AAN: now for some excitement. Yes I'm sure you all thought this story was dead by now. its not. I plan to finish it within the next few months.

Source of the Disturbance

Genki awoke to the sound of a howl, though it was before dawn one of the packs had urgent news for him. He carefully got out of bed and went out side. A messenger came up to him with a pack escort. The young female seemed very tired from her journey but would deliver her message nonetheless.

"Are you the alpha?" her voice very breathy as she panted.

"Yes, rest first. We can speak once you have regained your breath." Star Thunder brought a skin of water over and offered it to the female. She smiled simply and took it with a tail wag of thanks. After she had rest a bit she glanced over at Genki.

"I have news for you on your inquiry. I am from the Hoyden Pack; we noticed the raptors and other creatures in our area first. It was confirmed with the Counsel of Packs last night. I will show you the area in which we live and where we saw them." Genki nodded, he knew the counsel was a bunch of elders who kept historical documents and other such records. This meant the information would indeed be accurate.

"How many types of creatures have you seen besides the raptors?"

"Many, I would say over twenty varieties."

"Are some flyers?"

"Yes they are, and some are massive ground creatures and make the ground shake as they walk. We have had little trouble with the others. Its usually the big predators or the raptors that are a problem."

"Could you draw the creatures you have seen?" the female tilted her head a moment, and then nodded.

"I think so but not in any great detail."

"An rough sketch is good enough." Autumn Harvest brought over some parchment and a writing utensil the wolves preferred to use. The female took it and began to draw each creature she had seen, after that a map was brought to her and she showed them the packed territory; along with where each creature was seen first.

Once all this information was exchanged Genki nuzzled the young female in gratitude.

"Thank you. Rest here for a while. You have come along way." the female nodded and went to lay down with the rest of the pack. Genki took the information he had gathered and returned to the house. He returned to rest with Holly deciding to do something with the information he had later after he was fully rested. Holly had noticed his absence but said nothing to him, she only snuggled against him groggily and went back to sleep. He smiled at the simple act that held a great deal of meaning to him, and return to the world of sleep as well.

When Holly woke she noticed he was still asleep. * I wonderer why he was up early this morning. I remember a howl but I was too groggy to understand it. I'm sure he'll tell me. * She smiled as he nuzzled closer to her, that smile being followed by a blush as he snuggled into her chest a little. *Oh my… does he realize? No I doubt it… he doesn't do these type of things. * When Genki woke and found his head on her breast he blushed and pulled back. Holly watched him noticing his embarrassment.

"Sorry Holly…"

"Its alright… no harm done." She nuzzled him gently to let him know she was sure things were all right. "Where'd you go this morning?"

"We have a visitor, one of the packs sent her. She had a lot of information about the dinosaurs and where they first showed up. She also gave me descriptions of each type she has seen. Looks to be about twenty different ones."

"Wow… that's a lot…"

"It is, and the building they are using must be huge."

"Is she still here?"

"Yes, I asked her to stay and rest. She was exhausted by the time she got here. She'd be easy to attack in that condition had she traveled back to her pack." Holly nodded she understood the meaning. He was being a gracious host for now, something he seemed to do very well.

"How old do you think she is?" Genki looked at her quizzically.

"Oh… probably around thirteen or fourteen. She's young still, though some of the pack males have shown an interest in her." Holly giggled at the thought of seeing her packs younger males trying to court the stranger.

"We'll hopefully they won't bother her too much."

"I'm sure she will let them know if she is interested. Often times the females in one pack breed with the males of another. Keeps inbreeding from happening. So unless she has a suitor already I doubt her own pack will care." Holly watched him a moment then nodded her understanding.

"You are all more complicated then I ever thought you would be." she earned a chuckled from him, his arms moving to pull her close to him.

"Have to keep you guessing, its part of the game." his whisper made her shiver with delight. She knew he wasn't trying to bed with her but sometimes it felt that way. She blushed heavily as her mind drifted a little to some thoughts she would not normally entertain. Genki noticed her blush and moved to kiss her softly. He knew what she was thinking, the change in her scent had told him that much. The couple kissed for a little while till Genki decided her mind was wondering too much. He pulled back and smirked at her, a blush tinting his cheeks. "Thinking some naughty things are we?" his voice a soft whisper, her blush worsened as her face faulted; she then hid her face in his chest.

"Genki… I can help it… some times my mind just…"

"Its alright. I don't mind Holly. We are mates, I don't see the problem."

"But… we aren't married…"

"Not yet…" he lifted her gaze to meet his, "are you ready for marriage?" his voice soft and gentle, his gaze just as gentle. He wouldn't force her if she didn't feel ready. Holly gawked at him a moment having been caught off guard by the question. He saw the confusion in her eyes and the uncertainty. "If you aren't right not that's fine. It can wait, but there is something I'd like to do." she looked confused again.

"Something you want to do?"

"Yes." he slipped out of the bed causing her to sit up. He went to a draw and retrieved what he was looking for. When he came back he grinned at her child like curiosity. He had a simple wooden box in his hand. "I've been waiting to show you this until I though you might like it. Before I wasn't sure of your reaction." He dropped to one knee making Holly gasp and cover her mouth. Opening the box revealed a beautiful gold and silver ring with her birthstone in it. "When you are ready Holly, would you marry me?" she stared at him a moment in total shock, she knew that ring was very expensive. With tears streaming down her cheeks she threw herself at him.

"Yes Genki I will!" he smiled holding her as she cried.

"Did you think I was lying when I said I wanted to marry you?"

"No… I just never expected you to go through so much trouble for me…"

"You are more then worth it." He got her to look at him and he realized this meant the world to her from the look in her eyes. "You know you beauty shines the most when you are happy." she blushed and glanced down shyly not used to such compliments. Taking the ring from its box he waited for her, she gave him her hand and he slipped it on her finger. She now wondered how he got such a perfect fit.

"Genki… it's so beautiful… it must have been expensive." he smiled simply,

"Maybe but you are worth every gold. I asked Larry to help me make it," she smiled then gave into an impulse and kissed him. He returned the kiss, glad that she had accepted his gift with out too much protest.

Star Thunder stopped out side their door; he could smell well enough to know the couple were excited about something. He hoped he wasn't interrupting any mating proceedings. His knock startled the couple.

"Sorry to interrupt, we need to speak with you both. The pack grows restless."

"Alright we'll be there shortly." Star Thunder left nodding to Granity on the way.

"They up?" she asked,

"Yes, they have been for a bit I would say. They are excited about something though… I'm not sure what."

"How do you know that?"

"Scent."

"They weren't… were they?" he gave her a confused look then smiled.

"No they were not mating. Had they been I wouldn't have interrupted." she nodded as he left.

*My they have little trouble talking about sex… * she shrugged then wondered off to see where the tiger brothers had gone.

When Genki and Holly joined the pack, Star Thunder noticed her ring.

*Ah that was the excitement. He is doing things both ways then. He wants to make her comfortable since she is not fully a wolf in her mind. * The other wolves noticed it but only could tilt their heads in confusion, most of them new nothing about human courting. Autumn Harvest noticed it as well and the sparkle in her good eye told Genki of her amusement.

"What is it that has you all restless?" he took a seat with his mate now.

"We wish to know if we are going after these creatures." Could Berry spoke, she seemed eager for such a hunt.

"We will be in time, I want to be prepared. The monsters will wish to come, and we could make the journey faster with a few added supplies in case of injury. I want to go after the one making these creatures first. Then we can deal with the troublesome creatures. But it will be dangerous, so I want the younger members to remain here to guard the village. I will not leave them defenseless." the pack nodded, a few yipping in excitement. By now the villagers had noticed the wolves convention of sorts and had wondered over curiously. The new comer growled in discomfort, Genki rose and walked to her. He bared his teeth then took her muzzle in his own and forced her head down to the ground punctuated by a growl. Holly watched unsure of what to do, Cloud Berry noticed her confusion.

"He's disciplining her for bad manners."

"Why is she growling any way?"

"Some werewolves dislike humans. Usually because they were hunted by them." Holly looked shocked; she hadn't thought that possible. She looked back at the young female who was groveling in apology to Genki. Genki returned to his seat and continued the discussion. The villagers had backed up slightly at the young females display. They calmed down knowing Genki wasn't going to let any attacks come.

"We will head out tomorrow after we get what we need for the journey. Autumn Harvest, you know more about herbs than I will you take some of the females and collect the herbs we need?"

"Of course Alpha." she bowed her head in respect; Genki nodded to her and gave her a wolf grin.

"Star Thunder, can you take some males and get the food rations we will need? Dry what you can, it will make for a faster trip." he nodded,

"Indeed I will Alpha." Holly looked over at Cloud Berry,

"Cloud Berry would you help me make some extra water skins?" the pack watched both females. Cloud Berry bowed to Holly,

"Of course my Alpha." Genki smiled, he enjoyed seeing the pack get along so well. The villagers were amazed by the respect shown to the couple who were designated as leaders. The headman approached causing the visiting female to rise and run away. He gave the young wolf an odd look then looked at Genki who had risen to speak with him.

"Are you leaving us the younger members?"

"Yes, they will stay. They won't be much help on this journey and I don't want you all to be defenseless. I will leave you one older member to aid you and keeping them well behaved." he turned his gaze to the young male whom he knew he could trust with this task. "Sage Ears, you will stay and be in charge while the rest of us are away." Sage Ears bowed to Genki.

"I would be honored Alpha." Sage Ears then approached the headman bowing to him; "I'll be my pleasure to be of assistance." the headman nodded,

"I will be happy to have it thank you." the headman then left so the wolves could prepare, the villagers disappearing as he did. The monsters remained knowing they would be needed.

"Hare, see if you can think of anything else we might need." Hare nodded and walked away making his mental checklist. Genki noticed the young female had returned since the human had retreated. Genki rose, he nudged Holly so she would rise as well. He then walked over to the young female, Holly following. The three walked off a ways to speak.

Later that night the monsters had assembled in the living room. Holly had completed all the water skins with Cloud Berry's help. Genki had gone to work and gotten things taken care of for the younger members. Now the couple joined the monsters, looking around the room they saw determination.

"We'll leave early tomorrow. It'll be a long journey; I know it'll be easier on some of you than others. I will try to keep the packs pace decent so you all don't tire out too quickly."

"Thanks… I don't think I could keep up with a bunch of wolves." Suezo complained.

"Golem… will help you…" he smiled knowing they needed speed this time.

"I guess its settled then." Tiger rose, just then he noticed Holly's ring. "I see you made your move Genki." Everyone looked at each other then at the couple. Holly was beet red from the attention; she lifted her hand and showed them her ring.

"Genki asked my hand in marriage this morning."

"Wow… what a ring..." Granity stared in awe, * so that's what the excitement was that the big guy smelled. *

"That's gotta be at least a 800 gold ring…" Hare estimated with a whistle. Suezo looked conflicted a minute then smiled.

"I'm glad you found a good man finally Holly." Holly tearing up and threw herself at him hugging him.

"Thank you so much Suezo." his approval meant a lot to her. The others knew this too. With congratulations done the group dispersed to rest. Holly sighed as she lay down next to Genki; he knew she was very happy. He leaned over her meeting her gaze then gently kissed her. After a moment he pulled back giving her a smile.

"Genki… was Hare right about the price of this ring?" Genki grinned,

"Maybe…"

"Genki…."

"Will you still keep it if I actually tell you?"

"Of course."

"Well actually it's worth more then 800 gold. I told you before that you were worth every gold." Holly smiled looking amused and embarrassed both.

"Genki… its cause of my birthstone… isn't it?"

"Yes, I had to get that from another town actually. You have a beautiful birthstone." she pulled him into another kiss then embraced him.

"Genki… thank you so much."

"You're welcome Holly." he waited a few minutes before discussing another thing with her. "Holly, if you will let me I'd like to do something else for you." she pulled back confused. "I would like you to see what courtship and… the…" he wasn't sure how to phrase it. "I guess you could call it an engagement ritual is like within the pack." he would have said mating ritual but she would have taken that the wrong way. Holly had read a little bit about the mating dances and rituals for marriage. She blushed profusely.

"Its not the mating ritual you are thinking of is it?"

"It's considered a mating ritual as mates usually partake in it shortly after they complete their courting. But it proceeds the actually marriage and rutting." Holly hid her face, as it became beet red again. Genki though blushing just looked amused. "If you don't want to that's fine. It can wait. But I would prefer to do it at some point so the pack understands. They didn't understand what the ring was for." Holly looked up confused again.

"Why?"

"Wolves don't use rings and this young pack knows little of human ways. I'm sure Star Thunder and Autumn Harvest understood though."

"Come to think of it Cloud Berry was looking at my ring a lot today."

"Probably trying to figure out its significance. She knew of our happiness but not what had caused it." Holly nodded understanding, though the thought was still embarrassing she understood now.

"Well as alpha female I don't have a choice. I must court as a wolf." she looked at him then smiled playfully.

"Then I will court you properly, ask if you need explanation." she nodded, "I will start the process on our journey. The elder pack members will be the ones who need to see the process anyway. The younger members won't understand much of it themselves."

"What about the monsters?"

"I'm sure an elder will explain if they ask. Bring the book I translated and read the mating section again." Holly buried her face his chest with a nod, "does it really embarrass you so much?" he seemed confused by the embarrassment.

"I'm sorry… it's just the thought of… bedding you…."

"You should know the term mating doesn't mean sex all the time. Rutting does but not mating. And I will not rut with you till the marriage is complete. I gave you my word and I plan to keep it." she nodded,

"Thank you Genki. I love you so much." he held her close nuzzling her, no matter what form she was in she was beautiful. Genki stroked her side earning a shiver from her; he noticed her human body had become sensitive to his touch just like her wolf. *She is fully a wolf physically but can she be mentally? * "Will you read the mating section?"

"Yes, I want to know what you are doing…"

"And then you will know what you should be doing too." he joked playfully. She nodded again then snuggled against him, the couple enjoying being together.

When morning came Genki and Holly organized the group and got them ready to move out. Hare had a few extra items he had brought but not much. The group traveled at a good pace, one the monsters could maintain but it was fast enough to get them covering ground. Holly ran beside Genki for a while, but when they stopped for lunch she was in pain.

"Rest, your paws are still tender. You will have to build them up." he looked at the near by stream. "Go put your paws in the water, it'll help." Holly nodded and did so, feeling instant relief from the burning. Tiger smiled, he knew all about the paw pad problems. He and his brother had gone through them when they were young. After a short break, they continued on their way. Holly took her human form and rode on Genki's back instead to give her a break. Later she transformed again and ran with the pack, she had learned it was tiring keeping this pace but somehow she managed it. * This would have never of happened if I were human * she noted.

They traveled as far as they could each day, eating a larger meal at night then relaxed before they would rest. Many of the wolves played. The young female had finally gotten used to Holly's human form and relaxed around her. The talk they had with her had helped greatly. This night Holly remained a wolf per Genki's orders. He wanted her to stay in wolf form as much as possible. She had agreed to his terms, knowing he wanted her to adjust fully to her new body. He had told her it was training, and she accepted that answer. She finished reading the mating section of her book, though she did so in private as she blushed while reading it. Genki had been watching and knew she had finished. Later on he approached her, calling to her. She looked over at him from her seated position. She noticed he had a playful glint in his eyes, *oh boy… * Genki moved towards her and circled her in a form of dance. Holly remained seated but watched, Genki then danced for her. By now all the wolves were watching them. The monsters looked on confused as to what he was doing.

"What the hell?" Tiger asked to no one in particular. Autumn Harvest chuckled as she approached the monsters. They glanced to her.

"Um… what is he doing?" Hare asked,

"He is doing the courtship dance. I'm sure he is doing this so the pack understands. They were confused by the ring, knowing nothing of human mating."

"But why not just explain it to the pack?" Granity asked still confused.

"Because he wants her to understand pack ways. I saw her reading earlier, I'm sure it was a book on mating. It would outline the courtship, engagement, and marriage dances." she used terms they would understand, being a wise elder was helpful at times like these. The monsters watched as Genki finished his dance then crossed his front paws and bowed his head to the ground watching her. Holly hesitated a moment then rose, she looked very nervous.

"Relax and stop worrying." Genki whispered to her. Holly took a deep breath then walked to him, she circled him trying it remember her part of the dance. She stopped before him then did a smaller dance then his own and bowed to him in the same manner. Both rose then began this dance together, leaping and circling each other. When the dance finished Genki reared up placing his front paws on her back from the side then nipped her ear. The pair howled together a moment then lay down panting. Holly had never dreamed these rituals would be so complex or tiring. The couple rested together the pack going back to what they were doing.

"Well that was weird…" Hare commented.

"Perhaps for you. She didn't do bad, a couple of missteps but with only a books descriptions she did very well." the elder commented then rose and left to show her interest in Star Thunder. He welcomed her company. The group settled down and rested shortly after the excitement had ended.

Genki continued to court Holly and gave her small hints as to how she should respond when she got confused. None of the pack thought this odd as all knew she was a human first and wolf second. The monsters watched in awe and confusion but none interfered. They all knew it was important for the pack to accept Holly and accept her being Genki's choice as a mate. The elders explained things to the monsters as things progressed. The group kept moving and soon enough they arrived. The young females pack welcomed the travelers, Genki was very respectful and greeted the alphas of this area properly. He then brought the slightly nervous Holly over, after explaining it to her she then repeated what he had done, both alphas accepting it. They were confused about her ignorance until Genki explained how she became a wolf. He also told them of the younger female misbehavior. The alpha's explained about the human hunter who had killed the young females dame and sire as well as her chosen mate. It was then that Genki understood fully. He told the pack he would help them with this hunter as well as the dinosaurs. They accept the offer graciously.

"What's a dame and sire?" Holly asked, the other pack gawked at her and the young female asked.

"Are you stupid or something?" this earned the young female a great deal of discipline from the alphas. The female grovel her apology then left. Holly seemed depressed by this and sighed. Genki nuzzled her,

"A dame and sire are her mother and father." Holly looked at him then looked down in embarrassment. "Its alright." he nuzzled her again. Holly indeed felt very stupid for asking. * I must really seem like I'm retarded or something to them… * Genki and the other wolves could sense the discomfort and lose of confidence, her own pack coming to rub against her in affection. Tiger had growled hearing the young females statement but had stopped when she had been disciplined swiftly. The alphas invited Genki and his group to their den to rest. Promising to lead them to the building the dinosaurs had emerged from in the morning. Genki had accepted, with everyone fed and settled he came to rest next to his female.

"Don't let it bother you. She was just being rude."

"Genki… I must seem stupid… I don't even know basics…"

"You as not stupid. I know that for a fact. You are ignorant at times yes but not stupid. I will teach you but it takes years to learn everything. The alphas understood, they were not offended in anyway and they have gotten after their pack. He noticed her tears and nuzzled her, after awhile she went to sleep. * Just be patient… things take time to learn Holly. * He rested himself, knowing the next day might hold a fight.

AAN: hey guys hoped you liked the update; more mating dances to come lol. And much more action in the next chapter lets see what dinosaurs await them. XP