Trouble in the old pack rises and Heart is worried. When Ciel doesn't show up for their normal visit as there is something happening that will change the pack. Heart goes to investigate only to find out something she thought would never happen.

Ch 17: Something in the Wind

A week had passed after Heart and Alastor's little night together in his cave. Heart hasn't really gone back though; it was still a new place to her. She didn't want to just show up at his cave with no invitation from him. So, the Lord still came to her den and they would sleep if he decided to stay. It was still nice to have the deer around and Heart felt that night brought them a little closer.

Today, Heart was getting a visit from Ciel. She was excited to be seeing her adopted mom again. She woke up that morning alone as usual, but she told Alastor she was visiting today so he would know where they would be. She managed to grab a bite to eat first before heading to the border. Heart knew she would have to meet Dorothy again soon, but she knew that things with the dragons weren't the best right now. She hoped they could see each other again soon like how Heart and Ciel meet like this.

She walked to the border and didn't see the wolf anywhere so she waited. She sat down on her hunches and stretched her wings then shook her fur flat. She started to hum a tune as she waited there and just glanced up at the trees.

The hybrid wasn't sure how long she waited there but she soon got worried when she hadn't spotted the female wolf anywhere. "I hope nothing happened to her." Heart said aloud with slight worry.

Heart continued to wait and it felt like almost an hour had passed. Heart had laid down and a whine would leave her now and then. She sighed and sat up. She didn't want to wait. Her mind was racing and she was worried. She had to go check things out. Something was happening in the pack. She wasn't sure but she had to find out.

Crossing the border, she made her way through the land and tried to find the pack. She didn't want to fly in case she missed Ciel on the ground. The walk was quiet, except for a few birds in the trees. So many things were going through the hybrids head and she was thinking of so much.

What if the pack was under attack and she didn't know? What if something happened to the pack? To Ciel? So many questions of 'What if's' and she had no answers for them. It made her start to walk a little faster. Her mind lost in thought as she walked, trying to push the negative out of her head but it wasn't working. She had to see for herself. Why hadn't her mother shown up?

When Heart knew she was close to the pack she tried to look for Bertolf, since he was the one that was usually active and watching over the dens. She looked around but did not find the wolf anywhere. Now she was really confused. She walked forward slightly, soon entering into the main part of the pack's main area.

The place was silent, but wolves stood in the clearing. All stood in a semicircle. When she looked around and looked closer at what was happening. She saw that everyone was standing by Alpha's den. What was going on? What had happened?

Heart tried to find Ciel in the pack. She spotted her on the outside and slowly made her way down into the clearing. She was soft as she padded over to the female wolf. Everyone was silent, the whole forest almost felt silent. Something has happened or something is happening. What was she missing?

Soon the hybrid made it to her adopted beta. "Mother…what is happening?" She asked her softly.

Ciel didn't flinch from the wolf that had appeared next to her, she felt her come up beside her and speak. The female looked towards Heart with sad eyes. She was silent for a moment but turned her head back towards the main den, "Alpha may be dying." Was all she said.

Heart heard those words and went quiet. She felt frozen in place, her paws stuck to the ground. Alpha? Dying? But…but how? She didn't understand. Most demons didn't die of old age, but when it did happen it was because they did what they needed to in their afterlife and it was just time for them. Although, she didn't know if that is what was actually happening.
Heart finally sat down and looked towards the den. "Do…you know why?"

Ciel shook her head. "We don't know. He hasn't come out of his den; his mate is worried and so is Lizzy. When they worry the whole pack worries."

Heart went silent. "So…is there an elder in there?"

"Star is in there, yes. She is the oldest and best healer we have in the pack." Ciel answered. "She is actually teaching a new healer as well."

Heart nodded and stayed quiet. She got close to the black wolf and made her pelt press against hers and wrapped a wing around her. Even though Alpha never saw the hybrid as his daughter and she never really saw him as a father figure, but…he was still her dad. Just that thought alone was hitting her. If he were truly dying, it would be nice to actually have a talk with him.

Soon there was a rustling, a reddish orange wolf with gray around her muzzle soon stepped out of Alpha's den. Heart knew the elder and the healer of the pack, Star. Behind her was the next healer to succeed her, they were a red wolf as well. Probably as old as Heart was, she knew it was Talon as soon as she saw him. He always wanted to help other demons so it was perfect for him.

Star looked out at the pack with a blank face, she was never easy to read. "I have some news to give to you all." She took a pause as everyone whispered to each other. "Unfortunately, it is not good news."
At those words the pack was silent again and looked at each other with worried looks, ears pinned and tails curled close.

Star continued. "Alpha is old but at the same time he has caught one of hell's most deadly sicknesses. His age is in consideration as well, he is not strong enough to fight this, but there is nothing I can do for him at this point. Luckily, the sickness is not contagious, so we are all fine. As far as Alpha is concerned, he may have a few days. I say everyone should visit him while they can." She then started to head away from the den, Talon following.

The whole pack was silent. They were at a loss for words. They just found out that their leader is dying and…he only had a few days left. Heart was also like this. She was feeling her chest constrict. Now she is glad she came looking for Ciel so she could be here for this. It was like she was meant to be here. The hybrid looked at the black wolf beside her and she saw the tears falling. A lot of other had ears going down their muzzles.

Heart wanted to comfort Ciel and rubbed her muzzle against the female's neck. She accepted this gesture and put her muzzle into Heart's neck as well. The hybrid let the wolf cry. Heart felt sad and wanted to cry, but she wasn't. She didn't understand. Maybe because it wasn't as close to Alpha as everyone else. He never loved her and used to treat her badly since she was a pup. Even still, it was a sad thought to lose a leader like this.

She needed to stay. She had to. Even if she wasn't part of the pack anymore. She still wanted to be there for all of them. Help them get through this and mainly be there for Ciel. She knew that the beta wanted to impress Alpha all the time but he ended up choosing another wolf over her. It was hard and she realized she was glad to have Alastor in her life and love her like he did. Even though she didn't feel worthy of him.

Eventually the pack started to go up towards Alpha's den. Forming a line from the entrance. All of them wanted to say their final goodbyes to their leader. Heart sat still where she was with Ciel.

The female turned to Heart, "I'll see him later. Will you be staying?"
Heart nodded. "Yes, I'd like to. I just have to make Alastor aware of where I am so he does not worry."

"Do what you need to love, I'll be in my den." Ciel said and brushed lightly past the hybrid and towards her den.

With a sigh, Heart turned and went out of the pack area and took off flying. She knew this would be the quickest way to do this. She got to their spot where the boarders met, high up on the mountain cliff face. When she landed, Heart let out a low howl in the direction of Alastor's land. He would hear it, he always did. The hybrid then stood and waited there, the wind brushing her fur and making it go everywhere.

After about five minutes, she heard hooves on the stone behind her. "You called my wolf?"

Heart turned around with a smile and saw Alastor now standing behind her. She knew that he used his shadows to get up here. It was faster for him. The hybrid walked up to the deer and nuzzled herself into his neck. "I'm sorry to call you like this."

"It's all right my love, what is it you need? I thought you were meeting your adopted mother today?" He wondered.

"I was, but when she didn't show I got worried so I went to find the pack." Heart paused and turned to the pack's territory. "I found the whole pack there." She sighed and put her head against Alastor's neck. "Alpha is dying."
The deer was taken back by her words. He wasn't expecting that at all. He has only met the lead wolf once but that was to discuss borders when Alastor first fell. He was the leader of that pack for a long time.
Heart continued, "I'll be with the pack the next few days. I want to be there for Ciel. I know that pack shouldn't be my business but I want to make sure she'll be ok." She put her ears flat. "Plus, if he does pass…I want to be there for my half-sister when she is made the new alpha."

"After everything they put you through…you still want to be there for them?" Alastor asked softly.

"I know…I…I'm too caring but…I just mainly care about Ciel. I know I helped them during the fire and I shouldn't but…I can't help but want to be there for them. Prove to them I am more than they thought." She explained to him and turned away and sat down facing the forest.

Alastor walked up to her and licked her ears, "That is the one thing I love about you, my wolf." He nuzzled his nose into the side of her face. "You care so much and it's about those you care about. You are strong like that darling."

She calmed at the feeling of him licking her ears and the nuzzling. "Thank you, Al. I just wanted to let you know where I was so you wouldn't worry." Heart told him.

"I appreciate that darling. If you need anything, you know how to get a hold of me." Alastor said as he sat close to her, their pelts touching.

"Thank you, my buck." Heart said softly.

"Of course. Now, you better get back." Alastor said as he stood and licked her muzzle a little. "I love you."

Heart smiled and gave a few kisses to his face. "I love you too."

She smiled at him before she stood up, spread her wings, and jumped off. Leaving the deer on the cliff by himself. Sailing down back into the forest and into the pack area. She knew Ciel was in her den so she made her way over there to see the wolf laying in her bedding. Heart went over to her and gently licked her head. The female looked up at her and smiled. The hybrid returned the smile and laid down next to her, even if she was off the bedding and on the floor. She didn't mind. She would be here as long as she needed to.

[Two days later]

After two days the whole pack had seen Alpha. All except for Ciel. She tried to find the courage to go. She knew she would be alone as Heart would not accompany her. Even so, Heart knew that Alpha would not want to see her. She wasn't a part of the pack after all. Even so, she tried to help out where she could as Lizzy took over her father's duties. Trying to run the pack to see how well she did. After all…she would be taking over.

As of now, they stood outside Alpha's den and Ciel was a little worried. She was nervous but Heart encouraged her and she took a deep breath before walking inside. Heart stood outside the den waiting. She knew Ciel would want her to be there when she walked out. The hybrid just sat there and watched over the clearing where some other pack members were just talking with each other.

She forgot how pack life was now, she didn't know if she could go back to it. It's not like she had a pleasant experience with it anyway. Even with how it was here, she wouldn't be able to give up what she has. A nice quiet place to herself with no one to worry about but herself. Maybe when Alastor and she became official mates then maybe he'll ask her to do things, but that is a step she hasn't thought of yet.

After a few minutes, Ciel stepped out of the den. Her ears back as she walked. The female looked at Heart, "I told Alpha you were here the last few days." She paused for a moment. "He would like to see you."

Her ears went up, "Me? But…why?" Heart wondered, surprised.
Ciel shook her head, "I don't know, but…maybe it's best if you saw him."

"Ok…if he wants to see me. Then I shall." She said and then looked into the den with a gulp and made her way inside.

She has never been inside Alpha's den before. Even as a pup she was never inside. She never had the privilege. This time, it was her first and probably her last time to be here. The den was pretty spacious. Enough room for the big black wolf and a small part in the back for when his mate had her pups. Alpha never wanted to have any more offspring besides Lizzy or Heart after they were born.

She saw Alpha there on his side, breathing heavily as she got closer. Lizzy was beside him and his mate beside her. The white wolf that was Alpha's mate never enjoyed Heart's company and it was for good reasons of course. Being a bastard pup to alpha was something she never took lightly.

Eventually she walked over slowly to them and the two looked up at her. Lizzy looked at her sadly as the mate looked at her with slanted eyes. "Alpha, Heart is here." Lizzy announced to the half-asleep wolf.

He lifted his head a moment and looked at her. "Ah there she is. Come closer, young one." He said to her as he shifted to lay more on his stomach.

Now that she could see him better in the light, most of his fur had turned gray and some of it was falling out. He honestly didn't look to be in the best of shape. It actually worried Heart a moment to see him in such a state. It was hard to think he was dying.

"Leave us alone. I need to talk with her." Alpha said to Lizzy and his mate. They were both hesitant but they did eventually get up and leave the den.

Heart felt nervous about being left alone with Alpha, they have never been alone together. So, there must have been something serious on his mind if he wanted to talk alone with her. Even so she shifted on her paws as both the females walked by her with a glare. When they were alone, Alpha looked towards Heart so she walked closer to him before sitting down again.

"You wanted to see me, Alpha?" The hybrid wondered.

Alpha took a breath and then let it out loudly. "Yes, I did. I have spoken to everyone in the pack. When I heard you were here…I figured I should talk to you as well."
"Now you want to talk to me?" Heart snapped at him with slanted eyes. "You're on your deathbed so you finally decided to speak to me like a normal wolf?"

Alpha was silent for a moment. "You have every right to be mad at me." He said softly. "I know I didn't really treat you fairly as a pup."
"You didn't treat me at all like a pup at all, just a monster. You wanted me dead. You didn't even raise me! Ciel did!" Heart growled.

The male sighed. "I know and I realize that it was all a big mistake. I know I can't make up for any of it now, but after seeing you grow…it made me realize how far away I pushed you away." He said and looked away from her, "Even so I think it was overall a good thing I did. You turned into such a mature adult wolf with so much potential I never got to see…and that is all my fault."

Heart was silent as he spoke and listened. "You didn't get to see it until you saw me take on the dragons." She pointed out.

"Correct. I realized that you did take after me a lot." Alpha then chuckled. "I was a crazy and rebellious wolf in my day. Lots of spunk and I used to be very caring. I don't know what happened to make me lose all that." He sighed.

"So, I remind you of your younger self?" Heart wondered.

He nodded and then moved a paw over to touch hers. "You are my daughter Heart. I know I've never said that aloud to you but…you are my pup. I just wish it didn't take me dying to figure that out sooner rather than later."

Heart listened to his words and she was just all confused about it all. She didn't know how to take it…this was the first time Alpha has ever said this. Sure, he was dying but even just hearing him say that…made her not have the much of a grudge. It took him dying to realize his mistakes and he won't be able to make it up to her. To fix what has happened.

"I don't know if I'll be able to forgive you, but I will take your words to heart. I think it is nice to finally hear those words come from you." Heart told him honestly.

Alpha actually smiled. "Thank you my dear. I know I'll never earn the name dad from you, but I want to let you know that. I'm just sorry I was never the father you wanted."

Heart smiled and she laid down. "I know this might be weird to ask but…can you tell me how you and mom met? My real mom?"

The black wolf chuckled. "I can tell you that yes, a long-forbidden love is what we had. I was still mates with my current one now, but Dorothy and I always met in secret. I loved her before anyone." He smiled at that thought. "Although when she showed up with a newborn pup in her jaws at the front of my pack, I was speechless. I never knew what we did would cause you to happen."

Heart's tail wagged a little as he explained. Alpha went into more detail about how the dragon and wolf met each other. Long ago when they were younger, but afraid that they could never have each other because of being judged. Even so, they still had a deep love and because of one night they had there was the cause of the hybrid that now laid in his den. She was happy to finally know the story about how her parents met. Although it seems Alpha only put up his wall around himself when Heart was around because he had to. He had to put on a different face for her, but deep down he honestly did care. Just to know that, made her feel a little better.

After a little while, Alpha yawned. "I need my rest now, young one. You may leave. I'm glad I was able to speak to you."

"It was nice to speak to you as well, Alpha." Heart said as she stood up and stretched. She then went over to him and then gave him a small lick to the top of his head. "Thank you."

Alpha smiled and his tail actually wagged. He laid his head down to rest and Heart left the den. Ceil was still waiting for her outside.

"Did you have a good talk?" She asked her.

Heart nodded. "We did and we fixed a few things. Made up for things. I even got a story out of him."

"Really? Well, that makes me glad to hear pup." Ceil said and rubbed her nose against hers.

The hybrid nodded with a smile. "He said he was going to rest so let's leave him be. How about we go hunting?"

"I think that would be a great idea." The black wolf agreed. "I think we need a fresh kill anyway. Let me get a group together." She then went off to get some more wolves.

Heart looked back at the den and then smiled before heading off to follow Ceil.

[The Next Morning]

After a successful hunt that night, everyone was full and happy. Even though Alpha was still sick, the pack tried to keep high spirits. The pack went to sleep with light thoughts and pleasant dreams. Heart stayed, she had to, she wanted to make sure they would be ok. Plus who knows what might happen to Alpha. When Star went to visit the leader that next morning, they weren't expecting this to happen so soon. Most of all…Lizzy was not ready for what was about to be happening.

"Pack meeting! Pack meeting! Now!" The voice of Lizzy sounded out at the spot where Alpha sat all the time. Watching over the pack from up high and protecting them. The pack gathered around quickly at the sound of the white and red wolf's voice.

Heart and Ceil walked out of the den together. They gave a stretch and a yawn before going over to where everyone was gathering. They were confused on what the meeting was for but it must have been important. Heart had this gut feeling that was nagging her, but she tried to push it aside. She stayed close to Ceil as they sat down with the other wolves.

Star now stood next to Lizzy but soon she backed up a little. Heart was looking at Lizzy though, her fur wet on her muzzle. Oh no. "Morning, fellow pack mates." Star started. "I have news to give to all of you." They paused for a moment and looked around. Everyone was silent. "Unfortunately, Alpha seems to have passed on in the middle of the night. May his soul find its way to somewhere new and not into the void." The elder put his head down.

The whole pack put their heads down and they all felt the sadness was over them. They had lost their leader and it was honestly hard to believe. There was a moment of silence between everyone. Soon someone started to howl. Then another and another. Ceil lifted her head in a howl. Heart was the last one as she was hesitant but let out a howl as well. Soon the whole pack was howling together over the loss of their fallen leader.

When the howl ended after a few minutes, Star spoke again. "With this news we plan to try and do Elisabeth's ceremony tonight as she will be the new leader of the pack now."

Lizzy looked up and scanned over at the pack then sniffed a moment from crying. She cleared her throat and walked up beside Star. "We will bury Alpha and soon after we will start the preparations for the ceremony. I wish everyone to please be respectful today and be on their best behavior because of all this going on." She said and walked away and back into the den.

Heart watched as everyone dispersed and wanted to get ready. The making of a new Alpha was an important thing for the pack. Most of the time a leader stepped down. It wasn't often that one had died and they needed to do everything right away with no time to prepare. Star knew almost all that was going to happen, they were going to make sure their apprentice Talon watched it all so he would eventually know how to do it. Heart honestly didn't know what all went into the ceremony, but she could help if she was asked.

"Heart!" Someone called out her name.

The hybrid looked up and saw Lizzy walking up to her from Alpha's den. "Yes?" She replied when the white wolf got up to her.

"We want you to help bury Alpha." Her sister told her.

Heart's ears went up and her eyes widened. "M-Me? But I don't-"

"He wanted you to be there…He told me." Lizzy interrupted her.

The wolf dragon went silent at those words. He…wanted her to help bury him? She was surprised. At the same time he did finally talk to her just yesterday and closed doors on things. At the same time, she wished she had more time to talk with him. Now she won't get that chance and she hates that. She won't hold grudges though; Alpha had his closer with her and she was happy about that.

Heart nodded finally and followed Lizzy back to the den. She went in and saw that Alpha looked peaceful at least when he passed. Where his soul was now…only the universe knows. Star had wrapped him in large leaves and moss. They would be able to pull him out of the den thanks to some woven reeds. Besides Heart, Alpha's mate was there, Lizzy, Star and Talon.

Star was just finishing off saying a few words when they got there and the older wolf turned to them. "Now he is ready. We take him through the woods for one last walk before we take him to a special spot he had chosen."

Everyone nodded. They each took an edge of the reeds and pulled the wolf out. Once out in the open they were able to pull the reed sled, Heart, and Lizzy in front with vines around their necks. They left the pack, where everyone was lined up and into the woods. One last walk. They went around the woods. Star led the way. Soon enough, they made it to a spot that was hidden by lots of shrubs and hanging vines. It was just a small area with flowers and the trees seemed to hide everything around them because of how close they all were.

"Alpha wished to be buried here, hidden away in this little grove. He said it was a spot that meant a lot to him." Star said as they entered the area.

Heart looked around and it was a small grove but still big enough for at least the whole pack if they stood pelt to pelt. She looked around when they stopped, taking the vines off. A few of the wolves that came with them started to dig a hole at the far side of the grove. Soon she spotted a tree with some claw marks, when she walked up to it, they were bigger than a normal wolf. She looked around the tree and soon spotted something engraved on the back, hidden away down the bottom of the tree. It was probably done a long time ago, but it had an A and a D together. It was then she realized…this was their spot. Where they would always meet and get together privately. Maybe Alpha still did love her mom, especially to be buried here of all the places in the woods. It brought a smile to her face. More than likely, it was this spot where she was conceived. Just thinking of that almost made this spot more special.

As Heart was distracted, they had finished the hole for Alpha. The hybrid came back over and with the help of everyone, got the wolf into the hole and down softly. Before they covered him, some threw flowers into his grave, said a few words and soon the whole pack had said their goodbyes. They started to cover him up with the dirt and Heart stood there as she watched it happen and it was weird to know that Alpha would no longer be here. What would happen to the pack now? Lizzy was going to be the one to guide them now and her ceremony was tonight. How will things turn.

[That Night]

Howls were heard throughout the woods. The pack had gathered around the big rock, the spot where Alpha watched over the pack. Lizzy stood there with Star, her fur was painted with blood, mainly from a small kill she had done on her own. With her fur being white, you could see the blood on it clearly. She had a headpiece on her head that was with gems that the pack always kept secret. She was making an oath, after passing a few tests to make sure she was worthy of being the new Alpha. Heart always knew that her half-sister was a strong demon and knew she would be a great leader.

Star was almost done with the ceremony. Finally, they got to the end. "Do you, Elizabeth, as our new Alpha, promise to lead us? To guide us. To be the one we must turn to in times of need. To make the right decisions, putting the pack first?"

Lizzy stood up there so tall, so proud, you would have thought she wasn't real because of how still she was. Her tail out straight, her chest up with paws firm on the ground. "With this I promise."

Star nodded. "By the power of Lucifer and Satan himself, may all of hell know that we are strong! We may now call you our new Alpha, Leader of the Northern Wolves!" The elder announced loudly.

Happy yips and barks were heard around the pack as some even jumped with excitement. A new Alpha in so many years. As much as he will be missed and new demons had to get used to Lizzy now leading them, it was a step that the young wolf was willing to take. A hurdle that she would overcome.

As tradition, the leader would start a howl and that is what Lizzy did. She stood looking at her pack and lifted her head in a loud howl. The pack all joined int with her. It was powerful and loud with the whole pack together. It was a time of morning but also a time of celebration. A new chapter in all of this, for the pack and for Lizzy. Heart may have not had a good relationship with her half-sister, but she was proud and happy to see Lizzy up there and being a leader, she knew she could be.

Ceil looked at the hybrid with concern. "Heart, are you ok?" She asked.

The young wolf looked towards her adopted mother. "I'm fine." She looked back up at Lizzy. "I'm just proud of my sister." She sighed and looked back towards the female wolf. "I'll probably be heading out tonight."
"Tonight? Before we even celebrate?" Ceil wondered.

"Lizzy and I don't have the best relationship. I know with Alpha gone; she won't want me to be around the pack that much." Heart stood up and shook her fur a little to flatten it. "Alpha finally saw that I am worthy to be around the pack, but I don't know if Lizzy will. Even so, I still want to meet with you once a month if we can."

"Heart, you don't know how Lizzy will be with you. Just give it a chance." Ceil told her.

Heart just smiled. "I don't want to ruin her night, I know her. She has always pushed me away. Never even wanted to play with me as a pup…just like everyone else."

The female's ears went back as she looked at her.

Just as Heart was going to turn and leave, she heard her name being called. "Heart!" It was Lizzy. Why? The hybrid turned her head to the new alpha as she jumped down from the rock. The pack parted and made a path to Heart. Lizzy stood in front of her now. "Don't go yet."

Heart looked at her with slightly wide eyes and was confused. "You…actually want me to stay?" She wondered.

The white wolf nodded. "I want you to stay. I know…I've never been the best demon to you Heart. If anything, I hated you. After seeing all you have done for the pack in the past, what Alpha had said about you. I see there is more to you than any of us thought. I want to give you a second chance. A chance for us to get to know you better."
The hybrid tilted her head a moment, "What are you asking me, Lizzy?"
"As the new alpha of the pack, my first order of business…is to offer you a chance back into the pack." Lizzy said with a wag of her tail.

Heart went quiet and looked at the young alpha with wide eyes. Her tail fell down and her ears up. She was…really giving her that chance. She wanted to say yes and maybe…a few months ago her old self would have said yes. Even now she quickly jumped to it and almost said yes, but she stopped herself. She couldn't…not when he was in her life. As long as the deer was in her heart, she had a home now. A place to feel loved and belonged. Plus, friends that cared about her.

Thinking of Alastor made her smile and her heart flutter. The deer showed her a kind of love that no one has ever given her and that no one will give again. "I thank you for the offer, Lizzy. Maybe a few months ago I would have said yes. I would but…I can't."
Lizzy was surprised and her ears turned backwards. "Can't? Why?" She wanted to understand.

Heart just smiled at her half-sister. "Because I've found a home and I don't intend on leaving. I've even found a mate and I love him very much. I don't want to leave that nor him. As much as this was my home, it never felt like it. With Alastor is where I belong." She explained.

"I understand." The young alpha nodded. "If anything, ever happens. I'll let the offer stand to you. For now…can you stay? At least till morning?"

Heart smiled as her tail wagged. "I can. I'll stay for you and celebrate this special occasion."

"Thank you, Heart." Lizzy's tail wagged as well.

The two walked through the pack and they started their small celebration that went into the night. There was a new leader and she was going to do amazing. Heart was happy that the pack was all ok and she knew that they would be well cared for. Things were changing, but they were for the better.

This actually turned out longer than I thought, but I hope you enjoyed this one.