Ruger came limping back into camp. The hunting trip didn't go as planned. Instead of getting the kill he had his leg trampled by angry caribou. He huffed in frustration as Lyle gripped. We couldn't even kill a small one. Now I'm hungrier than when we left. Our leg got broke too. I can't prove anything like this. Ruger i don't understand, is this really what they do on these trips. Not one adult would talk about this trip; they never bring it up. Even when I commanded.
Ruger sighed, Yea this happens every year. Haven't you ever noticed how the members that come back change. Even last year when they brought back the last group that went. Several who's parents are omegas get ranked as warriors. It makes more sense now.
This is how your father runs the pack, keeping the pack strong by literal meaning. I don't doubt that if you don't prove to him you're ready to act like an alpha then you won't make the alpha rank. This also explains why he never let us train for alpha duties. He always said one day maybe. It was so vague.
Lyle sighed and thought, He was always secretive about it. I wonder why, He has always been like that though. He doesn't trust anyone and Lyle knew as a kid he couldn't keep anything secret. Ruger spoke again Don't worry I can have our leg mostly healed tomorrow. We will be able to walk at least. I think we should go with the adults in the morning and watch how they hunt. It would be able to teach us what we did wrong today.
Lyle grumbled but said nothing.
Goodnight Lyle, Talk to you in the morning.
Night Ruger…Lyle said while ruger curled up in a tight ball to keep warm. This was the loneliest he had ever felt. He just wanted things to go back to normal. But now was time for him to learn to place his faith in his pack. Hope they could all listen to him. How could he get their trust again?
The sun came too early for some but Ruger had gotten up with the hunters. They were now circling the caribou herd. The head hunter, a she wolf named Frisk, gave silent commands with her body language and every hunter knew what she meant. They all had a lot of faith in her guidance. She also held high confidence in her ability. She was a part of the tracking unit. Lyle and Ruger along with some fellow pups watched them with great interest; nothing was said between them. Ruger watched the copper-colored she wolf with great interest. How was she able to command such respect even in a lower ranked position? Why did it seem like they all had faith she would put food in their bellies.
As the pups watched the moment finally came, Two gray wolves started flanking a caribou. They made keeping up with it look easy. It was strange with each order followed, the singled out caribou drew closer and closer to its death. Once the kill had run into range all the hunting party jumped out cornering the young buck. They never hunted females even though the males were more dangerous; the pack couldn't ethically kill the ones who bare future generations. The hunter grabbed its powerful legs and started to pull.trying to knock it down. In the process Frisk grabbed it's throat, severing the vital life line with one powerful snap. She released the head and let out a low sad howl. Taking a life no matter the life should not be celebrated. Celebration will come later as they give thanks to the caribou.
Ruger chuffed with pride. This will be his pack one day. Even if he had to fight for the right. Lyle got up as the hunters started to drag the kill back to his father and waiting adults.Ruger now knew why he failed.It was because even the small caribou were strong. He needed his pack mates. He needed to find a way for them to forgive him and his foolish human. Lyle grumbled, I'm not foolish.
Oh yes you are, Smiled Ruger as he huffed and headed back. First he needed breakfast. He started with testing what he discovered during the hunt. He slowly looked about the forest. Ears twitching as he listened closely for any signs of life. He heard some birds, But they were too quick, Then a twig snapped. His face jolted in that direction and he saw someone bolt. The wind was blowing away from Ruger. Who was that? He thought but chose to ignore them. He didn't care what pup was trying to sneak up on him.
They left now. He frowned as he heard another twig snap from the opposite side. He turned to look and this time he wasn't disappointed. He dropped quickly when he saw the squirrel sniffing some acorns. He slowly inched forward and with a powerful leap he snatched the squirrel by the head. I did it… I DID IT… Holey crap I did it. With that Ruger gloriously ate his squirrel before going off to get more. He caught about fifty. With that he happily took the hole one by one back to the camp ground and passed them to each wolf, even to his father. They had all gathered in the field to sleep away the scorching sun. The long field grass provided plenty of shade and didn't hinder the slight breeze much.
Ruger was panting heavily when he finished. He was so tired but he hoped a peace offering would help them forgive. He went to the lake and walked in to cool off and get a drink. His Father had said nothing when he offered the squirrel but he had a glint of pride in his eyes. Ruger knew he was on the right path. Their ranks wouldn't get named for three years. So even if the pups acted now they wouldn't know if they get to keep the title till then and it would be the one who leads them home proving that one a true leader. That position… Even if I lost my title right now I will gain it back. Lyle you watch and learn. This is now our beginning.
Smiled Ruger He had his plan all set. They were gonna watch him rise to the top.
Another day came and went and everyday like clockwork Ruger provided breakfast to everyone of the pups. Once they started to warm up to him over a mutual provider sentiment. He started to back off. He changed bringing food to every other day. Informing each person of the new change. He would start doing patrols on the days he doesn't bring food.
There was some mild gripping and everyone of the pups had started ganging up on Ruger. They nipped at him or chased him away at first. Then they just started treating him like how he viewed omegas in the beginning. Now he really hates it. But if he wanted to earn their respect he had to show them he was willing to try and change. Even if it meant being a bit submissive in the beginning.