Rise of the Underdogs: Jasper

Awakened

While we ate, smaller children made their way over to us, their hands slipping into our fur with squeals of delight. Their parents watched, hesitant, then relaxing when they noted we didn’t growl, didn’t bare our fangs, and only adjusted our stance to hold a more stable position. What these people didn’t know was that our pack encouraged this contact so that it stopped our wolves from turning feral. Stopped them from becoming food aggressive.

To them, it was a boundary-breaker.

To us? It was normal.

When we’d eaten our fill, what was left on the metal-and-wooden platters was scattered to the other dogs living in the village. A calm settled, not clarifying. It was a calm that spoke of inner peace, of paths unfolding with each step forward. One that said we’d gained a deeper, more spiritualistic retention of knowledge and unity.

Reaching down, Geraldine gently patted River’s head, her hand lingering on the twinned moon mark between his ears. “Like the meaning of your name, you flow like water. You have survived to see another celestial cycle. Marked as a Veil-Walker, you are a bridge between worlds for a stronger tomorrow. Grow wise and intelligent, young wolf.”

Moving to Levi, she performed the same motions, her touch gentle and lingering reverently. “Impulsive, but powerful. Strong, but gentle. The form of a wolf and the heart of a bear, you have shown true devotion to family, as your namesake foretells. May your distractions lead to greater adventures as you travel the long road to your new home.”

Then came my turn. Her hand lingered on the blue star mark above my right eye, something only visible while I was in wolf form.

She smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief and knowledge. “The north star wolf – wise beyond his years, and the treasurer of the ancient code, you bear of the burden called responsibility. You have proven by actions that your family is sacred to you, and your heart is true to the course of your destiny. May you find the one who balances, respects, and remains with you throughout all life’s challenges.”

I blinked as Akita emerged, standing between the twins on the stoop while Tara leaned against the opposing rail.

“Welcome back, my brothers!” Akita squealed, throwing her arms around each of us in turn. River knocked her sideways into a pile of snow, licking her exposed skin and making her giggle uncontrollably. She let out a small growl when he got too aggressive, “Stop!”

He didn’t, and paid the price of getting a bite on his ear. A correction for pups unable to understand the original command and a way to show him she wasn’t putting up with it. Then, she let out a small growl, arising from deep in her chest as she spoke again. “I said stop, River Stone.”

Damn. Even without her title, without officially accepting the mantle of the role she was born for, her Alpha blood commanded respect.

Before she realized what was happening, three wolves and two teens bowed to her. Others stopped as well. No movement. No nothing, honestly. It was like the world was holding its breath in respect and appreciation for the twelve-year-old girl who could command her elder Werewolf brothers as if it was nothing.

She stomped her foot, huffing as she crossed her arms. “Jas, why is this happening?”

I trotted past her into the house. Didn’t want to give a human township a reason to have wet dreams.

Yes, I’m being utterly, and unapologetically selfish in that assessment. My muscles? Hardened by years of hard, toiling work carrying logs and my siblings when I had to. My abs? Well-defined and rock-hard. Glutes? Something human men only dream of without attending gym seven days a week. Running through snow and harsh landscapes was harder than a leg-press and gave better results.

Tara’s brother Andrew handed me clothes as I shifted back to human form. Not my usual wear, but simple, store-bought items that looked like they’d seen better days. “What is this for?”

“You’ll blend in better on the ferry and on the island if you dress like the locals. It’s not much, but-”

I held up a hand, “It is the thought that matters. I was confused for a moment because so much has happened in such little time. It’s… disorienting.”

“Any of the females here Mated to you guys?” He asked, his curiosity uncontained.

“No, neither myself nor Levi have scented our Fated here.” I answered pulling the long-sleeved polo over my head. Shoving my feet into the moccasins I refused to give up, I sighed quietly. “Time to go explain to my sister why her brothers bow to her command.”

Stepping back onto the porch, I sat down and pulled my sister onto my knees. “Well? why does this happen? Maman isn’t here to tell them off, but why me?”

“Dearest sister,” I began, brushing her long blond hair from her face. “While Maman is not here you are, and it makes you l’Alpha to our people. The true tether of the family is you, Kita. While you are young and learning, I will bear the cross of your existence with reverent love, patience, and I promise to hold the line until the tine you reclaim your true seat of power.”

“But… but I literally just bossed River around!”

Nodding, I adjusted my hold on her and rested my chin on her head. “Yes, you did. However, you are the only one of us six that contains the Alpha Blood, passed through the last seven generations of female leaders who held the line.”

Her scowl was both humorous and a warning. “I’m too young, though!”

“And that is why, until your time comes, I will contain it. Not to remove you from power, but to ensure you reach that pinnacle when it presents itself. Alpha blood holds true dominance, but untempered dominance leads to destruction. You can command with simple things like the newly-turned or your own blood-kin, but it won’t necessarily work on others. It may not happen until you gain your wolf, and that’s another four years away, Goddess willing.”

Hopefully my explanation was enough. Without mother, there was no way to know if my words were fully accurate.

As we all gathered inside the house, a deep sense of exhaustion settled over me—but it was the kind of tiredness that brought relief rather than weariness. The tension that had been gripping my shoulders seemed to have eased, as though a weight had finally been lifted. Today’s ceremony had demanded more from me than just facing grief. It had also taken the edge off the stress that had been building up inside. The overwhelming emotions that had left me feeling trapped and unable to make sense of my own heart had begun to dissipate, leaving space for something closer to peace.

Supper, served at twilight, was a meal of rich stew and fresh baked bread that was as soft as new-fallen snow. The community center held the whole town. Tables arranged in three neat rows with chairs set on either side, but no head chairs. Instead, the Chieftain sat with his council at a table on a dais that was only slightly raised, like a small stage for town entertainment. The food was not served, either. It was laid out in a buffet fashion where people had to get their own as equals rather than masters and servants.

After we were filled – emotionally and physically – mothers brought their children home to sleep. Many had left to get prepped for the morning routine of coaxing, coffee, and running to their respective institutions before incurring lateness on their professional and school dossiers.

Once the children were handled and those wanting rest over entertainment were gone, a small fire was set in the town square. Drinks were passed, and someone hauled out a Peace Pipe – a ceremonial piece that was carved and decorated with coloured threads, knots, and feathers treated with natural preservatives. Not everyone accepted it as it made the rounds, some simply accepted the blessing and passed it on, but that was the point of such offerings.

Consent and acceptance of personal boundaries was paramount to those who lost everything to someone else’s greed. It showed the understanding of basic respect and accommodation.

Everyone was laughing, enjoying themselves as they told stories and jokes. Smiling freely for the first time in a month and a half, I looked around, watching as some of the men placed bets on the spat Levi and River were into. One man loudly challenged them, holding an impromptu betting pool over which of my brothers would pin the other and who would tap out first.

While Levi has a temper, River moved like water to avoid any attempt at pinning. It made watching them a hilarious spectacle as humans cheered and laughed raucously, egging the two teens on in playful encouragement.

Soon enough, though I had expected the outcome, River grabbed Levi in a choke-hold and threw himself backwards. They landed with a thud, snow and ice crystals drifting up before falling back to the ground. Levi grunted, his breaths coming in panting gasps as he fought River’s hold. Frustrated and red-faced, his hand went out, dark fingers splayed as he hit the snow-covered ground three times.

River immediately released him, but Levi took advantage of the slackened hold. That’s when I made my move.

Grabbing my second brother by the back of his parka, I hauled Levi off of River as he turned his body to pin our younger brother. “Enough, Levi. You tapped out, now let it go.”

“He embarrassed me!”

“I’ll do worse if you don’t get it together, Brother. Now, you either stop pushing your luck or I tell our baby sister. You and I both know that her eerie calm only extends until one of us makes the others bleed.” I snarled.

Paling, Levi shook his head violently. “NO! Anything but that!”