Chapter 2: Introductions (written on December 9th, 2014)
"Alright, Betas," said Loretta. "Please stay close as I give your orientation. We wouldn't want any of you cute pups gettin' lost."
"Don't worry," we all told her.
"Cool... Okay, as we walk here, notice this special tree on the trail." She pointed at the small one that had claw markings all over it. It was practically barkless. Next to it was a pointy rock that held the horrible stench of something I didn't want to know.
"Why does it smell awful?" asked a small dark grey male. His forehead was black, blending in with his black mane to the point where you couldn't tell where his eyebrows were.
"It's supposed to smell like that. Every time we big Alphas come from our den, we must check-in with this rock. Then, at dusk, another wolf will come over to take a whiff of it, so he can check our attendance. Does that answer your question, little guy?"
"Little guy? Do I look little to you?!" She didn't answer.
"Why did you point out this rock?" asked a white pup from the back.
"Because... this rock is special for a reason. I need all of you to listen closely... Whenever you get lost for whatever reason, whether it be from fog or snow, go to this rock at all times. Its strong smell should make it easy to find. When you find it, stay there so the guy at dusk can pick you up and take you where you need to be. All of us got it?" We all nodded. "Good. It's really important you're safe."
I went over to Hutch. It was best to be close to someone I knew.
"Hey," I greeted.
"Hey," he replied, looking at me with a grin. Loretta continued to talk as everybody entered a plain full of dens. She called it the Learning Center.
"This is where everybody's classes except P.E. should be. Tomorrow everybody will receive information that will tell you which order their classes are in. The order is mostly random, but they're in a way where each instructor gets a certain manageable amount of Betas. Oh, one thing to remember: always address your instructors with a Ms., Mr., or Mrs. in front of their name along with 'ma'am' or 'sir.' You should know what I mean, so I don't have to explain."
We moved to the part of the plain that had no dens on it. There, my Dad was standing. He waved at me and chuckled. Nice. "This, Betas, is the area where you'll test your muscles to the best of their ability. This wolf here is your athletic instructor, Mr. Winston, better known as our pack leader."
"SUBMIT!" Dad shouted. It scared the daylights out of me! All of us, including Loretta, immediately got into a submissive posture. I bowed my head down and put my tail in between my back legs just like how Mom taught me. The pups that didn't know what a submission posture was went along with the ones that did. Meanwhile, Dad kept on shouting, walking around us in a circle. I had never seen him like this before. "HUMILITY, DISCIPLINE, AND DIGNITY! THREE OF THE MANY THINGS YOU'LL NEED TO SCORE GOOD AT THIS SCHOOL! Or become an Alpha in general!" We got up from our posture and looked at him with respect. "Kate, come here," he called. I walked over to him and blushed. I felt nervous about being the center of attention.
"Yes, Dad?" Everybody gasped. Some of the Betas didn't know. Well... this was awkward...
"Yes, Betas. Kate is my daughter. And if anyone messes with her or causes any trouble regarding her, they'll personally have to deal with me. Understand?"
"Yes sir..." they said. Dad turned to me.
"If anyone causes you any problems, don't be afraid to let me know. Okay, sweetie?"
"Crystal clear," I replied, sighing afterward.
"Right. Loretta, would you mind telling them about our little punishment?"
"Yes, sir. Our punishment here for consistent or major troublemakers, bullies, and thieves is a swift piercing to the ear of your choice. The holes or missing pieces of flesh made are there to remind you of your wrongdoings. It's an old punishment that the school has only used once before."
"...Tim..." I whispered before Dad spoke.
"So don't become number two. The 'nibbling,' as it's called, results in excruciating pain with lots of blood... Loretta, would you mind taking these youngsters to the practice field. It looks like they need some fresh air. Wouldn't you agree, pups?"
Everybody promptly nodded their heads. We were all too freaked out to say, "Yes, sir." Way to go Dad for possibly ruining my future friendships.
Later, at the practice field...
When Loretta dropped us off at the field, I tried to see if I could become friends with Hutch. He seemed like a pretty rad guy. Most of the females were starting to surround him. I wonder what that meant?
"Oh, hey, Kate! How are you?"
"Good, you?"
"Fabulous even though your Dad is a little creepy."
"He's always like that when you first meet him. You'll get used to it as I have."
"Why didn't you tell us the pack leader was your father?" asked one of the girls. She was a light brown plump-looking pup.
"I don't know. When it became important. As it just did."
"What are your interests?" asked Hutch.
"Uhh, nobody's ever really asked me that before... Wait a minute..." Something clicked in my mind. I've met Hutch before! I knew that name was familiar! He was on the Western team with me when we won the Great Wolf Games! I can't believe I forgot him. I guess I was too caught up with the Omegas. I'm also surprised how Hutch didn't even remember ME. How different were we then?
"Wait, wait! Hutch, it's me from the Games!" I yelled excitedly.
"I know."
"What?" I was confused.
"Heh, heh. I was wondering how long it was gonna take."
"What didn't you tell me?" I questioned him.
"I just thought it was interesting that you acted like we just met, so I just played along. Do you remember Can-do?"
"Oh, right! I forget about him too!" I can't believe that rude little pup that Loretta called the "little guy" was Can-do. Well, actually I can. "You all look different. I couldn't tell."
"Please tell me you didn't forget Humphrey or any of his buddies."
"Oh, not at all. After the Games, I started hanging out with Humphrey almost every day until today."
"How's he?"
"Still his silly and funny self. You know Omegas."
"I see. Uhh... It's great to see you again."
"Thanks. You too." I smiled. This winter was going to be alright.