Forest's Journey
Chapter 18

Bush

“We must attack the Pack of the Forest before they demand a change to the border!” barked Oat, the Pack of the Bush’s Beta, as he paced the den.

“But our wolves have been inside their territory too. How do we explain that when they bring it up?” asked Bush.

“We have nothing to gain by sending wolves over the border. In fact, we may even lose land. But by sending wolves across the border, the Pack of the Forest will gain land because then wolves from both packs would have crossed the border, and the criteria for changing the border will be met. They will be able to push the border to that thick line of bushes. Those weasels probably sent wolves across the border when they smelled our pack’s scent on their side of the border.” argued Thistle, the Delta.

“We need to attack them to prove that we won’t tolerate them chipping away at our land or prey.” added Holly, his mate.

Bush scrunched up his face in concentration, trying to dissuade his packmates from attacking. He didn’t want to attack the Pack of the Forest. He knew that Forest, however bold he may sometimes be, would not do something so indecent. He didn’t want to endanger his packmates or injure or kill innocent wolves. Yet, all of his packmates were expecting him to attack to prove that he was a courageous leader. He might lose their support if they didn’t, and the pack may even fall apart like he had dreaded.

“Come on, what is there to think about? Announce our plan to attack now so our wolves can commence the attack tonight.” urged Oat.

“We can’t be sure that the Pack of the Forest sent wolves over to our territory. What if we attacked and endangered our pack for no reason?” asked Bush.

“Better safe than sorry.” argued Thistle.

“The other packs would think we’re a bunch of rogues and bullies, and when we need our help, they won’t help us!” shouted Bush.

“Are you implying we’re so weak that we need the help of another pack?” retorted Holly.

Bush sighed. Why wouldn’t his packmates think about the wellbeing of the pack and their future for once? His packmates were so coercive that he felt like they actually had more power than he did. He didn’t want to force Forest to put the border at the large bush, be aggressive to him or attack his pack, but he was forced to by his mate and other packmates. The wolves who were supposed to support him were now just using him to exert violence onto the world, and he hated it. He thought he was strong-willed and tough, and that he could keep the pack in order. But it looked like he lacked the real strength necessary to become a strong leader. Suddenly, the pack’s Epsilon, Blaze, burst through the entrance of the tent.

“Alpha Forest and Alpha Rose are here to talk to you.” reported Blaze.

“Escort them in here and make sure they’re alone.” instructed Bush.

“We told you they were coming to bargain with us.” Thistle muttered, her eyes lit with rage. Moments later, Forest and Rose entered, dipping their heads respectfully to every wolf in the den.

“Greetings, Bush, Holly, Beta and Delta. We’re here to-” Forest began.

“Discuss the border, we know. What we can tell you is that our border will not budge, and unless you promise right here, right now that no Pack of the Forest wolf will ever cross the border for illegitimate reasons and you keep your promise, we will attack your pack.” Oat said.

Bush’s heart convulsed with rage as he barely refrained from shooting Oat a glare. He wanted to scold Oat for his rudeness and lack of tact, but now was not the time.

“Your wolves have been over our border many times as well.” Rose argued.

“But they have no reason or motive to. Your wolves, on the other hand, do, because if wolves from both packs constantly cross the border, you can change it and take more land.” retorted Thistle.

Bush nearly cringed at his Delta’s words. Why would she accuse them of something they weren’t even sure of to their faces? Bush was getting ready to speak up when Forest erupted with rage.

“Are you suggesting-” Forest yelled.

“Do you remember the agreement we struck in the Pack of the Sun and Moon, Bush and Holly?” Rose interrupted.

He was about to answer, but Holly did so first.

“Yes, but we’re no longer honouring the agreement as we have found out that you could use it to steal our land.” Holly answered.

Bush stared incredulously at his mate. She didn’t even discuss this with him first!

“Give us a moment please.” Forest said.

“Gladly.” replied Bush, feeling relieved that he would get some time to discuss things over with his own packmates too.

Once they went outside, Bush glared at his packmates, unmasked fury in his eyes.

“Why didn’t you let me discuss things over with Forest and Rose?” questioned Bush.

“Because we couldn’t trust you to give an answer that won’t make our pack seem weak.” replied Oat.

Bush bristled. Did they not trust him to act with the interest of the pack in mind?

“Your answer made our pack seem brutish and unreasonable. You must stop thinking like the rogues that you were and have a spirit of cooperation!” hissed Bush.

Just before Oat could reply, Forest and Rose came back to the den.

“We will accept your demands.” Forest announced.

Bush was about to thank them when Oat beat him to it again.

“Glad to know that the Pack of the Forest Alphas aren’t idiots.” Oat replied.

Bush was exasperated. Forest and Rose had already agreed to their frankly outrageous demands, so why was Oat still being so rude and prickly? Forest and Rose quickly left, leaving him alone with his packmates again.

“Cowards. Couldn’t stand the threat of war.” Thistle muttered, glee evident in her voice.

Bush growled under his breath. Why did he get assigned to the most aggressive pack?

“I guess we have to plan a war now, don’t we?”