So very sorry for the super late update y'all! I've had the chapter ready, but not the time to answer the many reviews, over 30 on this chapter per my last count. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Cujo's symbolism was spot on. Glad you guys pick up on what I intend to convey so well:)
In jackal culture, forgiveness is not owed to anyone. In fact, most jackals would not offer it ever.
I was not aware about TVTropes doing a page on my stories until you mentioned it. I read through it, and am not sure if I should be flattered or embarrassed. ^^"
Yes, Kenzi's actions have come completely to light.
I don't really have a name for the illness event, yours is good, but a little long.
Cujo is right to be leery of Zayne and a possible future relationship between him and Ivy. As for the cycle continuing, wait and see. I am trying my best to create a happy ending.
It seems I do mention names a bit too much, I will try my best to change that.
Interesting idea about Nova and Taja's gender reversal universe. Things wouldn't play out exactly the same as they did in this universe, but I do really like your suggestions.:)
The main reason Kenzi neglected to inform her children about reproduction is because control is power. The less knowledge they had, the more control she had over them. That gave her more power in turn. Your theory is good too though!
I liked your narrative if Lance was a part of this story. Things would have turned out a lot different.
If Gaia had gotten rid of her daughters, it would breed distrust and lies between her and Finn. Even the others may lose respect for her because of the deception. And Finn still has instabilities, so his reaction would definitely be unpredictable. I honestly hadn't thought that far ahead^^"
Good gender swap names! Seems like you guys wanna see that story happen. :)
Keri's parents most likely got lost and didn't have the tools to survive. Good theory though:)
The next alpha is always a male as long as there is one born. Males rank higher than females in this society.
I am telling you, your suggestion for a jackal trial for Kenzi in the Afterlife was a major inspiration for ! Thank you so much for suggesting it!:) We will be seeing how that goes down in the next chapter. I'd like to say I did it in a way you wouldn't expect, but we'll have to wait and see:)
No, Brynn's name I had seen before in a book, (don't remember which one) and I liked it. It felt fitting for her.
Kenzi didn't care about Brynn's assault simply because she is selfish and only cares about herself. It did work out in her mind as a form of "Karma" for lack of a better word. She was the only one who saw it that way however.
Nice quotes, fitting too:)
Possession isn't really a thing they believe in, but it would be an interesting outcome.
That sentence where Anahi hadn't worked under an alpha who would spare the runt, I had honestly forgotten about Ace when I wrote that.^^" I like your theory though. Compassion is definitely not common. Especially among males.
Bella was more of an outcast, and considered to be a threat. I guess it could be perceived as an omen by some.
None of the women are blood sisters, they just are so close knit they may has well be. Especially since the illness. Any blood siblings they'd had died during the tragedy.
More of an exile would be a punishment for those who did not take what was considered a "proper" mate.
Good song suggestion for female Riker. I love how these characters mean as much to you guys as they do to me.:)
Lance feels somewhat alone since his sisters are here. Zayla's words would affect his feelings.
Kenzi saw Riker's punishment as an opportunity for Cujo to get ahead so to speak. Asia's feelings didn't matter in that moment.
Woo! That's all of them! Thank you so much lovelies! Enjoy!
Cujo sighed in boredom. He was on sentry duty with Raven. Roux wasn't feeling well, and Rhyme simply was not qualified for this job. He did more patrolling.
Raven on the other hand, was very skilled in sentry duty. It was almost scary. Cujo didn't think he'd even blinked since they started. He was so focused.
After a while, Raven's ear twitched. "Someone's coming," he said.
Cujo removed his sword from its holder, and Raven readied his spear.
"Are we almost there?" Creech asked as they approached. He was looking down at his feet, breathing hard. Sweat trickled down the side of his face. He stumbled and fell, losing his grip on Nova's legs. A vulgar expletive slipped from his mouth.
Raven stiffened. He'd never heard words like that before. He could tell this one was offensive though.
Creech swallowed when the spear was pointed in his face. He wasn't surprised this was the kind of welcome they were receiving.
"What do you want?" Raven hissed.
"Wait."
Cujo snarled. It was Riker. He pushed past Raven, "you have some nerve coming back here after what you did."
"I know," he said softly as his ears pulled back.
Cujo glared. He was somewhat surprised that Riker was behaving submissively, but that was not a good enough reason to allow him to return. "Take your friends and leave."
Raven's spear touched the tip of Creech's nose in a warning.
"Let's just go Riker," he said slower than normally, "they won't help."
"Cujo please," Riker was almost begging, "Nova needs a healer. He needs to see Anahi. He'll die."
"I don't care," he spat, "he's just an old rogue. He's probably never done anything worthwhile in his life."
"Please," Riker whispered, "he needs help."
Raven lowered his weapon. It was obvious he was really old, and Riker wasn't lying, he needed a healer. "I'll get the alpha," he said.
"What?!"
Raven grabbed his arm, "this isn't your jurisdiction Cujo," he said firmly. "I'm in charge here. The alpha needs to make this decision." Then he slipped into the village to find Pierce.
Raw anger churned through Cujo's stomach. How dare Riker come back here? How dare he ask for their help? How dare Raven even consider it?
Creech eyed Cujo warily, it was obvious he and Riker had some really bad blood. It probably had something to do with why Riker was exiled.
"What are you even doing here?" Cujo asked Creech. "You don't have anything to do with us." His nose crinkled, "you're just some deformed freak who will never belong with normal jackals." Cujo knew it was downright cruel to say something like that to him, but he couldn't help himself. He was angry and hurt, so someone else needed to feel the same way.
But the look on Creech's face made him regret saying that. The other male's ears fell back and he looked down, setting his jaw. But the words couldn't be taken back now.
"Leave him alone Cujo," Riker protested.
"You're in no position to complain Riker," he responded evenly.
Before anything else could be said, Raven returned with Pierce. "What is going on?" He asked with a frown.
"Nova is sick," Riker said softly, "he needs help. Is it ok for Anahi to help him?"
"Why should we do anything you ask of us?" Pierce asked sternly, "you know we cannot trust you, especially with healers."
"I know." Riker looked down at the ground, "I didn't know where else to take him."
Pierce looked at Nova, he really didn't look good. "Let me ask you this Riker," said the alpha, "why do you care so much about what happens to him? You did not care about any of us when you were here."
Riker couldn't make eye contact with his father. He was ashamed. He knew his father was right. "Because he's all I have left," he said softly.
Pierce's gaze softened ever so slightly. "Come inside," he said after a long stretch of silence, "Anahi will see to him." He nodded for Raven and Cujo to get the elder.
"Papa you're making a mistake," Cujo protested.
Pierce looked at him with a displeased expression. "Are you challenging me?" He asked.
He looked down, "no."
The alpha jerked his head in Nova's direction, "help Raven."
"I can help if he doesn't want to," said Creech.
Pierce stayed quiet, the other male didn't say it with scorn but there was an underlying challenge in his tone. Something had transpired between Cujo and this other male.
"You shut up," Cujo snarled. "Freak." The word was muttered under his breath as he elbowed past him.
"I already told you to leave Creech alone," Riker hissed.
"You can't tell me what to do Riker," Cujo snapped.
"Enough," said Pierce. "Cujo, help Raven. Riker, be quiet. I will allow you to enter the village, but you will not be left alone under any circumstances."
He nodded, "yes alpha." His voice was barely a whisper. He knew his place here now. Being out among rogues helped him realize just how far down he was. He had to submit to others sometimes. He wished that he'd done so before. He would still be part of this pack. But he never would've met Nova, and he didn't want to undo that.
"Pierce?" Asked Taja, "what's going on?" Cujo and Raven were holding Nova in their arms. She didn't recognize him.
Lori was at her side. The girl had been spending time with her grandmother when all the commotion started.
"He's ill," replied Pierce, "Anahi is going to look at him."
Taja looked over at Riker, surprise was on her face. "Riker?"
"Hello grandmother," he said quietly.
"Pierce," she said again, "what is going on?"
"I will explain later mother, right now he needs help."
She looked at Nova for a moment. She recognized him now. With a gasp, she covered her mouth with her hand. "I'll go get Anahi." She hurried off, leaving Lori with the men.
Lori looked up at Creech. He was slightly taller than her, but much thinner. Almost unhealthy so. He was taking quick breaths, his chest rising and falling. She could see his lungs moving against his ribs beneath his fur. "I'll be right back," she said, "wait here." She lifted her skirt and hurried off to the fire pit.
She came back with some food. "Here," she held it out to Creech, "you look hungry."
Creech looked to the alpha, silently asking for permission to accept. Pierce gave a barely perceptible nod and he took the food. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she grinned. She started to tell him her name when Taja came back. Anahi and Brynn were with her. "Let's get him inside," said Anahi.
Brynn stopped short when she noticed Riker was there. Her heart dropped. Why was he back? Fear swirled in her gut. Then it was replaced with anger. "You," she growled.
Anahi set her hand on her arm, silently reminding her that there was someone who needed them right now.
Brynn sighed. She understood. But sometimes she wanted to take care of herself first. She swallowed, pushing the feeling away. Anahi was right, this was what being a healer was about. Taking care of those who needed help. And she wouldn't trade this privilege for anything.
Cujo and Raven set Nova on the examination table. Then they left. He groaned a bit in pain.
"Can you hear me?" Asked Anahi.
His ear flicked, "yes." He swallowed, licking his dry lips.
Brynn brought a cup filled with water, "here. Drink."
He took the wooden cup and took small sips. The cool water helped him feel a bit better. "I'm ok," he said after a moment, "I'm just old."
Anahi smirked a bit. He seemed pretty normal for a rogue. "What's your name?" She asked.
"Nova."
"You've been around a while."
He nodded.
"I think you need some rest and a good meal."
"I would like that. I don't know how much longer I'll make it honestly," he muttered.
Brynn was surprised. He seemed almost accepting of it. "You've lived a good life?" She asked.
Another nod, "I only regret that I'll leave those boys behind." Riker was so attached to him it was almost unnerving, and Creech was able to handle himself, but he had a fear of being alone. His mother leaving him messed him up good.
He knew it had to have been hard for her to face the reality of raising a child who wasn't quite right, but it wasn't Creech's fault. He didn't ask to be brought into the world that way.
Anahi gave him a sad smile, "Brynn and I will get you something to eat. There is someone who wanted to speak with you though."
"The alpha?"
"No. His mother."
As the healers went to get him something to eat, Taja stepped in. He blinked, looking at her in surprise.
She smiled, walking over to him in purposeful strides.
"You still have the same alpha in you. Your son is alpha now?"
She touched his hand, "our son."
He blinked, but had a small smile on his face. "You only had one?"
Her smile faded, "I had two. His brother died a while ago."
"Oh."
"He would've liked to meet you."
"Tell me about him."
"He was very ambitious, wanted to be alpha someday, he was the eldest." A sigh, "things didn't turn out that way for him. Things happened, and he attached himself to the wrong people. His death wasn't their fault, they just took him away from who he wanted to be. His brother is alpha now. Sometimes I wonder, if he hadn't been so bitter, would things have turned out better for him?"
"I'm sorry his life ended in tragedy."
"Tragedy befalls us all sooner or later." She wasn't trying to sound insensitive, but it was the truth.
"I'm sure you miss him," he said carefully.
Her voice grew softer, "every day."
"Tell me about the other one. Pierce isn't it?"
She smiled, "he is a wonderful alpha, even though he never desired the position. The girls here chose him, and he accepted. There was a tragedy here long ago, all the males were lost. They needed an alpha to protect them, and to father pups."
"Are all of the pups here his?"
"Most. But not all. Riker is your grandson." She added after a moment.
"Riker made some poor decisions while he was here."
Taja pulled a chair beside him and handed him a cup of tea. She'd made some while they were talking. "He told you about it?"
He nodded. "I do think it's weighing on him."
"As it should be."
By that time Anahi and Brynn had returned with some food for him to eat.
Taja stood up, "I'll talk more with you later."
Meanwhile, Creech had distanced himself from the rest of the pack. Riker still had to stay near the alpha so a close eye could be kept on him.
He understood why Riker had wanted to leave. Things were stifling here. Were all packs like this? He hoped not. Because he wanted to be part of a pack someday.
He sighed and rested his chin on his knees, watching as the frost was melting off the grass. The air was still cool, but at least spring was on its way.
"Hi."
He looked up when the feminine voice reached his ears. The girl who'd brought him food earlier was smiling at him. "Can I sit with you?" She asked.
It was a moment before he realized he was just staring at her. This beautiful girl wanted to talk to him. But he couldn't understand why. He wasn't strong, wasn't fast. Heck, he wasn't even good looking. "Sure," he finally said.
Her grin widened and she moved to sit beside him, dusting the log off first.
He stiffened when her thigh brushed against his and her tail flicked against his lower back. She had done that on purpose.
"It's nice to have visitors," she said after a moment, "I just wish it wasn't because your dad is sick."
"He's not my blood father," he said quietly.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I just assumed..."
"It's ok. My mother abandoned me and I never knew my blood father. Nova is the only family I've ever known."
She took hold of his arm, "I'm sorry. No one should have to go through that."
"I don't need your pity," he said. His voice wasn't angry, but had a firmness behind it.
"I know." Lori knew males could be sensitive about things they perceived as threats to their masculinity. Especially compassion. Her mother had told her that when she had expressed interest in securing a mate a while ago. Her mother had also shared as much about men with her as she knew. "I just want to help. Maybe we could be friends," she offered. "I'm Lori."
"Why would you want to be friends with someone like me?"
"It's always better to have more allies in this world than enemies. Mama taught me to be kind to everyone. You seem nice," she added.
He smiled, but still hid his teeth. He didn't want her to change her mind about being around him. Everyone always seemed put off by his mouth.
"Well," she said after a moment, "would you like to see the village? I can show you around." She offered.
He took her hand after she stood up, "ok."
"Lori!" Zayne called with a wave.
She grinned and waved back. The two boys were playing some kind of game in the icy dirt near the fire pit. "That's Lance and Zayne," she told Creech, "come on, let's go say hi."
Before he could reply, she took his hand and led him over to them.
Lance grinned when he saw her holding his hand, "is this your mate Lori?" He teased.
Her face flushed and he laughed. "Quiet Lance," she scolded. She let go of Creech's hand in embarrassment. It wasn't that Creech wasn't desirable. Sure he was a little skinny, and it was obvious his eyes weren't right, but she thought if he had access to the resources he needed he would be healthier. But she didn't know how he felt about her. He was a rogue, used to the loner lifestyle.
Creech tucked his hand against his body. He felt a swell of hurt and rejection in his guts. Why would she ever want him? The freak. His ears pulled back as he looked down at his scuffed boots.
Lori cleared her throat, "what are you two doing?"
"We're playing acorns," said Zayne. A circle was drawn in the dirt, and acorns were scattered in it. Each boy was holding a walnut in his hand. "Do you guys want to play? We could go two on two."
"Lori's on my team!" Lance exclaimed.
She laughed and took Creech's hand, "let's play."
"Oh, um, I don't know how."
"You've never played acorns?" Lance asked incredulously.
When Creech shook his head Zayne grabbed his hand out of Lori's, "come on, you can be on my team. I'll show you how to play. We'll crush Lance and Lori." He shot his brother a taunting grin.
"No way," he retorted, "we're so gonna beat you."
"It's on," Zayne grinned while wagging his tail.
"Told you we'd win," Zayne teased. Then he turned to Creech, "you're really good at this game."
Lance stuck his tongue out bitterly.
Creech laughed. Then he grinned. A real grin. But his smile faded when Zayne took a step back.
"What happened to your teeth?" He asked. He didn't sound disgusted, just concerned.
"Zayne," Lori said with a scolding tone, "that is rude." She turned to Creech, "I'm sorry, the boys forget their manners sometimes." She was just glad neither of them had said anything about his speech impediment.
He stayed quiet, but gave a half shrug half nod.
Zayne touched his arm, "Anahi might have something to help. She knows almost everything."
"Thanks for the offer Zayne, but I've been like this a long time," Creech mumbled.
"Didn't your mama teach you to take care of yourself?" Lance asked.
"No. She left me."
Both boys were surprised. "Why would she do that to you?" Asked Zayne, "didn't she love you?"
Lori covered his mouth, "ok, enough questions. Why don't you go see what your sisters are doing," she suggested, "your mama might need some help."
Lance groaned, tossing his head back dramatically. But he obeyed her request. Zayne followed, but gave Creech one last concerned look before he went.
"Sorry about them," she said.
"It's not your fault," he replied.
Lori sat beside him. "Zayne is a little too caring for his own good sometimes. He doesn't know when to let things go."
"At least he cares. Is he the future alpha?" Even though he'd never been in a pack before, Nova had taught him about the rules and ranking of society.
"Lance is. Zayne is his chosen second."
"Oh."
"Well," she stood up, "we have time to finish the tour before dinner. Ready?"
"Ready."
