Misty watched as Rascal, Moon, Frost, and Alusia left to scout the border with Red Fang Pack. She rolled onto her back and stared up at the sky. Gray clouds moved in and hung over the Pack like a leaf caught on a spider's web.

The scratch on her muzzle was healing well. The pain from the moment was stronger than the hug from her mother.

Heather was glaring at Misty from the other side of camp. Her eyes, much similar to Misty's, were brightly colored with hate.

Misty could feel the burning stare, but wouldn't give her the satisfaction of returning it. Heather meant nothing to her, and never will.

Tyrant had just emerged from his den with a huge yawn. He dipped his head to Misty and padded over to talk with some of the older wolves.

"He doesn't love her, it's obvious!" A voice reached Misty's ears.

She rolled her eyes as she recognized Violet's voice. She and Velvet were whispering on the other side of the clearing. They were being loud on purpose.

Misty snorted and soaked up the sun. It tingled her fur and made her warm and happy. She ignored the conversation between her half-sisters. They simply weren't worth the time.

Blossom and her pups came and settled beside Misty. The healer sat with a thump as a kind smile parted her lips.

"I can't believe how fast they're growing." Misty gestured to the pups.

Blossom agreed. "I know. They won't be little forever. And I must treasure those moments." She looked at Misty. "A mother's heart is always full of love. No one else can understand it."

Misty took in the words, letting them sink into her bones. "Yeah." She whispered after a long pause.

"GRR!" Brave bundled into Misty's flank. He rammed his head repeatedly into her white fur. It obviously didn't hurt. Misty thought it was precious.

"Hello, small one." Her voice became soft. "Aren't you a strong warrior?"

Brave's mouth opened and his tongue lolled while he stared at Misty with his wide pup eyes.

Swift crouched down and waggled his haunches. He prepared a leap. "ROAR!" He launched on his brother and tugged his ear.

Blossom rolled her eyes and delicately plucked Swift off Brave, and set him down.

"Play nice." The mother wolf warned sternly with a gleam in her eye.

Swift tilted his head to one side and scampered off. Brave plopped by Misty and snuggled into her.

"Tired, are we?" Misty asked. She nudged the pup with her nose.

In response, Brave yawned and placed his head on his large paws.

Misty lulled him to sleep with strokes of her tongue. Before long, the sweet pup cooed and closed his eyes.

Blossom smiled. Misty could see the fierce love for Brave burning in her eyes. As if she'd die before letting anything harm him.

Misty knew she'd protect Rascal. But would she do the same for a pup? Especially if it was her own?

Brave snored softly. His little sides rose and fell quickly. Misty loved this little pup. How could she not? He's the sweetest thing ever.

A squeal of fear roused Misty and Blossom. The she-wolves exchanged a worried glance. Brave woke up and blinked his eyes. Blossom picked him up as she and Misty bounded toward the noise.

They stopped and stared in horror.

Seriously?!

Velvet was holding Swift by his tail. The small scrap was hanging helplessly upside down, flailing his small limbs.

"Mama!" He whimpered.

Blossom put Brave down and snatched her son out of Velvet's grasp. Violet flattened her ears as Swift was placed beside his brother.

Misty opened her jaws to snarl. But a tiny voice beat her to it.

"You—You meanies!" Brave marched right up to the sisters and puffed out his chest. His tail was up and ears pricked.

Violet and Velvet glanced at each other before bursting out in laughter.

"You big dumb meanies! That's my brother you're hurting!" Brave stepped right up to them. "Leave him alone!" His voice became higher as he finished.

The two were still laughing like coyotes. Misty stood beside Brave and fixed the two with a stone glare.

"You think it's funny to bully a pup? What is the matter with you!" It wasn't a question. Misty was sick and tired of their games.

Brave grrred next to her. His fur was fluffed up and bristling. Blossom was frantically trying to calm Swift down.

"You know," Misty started, stepping forward threateningly. She tensed her muscles for a fight. "I think it's about time you two were taught a lesson. A lesson that you should've been taught long ago." She wiggled her shoulders.

Throw down, pathetic sisters.

Violet and Velvet got in their defensive stance. Their eyes were hungrily gleaming. Not for food, but for a fight.

Misty prepared for the leap. But a gray-white figure jumped in front of her.

"I DON'T THINK SO!" Heather screamed.

"I'm right in front of your face. I don't think you need to yell, Mother." Misty noted sourly.

"Can't control your anger, huh?" Heather threatened. "Think you're above us? Think you can do what you want?"

"Yeah," Misty shrugged. "You haven't been a mother to me, so you're not my boss. Simple as that."

Heather was trembling. She lashed out for a hit, but Misty was ready. She ducked and quickly jabbed her paw just under her mother's throat.

Heather's expression changed from anger to shock. The surprise of it knocked her to the ground. She blinked, completely astonished.

Misty was standing over her. She kept herself from smirking. "Who's in charge now, Heather?"

Heather regained her paws and stood nose to nose with Misty.

She didn't say anything. After a moment of hate, she stalked back to her den, Violet, and Velvet following.

Misty breathed a breath of relief and sat down. Blossom glanced at her.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I-it must be hard: having a hateful mother, two ungrateful half-sisters, and a controlling step-father."

Misty looked at her paws. "Sometimes I'm not sure how I do it."

"You're a good wolf, and a wonderful friend, Misty." Blossom brought her pups to her chest. "I wish I could be more like you. You're strong. I admire that."

Misty snorted. "Trust me, you don't want my life. It's full of ups and downs. Downs mostly."

Blossom licked her pups affectionately. "Well, thanks anyway. Isaac will be back soon, and I'm sure he'll want to see Brave and Swift." She dipped her head and guided her pups away.

Misty sighed, full of stress.

Rascal is the one thing that makes me completely happy. I-I need him....especially now.....

She snapped out of her thoughts when Alusia crashed into camp. Her eyes were wide, fur disheveled and clotted with blood.

Weren't Moon, Frost, and Rascal with her? Misty thought in alarm as she stood and ran to meet her.

Tyrant had pushed through the forming crowd and met the young wolf.

"Alusia, where are the others?"

Alusia's lip trembled. "Red Fang Pack captured them!"

Misty felt sick to her stomach.

Word count: 1,192

I'm seriously about to slap Heather and her bratty daughters. Who's with me?

I'm gonna try and post at least two chapters a week. I wanna stay on schedule and finish it before March.

Story Fact #5: For a short period of time, Moondancer was in love with Rascal. But to Rascal, she's more of a sister than a potential mate.

Thanks for reading!
15thSoccerGirl