A Journey Home

Tom glanced over at the two when they began to argue. The beta narrowed his optics, audits shifting forward. “Stop it.” He said coldly, shifting painfully onto his paws and pressing in front of Sheeva. Tom met Kodiak’s gaze, “Sheeva may not kill you, but who would stop me from killing you?” Kodiak shut his mouth, still clearly upset by the whole dilemma. Tom continued, “Tsk- you should know quite well I can kill. You trained us. Surely you remember, yes? The wolves you sent out to slaughter other packs for your own personal gain?” Tom narrowed his eyes, which seemed to almost flicker like candlelight against a wall. The accusations seemed to catch the brute off guard. “Hm… Seems by your reaction you remember quite well.” Tom lowered his voice, his maw lifting to his former alpha’s torn and bleeding ear. “Why don’t you go before I tear you to shreds.” He growled, putting emphasis on several words. It was rare to see Tom like this, a blatant killer, a wolf to be feared. He didn’t necessarily like it, but it seemed his mental state would allow him to pay no mind to the cold and dead demeanor.

Still, despite the threats, Kodiak seemed to stay still. Thomas felt his eyes narrow to slits, glaring sideways at the brute. “No?” The words came out in a dead-tone. He looked back towards Sheeva then to Kodiak. “Fine.” He growled, suddenly taking his head upwards and taking ahold of the torn ear of the smoky brute, pulling down to his level. Tom spoke again through gritted fangs, “Don’t make me kill you, you bastard.” He snarled, words slick with venom.

“Please,” Kodiak grimace through a pained voice, “You wish. You’re too kind, Thomas, always have been. You act tough but you’re really just a pup. A stupid, arrogant pup.” Tom tightened his jaws, morally conflicted at this point. He wanted to kill this skit ansikt… Shit face, but on the opposite side of the scale he questioned how he’d feel. He’d killed before, he’d made that clear, but it never felt right. He always felt hung-up on guilt. “Shut your mouth,” Tom snarled, releasing his grasp on the male’s ear. “You best get out of here before I change my mind you flee-bag.” He stepped away slightly, staring down the large male. He was on the verge of snapping, losing his temper completely. Any outsider could see the gears turning in Tom’s head, watching him tick at every one word of nonsense Kodiak seemed to spew.

Even with Kodiak’s demented demeanor, he wasn’t a complete fool. He could see the truth that rang clear in Tom’s words. So, with a low growl, the male turned and headed off into the forest, leaving his two former pack mates on their lonesome.

Tom turned to Sheeva, releasing a long breath in which he’d held for the past few heartbeats. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.” He said gently, obviously still perturbed by the events that had occurred. But, as much as he wanted to discuss more, he just held his tongue and turned away. “Droplet and Vixen must be worried. Let’s head back.” He nodded hesitantly, slipping into a trot and heading back towards where he left his packmates.

Tom lowered his head, his eyes dropping to the ground. “Listen. It’s fine… I just-” Tom paused, “I’m not a good wolf, Sheeva. You don’t know what I’ve done. What I’ve been through.” He deadpanned. The small male lifted his head again, “Maybe killing Kodiak would give me some resolution… I- And out pack mates? It’s sick what that… drittsekk did. We can’t just leave them like that. Rotting like a pile of carcasses!” He shook his head. “What if… What if we set the forest ablaze? That mutt would die and our packmates would get some sort of proper burial… I’ve watched humans start fires. We should do the same.” Tom nodded, picking his words carefully.

Tom continued on, his audits low, finally, he spoke again. “What do you think?” He gave Sheeva a sideways glance, his eyes soft, giving him an almost… Weak… Aura.

Tom stopped when Sheeva stepped in front of him, swallowing slightly as he glanced away. His audits pressed back against the nape of his neck" I guess," Was all he said, just paws scraping the icy ground. Although, he did look up when she talked about setting the forest ablaze, his tail starting to sway behind him, "Aha... I'm glad you like my idea," He winked playfully, "let's get back to Droplet and Vixen." He mused, stepping up beside Sheeva, finally returning a smile.

Tom had begun to head back when out of the blue, Droplet shot out from the trees. "Droplet!" He called, bounding up to the brute. "You and Vixen are good, yes?" The smaller male whined, sniffing slightly, seemed the only thing he could smell what the scent of Kodiak's and his own blood. 

Tom heaved a small sigh, "It's nothing," He growled, turning to the sound of Kodiak bounding off into the trees. Tom gave a sharp bark after the former alpha before turning back to his companions. WIthout any hesitation, the male growled lowly, "We're setting the forest ablaze.'

Tom nudged Sheeva gently, "Don't put your thoughts to that," Tom said gently, giving the dame a respectful nod.

Droplet nodded, looking at the wolf fleeing. He decided not to question. "Right, after I find some herbs for you. There is no way you could possibly make it back without an infection." the brute said, lifting his brow slightly concerned.

"Let me help you clean your wound tom." Vixen said as she help him press a little bit more snow on it.

Nodding thoughtfully Sheeva continued to look out at the forest around them, mind still spinning with possibilities and explanations. Idly digging a ditch in the snow under her paws she let out a huff and watched it float away. “I think I’ll go help Droplet…” Stepping away from the other two of her packmates she wandered into the snowy woods. When droplet’s pawprints turned Sheeva made a mental note then turned away and began sniffing around the trees and exposed bushes. Even if it had been a few days ago Ari and Red’s scents should still be here, snow be damned.