"I can at least try and get someone to help on my own, while you go hunt and dig out the temporary den." Steven objected warmly, nodding her off to go hunting while he limped away from the temporary den in hopes of finding their pack, he howled, no answer, he howled again, there were two answers. Steven made his howl sound more desperate, so they'd know he was hurt and come to him.

Oak sighed but did not object. She trotted away and scented the air. An old scent of a fox mingled with a badger, along with a very faint scent of blood. Another whiff revealed a rabbit scent. Stalking swiftly towards the prey, she spotted its braken fur. A howl rang out, from Steven. As she prepared to pounce, a sudden and sharp pain hit her.

Yelping, she whirled, expecting to see another wolf or animal. Nothing was there. Another howl was heard and then two answering howls. Spinning back, she took off after the rabbit. Within seconds she had seized it and slain it. Dropping the meat, she furrowed her brow, trying to figure out what the pain was. It only took a moment for her to realize what it had been.

I'm in heat again. Oak thought, remembering the first time she had been in heat. She had ended up staying in the females den all the time or out hunting, away from the pack. It should be better this time because I'm not with the pack- at least for the moment. Wait, there's Steven. I wonder . . .

Shaking her head, she picked up the rabbit and began trotting back to the temporary den. Oak soon forgot about being in heat, and she tossed the rabbit on the ground near Steven when she arrived.

"Thanks, it seems like the Pack heard us, they're coming to help" Steven touched his nose to Oak's. "I hope they'll arive soon" He muttered, looking down at his leg, "I'll have to get used to having three legs" He stated, trying to bring back his old sense of humor.

"Oh, thats good," She said, then murmured, "At least partly. Time to retire to my den for a while. I hope the other females can help me fend off the males again." Steven touched her nose and she smiled slightly. Oak walked into the den and lay down. She closed her eyes and rested, sprawled out on the floor.

Steven tilted his head, confused, "Retire?" He asked outloud, Did I hurt her when I pushed her out of the way of the falling tree? Or did she hurt herself hunting?

Oak lifted her head slightly when she heard his confused voice.

"Yes, retire. I'm in he-" She stopped herself, knowing he would soon find out. Closing her mouth she lay her head back down and closed her eyes again.

Steven blinked twice, he srugged and lay down beside her. What was she going to say? He wondered, he shrugged, and fell asleep quickly, waiting for the pack to find them.

Oak felt him lay down beside her and tensed for a moment, though she didn't know why, then she relaxed. Still slightly tired from the day before, she slumbered lightly until she was aoken by a nose touching her shoulder.

"Oak, wake up." Lifting her head, she saw Beku. Outside the den were a couple of other wolves from the pack. Standing, she walked out. Beku woke Steven and they were soon on their way back, led by Beku. He strode confidently forward, his head held high. He seemed to have a certain air about him. And the other two wolves seemed slightly . . . afraid of him? What had happened while she was away?

Steven noticed how odd Beku seemed to be acting, "I hope his stupid sister had nothing to do with this" He muttered angrilly under his breath. He glanced at Oak, she seemed to have noticed his behavior too. Steven sped up so he was matched stride for stride with one of the other pack wolves, "Did something happen with Beku while I was away?" He asked, cautious not to let Beku hear him.

Oak watched Steven lengthen his stride until he matched one of the wolves pace. She knew he must be looking for answers and listened carefully.

"Yes, something did, in fact, happen," The wolf paused for a moment before continuing. "The beta was killed by a wolf. We are not sure if it was a pack wolf or a loner, but its probably a loner. Beku was made acting beta until the alpha makes a final decision."