Chapter 11:

Kiba walked out of the den and took in the early morning. He noticed not many wolves were awake yet, but that was a good thing. They really didn't need a big send off or anything. So seeing as Tsume wasn't back yet, the white wolf decided to find Blue and Hige and say goodbye to them before they left. He walked down from his perch and headed toward Blue and Hige's den. The white wolf was almost there when a voice called out to him.

"Morning Kiba did you sleep well?"

Kiba turned his head and saw Hige trotting up to him. The white wolf bowed his head respectfully to the alpha. The light-brown wolf smiled but shook his head, Kiba didn't have to do any of that, they were best friends there was no need for formalities. The white wolf lifted his head and smiled at his friend.

"Yes Hige I did thank you for asking. But I also want to say my goodbyes, see Tsume isn't back yet so I decided to come see you and Blue."

"Ah I see well I enjoyed seeing all of you especially Toboe. I'm happy he found a friend among my pack members."

"Me too I hope they can see each other again though, Knight and Toboe really seemed to get along well."

Hige nodded in agreement with the wolf. Just then Blue came into view and the light-brown alpha smiled at his mate. Kiba smiled at the female wolf, and bowed his head once more. Blue chuckled as she saw her mate shake his head, looked like Kiba was still being formal. The blue-tinted wolf returned the gesture all the same; she then nuzzled Hige's neck and gave him a morning lick.

"Morning Blue, how are you feeling this morning?"

"Hige I'm fine there is nothing to worry about, it's all going well."

Kiba looked between Hige and Blue. What were his friends talking about? Why was Hige back to being protective? Well whatever the reason Kiba was going to find out before he left that was for sure. So he shook his head to clear his mind and asked the question he had wanted to ask.

"Blue...are you...?

Blue and Hige shared a look smiled at each other, then turned their attention back to the curious wolf. With a slow nod of the head Kiba knew the answer to his question right then and there. The young female was with pups; his friends were able to create the best thing that could happen for a pack. Kiba smiled at the two wolves gave a happy bark, and wagged his tail in congratulations. He was so happy for the two of them, almost to the point of jealously, but he shook that feeling off none the less.

"That is wonderful news you two. Does the rest of the pack know yet?"

Hige and Blue shook their heads, they didn't tell the pack yet. They wanted to tell their closest friends first. Besides the pack would be told the news later in the day anyway, so why not tell your friends first.

"No Kiba we wanted to tell you and Tsume first."

"Well again congratulations guys. I am very happy for you, but you are going to keep me updated on how it is coming along right?"

Blue giggled and nodded her head. Of course they were what did Kiba think, that they were going to just have the pups and not tell them. What kind of friends would they be if the two of them decided to do that?

"Yes we will. When it comes time for the pups to arrive we will send a wolf to tell you. But there is one more thing me and Hige want to ask of you and Tsume."

Kiba watched his friends and waited for them to continue. When Blue and Hige made sure they had the white wolf's full attention, they decided to tell him the news. But before they could Tsume and Toboe finally arrived back to the territory. Both wolves trotted up to Kiba and the others, Tsume greeted Kiba with a lick to the muzzle, which Kiba returned, and Toboe sat down next to Tsume smiling at Kiba. After the wolves were all settled, Blue began to tell her friends of the news she wanted to share.

"Well seeing as you two are finally back, I guess we should tell you both of the news we have."

Tsume and Toboe looked at the Alpha pair, and wondered what news they wanted to tell them. Even though they needed to head home, Tsume decided that he and his pack would stay to listen to the blue-tinted wolf. So when all eyes were on the female she cleared her voice and began to tell them the wonderful news.

"You see me and Hige are...having pups...

Tsume smiled and nodded his head. He knew that was why Blue was acting so weird and why Hige was so over protective of her. But all and all the young alpha was happy for them. He snuck a look at his mate and noticed a smile on his face, but he wasn't as excited as he thought he would be. Why was that? Maybe he was told the news beforehand, which would make sense. The gray wolf shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

"Wow guys that's awesome. Does that mean we get to see them when there born? I would like to see them, wouldn't you Kiba?"

The white wolf nodded his head as he glanced at the pup, who was overwhelmed with happiness for their friends. Kiba chuckled to himself, he already knew all of this, and he just wanted to hear the other news that their friends had for them.

"Oh and one more thing...me and Hige have decided to allow...Kiba and Tsume...to become the godparents of our pups."

Both wolves' eyes went huge. What did Blue just say? Godparents...Really? Wholly crap...that is a great honor to receive. But are they sure they made the right decision? It isn't really normal for the pack leaders to choose godparents for their pups from another pack.

"W-Bu-I-I- I don't...Tsu-Tsume...?"

Kiba stuttered out as he looked at his friends then to his mate. Tsume was just as shocked as he was. The alpha ran the new information over in his head once more, and found nothing bad about it...It just seems very different. Although it is a huge thing to ask of someone, but Tsume finally decided that he would accept it. So with a shake of his head the alpha smiled and agreed to the request.

"Really? That is great guys, we are so glad we picked you two."

Kiba nodded his head slowly as he took in the information he just received. What great news he and Tsume were going to be godparents to their best friend's pups. But why didn't he seem so excited about it? Was it really jealously that was making him feel this way, or something else? But whatever the reason he would think on it later, right now he wanted to congratulate his friends on the wonderful new additions to their family.

"Yes we are too, and again congratulations on the news."

Kiba said as he smiled at the two wolves, which were glowing with pride and happiness. Tsume nodded in agreement and smiled at his friends, he was very happy for them and he hopped everything would go well. But he noticed the depressed look his mate had as he glanced in his direction. What could be bothering Kiba? You think news like this would make someone happy, but why was the white wolf depressed?

"Kiba wha-

But Tsume was cut off by Toboe's voice. The brown wolf wanted to know if he would be a godparent too. That is of course if Hige and Blue think it's a good idea first. But deep down he hoped it would be. So with a deep breath he asked his question, and waited for the response.

"Does that mean I can be a godparent too?"

Blue and Hige shared a look and both wolves thought for a moment. Toboe wasn't really a full adult quiet yet, so they couldn't call him a godparent at the moment. So after a few minutes of quiet discussion, the wolves decided to tell the pup their decision.

"You can be part of the pup's lives but not as a god parent."

"What? But I thought I was going to be one just like Tsume and Kiba? Why the change?"

"Toboe...it has nothing to do with you personally...it's just that you aren't quite the proper age yet. So you will be the pups...surrogate playmate."

Toboe looked at Hige and Blue for a minute. What did that mean? Was he going to be a nanny type to the pups or something? What in the world is a surrogate playmate? With all these questions running around in his head, the brown wolf shook it and looked back at his two friends.

"What in the world is a surrogate playmate?"

"It means that when you visit you will be able to play and sometimes teach the pups how to be proper wolves. Also you will have complete control of them if me, Blue, Tsume, and Kiba are not around or have some things to take care of."

"Okay...that sounds...fun...I guess...thanks."

Toboe said as he took in the information. But he couldn't think about it long, because a deep growl from behind him made him freeze in his tracks. With a quick glance behind him, he noticed Tsume was right behind him.

"Ur...I mean that is great thanks for letting me be a part of the pup's life."

Hige and Blue chuckled at the pups change in answer, but nodded their heads. With that over and done with, Tsume and his pack said their goodbyes and began the long journey home. While the young wolves left Hige's territory, they traveled in silence as all the information they learned was replaying over and over in their heads. All three of them couldn't believe what they were told, but at the same time they were very proud to be chosen for the role. As Tsume and the others continued on their way back home, the group was unaware of the small band of wolves following them.

"Heh, looks like I found you. But this time you won't get away so easy...I will make you pay for what you did to me."

Without another word the group slowly moved closer to the still unaware pack of wolves a head of them.

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Knight returned from the lake, he had a bright smile on his face, and he couldn't wait to see Toboe again. As the black wolf made his way back to the territory, he was greeted with the whole pack standing around talking to each other. He approached the nearest wolf and asked what was going on.

"Hey what's going on? Is it time for another hunt?"

The wolf he spoken to shrugged his shoulders. He was just as confused as Knight was, so the young wolf decided to go and try and find his alpha. Maybe Hige would be able to tell him what exactly was going on. As the black wolf made his way to the front of the pack, he saw that Hige and Blue were coming out of their den. The alpha stood up straight, cleared his throat, and began telling his pack why he wanted everyone to gather.

"Brothers, sisters, I have asked you all to gather on this fine day. For I have received the best news I could ever receive. My mate has informed me that I will soon be blessed with my first litter of pups."

A dead silence came over the pack. No one said a word or moved a muscle. Did they hear their alpha right? Was the alpha female with pups? If so that would mean that the pack would have new members.

"Hige sir? Is-is what you say true?"

The light-brown alpha bared his fangs at the questioning wolf. How dare he question his words, did he not believe what he was told by his own mate? Hige slowly descended down from his place above his pack. Blue watched with nervous eyes as her mate and the out of line wolf locked eyes with each other. Said wolf instantly tucked his tail between his legs, fell to his stomach, rolled over onto his back, and slowly exposed his jugular to the alpha that was now standing over him, with his teeth still bared.

"I-I-I apologize Hige sir. I was just shocked to hear the news at first. It wasn't that I didn't believe you, it was more towards the fact that I was completely thrown by the news. Of course this does not mean that I and the rest of the pack aren't happy for you and Miss Blue. On the contrary we are very happy for both of you, and hope that the pups are born strong and healthy."

Hige stared down the wolf as he searched his eyes for any dishonesty. When he found none the alpha released one last growl, and turned to head back to his mate, but not without saying one more thing.

"If that is how you and the rest feel then that's fine. But if you or anyone else speaks like that again to me or my mate I will, I repeat I WILL kill you where you stand. Do you understand me?"

The cowering wolf nodded his head in agreement. Hige then turned on his heal and returned to his mate. As the alpha headed back, the wolf slowly rose to his paws, shared a look with the rest of the pack, and smiled. Suddenly a howl was heard, and then soon the whole pack began to join in. By the time Hige returned to Blue the whole pack was singing a joyous song.

"See Hige everyone is happy for us. Now why don't we start to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in our little family huh?"

"Heh, yea I guess, otherwise what kind of alpha would I be if I didn't join in with my own pack, when it came to welcoming new members to the pack. Especially if the new members are my own pups."

Blue smiled at her mate. She nuzzled his neck and licked his cheek, which he returned instantly. Then they both lifted their heads and together added their voices to the song of the pack, which was so load that the sound carried off into the distance. Making everything and everyone stop and listen.

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Toboe, Tsume, and Kiba stopped for a drink at a river. As the pack was taking their drinks, a sudden noise seemed to rise from the ground and continue into the air. Tsume raised his head and listened intently. Kiba finished his drink and watched his mate; he noticed that the gray wolf was listening to something. So without a word he too raised his ears and listened to the sound that now filled his ears.

"Ha, seems like Hige and Blue told their pack about the news."

"Yep, and from the volume of it, they really seem happy about it too."

The white wolf smiled to himself as he closed his eyes and listened some more. Tsume turned his eyes to his mate, and took in the sight before him. The young alpha was always blown away by the way the white wolf looked in the daylight. He never got tired of looking at him, but for some reason this time felt different. This time the wolf seemed angelic, like he was sent from above or something.

"Beautiful...You really are...

Tsume trailed off as Kiba opened his golden eyes and stared at his mate. The wolf smiled lovingly at him, as he gave him a questionable look. What could Tsume be thinking now? Did the white wolf have something on his face or something? As Kiba was wondering about these things Toboe sat down next to the river and stared at his reflection.

He glanced at his pack members, and noticed how in love they seemed. The pup was happy for them but at the same time was envious of their love. Why couldn't he find love like Tsume and Kiba? Wasn't he entitled for some happiness in his life?

Flashback

"Okay now this time when you attack you need to put all your strength into your jump. Then as soon as you land you need to immediately use your teeth, to make sure you capture your prey and to make sure the animal is dead."

Toboe nodded his head and followed Knight until the black wolf found him some prey. As the two wolves walked, each of them looked around for any type of animal. Soon Knight found a rabbit eating from a bush. He then motioned for Toboe to take his position, hold it until Knight gave the signal, and then attack. After the brown wolf was in his place, the black wolf nodded his head.

The young pup was off like a shot. He chased the rabbit up and down and all over the forest. He would not stop until he caught his target, and after about another lap or so he found his chance. The rabbit made a last ditch effort but to no avail, as Toboe leaped at it in mid jump and clamped his teeth around its throat. With a pain filled squeak, and a quick snap of the jaw, the rabbit laid still in the wolf's mouth.

Toboe rose to his feet and turned to face Knight who trotted slowly up to the pup. Said wolf placed his kill at the black wolf's feet, while licking his lips clean from the blood. At first Knight was confused but he just shook his head as he smiled at the pup.

"Toboe that was wonderful you did great. Now why don't you eat up so we can head back to the den before it gets too late."

Knight said as he tossed the rabbit back to the young wolf, who stood with his tail wagging happily. Toboe cocked his head to the side and wondered why his friend didn't eat the food he caught for him? Did he do something to upset the wolf or was it something else? But giving in to his hunger he devoured the rabbit in a few minutes, and with a quick lick of the lips, and a drink from the river, both wolves headed back to the den.

"Knight did I do anything wrong? I thought I did everything right? So what was it that made you not accept the kill?"

Knight smiled at the young wolf, he was still so cute when he cocked his head like he did. He really couldn't get enough of this wonderful wolf that was next to him. The black wolf began to feel something stirring in his stomach, as he spent time with this young pup. But he couldn't quite figure it out at the moment.

When Toboe got nothing but silence and a weird smile for an answer. He began to get uncomfortable, the brown wolf really didn't understand what was with this wolf. Said wolf snapped out of his thoughts when he noticed the uncomfortable feeling he was making Toboe feel. He chuckled and smiled happily at the young pup.

"No, No you did everything right Toboe. It's just that when you make a kill, and if it was by your doing, you get first bite."

Toboe nodded his head as he tried to hide to blush that was forming on his face. He would remember that for future hunts, and to keep practicing his technics. So with the young pups questions answered he trotted next to his friend as they headed back to the den. Knight still had to show him around the rest of the territory, which he couldn't wait to see.

End Flashback

Toboe smiled happily to himself as he remembered how he felt when he was with Knight that day. He was content to be near the black wolf, so much so that it seemed to be lonely without him. The brown wolf shook his head, where did that feeling come from? It wasn't like he loved Knight right? But unfortunately Toboe wouldn't be able to find that out, when a noise from across the river, made the pup freeze.

He glanced over at Kiba and Tsume and saw that they too were on edge. All three wolves stood completely still and listened to the area around them. When no other sound came Toboe began to relax, but Kiba and Tsume signaled him to keep his guard up. Why would he have to keep his guard up? There was nothing to worry about right?

"Guys what is going on? There isn't anything coming so why-

Toboe was cut off when a large silver wolf jumped out of the woods and stood on the ledge looking down at the three wolves. With a smirk and a flick of his head three more wolves came out of their hiding places. Tsume and Kiba hurried to surround Toboe to make sure he was safe. The silver wolf chuckled as he jumped down and walked up to the now surrounded wolves. Toboe looked at the other wolves that showed their teeth, and growled deep in their throats.

"What do you want? If we have invated your territory, we will gladly leave. But if we haven't, then piss off and let us pass."

Tsume said as he too growled and showed his teeth at the advancing wolves. The wolves laughed at him as they began circling them. As they did this Toboe glanced up at the wolf who was standing a few feet away. His eyes went huge he knew that wolf, but it couldn't be he was band from the pack, so why was he here?

"Zeal?!"