Spirits of the Earth

A lazy breeze rustled the boughs of the expansive evergreen forest, each step Gavin took crushed the pine needles that littered the forest floor, sending up a fresh wave of the rich scent of pine and sap. A human would have found the breeze to be fresh and clean, but to the nose of a wolf, it was a plethora of information. His own musky scent not least among the many smells carried to him. There was the scent of pine, of various small mammals, rabbits and squirrels particularly, not to mention the scent of birds, reptiles, insects, it was all processed through his sensitive nose subconsciously filtering out things of no interest and zeroing in on those worth noticing.

Being a lone wolf had both advantages and disadvantages. He was not tied to a single territory, free to wander the entirety of the world if he wished. However his meals had consisted of mostly small game, larger prey animals were difficult to bring down alone. As a loner it also made it difficult for him to claim territory, which could be a disadvantage, especially in such a rich and abundant location as this. It had not kept him from scent marking, of course. Normal wolves were smaller and weaker, he did not worry about them, a roving pack of werewolves would be problematic, but so far he had not caught scent of a pack in the area.

There were two very interesting scents, however. Gavin had not detected a pack of werewolves, but he could smell that a young male had been lingering in the area, and he felt confident that he could easily overwhelm a younger, smaller male. The second was the scent of a fresh kill. With all the grace and speed of a deadly predator, he stalked his prey, following the scent for almost a half-mile before creeping stealthily up upon the scene.

Molten eyes of amber studied the young wolf and partially devoured rabbit. Gavin knew that he could easily overpower this creature. This werewolf was of a smaller breed even, not just younger. Staying upwind so as to keep from alerting his prey, his muscles tensed as he prepared to pounce. A moment of perfect stillness and then he had burst forth from the underbrush, bearing down on the younger male with a vicious snarl, teeth flashing dangerously as they snapped at the young male's neck.

If there was one thing that Gilroy cursed possessing, it was his red hair. It was unnatural in his opinion and incredibly noticeable and recognizable. He could not go into any human town with his head uncovered and expect not to be remembered. It was much the same as a wolf. 'I'm like shooting at a barn, can't frickin' miss me!'

This was the third time today alone he had tried to bring down a meal and the third time it had noticed the streaks of red poking up through the verdant green foliage and immediately bolted to safety. It was enough to make the werewolf want to bash his head against a tree until he passed out.

'Tell me God, what was the frickin' POINT of making the color RED?! TELL ME! What BRILLIANT inspiration made you come up with this? Why let's make an IMPOSSIBLY BRIGHT AND ANNOYING COLOR and then BETTER YET let's give it to GILROY so he can't catch a FRICKIN' MEAL! Oh yes that sounds like BUCKETS of fun god. I hope you're listening to me! You better not be laughing at me either, you good-for-nothing lazy....THING!'

The wolf huffed, shaking his head in exasperation as he loped off in search of slower and stupider prey. Eventually he happened upon a rabbit den, or more accurately, unknowingly stepped into one. At last he was able to give chase after the extremely surprised doe as she fled her home and the oblivious wolf that had stepped into it.

Hunger drove him forward, driving him to strain his muscles in order to bound ahead and capture his prey. The wolf wince slightly at the piercing scream the prey gave just as he bit into her, snapping her neck. But, hot blood and the copper taste it left behind soon flooded his mouth, reminding him of his ever-present edge of hunger that never seemed to be sated.

With great zeal he tore at his meal, struggling not to devour it all so quickly but craving an end to his burning hunger. So caught up in his meal, he never noticed the approaching rival until the sounds of heavy footsteps were practically drumming into his very head.

Eyes widened in shock before narrowing in anger. One forepaw came to rest on the small carcass in a territorial stance of defense. Rust-colored fur bristled as an answering snarl met that of his aggressor. It was no use though, the wolf continued on his path, barreling right into Gilroy and knocking him off his feet with a pained yelp.

Gilroy snapped his teeth angrily at the body above him, despair and fear forcing him to try and gain purchase on the ground that was no longer his stand on. "Back OFF! This is MY kill," his mind angrily shouted, enraging him further to try and take down this intruding male.

How cute, the pup thought he could actually keep his kill? Kid had a lot to learn, but he could admire that spunk. Just not when it was directed at him. He was a blur of flashing fangs and ebony fur as he barreled into Gilroy, sending the smaller male to the ground. Gavin didn’t hesitate to leap upon him, using his greater size and weight to his advantage. Once an enemy had lost its footing, the battle was essentially over. All wolves knew that when you were rolled into the dirt you were the most vulnerable.

In a swift snap of his jaws Gavin struck Gilroy’s ear and latched on, entire body vibrating with the ferocity of his growls. No creature with any sense would have approached the pair, locked in their wild combat. This was not a true battle, not for Gavin. He did not have any intent to kill, or even maim horribly. The food wasn’t even the real issue. The entire display was an expression of superiority and territorial dominance. As the larger, stronger, faster, and older male, Gavin felt he was well within his rights to claim this forest as his own hunting ground, and that made Gilroy an intruder.

"Insolent whelp! This is my territory, which means everything in it belongs to me, including ‘your’ kill. Submit pup, before I tear something off.?" To emphasize his point, Gavin gave a sharp tug on the young male’s ear.

A high-pitched whine of pain followed the vicious attack of Gilroy's ear. He was able to resist the urge to yank away, fearful of losing it altogether. But that did not stop him from forcefully resisting against the pull in defiance. "Let go of me, you big bully! I was here first! That makes it MY territory and MY meal!"

He growled angrily, his stance firm and wide as he glared awkwardly from his attached position. "I'm not afraid of some pissant like you who can't even hunt his own meals and has to steal them from younger and more capable hunters! How dare you call yourself a wolf! You're PATHETIC!"

If he had been human, Gilroy would have spat on the ground. Instead he tensed his muscles intending to spring. "Let me go and I won't kick your fuzzy little ass from here to kingdom come! Don't mess with me! You won't like what happens!"

Gilroy's cry of pain didn't so much as phase Gavin, he felt no mercy or pity for the insolent young male before him. The words shouted at him meant almost as little as the rest. Did this pup really think he could scream himself out of this mess? How naïve, it was almost cute! So far the young male seemed all bark and no bite. This was like taking candy from a baby.

"First! Don't make me laugh, runt. We live by the law of the wild, and by that law, I rule." There was no first come, first serve out here. To the victory go the spoils, and the victor was the strongest, which was going to be Gavin. He felt Gilroy bracing himself, prepared to try to fend him off, but Gavin threw himself at the smaller male, using his weight to try to pin the pup down.

"Is that so? Let's see how you like this!" His teeth released the ear, instead lunging for his opponent's neck. It would not be a killing blow if it landed, he did not bite to kill, he merely wished to assert his dominance. All the pup had to do was submit.

There was a split second where Gilroy had the chance to tense before he was knocked onto his side. He struggled to keep himself from being flipped belly-side up but was manage to get the upper half of his body to lay flat on the ground while his hindquarters still rested on their side, crushed under the weight of the massive beast above him.

Teeth clamped on the scruff of his neck, having sought his throat and come up wanting. It hurt, but not as much as it could have and growled warningly as best as he could from his rather squished position. There was no ground for him to leverage himself against into a more dominant position, he was completely pinned and helpless in the jaws of this powerful wolf.

Struggling did nothing. There was no escape for one such as him against the unnamed assailant. With a great big huff, Gilroy finally went lax, dropping completely and hanging limply in his attacker's grip. To him it was not a submission but a strategic decision to gain him the upper hand later. 'You win this round, but I will win more,' he thought quietly to himself, eyes blazing in anger.

"Just let me go," he wearily voiced instead. "I've had enough."

Gavin could almost admire Gilroy's fighting spirit, but not when the pup was directing that spunk at him. It was almost sad, how easily he managed to gain the upper hand against the other male. Look how easily he had knocked him off his feet and with the smaller male trapped beneath him on the ground; it was almost pitiful as they struggled. Well, Gilroy struggled, Gavin just dominated.

The fight was vicious, but short. Gavin had the smaller male right where he wanted him, pinned to the ground and at his mercy. Keeping a firm hold on the scruff of the pup's neck, he eventually felt the younger male go limp in his grasp. At first he did not let go, squeezing the male's scruff just a little harsher he gave his defeated foe a quick shake.

Satisfied, for the moment, Gavin released his grip, letting Gilroy's head drop to the ground, for now he stayed standing over the red male, growling low and deep. "You've got a lot of spunk, pup, but try to be smarter about who you show it off to. Respect your betters, whelp, you'll live longer. Lucky for you I didn't want you dead."

Ears pressed back flat against his head as he was shaken about like a rag doll, pitiful whines and whimpers escaping him as the pain in his neck increased. 'I stopped, I stopped!' he cried moments before he was dropped like a rag doll onto the ground, chin crashing into the dirt with a sharp click of teeth.

Gilroy placed his socked paws folded over his snout while pressing himself completely flat against the earth, wishing desperately that he would disappear from the other wolf's notice. That this bully would lose interest in him and leave him to go about his business. His stomach ached, gurgling and groaning in a constant demand for food.

The scent of his kill so close and yet unable to be eaten was driving him insane. He was weak with hunger. The only thing keeping from him rolling over and going belly-up in complete submission was anger. Anger at being so weak, anger at being so hungry, anger at being attacked, there was so much anger pent up inside him and all of it was kept in place by fear. Fear kept him from fighting back. He would not win. He was too small and too weak.

Instead he gave in for the moment, wishing there was something he could do now. "What could you possibly want me for," he bemoaned, already thinking of a large number of unsavory things. Perhaps there was still a chance he could escape all this.

Gavin stayed standing over Gilroy for a short time, his stance and posture one of dominance; an alpha male displaying his power to a lesser wolf. A low growl still rumbled deep in his chest, his fangs proudly on display in a snarl as Gilroy asked what he wanted him for. With a sneer he stepped over the younger male, no longer hovering over him. No, the pup had not taken a proper submissive posture, but he was convinced that for now the red male was sufficiently subdued.

"Who says I want you for anything? It would just be a waste to kill you, pup." It would be a waste, it would take more effort than it was worth to actually kill the other male, because he was quite sure that the smaller wolf would put up a frantic fight, even if Gavin knew that he could probably kill him if he wanted to, he might not escape without injury.

Strutting over to the rabbit, which was now his, Gavin laid down right there, keeping an eye on Gilroy, as he pulled at the fur on the small mammal, essentially working on skinning it. As the actually flesh was revealed he licked it, tasting the meat, all while watching the pup he had stolen it from. The young male seemed to be very hungry, perhaps even starving. Must have been a lousy hunter.

"Only a waste because then you would have to hunt your own food," the red wolf pouted as he despairingly watched the other male begin to play with his kill. It made him wonder if the other wolf had ever been taught manners. At least his mother had always taught him to never play with his food. He wished she was here now; she would have put this bully in his place, no doubt about it.

But she was not and Gilroy's stomach growled loudly in a demand for food. The single first taste had been oil on the flames of his hunger, igniting it and whetting it into a steely inferno of ache and desire. The remaining blood on his lips, the scent of the kill so close all ate away at him, meticulously reminding him of the past few days he had gone without food as well as the many more he still might have to go before he got another meal.

Very slowly and very carefully he inched his way forward, groveling on his belly towards the more dominant male with the most pitiful look he could manage. Perhaps the newcomer would take pity on him and let him eat after all. Gilroy knew it would be folly to run right now. The way the other kept eying him told him as much. He would just be mauled some more and might not even be so lucky as to survive it. So instead of fleeing as he desperately wanted, he drew closer, whining softly in a high-pitched voice of hunger and sorrow.

Gavin kept an eye on Gilroy simply to be sure he wasn't going to try anything so stupid as attacking him and trying to win back his rabbit by force. Playing with the kill was more about antagonizing the hungry pup than anything, and because Gavin really wasn't hungry. He was sleek and well-muscled, his coat glossy, eyes alert, the very image of a well-fed and healthy wolf. The little red male, on the other hand, looked rather scrawny and pitiful. Again Gavin wondered just how poor of a hunter the young male was.

The pitiful way Gilroy crawled towards him, those soft whines of hunger and despair, seemed to have little effect on the large black wolf as he continued to lick the blood off the rabbit. He could hear the other's stomach growling with his hunger. Ears flickering, he gave a last lick to the small carcass and stood up, sauntering away looking bored now. Quiet as a ghost and as quickly as he appeared, Gavin was gone again, leaving the red pup with his rabbit, which was really only slightly worse for his playing than it had been when he had arrived.

Gilroy could not believe his luck. One moment the oppressive wolf was there and the next he was gone. Still though, the red wolf was not going to take his chances and remained in his submissive posture for several long minutes, fearing a trap and the clamping jaws of his foe around his neck once more.

Yet, when they did not come and there were no signs of the black wolf's return, the little wolf was on his feet in no time. He scooped up the dead rabbit and broke out in a run, racing away from this place for fear of the wolf coming back for more fun.

Only once he had crossed a small stream and made it to the other slippery bank did Gilroy allow himself to slow. His sides heaved from the effort of hard breathing while holding something in his mouth. He only allowed himself to eat once he had settled and dragged himself into the shadows of a nearby set of bushes, back against the thorny shrubbery and eyes uneasily watching for any movement.

Then forgetting the need to eat slow and savor the few mouthfuls he had, Gilroy chomped down on his small, battered kill consuming it in a matter of minutes. With his belly hardly satisfied with his child's snack of a meal, the wolf laid down once more hoping to possibly rest a bit before going off again to try his paw at some more hunting. It was getting harder and harder for him to catch prey because of his never-ending hunger that sapped his strength so easily. If he did not rest now there would be no chance of him catching the next meal that crossed his path and without that he might die of starvation, something that was becoming a growing concern of his with each passing sun.

'Damn wolf making me fight for something he just played with! It was my kill! I'm so tired....and hungry...all his fault too,' Gilroy thought wearily, letting his head come to rest tiredly on his paws. His eyes drooped with the need for sleep while his ears swiveled about constantly, searching for every sound they could in hopes of giving him some warning of an approaching meal or enemy.

There was no trickery involved as Gavin vanished from where he had found Gilroy, he merely had grown bored of playing with the rabbit, and because he was not hungry, he did not bother to eat it. Let the red male have the small scrap of a meal, it wasn't enough meat to satisfy a pup, let alone a grown wolf. Putting the incident behind him, he simply moved on, having had a bit of fun and letting the other werewolf in the area know that he was here and that he was the better wolf.

Still, he couldn't help but think back on the encounter. The young wolf was obviously starving. Either the other was truly a poor hunter, unable to find enough small prey, or simply too weak to bring down larger, more satisfying game. Gavin had no reason to care if the other wolf starved to death. He was in no way attached to the male, by blood or bond, and he didn't know why he even thought about the pup's predicament. Of course he did know why. The black wolf just didn't want to admit it.

Guilt over leaving his sister behind still plagued Gavin. For all he knew she had starved to death already without him there to hunt for her. He had walked away from a starving wolf that had needed him, and here he was, doing it again. Of course, he owed a lot more to his sister, but he could at least honor her by helping the young male, Nisha would have wanted him to. There was something other than that, though, the male had caught a rabbit, which meant he was able to hunt. Having a second wolf around could prove useful.

Having made up his mind, Gavin went on the hunt himself. That rabbit wouldn't be a good enough meal for a starving male. He considered hunting deer, but that would prove too much of a hassle. Catching and killing it would be easy enough, but he wasn't going to drag a large game animal around to find the other, who had likely already fled. Even as he considered what to hunt, the answer came to him. A pheasant was startled by his passage and took wing.

A leap and snap of the jaws later and Gavin was trotting through the forest once again, his prize dangling from his jaws. Not a large meal, but certainly better than nothing. Retracing his steps to wear he had confronted the pup was easy, tracking him wasn't difficult either, he merely followed the pup's scent. A bit of water might have given him trouble, but the trail was just on the other side. So was his goal.

He could smell the young male, the scent was strong and close, he eyed the patch of bushes with thorny briars that the pup had taken refuge in. Creeping forward carefully and quietly he lowered himself to the ground and poked his head into the entrance of the small 'den' of sorts. "Hello again, little pup."

The wolf had fallen asleep despite his wishes to remain relatively awake and alert but the excitement of earlier in the day had proved too much for him. In no time at all he was out and dreaming of the past. He was home with his parents. His mother was in the kitchen and he could already smell the beginnings of a delicious meal.

His nose twitched at the fresh scents of meat, causing his stomach to protest again. In his head he could hear his father's voice calling to wake him up, calling him pup like he would when Gilroy was much younger.

The red wolf huffed and groggily shook his head. "Not a pup anymore dad!" Blearily, blinking his eyes open and expecting to see a weathered and laughing face in front of him, Gilroy was in for the shock of his life when instead he was face to face with a very familiar and equally undesired black muzzle.

With a jolt he was scrambling to his feet and backing away, completely forgetting his surroundings. If he had taken more care, Gilroy would have remembered the briar pushes he chosen as protection and therefore remembered not to back into though with his soft furry hide.

Yelps of pain proceeded his youthful growls of warning towards the massive he-wolf. "You stay away from me!"

Gavin honestly wasn't sure exactly what kind of reception he'd been expecting, but the words the other male spoke as he reluctantly woke up were definitely the last thing he expected. Between that and the pup's frantic, and futile, retreat which ended in the red male getting poked with briars and yelping in pain, Gavin was overcome with laughter. That was perhaps the funniest thing he had seen and heard in a long time. He was able to calm himself enough to send a coherent thought.

He dropped the pheasant and used his nose to nudge it towards his overly excited friend. Gavin huffed softly and laid his head on his paws, amber eyes looking up at Gilroy curiously, tail swishing lazily back and forth. His entire demeanor had changed from earlier. Of course he'd already proven his point to this young male. Hopefully the other realized who was the dominant male between the two of them. With a wolfish grin he spoke to the little red male. "Aw, now don't be like that little puppy. Look what daddy brought for you!"

The younger wolf was shocked by the presentation of a pheasant to him. It just had to be a trick. There was no way this aggressive wolf would have caught a kill and then tracked him down to offer it to him. It was all a ploy, a taunt, a trick, a way to further humiliate the red wolf and prove his inferiority.

Gilroy wanted none of it. Every hair on his body stood on end as he growled warningly back in response. "You're not my father! Don't mock him and call me puppy. I'm not some little runt you can keep bullying! I'm not going to stand for this, you hear? How stupid do you think me?"

He was furious. Letting all the rage and disgruntlement for this wolf and for his own situation, Gilroy moved quickly and raised a paw to slap the grinning wolf across the face. "You're not my father!" he repeated, truly offended and appalled by the idea. He missed his family and it hurt to have their image brought so close to the forefront of his mind by a dream only to have it mocked by the dark-furred bully before him. "Just leave me alone!"

Gavin was not exactly a bundle of joy, but there wasn't really any trickery in the offered pheasant. The younger wolf was obviously hungry, and they were both alone. It was logical for Gavin to try to forge a bond with the other male. Together they would be stronger and better hunters. Was that a hard concept to grasp? Well, he hadn't exactly spelled it out to the pup and he had been rather ruthless in their first meeting.

He hadn't expected a warm welcome, but he though that the little red runt was being a bit overly dramatic. Wolves fought for dominance all the time. It hadn't been personal earlier. The moment the other male tried to swipe at him with his paw, however, that innocent demeanor fell away. Black lips curled up, exposing fangs as Gavin surged forward with a snarl, teeth snapping at the pup's ear.

"Don't get uppity with me you little pipsqueak. No, I am not your father, but I am your better in both hunting and fighting. I will not leave you alone. Get over that one right now. I brought you food, a rather generous gesture, and you try to swat the one who feeds you?"

Gilroy dropped back to the ground at the first signs of aggression from the other wolf. He was not a fighter; there was no way for him to win against the beast before him. As much as that wounded his pride, he knew it was true too, even though he refused to admit it. The red-furred wolf was made up of all false bravado stitched together a pup's instinct for survival. In many ways it was a wonder he was even alive now, especially with his lip.

Fuzzy red ears pressed back flat against his skull while a long, weak whine emitted from his throat. He really did not want to piss this wolf anymore. He wished the other would just go away but the displays of dominance from the other just proved otherwise.

"Alright alright!" he cried back, pressing further down to the ground to appear smaller. "Don't bite my head off! You come in here as a bully and then try and be some hero bringing food, scaring the living daylights out of me, get my a rear-full of prickers and you expect me to be jumping for joy. Excuse me for seeing things a bit differently."

Gilroy sighed loudly, looking longingly at the pheasant. The food would indeed be welcome, that is if he had not already pissed away his chances of getting to eat it. Carefully, one eye peeked up at the dark male, questioningly before darting to view the fresh kill again. "Thank you?" he tried hopefully.

Gilroy's immediate submission at Gavin's show of aggression pacified the large black wolf, at least for the moment. Settling back down on his haunches, molten amber eyes watched the smaller red wolf with both annoyance and amusement. The very idea that he was trying to be heroic was laughable. Heroes actually cared about others and tried to save them.

This wasn't about saving Gilroy; it was about easing his own guilty conscience. Perhaps feeding the young male seemed generous, but truly this was all in selfishness. Gavin was tired of being alone. Lone wolves had their own unique challenges, as did a large pack. A small group, two or three, could truly thrive and whether the pup liked it or not, the large male was intending to use him to ease his own living conditions.

"I already told you this is my territory and everything in it belongs to me. Well, pup, that includes you. Stick with me, kid, and I won't let you starve. If you'd rather fight me at every turn I could just kill you, or at the very least run you out of this forest. There's good hunting here, though, wouldn't want to miss a chance to eat on a regular basis, now would we?"

He was still hovering over the bird, eyes boring into Gil. Gavin wasn't going to back off just yet. The other wolf needed to learn to submit to him if this was ever going to work. The little red male didn't have to be thrilled about submitting, but he was going to do it. One way or the other.

The smaller wolf's lips curled back slightly in distaste. He belonged to no one, least of all this over-sized bully. Gilroy wanted to say as much too but his belly intervened, silencing his tongue and giving him reason to really think.

He could not do this on his own. He was a pathetic hunter and even he knew it. This bully though while obviously capable of hunting seemed from their earlier encounter more willing to let others do the work while he took the rewards. Would that happen time after time? Would Gilroy be expected to feed not only himself but this massive creature as well?

Rising slowly to his feet, with his head hanging, the red-furred wolf voiced the question that plagued and worried him so. "What assurance do I have that you would do that? That I wouldn't starve?"

Gilroy hoped against hopes the other male would not see his question as defiance but as it was, a fearful concern. He was hungry as the other male guessed but that did not make him hungry enough to sell himself into being a workhorse for another wolf.

Considering all that had happened between them so far, it wasn't really surprising that the silly pup was suspicious. Gavin gave a wolfish grin as he watched the red male stand, head lowered. Some of the spunk seemed to have gone out of his attitude too, what a marvelous improvement! Maybe this could really work after all. The next few moments would be the true test of that. He didn't stand or try to make himself look any larger or intimidating, that seemed unnecessary at this point.

" Chew on this: what good would you be to me dead or starving? Two wolves working together are stronger than one by himself. We've already established who the big, bad wolf is, but pull your weight and do as you're told ad we won't have any problems. I lead, you follow,  we both eat and you don't have to worry about any other werewolves coming to tear you up, scrawny as you are."

It was really a fairly typical dynamic, wasn't it? The alpha male led, the lower wolves followed, everyone made sure everyone else was both taken care of and in line with the rest of the pack. Gavin had been with just Nisha for a long time, and then alone, but packs didn't really change all that much. Then again, who knew how wolfish the pup was? Maybe the little male had never had a pack before. That was almost a sad thought...almost.

"What do you say pup?"

"No other wolves were interested in tearing me up until you came along," he grumbled unable to stop himself for letting that bleed through to the other wolf. "You act like I would be useful to you but then tell me I'm pathetic, well which is it? I don't want to be stuck with you always beating me up because I'm not good enough for you and I'm your little errand-pup."

Gilroy huffed and attempted to sit on his haunches before remembering slightly too late his thorny rear. He whimpered and winced, shifting to stand again. "And I'm not a pup!" He added just to make sure the other did not believe he was going to allow that to continue.

"How many other werewolves have you actually run into." Gavin really was curious where the other wolf had come from. Was there a pack out there somewhere that he hadn't stumbled upon yet? If there was they obviously had cast the young red male out. Eventually he'd have to pry for information, just so he wasn't taken by surprise. Gavin didn't like surprises. At least not when he was the one being surprised.

"You are pathetic. Have you taken a good look at yourself lately? Obviously you're not doing well on your own. Not all wolves are cut out for going solo, no shame in that. A couple weeks of regular meals will fix that scrawny problem you got going. You will be useful, two sets of eyes , ears, and teeth are better than one." Gavin had survived just fine on his own, he didn't need the other wolf, but the other wolf sure looked like he could use him.

"And if you don't want to be called 'pup' then I suggest you tell me what you want to be called. I'm Gavin, by the way." A wolfish grin had crept back onto his muzzle. Thorns all over your rump had to be a real uncomfortable, it was pretty dang funny for him, though.

Gilroy shrugged. "They left me alone and I left them alone. I never bothered to keep track until you bowled me over. And I am NOT pathetic," he huffed slamming a forepaw into the dirt like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

"I'm just having a spell of bad luck as it were. You listen here Gavin, my name's Gilroy. Not Gilly, not Roy, and certainly not PUP. Remember that, because while we work together I don't want to have to deal with that kind of humiliation. Is that understood?"

Gavin raised his lips in a sneer at Gilroy's insistence that he wasn't pathetic. It was pathetic enough that the male couldn't hunt on his own, couldn't feed and support himself, but the adamant denial was even more pitiful. Idly he thought that in some ways, this little red wolf reminded him a bit of his sister. At least Nisha could admit her own shortcomings. This was going to be a more tedious arrangement than he had originally thought, and that was saying something.

The large black male allowed Gilroy to finish his little tangent about names and humiliation, but as soon as the last mental echo faded he stood, fur standing on end, making him look even larger. The space was small and cramped with the two of them and he pressed in closer to his new little companion, teeth bared threateningly. A deep, rumbling growl rolled from this throat.

"Finished? Good. Let's get something straight right here and now: We aren't partners and we aren't equals. I am the alpha male in these woods, and you are dirt, no, lower than dirt: You're an omega. You're the one that gets thrown the scraps when everyone else is finished. Lucky for you there's only the two of us for now, so pickings will be plentiful. So far I've been generous with you and your attitude, but keep pushing me pup, and see what happens when you unleash the beast. I'm laying claim to you, try to run, and I will hunt you down and extract punishment from your scrawny hide. Have I made myself clear?"

The russet wolf did not even know he was irritating the other wolf until he started to vocalize. The big bully was at it again, demanding and pressuring Gilroy into submission. The little wolf wanted none of it though and thought himself better than the other. He did not need to put up with this kind of abuse.

"I belong to no one!" he raged as his feet surged him forward, head lowered so that it thudded solidly with the larger wolf's chest in a weak headbutt. The small wolf had no idea just how sorry he was about to be for picking a fight with such a formidable creature that was nearly twice his size and strength.

Just when Gavin thought Gilroy was finally starting to get it, the pup did something so insanely stupid that he had to be slow in the head. It was the only logical explanation. The reason really didn't matter. As soon as Gilroy's head hit his chest, Gavin was moving. He'd had quite enough of this nonsense and the little red male had just reached the end of this alpha's patience.

In only a split second he had surged forward, using his greater size as an advantage to try to push Gilroy back into the thorny briars. His fangs flashed, targeting the neck, there was no holding back this time. Before he had been content with a simple display of superiority and dominance, now he wanted to inflict pain and suffering.

Pain, that is all Gilroy felt as in a blur of motion he was forcefully pinned back against the pricker bushes. Knives of pain seared throat his vulnerable throat as he experienced the powerful jaws of his fellow wolf snap closed around his jugular.

He fought uselessly to escape, his paws flailing to find some purchase to kick and claw but it was to no use. Gilroy was not strong enough to force the other male away. He was completely at the other wolf's mercy and only now as he lay there limply, whimpering and whining did he truly realize just how much trouble he had gotten himself into. For all extents and purposes, should the inky black alpha male allow him to live, Gilroy was going to be his little bitch for as long as the other wolf wanted him.

Gavin felt the smaller wolf struggling in his grasp, felt the young male's pulse beating against the inside of his mouth, and tasted the sweet metallic nectar of blood coating his tongue, his teeth, his lips. He didn't bite once and hold on, though, his fangs flashed again and again, ripping and puncturing soft, sweet flesh. The sounds, the sounds! He might as well have been a hound of hell come to the surface to steal away some fool's mortal soul.

Seconds, minutes, hours, Gavin had no idea, but when Gilroy fell limp in his grasp he gave one final harsh shake before relinquishing his grip. Golden eyes still smoldered with slowly cooling anger as he gazed down at the male on the ground while he stood menacingly above him, fierce growls still rumbling deep in his chest.

"Want to try again, pup? When I say jump, you better ask how high."

Gilroy sobbed, his whole body shaking with the draining act of giving up. His entire body ached and he could feel the wetness that matted his fur and dripped down his body. He hated what his life had become. He was another wolf's plaything and there was nothing he could do to change it.

While he could hear the angered voice ringing through his head, Gilroy had no response for it. Pathetically, he just lay there, wishing for a speedy death that would not come as hot tears and blood spilled from his body.

As Gilroy lay there and sob pitifully, Gavin could only bring himself to sneer, looking down his long muzzle at his cowering victim. How pathetic, the miserable wretch couldn't even put up a fight. Maybe if it were even slightly challenging to beat him, Gavin could muster a bit of respect, but no. The young red male was frail as parchment, folding at the first hint of aggression.

With a look of disgust Gavin turned away, walking back to the entrance of the bramble bush cave, he kicked the dead bird at Gilroy with his back foot as he went. "You really are pathetic, pup. Maybe I'm wasting my time. Maybe I'll leave you here to die on your own after all." He didn't stop walking as his last words echoed through Gilroy's mind, and an instant later the large black male had vanished completely back into the forest.

The russet wolf winced and whined, feeling so broken and useless. He watched listlessly as the dead bird was kicked into his face and the tyrannical wolf departed into the shadows. For many breathes he simply laid there, limp and uncaring. However, his stomach's demands begged him to take first small nibbles than larger gulps of the freely given meal.

As much as Gilroy now hated the other wolf more than ever, he knew he was too weak and too hurt to turn his nose up at the scraps. It seemed like in no time at all the carcass was entirely divest of meat and his hunger was barely dented.

With a heavy sigh and gritted teeth, he tested his legs and found them able to hold his weight. So, shaking like a newborn foal and his tail tucked between his legs, Gilroy wobbled towards where he heard running water. He did not know if he went to drown or to drink but all he knew was that it would be a welcome relief for his abused hide and his parched throat. He was not about to wait around to see if the bully would return to eat him alive, though he doubted it would be so hard to find him again anyway.

Gavin had taken to prowling through the shadows, stalking, but with no prey in his vision. The day had been interesting, but not so fruitful as he had hoped. That pathetic pup hadn't been so much as a challenge. He'd mauled the damn thing and yet he hadn't a real scratch to show for it. Gilroy was weak, pathetic, certainly not worth his time. Hell the little bastard was almost as pathetic as...Nisha. Was that why he had singled the young male out? Because he knew he was weak and would be an easy target? Maybe he hadn't been looking for a real challenge at all.

That thought made him growl, amber eyes blazing with rage and annoyance. He should go back and kill that young male. Just to prove that he wasn't chained to his sister by guilt or pity. Gavin was stronger than that. Gilroy would just slow him down and get in his way. Going back and killing the pup would almost be a mercy, better than a slow death by starvation, which is what he had left Nisha to.

Why did he care? It wasn't his job to be merciful. Let the young wolf suffer. Only the strong deserved to live anyway. As he'd been stalking through the forest a sudden flash of movement had him reacting instinctively. In two strides he caught the fawn he had startled from where it had laid in hiding. The stupid animal, it would have passed beneath his notice if it hadn't tried to run. His jaws clamped around the animal's throat, it barely had time to bleat in terror before it was silenced forever.

As soon as the young deer died, he dropped it on the ground, ears alert and looking around for the mother. After a few minutes with no sign of a doe, he decided she wasn't coming back for her baby. A shame, an adult deer could feed several wolves, but he was alone. Huffing he looked back down at the baby, it was probably only thirty pounds now, still quite young. Also it would make a good meal, even for a very hungry wolf. After a few more minutes of internal debate, he threw his head back and howled. A howl that said come eat.

Gilroy did not even realize he had reached the water's edge until his slipped in the sandy gravel of the bank's edge and went crashing chin first onto a wet rock. Sharp pain rang through his skull making even his teeth hurt for a bleak moment where it became the most pronounce hurt he was suffering. Then everything came crashing back down on him in pulsing waves that made him cry and howl pitifully.

The other wolf be damned! He no longer cared what happened to him as long as this suffering ceased. More crawling than walking, he dragged himself further into the slow-moving stream until he was floating in the center yet due to the current remaining pretty still. Every so often Gilroy would feel a little fish brush passed him or nip at his tail, yet after a while he did not even blink. He lowered his head to drink but then once he had, did not raise it once more to breathe. Too weak, too tired, too uncaring. Gilroy decided it might be better to die after all. At least dead he would not feel the pain of being eaten alive later.

Not waiting on a response or for Gilroy to come to him, Gavin picked the fresh kill up by the throat and carried it in his jaws. After the thorough thrashing he'd given the young male he really didn't expect him to show up, even if it was for his own good. The pup seemed stubborn like that, but at least the large male had vented some of his aggression and was calmer - for now. Between roughing Gilroy up and killing the fawn he was actually feeling pretty good.

When he got to where he'd left his young punching bag, it hadn't been too long since he had howled. At first Gavin was confused, but then he dropped his prize with a growl and ran into the water. Of all the stupid things for the pup to do! It took him only seconds to reach Gilroy. Grabbing the other male gently by the scruff of the neck he began trying to pull him from the water.

He was moments away from accepting the darkness that had been creeping around the edges of his vision when Gilroy was abruptly yanked up at of the water by the scruff of his neck. Gasping for air he weakly surged to life, trying to struggle his way out of the grip.

The red wolf shook his head and squirmed uselessly. His paws found no purchase as they splashed water every which way. Defeated at last though he let loose a weak, whining howl before going limp and silent in the jaws of whatever had decided to make a meal out of him.

Not really sure what to expect, Gavin growled as Gilroy thrashed uselessly in his grip. Swimming back to shore was made hard enough trying to drag another body - even one as scrawny as Gilroy - and the pup fighting against him only made the struggle more bothersome. The large black wolf didn't give up, though, and finally the other wolf went slack in his jaws, defeated.

Reaching the shallows he was finally able to get his feet under him, which made Gilroy suddenly heavier as he dragged him up to dry ground before dropping him unceremoniously onto the ground in annoyance. Stepping away, he paused and shook out his great coat, black fur sticking up wildly, and a spray of water flying in all directions.

"You're awfully high maintenance, pup. Not only do I have to feed you, but now I had to drag your scrawny butt out of deep water so you wouldn't drown like a fool."

Gilroy fell limply to the ground with a heavy splat, his scraggly form looking even more pathetic now that his fur plastered to his sides, revealing just how thin he was. His eyes listlessly watched as Gavin puffed up and sprayed him with water, hitting him in the face with flying droplets that caused him only to blink slowly as if doing so was a secondary thought.

The dark wolf's words reached him but did not mean much. He did not care. He had welcomed the chance to die and now been dragged out of the water by the very person that had made him want to go in. What was the point in anything now? He simply did not care.

The smaller wolf, rolled onto his back so that he was belly up and vulnerable. Maybe Gavin would tear his throat out and that would be the end of that. He closed his eyes, intent on shutting out the world. Nothing mattered to him anymore.

As oblivious as Gavin could be, it was hard not to noticed how listless Gilroy had become, actually the point of suicidal, and was it all really because of the large wolf that hovered nearby? He had wanted to dominate the smaller male, but this wasn't just domination. Had he completely broken the kid's spirit? Was this guilt he felt? No, couldn't be. Still, the black wolf felt like he was responsible for this silliness and needed to fix it.

Moving to stand over Gilroy, he lowered his head, sniffing at the other male for a moment before his tongue flashed out to lick the smaller wolf. Then Gavin did it again and again, whether the pup liked it or not. He lapped at the pup's throat and muzzle, grooming the young male, a soft rumble in his chest as he did so.

He shivered at the sensation of something literally breathing on his throat. 'This is it,' he thought, feeling quite detached from reality. 'This is how I die.' The shock that followed though when a wet tongue slide across his already fur and began grooming him completely immobilized in for several long seconds.

Without even realizing it, Gilroy began to whine in his confusion. It was not painful and actually felt good, reminding him of when his parents were alive and did things like that. But, it frightened him more than anything to be treated so gently before what he thought would be the excruciating pain of being eaten alive.

One eye peeked open even as he accidentally voiced his sole snarky thought aloud. "Do you always bathe your prey before you eat them?"

At the sound of Gilroy whining, Gavin only redoubled his efforts of grooming the other male, trying to manipulate him out of the pathetic state of hopelessness. He had never wanted the pup to die, had only wanted to control him, to bring him into the fold of his cracked existence, but to do that, he had to have obedience. The large, dark wolf was aggressive and controlling by nature, he couldn't help himself.

"I'm not going to eat you. I just saved your life, why would I do that if I was planning to turn around and kill you?" Gavin's tongue worked it's way to licking the pup's ear, being gentle and attentive now, where so shortly ago he'd been unstoppable in his fury. It was understandable if Gilroy was confused by the teeter-totter swing of the large male's behavior.

His ear twitched under the assault of Gavin's tongue and he whined more, struggling between the urge to pull away or lean more into it. Gilroy did not know what to think. One minute Gavin was trying to rip his throat out and the next he was lavishing affection upon him in so gentle a manner.

"Wanted the joy of doing it yourself," he weakly replied even as tears began to race their way across his face towards his ears. "Why are you doing this? Haven't you had enough fun at my expense?"

Gavin's ears perked up, listening to the sound of Gilroy's whines, almost enjoying them. Although the circumstances of the pitiful whines were less than ideal. Still, he thought that the pup was enjoying the attention, at least there wasn't any fight in him about it. That was a good sign, right?

The large male huffed at those words as they danced across his mind. He paused in the act of grooming, stepping carefully over Gilroy and laying down beside him before licking the tears from the young wolf's face. "I only wanted you to submit. I didn't want to hurt you, but I can't help myself sometimes. I just wanted to be your alpha."

When the larger wolf moved to lay beside him, Gilroy rolled to his side to face him. He kept his limbs tight against his body, as he shifted enough to rest his furry forehead against Gavin's side. Gilroy was still crying but he was at least feeling a bit more life in him, even for just the moment.

"Why my alpha? Why me? You said yourself, I'm pathetic. I'm not worth any pack's time." His body shook forcefully as he bit back a sob and buried his face deeper in the dark wolf's side. He tried not to think of how lonely it had been without his family, how much he had missed companionship and comfort that only another person could bring.

Shifting slightly to make himself more comfortable, Gavin allowed the younger male to snuggle against his side. Gilroy was so pitiful. The red wolf wasn't wrong about being a bother, but Nisha had been so as well. The guilt from leaving her ate at him again. Well maybe he could make up for it now. Even if only in a small way.

"Because we were both alone..." Was the simple reply as he resumed grooming his new companion. His tongue softly coaxing the wet fur of Gilroy's neck back into a semblance of order. Being comforting wasn't exactly Gavin's strong point, but he was trying.

That simple answer was answer enough for Gilroy. Nervously he nuzzled back at the older male and gave him a few tentative licks in thanks. Turning his face to look Gavin in the eye, he made sure to be as unchallenging as possible as he questioned the future.

"So now what? Are you my alpha? Do you even want to be?" He tried to say it like it did not matter to him what the answer was yet his eyes spoke differently. They were wide with worry and fear and glassy with the tears he had barely gained control of for the moment. There was no telling when they would burst forth once more, betraying him with their eagerness to escape him.

Gavin stopped his grooming as Gilroy nuzzled against him, looking at the red wolf with his ears perked. The amber gaze was attentive, but there wasn't sign of aggression as he met Gilroy's eyes, regarding him solemnly.

He could see what was in those eyes. The fear, the worry, the loneliness, and the desire for companionship. After all that had happened, the pup wanted him to say yes. "I brought you some more to eat. I know you're probably still hungry."

The red wolf did not see the words for what they were. They were not a direct answer to his question and therefore he believed that Gavin was avoiding the answer. His shoulders slumped and his gaze dropped in defeat. He was not wanted.

Gilroy gave a weak one-shouldered shrug as he rolled to his belly and let his head rest on the ground once more. "You need to eat," he told Gavin. "You're not going to do yourself any good chasing down food for a loner when your own belly is wanting. The tiny morsel I caught earlier wasn't much of a meal for me let alone you."

Confusion immediately fell over Gavin as he saw the way the pup's shoulders sagged and the look in those eyes. Maybe he had been completely wrong and the young wolf had wanted him to leave him alone, but he had been so sure that it was the other way. Then Gilroy rolled away and spoke into his mind he realized what was going on and gave a soft huff of annoyance.

"You're such a silly pup. I would not waste my time caring for a lone wolf." Crawling toward his russet companion, Gavin licked the other male's face a few times. "You're not alone anymore. I thought that I was clear, but if you need me to spell it out, fine. I'm your alpha."

"This mean you're going to beat the living daylights out of me again?" Gilroy asked, trying not to feel so hopeful. The idea that he would not have to be alone anymore made his heart beat a bit faster, yet the thought of being turned into ground meat by the big bully whenever he felt like it was a very sobering notion.

He desperately wanted to cave in and curl up like a small pup against his alpha, his protector, his leader. But was it truly wise to trust the wolf who had tried to rip his throat out. 'And shoved my ass into prickers,' he thought privately.

"I'll try not to, but I can't make promises. Just try not to piss me off. I can't control my temper. Fatal flaw of mine." Honestly, Gavin didn't want to hurt the younger male, but when he was angry he couldn't control himself very well at all. If Gilroy hadn't provoked him before, he wouldn't have flew off the handle and mauled him like he'd done.

The idea of not being alone was nice, though. He really was brilliant for thinking of this. Taking in the red wolf would make considerable improvements to his life. Maybe his mood would even get better with someone around to balance him out. "Having company will be good for both of us. It isn't easy being alone. We're both stressed out from it. Maybe you can help with my anger issues?"

Gavin didn't really believe it, but it sure sounded good.

Gilroy did not believe it either but he decided commenting on the matter was not going to do him very much good so he kept his muzzle shut. "I suppose," he reluctantly replied. In his mind thought the little wolf was already coming up with battle plans should things become to oppressive for him. If need be, Gilroy would run, even if it meant his life. He would not stand to be abused and bullied for the enjoyment of another. He was not that desperate for attention.

Weakly, on legs that shook like a newborn calf, the red wolf regained his footing. Turning slightly to view the large black mass beside him, the younger male gave a small bow of his head in acceptance. "Still didn't answer my question though. Did you eat?"

It wasn't as if Gavin didn't try to be, well, normal. The large wolf knew that his behavior could be considered extreme, and that his temper was positively diabolical. The problem was, the black beast couldn't decide if he cared that he was violent and difficult to be around. Though he truly believed that he was quite pleasant company as long as no one was provoking his ire

Gavin watched Gilroy as the pup shakily got to his feet. Amber eyes regarded the smaller male with relative passivity. Though a wolfish grin appeared on his muzzle when the red wolf spoke. He was quite right, the alpha should always get the first bite. "Not yet, let's eat together."

Standing, he trotted the few feet to where he'd dropped the carcass of his kill. Going for the neck, he pulled a chunk of flesh off the unfortunate creature and wolfed it down. The body was beginning to cool, but the meat and blood was still warm, though it wasn't as good as the hot, fresh feast of just killed. "Dig in, you'll need to get your strength up."

He waited for Gavin to take a bite before warily approaching the kill. Gilroy still was not sure how to handle the new situation they were in and understood that it would probably take some getting used to on both their parts before they could co-exist comfortably.

Out of exhaustion, the younger wolf collapsed before his meal, unable to stand as he should to eat. With eyes that kept darting to watch his new alpha, he allowed himself to slowly start eating. It was revitalizing to taste fresh meat of a variety he had never been able to truly catch on his own.

In all his short years, Gilroy had only caught a deer once. It was a shame really given that it was one of his favorite meals, not that he was a very picky eater. Beggars could not be choosers after all. His only worry as he ate was being forced to stop once he had started. He kept half expecting to have it ripped away from him and Gavin at his throat at any second.

Unlike Gilroy, Gavin was well-fed. Even so, the large male was able to strip the neck of meat in minutes, packing away several pounds of food in a very short amount of time. Licking his lips, face covered in blood, the black wolf backed away from the food a few feet before flopping down on the ground contently. He started grooming himself, no longer concerned with the food or his smaller companion, leaving Gilroy to help himself to as much meat as he could stomach.

"Now isn't this nice? No fighting, no bickering, just good food and company to share it with."

Gilroy ate his fill far slower than his alpha, needing to take small breaks even as he went as the very act of biting and chewing was exhausting for him. His only response to Gavin's statement was to grunt and continue eating in silence.

When at last his belly was sated, the red wolf wobbled his way over to where the bigger male lay and plopped down beside him. Hesitantly with his heart pounding his chest, Gilroy leaned forward to lick Gavin's cheek.

If the red male was worried about being disturbed from his meal, his anxiety went unfounded. Gavin contented himself with grooming all the while his subordinate ate. Getting all wet had seriously put his coat all out of whack, making him look ridiculous. Slowly but surely he had his fur back to behaving and looking sleek.

As Gilroy wobbled over to him, the larger male stopped to watch the unsteady way his companion moved. A few good meals ought to straighten the pup out, he decided as Gilroy laid down beside him. His ears flickered slightly as his cheek was licked, but he just turned his head and licked the younger male right back before nuzzling his neck slightly. "Rest now?"

The wolf gave a soft growl of approval, his eyes sliding closed as he let his head rest against the larger wolf. Gilroy might have fallen asleep right then if he had not shifted about to get a better position though. A rather unpleasant throbbing pain issues from his hindquarters as he was reminded of his encounter with the briar bush.

"My butt hurts," he complained to Gavin as he fidgeted about more.

After all the excitement of the day and the gigantic meal, Gavin had thought for sure that his companion would pass out almost immediately. Even he felt tired. Then as Gilroy shifted beside him, he heard the pup issue a complaint. Hysterical laughter immediately erupted in the large male's head.

Oh he had backed the smaller male into a thorn bush, hadn't he? Gavin fell over on his side, his laughter broadcasting right through him and to Gilroy. His paws even flailed about a bit. His butt hurt! That was great!

It took a moment for him to get himself back under control. "Well I would say something, but you would just get even more mad at me!"

He huffed in exasperation, finally resorting to lightly smacking at one of Gavin's paws with his own. "Yeah, yeah, laugh at the guy with thorns in his ass. Go ahead and say what you will but," Gilroy sighed and looked at the larger wolf pitifully.

"Could you help? Please?" The wolf let out a low whine as he pleaded for assistance, hoping his alpha would be feeling gracious at the moment.

Gavin couldn't help himself, the wolf fell back into hysterical laughter at the request for help. Gilroy wanted him to pull thorns out of his scrawny hide? It was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. Sure, it was the large male's fault the poor pup had a rump full of briar thorns, but that didn't mean that the black wolf intended to make it right.

"You haven't even tried to get them out yourself."

'As far as you know,' Gilroy groused back, voice filled with attitude. He whined and whimpered glancing back at his rear before looking back to Gavin. 'Please Alpha,' he beseached with wide eyes, 'it hurts so badly.'

Gavin managed to stop laughing, but he gave the smaller male a huff. "I am not pulling thorns out of your ass with my mouth, forget it." No freaking way was he going to do it, nope, not happening.

Standing the large male wolf shook himself slightly, still feeling rather content and languid. He had a good meal, and he'd found himself some company - whiney and annoying company - but beggars couldn't be choosers.

Gilroy sighed softly, still whining quietly deep in his throat as he tried to settle down for rest. The small wolf could not keep from fidgeting around though as each new movement made another thorn known. He worried about shifting back into his more vulnerable human form for two reasons.

The first was because he feared his new alpha's reaction to his small, boyish form. He did not think he could handle ridicule on top of everything else at that moment. The second was due to his concern that the thorns may drive deeper into his rear with the shift. It had been too long since he had last changed over, so much so that he could not recall when last it was he walked on two feet. Gilroy had no doubt his next change would be a rather uncomfortable one. He did not need to add thorns to the mix.

He waited a few more minutes before pitifully licking and nuzzling at Gavin's cheek. "Please alpha? I can't reach and..." Gilroy shifted his gaze away, not wishing to reveal more weakness by letting the larger wolf know of his reservations about shifting.

Gavin honestly wouldn't have been too worried about Gilroy's human form being small or boyish, at least not to make fun of him. He'd have been far more interested in something else. Of course, he didn't know the fears that the younger male had about changing his forms. He'd have laughed at the poor smaller male if he did know.

The pitiful licking and nuzzling had the large male huffing softly before he shook his fur out again and let his wolf features fade and change into those of a handsome man, young and in his prime of life, his shaggy black hair and golden eyes making his human form reminiscent of his wolf one.

His voice croaked softly as he wasn't used to speaking, but after working his mouth a little Gavin's deep voice laughed out. Being human felt so weird how did they stand it? After a moment he sat down, stark naked but not concerned with that, he was used to being naked, after all.

"Alright, alright. Come here, and be careful where you put your feet."

The russet wolf watched in awe as Gavin shifted so effortlessly into his human form. His eyes widened as he stared openly, disbelieving how strong and handsome the other male was. Gilroy shivered to hear his deep voice that dripped with calm command. The little wolf realized now just how hopeless it was for him to fight his alpha. There was no beating someone born to lead.

"Makes me look like a baby," he mused, not realizing his thoughts had bled over their bond to be heard by his alpha.

Taking care to not injure himself further while obeying as quickly as possibly, Gilroy scurried to his feet clumsily. Tail and head lowered, he shuffled to stand sideways in front of Gavin, smaller than the man even as he sat in human form.

"So pathetic," he whimpered, his ears laying flat on the back of his skull.

Gavin's smirk stretched from ear to ear as he heard Gilroy's thoughts enter his mind. Now he was really curious to see his little red companion's human form. Maybe he'd have to find a way to convince the younger male to reveal his less furry side.

When the small male stood in front of his lap, he grinned and wrapped his arms around Gilroy, pulling the wolf into his lap. "Maybe you are just a bit pathetic." He snickered as his hands ran softly through the russet fur, seeking out thorns and finding the first, lightly plucked it. "Try not to wiggle too much."

Gilroy yelped in surprise, having not expected to be suddenly situated in his alpha's lap. Gavin had warned him not to step on him so he had assumed the larger male did not want them touching. He kept very still though beneath the gentle touches that ruffled his fur but otherwise made him feel good. Even as the first thorn was plucked out, Gilroy only huffed at the pain and moved his head to nuzzle between Gavin's arm and side.

He was forever grateful though that blushing was impossible for a wolf as Gavin could not see his embarrassment at not only having his thoughts heard but also agreed upon. There was absolutely no way now in his mind that Gilroy was going to allow the stronger and more dominant male see him in any form other than wolf. It would be too much of a humiliation to be seen as the gangly boy with a baby-face that he was. He was sure that inability to truly properly care for himself would only make him appear much younger and smaller than he was meant to be to begin with.

"Thank you my alpha," he stated quite honestly, wishing Gavin to know just how thankful he was for the assistance.

The younger wolf probably didn't realize it, but as Gavin's hands moved over and through his russet coat, the large man was evaluating his new subordinate. He noticed the poor body and coat condition, but with proper nutrition that would clear up all on its own. Each thorn was careful plucked as his fingers brushed across it. There were plenty of them, the poor pup had gotten stuck pretty good. That was his fault, or was it Gilroy's fault for his defiance? Something to think about.

"As Alpha it's my job to protect and take care of my pack." His tone was matter-of-fact about it. It was the alpha male's job to defend and see to the care of those that depended on his strength. Once he was sure that the thorns were gone he let his fingers run over Gilroy again and again, gently massaging the weakened muscles. The small wolf was adorable the way he'd nuzzled his head against his side like that.

The young wolf unconsciously melted under the stronger man's caresses. His eyes drooped closed in relaxation as even the stings of the removed thorns was drowned out by warmth and comfort. By the time Gavin had finished, Gilroy was in a complete state of peaceful calm.

Lazily a hazel eye slid open to peek up before Gilroy suddenly sat up in Gavin's lap and moved to lick the man's cheek. "You are a good Alpha. Thank you for your kindness," he thought to the other male even as he nuzzled his face into the crook of the warm, furless neck in front of him in a sign of appreciation. Lulled by a sated belly and a gentle touch, Gilroy was already feeling less wary and more willing to please. How long that would last though given his penchant for attitude was indeterminable.

Gavin had been content to work his fingers over Gilroy's body, a smug gleam to his eyes as he worked the little wolf into a happy pile of fluff. That was until the small red wolf sat up and licked his cheek, causing him to scrunch his face up a little. Being called a good alpha did make his chest swell a little with pride, though he hasn't sure about that kindness bit.

"Don't you dare go thinking I'm going to be all soft on your or something." There could have been a lot more bite to his words, but it was hard when his arms had wrapped around the little wolf in his lap, fingers gently teasing through the fur.

Gilroy snorted unintentionally, his eyes rolling effortlessly. "As if you could be," he thought aloud before he could stop himself. As soon as the wolf remembered Gavin could hear him, his gaze shifted downward as he attempted to curl back up in his Alpha's lap and appear small and insignificant. He was mentally kicking himself for possibly and unintentionally re-provoking the larger wolf's anger.

Gavin's lips turned into a slightly cruel smirk at the words that glided so defiantly across his mind. Amber eyes flashed as they watched the little wolf huddle down in his lap. One of his large hands moved to stroke over Gilroy's head and down to his shoulders a couple times before lightly gripping and squeezing the scruff.

"Are you saying I'm incapable of gentleness?" He teased softly, squeezing just a little bit harder before letting go and petting the red wolf's head and neck again gently.

The grip on his scruff though not painful served as warning enough. Gilroy was thankful therefore when it was released and soothing hands once more took up the act of making him feel relaxed. He was mentally tripping over himself though to respond, still concerned about finding himself in trouble with the other male.

"No Alpha! Just that you're not going soft. Please forgive me!"

A deep, rumbling laugh caused Gavin's chest to vibrate softly as he stroked the panicked male in his lap. It was weird, petting another wolf, but Gilroy seemed to be enjoying it. It was also really amusing to see him tripping over himself to please him - or at least to not piss him off. Pushing the small wolf out of his lap he dropped his hands to the ground as his body to shifted back into the large black wolf.

"Let's find somewhere comfortable to curl up for a nap. Can't beat a good nap after good food."

The moment that Gavin was a wolf again, Gilroy was brushing his body up against his Alpha, reaffirming they were pack and that the dark wolf was in charge. He nuzzled side and shoulder alike even as he listened to Gavin's directives.

"I know a place!" he chirped before he realized he had volunteered the information. His ears flicked back and forth as he waited for Gavin to ridicule him and cuff him. Gilroy still felt nervous around the greater wolf and while he wished desperately to appease him until a time when he could make a run for it, the russet wolf was still stick with Gavin until. then and he did not fancy being a chewtoy in the mean time.

Gavin was rumbling happily as Gilroy rubbed against his body, mingling their scents in a pleasant way that would alert others that they belonged together. Too bad he only had one wolf to scent in such a way, but maybe with time they'd gather some more followers.

The large wolf turned his head, peering at his little red companion as he declared he knew a place to rest. Well wasn't that convenient? Stretching his head forward he nuzzled Gilroy's neck lightly. "So what are you waiting for? Let's see this place you know."

Gilroy yipped in excitement and shot off like an arrow, feet pounding against the turf. With food in his belly he was feeling more energetic than he had in a long while and he wanted to run. Granted it was not as fast as full potential but it was still quick and he reveled in the feel of the wind in his fur as he became a red streak to the untrained eye.

"This way," he called out gleefully to Gavin, cutting a sharp corner around a tree and nearly running into one close behind it as he banked to the right.

Oh that was the wrong thing to do. Amber eyes blazed as they watched Gilroy run off in a blur of red fur. Instincts kicked in immediately and without a second thought the large black wolf bolted after his quarry, huge paws pounding into the dirt. It took effort to quell his need to chase and catch his prey, in the end it was still only subdued as he continued the chase.

Gavin zipped through the sharp turns with a powerful and measured stride, keeping pace on the smaller wolf, but not attempting to actually catch him yet, he was enjoying the chase. He let his voice ooze into Gilroy's mind, practically purring with devious promise. "It is usually a bad idea to run from a dominant wolf, little pup. When I catch you I expect a reward for my triumph."

A shiver ran down his spine at hearing his alpha's voice so sensually within his mind. The words themselves though sent him tripping clumsily over his own paws, colliding with the dirt with a heavy thud that caused his teeth to click sharply shut. Gavin was right, he had forgotten that one should never run from a wolf unless they knew they could for sure outrun them. Traditionally a superior wolf led a run to ensure that no conflict occurred.

He tried to struggle back to his feet, knowing that Gavin could be on top of him in a matter of seconds now regardless of how fast Gilroy fought to get back to his feet. "Reward?" he gulped, not liking the sound of that one bit.

Gavin hadn't been trying very hard to catch Gilroy, and so when the young wolf stumbled and fell he wasn't immediately set up by the larger wolf. A soft laugh echoed through his mind and into the red wolf at the one-word question. He was torn between a desire to toy with the younger male, and the desire to dominate him.

The wolves collided as the dark male pounced upon his prey, using his weight to keep the smaller wolf down on the ground. "Yes, a reward." Gavin growled softly as he took the scruff of Gilroy's neck between his powerful jaws, demanding submission now that the pup was caught.

Gilroy instantly pressed his nose into the dirt and whined his limp submission to his Alpha the moment he felt the firm pressure closing around the scruff of his neck. As much as he still resented having to belly down to another wolf, the alternative of being beaten to a bloody pulp did not sit well with him either.

"I submit! You win!" he barked quickly hoping that was reward enough for the large male even as he suspected differently.

"Good!" Gavin growled happily as Gilroy barked his submission. He truly enjoyed how quick the pup had gone limb in his grasp. Maybe the smaller male was learning who was boss around here. Perhaps that was too much to hope for, but if he had to reaffirm his dominance every so often, well, he could deal with that. Hell, it might even be a little fun.

"Now for my reward. Shift! You saw my human half. Time for me to meet yours." The large wolf rumbled the words in Gilroy's mind as he let go of the little wolf's scruff. He did not move off of him, though, not sure if the pup would bolt away from him if he did and not particularly in the mood to find out.

"You mean submitting wasn't reward enough?!" the wolf cried out aghast. Futilely for a moment Gilroy attempted to resist and bolt but Gavin's weight was too much for him to overpower. "But I don't know how to!" he tried protesting as a new tactic. The poor boy was far too embarrassed of his appearance especially after seeing his alpha to allow his own small and gangly form be ridiculed. He could only imagine what he looked like now having not eaten well in months and been roughed up earlier.

"Submitting is not a reward, it is the appropriate response!" Gavin growled irritably. Lesser wolves were just expected to submit to their betters, but surely this small male knew that. Gilroy hadn't been alone all his life, and surely such a small, whiny male had been forced to submit to greater wolves all his life.

"Lies! It was not a request, little wolf. SHIFT!" Those teeth tugged at the scruff of Gilroy's neck to emphasize the last roared demand. He would not tolerate this stubborn, insolent refusal of his command. Gilroy would learn to obey when he made a demand.

Gilroy whimpered loudly, his entire body shaking as his ears laid flat against the back of his skull and his eyes squeezed shut. His heart pounded so fast within his chest that he was sure it would burst right out onto the ground before him, flopping around like a fish out of water.

The little wolf tried, honestly he did but his embarrassed topped with his extreme fright now left him extremely unfocused. Gilroy spasmed slightly as fur tried and failed to recede and bones attempted to rearrange themselves unsuccessfully. He knew the command in his new alpha's voice and was not willfully trying to be disobedient now.

Fearfully, he cried out hoping to stay any further injury in the face of Gavin's growing anger. "I can't, I can't! It's not working! Please I'm trying!"

Gavin's impatience grew as Gilroy tried and failed to change forms, the haphazard shifting of bone and fur only for the process to halt and reverse itself was a disgrace to werewolf kind! His ears flickered at the small male's pitiful cries and with a growl and final pinch to the back of Gilroy's neck, the large black wolf relented and released his hold.

Fur bristled, Gavin stepped over his little red omega, no longer pinning him to the ground. "How utterly pathetic and disappointing."

It was like his heart had broken. Gilroy continued to remain in his submissive position even after Gavin had left him for his spirits had once more plummeted. He deemed nothing worse in the world than being so easily dismissed by the alpha he called his own and the large wolf had done so without a care, naming the very words that constantly rang loud and clear within the russet wolf's head.

Whimpers and tears met Gavin's words as he curled in around himself, tail moving to rest atop of nose. "Just kill me and be done with it already. I know I'm useless, why else do you think I'm alone?"

Gavin snorted derisively at the words that flowed across his mind. Turning his head he let that intense yellow stare fixate on the cowering red wolf. "Dead you would be useless. Alive you can find some use to your alpha. If you try hard enough."

The huge black wolf found a place to lay down away from Gilroy, attention moving to observe their surroundings lazily.

Gilroy continued to cower under the pointed gaze of his new alpha, hating the knowledge that he had shamed himself so much as to bring such a level of disappointment. It did not matter what he felt for or against the wolf, an alpha was an alpha and without the strength or power to be one, the smaller wolf had no choice but to submit and obey.

Eventually though, with a bit of calm Gilroy was finally able to shift forms. He sat with his knees tucked in tight against his chest and his long arms wrapped around them so his knuckles brushed his bare and gaunt sides. His face was buried in the tops of his knees, his shaggy hair obscuring his pained features and the tears that continued to slide down his dirty cheeks no matter his form.

Gavin knew when the smaller wolf began to shift into his human form, but he kept his amber eyes on the forest around them. At least at first, his ears flickered as found it hard to ignore the pup's pitiful crying, even if it was mostly silent. The little red wolf really was pathetic, wasn't he?

The big black wolf huffed softly as he rose from the ground and approached Gilroy, slowly circling around the huddled crying human form. He was quite obviously assessing him; taking note of how dirty and thin the little wolf really was without his fur. Fattening him up a little wouldn't do any harm, and since Gavin was very good at killing things it wasn't going to be hard to keep the pup fed.

"Stop your pitiful whining, pup." Gavin stopped circling and stepped closer, licking at Gilroy's shaggy red hair. "I knew you could shift."

Not even the alpha's command could bring a ceasefire to the younger man's tears though. The soothing licks, the declaration of surety, the lack of pain, of nips and aggressive growls only made Gilroy cry harder. He didn't know what to feel anymore but the floodgates were open and the tears just would not stop coming. His belly was full but the fear of not knowing when his next meal would be left him hungry. He was tired, weary to the very bone and unable or perhaps unwilling to take another proverbial step onward.

When he begged to be left alone, when he had fought to defend himself, he had been easily ignored and overpowered. When he begged for death and a merciful freedom from his shackles of existence that too now was kept from him. The maws of death were not hungry for him yet but oh how he wished they were.

So he wept. He wept for the past that never seemed truly behind him, for the ones he had loved and lost, for his own pathetic and incapable existence. He cried for fear and relief and out of pure, deep-sated despair at the unknown.

With his knees still tucked in close against his breast, he finally collapsed onto his side in front of the massive wall of flesh and fur. His body shook stronger now with his cries and hiccups soon interrupted his every breath as he struggled to breathe easily. In that moment, Gilroy was giving up. It was not submission to a higher force, to a more worthy opponent, it was complete and utter surrender in the face of reality. He just wasn't fit to live or survive.