Shade

Hmm... I don't remember where I came from. All I remember is waking up at the base of a huge cliff, with fallen stones and rocks all around. My head ached a little. I suspect I slipped from the ridgeline and the stones shifted and slid beneath my feet thereafter.
I can't remember my parents either. But that's not really an important thing. After all, wolves wander, settle, have pups and then run off the ones that are too closely related. It's better for a pack to stay healthy then to... have a family tree that doesn't branch.
Her mouth dropped open as she laughed at her own monologue.
So asking me if I had a prior pack? I can't answer it. I could've, certainly and I wonder from time to time if the wolves I come across recognize me. But none of them have ever said.
***
It's been a little over a year, since I began my pack. Though I've had another set of puppies, they were... less than what can help, so I drove them away, to find their own way in this world.
She sits, licking offending dirt off of one front paw.
My pack is a good size now. Over 15 members, but under 20. I think it's a good size. Enough to fulfill every job I have, but not enough for anybody to be stuck IN a job with nothing to do. It does require for some of them to be floaters from time to time, but I like it better this way.
Her eyes stray to Mate, back from another scout. He smiles and winks before stretching out for a nap.
I've also gained three new scars. The first came from a Mexican Wolf Pack. One of them got a lucky bite when they surrounded me. I limped for a little afterward, but luckily it wasn't very deep. I was over-confident. I should remember to never underestimate my enemy. The second, however, I was the one that was lucky. The cougar was strong, much stronger than I. But I didn't lose my eye. I'm tough, but I have my limits.
She stands and stretches, once again looking over every member of her pack.
Perhaps...perhaps it's about time I start thinking about raising a pup to take over my pack, after I'm gone. Still early, but that'll just mean I can be picky.
She stands over Mate, who rolls over to his back. He reaches up, licking her chin in surrender; she is his Alpha and she will always remain so.
She plops down next to him, earning a long few licks to her jaw.
Then, just recently, there was this badger. Ferocious little things. Not as bad as those wolverines, but just about. Should've been an easy win, but... maybe I need more experience with them. Maybe it's just a lack of understanding.
She licks at the still scabby wound on her back leg.
It'll heal, they always do. And maybe there'll be more before I give up my position. But I won't go down easily!
She stands up and howls in defiance; her eyes sparkle as the rest of the pack joins in.