Frostbite In The Snow

He ran into Shadow on the outskirts of the reserve and they decided to form a pack together. They weren't sure how they wanted to run their pack at first so they played it by ear. As Frostbite is one of the strongest males in the pack, he can breed with any female that consents, though he only counts Shadow as his mate. With this rule, he is father to many wolves in the pack but Shadow does not mind. He agreed to be the foster father to Lichen and Ember's pups, but they count them as their own as he is just a donor to them.

Frostbite sees a lot of potential in Patch, his daughter's close friend. He and Shadow anticipate they will elect to be each other's mates when they are of age, so he is looking to step down as the lead male of the pack to let Patch begin learning the ropes, while Shadow intends to train Sparrow for much longer before she is named Alpha. Such is the way, though he looks forward to a well deserved rest.

***

Frostbite jolted awake, fear making his heartbeat race. Where was he? Where was Shadow? She was supposed to give birth to their pups today, just in time for the move to the Taiga. He looked around, but the clearing was covered in a thick mist.

"Frostbite?" A familiar voice called. He turned his head and saw the faded, starry form of his former scouting buddy.

"Leaf?" He trotted up to her, "But you're...am I--"

"I'm so sorry Frostbite. The last night of winter took you in your sleep." Her eyes were glistening with sadness, and as she spoke Frostbite saw the forms of his other dead packmates appear from the mist.

"But my pups! Shadow was...she needs me!" Leaf licked his cheek once, silencing him.

"They will be alright. Fierce Pack will watch over them, as they have with all pups. They may not know their father, but your grown pups will certainly make sure that they never feel unloved."

"And Shadow?" His heart ached at the thought of his mate, probably in the throes of birthing now and wondering where he was. "I want to see her."

"We can see all members of the pack at any time, but they will be unable to see you until they cross the Spirit River. Until then, you are welcome to rest here, with us. We will be here when they arrive." Leaf turned and walked back into the mist, beckoning Frostbite to follow.

Frostbite glanced behind him, trying to see if there was a way to return. The darkness was cold and silent. He hung his head and trotted after his packmates, wishing he had been able to say goodbye one last time.

Buried by the Creek in the Taiga

Former Scout

Mate to Shadow

Father of Smoke, Root, Quail, Sparrow, Lark, and Mink

Fathered Lilac, Song, Shine, Minnow, and Sky