Galina crouched in the dirt next to her father as he shuddered out a low breath. Her body trembled as she held his hand and placed her palm against his rough cheek. Modar's eyes met hers.
"My child." Modar whispered. He lifted Galina's hand and brought it to his heart. Thick rivulets of tears ran down Galina's flushed cheeks. She shook her head no at him. "You must lead the Lotus pack. Their welfare rests on your shoulders."
Galina huffed out a sob as she thought of their small pack. The Lotus pack had long been known as the diplomats of the region in a large part due to Modar's mediation between the Medina pack of the forest and the Galzar pack that reigned in the mountains surrounding the thick forest. The packs had lived civilly, if not peacefully, for years due to Modar's careful diplomacy. It was the sole reason their small pack of females, Galina's mother and her younger sisters, remained unabsorbed by a larger park. If Modar died, Galina would be forced to defend their pack or to choose a new Alpha. Galina shuddered as she thought of the Alphas of the two packs that ruled the lands.
Galina had long avoided the head of the Medina pack, Vadim. Known for his ruthlessness and impulsive actions, Vadim's conquests were legendary. Galina suspected that Vadim's darkly handsome looks only aided in his reign as ruler of the forest. She had never trusted Vadim and always shifted quickly into her wolf form when he was near. She could read him better as a wolf.
Lothar, the leader of the Galzar pack, was a strong contrast to Vadim. Lothar had built the strength of his pack through careful alliances, honest dealings, and a steady disposition. His gruff manner mirrored his huge build and his red gold coat distinguished him from the silver grey of much of the members of his pack. Galina had always felt comfortable with Lothar and often accompanied her father on pack meetings with him. In his human form Lothar easily stood a foot above Galina and resembled a bristly lumberjack with his red gold beard and amber brown eyes. She'd often caught him watching her and had been surprised when she'd feel a slow tingling deep in her stomach.
Galina leaned over her father and pressed her forehead to his. "Father. You can't leave us. Please hold on while I run for help." She hiccupped out a sob as Modar shook his head softly.
"It is too late for me. My time has come. You must lead. Go to your mother quickly. The packs will be circling." Modar spoke of the almost telepathic ability of the wolves to scent recent death. Galina knew she had little time to race to the Lotus pack and establish protection. Yet, she lingered. She couldn't just leave her father.
Galina jumped back as her father shifted and snapped his fangs at her. She wrapped her arms around herself and sobbed even harder. "Don't do this. Please don't."
Modar leapt at her again and fell short, landing on his snout. Galina knew he was forcing her to go and to protect their family. She also knew that Modar was a proud man. He wouldn't want her to see the end of his life. With one last sob, Galina bent down and wrapped her arms around the grizzled wolf's neck.
"I love you. You've been everything to me and I will teach your wisdom to my pups." She closed her eyes against the prick of tears as she felt Modar rub his snout into her neck and give her a small nip. He nudged her away and emitted a low growl. Galina got to her feet and nodded.
With one last glance, she turned her back and shifted into her wolf form. She would need all of her power if she was to protect her family against the impending onslaught from the neighboring packs.
Galina felt her bones shift and move as she morphed into her wolf form. As a wolf, her generous curves as a human served to add extra height to her wolf form. Her coat was thick and silky and she was one of the rare wolves whose fur was almost entirely white. It served her well for camouflage through the long winters and she was known for her prowess as a hunter. Tamping down her pain and refusing to howl like she wanted to, Galina bent her head to the forest floor and raced to her family's den. Bushes and branches whipped past her as she struggled to control her breathing and focus on reaching the den safely. Her heart pounded and she lifted her head as she heard multiple howls on the horizon.
Modar was dead then. Galina was now the leader of the Lotus pack. Galina strained her muscles as she raced like the wind to the small cave that housed her family. There would be little time for explanations.