Picture of Tyrant above is by StarWolfLegacy thank you again for this! :D

Bright dawn light streamed in the den, shining directly on Rascal's face. It woke him up, he opened his eyes and instantly squinted. He stretched in the light, warming his muscles under his pure black pelt. He suddenly realized Misty wasn't here.

Must be enjoying the fresh air.

He crawled out and sighed. It felt close to Spring. The air was warm, a cool, not bitter, breeze swept through the Flame Woods camp. And the sun was shining to top it off.

He was brought back to the present when he saw Heather crawl out of her den. The cloudy-gray female didn't even glance in his direction as she made her way to the alpha's den.

Why is she going to Tyrant's den?

Her eyes were cold, hard as stone. Rascal couldn't understand why she hated him so much. He hasn't done anything to make her dislike him. It seemed like nobody could please her.

Brave and Swift tumbled out of the healer's den. They grrred playfully and tugged at each other's ears. They bumped into Rascal and fell back on their little bottoms, never losing their cute smiles.

Rascal nudged them both to their paws. "Having fun?"

They nodded eagerly.

"I won't keep you. Now run along, but be careful." Rascal watched the youngsters scamper off to play.

"Hey Rascal, could you do a favor for me?" Blossom appeared beside him.

"Yeah. Like what?"

"I have some soiled rabbit pelts that need washing. Could you take them to the creek and wash them for me? They're in a small pile at the back of the den."

Rascal shrugged. "Sure. I'll do that as soon as I can."

Blossom's eyes grew grateful. "Thank you. It's hard being a mother and a healer all at once."

Rascal felt sympathy for her.

"I should make sure they don't get in any trouble." Blossom gestured to her pups. "Thanks again, Rascal. I owe you." She trotted off to keep an eye on her young ones.

Rascal shook out his pelt and decided to eat something before doing his duties.

He nosed through the meat of a previous kill and finally settled on the heart. He sat down and chewed contently. It was indeed a nice day. Perhaps he and Misty could take a calming stroll near the creek.

Heather emerged from Tyrant's den, looking sad and annoyed.

The alpha came out behind her and howled for a meeting.

Brave and Swift quit playing when they heard the call. Archie and Alusia padded into the clearing, pelts brushing. Isaac settled beside his mate and pups. Rose, Thunder, and Saphira took their places near the front of the crowd.

Rascal glanced around. Still no sign of Misty. She must've taken a walk to cool her nerves.

He sat beside Melody and Frost, who was in the middle of the gathered group.

Magnus took a position by Heather, gazing out in the crowd with an expressionless face. When his eyes landed on Rascal, they hardened, lips twitching to hold back a scowl.

Rascal met the brown wolf's eyes evenly. He wouldn't give him the satisfaction of looking away. Magnus's eyes moved away from him.

"Attention, everyone." Tyrant began. "Heather had a word with me. And she has an announcement to make." He stepped back and gestured for the she-wolf to speak.

She looked at the Pack in silence for a few moments. She seemed unsure until a nudge from Magnus encouraged her to talk.

She cleared her throat. "I came here just over a month ago with my mate and daughters. To find Misty, and bring her back to start a life with a mate I picked out for her." Heather's eyes darted nervously through the crowd. "Misty's father and I left when her brother died. W-we wanted nothing more to do with her. We thought she wasn't worth anything without her brother. We tried to force her to return with us and take the mate I chose for her." She paused. "I realize that was wrong. Even though I may not approve of her choice of a mate, she's a grown wolf. And she is responsible for her own decisions."

Rascal ears pricked.

"And that's why, after talking with Magnus, I think we should leave." Her eyes were on her paws. "We don't belong here. We're leaving in just a few days."

"YES!!!"

All eyes turned on Misty, who was standing just near the camp entrance. Her eyes were bright with relief.

Isaac went to stand beside her. "I think it's for the best." He looked at Heather. "She was deeply hurt by what you've done. And you can't force her to do anything she doesn't want to."

Heather dipped her head. "I know that now." The crowd parted for her to walk through and stand before her daughter. The pup she had abandoned, the pup she no longer cared about.

Misty lifted her chin defiantly. Rascal could see the courage in her eyes, equally as icy.

Heather stopped in front of Misty. "I'm sorry for the way I've treated you. That's not how a mother should treat her pups." She glanced at her daughter's swelling stomach. "I hope you'll be a better mother than I was."

Misty didn't say anything. Rascal could tell her jaw was clenched. The only indication she was listening was a flick of her ears.

Heather sighed. "I don't expect you to speak to me. Not after the way, I treated you." She looked at her paws. "I wish you luck."

Misty's mother left her daughter staring coldly after her. The old wolf slipped in her den, disappearing from view.

"They will leave in exactly two days." Tyrant announced. "We will provide them with food and a few pelts for them to take on their journey back."

"Wait!"

The wolves moved aside to reveal Violet. The young wolf looked torn. Apprehension wild in her eyes.

Velvet was beside her in confusion.

"Yes, Violet?" Tyrant asked.

She looked like she was deciding something. It took her a bit, but she finally spoke up.

"I want to stay here! In Flame Woods Pack!"

The Pack all glanced at each other and murmured things back and forth.

Velvet was looking at her sister in astonishment. Like she grew another head. Magnus stared at his daughter in disbelief.

"What?" He whispered.

"I want to stay." The young wolf lowered her gaze. "Flame Woods isn't just a Pack; it's a family. They stick together, through thick and thin."

Rascal noticed Tyrant's amber eyes gleaming with surprise.

Magnus looked furious. "Have you been hit upside the head? We're going home." He tried to force Violet back, but she lifted her head to glare at him.

"This is home. To me anyway. You're too narrow-minded to see past yourself! I've grown to love this family."

No one said anything in response. They all just stared at Violet, admiring her courage to stand up to her strict father.

"Just see how you really feel before we leave. No need to make any quick decisions." Velvet added, desperation shaking her voice. "Give it some thought!"

Violet sighed and rolled her eyes. "I have given it thought. I want to stay here."

Velvet whimpered and stepped back.

Violet left everyone staring after her in shock.

Word Count: 1,207

I know this was kind of a short chapter. Sorry, it's been awhile since I've published another part! The Holidays had me busy, and Friday I went to a dance with some of my friends. Anyway there are only two chapters left! 😱😱

Sincerely,
15thSoccerGirl

Fun Story Fact: at the end of the first book, Rascal, Misty, Ella, and Isaac were originally going to leave and start their own pack. Isaac and Ella were going to be paired up in the end, but I liked Isaac and Blossom better.