Awoo, everyone. Sorry this is a day late. I caught a really bad cold on Friday that has left me basically dead for the whole weekend. When I got home from work yesterday, I collapsed on my bed and slept for fifteen hours. Sorry about that. I love how this had to happen on the month of my return, when I was planning on writing hardcore every day to get myself back on track. Then again, maybe this is the wake-up call I needed concerning my lifestyle of sleeping four hours a night and forgetting to eat until the late afternoon…

I'd like to take a moment to recommend a fellow artist of mine, whose praises I've already sung: Nicodemus Tibbits, who did the lovely cover art for this fic. He has two Tumblr accounts. One is nicodemustibbitsart, and has fanart, sketches, and pieces based on various mythologies. The other is candoodlestomecomic, which features his comic "Candoodles to Me," a story featuring a transmale/gay werewolf named Jaime. It's on hiatus right now, but I can promise you that it's worth following, and worth reading what's currently out.

Anyhoo, enjoy!

Pyrrha refused to go into Cinder's old den once they arrived at the pack's denning area near the mountain. She wouldn't go into her old den either. She insisted on remaining outside and overseeing her pack as they settled in. She helped gather pine needles to make beds and cleared the snow away from the areas that hadn't been in use since the migration to Adam's old territory.

Ruby stayed close to her, after firmly insisting that Weiss lie down on one of the beds. She whined nervously every time Pyrrha did something to upset her various injuries. The ones on her belly and thighs looked particularly bad, and the arrow wound from Hawk had been reopened since its last bandaging.

When the sun rose, there were grunts of pain as the wolves' forms shifted and several wounds started bleeding anew. Thankfully, Pyrrha had prepared for this, and ordered Sun to pass out the medical supplies that were in the bags that the omegas had carried from the old campsite in the southern forest.

With their smaller, dexterous fingers back, the werewolves were able to stitch up wounds and wrap broken bones much more easily. That, along with their quick healing, made it clear that none of the werewolves who had survived the fight would be in any more danger.

It was then that Pyrrha finally allowed herself to let out a sigh of relief. We did it, she thought, tears welling up in her eyes as the sheer enormity of this moment settled on her. The pack is mine. We made peace with Vale. After everything we went through, we actually did it!

Ruby placed a hand on her leader's shoulder, an understanding smile on her face. "We're home," she whispered.

Pyrrha could only nod. Her throat was closed, and she wasn't sure if she could talk just then.

Of course, this allowed the betas to shepherd her to a bed and lay her down on it. "Nope!" Sun said when she tried to get up again. "We'll have the omegas make you extra tired if we need to! You're resting now."

"Sun, I need to get acquainted with the pack," Pyrrha insisted. "They're so scared after what they suffered from Adam and Cinder. They need to know right away that I'm going to be the kind of leader they should have!"

Emerald walked over. "Settle down," she muttered. "If they don't already know that, they're idiots. Remember, everyone saw you try to make peace with Cinder. They know you aren't the type to just growl and bite to get what you want."

Pyrrha sat up. "Emerald, how are you?"

"Well, the woman I loved and my best friend are dead," Emerald said in a hollow voice. "I'm feeling just fantastic."

Pyrrha winced. "I'm so sorry."

Emerald shrugged, though her eyes were full of suppressed grief. "It wasn't your fault. You did what you had to. I…I tried so hard to deny what kind of person Cinder was becoming, but…" She rubbed at her arms, which were covered with old scratches and bruises. "Part of me wants to hate you, but…I know it doesn't make any sense to hate you."

Pyrrha nodded, not sure what else she could really say. "Were you injured during the battle?"

"A few scratches, but nothing serious. No need to waste anything on me." Emerald hesitated before asking: "I was thinking. Everyone's hungry. Do you have any more of that dried meat you brought with you last time?"

"Sadly, no. We used the rest of our supplies to provide food for everyone in Vale when we made our announcement. I doubt the stew pot survived the fight." Pyrrha thought for a moment, remembering when Obsidian had been on the brink of starvation. "We could set snares. Blake, could you go back to Vale and ask for some wires? You and the other former Vale residents can start making and setting the snares. Gather some of our newer packmates and see if you can teach them."

"Yes, Leader!" Blake sought out Fox, and the two hurried back toward Vale.

"As for medicine, Jaune promised to bring some once it's been distributed in Vale. We'll need to start rebuilding the dens and finding where the winter clothes are stashed. We may need to ask the humans for extra blankets when trade starts with Burgundy again…" Pyrrha tapped her chin thoughtfully. "What else?"

"We should figure out terms for the alliance with the people of Vale," Weiss called over. "Where does the village end and our territory begin? Who hunts where? How will trade work? These are all very important issues now that we will be officially established here."

"Thank you, Weiss," Pyrrha replied. "That's a very good point, but please go back to sleep."

Weiss lay back down with a huff. "I'm perfectly fine. I just have one wound on my side."

"That sword went right through you!" Ruby scolded. "You need to sleep." She sat down next to her future mate. "Are you okay? I know you and your dad didn't get along, but he was still your dad."

Weiss closed her eyes. "I…don't know how to feel, honestly. I hated him for most of my life. You know he used to hit me."

Ruby's eyes narrowed. "I sure do." She remembered begging her dad to let Weiss live with them the first time she saw a black eye on her friend's face. Taiyang had gone to the Schnee residence and returned with an assurance that Weiss would be fine, and that she was welcome to move in with them when she was older. Ruby wasn't sure what had happened, but Jacques actively avoided being anywhere near Taiyang after that day.

"I don't know if I ever really loved him the way a daughter should," Weiss admitted. "And, I know that things are probably better without him." She swallowed. "I'm not…happy that he's gone, but I feel like I should be sadder, that it's wrong that I'm not mourning him."

"You don't owe him anything, Weiss," Ruby insisted. "He's the one who decided to be a bad father. He's the one who wouldn't listen to anyone, and disowned you. He's the one who tried to kill you."

"I know," Weiss sighed. "It's just…complicated."

As the day went on, the werewolves were able to rest. A few gathered around Blake, Fox, and Ruby in order to learn how to make and set rabbit snares. Things calmed down enough for even Pyrrha and Weiss to eventually fall asleep for a few hours.

…

Vale was in shambles.

If Jaune and the others hadn't already experienced Obsidian's near-fall, they would have considered the situation hopeless. But they remembered the days following that massacre well, and used what they knew to boost the morale of those who had never had to deal with such a tragedy before.

"We'll start clearing lumber from the edge of the southern forest," Jaune said. "Away from the werewolf graves. We also need to send out patrols for food. We may need to rely on smaller game, if what I've heard about the deer herds is true."

Ozpin urged Jaune to help with repairs while he oversaw the injured townsfolk. A few who had been bitten during the fight were being comforted by the former exiles, who assured them that being a werewolf wouldn't change who they were, and that Pyrrha would happily accept them into the pack.

"You won't even have to leave town," Coco was saying to one shaking young man. "I mean, now that we don't have to be separated, I'm sure humans and Faunus can start living in the forest, and werewolves can come to live here. Once your house is fixed up, you can move right back in."

Jaune smiled at the image of a werewolf living in a regular house, though the idea caused some questions to emerge. Would there be borders between the forest and Vale? Would it be a good idea for the two groups to live in each other's territories? Would it be better to have separate, allied settlements, or would they gradually shift into one large place of residence that would be friendly to all species? While Jaune certainly favored the latter option, he wasn't sure if everyone would be amicable to it.

He glanced toward the woods, wondering how Pyrrha was doing. I hope the others are making her rest… He knew she'd be back later on to talk with Ozpin, but his chest ached at the fact that they needed to be apart. After all their previous battles, they had cuddled up together, comforting each other and reassuring each other that everything would be okay. Even though Jaune now knew that everything would be okay, he still wanted Pyrrha with him.

Later on, Blake and Fox came by to ask for some wires. Fox went looking for Coco, quickly finding her helping some of the other humans. Smiling, he drew her close and kissed her lips without hesitation.

Coco wrapped her arms around her husband's shoulders, letting out a long sigh. They drew back barely enough to talk. "Good thing I already won my bet with Jaune," she murmured, combing her fingers through Fox's hair.

Fox smirked, touching his wife's face, thanking the Maidens that she was okay. "Do you care?"

"Hm. Not really." Coco snuggled against his front before stepping back. "Go on, now. I know Pyrrha sent you here to do something. I'll see you later." It was so good to say that and actually know that it was the truth.

Blake stopped to talk to Yang, who was in the process of splitting logs. "Are things calming down?"

Yang grunted as she brought the ax down. "Well, a lot of people are dead. No one's just going to get over that. But, I think they realize continuing with the war is one of the stupidest things we can do. Since Cinder's dead, things will probably be smoother. I doubt they'd be so calm if Pyrrha had magically been able to talk down Cinder and keep her in charge."

Blake nodded. "Pyrrha was hopeful until the end, but some people are too far gone to be redeemed." She looked around. "Where's Neo?"

"Helping with the injured. She's a good fighter, but splitting logs isn't exactly her thing." Yang adjusted the pile and picked up the ax again. "Jaune's been doing a good job leading everyone. I wonder who will take over once he's a werewolf."

"You could," Blake suggested.

"Nah. I prefer listening to others and then doing my own thing. My vote's for Ren or Velvet." Yang split the next log effortlessly. "I really can't wait till there's more food in this town. I'm starving."

"Well, Roman will be catching up to us in the next few days. I'm sure he'll bring supplies."

"That's what Neo says. I hope he hurries up. You can only handle dry meat for so long, and we don't even have any of that left!" Yang griped.

"Don't forget that everyone here has gone much longer with little food," Blake gently chided. "I'm sure you can make it."

"Good point."

"I'd better get back to the pack. Say hi to your dad for me!" Blake gathered the snare supplies and walked back down the path.

Ren and Nora were standing near what was left of their tiny house. "I mean…" Nora muttered, staring at the destroyed northern wall and caved roof. "We haven't been here, and it's pretty close to the forest, so…"

"I'm honestly surprised that it's still standing," Ren admitted. "We can easily repair this. In the meantime, Joan has offered to let us stay with her."

"That's nice of her." A thought occurred to Nora. "Hey, the Schnee house is the biggest house in town, and literally no one is living there now! We should turn that into a place for people whose houses were destroyed."

Ren nodded. "Let's talk to the Elders about it. Winter too, though we should do it gently. I can't imagine what she's going through right now."

"The guy was a jerk, and was trying to kill Weiss! I say good riddance!" Nora huffed, folding her arms.

"Hush, Nora," Ren said sternly. "Don't be insensitive… Though I do agree with you wholeheartedly," he added in a quieter voice.

They passed the Faunus District, which had no standing dwellings anymore. Nora scowled as she looked at it. "You know, Vale was messed up even without the unnecessary werewolf fights!"

"That it was," Ren agreed. "Hopefully, Winter was right and we won't make the same mistakes again."

They were near the forest that afternoon, helping with the rebuilding plans for the District, when Pyrrha emerged, flanked by Sun and Emerald. Nora ran over to hug Pyrrha, stopping short when she remembered the alpha's injuries. "How is everyone?"

"As well as we can be," Pyrrha answered honestly. "Where are the remaining Council members? If the townsfolk are in a more stable position, we should probably start discussing what we'll do next."

"This way." Ren led the way toward Ozpin's house, which was being used as one of several makeshift infirmaries. He frowned at Pyrrha's jerking limp. "Are you sure you should be walking?"

"I'm fine," Pyrrha insisted. "I'll rest once we're done. Remember, I survived having my entire back burned."

"Yes, because you didn't move for several days afterward," Ren muttered, though he didn't offer any other arguments. He could tell by the steely look in Pyrrha's eyes that she wouldn't be convinced by anything he tried to say.

Ozpin gladly welcomed the three werewolves and sent Ren and Nora to keep helping with repairs. As he sat down at his table, he glanced at Sun and Emerald. He smiled as he recognized Pyrrha's strategy in bringing one wolf she was close to and one who had been part of Cinder's pack until now. It would show her pack that she was allowing all members to play a part in what was to come. For that reason, Ozpin didn't ask for anyone in the room to move, allowing them to listen if they so chose. Transparency is what we need right now.

It was late evening when Jaune saw Pyrrha, Sun, and Emerald emerge from Ozpin's house. He rushed over, gently hugging Pyrrha, secretly relieved that there wasn't any blood on her tunic. He had been sure that she'd continuously reopen her wounds by working too hard.

Sun coughed. "Hey, Emerald. Why don't we go on ahead?"

"Huh?" Emerald blinked, turning away from the werewolf/human pair, a puzzled look on her face. "Oh, right. Okay." She followed him into the trees, still glancing over her shoulder. Sure, Pyrrha had talked about her human lover, but to actually see them together was just weird!

Pyrrha squeezed Jaune tightly. "How are you?"

"Well, we started on repairs," Jaune said, hugging her once more before starting to walk her to the edge of the woods, away from where the graves were. "And most of the injuries are stable."

"No, Jaune," Pyrrha interrupted. "How are you? Are you okay?"

"Me?" Jaune grinned. "I'm great! Guess what? Dad's okay with us!"

Pyrrha's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yeah! I mean, he said that he'd have to get used to you being a werewolf, and to me becoming one, but he thinks you're nice and promised to change his way of thinking!" Jaune wanted to pick her up and twirl her around, but resisted the urge. "And Mom and my sisters already love you, so there's nothing to worry about! We're gonna be together, Pyrrha!" They were under one of the trees, near the area that led to the wastelands, where they had met in secret so many months ago.

Unable to hold herself back any longer, Pyrrha let out a joyful sob as she pulled Jaune close and pressed her lips to his. She felt a muffled exclamation of surprise before he tilted his head and returned the kiss.

Everything else stopped existing in that moment. The winter chill faded away until only warmth remained. Warm arms. Warm lips. Two warm heartbeats colliding frantically with each pulse of warm blood.

Months of emotion, of hope, of longing were poured into that one kiss. Unlike the one they had shared before the battle, this kiss held no underlying bitterness at the need for a quick separation, no fear that this would be the last time they'd hold each other. There was nothing but love and anticipation for the future. Relieved lips kissed tears away. Desperate hands gripped clothes and flesh as if the moment would suddenly end if they let go, even though that was the furthest thing from the truth. Yearning tongues twined as tense throats let out soft, intimate noises.

They broke apart, panting thick puffs of mist into the air, blinking dumbly. Pyrrha recovered first, pressing her lips to Jaune's throat before pecking his lips again. "That was definitely worth waiting for," she murmured against his mouth.

Jaune smiled, giving her a quicker, more tender kiss than the last one. He felt her breath on his cheek. "Yeah. It really was."

They shared several more soft, gentle kisses before reluctantly drawing away. "I need to get back to my pack," Pyrrha said regretfully. "I'll see you soon, though."

"I love you," Jaune replied, wiping away tears he hadn't even known were falling down his face until that moment, his head still spinning with the new sensations going through his body. "I love you so much!"

Pyrrha's eyes shimmered like spring leaves touched by the first dewdrops of morning. "I love you too." She wanted to run into his arms again, but knew that she'd probably never leave if she did. So, she gave him one last smile before returning to the woods.

After checking on her wolves, making sure the injuries were stable, and comforting those who were in mourning, such as Fennec, she sought out Flynt and Neon. "Are you two doing well?" she asked.

"Of course!" Neon said, smiling brightly. "Things are finally looking up! Flynt and I can't wait till spring. We can finally have pups in peace."

Pyrrha's cheeks flushed. "On that subject… Would you tell me if there are any…discreet areas in the forest that I might not know about?"

Is this a sign that the spicy chapter I have been alluding to is coming up? Maaaaaybe. I guess you'll have to wait until Friday to find out. Or Sunday. Or maybe the following Friday. With my cold-addled brain, it totally slipped my mind exactly which chapter it's going to be. Oh dear.

If you like what you see and want to join an awesome community AND get sweet rewards, my P/atreon is Solora Goldsun.

Peace out!