's lips.
"Another?" asked Arnold meekly, but couldn't hide a sly grin.
The white Wolf chuckled and shook his head, "Your gonna ask for thirty more, aren't you?"
"One, we need all the luck we can get," Arnold ticked off playfully, "and two, I'm about to become your Beta. You have to listen to me then!"
"You want to go that route?" deadpanned Jackson.
The red Wolf shrank, ears pinned and exposed his neck partially. "Sorry...Got a little carried away." He smiled apologetically.
Jackson huffed and rolled his eyes, "Just remember, you still have the debate. After that..." The white Wolf kissed his husband on the nose and smiled mischeviously, "...we'll see..."
Arnold stiffened, ears shooting up. He cleared his throat and pulled at his tie nervously, "The idea of a quickie sounds even better now."
The teacher threw his head back in laughter. Still chuckling he moved to the red Wolf's side and wrapped his arm around his mate's. "I believe it's time, Mister Howlington."
The Lieutenant smiled and placed a paw protectively over his husband's clasped to his arm. "I think you're right...Mister Howlington."
Beatrice was exhausted, sweat poring down as she laid on her back. She didn't realize how much energy Cherry had. When the Fox had told her they would get "hot," she didn't realize how truthful that statement was. Muscles the lupine had never knew existed were burning, protesting any slight movement. "Cherr," panted the she-Wolf, tongue hanging out, "I can't...go ...any...longer...please...Mercy!"
"My, my, is little bee tired?" teased the Fox.
The she-Wolf growled weakly and shot a glare at the vixen, "You've had more practice than me!"
Cherry laughed, her muzzle pointed up and her eyes closed. The vixen was stretched out, legs and tail laid out flat behind her and her arms supporting her upper body. "Don't blame me that you don't stretch honey."
"This Isn't stretching," muttered Beatrice darkly, "This is torture."
"It's pronounced Yoga," chimed in the bubbly voice of Ginger, "Yoo-GAH. Like that!"
"She's joking Ging," supplied Cherry, "And It's ok to admit you can't handle it bee."
The she-Wolf frowned. She pushed herself off the living room floor, and back to a sitting position. The Fox had lit the lupine's competitive spirit and she was determined to prove the vixen wrong. "Alright Ginger, show me another pose!"
"Ok!" exclaimed the brown Rabbit, her workout shorts, shirt and mat a pink as bright as her positivity. She spun into place, seated with her legs stretched out in front of her. The lapine grabbed her left hind paw and lifted it slowly upwards. Letting out a breath, the Rabbit pulled the hind paw behind her head, resting the heel on the back of her neck. In quick succession, Ginger did the same to her right hind paw, balancing on her bottom and a planted paw. "Ta Da!" she flourished with her free paw, "I got paid extra for this one!""
The Wolf's determination left her as her ears pinned back, "Ew."
"What have I told you about oversharing?" The vixen gently chided.
"That it makes mammals uncomfortable!" Ginger replied enthusiastically. No sooner had the words left her mouth did the doe's ears droop and her expression fell. "Oh...sorry..."
"It's ok Ginge, but I don't think Bee's going to try the move...so you if don't mind..."
"Oh...Right!" The lapine removed her hind paws and sat cross legged.
"I think I'm done with yoga," muttered the she-Wolf. She stood and leaned back with her paws on her hips, stretching her back. "I'm even more sore!"
"Yoga takes time and practice." encouraged Ginger, "So don't give up just yet!"
"Doesn't your class start soon?" reminded the vixen.
"Oh Right!" exclaimed the Rabbit. She jumped up and began to roll up her mat. "Today is a Really fun class. We're going to try the newest craze!"
"What's that?" inquired Beatrice.
The lapine snapped up, her smile full of the energy that radiated off of her, "Pole dancing!" She then waved a quick goodbye and rushed out of the house.
The she-Wolf pinched the bridge of her muzzle as she heard Cherry laughing. "Why do I do this too myself?" muttered the lupine.
"Honey it's a Real craze," defended the vixen, "and more importantly, great for the core."
"One more time," started the officer, "ew..." The Fox's mirth doubled and the Wolf couldn't help but smile as well. "You got any water bottles left? Or do you expect me to drink from the bathroom sink like some savage?"
"Your already a savage, bee," retorted the Fox, "Cause only a savage would steal friends clothing!"
"You spilled soda on my jeans!" exclaimed Beatrice, ears pinning, "And you said it wasn't possible to do laundry!
"Wrong Honey, I said it wasn't possible to do it for just one pair of jeans! We could have thrown some clothes together."
The lupine sputtered before finally pursing her lips, folding her arms and glaring at the vulpine. She watched with heated gaze as Cherry arched her back outwards, almost balancing on the tips of her digits. Her tail swayed back and forth restlessly. One of the reasons for Beatrice agreeing to try yoga was because of how flexible she learned the Fox was. The vixen seemed to bend with ease for any necessary task, while the she-Wolf could struggle to touch the ground while standing. If the lupine were to be honest, she was a little jealous.
"Almost done." Cherry said breathlessly. She straightened her back and assumed a push-up like position before moving to her knees and straightening up. The vixen sighed contentedly and looked at the officer. "Do you want tea or water?"
"Both really."
The vixen smirked, "I figured." She rose easily to her hind paws and cocked her head to the hallway. "Kitchen?"
Beatrice nodded and started towards the kitchen, knowing the way by heart. The hallway for the front door and living room ran straight to the dining room the she-Wolf was "interrogated" in. She had come a long way from the scared lupine surrounded by prostitutes in a hostile environment. The officer passed four closed doors, three leading to two bedrooms and one study that had been converted into a third bedroom. The fourth door led to a small, and over used, bathroom.
From one of the bedrooms, Beatrice heard the sound of laughter. She grinned wickedly and moved to the side of the door. The lupine banged heavily on it and spoke in a rough voice, "Open up, it's the Police!" There was a moment of silence, before a defiant voice shouted back.
"Stop it Bee, we know it's you!"
Beatrice heard chuckling from behind her and turned to see an amused vixen.
"You used it too many times honey," said Cherry with a shake of her head, "You'll have to come up with something else." The vixen then moved closer to the door. "Peppa, are you doing your homework?"
"...Yes?" replied a hesitant voice.
"No she's not!" bleated another voice. There was the sound of hushed voices arguing and several more bleats.
The Fox rolled her eyes, "Do your homework Peppa, I'm checking tonight. Mint thanks for letting me know and you need to do it too. Ok?"
"Yes Cherry!" replied the voice of Mint.
"Yes Mother," bleated the voice of Pepper.
Cherry sighed and shook her head. "It's only till they're eighteen," she mumbled under her breath.
"Why haven't you called kit services for them again?" Beatrice inquired quietly.
"They would just end up back on the street," responded the vixen sullenly, "better for them to live here with food and mammals who actually care for them than at some shelter where another pimp can pick them up." The Fox's nose flared and her gaze hardened for a moment, then softened just as fast. "Come on, let's get some tea and discuss why you're here."
Beatrice scoffed and rolled her eyes, "You make it sound like I committed a crime." She followed the vixen into the dining room. "I just need to stay away from the Complex until later tonight."
"Problem is Bee, when you say things like that, it sounds like a crime," countered Cherry. She waved a paw flippantly behind her as she continued into the kitchen. "It makes even less sense when you tell me it's for an election."
"That's because it's a Pack election," emphasized the she-Wolf as she followed the Fox into the kitchen, "There are different rules at play." The kitchen wasn't too big. It held a stove and oven that until recently didn't have gas, a fridge that was several years too old, a sink with a window over it that didn't have consistent water flow and old cabinets that needed fixing. All in all, it was the Fox's next project. The lupine leaned against the door frame leading to the dining room, watching the vixen work her magic getting the stove to work for the kettle. "There's no secret ballots. You cast your vote by walking up to the Wolf of your choice and shaking their paw."
"In front of everybody?" Cherry question incredulously. She flicked the worn knob and listened to the clicks from the stove.
"Yep," the officer replied, her nose wrinkling at the smell of gas. She knew it affected the Fox as well, and wished she could afford to buy them a safer stove. "It's a tradition of showing that you publicly give your support and strength to the Wolf you think would be the best Beta. The idea being if you can't support someone publicly, than what good is it privately?"
The stove finally lit and the vixen placed a beat up metal kettle over the fire, "Sounds like intimidation to me."
Beatrice grimaced, but nodded, "Pretty much...it can also lead to grudges deciding elections. Wolves who don't like one may vote against whomever they vote for."
The vulpine looked at the she-Wolf, her Sapphire eyes gazing intently at the lupine. "Like you..." She whispered.
Beatrice again nodded, her shoulders slumping. "I...wouldn't do Anrie any good if I voted for him early...there are still a lot of pack members who don't like me..."
"They're morons." Cherry stated matter-of-fact.
The officer snorted and shook her head, "The Alpha is one of them."
The Fox smiled triumphantly and pointed a digit at the Wolf, "That proves my point!"
The lupine almost laughed, but stopped it with a huff. "Cherry..." She began, but a smile appeared as she spoke. The she-Wolf cleared her throat and tried to glare at the Fox. It was a futile effort as the vixen's victorious grin never left and Beatrice found herself grinning once more. "Cherry...he's the Deputy Chief And my grandfather. He can't be a moron."
"He's still wrong about you," muttered the vulpine darkly, "They all are..."
The officer frowned. It's true that for all the good work she had done for Precinct Six, fellow officers saw her as a traitor. The lupine knew this thinking was easy, so long as you buried your head in the snow like many of them did. Add in the Deputy Chief stepping down, and the Assistant to the Chief close to retirement, and the entire Precinct was about to go through some tumultuous times. Everyone who didn't know better or didn't want to know blamed Beatrice.
The kettle whistled and the Fox turned the gas off and moved it to a cooler part of the stove. She bent down to a smaller cupboard, her tail flicking and curling around her ankles. To the untrained eye, this may have seemed like simple Fox behavior, however the she-Wolf had plenty of time watching the vixen to know something was bothering her. The lupine also knew that the vulpine would ask the question when she was ready.
Cherry pulled out two mugs, each appropiate for the two and bent down once more to pull out a box of tea. "Don't have Oolong this time, haven't gone to the store yet."
Beatrice hummed and pushed off the door frame, "S'ok, black tea will do." She grasped the tea kettle handle and brought it closer to the mugs. Once the Fox deposited the bags, the lupine poured the hot water. She placed the kettle down and waited for the tea to seep.
"Why don't you leave the Pack?" asked Cherry quietly, her eyes fixed on the mugs on the counter. "They don't treat you with respect, and you put up with all their crap. Why stay?"
The she-Wolf sighed, conversations about the Howlington Pack were never pleasant. She ran a paw over her head as she thought of her words carefully. "It's...possible for me to leave the pack..."
"But..." supplied the Fox.
"...but that would mean giving up a lot." The lupine's shoulders slumped as she let out an even heavier sigh. "If I leave the pack I have to give up my last name, my apartment, my family and possibly my job."
"What!" exclaimed the surprised vixen, eyes wide in confusion, "Why?!"
The officer looked away, rubbing her arm with her ears pinned. "The Pack is supposed to be everything for a Wolf. We live, we work, we die, but the Pack lives on...Pretty much an unofficial motto for all packs. Everything that's done by a Wolf should be for the benefit of the Pack, and a stipend of our paychecks is actually put into a pot specifically for the betterment of whatever the Alpha deems necessary...So if I turn my back on the pack, then that means I'm turning it on every single family member who still lives there. Which includes the Deputy Chief."
"That's idiotic," huffed the Fox, "The worst part is we both know your grandfather would fire you if he got the chance. Last days or not!"
"I've thought about it," whispered Beatrice, her tail tucking between her legs in shame, "Even dreamed about running away in the middle of the night." She sniffed, "Maybe then I wouldn't be an embarrassment to my family..."
Cherry tisked, "How many times have I told you not say things like that?"
The she-Wolf hunched her shoulders. "A couple..." She replied, like a kit caught getting into trouble.
"That's right, because thinking like that is not only wrong, but doesn't help." The vixen grabbed the lupine's paw and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Bee, you've proven again and again how important you are. Not just to Precinct Six and the Pack, but to me and all the girls that live here. You're a cop they can trust, and that's not something I say lightly."
Beatrice sniffed and wiped a building tear from her eye. "Thanks Cherr." Her tail reappeared and wagged a little. It didn't surprise the lupine as the vixen always knew what to say. A urge grew in the officer, one that wouldn't be ignored. She lunged forward and hugged the Fox close, her tail wagging a mile a minute.
"Ugh, get off of me!" Cherry protested, "You're so wet!" The smaller mammal tried to push out of the larger's embrace. "I'm gonna reek of sweaty Wolf now!"
"This is for payback for me smelling like Fox and having to wear the 'Juicy' shorts home!" Beatrice cried victoriously, hugging, squishing and spinning the vulpine about. Eventually she placed Cherry back down, and couldn't help but giggle at the sight.
The vixen's fur was standing up in different angles, her arms wide as if afraid to touch her sides. Even the Fox's well kept tail had fur disheveled. The glare from Cherry only made Beatrice laugh harder. "Har har," the vulpine sarcastically started, "You have your fun?"
"Yep!" beamed the she-Wolf.
"Good," huffed Cherry, "Cause now I gotta shower." Without another word the vixen stomped past the Wolf and into the dining room, arms still raised.
Beatrice chuckled, but a thought nagged in the back of her mind. She wasn't the most physical mammal when it came to her family. So why was Cherry different? The she-Wolf shrugged off the thought. She picked up her tea and blew on it. It was nothing to be worried about presently.