A wolf's tale (*Starcatcher*)

[Faye]

Faolan stared through the trees, his pack running free through the jungle. Beside him, Kota and Taima rolled playfully around with each other.
A howl rose through the woods, Faolan barked to the cubs to stay where they are. They listened obediently, if not, Keila would snap at them.

Trailing cautiously through the thick of the trees, Faolan headed for the location of the howl. it was a cry of a successful hunt, led by Sheridan. There usually wasn't much prey in this scatter of trees and vines. Only mice and such. It wasn't at all like the plains, but the pack survived.
A deep growl rustled behind a nearby tree, Faolan leaned back, ready for attack. It was Tacoma, the packs female beta wolf.
'I thought you were another bear.' She snarled through her teeth. Tacoma wasn't the kindest of wolves, but she got things done. 'Those creatures have been more braver for a while now. Had to push one off myself.' Her eyes glowed in the shadow's as Faolan calmed. He jerked his head to a sound of rustling just behind Tacoma. Laveta and Sheridan jumped out, Sheridan with a huge snake in his jaws.
'Where's the rest?' Faolan barked calmly. From the sounds of it, they had headed back to the cubs and Keila.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Suddenly Faolan jerked awake.. trembling slightly a bit shaken. His pack.. well not his pack any more. Sheridan had taken over.. Faolan wasn't exactly sure how he had done it.. but it happened. His leadership was stolen out from under him and he was banished from the pack; now a loner. Rising to his forepaws Faolan threw back his head and howled.. his voice contained much grief and sadness.