The golden light of dawn filtered through the treetops, casting a warm glow over the forest. Cedar awoke to the sounds of the other wolves stirring and stretching, their fur rustling in the underbrush. He yawned, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The tree where he had slept the night before seemed even more majestic in the morning light. As he surveyed the clearing, he spotted Talvi nuzzling one of the younger wolves, her amber eyes shining with affection.

"She would be a perfect mother one day," Cedar thought to himself as he watched Talvi interact with the younger wolf. He got to his paws and stretched, feeling the energy of the morning coursing through his veins. A few of the other wolves glanced in his direction, their eyes curious and assessing. He returned their gazes calmly, trying to project the confidence and acceptance he felt deep within.

He spotted a larger, dark-furred wolf. His golden eyes met Cedar's for a moment before the wolf dipped his head in acknowledgment. "That's Sage," Talvi said, appearing beside him. "He's the alpha male of our pack. He's been watching you." Cedar felt a surge of pride at her words. "He approves of you," she added, a smile curving her lips. "You are now truly one of us." As the other wolves rose and began to greet each other, Cedar found himself the center of attention. They surrounded him, sniffing his fur and touching his shoulders as if to assure themselves that he was real. He felt a deep sense of camaraderie with these wolves, a connection that went beyond blood or instinct. It was as if they had known him for years, as if he had always been a part of their pack.

"Why does he smell like an outlander? He reeks of it." Cedar turned his head to the speaker, a younger female wolf with an inquisitive look in her eyes. He couldn't help but smile. "I suppose I do, don't I?" He remarked. "It's a long story. But I am grateful to be here amongst you. I promise I won't let you down." He says pridefully, The other wolves murmured in approval, and the female wolf with the inquisitive look smiled back at him, her tail wagging slightly. "Who was that?" Cedar asks Talvi, motioning to the young female. "She's Oak," Talvi replied. "She's been curious about outlanders ever since she overheard some of the elders talking about them. You're the first one she's ever met."

He couldn't tell if it was a good thing that he was the first outlander Oak had ever known or if he should be worried. "She's a smart one," Talvi assured him, "and a good hunter. She'll be a valuable addition to the pack someday." Cedar nodded, feeling slightly more at ease. "I'll do my best to answer any questions she has, if she still has any," he said, glancing at Oak again. He spots her talking to Sage, the alpha male, and listens in, curious to hear their conversation. "She's asking about your place in the pack," Talvi translated. "Sage is telling her that you've proven yourself and that you're now part of it. He's also warning her not to get too close, as you're not like them." Cedar felt a pang of guilt hearing this, but he knew it was true. He wasn't like the other wolves. He would always be an outlander, even if he had found a home here.

The rest of the morning had been surprisingly slow for Cedar's liking. He had expected more challenges and more tests of his strength and loyalty. but as the sun climbed higher into the sky, the other wolves simply went about their business, hunting and playing as if he had always been one of them. It was both disorienting and comforting at the same time. He watches Talvi as she spends time with the pups, teaching them how to hunt and how to protect themselves. She was a natural leader, and Cedar could see why the other wolves looked up to her. He loved her for that; he's nothing more than a nervous wreck around her, trying to figure out what to say and what to do. He's no alpha male, he's no leader; he's just a man, trapped in a wolf's body.

He has no regard for himself; all he can think about is Talvi. He watches her as she plays with the pups, her white fur gleaming in the sunlight. Her movements are graceful and confident, and her eyes are alert and intelligent. Even when she's not looking at him, he feels as if she's somehow aware of his presence. It's a strange sensation, this feeling of belonging to someone else. He knows that this pack, this life, is not his true destiny. But for now, he will embrace it with all his heart, because it has given him her.