Author's Note: Italics denote that the Shifted form of a character (aka a character in wolf form) is speaking. Also, just a warning; Kane (a character) has like really bad Touretts so there is a LOT of swearing in his lines.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I leave the premises in wolf form and head towards Birmingham to join the other wolves and the bloodsucking trashbag murderers that call themselves "vampires", I cannot help but think about the cubs; but most of my brain-space was used up focusing on just Tobias. Samson, the Head wolf, takes note of this and asks Are you alright, Gildren? You seem a bit off tonight. And where is Chandria; where is your mate? Without trying, my tone of voice comes off as  something less than distinguished. She's doing as I have instructed her to do, and protecting our newly born cubs from any one of the assholes standing across from you. Suddenly, a rustling can be heard in the bushes.

Kane, one of the other wolves on the High Wolf Council, comments, as he can see the shrubbery better than I can. Is that your cub by any chance, Gildren? he asks. I turn around to see Tobias dashing towards me at a breakneck speed. Surround him, Samson orders, to which everyone must oblige, even myself. I can tell Tobias is scared , but caring is not on my list right now. I am much too flustered to care about him right now. I launch myself at him and grab him by the scruff of the neck, making a break for the house. He yelps once, but is quiet for the rest of the trip.

When we get home, Chandria is frantically searching the house for him. I Shift back into human form and say to her "Chandria, love; he's right here" while pointing in front of me. "Oh dear God, Gildren... where was he?" I can't help but smile when she asks this. "He followed me like a... like a puppy."

"Not funny, Gildren."

"You're right, my love; it is not funny. In fact, it's absolutely hilarious." At this arrogant comment, I recieve a light, and just barely hurtful, slap to the side of the head. I move to pick Tobias up off the floor and carry him to the bedroom, but Chandria steps in front of me and mutters "You want to piss me off, Gildren Longclaw? If not, then stay the hell away from him." I kiss her cheek and whisper "Maybe I enjoy it when you're pissed off, Chandria... have you ever considered that, love?" She grimaces and mutters "Just stay away from me, stay away from him, and go back to your stupid meeting, Gildren. I think we'll all get along better that way, don't you?"

"Well, what about when we go to bed?" She sighs, her perfect form moving up and down with

"Look, Gildren... I love you, but... when our child runs away, even to see you when you go somewhere, it worries me..." Tobias steps out from behind her now. Mama? he asks. Are you still mad, Mama?

Chandria Shifts and nuzzles him. Not for long, love... I promise I won't be mad for long... now let's get you off to bed, love... When Tobias is safe in bed again, I head back to the meeting just in time for it to be over. The Head of the Elder Council, "Cyrus" as he is known to the scumbags, says "Gildren, you just missed the most invigorating meeting I have ever had in my life." At this I am not pleased, so I retaliate. I'll have you know, Cyrus Harris, that a troop of Chasers live just on the outskirts of my territory; I can, and will, alert them if you try to pull anything funny concerning my wife and cubs!

Kane seems surprised at the pluralized word. Cubs? Meaning more than one little one?

No, Kane, Tobias is the only one... Of course there is more than one, you idiot! Now I am steaming mad. there's nothing that pisses me off more than an idiot in wolf's clothing. Cyrus stares at me and says "My wife, Ophelia, just gave birth to another boy." 

Kane pins his ears back and growls, gnashing his fangs and swishing his tail, like all wolves do when they're angry. Who gives a shit, you horrible shitbag of... 

Of shit? I interject. Kane backs off. Ousting him for smarts is what I do best, and I must admit, I do take a great deal of pride in it. Samson is intrigued by the fact that Chandria has borne more than one cub for me. 

How long ago were they born, Gildren? 

Little over a week ago, Samson. 

And the little one who followed you is... 

My son, Tobias; the second eldest of five, sir. 

Was he a healthy cub? 

Aye, sir; the only one we are remotely worried about is our second youngest, Asher. He has not been eating properly since birth; he always either didn't get any food at all or was malnurtured as a result of a lack of milk in Chandria's teats after the other cubs were done suckling. 

I see. In that case, I send forth good tidings and hope that your son finds health in future days. Peace be with you and your family always, Gildren. 

Thank you, Samson; the same to you.

Thus concludes the meeting, and my 'need' to stand around with those bloodsuckers...