Chapter 2
Word Count -:- 5265 Words
Rae woke up the next morning and after noticing the time, she walked out into the lounge room. Her thoughts were on the two children still asleep in their rooms. Their mother had died not long ago taking her unborn child with her and they were taken care of by their oldest sister Katelyn. Both Katelyn and their Aunt Belinda had been away for the past few days celebrating their adjoined birthday. Katelyn and Belinda were born on the same day, however Belinda is thirty-three while Katelyn is only eighteen. Rae had been planning their gifts since the day she brought Brooke home from the Wolf Point Rescue Centre. Rae has been a foster carer for the Rescue Centre since she was sixteen and often took home sick or pregnant animals for the duration of their recovery or pregnancy. Her presents to her daughter and grandchild are the two wolf pups currently asleep by the fire. Dakota was curled up in the right side of the basket with Gemma, the other pup brushed up against her. The basket they slept in was by the fire keeping them warm, they’re both around two months of age. She was pulled out of her thoughts when she saw a tired looking Zander and a distressed looking Sasha enter the room. Zander, the youngest of the three is sixteen and Sasha, the middle child is seventeen. Rae chuckled lightly, they had obviously forgotten yesterday’s convocation.
Zander looked at her wondering why she was laughing and noticed that she was dressed to go out, his mind didn't register the situation for a minute, but as realisation dawned on him his mood brightened slightly.
“We will be ready in a minute.” He said tugging Sasha back out into the hallway, she complied silently.
When they re-appeared they were dressed casually and both moods were improved. Rae smiled at them as she picked up the basket and walked out the door, Zander and Sasha on her hills. The short walk to the Rescue Centre was done in silence, only the morning sounds surrounding them. Rae went in ahead of Zander and Sasha, grinned as the two looked around the centre amazed. The building was actually quiet big compared to the others on the street and it was their first time actually going inside. Rae walked over to the counter noticing the young man from the previous day.
“Right on time as usual Rae.” He said in a polite voice. “Everything is set for your appointment, all that is need is your paperwork.”
Rae smiled in response and took out the documents she had filled out last night. As she handed them over to the young man she spoke. “All the information needed should be there, if I've missed anything, forgive me.” She joked lightly. “Old age you know.”
“Indeed.” Kuno laughed slightly skimming over the documents. “It seems you have everything I need.” He looked back up at her, his smile spreading as he noticed Zander and Sasha walk over. “Ah, you must be the grandchildren.” He stated as he again skimmed the first page of the paperwork. “So Sasha and Zander are to be of wolf breed and the two pups, unnamed as we are yet to know if their mother named them, will be of age fifteen.” He asked summing up the information before him and Rae nodded in approval.
“Alright, well let’s get this done.” Kuno said as he turned around and started towards a door that leads to the room behind his desk. “Zander, Sasha, follow me with the pups please.” His voice trailed out though the open door.
Zander and Sasha glanced at Rae with worried expressions but she just nodded and smiled encouragingly. With a sigh, Sasha picked up Gemma, Zander picked up Dakota and the four of them followed Kuno into the back room.
Rae sat down in the waiting room watching the door with a worried gaze, roughly ten minutes had passed since her grandchildren went with Kuno and she was getting nervous. It was then that Kuno re-emerged from the room with two girls following him. The first girl had mid length, grey hair and skin as pale as the night’s moon, her bright sapphire eyes show uncertainty in them and her aura radiated uncomfortably. Beside her stood the second girl, her ocean blue hair, streaked with black and tipped with a sky blue sat shoulder length, complemented by her beautifully tanned skin, her eyes glowed lightly, the sapphire as her sister but swirling with mixed emotions, unlike the uncomfortable vibe the pale girl was giving off, she had an aura made completely of confidence. Kuno walked over to his desk and shuffled through some papers obviously looking for something he needed. Rae glanced from the two girls, who had positioned themselves by the desk, to the still open door and smiled. She could see a grey bridged, light grey muzzle poking through the doorway, followed by two Crimson eyes, a grey head with a black stripe and two light grey, black-tipped ears. The wolf looked around cautiously before slowly emerging, she watched as his sleek four shaded, grey body shrunk low and moved towards the two girls by the desk. His front paws are the same light grey as his muzzle and the rest of his legs are the same grey as his face and his under belly are the same light grey as his muzzle with white coon-stripes across the fur. The last thing she noticed was his two shaded, grey tail with a light grey tip that swished behind him in an irritated manner. He stopped beside the tanned girl and lowered himself to the ground before his eyes surveyed the area, an ear twitched when his eyes fell on Rae for a few seconds before he continued surveying the area. When he was satisfied with his surrounding he rose up and trotted back over to the door before growling softly. Rae stood up and walked towards the two girls. As she approached the pale girls attention shot to her before she shrunk slightly behind the tanned girl. Rae smiled kindly as she stopped before them. The tanned girl gave her a cautious gaze before she nuzzled slightly against the pale girl as a sign of comfort to the now shaking teen. Noticing the uncomfortable gesture between the two Rae turned to Kuno who had just found the paper he had been searching for. He glanced up at Rae with smile before he turned back to the wolf by the door.
“Zander,” he said softly and the wolf glanced at him with perked ears and gleam of recognition in his crimson eyes. “Get Sasha and come over here please.” He whispered and the wolf’s ear twitched before he disappeared into the room. Rae, the two girls and Kuno watched as a paw stepped out of the room before retracting just as quickly as it had appeared. Rae noticed that the paw was pale cream in colour with a light brown trailing up the leg, it was also bigger than Zander's paw. They heard a low wine and the same paw emerged slightly more than the last time, pale pink stripes shining through the light brown fur. Rae looked over at the Kuno confused then her attention was drawn back to the emerging figure in time to see a pale pink nose followed by a light brown face striped with the same pale pink. The eyes that followed shone a deep rose, twitching from side to side as they looked around the room with worry. The head glanced back into the room before its whole body jolted out followed by a low growl. Rae's eyes widened as she took in the site of a teenage tiger. Said tiger shook her body before looking around nervously again, her tail low and twitching. Zander walked out beside her and nuzzled into her shoulder before trotting over to Rae and rubbing against her leg.
"Sasha,” Kuno called patting his leg lightly. “Please come over here.”
The tiger looked at him suspiciously but approached none the less, she sat down beside Rae nuzzling her like Zander had done.
Rae lightly patted the both of them before turning to Kuno with a confused expression, he smiled sheepishly before glancing down at Sasha.
“I'm sorry about the fact that Sasha is a tiger, and not a wolf as requested.” He apologized, he then explained, “I had grabbed two wolf shots but the tiger shot must have been mislabelled. I offered to right the situation but she said that it was fine.”
Rae nodded understandingly and smiled. “Fine it is, I assure you she will be loved just the same,” She told Kuno looking down at the tiger and wolf sitting on either side of her.
“Ok, first off before anything else I will need to get the pups names, so if you will.” He stated gesturing to Gemma and Dakota before picking up a pen and scanning the paperwork for the right section.
“Pups….” Rae said softly as she looked over at the still nervous teenagers, they both looked at her but said nothing. “Has your mother named you yet?” She asked lightly and she watched as Dakota looked over at Gemma and nodded, the action ruffling her long grey locks. “I'm Dakota, and this is Gemma.” Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, she looked down at her feet to avoid eye contact and shifted slightly closer to Gemma. Rae nodded smiling at the both of them.
“Well, Dakota, Gemma, welcome to the family.” Her voice laced with happiness, she then turned back to Kuno and nodded to him, he then started writing something down.
Dakota and Gemma noticed that Sasha and Zander had walked back over to the waiting room and followed them with slightly unsteady steps. Gemma spotted the afore mentioned seated by the chair where Rae had sat waiting for them. The two teens stopped before their, now older siblings and said siblings looked up at them. Dakota knelt beside them placing her fragile hand on Zander’s head, patting him, Gemma mimicking her position by Sasha.
“We have quite a few questions for you two once we get back to your place.” Dakota said in a serious tone.
“For some reason mother has abandoned us and left us with you… people.” Gemma continued a depressed look on her face.
“And we want answers.” Dakota finished and both Sasha and Zander nodded.
There was a slight silence before Zander spoke. “We will answer any questions you may have for us, but please try to understand that whether you like it or not, we are siblings now. We will discuss everything later but for now, just bear with the situation please.”
Gemma gave Dakota a wary look but both nodded in agreement. Kuno and Rae had finished up the last of the paperwork and both approached the group of four.
“Alright that’s everything, they will need to stay here for a few hours so we can monitor their morphs, so if you have anything else you need to do we would happily look after the four of them.” Kuno explained and Rae nodded.
“Alright then, I will come back when I'm finished with the stuff I need to get done in town today.” She bowed to him then turned to the four watching her. She hugged Dakota and Gemma, who in turn stiffened under the attention, then she patted both Zander and Sasha before turning back to Kuno. “Thank you again Kuno. Well I'm off.” She then turned towards the entrance and started off.
“Bye” Kuno called after her, he then turned to his four patients, Dakota and Gemma looked very uneasy, while Zander and Sasha looked board.
“Alright, well first off I'm Kuno.” He smiled warmly, that eased Dakota but Gemma still looked worried. “What would you like to do whilst you await Rae's return?” He asked looking over at Gemma and Dakota.
“I... Don't know.” Gemma responded timidly, stepping back and shrinking slightly behind Dakota in a scared manner, “What do you want to do Dakota?”
Sensing her sisters uneasiness Dakota thought about something that would distance them from their two ‘Siblings’ and this strange man. “Would it be ok if we went for a walk,” she suggested a small smile adorning her lips.
“Ok you can do that if you want,” Kuno nodded in approval. “But don’t wonder too far, I still have to keep an eye on you.” He called out to Dakota and Gemma who had taken off at the first sign of approval. He then sighed and turned to Zander and Sasha. “You two just want to stay here?” He asked them, they were watching the retreating form of the pups with mild interest.
Sasha glanced up at Kuno and nodded, her answer to his question. Kuno smiled then walked over to his desk to continue with his work, Zander and Sasha followed him. Zander lay down by his seat and Sasha sat beside the desk watching people pass by as the day started to get busy.
Dakota slowed down her pace when she thought they had put enough distance between themselves and the other three, Gemma followed suit. They looked around at their surroundings, there were people everywhere now. Gemma huddled closer to Dakota seeking comfort from the older teen to which Dakota responded with a nuzzle. She then looked back at the crowd and continued walking, they were just about on the other side of the room when Gemma’s grip on Dakota’s shirt ripped away and they lost sight of each other.
“Gemma!” Dakota yelled looking in each possible direction, but she couldn't see her anywhere. “Gem…” She started to yell but she stopped turning towards a short hallway that lead to a main room. ‘Did I actually hear something or was it my imagination?’ She thought to herself as she stood there watching the archway.
“Bane, don’t bit him, just run!” She heard a faint female voice, the same voice she thought she imagined.
The female’s voice was followed by growling that was coming from the main room, so Dakota ran through the short hallway. Stopping in the almost empty room. It was then that a small male wolf pup ran into the room from another hallway, he looked annoyed but at the same time, frightened. Dakota wondered what could have the pup so scared but her thoughts were answered when an adult, male lion, of at least 2 years ran through the same hallway right on the pup’s hills. The lion raised a paw, mid leap and knocked the pup onto his back with a startled yelp. The lion’s front paws landed on either side of the pups head, he's back left paw beside the pups shaking body whilst his back right paw was resting against the pups tender chest, successfully pinning him to the ground.
“Don’t fight back, whatever you do, don’t bite him!” Dakota again heard the female voice yell, closer than before. She watched with worry as the lion re-rose it's front paw, just as it went to strike again a black tiger with silver stripes, markings and a silver band around all four ankles bounded through the same hallway as the others and leapt at the lion, her weight knocking the lion off the cub. A yowl sounded through the room as the claws of the paw that had been resting on the pup’s chest, dug in just before he was knocked off, the action dragging his claws through the tender skin of the pups chest leaving four deep gashes from neck to belly. Before Dakota could stop herself, her legs were moving at a fast pace towards the injured pup. Said pup’s head flung to the side in time to see the lion and tiger leap at each other.
“About time!” He yelled through gritted teeth as he watched the tiger fight off the lion, his attention was drawn to Dakota when said teen dropped to her knees beside the injured pup. Dakota glanced at the slash across the pup’s chest, then gently placed her hand between the pups ears, giving the fur a rub as she softly spoke.
“It’s going to be ok, I'll get you some help.”
The pup eyes widened as he took in the teen’s appearance, but his eyes slid shut as he felt the teens arms slid around his body pulling him tight against a warm chest. Dakota held the pup tight against herself as her eyes drifted to the tiger and the lion, the lion was currently on his side against a far wall whilst the tiger stood awaiting the lions rise. The tiger turned to look at Dakota and the pup with a confused expression in her eyes before she was tackled to the ground by the lion, their fight raging once again.
“Leave now!” Dakota herd the tiger snarl as she pinned the lion to the ground, her eyes never leaving her attacker.
Dakota nodded and took off, following the same path back to the desk where Kuno was working.
As she neared the Kuno's work desk she passed her new siblings in the waiting room but didn't stop to look for Gemma. She ran behind the desk and through the door into the back room where she found Kuno messing around with some medication on the steel bench in the middle of the room. She clenched the pup closer to herself as she walked over to Kuno cautiously. “K-Kuno, I found this pup not f-far from here, h-he has been hurt b-badly.” Dakota stuttered suddenly very nervous.
Kuno turned around to give Dakota his full attention and his eyes widened at the site of the pup in her arms.
“Bane?” He whispered as he approached Dakota.
He gently took the pup from Dakota’s grip and took him back over to the table, Dakota followed him and moved the medications out of the way so Kuno could lay the pup down. He looked over the pup’s familiar body, he was only a young wolf pup only about five to six months old, a few months older then Dakota. Dakota paced beside the table as Kuno started to disinfect the pups wound before stitching the gashes on his chest closed. Dakota glanced away from the pup’s alluring emerald eyes to her blood stained shirt, with a frown.
“There’s another shirt you can wear in the closet over there.” Kuno said gesturing to the cupboard behind them, without his hands leaving his work.
Dakota walked over to the cupboard, the pup watching her as she crossed the room, one paw off the table, his deep green eyes glowing. Dakota took a shirt from the cupboard and left the room. When she returned Kuno was wiping something over the pup’s now stitched up chest. “I told you not to drink that liquid. That it was for another purpose. Now look at you, a defenceless pup, strong or not.” He muttered as Dakota walked over to them.
The pup raised his head, growled at Kuno and then dropped back to the table again, Kuno just chuckled at him.
There was a slight tear as the lion and tiger broke from the tight grip that held them together. The lion landed at one end of the room, on the ground, with a bleeding shoulder. Whilst the tiger landed at the other side of the room, on four feet, unscratched, when the lion rose they started circling.
“Why don’t you just let me fight him?” The lion asked, staggering from the pain in his shoulder.
“Because that would just be worse on you, you know what will happen if he gets too angry and I'm not about to let that happen!” The tiger explained through gritted teeth.
“Why so mean, I thought we were acquaintances Jordon?” The lion asked in a sarcastic tone.
“Give it up Kasanga, you can't win!” Jordon yelled in response, then with no warning she leapt up at Kasanga sending him sliding across the tiled floor on his slashed shoulder. He knocked into the far wall and didn't get up.
“Alright…” Kuno said as he wiped the stitches with a different liquid.
“Is he ok?” Dakota asked anxiously.
“He won’t be when we get home.” Kuno answered in a low voice, Dakota just managed to make out what he said when the wolf pup glared at him, with a low snarl.
Dakota raised her hand reluctantly and patted the pup on the head, his growl instantly disappeared to a low rumble in his chest, which reminded Dakota of purring. Dakota could feel that the pup’s fur was cold, and his skin, hard.
“You’re good.” Kuno commented, Dakota looked at him confused and he explained. “When this one starts growling you usually can’t stop him.”
“I-I guess I have a way with kin.” Dakota whispered, the pup shuttered under her touch not hearing her words and she removed her hand from the pups neck to the edge of the table.
“What a beautiful scent.” The pup purred as he rose to his paws, he scrapped his head into Dakota's hand and moaned lightly. “ Lavender…”
Dakota blushed confused by the pup’s reaction, but she continued to pat him and he continued to purr.
“He likes you.” Kuno pointed out as he put his equipment away.
“Beautiful.” The pup moaned out again and closed his eyes enjoying Dakota’s touch.
“I guess so.” Dakota mumbled as she removed her hand from the pup’s neck and picked him up. She cradled the pup in her arms as she turned towards the front desk.
“I'm going to take him back outside.” Dakota told Kuno as she walked through the doorway.
The pup nuzzled into her chest continuing to purr.
“Ok little one, down you go,” Dakota whispered as she placed the pup down in front of her.
“I suppose I have to go…” The pup gave her a disappointed smile and then he nuzzled into Dakota’s sleeve taking in a deep breath. He shuttered as Dakota’s scent washed over him and purred happily again. “Goodbye for now." He whispered, he then licked Dakota’s hand and ran towards where Dakota had found him.
The teen stood up, watching the pup disappear from sight with a light blush. She then turned and went back out to where she had left Kuno.
Jordon had sat down on the other side of the room watching Kasanga, he was still lying against the wall. Bane ran into the centre room and over to Jordon, seeing him Kasanga slowly rose to his feet and gained his balance, but instead of fighting he ran off the way he had entered the room.
“What happened? He seemed in a hurry to leave.” Bane pointed out with a smirk as he watched Kasanga disappear.
“Don’t worry Bane, he shouldn't bother you again,” Jordon laughed before nuzzling Bane and licking the pup’s ears.
“Thankyou sister.” Bane appraised as he sat beside the taller being.
An awkward silence passed through the room, Bane started down at his paws thinking about Dakota.
“Hey do you know who that girl was?” Jordon suddenly asked curious.
“No I don’t. She seemed to be of dads patients,” Bane closed his eyes, he could still smell her scent. “Although from the medical centre or the Rescue Centre I'm unsure.”
Jordon nodded, she had assumed the same thing. After a minute Bane took in a deep breath and opened his eyes
“Hey, I'm all good now so do you want to go meet up with Danielle and Skype? They're at the movies.”
“Ok then, let’s go.” Jordon agreed, they then ran in the direction Kasanga had fled.
“Hey, thanks for that Dakota.” Kuno said as he turned to her.
“I don’t need thanks, I'm just glad he’s ok.” She answered and then she walked out the front, Gemma ran over to her the moment she was spotted.
“Sister, where did you go? I couldn't find you.” Gemma asked in a worried tone.
“Calm down I'm fine, I just ran into a fight. I'm uninjured and the pup that was attacked is fine as well.” Dakota explained.
“How about we just hang back here till Rae gets back,” Gemma suggested and all Dakota did was nod.
They walked out into the waiting room and sat down, not long after settling into their chairs they fell asleep.
Almost six hours had passed since Gemma and Dakota had returned to the waiting room. They were both back in their natural forms curled up in their chairs. Zander and Sasha were both once again human, they were over by the desk talking to Kuno, hoping to pass the time. Rae showed up about ten minutes after Dakota and Gemma had woken up, she took the four of them home. When they got inside, Rae walked off into the kitchen and the two pups turned to their human siblings.
"Out the back." Zander muttered as he walked into the lounge room and up though the hallway, he entered his room and jumped through the window, the other three trailing behind him. Zander and Sasha sat down on the garden chair across the lawn while Dakota and Gemma sprawled out across the grass.
"So brother." Dakota started with a slight hint of disdain in her voice. "What do you know?"
Zander sighed before looking to the sky with saddened eyes.
"There are a few things you should know if you are to stay here." He started as he glanced at the pups. "Our mother passed some years ago and she took our unborn sibling with her. They were killed by a woman named Shiori, we are unaware of why she did it but we were unable to convict her and mother’s death was passed by. Since then, Katelyn has taken on the role of raising us. She is our older sister and after mothers passing, she felt responsible for us." Zander explained and smiled slightly as he noticed the pups were actually paying attention.
"We believe," Sasha started, seeing that Zander had said his part. "That Grams separating you two from your mother was not an intentional thing. When Grams first brought Brooke home, she seemed as if she was searching for something, she would observe us for hours on end as Grams nurtured her, making sure the pregnancy was moving along smoothly. It was a few days before Brooke gave birth that she took Grams out of the house. They were gone for several hours and when they returned it was as if they had gotten closer. After your births had passed Grams didn't seem even remotely interested in taking Brooke back to the Rescue Centre, she just continued to look after you all. It was when you all turned two months that it happened again. If you remember Brook and Grams disappeared two days ago for a few hours. When they returned Grams mentioned that it was time to take Brooke and your siblings back to the Rescue Centre and that you two would be staying."
Silence took over them as the pups took in Zander's and Sasha's words.
"So, mother abandoned us here." Gemma concluded with a growl and Zander frowned.
"I think she was trying to do what was best for you two. She loves you both unconditionally. The reason why she left you here is unknown, but I do not think she would ever abandon either of you. I think she was searching for someone to take care of the two of you. Kuno said that she had been fostered with multiple carers throughout her pregnancy." His words rang through the pups heads.
"Almost as if she believed the others weren't good enough." Dakota mumbled as she thought on the situation.
"One day you will get to ask her yourselves. We will make sure you both get to see her again." Sasha smiled and both pups stayed silent.
"Is there anything else you wish to know?" Zander asked as the sun slowly descended behind them, casting a orange glow across the lawn.
"No, that's it for now." Dakota responded as she got up and started towards the house, her ears drooped and her tail dragging behind her.
"Thank you." Gemma whispered and both pups re-entered the house through Zander's open window.
Their human siblings watched them go with worry before they followed.
The pups trotted slowly into the kitchen and over to the table. They jumped up beside a bowl of warm meat and slowly started eating.
"What's wrong young ones?" Rae asked as she noticed their dreary mood, Zander and Sasha entered the kitchen just as Rae patted the two saddened pups before she returned to her cooking.
Both pups whined sadly, they stopped eating and just sat down looking at their food.
"They are sad because they believe that Brooke has abandoned them." Zander said as he and Sasha sat down.
Rae hummed as she placed their meals before them. Both teens started to eat, when Rae didn't give a response Sasha spoke up.
"Perhaps you can shed some light on the situation?" She asked chewing on a strip of meat.
"Of cause," Rae replied before she returned to the bench to continue cooking. "But first, I need to know what you have already told them."
Both teens looked down at the still saddened pups before looking back at their grandmother.
"We told them about mothers passing." Sasha whispered and Zander picked up from there.
"We also told them about Shiori, Katelyn and when Brook first came here."
"I suppose you too are wondering where Brooke and I disappeared to both times?" Rae asked and both teens nodded.
The pups looked up with interested, their food completely forgotten.
"When Brooke took me out of the house the first time, she led me to the Rescue Centre. Jordon, Kuno's daughter was there and she translated everything Brook wished to tell me. She explained about a prophecy, 'The Three Daughters.' However the prophecy could only be come true here, at Wolf Point. That is why she travelled all the way here from her homeland just to have her pups. She explained that the eldest female and the youngest female needed to be separated from the middle female, until the three sister's elder brother decided they were to re-join. The reason you were left here with me, is because your mother deemed me worthy as your caretaker. I took her out two days ago to make sure she was still happy to go through with it, and here you are." Rae spoke as she finished cooking her meal. She sat down at the table and the five of them started eating. "Trust me when I say this pups. Your mother did not abandon you."
The pups ran into the lounge room once dinner was over and they curled up in their basket. Sasha and Zander entered after the pups were settled and bid them goodnight before heading to their rooms. Rae, after finishing the dishes, entered the lounge room with a book in her hand.
"Katelyn and Belinda will be home soon, I may as well wait up for them." She thought out loud to herself as she got comfortable on the lounge, her eyes drifted as she read her book and before she knew it she heard the front door followed by quiet laughter.
Rae sat up as the two women entered the lounge room.
"Welcome home girls."
Zander looked at her wondering why she was laughing and noticed that she was dressed to go out, his mind didn't register the situation for a minute, but as realisation dawned on him his mood brightened slightly.
“We will be ready in a minute.” He said tugging Sasha back out into the hallway, she complied silently.
When they re-appeared they were dressed casually and both moods were improved. Rae smiled at them as she picked up the basket and walked out the door, Zander and Sasha on her hills. The short walk to the Rescue Centre was done in silence, only the morning sounds surrounding them. Rae went in ahead of Zander and Sasha, grinned as the two looked around the centre amazed. The building was actually quiet big compared to the others on the street and it was their first time actually going inside. Rae walked over to the counter noticing the young man from the previous day.
“Right on time as usual Rae.” He said in a polite voice. “Everything is set for your appointment, all that is need is your paperwork.”
Rae smiled in response and took out the documents she had filled out last night. As she handed them over to the young man she spoke. “All the information needed should be there, if I've missed anything, forgive me.” She joked lightly. “Old age you know.”
“Indeed.” Kuno laughed slightly skimming over the documents. “It seems you have everything I need.” He looked back up at her, his smile spreading as he noticed Zander and Sasha walk over. “Ah, you must be the grandchildren.” He stated as he again skimmed the first page of the paperwork. “So Sasha and Zander are to be of wolf breed and the two pups, unnamed as we are yet to know if their mother named them, will be of age fifteen.” He asked summing up the information before him and Rae nodded in approval.
“Alright, well let’s get this done.” Kuno said as he turned around and started towards a door that leads to the room behind his desk. “Zander, Sasha, follow me with the pups please.” His voice trailed out though the open door.
Zander and Sasha glanced at Rae with worried expressions but she just nodded and smiled encouragingly. With a sigh, Sasha picked up Gemma, Zander picked up Dakota and the four of them followed Kuno into the back room.
Rae sat down in the waiting room watching the door with a worried gaze, roughly ten minutes had passed since her grandchildren went with Kuno and she was getting nervous. It was then that Kuno re-emerged from the room with two girls following him. The first girl had mid length, grey hair and skin as pale as the night’s moon, her bright sapphire eyes show uncertainty in them and her aura radiated uncomfortably. Beside her stood the second girl, her ocean blue hair, streaked with black and tipped with a sky blue sat shoulder length, complemented by her beautifully tanned skin, her eyes glowed lightly, the sapphire as her sister but swirling with mixed emotions, unlike the uncomfortable vibe the pale girl was giving off, she had an aura made completely of confidence. Kuno walked over to his desk and shuffled through some papers obviously looking for something he needed. Rae glanced from the two girls, who had positioned themselves by the desk, to the still open door and smiled. She could see a grey bridged, light grey muzzle poking through the doorway, followed by two Crimson eyes, a grey head with a black stripe and two light grey, black-tipped ears. The wolf looked around cautiously before slowly emerging, she watched as his sleek four shaded, grey body shrunk low and moved towards the two girls by the desk. His front paws are the same light grey as his muzzle and the rest of his legs are the same grey as his face and his under belly are the same light grey as his muzzle with white coon-stripes across the fur. The last thing she noticed was his two shaded, grey tail with a light grey tip that swished behind him in an irritated manner. He stopped beside the tanned girl and lowered himself to the ground before his eyes surveyed the area, an ear twitched when his eyes fell on Rae for a few seconds before he continued surveying the area. When he was satisfied with his surrounding he rose up and trotted back over to the door before growling softly. Rae stood up and walked towards the two girls. As she approached the pale girls attention shot to her before she shrunk slightly behind the tanned girl. Rae smiled kindly as she stopped before them. The tanned girl gave her a cautious gaze before she nuzzled slightly against the pale girl as a sign of comfort to the now shaking teen. Noticing the uncomfortable gesture between the two Rae turned to Kuno who had just found the paper he had been searching for. He glanced up at Rae with smile before he turned back to the wolf by the door.
“Zander,” he said softly and the wolf glanced at him with perked ears and gleam of recognition in his crimson eyes. “Get Sasha and come over here please.” He whispered and the wolf’s ear twitched before he disappeared into the room. Rae, the two girls and Kuno watched as a paw stepped out of the room before retracting just as quickly as it had appeared. Rae noticed that the paw was pale cream in colour with a light brown trailing up the leg, it was also bigger than Zander's paw. They heard a low wine and the same paw emerged slightly more than the last time, pale pink stripes shining through the light brown fur. Rae looked over at the Kuno confused then her attention was drawn back to the emerging figure in time to see a pale pink nose followed by a light brown face striped with the same pale pink. The eyes that followed shone a deep rose, twitching from side to side as they looked around the room with worry. The head glanced back into the room before its whole body jolted out followed by a low growl. Rae's eyes widened as she took in the site of a teenage tiger. Said tiger shook her body before looking around nervously again, her tail low and twitching. Zander walked out beside her and nuzzled into her shoulder before trotting over to Rae and rubbing against her leg.
"Sasha,” Kuno called patting his leg lightly. “Please come over here.”
The tiger looked at him suspiciously but approached none the less, she sat down beside Rae nuzzling her like Zander had done.
Rae lightly patted the both of them before turning to Kuno with a confused expression, he smiled sheepishly before glancing down at Sasha.
“I'm sorry about the fact that Sasha is a tiger, and not a wolf as requested.” He apologized, he then explained, “I had grabbed two wolf shots but the tiger shot must have been mislabelled. I offered to right the situation but she said that it was fine.”
Rae nodded understandingly and smiled. “Fine it is, I assure you she will be loved just the same,” She told Kuno looking down at the tiger and wolf sitting on either side of her.
“Ok, first off before anything else I will need to get the pups names, so if you will.” He stated gesturing to Gemma and Dakota before picking up a pen and scanning the paperwork for the right section.
“Pups….” Rae said softly as she looked over at the still nervous teenagers, they both looked at her but said nothing. “Has your mother named you yet?” She asked lightly and she watched as Dakota looked over at Gemma and nodded, the action ruffling her long grey locks. “I'm Dakota, and this is Gemma.” Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, she looked down at her feet to avoid eye contact and shifted slightly closer to Gemma. Rae nodded smiling at the both of them.
“Well, Dakota, Gemma, welcome to the family.” Her voice laced with happiness, she then turned back to Kuno and nodded to him, he then started writing something down.
Dakota and Gemma noticed that Sasha and Zander had walked back over to the waiting room and followed them with slightly unsteady steps. Gemma spotted the afore mentioned seated by the chair where Rae had sat waiting for them. The two teens stopped before their, now older siblings and said siblings looked up at them. Dakota knelt beside them placing her fragile hand on Zander’s head, patting him, Gemma mimicking her position by Sasha.
“We have quite a few questions for you two once we get back to your place.” Dakota said in a serious tone.
“For some reason mother has abandoned us and left us with you… people.” Gemma continued a depressed look on her face.
“And we want answers.” Dakota finished and both Sasha and Zander nodded.
There was a slight silence before Zander spoke. “We will answer any questions you may have for us, but please try to understand that whether you like it or not, we are siblings now. We will discuss everything later but for now, just bear with the situation please.”
Gemma gave Dakota a wary look but both nodded in agreement. Kuno and Rae had finished up the last of the paperwork and both approached the group of four.
“Alright that’s everything, they will need to stay here for a few hours so we can monitor their morphs, so if you have anything else you need to do we would happily look after the four of them.” Kuno explained and Rae nodded.
“Alright then, I will come back when I'm finished with the stuff I need to get done in town today.” She bowed to him then turned to the four watching her. She hugged Dakota and Gemma, who in turn stiffened under the attention, then she patted both Zander and Sasha before turning back to Kuno. “Thank you again Kuno. Well I'm off.” She then turned towards the entrance and started off.
“Bye” Kuno called after her, he then turned to his four patients, Dakota and Gemma looked very uneasy, while Zander and Sasha looked board.
“Alright, well first off I'm Kuno.” He smiled warmly, that eased Dakota but Gemma still looked worried. “What would you like to do whilst you await Rae's return?” He asked looking over at Gemma and Dakota.
“I... Don't know.” Gemma responded timidly, stepping back and shrinking slightly behind Dakota in a scared manner, “What do you want to do Dakota?”
Sensing her sisters uneasiness Dakota thought about something that would distance them from their two ‘Siblings’ and this strange man. “Would it be ok if we went for a walk,” she suggested a small smile adorning her lips.
“Ok you can do that if you want,” Kuno nodded in approval. “But don’t wonder too far, I still have to keep an eye on you.” He called out to Dakota and Gemma who had taken off at the first sign of approval. He then sighed and turned to Zander and Sasha. “You two just want to stay here?” He asked them, they were watching the retreating form of the pups with mild interest.
Sasha glanced up at Kuno and nodded, her answer to his question. Kuno smiled then walked over to his desk to continue with his work, Zander and Sasha followed him. Zander lay down by his seat and Sasha sat beside the desk watching people pass by as the day started to get busy.
Dakota slowed down her pace when she thought they had put enough distance between themselves and the other three, Gemma followed suit. They looked around at their surroundings, there were people everywhere now. Gemma huddled closer to Dakota seeking comfort from the older teen to which Dakota responded with a nuzzle. She then looked back at the crowd and continued walking, they were just about on the other side of the room when Gemma’s grip on Dakota’s shirt ripped away and they lost sight of each other.
“Gemma!” Dakota yelled looking in each possible direction, but she couldn't see her anywhere. “Gem…” She started to yell but she stopped turning towards a short hallway that lead to a main room. ‘Did I actually hear something or was it my imagination?’ She thought to herself as she stood there watching the archway.
“Bane, don’t bit him, just run!” She heard a faint female voice, the same voice she thought she imagined.
The female’s voice was followed by growling that was coming from the main room, so Dakota ran through the short hallway. Stopping in the almost empty room. It was then that a small male wolf pup ran into the room from another hallway, he looked annoyed but at the same time, frightened. Dakota wondered what could have the pup so scared but her thoughts were answered when an adult, male lion, of at least 2 years ran through the same hallway right on the pup’s hills. The lion raised a paw, mid leap and knocked the pup onto his back with a startled yelp. The lion’s front paws landed on either side of the pups head, he's back left paw beside the pups shaking body whilst his back right paw was resting against the pups tender chest, successfully pinning him to the ground.
“Don’t fight back, whatever you do, don’t bite him!” Dakota again heard the female voice yell, closer than before. She watched with worry as the lion re-rose it's front paw, just as it went to strike again a black tiger with silver stripes, markings and a silver band around all four ankles bounded through the same hallway as the others and leapt at the lion, her weight knocking the lion off the cub. A yowl sounded through the room as the claws of the paw that had been resting on the pup’s chest, dug in just before he was knocked off, the action dragging his claws through the tender skin of the pups chest leaving four deep gashes from neck to belly. Before Dakota could stop herself, her legs were moving at a fast pace towards the injured pup. Said pup’s head flung to the side in time to see the lion and tiger leap at each other.
“About time!” He yelled through gritted teeth as he watched the tiger fight off the lion, his attention was drawn to Dakota when said teen dropped to her knees beside the injured pup. Dakota glanced at the slash across the pup’s chest, then gently placed her hand between the pups ears, giving the fur a rub as she softly spoke.
“It’s going to be ok, I'll get you some help.”
The pup eyes widened as he took in the teen’s appearance, but his eyes slid shut as he felt the teens arms slid around his body pulling him tight against a warm chest. Dakota held the pup tight against herself as her eyes drifted to the tiger and the lion, the lion was currently on his side against a far wall whilst the tiger stood awaiting the lions rise. The tiger turned to look at Dakota and the pup with a confused expression in her eyes before she was tackled to the ground by the lion, their fight raging once again.
“Leave now!” Dakota herd the tiger snarl as she pinned the lion to the ground, her eyes never leaving her attacker.
Dakota nodded and took off, following the same path back to the desk where Kuno was working.
As she neared the Kuno's work desk she passed her new siblings in the waiting room but didn't stop to look for Gemma. She ran behind the desk and through the door into the back room where she found Kuno messing around with some medication on the steel bench in the middle of the room. She clenched the pup closer to herself as she walked over to Kuno cautiously. “K-Kuno, I found this pup not f-far from here, h-he has been hurt b-badly.” Dakota stuttered suddenly very nervous.
Kuno turned around to give Dakota his full attention and his eyes widened at the site of the pup in her arms.
“Bane?” He whispered as he approached Dakota.
He gently took the pup from Dakota’s grip and took him back over to the table, Dakota followed him and moved the medications out of the way so Kuno could lay the pup down. He looked over the pup’s familiar body, he was only a young wolf pup only about five to six months old, a few months older then Dakota. Dakota paced beside the table as Kuno started to disinfect the pups wound before stitching the gashes on his chest closed. Dakota glanced away from the pup’s alluring emerald eyes to her blood stained shirt, with a frown.
“There’s another shirt you can wear in the closet over there.” Kuno said gesturing to the cupboard behind them, without his hands leaving his work.
Dakota walked over to the cupboard, the pup watching her as she crossed the room, one paw off the table, his deep green eyes glowing. Dakota took a shirt from the cupboard and left the room. When she returned Kuno was wiping something over the pup’s now stitched up chest. “I told you not to drink that liquid. That it was for another purpose. Now look at you, a defenceless pup, strong or not.” He muttered as Dakota walked over to them.
The pup raised his head, growled at Kuno and then dropped back to the table again, Kuno just chuckled at him.
There was a slight tear as the lion and tiger broke from the tight grip that held them together. The lion landed at one end of the room, on the ground, with a bleeding shoulder. Whilst the tiger landed at the other side of the room, on four feet, unscratched, when the lion rose they started circling.
“Why don’t you just let me fight him?” The lion asked, staggering from the pain in his shoulder.
“Because that would just be worse on you, you know what will happen if he gets too angry and I'm not about to let that happen!” The tiger explained through gritted teeth.
“Why so mean, I thought we were acquaintances Jordon?” The lion asked in a sarcastic tone.
“Give it up Kasanga, you can't win!” Jordon yelled in response, then with no warning she leapt up at Kasanga sending him sliding across the tiled floor on his slashed shoulder. He knocked into the far wall and didn't get up.
“Alright…” Kuno said as he wiped the stitches with a different liquid.
“Is he ok?” Dakota asked anxiously.
“He won’t be when we get home.” Kuno answered in a low voice, Dakota just managed to make out what he said when the wolf pup glared at him, with a low snarl.
Dakota raised her hand reluctantly and patted the pup on the head, his growl instantly disappeared to a low rumble in his chest, which reminded Dakota of purring. Dakota could feel that the pup’s fur was cold, and his skin, hard.
“You’re good.” Kuno commented, Dakota looked at him confused and he explained. “When this one starts growling you usually can’t stop him.”
“I-I guess I have a way with kin.” Dakota whispered, the pup shuttered under her touch not hearing her words and she removed her hand from the pups neck to the edge of the table.
“What a beautiful scent.” The pup purred as he rose to his paws, he scrapped his head into Dakota's hand and moaned lightly. “ Lavender…”
Dakota blushed confused by the pup’s reaction, but she continued to pat him and he continued to purr.
“He likes you.” Kuno pointed out as he put his equipment away.
“Beautiful.” The pup moaned out again and closed his eyes enjoying Dakota’s touch.
“I guess so.” Dakota mumbled as she removed her hand from the pup’s neck and picked him up. She cradled the pup in her arms as she turned towards the front desk.
“I'm going to take him back outside.” Dakota told Kuno as she walked through the doorway.
The pup nuzzled into her chest continuing to purr.
“Ok little one, down you go,” Dakota whispered as she placed the pup down in front of her.
“I suppose I have to go…” The pup gave her a disappointed smile and then he nuzzled into Dakota’s sleeve taking in a deep breath. He shuttered as Dakota’s scent washed over him and purred happily again. “Goodbye for now." He whispered, he then licked Dakota’s hand and ran towards where Dakota had found him.
The teen stood up, watching the pup disappear from sight with a light blush. She then turned and went back out to where she had left Kuno.
Jordon had sat down on the other side of the room watching Kasanga, he was still lying against the wall. Bane ran into the centre room and over to Jordon, seeing him Kasanga slowly rose to his feet and gained his balance, but instead of fighting he ran off the way he had entered the room.
“What happened? He seemed in a hurry to leave.” Bane pointed out with a smirk as he watched Kasanga disappear.
“Don’t worry Bane, he shouldn't bother you again,” Jordon laughed before nuzzling Bane and licking the pup’s ears.
“Thankyou sister.” Bane appraised as he sat beside the taller being.
An awkward silence passed through the room, Bane started down at his paws thinking about Dakota.
“Hey do you know who that girl was?” Jordon suddenly asked curious.
“No I don’t. She seemed to be of dads patients,” Bane closed his eyes, he could still smell her scent. “Although from the medical centre or the Rescue Centre I'm unsure.”
Jordon nodded, she had assumed the same thing. After a minute Bane took in a deep breath and opened his eyes
“Hey, I'm all good now so do you want to go meet up with Danielle and Skype? They're at the movies.”
“Ok then, let’s go.” Jordon agreed, they then ran in the direction Kasanga had fled.
“Hey, thanks for that Dakota.” Kuno said as he turned to her.
“I don’t need thanks, I'm just glad he’s ok.” She answered and then she walked out the front, Gemma ran over to her the moment she was spotted.
“Sister, where did you go? I couldn't find you.” Gemma asked in a worried tone.
“Calm down I'm fine, I just ran into a fight. I'm uninjured and the pup that was attacked is fine as well.” Dakota explained.
“How about we just hang back here till Rae gets back,” Gemma suggested and all Dakota did was nod.
They walked out into the waiting room and sat down, not long after settling into their chairs they fell asleep.
Almost six hours had passed since Gemma and Dakota had returned to the waiting room. They were both back in their natural forms curled up in their chairs. Zander and Sasha were both once again human, they were over by the desk talking to Kuno, hoping to pass the time. Rae showed up about ten minutes after Dakota and Gemma had woken up, she took the four of them home. When they got inside, Rae walked off into the kitchen and the two pups turned to their human siblings.
"Out the back." Zander muttered as he walked into the lounge room and up though the hallway, he entered his room and jumped through the window, the other three trailing behind him. Zander and Sasha sat down on the garden chair across the lawn while Dakota and Gemma sprawled out across the grass.
"So brother." Dakota started with a slight hint of disdain in her voice. "What do you know?"
Zander sighed before looking to the sky with saddened eyes.
"There are a few things you should know if you are to stay here." He started as he glanced at the pups. "Our mother passed some years ago and she took our unborn sibling with her. They were killed by a woman named Shiori, we are unaware of why she did it but we were unable to convict her and mother’s death was passed by. Since then, Katelyn has taken on the role of raising us. She is our older sister and after mothers passing, she felt responsible for us." Zander explained and smiled slightly as he noticed the pups were actually paying attention.
"We believe," Sasha started, seeing that Zander had said his part. "That Grams separating you two from your mother was not an intentional thing. When Grams first brought Brooke home, she seemed as if she was searching for something, she would observe us for hours on end as Grams nurtured her, making sure the pregnancy was moving along smoothly. It was a few days before Brooke gave birth that she took Grams out of the house. They were gone for several hours and when they returned it was as if they had gotten closer. After your births had passed Grams didn't seem even remotely interested in taking Brooke back to the Rescue Centre, she just continued to look after you all. It was when you all turned two months that it happened again. If you remember Brook and Grams disappeared two days ago for a few hours. When they returned Grams mentioned that it was time to take Brooke and your siblings back to the Rescue Centre and that you two would be staying."
Silence took over them as the pups took in Zander's and Sasha's words.
"So, mother abandoned us here." Gemma concluded with a growl and Zander frowned.
"I think she was trying to do what was best for you two. She loves you both unconditionally. The reason why she left you here is unknown, but I do not think she would ever abandon either of you. I think she was searching for someone to take care of the two of you. Kuno said that she had been fostered with multiple carers throughout her pregnancy." His words rang through the pups heads.
"Almost as if she believed the others weren't good enough." Dakota mumbled as she thought on the situation.
"One day you will get to ask her yourselves. We will make sure you both get to see her again." Sasha smiled and both pups stayed silent.
"Is there anything else you wish to know?" Zander asked as the sun slowly descended behind them, casting a orange glow across the lawn.
"No, that's it for now." Dakota responded as she got up and started towards the house, her ears drooped and her tail dragging behind her.
"Thank you." Gemma whispered and both pups re-entered the house through Zander's open window.
Their human siblings watched them go with worry before they followed.
The pups trotted slowly into the kitchen and over to the table. They jumped up beside a bowl of warm meat and slowly started eating.
"What's wrong young ones?" Rae asked as she noticed their dreary mood, Zander and Sasha entered the kitchen just as Rae patted the two saddened pups before she returned to her cooking.
Both pups whined sadly, they stopped eating and just sat down looking at their food.
"They are sad because they believe that Brooke has abandoned them." Zander said as he and Sasha sat down.
Rae hummed as she placed their meals before them. Both teens started to eat, when Rae didn't give a response Sasha spoke up.
"Perhaps you can shed some light on the situation?" She asked chewing on a strip of meat.
"Of cause," Rae replied before she returned to the bench to continue cooking. "But first, I need to know what you have already told them."
Both teens looked down at the still saddened pups before looking back at their grandmother.
"We told them about mothers passing." Sasha whispered and Zander picked up from there.
"We also told them about Shiori, Katelyn and when Brook first came here."
"I suppose you too are wondering where Brooke and I disappeared to both times?" Rae asked and both teens nodded.
The pups looked up with interested, their food completely forgotten.
"When Brooke took me out of the house the first time, she led me to the Rescue Centre. Jordon, Kuno's daughter was there and she translated everything Brook wished to tell me. She explained about a prophecy, 'The Three Daughters.' However the prophecy could only be come true here, at Wolf Point. That is why she travelled all the way here from her homeland just to have her pups. She explained that the eldest female and the youngest female needed to be separated from the middle female, until the three sister's elder brother decided they were to re-join. The reason you were left here with me, is because your mother deemed me worthy as your caretaker. I took her out two days ago to make sure she was still happy to go through with it, and here you are." Rae spoke as she finished cooking her meal. She sat down at the table and the five of them started eating. "Trust me when I say this pups. Your mother did not abandon you."
The pups ran into the lounge room once dinner was over and they curled up in their basket. Sasha and Zander entered after the pups were settled and bid them goodnight before heading to their rooms. Rae, after finishing the dishes, entered the lounge room with a book in her hand.
"Katelyn and Belinda will be home soon, I may as well wait up for them." She thought out loud to herself as she got comfortable on the lounge, her eyes drifted as she read her book and before she knew it she heard the front door followed by quiet laughter.
Rae sat up as the two women entered the lounge room.
"Welcome home girls."