A bone-freezing frigid wind slammed on the forest. With it came spiraling snowflakes that whizzed through the air. Crystal clear icicles hung from the branches of leaf-less trees.

The forest was completely white with heavy snow. It was piling up fast, quicker than normal.

Rascal hurried back into camp, his black pelt speckled with snow. His fur was fluffed out against the chill. The pads of his paws were numb.

He bounded off to his den. He entered and started walking in circles, trying to warm up. The soft elk pelt he was standing on began to thaw his frozen paws.

Even though he was out of the wind, the den was still really cold.

We need more pelts. He thought decisively but didn't make a move to go back out into the falling snow.

He lay down in the furthest corner from the entrance and tucked his tail up beside his nose. Rascal couldn't sleep quite yet. He was wide awake, but there wasn't much to do when there's a horrible snowstorm blowing right outside.

Not much later, he felt a soft pelt brush his. He rolled over, looking into the sparkling eyes of his mate.

Misty curled up beside him. Rascal shifted over so he could lay with his side brushing hers.

She lay her head against his shoulder, inhaling deeply. Rascal gently licked her on the forehead and snuggled closer to her, closing his eyes.

*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*

He woke the next morning to dim sunlight splashing into the entrance of his den. He carefully got to his paws, being sure to not wake Misty.

Rascal stretched and gave his fur a quick shake before heading out into the clearing. He blinked his eyes against the blinding white of thick snow.

The snow was up to his knees. He picked his way through it to sit outside the healer's den. Not much later, Isaac emerged and blinked in surprise when he saw Rascal.

"How's Blossom?" Rascal asked.

Isaac grinned from ear to ear. "She's doing great! The pups are due in about a month!"

Rascal felt happiness warm his chest. "That's wonderful! The Pack will be excited when they arrive!"

Isaac glanced back into the den. "I can't wait. But I'm so nervous. What if I'm not the father I expect myself to be?"

Rascal touched a paw to Isaac's shoulder. "You'll do just fine. Everyone will be proud of you."

Isaac's eyes lightened with relief. "Thanks, Rascal."

Rascal nodded and watched as Isaac entered the healer's den, where his mate is sleeping soundly.

Rascal saw a flicker of red appear at the corner of his eye. He turned to see Tyrant emerge and stretch.

The Flame Woods alpha met his gaze warmly. Rascal grinned back. Tyrant came out further into the clearing and howled.

Wolves exited their dens, eyes bleary with sleep. Rascal took a seat near the front, Misty joined his side a moment later.

"Attention Packmates. It's time to start the day. Firstly, the meat pile needs restocking," Tyrant nodded toward Isaac. "Gather wolves of your choosing and check out the hunting grounds. Prey is scarce and we need all the strength we can get."

Isaac nodded and began to weave through the crowd, gathering wolves for his hunting party. After a moment, he faced Tyrant and reported.

"Frost, Melody, Rose, Oak, and Thunder will accompany me."

Tyrant nodded. "Very well."

Isaac and his hunting party ran through the entrance into the cold forest.

Tyrant swerved his head to survey his Pack. "Thorn, organize the shifts on the West border."

Thorn gathered Sky, Baron, and Archie. They talked quietly, scheduling who would take post at what time.

Tyrant stared at Rascal. "Organize the shifts on the North border."

Rascal nodded and turned around. Wolves approached him questioningly.

"Misty, Okami, and Alusia. You and I will take turns watching the border."

Rascal watched as Okami nuzzled his mate, Saphira, before joining the small group.

"Misty and I will begin our scout now. At sun peak, Okami and Alusia will come to take our places. Okay?"

The other wolves nodded. Rascal and Misty started out, heading toward the North border.

The wind wasn't near as bad as the previous day, but it was still uncomfortably cold. The landscape was sleek and sparkly with beautiful snow. They had to push through drifts, the snow coming up to their shoulders.

Rascal led the way since he was taller and could push it aside so Misty could keep up. She followed his path, her head lifted high away from the snow.

They climbed up the steep incline toward their scouting post. The snow was becoming thinner as they climbed higher, turning into slick rocks and slippery surfaces.

They reached the top, sitting in the shelter of a maple tree. Misty pressed against Rascal, shivering from the chill.

Rascal smiled warmly and wrapped his tail around Misty. He gazed into the distance, watching as the bare trees swayed in the wind. The horizon stretched as far as the eye could see.

Rascal and Misty sat together, continuing their post.

Hey!! Chapter One is up and I'm SUPER excited to write this book!! I know the start is kinda boring, but I wanted to give them a peaceful beginning before the chaos to come.

I hope you enjoyed!!!

Sincerely,
15thSoccerGirl

P.S. I'll throw in some story facts about A Wolf's Tale: The Secrets Untold

Fact: in the original plot, Rascal wasn't gonna be exiled, he'd only live as the lowest rank.