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Lobo
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THE MINIATURE WOLF Wolf Song (1)
"Son, pay attention; keep your feet on the ground and stop climbing trees. miniature wolf, be careful where you put your paws, so you don't leave tracks. If you aren't going to eat them, leave the squirrels alone. miniature wolf, get over here and tell me what you can smell ... "Dad's training from my childhood echoed in my mind as I moved through the nighttime woods. I took a deep breath, trying to dispel the memory of blood-tainted air. My eyes automatically sought the best path as I blinked back tears. I glided with ease through the bushes and scraggly underbrush in this part of the wilderness. Moonlight slipped through the leafy canopy, reflecting off the occasional rock that poked through the ground here and there. I avoided those pockets of luminescence without even thinking about it.I traveled by instinct, my paws barely touching the ground. My mind was unable to focus on my surroundings. I hadn't wandered these woods since the night my mom died a year ago. Memories of my dad
THE MINIATURE WOLF Wolf Song (2)
I wished I had a way to carry my phone so I could capture the look of fear and confusion on Running Elk's face.A low growl had me spinning around, hackles raised. I placed myself squarely in front of my human cousin. The light grey timber-wolf facing me was showing teeth and hanging low, testing boundaries.I became aware of the rest of the invading pack circling us. My cousin cussed and stepped closer to the short wall of dirt behind him. Two more males, both darker grey than the leader, and a rarer russet-colored female ranged nearby. The old silver I had glimpsed earlier was off to the side and above them. And, there, the sixth timber wolf, a female about to have a litter, hung back behind her mate.This pack was challenging for den territory. They wouldn't understand that my dad and I didn't care about the region as they did. My unwanted opponent growled again, stepping forward. My shoulder blades tingled as my hackles rose. I snarled back at my adversary.Out of the corner of my
THE MINIATURE WOLF Wolf Out Of The Bag (1)
Things became awkward fast. I let go of my cousin's shoulder and stepped back a bit. I could tell Running Elk needed a moment to take it all in."You ok?" I asked with concern.Running Elk shook his head, taking half a step backward. It took a moment before words managed to spit their way out my cousin's throat. "Ok? Damn, miniature wolf, you always played up the wolf you were named after, but to actually be ... "Running Elk paused, his eyes a little glassy and his breath unsteady. I gave him a small smile. The times I'd daydreamed about showing someone what Iwas couldn't compare to having revealed it to my cousin this way. The nervous fear I could smell wafting from him had me worried."I'm still me, " I reassured him. "You've known me your whole life. Me being able to become a wolf doesn't change who I am, who I've always been."My words seemed to soothe him. He snorted."True, you've always been ... wolfish."We shared a grin, remembering our childhood.When we played hide-and-see
THE MINIATURE WOLF Wolf Out Of The Bag (2)
"Been thinking of wearing a doggie backpack," I told him."Hard to put that on as a wolf by yourself," he replied.Instead of answering, I started shifting my body. It's natural for me to begin with my feet when I'm doing a total shift. Concentration and practice, which my dad had insisted upon as he taught me, were essential for changing just part of yourself. I focused on my shoulder, making me look for a moment like a misshapen creature right out of some horror movie, before going on to my hand.Mom had insisted on teaching me animal anatomy, which is very different from human anatomy. She'd been the best vet in the area. How often had she drilled me on this? I could hear her gentle voice explaining how joints on four legs work at different angles. So, shift shoulder, elbow ... ehh ... keep human wrist, get a combo of paw and fingers ... I went back to full human."Working on it," I told Running Elk.From the look on his face, Running Elk was trying not to throw up. I didn't say an
THE MINIATURE WOLF Connected (1)
Loping back toward home in the predawn darkness, shoulder to shoulder with my dad, gave me a sense of comfort and completeness. We Had connected up during the night, getting to know our new neighbors. Dad and I had left the new pack behind, the two of us mock-fighting, hunting for small game and playing together.Dad and I were so close physically that our shoulders or sides touched most of the time. We would part for the occasional leap over an obstacle then come back together again, both of us needing that closeness. We had the same pace, and similar heights now. Dad was still huskier than me, and I was a bit taller in the shoulder than him. I could only hope that we would be closer emotionally as well. I know he loved me, but the last year, especially the last few months, had been hard and lonely with Mom gone.Our home was on the outskirts of our little community, right up against a stand of trees. Dad led the way along the row of bushes to the opening in the crawl space under our
THE MINIATURE WOLF Connected (2)
"Glasses," he commanded, motioning with his chin while his hands opened the mustard.I could tell by the glance he gave at the empty sink he realized I hadn't bothered using a glass while drinking down the carton. I could almost hear what Mom would say every time she thought I was sneaking a drink without using a glass. Dad was silent as he gave the milk a quick sniff to make sure it hadn't spoiled.He emptied the last of it into the two glasses I set on the counter."I'll go shopping once the stores open," Dad said.There was a pause, with closed eyes on his part, as if he was pulling himself together still. When he opened them, he picked up the milk glass, raising it as if making a toast."Congratulations on getting a response from those many applications you filled out," he said.A slight smile like old times touched his lips before he hid his disappointment at me leaving him soon. I think he just realized he needed me as much as I needed him."I know you've worked hard. Which comp
THE MINIATURE WOLF The Other Side Of The Family
I didn't feel like listening to another lecture, especially without Mom around to keep things from exploding between my dad and me. I also didn't want to lose the camaraderie my dad and I had tentatively found. He sounded tired and looked drained, but managed to pull on hidden reserves to get him through this.The way he was looking at me wasn't his usual condescending smirking glare, nor was it the demanding drill instructor, the no-nonsense-tolerated, stiff-ass attitude I often got from him when he taught me anything about being one with the wolf.It took me a second to realize he was going to try and speak to me like an adult, someone of equal standing. It's about time, I thought triumphantly. I took a breath and leaned forward a bit myself. I didn't trust myself to say anything other than, "I'm listening."Dad gave me a small, wane smile. I was sure his usual way of talking to me was ready to come out the second I acted immaturely enough, in his opinion, to blow it. His self-depre
THE MINIATURE WOLF A Father/Son Talk
"I don't hate you."A partial truth. He was my father, and I loved him. I just hated his ongoing sermons and training. He was a wolf living in a human world.I was a human who merely also happened to be able to live as a wolf. I grew up human, despite our family excursions as wolves. I was part of a deep and cultural human community. I had family beyond just him and mom. I was part of my mom's tribe, a connection with society Dad never had, and possibly, I realized, a connection he couldn't completely comprehend. I had an identity beyond being a wolf. I honestly couldn't see myself having any trouble out in the world.My dad was right about me sharing mom's desire to learn, and his too. Teacher he might be, but in his heart, Dad was an eternal student.Dad gave a little hmph as if he knew what I was thinking. He probably did, as often as we'd yelled it back and forth. But then Dad grinned a bit as he walked over and put his hand behind my head. He pulled on me until our foreheads met.
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THE MINIATURE WOLF Lobo
Jacob hung around for a while. When I had a few moments he and I would discuss the different moves the fighters used. We were interrupted by some shouts from upstairs.Someone opened the door to the basement to holler for Mac when a big dog snuck down. I had to laugh when I saw the yellow wolf with the black back. He sniffed around, easily avoiding the hands that tried to nab him."My fault," I laughed, "I bet he heard me howl earlier. I'll get rid of him for you Mac.""If you can catch him," said Jacob as he watched the four legged intruder make a circuit around the basement."Easily done," I said. "Clear the steps please," I hollered out, "and every one hushed."I stalked him, giving some playful whines and barks, acting like I did at storytime. I huffed, moved toward the steps, then added some more wolf sounds. Lobo came over and I herded him up the steps with another playful growl."I'm surprised to see you here," I told him once we were outside and out of view. He shifted in the
THE MINIATURE WOLF Special Training
I was going through life with a permanent smile on my face these days.Winter had set in. Everyone had gone home during the holidays, spending vacation with their respective families.Derrick had flown home to Maine, complaining because he wouldn't be able to bring back a suitcase full of seafood. I think he was getting tired of elk. I did laugh helplessly when two big boxes full of frozen seafood arrived. We split the cost of a small chest freezer as a Christmas gift to each other. He was looking forward to a clam bake in the fire pit.The wolves had long gone their separate ways. They stayed in contact. Arctic was now the proud father to a set of twins, one boy and one girl, the mother doing fine. Old Grey often came to visit dad. Our living room became his winter home when he wasn't out and about. Lobo ranged around, unable to not travel. Businessman had left us his card, and I had promised to come visit him in the spring.Cherokee actually invited dad and I to come to their pow-wo
THE MINIATURE WOLF Glimpse To The Future
I stirred from my spot stretched out in the back of Mahina's car. Derrick was driving my bike back."Hey, how are you doing up there?""Good."Uh-oh. I had the impression Mahina wasn't thrilled with me right now. I climbed over the seat, stretching before buckling myself in."I really appreciate you putting up with me this weekend.""It's ok.""Nice of you to say so, even if it really isn't ok. I mean you come out here because you're worried about me, then I foist you off on my cousin and you get cornered by my grandfather."Anna said he was kinda brusk with you," I said sympathetically. "You should see him with my dad. Sometimes I think Grandfather doesn't realize it's different from me, even though it's the same," I finished thoughtfully."What do you mean?""Hmm, it's the part of my family history no one really talks about, and to be honest, part of it is a conversation that normally would wait for that moment in a relationship where someone asks the other how they feel about havin
THE MINIATURE WOLF Omega (2)
Sheep made a slow, thoughtful nod."Ok then. Here's an amazing thing. The omega can have a special relationship with the alpha. See, the omega isn't going to attack his leader. If it's just the two of them, the alpha can let his guard down, be himself, not be vigilant one hundred percent of the time. Same with the beta. They can relax and be friends with the omega. They'll keep him in his place but might tolerate more from him than others will."I watched him, but more I smelt him. This had long been my specialty, gauging emotions."You've seen this?" I asked, knowing he was comparing what I said with the human interactions he had seen."Yes."His one-word answers slightly amused me."That's not all an omega does. The omega is usually the one who instigates play. Among wolves, what purpose does play serve?""Teaches skills."I smiled. Two words! We were working our way to a conversation."The omega will also break the tension. He might try to play with the alpha to distract him. If a
THE MINIATURE WOLF Omega (1)
A domestic! Sheep didn't disappoint me. I could have laughed.I didn't wait, especially since I knew roughly what he was going to say and had given some thought to how to handle his ignorance. It was one reason I made sure the shy one didn't bolt.I lunged across the fire, knowing neither Sheep nor Lone Wolf would expect it. The force of my body slamming into Sheep moved both of us away from Lone Wolf. I kept myself completely human. I soon had Sheep pinned where he couldn't move.Sheep needed to have his alpha's hold over him broken. He needed to be overpowered by the authority of another alpha, or he would never be able to stand up to the warped alpha who controlled him. Most of all, he needed to understand the driving dynamics of his city pack.Sheep shifted under me. If he thought I hadn't fought this way, then he was crazy. I don't know how many times as a kid, mainly when we fought during my early teen years, Dad had me pinned no matter how I shifted. I learned.I put leverage o
THE MINIATURE WOLF By The Fire
We ranged around our kill for a little while, even after allowing the other pack to come in and finish it off. I wanted those who had never encountered real wolves to see some in action."Don't pay attention to the alpha right now," I told Sheep. "Watch the ones off to the side."I pointed out how they were jockeying for position, hoping to grab a bite from the carcass. The alpha was dominating it right now, gorging himself."He has a pregnant mate holed up in a den somewhere," I explained to Sheep. "He'll eat until he can't hold anymore, then go back to her and regurgitate so she can eat. Not my favorite way to eat a meal, but she'll eat without risking the future of the pack."We watched them for a while. Businessman was intent on listening and watching. Lone Wolf laid down relaxing, but his ears stayed up, testifying to his attention.Fake dawn had me leading everyone back toward the Pointe. I felt tired but good. I gave a wolfish grin to Lone Wolf running at my side. He grinned ba
THE MINIATURE WOLF True Pack
"Think of your motorcycle," I told Lone Wolf. "When you drive you remember what you see and keep looking ahead. More to remember as a wolf, but same concept. No, keep your head up, focus in front of you."Lone Wolf was trying. The true wolves and the shy one had gone off to see if there was any prey nearby. The rest stayed back with me, ranging in a large field, waiting for the true wolves to herd anything they might find our way. Old Grey was lounging around somewhere.While real wolves would chase prey to weaken it for days if needed, I had a human life that didn't allow for a prolonged hunt right now. I had Mahina waiting for me. If they didn't find anything nearby they would just come back.Real wolves also grew up learning how to work together. The businessman, Lone Wolf, and the young wolf Sheep had never hunted before.I was still laughing over Sheep. He stayed away from me. He kept to the outskirts, away from any conversation where anyone would address him.Old Grey had risen
THE MINIATURE WOLF Wolf Spirit
Everyone reacted at the same time. There were growls and bared teeth. Dad moved to one side, Cherokee to the other. Arctic and Lobo were also moving to take points to surround the odd couple.The shy one had been too caught up in the joy of the group howl to realize what had happened. Old Grey merely sighed and moved to block the shy one so he couldn't leave the pointe in a panic without pushing the old wolf out of the way.Businessmen were actually the only ones who shifted to humans."What the hell are you doing that for?" he asked the young wolf in confusion. He looked around at the reaction from the others, at a loss for what to do.I couldn't react at first. I knew Lone Wolf wasn't in any real danger. I finally stalked over to center myself in front of Lone Wolf and his companion. I rolled my shoulders, trying to decide whether to stand as man or stay wolf.My intense gaze caused Lone Wolf to make a decision of his own. He moved. It took me a moment to figure out what he was doin
THE MINIATURE WOLF Wolf Pointe
It was fun running with Dad again, shoulder to shoulder, along a path we'd scratched out of the forest over the years. Even wild wolves followed this path on occasion. The pointe had a great view and the sound from there, well, you could hear and be heard for miles.Dad and I weren't the only wolves in the woods tonight.I could tell from the scents in the area that the wolf sent to represent the Arctic Wolf had been around for the last few days.The old grey was laying on the stone of the pointe. When I looked at him I saw only a wolf.There was another smaller wolf, friendly and unafraid, sitting on the trail. His coat was more yellow with black on its back and tail."A Mexican wolf," said Dad in surprise, shifting to speak. "Rare in the world these days. Hola, Lobo," Dad said, greeting him in Spanish.When I looked through Spirit Wolf's eyes I could see others gathering.The shy wolf I had seen hiding, not wanting to be found, had come despite his fear. He was ranging at the edges
