By the next full moon, Golden Flower was already adjusted to new pack life. It was nearly the same as it had been, except, of course, that Copper Rock was not around anymore and that all the wolves and dogs had been integrated together. She hoped that Copper Rock would be proud to know what the pack had become and that his parents had been able to change their mind before any wolf had even had to intervene and suggest otherwise.

The search still continued to be on for a new alpha, it seemed. Golden Flower was slightly saddened that Moon's Shine wouldn't be continuing to be the alpha. She did a fantastic job, but Hazel Branch had explained to her Moon's Shine was inwardly very humble and timid and did not see herself fit to lead, which was how her parents had ended up taking over. In the meantime, Golden Flower wondered who the next alpha would be.

"I'm heading out," Golden Flower told her parents as she awoke in the morning.

"Where to?" her father asked.

"Going on a walk with Stormy Sky," Golden Flower answered.

"Don't be out too long," her mother warned. Though the patrols had found no traces of rogues, Golden Flower knew her mother still wanted her to be careful. So she nodded and promised and headed out into the forest where Stormy Sky was waiting for her. Her heart sped in excitement as she found him sitting in the meadow, staring out into the horizon.

"Stormy Sky!" she exclaimed, running to meet him.

"Hey!" he said. He had grown a lot in the past full moon and was now the same size as her, though she was certain he would outgrow her in a matter of time. 

She settled down in a spot next to him and glanced out into the horizon. From down below, she could see the human houses that her grandmother had apparently once come from. She smiled to herself, wondering if some day another young dog might come running up into their territory, bent on joining the pack. From what Golden Flower understood though, Maple Leaf had been special, and she didn't expect to meet the same type of dog any time soon.

"How is your family doing?" Golden Flower asked.

"They're well. It's weird having my mom sleep in the same den as me, but she's been doing well at her training. Tall Willow decided she really doesn't want anything to do with us, but that's okay. I've just been trying to be nice to her regardless," Stormy Sky explained.

"It's still weird not hearing Strong Boulder bicker with every wolf," Golden Flower admitted.

Stormy Sky nodded. "What about you?"

"We're getting along well. My brothers just joined us in the den, so now we're all together again. It's strange. I never thought I'd see the day my whole family was together in a pack."

"Me either," Stormy Sky admitted. "You know, Golden Flower, I'm really thankful you became friends with me when I first came to the pack. I felt like we were similar in a way with our families, and you really saved my back a few times. And I....I've really grown to like you a lot since I came here."

Golden Flower found herself growing flustered. "O-Oh!"

Stormy Sky glanced away from her. "I...I really like you a lot, actually. And so...so I wanted to ask, how do you feel about me?"

Golden Flower had never had the time before to ask herself this question, but since the battle's end, it had been all she had been reflecting on the closer the two became. She had never expected Stormy Sky to creep into her heart, but he had been doing so all along.

"I really like you, too," Golden Flower answered honestly. "It's just taken me a long time to acknowledge those feelings myself."

"Really?" Stormy Sky asked, looking breathless.

She nodded, and a large smile crept across her face. "I'm glad you feel the same way."

Stormy Sky smiled and licked the side of her face. Golden Flower grinned and nuzzled into his side, feeling the most happy and peaceful she had in a long time.

As they returned back from their walk in the forest around sundown, Moon's Shine met Golden Flower near the entrance of the woods.

"Can I speak to you?" she asked.

Golden Flower turned to Stormy Sky, wondering if he knew what was going on, but she only shrugged, told her he would see her later, and walked off, leaving the two alone. 

Golden Flower followed Moon's Shine into the alpha den. It was strange not to see the old alphas inside. Golden Flower imagined it was even more weird for Moon's Shine and Cold Blizzard. She lingered slightly, unsure what this was about.

"Don't look so nervous. Take a seat," Moon's Shine said. 

Golden Flower took a seat and glanced forward at them. "Am I in trouble?"

"Not at all," Cold Blizzard answered.

"You know that we've been in discussion about who should be alpha, right?" Moon's Shine asked.

"Yes. Have you decided on someone?" Golden Flower wondered.

"Actually, we brought you in here today because we wanted to ask if you would consider the role, Golden Flower," Cold Blizzard said.

"M-Me?! B-But, I just became a full member of the pack! Why are you considering me?" Golden Flower asked.

"You've proven yourself a loyal member of this pack," Moon's Shine explained. "When you were only a pup you ran away to join this pack. You didn't even know which pack you belonged to, and yet you were called to this pack anyway. Since then, you've been a wonderful wolf who has protected our pack in battle and shown yourself to be a capable pack member. In addition, you're half-wolf, half-dog and a strong reminder of the unity this pack now possesses, and you're the descendant of the current alphas. I don't think that could be better."

"Will you do it?" Cold Blizzard asked. "It's a large responsibility, which is why we can give you plenty of time to decide if--"

"I'll do it," Golden Flower answered.

Moon's Shine blinked. "I wasn't expecting such a quick answer."

"It's true. I care about this pack a lot. I hadn't ever thought of becoming alpha, but I feel like this is an opportunity I should take. It's a little scary, but I can't imagine how my grandparents must have felt stepping into the role. So I'll do it," Golden Flower agreed.

"Wonderful! We'll announce it to the pack in a few days' time after we speak with you some more and go over alpha protocols," Cold Blizzard explained.

"What about a mate?" Golden Flower murmured.

Moon's Shine stared peculiarly at her. "You don't need to have a mate if you don't want one at this moment. While it would be nice to have a pair of alphas, it's not our priority at the moment. You can lead the pack along for the time being if you desire."

"Okay. Thank you," Golden Flower explained. "Can I tell my family about this, at least?"

"Of course," Moon's Shine said. "But please try to not spread it to too many wolves."

"Thank you. Thank you!" Golden Flower exclaimed. She rushed out of the den, immediately running to tell her family. Her parents showered her in affection, and her brothers, though upset they hadn't been considered, praised her all the same and complimented her, saying they knew she would do a great job.

As the celebration with her family ended, Golden Flower snuck off around the same time the wolves were heading to sleep to the training den. She saw Stormy Sky sleeping in the corner and whispered his name. He awoke slowly, then his eyes fell on her. As he emerged out of the den, he stared at her in concern.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

She shook her head. "Not at all. Moon's Shine asked me to be the new alpha."

"You're kidding," Stormy Sky said in shock.

Golden Flower shook her head. "I decided to accept."

"Congratulations! I know you'll do great," he told her.

"I wanted to tell you because...well, because of earlier today. Once you become a full member of the pack, would....would you consider ruling alongside me? As my mate? I know that's a large responsibility, but there's no one else I'd rather be with--"

"Of course," he told her. "Of course, I will. If it means being your mate, I'd do anything for you."

Golden Flower grinned. "Thank you, Stormy Sky. I know I can do anything with you by my side."

He smiled and nuzzled her under the night stars.