The Pup (Chapter 7)

                                    

                                          
The Pup (Chapter 7)
So it has been about a week since Anna has been here. It turns out she is 5 years old, going through an early shift, and got captured by the rouges. Which I was only able to learn after she woke up on the second day. She is still a little sore, but that's natural when you shift as young as her. And honestly, I love having her around; it reminds me of my sister.
Now that she finally has enough strength, it's finally safe to leave and take her home. 
"Are you ready, Anna?" I asked, kneeling down to her level. Her big, brown eyes looked up at me, filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Yes, Adam," she said, her voice small but determined.
I smiled and ruffled her hair. "Good. Let's get you back to your pack."
We set off through the forest, Anna holding my hand tightly. The journey was slow, but I didn't mind. It gave me time to think about what I was going to say to her pack. I hoped they would understand that I meant no harm and that I only wanted to return Anna safely.
As we walked, Anna chatted about her family and friends, her voice growing more animated with each step. It was clear she missed them dearly, and I felt a pang of guilt for keeping her away, even if it was for her safety.
After a few hours, we reached the edge of the pack's territory. I could sense the presence of other wolves nearby, watching us closely. I took a deep breath and called, "I have Anna! She's safe and unharmed!"
Within moments, a group of wolves emerged from the trees, their eyes wary but relieved. One of them—a tall woman with baby blue eyes—stepped forward. "Anna!" she cried, rushing to embrace the pup. The power emanating from her, 
So she is the alpha.
"Mommy!" Anna squealed, throwing her arms around the woman's neck.
The woman looked up at me, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for bringing her back," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. "I'm just glad she's safe."
As the pack members gathered around, I felt a sense of closure. I had done the right thing, and Anna was back where she belonged. But as I turned to leave, the woman's voice stopped me.
"Wait," she said. "Please stay for a while. Let us thank you properly."
I hesitated, unsure of what to do. But then I saw the hopeful look in Anna's eyes and knew I couldn't refuse. "Alright," I said.
That was the true beginning of my new life. 
3 Years Later
Three years have passed since that fateful day when I brought Anna back to her pack. I am now 21, and a lot has happened since then. I joined the Crimson Prowler Pack and quickly rose through the ranks, earning the title of top warrior. Not too bad if I do say so myself.
I also got really close to Ariel, the alpha of the pack. She's a remarkable leader and a single mother to Anna, who I still have a strong bond with. Ariel is one of the few alpha females to lead a pack, and she does it with grace and strength.
Life in the Crimson Prowler Pack has been fulfilling. The pack members have become like family to me, and I've found a sense of belonging that I never thought possible after becoming a rogue. Ariel and I have developed a deep friendship, built on mutual respect and trust. She's been a great mentor and friend, and I've learned a lot from her about leadership and loyalty.
Anna has grown so much in these past three years. She's a bright and energetic young wolf, always eager to learn and explore. 
As I stand on the training grounds, watching the pack members spar and practice, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. We've come a long way, and the future looks bright. But the pain of the past still remains. I am happy where I am now, but I miss Taylor and my ex-mate despite my resolve and anger still burning bright.
Breaking me out of my thoughts, Alex, also known as the Gamma approach, had a tight smile on his faces. "Adam, we have a new mission," Alex says.
"Why do you look scared?"
"Scared? Nah, just mesmerized by your charm, Adam!" 
"Real cute, Alex. So whats the mission?" 
"We well umm." Alex stuttered
"Spit it out, Alex," I said, trying to keep my tone light despite the growing sense of unease.
"It's... it's about the Dark Fang Pack," he finally managed to say.
My heart skipped a beat. The Dark Fang Pack was my old pack, the one I had left behind three years ago. The memories of my past—of Noah, Taylor, and Dad—came rushing back, and I had to take a deep breath to steady myself.
"What about them?" I asked, my voice steady but my mind racing.
"They've requested our help," Alex said, his eyes meeting mine. "They've been having trouble with rogue attacks, and they need reinforcements."
I felt a mix of emotions—anger, confusion, and a strange sense of duty. "Alright," I said, my voice firm. "I'll go."
"Really???!!?"
"Well, I mean, I'm the top warrior, so I'm assuming I don't have a choice in going or not, right?"
Alex chuckled nervously. "Well, you do have a choice, but we were really hoping you'd agree. Your skills and experience are exactly what we need for this mission."
"Also, Ariel said if you didn't agree, it would be the sack." He mumbled
Ahh, the sack. When I first joined, I wasn't really a people person, so Ariel had come up with the idea to stuff a sack over my head and throw me over her shoulder and drag me to whatever thing it was that I had been avoiding.
I sighed slightly irritated now, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, I figured as much. Alright, I'll be ready. Also, that is not a choice; that is kidnapping!"
"Thanks, Adam, you beacon of positivity!"" Alex said, relief evident and surprise in his voice that I had agreed so fast without a fight. "Ariel will be glad to hear it."
"Positive, my ass! Go join the training!"
"Yes sir!"
I watch as he takes off, running toward the field. I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread mixed with anticipation. Returning to the Dark Fang Pack was the last thing I expected, but maybe it was time to face my past and see if I could finally find some closure.
The next morning, I stood with the rest of the team as Ariel briefed us on the mission. She outlined the details of the rogue attacks and the support the Dark Fang Pack needed. I listened intently, my mind already strategizing our approach.
"Adam," Ariel said, turning to me. "You'll be leading the team. Your knowledge of the Dark Fang Pack's territory will be invaluable."
I nodded, accepting the responsibility. "Understood, Alpha. We'll get the job done."
As we prepared to leave, Anna ran up to me, her eyes wide with concern. "Are you going to be okay, Adam?" she asked, her rough, strong hand gripping mine.
I smiled down at her, "I'll be fine, Anna. Don't worry about me. Besides, are you going to be okay? You know away from Anna?"
I could see the worry still lingering in her eyes but quickly replaced with enthusiasm at the mention of her daughter. "Yes, she said she's got a few changes to make when we leave!" She laughed
"Oh boy, that'll be interesting." As I strained a smile
With that, we set off towards the Dark Fang Pack's territory. As we traveled, I couldn't help but think about what awaited me there. It was time to face my past and see if I could finally move forward.