*The morning after the events of the previous chapter*

*5/7/90*

In the early morning, Hunter and Rose left Castell Henllys discreetly, slipping into the woods in a way that was already becoming too familiar.

Rose was walking fast, making Hunter need to jog to keep up. He understood, of course. After days of thinking their sister was dead, she was allowed to see her again and help save their mother, who was also miraculously alive somewhere.

Hunter was also eager to see Coraline. Though their meeting would mostly consist of planning for Emma's eventual rescue, he reasoned there would be some time to sit and talk. He was also incredibly curious about what he would see when attending this meeting. It was daytime, so both Coraline and Ellora would be in their human forms. Until now, he had only seen the chestnut wolf in her bestial shape. What was she like as a human? Was she a total savage, like the Temples painted werewolves out to be? Could she even speak? Would she even resemble a human or appear as some strange, wolfish human hybrid? He had never seen a werewolf in its human form up close before. The only exceptions were the people who got bitten during raids. They were always killed long before any wolfish features could come to light.

"Coraline looks normal," he reasoned. "Maybe Ellora will too. Then again, Coraline could be normal because she hasn't been a werewolf for a long time."

"Hey, Hunter! I'll leave you behind if you can't keep up!" Rose's impatient voice called from a few yards ahead.

"Coming!" Hunter ran to catch up with her. He remembered to look around for any Shadows or hostile werewolves.

They eventually reached the designated meeting place, but the two werewolves still hadn’t arrived. Rose started pacing back and forth.

"You, okay?" Hunter asked, looking at his sister with concern.

"Yes. No. I don't know…" Rose groaned, rubbing irritably at her forehead. "I'm still not sure what to think of all this. Our sister and mom are werewolves instead of dead, and we're helping them out rather than killing them like we're supposed to. Theoretically, we could kill them both once we get Mom back, but I think it's obvious that I don’t have it in me.”

"I know what you mean," Hunter said. "I knew from the beginning that I couldn’t do it.”

"I kinda figured, with the way you went off to warn Coraline and all…" Rose bit her lip, staring at the ground. "It should've been me who thought to do that, not you. I am the oldest sibling. It’s my job to look out for both of you. Especially her."

"Well, don't forget that I had more of a bias in her favor," Hunter reminded his sister. After the meeting with Coraline, he finally came clean about meeting Ellora when he was young. "You guys just wanted to save Coraline's soul. Now, though, I don't think it's in danger."

At that moment, the rustling of some branches signaled the approach of two figures. Hunter and Rose tensed briefly, grabbing their weapons before Coraline came into view, closely followed by a tall, chestnut-haired young woman.

Ellora's eyes found Hunter's and smiled. It was a friendly smile, though a feral edge reminded him of her wolfish grin. Her green eyes, terrifying in her wolf form, were mesmerizing in her human form. Her long, chestnut hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Unlike Coraline, who wore her torn clothes from home, the older werewolf was clad in short pants and a loose tunic. Hunter quickly averted his eyes, his cheeks turning pink.

Coraline immediately ran over to Rose, throwing her arms around her. "Hi, sis! Owowow! You're strangling me! Air! I need air!" She groaned as Rose dropped her, shaking herself before rushing to hug Hunter. "Hey, Hunter!" she squeezed him tightly while nodding to Ellora. "Rose, Hunter, you two have met Ellora already."

"Hello again!" Ellora said, nodding her head courteously. Her blood was singing with excitement. She still couldn't believe that she was really doing this. She was talking with her human from years ago. Not only that, but she was now officially on speaking terms with six humans!

In the sunlight, she was truly able to appreciate his eyes. They were the same color as the spring sky. His blond hair, muted during the night, now shone like gold. It was similar to the hair of Coraline's sister. Both humans were simply beautiful creatures.

Hunter bowed his head briefly before holding his hand out to Ellora. "It's nice to see you again."

Ellora shook his hand, chuckling at how formal he was, even though this was their third meeting. "Likewise," there was a strength in the human's warm, calloused hand that she hadn't noticed when her stronger wolf paw had enclosed it the night before.

With the pleasantries out of the way, the four began discussing what they knew. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a lot to go by.

"Scar's pack controls most of this area," Ellora explained. "My pack's territory is limited to the mountain's base, the wastelands to the west, and some of the south and east. His forces are considerably strong and numerous. Ember estimates that his pack is at least three times the size of our own."

"Is there any other information we can use?" Rose wondered.

"Bandit thinks that Scar took mom and me because he…liked us," Coraline shuddered a little at the thought.

"Liked you? What do you-?" Hunter stopped when Rose gave him a look. After a moment of silence, he guessed Coraline's meaning. "Wait, you mean…UGH!" His insides squirmed. "Yeah, okay. This needs to be done soon. If the pack is too big to attack directly, couldn't we use stealth? Brianna is pretty good with that."

"That's what I had planned on," Ellora agreed. "The problem is that no one has seen far enough into Scar's territory to tell how things are laid out. Ember doesn't want to risk attacking him directly until we have more wolves.”

"More wolves?" Rose raised an eyebrow. "I hope she's not looking at Castell Henllys."

Ellora shook her head. "She's not stupid. She wouldn't try attacking so soon after Scar's raid. Besides, bitten wolves take time to rehabilitate. She hopes things will improve by the end of spring." She shifted uncomfortably as she thought about how things were at the dens. The effects of the season made themselves known since spring started. Many of the males were giving her a great deal of unwanted attention. Though an adult and in season, she could fend off her baser instincts, as she had no interest in anyone in the pack. She kept Coraline close, knowing that a new whelp would probably be unused to the new sensations and might do something stupid if not watched carefully.

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Coraline blinked. "Why would things be better by the end of- Oh…." her face flushed. "Right."

Rose, on the other hand, sat bolt upright. "Wait, so werewolves have their mating season now?" At Ellora's nod, her face became pale. "Maidens, if it’s true that Scar "liked" Emma, there was no telling what he'd do.”

Coraline gasped while Hunter made a strangled noise in his throat. Ellora put a hand to her mouth. Despite the season, she hadn't even thought about what that would mean for Emma until Rose brought it up.

After a moment of silence, Hunter spoke. "If you can't risk your pack, maybe we can do something. A hunt deeper into werewolf territory isn't unusual, especially after a successful one like what we had before. We all make up a hunting group, so we won't have to bring anyone who isn't in on this plan. We can even tell the truth to Kenny when we bring nothing back: We were scouting the area.”

Coraline perked up. "Yeah! Ellora or I could slip in to get her out if you can find enough. All we need to do then is make up some story for Ember, so she'll let mom in the pack."

They continued to talk and schemed but eventually agreed that further planning could only happen after a patrol was made into Scar's territory. Rose walked off with Coraline after the meeting. She found herself ready to defend herself from an attack by Coraline. She hated herself for that. "So, how've things been, sis?" she asked, glancing at Coraline's tattered clothes. "What are the other werewolves like? Are they all like Ellora?"

Coraline shook her head. "Not really. There are a few who are nice, like Bandit. Most of them are kinda aloof. Ellora's a bit of an outcast because of some pack politics and people thinking she'll fight Ember for leadership."

Rose blinked. "Wait, really?" A grin started to spread across her face. "What if she does? Then, she can make the whole pack help us get mom back, and-"

"And most of them would die," Coraline finished. "The pack isn't strong enough. That's why Ember's never attacked Scar directly. Besides, Ellora doesn't want to be leader."

"Oh," Rose's shoulders slumped. "I guess it can't be that easy, huh?"

While Coraline and Rose talked, Hunter looked at Ellora, unsure what to say. "Um, thanks for being friends with Coraline. She was probably really scared at first."

"She was," Ellora affirmed, frowning slightly. "I didn't realize that humans thought such horrible things about werewolves. She was convinced that she was damned simply because of what she was. A part of her might still think that.”

Hunter winced. "Yeah, the Temples kinda… Yeah," he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's hard when you're raised to think a certain way, you know?"

"What are your thoughts?" Ellora asked, watching Hunter's face carefully. "You must have known that werewolves weren't simple beasts since you spoke with me that one time.”

"I still wasn't sure," Hunter admitted. "You could have just been a fluke, or I could have dreamed the whole thing. I couldn't tell anyone without risking getting in trouble. Then, I started my combat training, and werewolf raids became more of a thing, and…." He trailed off with a shrug. Noticing Ellora's disappointed look, he added: "But I didn't enjoy killing werewolves. Not in the way I enjoy fighting Shadows, anyway. It was just something I did when I had to do. Also, you were part of why I decided to warn Coraline instead of hunting her down.”

Ellora's expression softened. "I'm surprised you recognized me.”

"Well, I've never seen another wolf with bright green eyes and a streak of pure silver fur running down the spine like yours."

"My mother had those features, though she didn't like joining raids," Ellora thought back to her parents. Neither one had been particularly fond of attacking human settlements and never joined raids when they occurred. It had been one of many issues that had put them at odds with Ember.

"Didn't?" Hunter's voice took on a sympathetic tone as he noticed the past tense Ellora used.

"They both died in a battle with Scar's pack and the horde of Shadows that arrived from the chaos. My baby sister and I survived but got separated. It was the night before you saved me." Ellora's eyes clouded. "Apparently, it was my parents' dying wish that I challenge Ember and lead the pack to glory."

"I'm sorry," Hunter murmured. "Do you plan on leading the pack?"

"No. That's the problem," Ellora sighed. "Many expect me to, and the fact that it was their last wish makes me feel like I should want to, even though I don't." she shook her head. "Ember has flaws, but she's a good leader," she looked at Hunter. "I'm sorry. You probably aren't interested in pack issues."

"Actually, I kinda am," Hunter replied honestly. "I'm probably one of the only humans to ever speak to a werewolf in ages. I mean, if you don't include the generic 'I'm going to kill you!' battle cries," he thought of Kevin and rolled his eyes.

Ellora snickered. "So, humans really use battle cries?"

"Not the smart ones," Hunter said bluntly. "Imagine teams of hotheads who love swinging heavy pieces of metal around with no real strategy."

That led to a discussion about the loudmouthed betas that Ellora often had to deal with, which led to comparing notes about which group of jerks was the worst. Kenny and his cronies eventually won out, as Lightening and Sage wouldn't be the types to set fire to homes due to superstition.

As the sun sank lower, Hunter and Rose reluctantly took their leave, holding some rabbits that Ellora had killed for them before the meeting. "I used my claws, not to worry," she assured them. "I look forward to seeing you again," she said, referring mostly toward Hunter.

"Me too," Hunter replied, nodding at her before pulling Coraline into another hug. "Take care of yourself, okay? We'll get on that patrol as soon as possible. Mom will be just fine."

"I know," Coraline closed her eyes as she hugged back. "We've got the world’s best strategist on our side.”

Coraline stepped away from Hunter to hug Rose, who seemed hesitant. "See ya, sis. If any boys in the pack get out of line, claw their noses off. "

"I'll take care of that," Ellora said. "Worry not."

The two groups parted ways, Hunter and Rose returned to Castell Henllys, Ellora and Coraline circled around so they could say they had been patrolling the borders. If their plans went smoothly as their meeting had gone, Emma would surely be safe and sound by the end of the next season.

~o0o~

Later that night, Coraline was in wolf form, padding around the dens. She was trying to get used to the constant supply of moon energy that coursed through her. If she wanted to help Emma, she'd have to learn more about her new abilities. Noticing a dead tree with several claw marks, she stood on her hind legs and swiped at it. Her nails cut through the wood like a hot knife through butter, and she was stunned at how sharp they were. She stared at her paws, grinning as she took another swing. It didn't take long for her bestial nature to take over. Soon, she was full-on attacking the dead tree, making it creak and break with all the stress she was putting on it. Finally, there was a snap as it fell to the side. Coraline stood over it, panting a little with the exertion.

Then, she noticed something moving out of the corner of her eye. She turned to see one of the males looking at her. She faintly remembered that his name was Lightning. The larger wolf was giving her an odd look. There was a strange gleam in his eye that Coraline could not understand. She tilted her head to show her confusion. In response, Lightning's tail started wagging, and he took a few steps closer, making a rumbling sound in the back of his throat.

Coraline's ears flattened, and she felt her tail going between her legs. There was something weird about the male wolf's scent, which she knew was important for some reason. Whatever it was, it made her nervous.

Lightning paused only briefly at her change of expression before moving closer, touching his nose to hers and sniffing. His ear flicked once, and he licked her shoulder.

His scent washed over Coraline, and she suddenly realized what it meant. She jumped backward, shaking her head, and growled sharply. When Lightning tried to take another step forward, she glared at him.

Her eyes narrowed as she fixed them on his gray ones. Was she not clear enough? "Not interested," she tried to say without words. "Definitely not interested!” Her glare deepened, and, to her astonishment, Lightning started backing off. His ears flattened, and he bowed his head submissively as he moved away from her. Once away, he ran off with his tail tucked between his legs, still not looking directly at her.

Confused, Coraline started toward the den, so she could ask Ellora about what had happened. On the way back, she noticed the red and gold form of Ember staring at her a few yards away, an unreadable expression on her face.

~o0o~

"Oh, Coraline! I'm so sorry I wasn't with you," Ellora shook her head as Coraline finished telling of her encounter, silently berating herself. She had been talking with Bandit, and Scarlet and hadn't realized Coraline wandered off alone. "You really should stay with me until the mating season ends. None of the males will force themselves on you, but you might do something you wouldn't normally have."

"Honestly, I didn't feel anything but nervous when he came close," Coraline said. "I'm more confused about how scared he seemed at the end."

"That was the alpha stare," Ellora said calmly. "I had a feeling that you'd be an alpha, and it looks like I was right," she tilted her head. "But you really didn't feel anything? For most whelps, spring can be…overwhelming, like how the first transformation is."

Coraline shrugged. "I don't know. I've never really thought about that kind of stuff. And I really didn't feel anything."

"I see," Ellora nodded. "Well, I guess I won't have to worry as much about you as I had thought. Still, stay close to me, okay?"

"Okay," Coraline thought for a second. "Should I apologize to Lightning for using the stare on him like that?"

"Absolutely not," Ellora said firmly. "He wouldn't have forced himself on you, but he should have backed off immediately when you didn't express interest. Besides, he shouldn't have been going after a whelp in the first place. I'll talk to Ember about it tomorrow.”

Ember… At the mention of the leader's name, Coraline remembered when Ember looked at her. She hadn't been able to read her expression, but she felt that the pack leader had watched her encounter with Lightning. What did that mean?

Still feeling confused and a little shaky, Coraline joined Ellora on her bed, curling up against the older girl for comfort as she fell asleep.