"And over there," Allena directed, "is Howl Point."
The crew stopped to observe the towering rock monument of ledges and outcroppings.
"This is where everyone in the United Pack of Jasper congregates every full moon to dance, celebrate, and howl their hearts away on a very special occasion called the Moonlight Howl."
"Wow," Alyssa began, "you and Ethan must've had great memories there."
Her older sister made a facial expression of disgust at the sound of that name. She knew it all too well for it was her mate at the time she struck out on her own, they moved to Jasper together.
"Oh, that loser?" She scoffed, "Shortly after we arrived here that bastard cheated on me with one of those vegetarian whores."
Alyssa and company now sat in awkward silence.
"But...," Allena continued, "that's in the past. I've found my true love since then and we now live happily together in a nice den with our pups."
"Wait, I'm an aunt?" Alyssa said enthusiastically breaking the awkwardness, "That's so cool! How many are there? What are their names?"
"There are just two," She began, "They're both boys the eldest is named Melvin and the youngest Brendan. Total sweethearts, and I really hope you get the chance to meet them while you're here."
"Wow, those are really cute names. Where are-" Alyssa began, but paused mid sentence.
It had just occurred to her that maybe the pups Mel and Brendan she met a few days ago were her estranged nephews, Mel being short for Melvin of course.
"They now?" She finished, now grinning at the thought; maybe she had met them after all.
"Visiting their grandparents for the week," Allena replied, then sighed, "I really wish to take them up north to see mom when they're older. I bet she doesn't even know she has grandpups now."
Caleb was awestruck the moment he saw Allena. Ash new this because his brother had not said one word to him ever since their little tour began. All of his attention was clearly directed toward her and this being the case Ash decided not to bother him, besides, he actually found it quite amusing.
"Wow, it's hard to believe she's even had pups." Caleb began, finally breaking his trance, "Leave it to an idiot named Ethan to cheat on something as beautiful as that."
"Hehe riiight, I haven't seen you this gitty since the time we chased that chipmunk up a tree." Ash teased, "Who knows maybe you two would have made a great couple."
"Dude, you kidding me?" He retorted, "If I we're alive she would be my everything! Man, the guy she's with now must be very lucky, I'd give my tail just to be him for a day."
The tour continued later on into the evening in which Allena had shown them most of the territory and introduced them to some of the locals mainly consisting of her friends and associates.
"Well, that's just about it." She said as they all now arrived and settled into a clearing. "Say, sis why don't you and your friends crash at my place for a bit while you're here? The hubby's on an extended hunting expedition; said he won't be back for about a week and the pups well you know where they are."
"Sure!" Alyssa happily affirmed, now turning to her friend and newly professed significant other for their cooperation, "Is this ok with you two?"
"Definitely." Ash replied, speaking for himself and Nova which slightly annoyed her even though she didn't have an opposing mindset.
"Thank you for your generosity." Nova said, expressing her gratitude.
"No problem," Allena responded now leading them off into the direction of her home, "besides a friend of my sister is a friend of mine."
Over the next three days Alyssa bonded with Ash and they had gotten even more closer all the while Nova had reluctantly immersed herself in the daily activities and everyday life of the UPJ. It was the evening now, likewise, Allena and her guest gathered for dinner, courtesy of the pack alphas, inside her den. There Alyssa confirmed her newly established relationship status with Ash, though unfortunately it didn't come off as a surprise as she had initially thought it would since Allena pretty much suspected the the two had something going from the start and Nova obviously knew it was bound to happen eventually.
"That's great." Nova commented semi-indifferently happy for her friend, "I think two were destined for each other."
This being said she had eaten her fill and left the caribou carcass for the entrance of the den only to motion for Alyssa to follow her. She picked up on the invitation, but not before she finished discussing something with Ash. The two now made their way outside the mouth of the den just beyond earshot.
"So... when are we leaving?" Nova inquired, only to receive a confused expression from her companion, "Y'know explore the world, see what's out there, that stuff. You haven't forgotten have you?"
"No, I haven't... and we still are," She began, "but this place is kinda cool, so... I was thinking that maybe we could stay a little longer besides this is the first time I've seen my sister in very long time, and frankly I'd like to get to know Jasper better. Wouldn't you like that? This pack is amazing and everyone here is so accepting; an ideal place to settle down for a bit wouldn't you think?"
Nova sighed uneasily for she knew it would come to this eventually. Nova sought freedom from her war ravaged home, but along her unplanned journey she hadn't any intention of seeking asylum, nevertheless, "settling down" for any given ammount of time wasn't exactly what she wanted at the moment.
"You know what you're right. I think you should stay anyway, both of our lives are vastly different and I don't think I could be considered much of a friend if I held you back."
"Nova, wait!" The vixen tried to convince as the silver-furred wolf began to leave.
She halted.
"Don't worry, I'll visit." Nova said over her shoulder.
With that she headed west.