Things have been tense around the Eastern and Western Pack. Though the union was made with Humphrey and Kate now being mated and breaking the traditions…things still felt tense.

Everyone seemed outwardly fine. The previous Alpha leaders were now retired, yet Hutch could feel and sense the obvious tension between the two packs. How could he not? Not too long ago, perhaps a few days ago, their packs nearly went at war and in a few days, they are suddenly united and everything’s gone back to normal? Things can’t change that fast.

They still fought over prey, that was the one thing Hutch noticed. He was the second-in-command and one of the best hunters, of course he noticed. It just gave the Eastern pack some sort of superiority over them now ever since they have joined. They think they now can take as much as they want, no longer bothering to share…just like it had been when they fought over prey.

Though, he will admit it was nice to have a broader range of hunting grounds. No longer having to stick much to his side—the West—so much and could hunt on the East’s side.

Paws lightly pressing into the soft dirt, Hutch’s form was low and steady as his eyes were locked on the caribou few feet from him. His ear twitched, listening to his surroundings—the distant chirps of birds, scuttle of squirrel and rustle of leaves—and nose flaring just a slight in a quiet huff.

Slowly creeping up, the bushes around him kept him covered from the caribou that grazed in the open. Eyes locked and hunches ready—NOW!

Spring out, he darted right towards the startled caribou. The hoofed prey scrambled on its feet and darted this and that way, as Hutch sped right behind its tail. So close he could snap and grab his prey. Just a little closer—

Snap!

Hearing a twig snap from his right, the caribou sharply darted and crossed a river with a large leap. Skidding to a halt right at the edge of the river, Hutch snarled and stomp his paw in frustration.

“Argh!”

Growling, he stared at the river and towards the escaping prey.