An Unwanted Confrontation
Humphrey waited until Winston was out of sight to double over in pain. His breathing was shallow and blood pulsed slowly from a cut that ran up his side, almost to his neck. Twigs and thorns stuck haphazardly in Humphrey's matted fur making him look like one of the many shrubs he had just run into. Sage padded up beside him and examined his wound.
"Humphrey we're going to have to get you to Astrid quick, you're losing a lot of blood," he declared urgently before turning to glare at Klayre. "You, can help get him there while the rest of us go and make preparations for tonight,"
Klayre hung her head low. "Yes sir,"
"I'm not letting that maniac come near me let alone take me to the healer!" Humphrey exclaimed.
Sage sighed "It's her punishment Humphrey, she isn't going to hurt you,"
"No. I'm going alone," Humphrey grunted. Gingerly he tested his balance and set himself upright trying to take a step. He instantly regretted it as his vision began to swim sending him toppling to the ground. Klayre was instantly by his side leaning down to offer him help.
"C'mon I don't bite," Klayre smiled weakly.
"Biting would have been way better than this," Humphrey groaned as he stood and used Klayre to support his weight. Together the two wolves set off at a snail's pace along the river towards Astrid's den. For awhile they walked in silence save for Humphrey's ragged breathing and the quiet rush of the river.
"I'm sorry," Klayre blurted out, disrupting the near noiseless air. Humphrey who had been focusing on putting one foot in front of the other glanced up and gazed at Klayre.
"Look I appreciate the apology," he started. "But I could have died, why did you push me?"
Klayre didn't answer and stayed silent.
"Do you hate me? Is that it?" Humphrey asked. "Cause it seems like ever since I joined the squad you've had an aversion to me,"
"No," Klayre whispered.
"Did I do something wrong?"
Klayre shook her head.
"Then what is it?" Humphrey demanded.
"I don't really now how to say this. . ." She trailed off.
"Is it because I'm an Omega?" Humphrey questioned. "Because believe me, you wouldn't be the first wolf."
Klayre looked surprised. "Really? That doesn't seem fair at all. What wolf was that?"
"His name is Garth," Humphrey sighed.
"What did he do?" Klayre asked.
"It doesn't matter." Humphrey's face hardened. "What does matter is why you hate me."
"Well. . . It's kind of the opposite of that," Klayre blushed.
"What do you mean?" Humphrey asked confused.
"I mean. . I like you Humphrey," Klayre said flat out. "A lot,"
"So you pushed me off a cliff?" Humphrey scoffed. "That doesn't make any sense!"
Klayre shrank back a little. "I just wanted to get your attention,"
"I don't believe you." Humphrey said flatly.
"I didn't know what else to do," She whimpered.
Humphrey calmed himself down a bit and returned his gaze to the ground. "You could have just said something,"
"I didn't know if you'd like me back or not," Klayre said softly. "Do you?"
There was a long silence before Humphrey answered.
"We should uh. . .Probably get going, I'm starting to loose feeling in my legs," he said trying not to meet Klayre's eyes. Klayre looked crestfallen but nodded her head in understanding. Nether wolf uttered another word for the rest of the trip until they reached Astrid's den. Just as they approached Lilly was making her way out talking animated to Astrid but when she spotted Humphrey she let out a short gasp.
"What happened?" Lilly demanded as Humphrey hobbled towards them.
"A little accident," he winced.
"By the gods Humphrey you're as white as a ghost," Astrid exclaimed. "We need to close up that wound."
"Tell me about it." Humphrey wheezed.
"What's going on here?" Another voice reached Humphrey's ears.
"No, not her, anybody but her," Humphrey whispered. He lifted his head to see Kate and Garth coming to investigate the commotion. Quickly glancing over at Lilly he saw that she was staring daggers at her sister. Garth looked a lot more timid than usual, Humphrey wondered if he and Lilly had talked since they got back. Kate wore her usual smile gleaming white teeth and all, yet Humphrey could tell the happiness was only mask. To his surprise it was Klayre who spoke first.
"Humphrey had a bit of a training accident, nothing to worry about though," she said firmly.
But Kate didn't even acknowledge Klayre but instead stared straight at Lilly.
"Sis! Where have you been? If I didn't know any better I would think you were trying to avoid me!" she smiled innocently.
Lilly's composure stayed the same. "That would be a pretty accurate assumption." She said through gritted teeth.
"I'm appalled Lilly!" Kate gasped with obvious sarcasm. "You've changed so much!"
"Like wise sister." Lilly snarled taking a step forward. "I don't even know you anymore. Deserting the pack, running of with my fiancé and to top it all off you come back to rub it in my face? You're not my sister, that Kate is long gone."
"Lilly, don't do anything you're going to regret," Humphrey cautioned.
"I'd listen to your little boy friend, you can't fight me, you're just an Omega." Kate snickered.
Lilly was now inches away from Kate's face. "If I have to I will, and you stay away from Humphrey you've hurt him enough for a thousand lifetimes." she growled.
"Suit yourself, we'll see how that turns out." Kate flashed her deadly teeth. "I don't need either of you."
"Go then, we don't want you either." Lilly lashed out.
Humphrey watched in awe as Lilly stood her ground and forced Kate to turn away. Heading back they way she came she called over her shoulder. "Garth! Come on, we're leaving."
Garth, who hadn't moved since the argument started, reluctantly stood and followed. Constantly glancing back at Lilly before disappearing after Kate.
Lilly was panting heavily as everybody stood in shock.
"Lilly, I've never seen you that mad," Astrid sounded impressed. "You sure showed her!"
"Yeah wow I like this pack! It's exciting!" Klayre shouted gleefully.
"I hate to ruin the moment but, I can't feel my body." Humphrey groaned.
"Right! Let's get you inside," Astrid hurried Humphrey into the den with Klayre and Lilly hot on their heels.