The thick jangle of chains were as crisp and clear as the night he had sat on the hard floor of the creaking, tousling caged wagon while they descended the mountains that had felt as much like a prison as his home. Nothing else really came to focus, but he had tried to keep his eyes on the bound hands in his lap. It had been better than looking at his mother's dispassionate face, Ivan's cowardly snarl, Caesar's morose expression, or the bodies of his uncle and brother, shoved into the corners of the cage and wriggling about lifelessly, their necks bent at unnatural angles.

A movement caught his eye, and he craned his neck to stare up into the empty, gaping sockets of the Slave Maker. The bloody corpse loomed over him, larger now than he had ever seemed in life, mouth gaping open with sharp fangs that came at him, helplessly chained and muzzled. The disembodied drawl was as dreadful and clear as though it were spoken in his ear. “Please give my regards to your _sister_...!”



Snarling awake, a sharp yelp brought him out of the fog of panic. Panting heavily, he glanced around then to the ground. “J-Jack! Uh, sorry!”

Plucking his Alpha up and setting him to his paws with the effort of a toy, Jack coughed as he collected himself and had to lean against the wall he'd just been hurled against. “Wow! I were _not_ expectin' that!”

Trying to swallow the lump in his throat proved unsuccessful with how dry his mouth was. “Sorry,” was all he could mutter around it.

Waving his hand dismissively, Jack straightened himself out. “Naw, that were my fault. I don't always have the brightest ideas, an' sneakin' up on a growlin' wolf definitely weren't one o' 'em.” With a big breath as he rubbed his sternum, he peered at Anubis with concern. “Are ye okay?”

Pinching the bridge of his snout before rubbing his eyes as he tried to banish the fresh images in his mind, Anubis let out a solemn sigh. “Yes. I'm fine. Just... bad dreams. I didn't hurt you, I hope?”

Raising a brow, Jack was not convinced. “Must be some awful dreams, cuz ye don't look fine.”

Having to take a deep breath to calm the panic still thumping in his chest, he nodded. “I've had nightmares since I was a pup. I can assure you, real life is a lot scarier.”

“Guess I can't argue with that.” Shaking his head, Jack clicked his tongue. “An' here I were hopin' it's cuz the _Wogtal_'re nocturnal.”

With a little smirk, Anubis had to correct him. “Actually, we prefer to be crepuscular.”

“Oh, excuse me,” he rolled his eyes in as wide and sarcastic an arc as he could. “I stand corrected. Now, how 'bout correctin' the image in my head o' what ye might be dreamin' of.”

Anubis gave him a sidelong look before turning his gaze to the communal area. The sunlight that spilled in was hot and bright, well past breakfast. “I don't think you've seen the kinds of things I have to imagine.”

“Ah, the good ol' brush off. Ye should talk to Silver 'bout how he got here. Guy's quiet fer a reason. Once said somethin' to me lot like that. But Nova an' Veka been feedin' us enough to get a idea, so try me.”

As Anubis quietly deliberated, Jack's expression grew more and more ridiculously expectant, his brows dancing all over, until he finally cracked with a puzzled chuckle. “What are you doing?”

“Waitin' on you.” He grinned smugly. “I'm the Alpha. I got all day. But, if I recall, ye were hopin' to gain rank at some point in my lifetime. It's already pretty late out there.”

Shaking his head with an eye roll, Anubis sighed. “She told you about... how my uncle died?”

Pursing his lips, Jack nodded slowly. “Yeah. Said yer brother ripped out his throat an'... his eyes. Said he killed 'imself after.”

Sucking in as deep a breath as he could, his words were a quiet rush. “They put us in the cage with their bodies.” Jack's mouth popped open, but Anubis didn't give him the chance to think of words. “Sometimes, it's Gray. Usually, it's Mustava who comes at me.”

“Shit. Anubis....”

He glared sidelong at his Alpha. “I don't want any pity.”

Jack's head rocked back in surprise, brow furrowed deeply. “This ain't pity. This is concern. Guess ye wouldn't know much o' a difference. Now ain't _that_ a pity?”

Rolling his eyes, Anubis got to his paws, making Jack crane back his neck. The Alpha's nervous gulp was not lost on him. Considering how easily he had just been taken off his feet, he had every right to be. “Ah, don't think I'll ever get used to how big ye are up close. Ha!”

Even just a week ago, Anubis would have enjoyed making Jack feel so small. Today, though, it left a particularly bitter taste in his mouth that he'd like to get rid of. “I assume you're here because I'm late.”

His brow furrowed again and he shook his head slowly. “I don't think ye've quite figured out how it works 'round here still. Ain't no one gonna force ye. Ye could spend all day in bed if ye felt like it. Ye just won't gain no rank... an' probably piss us all off a bit. It helps you to help us, but if yer tired, I won't stop ye. I were just concerned when I didn't see ye at breakfast tryin' ta be sneaky 'bout organizin' the tools.” Narrowing his eyes in feigned disdain, his mouth had to set in a hard line so he didn't smile. “I'm tryin' not to like ye, don't ye know?”

Looking down upon him attempting to be so stern at half his size, Anubis could not help but chuckle. “I did nothing of the sort.”

“Oh, right, it were just some other ghost in the night. S'pose we're haunted!” Shaking his head, Jack had to walk away or Anubis would see him smile. “There's still some breakfast left over. It'll be cold, though.” Now he flashed that charming grin of his over his shoulder. “'nother good reason to be up on time with the pack.”

Following after him with a soft chuckle, Anubis had to cover his eyes in the bright sunlight. Hardly had there been any cloud cover in weeks, much less rain. 

Just as they rounded the corner, there were two yelps of surprise slightly off set from one another, and a delighted little cackle. 

“Fletcher!”

Jack and Anubis watched as the boy strutted proudly around Winterlace and Iron Gale, beaming ear to ear. “I got'cha, ommy!”

Both of them shook their heads, but their glares were playful. 

“Ye little scoundrel!” Winterlace chided fondly, though her wagging tail giving her away.

It didn't seem possible, but Fletcher's impish grin got even wider, jabbing his thumb to his chest. “I'm part _Wogtal_!” he announced proudly.

Iron Gale glanced up and locked eyes with Anubis. Just as his ears began to fold back, the Beta turned his attention to his mate in a good-natured glare. 

“Bitch!” he growled. “Ye been sleepin' around?”

Perking and glaring back at him, she realized he was teasing and gave him a coy smile. “Course I been sleepin' 'round...” Leaning against his broad chest to touch noses, she batted her lashes with a seductive coo. “Sleepin' 'round you.”

His brows popped up and his tail wagged a little harder than he probably intended with his giddy grin. “Oh, that so? Think sleepin' sounds like a good idea right 'bout now.”

Grabbing her hand, the two hurried away. Fletcher watched them go with his head cocked to one side before glancing around to locate new prey and scampering off. 

Jack snickered. “Part _Wogtal_, eh?” Glaring up playfully at the Dire from the corner of his eye, he shook his head. “Wish I could pin that one on ye, Anubis. Then I could demote ye! Oh, wait....” Chuckling to himself, he sauntered off to follow after Berry and her litter-sister River, who swished their tails in invitation and giggled at him lasciviously before disappearing around the corner.

Eating his food in the Great Lodge, there were a few of the older pups giggling together as they took turns sitting in the Alpha's chair and pretending to command one another before overthrowing one ruler for the next. Anubis pretended not to see them, all the while smiling to himself with thoughts of Nova.

“I was just thinking of you.”

Slipping into the seat next to him, she smiled and wagged her tail. “Oh? Good thoughts?”

“Are there any others?”

She tittered and leaned against him, looking at him expectantly until he relented and kissed her. The pups glanced at each other and made faces, poking their tongues out with wrinkled noses before rushing out the door to find a new game.

Glancing around, Nova giggled with mischievous delight. “Oh no! We're alone! Ye might eat me!”

Baring those brilliant teeth with a shared sentiment, he leaned over her to make her feel small and waggled a brow. “Well, maybe some of you.”

Blushing with more giggles, she squirmed in her chair. “Ye promise?”

A smug smirk was his only answer. Smiling slyly at him, she leaned forward and snatched the bite of food right off his fork. Giggling hysterically at his stunned expression, she hurried out of his reach and skipped out the door.

Watching her go, his snout wrinkled a little with his salacious grin. She had grown so bold with him. As he could do nothing about her antagonizing, she pressed her luck at every turn. That was alright. He would let her think she was getting away with it. In reality, he had a list in his mind of every time he would have reminded her which of them belonged in a collar. Not that he minded how lively and trusting she was now. Just, it would be nice to throw her on his bed, pin her down, and teach her that taking food from a Dire came with consequences. Though, honestly, they wouldn't be the type to deter future transgressions. 

Finding things to do was not difficult. There was _always_ something to do. He did as he was told when he was told since he had no rank to refuse, but otherwise, he mostly had free rein of his time and choice of tasks. The large, well worn board that took up half a wall in the Great Lodge was constantly being updated and changed with what tasks needed done at any time. Some tasks were such a low priority that they had not been tended to in years. Other tasks were urgent or regular enough to be word of mouth, such as those out in the fields and orchards needing to be fed rather than trudging all the way back and leaving valuable equipment laying about. 

Anubis had learned that stealing from neighboring packs was commonplace, and by getting away with snagging tools, equipment, or medical supplies, the young men could climb the ranks rapidly by being stealthy, smart, and daring. However, any sort of violence against a sentry was considered reason for demotion and could require restitution from the offending pack, so it was safe for even an omega to be left watching anything that needed to stay in the fields. There had been a few more encounters with the neighboring packs, but they had all ended peacefully, the young men scurrying off at just the sight of him even if he wasn't looking their way.

Though Jack had not exactly forbade him from the venture, Anubis had been quite sternly warned against it because he was already considered a target, and once off pack territory, they could not come to his rescue should he be caught and attacked. If he were one of them, the worst that might happen would be a sound ass whooping, some humiliation, and possibly being held ransom until the pack came to collect him with tribute. Deliberating it during the nights that the wind blew in his favor, he had looked at his hand and decided against it. 

Instead, he kept his ears perked for mentions of tasks, and it just so happened he heard Denver had been left in the orchard while the higher ranks retreated to the Great Lodge for the freshest food and perhaps a nap, unless more carnal opportunities arose. Snagging one of the baskets lined up and ready to be taken when they were done with their afternoon break, he figured it was better to escape all the sensual moaning that was more difficult to ignore than it had ever been before. 

The orchard was a decent walk through the fields along the rolling, muddy river that was more shore than water at this point. At least there was plenty to occupy his attention along the way, from the waving grass crop growing fat at their bases in preparation of budding to the birds that fluttered across the sky. He even startled a small group of the only prey animals he'd seen so far. Watching the fleet, horned creatures dash away after their heads on long necks popped over the vegetation, he had to take a deep breath to force down his instincts and continue.

Ears twitching, his nose quivered, and he smirked before spinning around with a devilish chuckle. Snagging Fletcher just as the boy was reaching out to tug his tail, he yelped and squealed and squirmed against that godly grip, begging his friends to rescue him.

More pups surged forth from their hiding spots, surrounding him and attempting to budge him in any fashion. Lifting Fletcher high over his head, he grinned up at the yipping boy. “I've always wanted to taste an _Aroogar_!”

There was a choir of lamenting yowls when he opened his mouth wide and slowly lowered the thrashing, snarling pup head first towards his maw that could have swallowed his head like a snack. A few of the older pups stepped back to a safer distance and offered their condolences for his sacrifice to the predator.

Perking, Anubis looked down and flashed that toothy smile at them. “Oh? You think I'll stop with just one? I happen to be very _hungry_!” 

Flipping Fletcher back to his feet, he gave the boy the chance to flee with the other pups when he threw up his hands like claws and snapped over their heads with a menacing growl. Shrieking, the pups took off, the faster ones thanking the slower ones for their sacrifices.

Laughing to himself, his tail swayed as he let his thoughts wander back to Nova and the pups he had every intentions of making with her. Even if it never happened, he'd still have plenty of fun trying.

The moist, mossy ground of the long established orchard was so delightfully cool between his toes. It was enough to make him sigh with yearning for the forests of the mountains. The soothing shade was so pleasant and nostalgic. The dapples of sun swayed with the light breeze that made it even sweeter among the laden trees getting close to ripeness.

After a moment to enjoy, he sniffed the air and glanced around. There was no underbrush here so it wasn't hard to spot the brown fur on the far side, propped against a twisted, mossy trunk and likely napping.

Definitely napping. Anubis could hear his soft snores long before he got close enough to look down on the omega. The teen sure was cute, one hand cushioning his head against the rough bark while the other lay over his belly. With a wry little smile, Anubis leaned down to set the basket beside him when he gave a snort, his instincts sluggishly bringing him awake to startle with a yelp at the sight of an enormous predator looming over him.

“A-A-Anubis! D-Do-Don't do that!” he panted, clutching at his chest as he sat up. “Y-Yer scary!”

Standing over him, Anubis put a hand on his hip and smirked. “I would hope so. I'd hate to think people run away because I'm ugly.”

His face brightening into a smile, he giggled and his tail thumped the ground. “Yer so funny, Anubis. Should g-g-give ye a funny name. Like Nubbie or s-somethin'.”

His whole body reacted, head jerking with how fast his ears shot back. A cold tingling replaced all other sensations in his body for a second. “Uhhh,” he started, licking his nose as he reminded himself that Denver had no way of knowing all the reasons he didn't like that name. “I, uh, would really prefer you not call me that.”

Lowering himself, Denver picked up on his discomfort immediately, scratching the back of his head with chagrin. “O-oh, uh, o-o-okay. S-S-Sorry.”

Sucking in his breath at the sight of the dejected teen at his feet, Anubis squatted down so he did not feel so impossibly large. “I'm not upset. There's just... things that happened in my past that I don't want to remember, and that name brings back a lot of them.”

Perking, Denver looked up at him. “Well, I-I guess I can u-u-understand that, a-a bit. Th-The stuff Nova been sayin' m-m-makes m-me real sad.”

“It... made me really sad, too,” Anubis admitted with a small nod. “I didn't really understand just how much because all of that was just... normal. But, then I came here, and I found out what being happy was like. And, I like it here a lot better. I got to meet you. You've been a really good friend.”

Ears perking, his tail wagged a bit before he blushed and scratched the back of his head again with a sheepish little smile. “Oh, ha ha, uh, I-I-I'm glad ye th-think so. Y-Ye've been a good fr-friend, too.”

He was just so cute. It caused the corner of Anubis' mouth to curl up. Glancing around, it grew into a devilish grin, and Denver's eyes grew wider, a dark, gravelly drawl causing his hackles to rise, trembling.

“I'm not a fool, Denver. I know you like me a lot more than as a friend.”

Blushing deeply, Denver tried to stammer something, but Anubis didn't give him the chance. “One of the many reasons my old home was so terrible was that I never had the freedom to... explore certain aspects about myself. But, since I've been here, I've had the chance to think about some things, and I think you can help me with a little... self discovery.”

Shrinking down, his eyes darted around. “Uh-Uh, h-h-how, uh.....”

Kneeling in front of him now, the hand Anubis put behind his head to draw him close was big enough to crush him, and his heart attempted to hop out of his mouth. Gasping, he put his hands out as his nose was nearly pressed into his belly fur, but Anubis restrained himself, giving the teen a moment to come to grips with what was happening. 

“I've come to realize that I rather like you, too. You're such a... _good boy_, aren't you?”

His hands sank into the dense, soft fur recently brushed, settling on the powerful muscles underneath. How he had wanted to be this close to the lofty Dire, but he had forced himself to be comfortable with the thought that nothing would ever happen between them in the same way as everyone else. Swallowing hard, he peeked up at Anubis with a hint of disbelief, but there was nothing in that dominating gold gaze and expectant grin that hinted at a prank.

Gulping again, he quickly averted his eyes, but his nose quivered at the intoxicating aroma of Anubis' arousal causing the kilt to bulge. Sucking in a shuddering gasp as his heart raced, he glanced up again, licked his nose and willingly buried it into the luxurious fur. There were just so many muscles, taut and hard in stark contrast to that lush pelt. Even after nearly 2 months, he still smelled of deep woods and wild hunts, things Denver had never experienced but tingled his instincts, nonetheless.

Feeling the omega melt into him, he stroked him between the ears. “So it's true. You _are_ such a good boy.” A lustful chuckle rumbled through his body when Denver's tail wagged a little. “Why don't you keep being a good boy and help me learn all about this side of myself.”

It wasn't a question or even a request. The shiver it sent up his spine made his fur bristle and his sheath grow tight.

“Gladly, sir,” he murmured breathlessly, gliding his fingers through that thick silk.

“What a good _pet_,” Anubis rumbled with approval.

With a gasp and a whine, any last resistance dissolved. Given free rein, Denver burrowed into him while his hands unabashedly explored his exceptional physic. The kilt continued to push forward, and he could ignore it no longer. Perking a little, he glanced up and blushed. 

“Uh, y-ye ought to l-lie back, sir. Ye'd be a lot m-m-more comfortable.”

That grin had to ache, and indeed, it did. “An excellent suggestion! Such a good boy!”

Starry-eyed, Denver panted eagerly while Anubis settled himself against the very tree he had been napping against. Now, Anubis watched with carnal delight as his new pet grew bolder in his task. His nuzzles continued down until he could contain himself no longer and pushed the kilt up out of his way. His breath caught and shuddered, staring at the glorious, shiny rod that pulsed with desire before him.

“Oh, uh... w-wow,” he marveled, his eyes wide. 

“Like what you see, _pet_?”

His fur fluffed with the shiver that seductive tease shot through his body, and Anubis saw the excited little smile pull up the corners of his mouth before he sank low between his thighs. Hesitating one last time, glancing up just to make sure, he nuzzled against the sheath at the base of his member, sniffing deeply.

Using a hand to hold his cock steady to his nuzzles, Denver ran tender, searing licks along his shaft, his other hand massaging those delectable testicles. Making his way leisurely to the drooling tip, Denver suckled there a moment as he gripped the base above the knot before sinking down further and further. Peeking up, he delighted in the hazy expression on Anubis' face. His adept technique could hardly be improved by the enormous hand resting between his ears, but the gentle pressure pushed him down even more, deeper into his yielding throat with every bob and buck. 

Panting hotly, his pent up needs were building rapidly. Denver was able to take him a lot deeper than Nova had been able to, at least with her mouth, and he had never tried to force it. 

“Ah, pet, I can't last. I'm going to...!” 

Eagerly pressing his nose into the musky fur at the base of his pulsing shaft, sucking on the swollen knot, Denver encouraged every last drop out of him while watching his expressions. The undulations of his throat swallowing every thick, hot rope made Anubis' toes curl, a frantic wiggling of his tail accompanying his gruff moan.

Spent and satisfied, Anubis panted breathlessly, his head resting on the trunk. He peeked from under heavy lids when he felt Denver slide up his body, snuggling beside him. He could no longer keep his hands to himself, caressing all over his chest with a sweet little smile. Holding him close, the boy practically melted in his embrace, nestling his chin into his fur with a content whimper. 

“You are an excellent pet.”

The boy was just so cute when he blushed and shivered a little, but his waggling tail gave away his excitement with the title. “I-I'm glad ye enjoyed yerself.” He then perked up with a small gasp. “Oh! F-F-Fern'll be surprised!”

Anubis smiled. “Actually, I told him first.”

Denver's mouth popped open. “W-What...?” His teeth suddenly clenched tight with a snap in a snarl that was too adorable to be intimidating and his brow furrowed as he glared in the direction of the hamlet. “That fuckin' dick! Stringin' m-me along like that!”

Snickering, Anubis opened his mouth to reply when every instinct in his body tingled. Sitting bolt up right like his hackles, knocking Denver away with a surprised yip, his head snapped to his left, scanning among the trunks. Without underbrush, the sleek predator's only hope had been its silent approach. Realizing it was seen, the feathered, catlike hunter growled and hissed, crouching low and thrashing its tail indignantly.

Hearing it now, Denver snapped up, his ears back. “A-A s-sk-sk-_skaowl_!”

Anubis lunged to his paws with a feral snarl and every intention of fighting. Growling at him, the smaller predator didn't like its odds now and turned to run back towards the woods along the river.

Shuddering, Denver panted in terror. “Wow! I-I-I'm so g-glad ye were here, Anubis! It m-m-might've e-e-eaten me while I slept!”

Snarling as he seethed, he had to take several deep breaths to try and bring himself back from the wild instincts that were suddenly burning hotter than he had ever recalled.

“Uh, y-ye should go back a-a-an' tell 'em the _skaowl_'s b-back,” Denver suggested, gulping, his eyes darting about though remained mostly focused on the place the beast had vanished.

Anubis glared down at him. “Are you crazy? I'm staying right here until the others come back.” Then he smirked. “I'm the only predator allowed to stalk this pack.”

Though it made Denver's mouth curl in the ghost of smile, the fear still thumping in his chest overrode any amusement. “W-W-Well, it's a ambush hunter. I-It don't attack s-s-so long as we're lookin' at it. Th-Th-They're real skittish. J-J-Just yellin at 'em m-makes 'em run.”

Shaking his head, Anubis sniffed the air again, and remained adamantly beside Denver until the others returned. Warned of the predator nearby, they were less concerned than Anubis thought they should be, but they were worried for the pups.

“Shouldn't you hunt it down?” he questioned with a hint of surprise.

Eli, one of Cloud's brothers, shot a look up at him in bewilderment. “What? Why?”

“It might attack you. Did I not hear that one of those beasts killed your previous Alpha?”

Glancing at the others, Eli nodded sadly. “That's true. But, the _skaowl_'ve been here long 'fore us. It's got the right to eat, too. Unfortunately, sometimes, we're the food. It's why we gotta be on alert. Ye ought to head back quick so the pups're safe. Find Cloud. She'll know what ta do.”

Reluctantly, Anubis obeyed, glancing back at Denver with a smirk that made him blush and fidget before hurrying back with all due haste. Following his nose, he found Cloud in the art barn with many of the other women. As much as he enjoyed spending some of his free time just looking over all the art and watching others create as he waited eagerly for his hand to finish healing, now he hardly glanced about. 

Perking at the news, Cloud cursed under her breath and rushed out the door to let out a quick, high pitched howl. It was one he had heard most evenings when calling the pups home, and sure enough, the pups closest obediently arrived to her side first.

Even Jack trotted over from wherever he had been to discover why the pups were being called back so soon. Hearing of the predator, he agreed they were to stay within sight of the hamlet and absolutely no further. 

“If it's prowlin' up on one o' us in the orchard o' all places, that means it's real hungry,” Cloud explained to the whining pups. “Give it a day, it'll catch somethin' an' not be huntin' for us no more. Now off with the lot o' ya. Go have fun!”

Watching the group slowly wander off, Anubis decided to follow after. Sidling along the barn wall, he smirked as he reached out and plucked a hair right off Fletcher's shoulder. The boy let out a sharp yelp and turned to snap at whoever had dared touch him. The other pups startled, peering at him curiously. Trusting him when he claimed someone had touched him, they followed with him back around the corner, only to find nothing but crates. 

Their chorus of shrieks made Anubis cackle after he had pounced out behind them with a growl. By the time they had all gathered themselves to chase after him, he had vanished into the darkness of the barn. 

As fearless as ever, Fletcher strode right inside to the laments of the others. Glaring all about, he screwed his little mouth in thought and sniffed the air, peeking around the equipment, his ears twitching all over. It never occurred to him that someone so dark wouldn't need to hide very well. Simply to stand perfectly still was a form of stalking, especially when the prey did not think to look up for eyes. Lifted into the air, he could only snarl and thrash helplessly. Realizing he was defeated, he turned to the great void that held him. A sharp, disembodied grin floated in the air with him. Just as he started to lower his ears, he found himself back on his feet, the laughing shadow oozing away as the other pups hurried in to give chase. 

Anubis was just turning the corner in his attempt to escape the barn while the pups weren't looking when he felt the sting of hairs being torn from his tail. Head snapping around, he glared down playfully at Fletcher. Flashing him a triumphant but nervous grin, the boy smartly turned and rushed away, calling out that their prey was escaping. 

Snickering, he was surrounded in an instant, the smallest pups trying to take bites out of his legs. After a dramatic demise, they swarmed his body, declaring themselves the victor in a great battle against evil, only to squeal and plead for mercy when a half dozen of them found themselves being squeezed together in his embrace. The adults that watched called out in amusement and encouragement of the pups, chortling every time the smallest ones were able to cause the demon to still in over exaggerated death before coming back to life when they let their guard down.

The hours felt like nothing. Anubis hardly noticed the time until the pack started gathering, putting things away for the evening. While the other pups whined at having to return to the den to eat, Fletcher waited by the corner of the barn until he knew Anubis was looking at him. With a smug little grin, the boy held up the tail hairs he had plucked earlier. Just as Anubis raised his brow, Fletcher stuffed the hairs among his own. “I'm part _Wogtal_!” And with that, he took off to follow the others.

At dinner in the lodge, Anubis immediately noted that Fern and Denver were not there. He did his best to hide his smirk, though could hardly contain his lofty strut to the heavy stool they had made just for him. He knew he'd be hearing about it later.

Nova immediately took notice, peering at him with her head cocked to the side. The longer they sat there, the more suspicious she became. Since she always sat beside him now, she leaned over and sniffed around him. Perking, she glanced all about and also realized the two were missing. 

He was about to take a bite of his food, but he saw her staring at him with a knowing, narrow eyed smirk from the corner of his eye. “Go see Denver, did ye?”

Pondering his answer, he glanced around to make sure everyone near them was occupied. The side of his mouth pulled up impishly. “He needed some lunch.”

Nodding slowly, her tail wiggled behind her. “Oh, lunch. I'm sure it were his favorite kind o' lunch.”

Now he could not hide that roguish grin and did not even bother as he leaned down close to her ear. “A bit of fresh meat I'd rather have in you.”

Fur fluffing up, she turned to her food, quickly taking several bites to hide her reaction. Returning to his own food with perhaps too smug of an expression, his gaze scanned the pack once again when he noticed Cloud staring at him from across the room with a barely contained sneer. Laying back his ears, he quickly found something on his plate that was quite interesting and avoided looking her direction again.

After dinner, Nova took his hand and led him out to the water tower, leaving behind the noise of another boisterous guessing game. He had a lewd smirk for her when she glanced down the length of her body at him. Blushing, she giggled and hurried up to the platform where they sat with their legs dangling over the edge and looked out over the entire land owned by the pack. They could even see a smudge of the nearest neighboring pack's hamlet. 

Far in the shimmering distance, if he squinted, the dark line of the mountains was more blur than defined. The first time she had brought him up here, he had been more occupied with looking around. Today, though, it made a tight feeling start building in his chest. At his despondent sigh, Nova leaned over to look up at his face. 

“What's the matter? I thought ye liked it up here?”

Sighing again, he let his gaze fall to the ground below them. “This is fine. I'm just... feeling a bit homesick, I suppose. It wasn't a good place, but it was my home. Things just... felt simpler, whether or not they actually were. I really miss Terra and Caesar... even Gray, in a way. I just wish he had said any of that before he... did that.”

Her ears laid down dejectedly, recalling how awfully she had missed her home and family. She had been lucky enough to have a home and pack to come back to. She had been lucky to come back, at all.

“Hey, what's that?”

Looking up, she squinted at an unnatural shadow that glided silently past them in the distance. Gasping, she scrambled to her paws and rushed to the far side of the tower, watching the object continue over the pack's land.

“It's a emergency drone!” she answered him with concern. “Looks like someone from Dawson's in serious trouble.”

“What?” 

“Well, if there's a emergency, ye can call town over the radio an' the hospital'll send ye out whatever ye need. Well, so long as ye got a good reputation o' payin' 'em next time ye go into town. It's a lot faster than tryin' ta drive in. They don't even care what ye bring 'em, so long's it's somethin. They're even happy if ye just donate blood.” 

For a heart beat, Anubis' eyes grew wide in astonishment, then he shook his head slowly. “My people would never do anything like that. Why help your neighbors when they're hunting the same herds as your pack? If they have more mouths to feed, then it means less food for your own pack. Back then, I never questioned that.”

Together, they watched the red and white drone fly low over the neighboring pack's land, disappearing behind a knoll. They couldn't see it drop its load, but they saw it again when it gained altitude, banked around, and headed back the way it had come faster than anything natural. 

“Well, that's true in a way, even here,” she answered him as it was returning. “The bigger packs can take yer fields, an' I heard some small packs get squeezed out like that. But, we celebrate when our neighbors're healthy cuz it means there's more to trade an' share with everyone else.”

After the drone had disappeared from their sight, Nova sat back beside him with a sigh. “I sure hope whoever it be'll make it. Could be a _pazer_ bite. We lost 3 pups an' one o' my uncles last year cuz o' them. Real venomous, but they eat the vermin so we let 'em hang out 'round the _losa_. Gotta be real careful when unloadin' it.”

Shaking his head again, Anubis had a sneer wrinkling the front of his snout. “To think, I was taught the _Aroogar_ had no instincts because they had no dangers on their farms. Yet, I've seen almost as many dangers here as in the mountains. Just... different. More reasons to try and forget that place.”

Looking up at him, she wiggled over to lean against his side, causing him to peer sidelong at her. “I know what ye mean. I try my best not ta think o' it much myself. It... It still makes me scared when I wake up, thinkin' just fer a second I'm still there. I were always taught every pack's got a way o' doin' things an' I should respect it. But, yer pack....”

“Was insane,” he finished for her bitterly, but it wasn't directed at her.

“Yeah,” she agreed with a sigh. Looking up at him again, she nestled into him until he relented and held her tight. “But, yer not, an' that's all that matters now.”

All of his tension released looking into her adoring emeralds. It was often difficult for her to tell what expression was on his face, but the setting sun made his fur glow so she could easily see the loving smile he had for her.

“Well, maybe I am, just a little,” he replied cheekily just before he kissed her. “Insanely in love with you.”

Her tail thumped the wood while she melted into him. When they parted at last, she tucked her head under his chin to watch the dazzling sunset. Smiling with contentment, he happened to look down and notice Cloud's full figure watching them from the shadow of a nearby barn door. Her eyes were narrowed, but her mouth was pursed thoughtfully rather than threatening this time. Realizing she was noticed, she turned and disappeared further into the barn.

“Hey! Anubis!” Startling, they both peered down at Fern grinning lecherously up at them. The unabashedly ruffled fur of his bare chest had tufts of brown fluff mixed in. “I feel like blastin' yer ass. How ye feel 'bout that? Ha!” 

Blinking in surprise, that was not what Anubis was expecting. Glancing around, his gaze rested on the glittering snow caps in the hazy distance. The wicked smirk he had for the Beta made his brow furrow. 

“Hey, Fern,” he drawled smugly. “What do you and the mountains have in common?”

Raising a brow, Fern thought for a second before turning his head to peer sidelong with suspicion. “Hmm, what'd that be?”

The grin that he bared down at him was downright villainous, glittering in the strings of lights that had twinkled on that also set his eyes aglow, and made Fern swallow a little harder than usual. “I should be in the mountains.”

Fern might have died a little that day. Indeed, he all but collapsed with laughter, taking to a knee and pounding his other with a fist as he guffawed. Nova might also have died had she not thrown herself backwards, rolling about as she clutched at her belly, her tail a blur over the edge of the platform.

Quite pleased with himself, Anubis waggled his brows suggestively when Fern attempted to regain some composure and glanced up at him. 

“Shit! Ye got me!” he cried out between laughs.

“I suppose the moment just... happened to be right,” he smirked. “Hope the details were... entertaining.”

“Oh, they were colorful, to say the least! Ha!” Still chortling, his tail waggled as he gathered himself off the ground. “Got a little excited on the poor boy!”

“I assume he's not complaining.”

Flashing a sharp, twinkling grin, Fern turned his body as he was about to head towards the Great Lodge. “Naw. He's a good _pet_ like that.” His devious cackle followed after him.

Wiping at her eyes, Nova sat up and gave him a pout. “Hey, but I thought I were yer pet!”

Smirking, Anubis was about to reply when a distant, melancholy choir rose into the fresh night sky. Heads all across the prairie turned towards the mournful wails. Folding her ears sadly, Nova added her voice to the growing, plangent chorus until it was all that could be heard in any direction. Even the youngest pups yipped along, instincts tingling to add their voices.

Clenching his teeth and folding his ears back, Anubis sighed and stared at the ground. Nova took notice immediately, looking at him with concern. Leaning towards him, she put her hand over his on the platform.

“Join me,” she pleaded just barely above a whisper. “Ye... ye haven't howled once.”

Gazing into her eyes for a moment, he let out the breath he didn't know he was holding in a rush and turned away. “I have no rank. It wouldn't be right.”

Her brow furrowed. “That don't matter. No one cares 'bout that. Yer not a Banished. Yer part o' the pack.”

Swallowing harder than he intended in his attempt to clear the lump from his throat, he shook his head slowly. She had to strain to hear him. “My voice would only scare Veka. I've heard her voice get stronger every time. I would go my lifetime never howling if there's even a chance it would scare her back into silence.”

Sucking in her breath, Nova opened her mouth, but she could think of nothing to say to that. Looking down at their hands, she curled her fingers to tuck them under his palm. “She can't even ask the pups to stop bitin' on 'er. She just stares at the wall. I always gotta make sure someone's watchin' 'er when I'm not.”

Shaking his head, Anubis held her hand in return. “I'm sorry you got stuck with that burden.”

She looked up at him in surprise. “I didn't get stuck with it. I chose to watch 'er. I know why she gotta be told to go to the loo. The rest, they know they gotta tell 'er, but not why... not really. They just think it's sad. An' I can see she's hurtin' inside. She really wants to believe she's free, but then she sees... well, she sees the Maker in 'er sleep an' she wakes up like she's there again an' I gotta start over. Now, she don't wanna come outta the den cuz no one knows how ta talk to 'er.”

Sucking in a breath, he let it out in a harsh whisper that mirrored every bit of how she had felt in that awful place. “I see him, too. I guess... none of us are really free.”

Her head tucked tightly under his, squirming as close to him as she could. “I 'member there were a moment that I knew I didn't need ta be 'fraid o' ye no more when I realized that ye... felt as small as I did. An' when Terra told me 'bout what happened to 'er, I knew that he had ye, too.”

Enveloped by the warm abyss, her tail waggled a little. “I never wanted you to be afraid of me, Nova.”

Before he could continue, they heard Luna calling out for her. “Nova? Nova? Oh, Nova! Quick! Veka's cryin' an' I can't make 'er stop! Soot's 'bout to pop an' she's real nervous with 'er just standin' there sobbin'. I guess the howlin' set 'er off, but I ain't seen 'er cry like that!”

Glancing at Anubis with a concerned frown, he released her so she could slide down the ladder and hurry off with her sister. With a heavy sigh, he dropped to the ground and decided to turn in early.

Rolling about in bed proved hopeless. Sleep was fleeting and fraught with imagery that left him gasping for air, staring at the ceiling. And thinking.

Getting to his paws, he slipped past all the soundly sleeping men, envious of their internal solace. Out in the warm night, he sniffed the wind and dodged the sentries with ease. In the fields, he was able to stare up at the stars and think some more.

The breeze made his nose quiver. Ears perking high, he peered around. The perfume of a bitch in heat was unmistakable. Following his nose, he was more concerned than aroused. He knew the scent of every single pack mate by now, including each pup who was not yet at the age of Rank, but old enough to be experiencing heats. 

Pausing in the furthest field the pack owned, his ears twitched to a voice. It was familiar, somehow. Sniffing the air, his hackles rose high, teeth bared, remembering that scent. 

“That's right. Take 'em all off, darlin. Ye wouldn't want us ta have ta git _rough_ wit' ye, now would ye?”

Her terrified whimper was all but drowned in the chorus of growls and snickers. She was standing shirtless and hugging herself in the middle of an ever closing circle of Banished.

“Don't worry, love,” Red Paw cooed with cold assurance. “We ain't gonna hurt ye... unless ye make us. Just take the rest off an' we'll make sure ye feel real good.”

Trembling too hard to obey, she whimpered again when Red Paw stepped closer, reaching out to caress her snout. “Ye know ye want it. No need ta act like ye don't. It's why yer out here, ain't it?”

Something tight wrapped painfully around Red Paw's arm, causing him to snatch his hand back and turn to see what had taken hold of him. He bumped into a solid shadow looming behind him. From the darkness rumbled a spine-chilling growl. He had to kink his neck to stare up at the opalescent orbs burning down on him. 

The other Banished startled back, each with the same expression of shock and horror. Mouth and eyes wide open in terror, Red Paw tried to twist his arm out of the grip of a god, pressing his free hand against the immovable mass of Anubis' body.

“You wouldn't want me to have to get _rough_ with you, now would you?” Anubis parroted in an ominous drawl, leaning down to thrust his bare toothed face in front of Red Paw's while jerking him even closer. “It's why you're out here, isn't it?”

Jaw quivering for a second, he mustered a nervous grin. “Oh, ah, ha ha, now see, I th-think there, uh, might've been a misunderstandin'. We, ah, we were jist on our way....”

Sucking in a deep breath, Anubis towered over the grass crop, leaned back his head, and released a plangent beckon that filled the silent prairie night, echoing among the many knolls and valleys. Red Paw gasped, feeling the vibration through his whole body, but instead of making him feel like joining, it filled him with a cold and tingling dread.

Glancing at each other, the others tried to take off towards the woods. Growling, Anubis tossed Red Paw to the ground like a twig, needing only a few long strides to cut them off, stopping them in their tracks with his shining snarl. “Don't worry, loves. I'm not going to hurt you... unless you _make_ me!”

His teeth clicked together in a snap that turned the group in time for the closest sentries to burst through the vegetation, needing only a racing heart beat to know exactly what they were looking at. Eyes narrowed and teeth bared, Garth, Swift River, and Canyon stepped into formation to surround the Banished. 

“C'mere, Li'l Meadow,” Canyon, another of Cloud's brothers, called the pup over. Rushing to him with a relieved whimper, he gave her a reassuring squeeze before slipping off his shirt and draping it over her just as another sentry arrived, then another, neither needing to be told why they had been called over. 

“Well, if it ain't the whole lot o' scum,” Eli growled, baring his teeth. 

“Ah, ha, we-we weren't gonna do nothin' to 'er!”

Red Paw and the rest cringed, grimacing in fear when the gathered pack snarled with fatal intentions. 

“Shut yer fuckin' mouth!” Swift River surged at him, teeth snapping in his face. “Sick freak! That's my sister!”

“Hey!” The voice was unfamiliar to Anubis, but the other men only glanced at this newcomer who was standing on and leaning over the wooden fence that separated the pack's land from the neighbor. “Throw 'em over 'ere! I'll rip out a throat er two!” More of the neighbor's night watch poked their heads through the fence line with bared teeth, but were careful to stay on their side.

“What the fuck was...? _Oh_.”

Now was when Red Paw let out a whimper after a dry gulp. Anubis might be a force of nature, but the murder on Jack's face was more dangerous than any Anubis had ever witnessed on a _Wogtal_. It was scary enough that Eli and Swift River laid back their ears and stepped quickly out of the way.

“Ah, J-Jack! Ha, I-I were jist on my way off yer land-- YIPE!”

Wrenching his brother close by the straps of his ripped coveralls, Jack snarled and snapped in his face. Smartly lowering himself with a cringe, he clenched his teeth but kept them covered.

“Ye sick, stupid fuck!” Jack snarled, bristled and trembling with his rage. “I've got half a mind to let Fern here neuter ye nice an' slow.”

Fern, standing a few paces behind him, bared his teeth in a malicious grin. “Oh, let me, Jack. Don't tease me like that!”

There was a choir of approval and agreement, even more of a crowd gathering.

“What were ye doin' to 'er, eh, Red Paw?” Jack demanded, jerking him back and forth a bit. “I'll bet ye were tellin' 'er to take off 'er clothes, weren't ye?”

“Threatening to 'get rough' with her if she refused,” Anubis answered with disdain from the darkness, drawing Jack's fierce, glowing gaze up to him.

“Oh, but they 'weren't gonna do nothin' to 'er,' Jack!” Swift River added with venom.

Red Paw could feel the rage in Jack's body, could hear it in how he sucked in each breath. He certainly didn't need to see it on his face. “Weren't gonna do nothin', huh? Just gonna force 'er to strip an' walk away? That's what ye want me to believe? Is that what ye did with Lyric over at DeVille? Ye know she had puppies last year? I heard one of 'em had a red hand, just... like... you, but she were too scared to talk 'bout it. She... was.... _twelve_, ye sick pervert!” 

“She nearly died!” one of the neighboring pack sentries yelled out. “My brother moved over there, told me all 'bout 'er. She were too small fer four puppies!”

“Hear that? Nearly died! That's _why_ we got rules! Rules ye ain't never liked followin'. Weren't gonna do nothin' with Nova, too, ain't that right? Just a coincidence I stopped ye doin' somethin' stupid back then?”

There was a wave of surprise that rippled through those gathered, eyes widening before the very air reverberated with the growls coming from every throat present.

Jack perked a heart beat, realizing his slip of words. “Oh yeah, we never told nobody 'bout that cuz I took care o' the lot o' ye all on my own, didn't I? 'member that night, huh? When I fucked ye all up? I still got the scars, right here,” using a hand, he pointed to where his shoulder met his neck where there were several small patches of missing fur. “'member givin' those to me? I wear 'em proudly cuz I know what I did for 'em. I followed the rules, an' now _I'm_ the Alpha! What 'bout you, Red Paw? I think _this_ were one I gave ye!”

Jack dug his thumb claw into an old scar on his brother's shoulder, twisting it deep without mercy. Clenching his teeth tighter, Red Paw whimpered in pain, trying to recoil, but Jack jerked him closer to off balance him. In the same motion, he leaned forward with his knee jerking up with all his strength. The resulting sound caused a collective cringe, laying back their ears and taking a step back. Letting him fall to his knees, Red Paw could do nothing but pant in short gasps, heaving bile as there was nothing in his stomach. He hardly registered his head getting jerked back by his hair, unable to focus on Jack standing over him. 

“That were fer Lyric. This is fer Li'l Meadow.”

Teeth bared to the gums, he gripped Red Paw's scruff to jerk his skin taut and, using the same thumb claw, dug a bloody new X across his forehead. Already in shock, Red Paw's eyes fluttered through the blood before rolling into his skull, his limp body slumping to the ground.

With a snarl, Jack spat on him. “That's 3. Next time, ye hang.” His shining, irate glare flashed up at the other Banished. “That goes fer all o' ye! Now, unless ye each intend to stand in line fer yers, pick up this trash an' don't let me catch so much as a whiff o' ye again! Ye'll be wishin' the _skaowl_ got ye 'fore I leave ye to rot in a tree. GIT!”

Gathering their leader, they cringed from the snaps of the men as they hurried off towards the river. The men jeered after them, letting out scattered howls of triumphant. 

Releasing his rage in a sharp snort after them, Jack shook his head before turning and glancing around. His ears lowered to the sides as he realized everyone was grinning at him. “Uh, what?”

“Damn, Jack!” Fern exclaimed with glee. “That were the second hottest thing I ever seen ye do!”

Blinking, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Well, what were the first?”

Looking up dreamily, Fern put his hands over his heart. “The dream I had o' ye suckin' my dick. Keep it near to meh heart!”

The anguished groan came from every fiber of his being, and Jack let his face fall into his hand as the other men snickered and chortled. “Oh my god, Fern.” Regaining himself with a click of his tongue, he flashed a charismatic grin that sparkled in the moonlight. “Well, glad dream me were doin' me proud by bein' that good fer ya. Speakin' o' dreamin', think I'd like to get back to that. An' get Li'l Meadow back inside.”

Canyon and Swift River hurried back with her while the rest of the crowd dispersed slowly. Anubis recognized Stone Paw and Mountain standing tall on their side of the fence alongside their sentries, voicing their approval of Jack's handling of the Banished, though wishing he had tossed them over instead.

“There ain't no way ye didn't pop one o' his nuts,” Stone Paw smirked with joy. “He'll either be dead or have to cut 'em off to infection. Fittin' kind o' end to a pedophile. Worth pullin' me out o' bed to see that.” 

Wishing each other well and a bountiful harvest, Jack started after the rest towards the hamlet when he paused thoughtfully. Turning, he looked up at Anubis. 

“Ye know, when I first saw ye, ye were such a sorry lookin' sob, an' it were easy to see the slaver that ye were, all over yer face. Just, the way ye looked at us, like ye coulda done somethin' awful an' not even bat a eye.”

Sucking in his breath, Anubis put his hand on his chest, hoping his sincerity was obvious in the dark. “Jack. I never enjoyed any of that. I...”

He shook his head vigorously, waving his hand. “No, no, course not. That weren't how I meant. It's just that, when I looked up at ye, I didn't see no slaver. Ye looked so... outraged. Like the rest o' us. Fer just a second, I forgot ye'd ever been anythin' but a Radkial.”

A warm sensation made the side of his mouth curl up to his ear. “Oh. Well, of course I'm outraged. My sister was 13. I would've given anything to have seen my pack treat Mustava like that. Of all the wrongs I did, that was never one of them.”

Jack nodded in agreement. “Course not. Just... made me glad to see ye there. Gave me a bit o' that _Wogtal_ strength, I think.”

Smiling at him, Anubis shook his head. “I don't think I could've done any better. I would be terrified if you were that angry with me.”

Glaring at him playfully, Jack bared a tooth. “Will ye quit with the suckin' up? I'm tryin' not to like ye, an' ye keep doin' things to make that difficult.” Shaking his head, he started back, glancing over his shoulder. “That were quite the howl, by the way. I know I... once said ye ought to stay silent, but I didn't mean it. Yer welcome to join us.”

Laying back his ears, Anubis looked at the ground. “It's... not your permission I need.”

Stopping again at that gruff utterance, his posture lowered with a small “oh” of understanding. Taking a deep breath, his response was quiet with the night. “She called me 'master' yesterday. I... tucked my tail an' nearly ran outta there. I ain't done that since I were a pup, but I didn't know what else ta do.”

His chest was immediately tight, feeling the discomfort in Jack's tone. “Oh. Jack, I'm sorry...”

“No, no. This weren't yer fault. Much as I wanted to believe that at first.” Rubbing at his face with a deep groan, Jack rolled his head and continued back to his cabin. “Get some rest if ye can. I'm gonna go pretend I can go back ta sleep.”

Pretending was about as close as Anubis could get to sleep before the sky outside grew dull with the coming dawn. 

At least, that was what he thought.

Blinking awake, he was surprised to realize he had slept into the evening. Groaning, he sat up slowly, his head pounding. Putting his palm to his face, he had but a moment before he heard footsteps coming to his alcove. Jack's head came around the corner cautiously.

“Oh, look, yer awake this time. Guess I don't need this.” Coming the rest of the way into view, he brandished a long stick with a few leaves at one end. “I came prepared this time!”

Despite how worn he felt, Anubis had to smile and scoff humorously. “Going to flog me for sleeping the day away?”

“Oh, no, see, I like it when yer _not_ doin' the things that make me consider givin' ye rank. Makes my life that much easier! But, there were some concern that perhaps ye weren't feelin' well. Wanted to make sure ye were still alive. Were gonna see if ye were ticklish.”

With a light chuckle, he was able to shake the sleepiness off by the time he was walking into the Great Lodge. Just in time, as praise for his deed came quickly and from everyone. That, and his howl were all he heard of at dinner. 

The only one speaking of anything different happened to startle him while Nova had his attention in the noisy hall.

“Anubis! What'd ye do to my brother?”

The sight of Denver standing there, fists on his hips, giving him a mild glare, mouth twisted with a hint of irk, caused him to fight with an innocent smirk. “What?”

“Fletcher! He's r-ru-runnin' all over tellin' everyone he's part W-_Wogtal_!”

His smirk deepening, he leaned a little closer, nearly eye level with him. “Would you like to be part _Wogtal_, too? I'll gladly share any part you'd like.”

The teen's eyes snapped wide open, his ears shooting off to the sides. Then the corners of his mouth curled up sheepishly and his tail wagged, his hands fidgeting. “O-Oh, uh, ha. Uhh, sh-sh-sh-sure! M-may-maybe later?”

Nova's head popped out from around Anubis. “Hey! That's not fair! I wanna be part _Wogtal_, too!”

Struggling with the smug grin that kept flashing his teeth, Anubis wagged his hand between them. “Now, now, pets. I think there's plenty of me to share.”

“What's that 'bout sharin'?”

Luna and Moon were leaning so far over the table that they were practically laying across it, ears perked. Gasping, Nova tried to shove them away. “Stop it! Omma's lookin' over here!”

“It's when she's not lookin' we gotta worry 'bout ye,” Moon countered, tugging on her ear in punishment for pushing her.

“Yeah,” Luna agreed, though her lewd smile left nothing to interpret about her words as she leaned closer around her sister. “Though I wouldn't mind bein' part _Wogtal_, too.”

“Who's part _Wogtal_?”

Ears back, the five of them looked up at Cloud glaring suspiciously between them. She was leaning forward, her ample bosom hanging right in his vision. Honestly, Anubis might have admired a bit too long, but she didn't act like she noticed, her attention on her youngest daughters.

“Oh, F-F-Fle-Fletcher! Ha, he-he-he been sayin' it l-l-lots!” Denver stuttered hurriedly, trying to cover for them.

“I was just encouraging the boy,” Anubis offered when Cloud eyed her nephew extra close, causing him to fidget uncontrollably.

Looking at him with narrowed eyes, she was a lot closer to him than she normally was. She smelled of all the places she had been that day and a healthy dose of ale and grass. Her suspicion became thoughtful before she softened and shook her head. “That boy don't need no more encouragement to be a wild pup! Speakin o' pups, I heard what ye did fer Li'l Meadow. I... can't even express my gratitude fer that.” She paused a heart beat, adding smoothly, “least, not here.”

And just like that, she walked away to return to her seat. The sisters frowned and glanced at each other before they leaned over each other to glance at Denver. Then, all eyes were on Anubis. His eyes darted among them.

“What?”

The sisters leaned together while Denver stepped over to them to lean his elbows on the table.

“Was omma flirtin' with 'im?” Luna breathed in excitement, a naughty little smile creeping up her mouth.

“Naw, stawp!” Denver shook his head and waved his hand as though to bat away the notion, but his tail was wagging. “She had t-t-too much ta dr-drink!”

“She were definitely flirtin'!” Nova giggled.

“Naw,” Moon frowned. “Can't be! It were too obvious. She don't even like 'im! She says it all the time!”

“Yeah, so do Jack!” Nova countered with more giggling.

Rolling his eyes in a wide arc, he went back to his meal considering he had missed the others, letting them chatter together.

After his hefty dinner, the 4 of them decided to go to the lounge barn to see if they couldn't cute their way into some grass sharing. Though Anubis followed after, he perked when a familiar smell made him turn to find Veka standing by one of the cabins a few paces away. Nova stopped in her tracks, gasping when she noticed her as well.

“Uh, y'all go on. I'll be right there!”

She was about to bound over, but she couldn't go anywhere with Anubis' hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, but he didn't look at her. 

“Go with them,” he muttered softly. “I'll take care of her.”

“Are-are ye sure?”

Now he gazed down at her from the corner of his eye. “I know why she has to be told to go to the hole, too,” he responded even softer.

Glancing between them, she gave his hand a squeeze and joined the others. Once they were gone, he walked up to Veka slowly. Staring silently at the ground, she seemed so far away, like a puppet hung in a closet.  

“_You may speak_ what's on your mind.” The commanding inflection in his tone was so slight as to be unknown to any who weren't paying attention, but it caused a switch to flip in Veka. Sucking in air as though she had just been given life, she gathered herself to speak barely above a whisper.

“I... heard you howl.”

His ears folded back with a grim frown. “Oh, Veka. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that.”

“Please... please howl,” she breathed.

Blinking rapidly, he realized he was having trouble seeing her clearly, his vision unusually blurry. “What?”

“Nova... I heard her say... you don't howl... cuz of me.”

Panic gripped him. “Oh, Veka. No. It's not like that. I just don't want to scare you. I want you to have the chance to have your voice back. I don't want to take that from you.”

Gathering herself further, she stepped a little closer until she was able to reach out and feather a touch on his hand. “I... I'm not scared of you, Master. I....” Her voice once again melted to nothing but a breath he had to strain to hear. “I don't know how to... stop being afraid... of him.”

Anubis couldn't recall his knees ever feeling so weak. Sinking down to her so he was not so towering, he held her close. 

“I don't think I know that either, Veka,” he admitted almost as softly as her. “But, I've discovered here that we're free to try to figure that out together.”

There was a wiggle to her tail that made his mouth curl with elation. Standing up, he took her hand and led her back to the den, dismissing her with the same kind of gentle inflection that brought a spark to her movements.

The moment he returned to the lounge barn, he was met with cheers and offers of grass. Though he received none as his own rations, he had found he didn't really need it considering how often and freely it was offered and tonight was more than usual. 

His mind tingling pleasantly, the moment he sat on an open couch, Nova was snuggled into his side, looking up at him with adulation, and he couldn't help but return it. Another warm body slipped against his other side. Nova giggled as Denver leaned on his vast chest and caressed him unabashedly. Glancing between them with a smug smile, he held them tight.

He had found his paradise he thought to himself. A place where the music made him tap his foot, and where the wild song that filled the night afterwards welcomed his voice, the length and width of the prairie ringing just a little louder for it. 