After a moment or two of Mitch and Mato just watching each other, Mato lays down. Angel instantly follows her mother's actions. Mato curls her tail around Angel.
*Mommy...I'm scared...* Angel says a she hides her face in Mato's fur.
*It's going to be all right.* Mato says as she tucks her tail closer to Angel, who eventually falls asleep. Mato lays her head down in from of Angel, protectively shielding her.
A couple hours later, Mato lifts her head when she sees her brother's paws on the ground in front of her. She looks into his eyes for a couple seconds before turning away from him when she sees his eyes narrow.
*Come with me.* Mitch commands. Mato looks at Angel before Mitch interrupts her. *Don't worry, no one will bother her.* He says, looking back at them. Mato sighs before standing up, careful not to wake Angel up. She follows Mitch out of the den. He turns to look at her. She instantly goes down on her stomach, baring her neck. *Looks like you've finally accepted your position in the pack.* Mitch says, sounding smug.
*I am NOT breeding stock!* Mato shouts, surging to her feet in anger. *And I never will be!* She shouts. Mitch spins around, and bares his fangs. He surges forward, knocking Mato to the ground.
*You are what ALL females are, nothing more.* Mitch says in an angry voice.
*That's not all us females are, you know!* Mato shouts, glaring at her brother.
*But that's all you bitches are good for.* Mitch says, looking down at Mato. She growls, baring her teeth. Mitch smiles, and bites the side of her neck. *You are going to become my bitch. So I suggest you stop the attitude.* He says in a menacing voice. Mato looks up at him.
*I thought you hated me.* Mato says in disbelief. Mitch looks at her with surprise.
*That has nothing to do with you being my bitch.* Mitch says before he licks Mato's face and allows her to get to her feet.
*If you wanted me...then why did you kick me out of the pack? And what happened to the female you had the last time I saw you?* Mato questions, suddenly aware that she hadn't seen her anywhere.
*I caught her with another male and killed her.* Mitch says with a shrug. Mato takes an involuntary step back, causing Mitch to laugh. When he looks at her again, she can see the seriousness in his eyes. *I suggest-* He starts walking toward her, causing her to slowly lower herself to her belly until he's right in front of her and she's on her belly at his feet. *If you don't want to get hurt, you better not do anything that stupid.* He says with a growl in his voice that enforces the threat. Suddenly, a brown and white wolf runs comes running out of the den.
*SIR!* The wolf shouts. Mitch turns to her with anger in his eyes.
*What is it, Yukki?* Mitch demands, anger evident in his voice. Yukki takes a step back.
*A couple of the wolves want to talk to you about the upcoming hunt.* Yukki says in a hesitant voice. Mitch turns away from her.
*I'll be in there in a moment.* Mitch says as his attention focuses back on Mato as Yukki runs back into the den. *I guess we'll have to continue this another time. There are things that need my attention at the moment.* Mitch says as he turns away from her, and heads back into the den. Mato stands up, and follows him. Once inside, she looks at Mitch. *Go back to your pup. I have things to do. Oh, and I suggest you don't decide to run off.* He says, putting emphasis on the last part. Mato inclines her head, and walks over to Angel, who is just waking up.
*MOMMY!* Angel shouts as she jumps to her feet. She runs to Mato, and rubs her head against the underside of Mato's neck.
*Hey, sweetie! Have a good nap?* Mato asks, looking at Angel with gentle eyes.
*Not really...hey, mommy?* Angel asks, looking up at Mato.
*Yes?* Mato asks, unsure of just what is going to be asked.
*When are we going back home to Papa and brothers?* Angel asks, looking at Mato with innocent eyes.
*I'm not sure, sweetie...* Mato says, unsure of just what she should say. She lays down, and begins to groom Angel.