Take my breath away... (Desoto)

[<3Kodi]

Kodi was on the move again, such was her nature to be constantly energized. Light gold-tan paws beat steadily against the ground as the fem padded through the darkening territory. Her heart was light in her chest, still fluttering slightly at the idea of being Haben's mate since it was still a fairly new concept to her being the mate of an alpha. Haben had explained to her what she could do now that she carried the authority and rights of his mate and that meant checking up on pack mates. Last she had seen Haben he had been cleaning up his wounds from his fight with Ryker and Kodiak had left him in peace with the promise to return quickly. Still, she couldn't lay around forever, she was far to restless for that.

Haben had warned Kodiak of other wolves in the territory, ones that bore his scent were safe, simply packmates but there were others that she should be on the lookout for, those that don't bear his scent or those that carry Ryker's scent. At the thought Kodi wrinkled her nose, remembering the dark wolf's pungent scent.

It was nearly midnight as Kodiak topped a slope. Moonlight washed her golden pelt with shadows, bringing out the creamier tones and making them white. Twin topaz pools glowed in the darkness as she fem raised her nose to the wind and breathed in. Her harks perked up. There were two scents which surprised Kodi a little. One was male and one female, the male carrying the lingering remains of Haben's scent. The female scent however, was foreign and carried no hints of Haben.

Turning her muzzle skyward Kodiak let out a howl, putting her authority into the call, stating herself as Haben's mate and demanding the intruder show herself, with or without the supposed male packmate.

[Arctic Fang]

*~[Desoto]~*

The male smiled at the female. The last thing that he wanted to do was to alarm the female as to his aggressive side, a side that he tried to control. "No need to thank me Kirah. It's what a pack does. They help one another out." Soto was use to being in a pack. Of course he wasn't sure of her entire story but he thought that she had stated that she doesn't belong to a pack... or she never has. In time he'd have to find out exactly what her story was.

No sooner did he get his words out a howl could be heard. It echoed throughout the valley and with it came the sense of power. He wasn't sure if Haben had a mate or not but it could be that this was her. Perhaps she picked up their scent. Quickly the male stood and answered her back. His howl was matched in intensity. Everything about Soto was strong as could be observed by his actions.

Soto looked back at Kirah. His eyes and then his words reassured her of his protection. "It sounds like Haben's mate. Fear not. I'm sure that she's captured my scent on Haben and views me now as no threat. Let me do the talking and everything will go smoothly." He was confident that his words would put the female at ease.

The male let out another howl and then darted off in the direction from which the female stood. He would explain to her that the female that accompanies him is weak and in need of rest. To prove this Soto was willing to lead Kodi to her, if need be.

[<3Kodi]

Perched on the hill, Kodiak couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Yes she was Haben's mate but she hadn't met the male that had returned her howl. He didn't know she was an alphess and she knew how easy it would be for just about any ol' female to come and say she was Haben's mate. Kodi frowned at the thoguht and raised her chin a little, sitting a bit straighter as she waited for the male to approach, returning his howl with a short note of her own before falling silent to wait. She didn't want to be authoritative and mean looking but Kodi knew she had to have some kind of authority. She had to look like Haben's mate and act like it.

Heaving a sigh the gold-hued fae settled herself with a mix of friendliness and authority to see how far that would get her. Unlike with Lucii, Kodi couldn't hide that she was the alphess because there was a stranger near. With this situation, Kodi had to be the alphess, not just a random friend to an African Wild Dog. This was the way wolves did things and Kodi knew she had to get used to it.

The young fae couldn't help but remember the many times she'd been sent away by a pack's snobby alphess or haughty alpha and gritted her fangs. She wouldn't be like that but she had to have some standard. Kodiak scanned the darkness, her honey optics landing on the male as he came out of the shadows toward her. He was alone which made Kodi tense a little. Where was the fae? Her scent was still in the air so she hadn't left but she wasn't coming. Kodi's lips twitched in a frown for a moment as she rose to her paws and padded down the hill to meet the male, weary but curious. Was the fae refusing an alpha's order or maybe she was injured?

[$*CrazyHick*$]

She was on the verge of dozing when she heard the lone call great just great. She was know where strong enough yet to make it where the fae was who seemed to be the alphess of the land. She was fixing to get up and probably attempt to crawl towards the fae when Desoto spoke. Let him do the speaking surely not she would be considered weaker if she did that. She sure hoped he was right didnt need to get into to much trouble would be to bad if that happened and thats not what she needed at the moment. She grunted lightly as she was going to make the effort to get up and finally made it to her feet. However her movements were slow so he made it to the alphess before she did and she was very slow her muscles built up with lactic acids and feeling so exhausted and she looked up the hill at the two wolves and her mouth gapes open and her body just collasped. Damnit why did it have to be her on these odd ocassions to be exhausted and so not able to fend for herself if it hadnt been fore Desoto she would probably be mince meat for the predators of this land. She looked up at the wolves and figured great show Kirah great show now they'll never accept you she thought gloomily.

[Arctic Fang]

*~[Desoto]~*

Soto was half way up the hill, almost to Kodiak when he heard something behind him. Quickly he turned and saw Kirah as she was collapsing onto the ground. He knew that she was fine because she kept looking up at him and the female Alpha. Soto knew that he’d have to settle the issue with the leaders mate before things got misconstrued. The last thing that Soto wanted was misunderstandings, especially for Kirah since she wasn’t exactly accepted into the pack yet.

The male made it to Kodi even though his heart wanted nothing more then to turn around and go back to the femme. He was out of breath. Softly he growled out of uncertainty. Against his better judgment instead of relating the pairs full story he only spoke two words. “She’s exhausted.” Soto turned around, hoping that Kodi would follow him. Surely she’d want to inspect the situation further.

Soto looked over his shoulder to see if he was being followed…

Once he got to Kirah the male wolfs heart was clearly saddened but at the same time he couldn’t help but to chuckle. “You didn’t have to follow my dear. I was going to bring her to you after I explained your situation.” Soto leaned down and licked her ear affectionately as he waited for Kodi to get to them.

[<3Kodi]

Kodiak's harks perked as she looked beyond Desoto. Moments after the male began to approach her, a second form, the femme came out into the open. Amber eyes widened as she saw the state the female was in. Picking up her pace, Kodiak met Desoto and nodded, accepting his explanation of the fae's condition. She could see in his eyes he was troubled by her condition. Trailing after the unfamiliar male, Kodiak wearily approached the downed femmora. She was weary of Soto but contented with Haben's scent lingering on his pelt. If Desoto was anything like Ryker he would not have passed Haben and wouldn't be so concerned about another wolf so Kodiak took comfort in that.

Coming up to the femme, Kodiak dipped her head and sniffed the fae's pelt, nosing her head gently in a form of comfort for the tired she-wolf. She could tell the fem was very tired but she didn't miss the affectionate touch from Desoto to the fem. She smiled to herself. It seemed the pack would grow quickly if so many wolves were getting together or at least the pack would be cooperative toward one another.

"I would have followed" Kodi assured Soto, meeting his gaze before turning back to the femme. She sat back on her haunches and slid her front legs forward so her golden-toned form settled in a sphinx position and more on level with the fem. "What's your name?" she asked, swerving her ears curiously. "I'm Kodiak but I prefer Kodi." She offered a friendly smile for the tired wolfess.

It was an introduction for both Desoto and Kirah but Kodi's main concern at the moment was the fem. Soto had the scent of Haben so Kodi would be seeing more of him and there would be time for proper one-on-one introductions later.

[$*CrazyHick*$]

Kirah was tired and her head was spinning maybe perhaps she had tried moving to far at such a very slow pace. Whatever it was she felt like a big old pile of crap. She shook her head and next thing she knows she sees Desoto and the alphess coming toward her with a worried expression and Kirah couldnt help but think what a great impression she had to be something weak on her lists probably. Kirah could be strong just right now she happened to not exactly be at her peak. When she was she was a wolf to be reckoned with and loved the thrill of excitement but in the eyes of the wolf now she was just a mere shadow of her former self. Kirah watched as Soto came closer beaming up at him as he licked her and then chuckled "Yes I know but I didnt want her to think me bad and not to come to her orders" she said with a smile and a thump of her tail. When Kodi got closer Kirah stopped patting her tail to let the amber eyes land on her she looked nice maybe it wasnt a mirage and perhaps she was actually. When the fae spoke to Kirah she smiled "my name is Kirah Kodia....I err mean Kodi" she said fixing to say Kodiak but stopping herself. Kirah gave the alphess a warm smile she honestly wouldnt hurt anyone unless it was trying to hurt her otherwise Kirah didnt have no mean bone in her body to speak of and so she waited to see what was in store for her.

[Arctic Fang]

*~[Desoto]~*

The he-wolf knew what she meant as far as not wanting Kodi to think that she was deliberately disobeying her howling command. Soto nodded with understanding passing over his expression. Good first impressions were always a good thing to make. But Kirah was tired, exhausted, and surely Kodi would take that into consideration.

Kodi seemed friendly enough. Soto was sure that he would like her. "My name is Desoto. I've met your mate and he accepted me into his pack. This is my mate. I did want her to wait for me but she has a strong will." He chuckled and nuzzled his nose into her cheek. He certainly hoped that she didn't mind that he called her 'his' mate. There were a couple of reasons why he did it. Firstly he wanted her to be quickly accepted by the female and secondly he really did want her for his own. From the first moment that he met this female he knew that there was something about her, something that caused his desire to rage.

Soto to then laid down. He didn't want to seem like he was lording over the females. At times the male could be aggressive but now was not that time. He continued to speak. "Kirah wants to join the pack. I am assuming that you have the power to accept her or do we need to see Haben? We were going to rest for the evening and then in the morning I was going to take her to see the Alpha but it seems that now's the time." Soto smiled and then looked over at Kirah.

[<3Kodi]

Kodiak perked her ears and looked over at Desoto. So, she was right to guess he had met Haben. The fem relaxed further and thumped her tail on the grass once or twice, looking back over at Kirah. It was obvious the female was tired but Kodiak could see a familiar gleam in her eyes. She remembered it from her uncle Orin as he had grown older, determined not to let his age show or his exhaustion when they traveled. Obviously Kirah disliked looking so tired and weak and Kodi didn't blame her. If she was in such a state she'd be going mad simply because she was normally so energetic she could probably lap the territory four or five times without stopping. Well, that might be an exaggeration but Haben would probably agree.

"Well, if Desoto's met Haben and you're Desoto's mate I don't really see how I can turn you away" Kodiak barked easily, rasping a tongue lazily over one of her paws. "And yes I am Haben's mate and you don't have to see my mate right away." Turning her amber eyes to Soto, Kodiak smiled. "Kirah is welcome to stay." Sitting up, Kodi grinned, her eyes bright. "I suggest she does meet Haben sometime though. I could have attacked you just because I could have mistaken you for Ryker or some invader."

Rising to her paws, Kodiak padded up to Kirah and rubbed her muzzle against Kirah's shoulder. With Soto nearby she was sure Haben wouldn't attack Kirah, he didn't strike her as the type to attack random wolves that weren't Ryker. But still, it couldn't hurt for her to have Kodi's scent on her for a while just to make sure. Raising her head, Kodi pranced lightly away from the pair. Catching Soto's eye Kodi winked and set off at a brisk run toward the forestland, feeling the need to move and hunt. Soto and Kirah would be fine and if she met Haben she would pass along the message of a new packmate.

[$*CrazyHick*$]

Kirah simply looked at the femme not sure what to say as Soto and the alphess carried on t heir conversation. It was indeed best she kept her mouth shut never knew what could pop out if you were exhausted and almost delirious. My my Soto was very greedy in his winnings she surmised turning a dark crimson red in a blush. Well jeez could he be anymore straight foreward the fae probably thought him a man whore. Kirah couldnt help but smile at these thoughts he couldnt help it who couldnt resist a male like him after all he was like a prince in shining armor just without the armor. Kirah wasnt any princess so he atleast saved her maybe it was one of those princess and the pauper moments. She shook her head this wasnt about princesses and princes and simply looked them over laughing lightly as he nuzzled her and she licked his cheek affectionaltly. However when Kodi spoke she grew quiet and listened ot the alphas words and smiled with rendered immobility as she didnt know what to do. She nodded lightly "I shall meet him as soon as I am able Kodi" she said watching silently as Kodi came to her rubbing the scent of herself upon her. She was safe for now she had to least ask Haben for acceptance. "Thanks" Kirah said with a voice full of unbounding mirth. She turned her attention to Soto and pulled lightly on his harks in a playful manner.

[Arctic Fang]

*~[Desoto]~*

If Desoto could salute to the female he would have but his vocal assurance would just have to do. "I'll be sure she sees him as soon as she has her strength back. That's a promise." The male bowed his out of respect as Kodi took her leave.

And now they were alone once more...

His crystal orbs turned toward Kirah as he spoke most sincerely. "I'm sorry if I offended you by saying that you are my mate. I didn't want the female to reject you and so I thought that if you were with me your chances would be better." He pressed his chest out proudly because obviously he was right since Kirah 'was' indeed welcomed into the pack.

Soto chuckled due to her playfulness. He circled her until they were face to face. His words were bold. The male knew what he wanted and clearly he wasn't afraid to voice it. "Kirah. I want you as my mate. I would be honored to call you my own. Will you have me?" Before she could answer he spoke again. "I mean I know it's so soon but there's something about you that I desire greatly." Now he'd allow her to respond.

[$*CrazyHick*$]

She snickered lightly grinning from ear to ear "my my you didnt offend me dear just merely I was in awe of your boldness staking claim to me which surprised me is all" she said her banner waving quickly. Kirah looked at him her expression so soft it held the angelic features of such beauty that even beyond her years couldnt withold. Amber eyes met his crystal gaze so loving and so tender so young and vibrant a secret love only angels could tell a story where ends meet and never end. She watched him puff out his chest and she smiled he was very proud and she liked that in a male and he was sure of himself which made her sure of her decision she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him and he with her. When he chuckled it was music to her harks and made her smile softly as he stood before her looking at her and she knew something important was coming. All this so soon and she felt like a teenager who just got a proposal from her boyfriend maybe it was one of these times to be mature which it was. She met his eyes with an intensive gaze and she smiled "You desire me as I desire you in so many ways so my answer to your question is yea Desoto I will be yours forever and always" she said standing in her own proud fashion though it was weak she stood and she licked his muzzle turning to head back to their makeshift bed where she plopped down waiting on his company once more.

[Arctic Fang]

*~[Desoto]~*

Soto grinned from ear to ear when she said yes. He couldn't keep the smile from curling up the corners of his lips even if he wanted too. This was the happiest day of his young life. He had a mate! And this female certainly took his breath away. Even if he only saw a fraction of her vision he would still feel his heart pounding in his broad chest.

He was speechless. The only thing that he could do was watch her as she then stood and began to make her way back to their meeting place, a place that would now and forever hold a special place in his heart, for it was the very place in which his bold orbs found her. Indeed they were destined to be together even if she didn't love him now, she would some day soon. Soto would work hard to make love between them possible.

Once back at their little den carved of nature he stopped in order to gaze into her eyes, and upon her figure. Soto couldn't help but to stare at her, to ponder about the fact that she was his and he was hers. For the rest of his days he would be faithful to her, protect and feed her and be her mate until death they would part. The male then moved forward, a certain amount of lust in his eyes until he took his place beside her, curling into her still weakened frame. Softly he licked his muzzle, still tasting the kiss that she had given to him when she accepted his proposal.

Soto took a deep contented breath as he whispered into her ear. "We have a life time to get to know one another my sweet Kirah. I promise you that you won't be disappointed. I'm a good provider. My heart has brimmed over for a while now with emotions. Until this day I wasn't sure why but now I know. You have my full devotion and protection." The strong male's front leg wrapped around her middle and pulled her into his chest as he licked her neck most tenderly. "Tell me about your life Kirah. Do you have any family? What are your goals and desires for the future? I must know everything about you... my wife." He continued to groom her much like a cat.

[$*CrazyHick*$]

Kirah looked at him he seemed very much ethusiastic about her answer to his life long question would she be his. Of course after all he had done for him she may not love him completely but she feels the deep emotion curling deep down in the pit of her stomach making her know completely what they shared would grow and blossom into something amazing and oh so beautiful. He was speechless he hadnt said anything since she had said yes and had went to lay down to simply watch his movements and facial expressions. She knew he would be everything she wanted and so much more which made her smile lightly knowing good and damn well that she would be faithful and true to him as well. When her eyes met his she saw all the love and affection and her answered that just as well and she smiled her eyes twiling with unexplained mirth. "Yes a lifetime to share the sweet joys and sorrow which we will share together" she said. Kirah laughed lightly her eyes smiling up at him "and you have my love and faith in you for you to protect me and I will protect you if it comes down to it" she said with a smile. Now he was getting personal though since they were mates she had to come out of the bag and so with a heavy heart she released the information to him about the humans invading her territory and finally the call that ended their life claiming a dogs had rabies and they had been mistaken for the dogs and were gunned down all except for her and her eyes were heavy but she had learned to except life for what it was. "My goals is to merely stay with you love and make you happy to produce your children" she said looking at him wondering more about him since he had asked about her.

[Arctic Fang]

*~[Desoto]~*

The male grinned as his paw petted her side, one of his back legs was draped over both of hers, hemming her in just a tad but still allowing her to feel that she could get up and run if she needed to. She was so beautiful that Soto just couldn't get over it. When was the last time two creatures met and just knew that they wanted to dedicate their lives to each other? Soto never heard of that happening but he was certainly now experiencing it. Some may say that they were crazy but at this point in time, while in the company of such a breath taking female, Soto didn't care about what the rest of the world would think.

Soto then laughed, not because he thought that her story was funny but because he was trying to make the harsh memories of her past go away by finding amusement in what she said about having pups. He would love to have children of his own! To pass his lineage on to another was what a male wolf lived for. His genes and Kirah's combined would certainly produce strong offspring. "You want to give me children? I'd love that. You just need to let me know when you wish to start." He winked at her, his full desire for her coming to a pleasant peak.

The brute leaned over and scooping his pink tongue out, giving her muzzle a terse lick, lifting her lip slightly as his taste buds rolled over her fangs and gums. He groaned softly as if to give her a taste of what she was in for once she decided that she was ready to mate with him. Of course right now it was just a tease and he didn't want to get himself to riled up and so conversation was like a cold shower, even though he really longed to know everything about her. "I'm sorry that you lost your family. We are far enough away from the humans. They can't find us here... 'my' love." He smiled down at her rather protectively. She could see by the look in his gaze that he wasn't about to let anything happen to her. "What would you like to know about me? I'll tell you 'anything' that you want to know." His eyebrows arched toward her, he was very interested in what she would say or ask.