Jessie

Leaving the pups and her mate back at the den, Jessie knew she had better explain herself and her lengthy absence. Perching herself on a high knoll, the female gave a high-cried howl to get the pack's attention.

Eytan

The grizzled alpha was the first to come into view, looking just a tad ragged from all the action recently, but the sparkle still in those dusty tan eyes. He gave Jessie a small smile, his voice soft. Well hello there. Long time no see. Grown a bit, haven't you?

Jessie

Her eyes dropped as she not only showed submission for her alpha, but tried to hide her shame and embarrassement. "Hey, Eytan. Yeah, it's been a while." Her voice was quite, uncertain. For a moment she was silent, then brought her head up, ears pulling back ever so slightly, "I, uh, have a confession to make, Eytan..." Jessie began, taking a deep breath. She knew that there were those alphas that didn't take to kindly to the matters that she was about to bring up. Death to her pups could have been the likely outcome if she lived in another pack, but Jessie felt certain that neither Eytan nor Nita would go to such extremes. "You see, I had met this wolf, Dusty... and, well, we have to pups. They're back at the den. And... Dusty wants to join the pack." The mother blurted it all out at once and waited anxiously for the reply.

Eytan

He considered her quietly, waiting for her to work up to what was obviously a very difficult thing for her to say. When she finally finished, he smiled, knowing that she had thought he might have done what is done in other packs: death to the offspring of unapproved matings. He let that warm smile spread, voice soft and half-amused. There now, Jessie. In a fostering pack, think you we might turn you away? By all means, bring your mate and your pups. We could use the cheer that new pups bring around here. It has been dull for too long.