Star's Story

Star bounded away from Winter and Frost giggling. 

“You two will have to be faster than that!” She leaped to the side as Winter tried to jump on her. She hopped onto his belly and pinned him. 

“Ha!” Star exclaimed. The wind was knocked from her. She found herself sprawled on her back. Frost was on top of her panting. Their eyes ment as they both relaxed. Frost’s eyes were shining with his love for Star. She felt a surge of emotion for him and grinned. Then Winter tackled Frost and the moment was over. Star laughed and ran to swat both of them.

***

Frost stood and listened intently to his father, Oak, paced around the den. His mate, Frost and Winter’s mother, Willow lay close by. Both had worried expressions on their faces. Frost knew that it would be some pack issue, since his parents were also the Alpha’s of the pack. Oak stopped pacing and glanced at Willow. 

“The Tree pack has been utterly destroyed. The two survivors woke up today and told Flower what happened.” He glanced at Frost and his brother. “You two should go play.” He said as Willow shook her head.

“Let them listen. One of them will be Alpha one day. They’re old enough to understand these issues.” Willow said. Frost stood up straighter and looked at his father, ready to hear what he would say. Winter was wiggling with excitement next to him. Frost nudged Winter to remind him that they were in the presence of the Alpha. Winter sat still but his tail kept waving.

“Very well.” Oak sighed. “The Tree pack was wiped out by hunters. The Stone pack has had reports of hunters near their territory. The River pack says they haven’t seen anything yet. We need to organize extra patrols and tell Flower to stock up on herbs. We need to be prepared should any trouble come our way.”

Frost nodded at the same time as Winter. They exited together and Winer ran off to inform Flower of the news. Frost glanced around the clearing for Star. She must be on a hunting patrol. He thought. He settled himself next to the fresh kill pile and took a small vole and mouse. Then he waited for Star to come so they could share lunch.

***

Winter walked over to Star and Frost. He sat down next to them and chose a squirrel he had caught earlier from the fresh kill pile. 

“Did you hear the news?” Winter whispered to Star. She nodded gravely at him.

“Frost just told me.” Star looked over at Frost and the two shared a smile. Winter shifted uncomfortably and waited for them to look back at him. He bit his lip and stared at Star. She loves Frost. Winter reminded himself. He settled his gaze on the squirrel and picked at it.

“I heard the three of us are going on a hunting patrol tomorrow.” Winter said to break the moment. Star turned back to him. 

“That’ll be fun.” She said.

“Can’t wait!” replied Frost. Winter nodded nervously and took a bite of his prey.