The Alpha and The Stray

Chapter 1: The new Alpha

It's been 10 moons since the loner was last scented. Dust Fur thought to himself as he and his patrol trotted along the forest floor. Hopefully, that means she's moved on. Dust Fur stopped to mark a tree.

"Rain, Fox, spread out and hunt from here. The rest of us will continue on. Meet us back by the 'Big Owl Tree' when you're done, and we'll help you carry the catch." The two hunters nodded to their Beta and took off. The rest of the patrol, Canyon, Winter, and Blackstar kept pace as they continued along their borders, stopping to mark wherever the scent was worn down. The patrol stopped at the small creek that feeds into the big river down the ravine. Winter bent to take a drink when she suddenly stopped, her hackles rising. Black Star was the first to notice and bounded over, hackles raised as he sniffed around.

"The loner!" Winter snarled, teeth bared.

"It's fresh!" Black Star chimed in, "can we track her down?" Black Star asked his Beta, his blue eyes burning with the excitement. "No," Beta Dust Fur growled, "We report it back to Alpha Smokey Tail. Alpha doesn't want us hunting her down." Dust Fur covered the scent with his own, "let's keep going." He flicked his ears, urging his patrol onward. Dust Fur scanned the forest, he has never laid eyes on this loner, but he could smell she was coming into heat soon. If she mates and builds a nest nearby, we have to hunt her down, Dust Fur thought, his neck fur bristling at the thought of finally chasing her out for good.

Dust Fur, his patrol, and Rain and Fox headed back to camp, jaws full of fresh meat for the day. The Sun Pack had very efficient hunters.

"Since we don't have anymore 'in-training' pups, you two will have to hand out today's catch." Dust Fur said to Rain and Fox. When there were no pups 'in-training', the duty fell to the hunters themselves. As the next patrol prepared to head out, Alpha Smokey Tail exited her den and called the pack together with a howl. The pack joined in, everyone howling in unison as they gathered around their Alpha. Little Legs sat next to her littermate, Fox, and Rain sat with them, slightly brushing Fox with her tail. Her green eyes dimmed when she realized he took no notice of her. Sand Storm, her mate Black Star, and their 3 pups, Cedar, Ivy, and Juniper sat together. Sandstorm beamed with pride that her puppies were finally Warriors, and Black Star pressed up close to her, the love of his life. Elder Dust Cloud gently nudged Elder Boulder out of his nest and out into the camp.

"Not so fast," the old wolf grumbled.

"Hush, and just sit right here," the grumpy old she-wolf snarled, showing her yellow teeth. Gamma Black Stripe touched noses with River, then took his place next to his Alpha and his Beta. River settled in next to her littermate, Winter.

"Do you know what this is about?" Winter asked.

"Why would I know?" River retorted, the back of her neck bristling.

"Just because you haven't announced it yet doesn't mean the rest of us can't see you've been getting cozy with Gamma." Winter replied, huffing sarcastically. River shook her head in embarrassment,

"It's not like that," she pleaded, "we're just friends." Winter cut her eyes sideways at her littermate, Does she really think we believe that?

The rest of the pack gathered around their Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, wondering what this meeting could be about.

"Sun Pack!" Alpha Smokey Tail's growl echoed around the walls of their small canyon home.

"There has been an intruder on our lands, eating our prey and leaving her heat-scent around. If she is seen, she is to be chased off immediately."

The pack growled at thought of some loner or human pet stray stealing their food.

"We will stay vigilant, and keep marking our borders, but no harm is to come to this loner, " the Alpha continued through the grumbles of protest, "I know you all want revenge, but I would never harm a hungry, lost, dog or lone wolf. Once we chase her out, that should be the end of it." The pack quieted as their Alpha reassured them.

"Now, for the true reason of this meeting, "her voice carried on, and the pack listened, hanging on her every word,

"I'm getting old," Alpha continued, a hint of a whine in her voice, "it's time for me to retire to the elders den, and allow my Beta to take over as Alpha. The ceremony will take place tonight at moon high, and Dust Fur will announce his Beta before the next full moon." The pack whimpered and howled at the thought of their beloved Alpha retiring.

"I will be honored to take over the care of our Pack." Dust Fur lowered his head to his Alpha, then stood to his feet, raising his head and tail high. The pack howled, yipped, and barked, filling the air with sounds of approval.

"Everyone eat, and rest, I will call for you all at moon high." Alpha Smokey Tail stood, curling her grey tail over her back, dismissing her pack.

The miday patrol, River, Sand Storm, Black Stripe, Spider, and Little Legs, headed out. Fox gathered some prey and headed towards the elders den, where Elder Dust Cloud was urging Elder Boulder back inside. Fox will continue to pass out prey until everyone has some. This is the time of year that everyone gets to eat to their fullest. Soon, it will be time to start preparing for the cold season.

Dust Fur looked over the camp, I'm going to be Alpha, he thought, sitting up straighter and puffing out his chest with pride. I think I'll go for a run, loosen up a bit before the ceremony. Dust Fur slipped out of the camp and trotted along to the bottom of the ravine. He hopped down some large boulders and made his way to the large stretch of sand before the river. Dust Fur came out here often to clear his head and stretch his legs. He ran up and down the stretch of beach, fully extending his legs and flexing his muscles. After a few reps, Dust Fur slowed, panting from the heat. Dust Fur trotted over to the edge of the river and bent for a drink. As he lapped at the cool water, a sweet scent filtered through the breeze. He was upwind of it, so it was hard to catch. Dust Fur sat up sharply and looked around. A few meters away, a female dog drank from the river. Where did she come from? Is this the loner that's been lurking around? Her fur was thick and heavy, clearly not made for outdoor living, it was clear her coat was meant to be white, but it was grey, matted with sticks and thorns, and her paws black from the mud. A twinge of pity ached in Dust Fur's heart, She has no idea how to survive out here. Dust Fur slowly approached the dog, not wanting to scare her away. I was so ready to kill her if needed this morning, what is wrong with me! Dust Fur thought to himself, he couldn't believe how soft he was being. The fluffy dog took notice and tucked her tail, looking around to run. Dust Fur stopped in his tracks and laid down, signaling he was not a threat, as big as he was. The dog sniffed the air, This wolf smells like the markings I've been smelling. I'll be coming into heat soon. Maybe he can be my mate, the dog thought, giving her tail a slight wag. The dog approached Dust Fur, giving him a light sniff all over. He's so strong and wild, she thought, wagging her tail harder. She stepped back and allowed Dust Fur to sniff her. He's huge! she thought, as he stood over her, bending down to sniff her. Dust Fur took in her scent. It was definitely the female they've been tracking, but he couldn't help but feel intrigued by her. She stepped back and dipped into a play bow. Dust Fur surprised himself and returned the invitation. They romped around, playing in the sand, chasing each other, and wrestling.

They lay together in the sand, catching their breaths. Dust Fur looks at her, and his heart swells, What is this? I should've chased her off! I'm about to be Alpha! A twinge of regret cramped in his stomach, but when the dog flopped over on him, it vanished in the warmth that washed over him. After they rested, he spoke,

"You can't stay here, you know." The dog sat up, startled,

"Did you not have fun?" she asked, scrunching her face in confusion. She's so cute, Dust Fur thought. He shook his head to clear it,

"I had a great time, but this territory belongs to my pack, and we dont take kindly to outsiders, especially dogs." Dust Fur glanced over to her, wondering if she'd been offended.

"I'm so sorry, I had no idea! I smelled you around, but I'm not super clear about territories." The dog answered, jumping up,

"I'll leave now, and I won't come back." she finished, dropping her tail.

"I can show you the border, so you don't get confused again," Dust Fur offered, "Plus, you don't want to run into my pack, they would've chased you off without a second thought." The dog wagged her tail, beaming at the thought of spending more time with this beautiful wolf. Dust Fur walked her along the edge of the river to the start of their territory.

"Here, and try not to cross the scent line, okay?" Dust Fur huffed sarcastically, bumping into the fluff dog.

"What's your name?" the dog asked

"Dust Fur"

"That's a silly name," the dog snorted in amusement. Dust Fur bumped her again and playfully growled,

"And what's yours? Fluffy?"

"It's actually Jasmine." She answered, her hazel eyes looked into his, begging for his approval.

"Jasmine is a beautiful name." Dust Fur replied. Before he could stop himself, he rubbed his face against hers. Dust Fur jumped back, I can't fall for her! She's a dog! The twinge of hurt in her hazel eyes made his stomach drop. Against everything he'd ever been taught, he asked her,

"Meet me here tomorrow?" he held his breath, waiting for her answer.

"Yes!" Jasmine yipped, spinning around with excitement.

"Tomorrow, right here at sunset. Don't let anyone else see you, and don't cross the border." Dust Fur instructed, his body tingling with the electric of doing something forbidden. Jasmine touched noses with Dust Fur, then took off into the woods. Dust Fur watched, already longing for her back. I can't believe I have feelings for a DOG!

"I, Dust Fur, promise to uphold the values of The Sun Pack. To protect our Pack and guide us into the future." Dust Fur's voice echoed around the canyon, under the gleam of the half-moon.

"I relinquish my command over The Sun Pack and approve of Dust Fur taking my place." Smokey Tail spoke, turning to Dust Fur,

"May your heart remain true, and may you lead this Pack for seasons to come." Smokey Tail bowed her head to her new Alpha. Dust Fur rested his head on hers for a second, showing his respect for the former Alpha. Dust Fur looked out at his Pack and puffed out his chest with authority and confidence. One by one, the Pack bowed their heads, accepting their new Alpha. Dust Fur let out a howl, and the Pack joined in, their song echoing through the forest. Dust Fur led the pack out into the night, a Pack run to solidify his leadership as Alpha. Dust Fur bounded along, exhilaration surging through his body, I'm Alpha now! The thought sent a surge of energy through his body, and his dug his claws into the ground to boost himself faster. The Pack followed behind him, letting out yips and howls of joy and excitement. All night, Dust Fur tried to stay present and celebrate with his Pack, but all he could really think about was telling Jasmine how well everything went.

Yips and howls filled the air, echoing through the night. Jasmine lifted her head off her paws and listened, trying to pick out Dust Fur, straining her ears. Its been several sunrises since they met, and Jasmine hated when he had to leave. She's been thinking about him all day and couldn't wait for the morning. He would sneak away and meet up with her in the space they created together, where there could be alone in peace. She closed her eyes tightly and tried to remember their meeting this morning.

Dust Fur brought her to a secret place he found many seasons ago. It was a beautiful blue pool with a stream trickling out, which fed into the river that ran through Sun Pack territory. They spent the day digging out a small den for Jasmine to sleep.

"Here," Dust Fur's deep, rumbling voice was the most soothing thing Jasmine ever heard, "you'll be safe here. And I can show you how to hunt if you need me to." Dust Fur looked into her eyes, practically pleading to teach her.

"I know a few tricks," Jasmine answered, "But I would love to learn from a wild wolf." she said, fluttering her eyelashes playfully.

"I'd love to teach you!" Dust Fur puffed out his chest, beaming. "I'll teach you everything I know." Dust Fur's eyes softened, "But I have to go now. My Pack will begin to worry about me." Jasmine leaned into him, taking in his scent. She didn't want him to leave again. Dust Fur rested his head on hers, closing his eyes. Dust Fur pulled away and gave her a single lick on her muzzle.

"I'll be back in the morning." He promised as he turned away. Jasmine watched as he bounded back to his territory, to his Pack. She couldn't help but wonder if he loved her the way she loved him.

Jasmine opened her eyes, and the morning breeze blew away the scent of her dream. She groaned and rolled to her side, I wish he'd just stay with me and be my mate.

Jasmine climbed to her feet and stretched, I'm in heat now, and I'm ready to mate. Hopefully I can convince him. Jasmine yawned and padded over to the pool. She lapped up the cool water and admired her reflection. She was finally white and fluffy again, after Dust Fur showed her how the thick, longer haired wolves kept their fur clean. Jasmine shook out her coat and sniffed the air, Maybe I could catch a mouse before Dust Fur gets here. Jasmine smelled a mouse near the tree line and slowly snuck over to it. As she got close, she saw the mouse dart from one leaf to another, she pounced, landing square on the mouse and she quickly grabbed it in her teeth before it could escape. Dust Fur appeared right as she finished eating.

"Dust Fur!" she squealed and happily ran over to him, tail wagging. She flipped on her back as she approached and Dust Fur sniffed her over.

"Hi Jasmine. " Dust Fur pressed his nose into her fur as she sat up,

"I have to speak to you," Dust Fur's voice was nervous and shaky. Jasmine looked up into his eyes, expectantly. Dust Fur felt hot as she looked at him with her beautiful hazel eyes,

"I want to be your mate. I mean, can I be your mate?" Dust Fur swallowed nervously, not sure how she'd respond.

"Yes!" Jasmine jumped around, tail wagging excitedly, her dream is coming true! She buried her face in his neck fur and breathed in his scent, her mate's scent.

"I love you." Dust Fur breathed into her ear.

"I love you too." Jasmine breathed.

"Careful!" Jasmine whimpered as Dust Fur climbed on top of her. She was finally ready to mate and they've been successful the last 2 days. Today was day 3, and she was a little sore, his knot was much bigger than the dog she used to live with. Her humans separated them before they could mate more than once, so the pregnancy never took. She was determined to get pregnant this time, and she and Dust Fur have been making sure to knot each time. Dust Fur gripped her hips with his front legs and thrust his p***s. After 2 successful knots, it only took him a few thrusts to find her v****a. As he entered, Dust Fur pulled Jasmine in closer, to keep his p***s inside, he thrust faster and faster, the pleasure causing his p***s to swell. Jasmine let out a small whimper as his knot hardened inside of her. Dust Fur climbed down when his knot hardened, panting from the effort. They continued to mate for a few more sunrises, until Jasmine's heat ended.

"I can't believe my mate is a wolf." Jasmine sighed, while laying down, she leaned into Dust Fur's thickening pelt. The cold season was coming soon.

"I promise to protect you and care for you and our pups." Dust Fur nuzzled his mate, guilt tugged in his stomach. All this sneaking away and leaving his Pack right as he became Alpha hasn't gone unnoticed, but the Pack would never question him. Dust Fur couldn't help but wonder if he made a mistake choosing her over his Pack. He shook his head, too many thoughts were swirling through his mind. I'd leave it all behind for you, he thought as he gazed down at his mate. Should I?