Chapter 15

The thick jangle of chains were as crisp and clear as the night he had sat on the hard floor of the creaking, tousling caged wagon while they descended the mountains that had felt as much like a prison as his home. Nothing else really came to focus, but he had tried to keep his eyes on the bound hands in his lap. It had been better than looking at his mother’s dispassionate face, Ivan’s cowardly snarl, Caesar’s morose expression, or the bodies of his uncle and brother, shoved into the corners of the cage and wriggling about lifelessly, their necks bent at unnatural angles.

A movement caught his eye, and he craned his neck to stare up into the empty, gaping sockets of the Slave Maker. The bloody corpse loomed over him, larger now than he had ever seemed in life, mouth gaping open with sharp fangs that came at him, helplessly chained and muzzled. The disembodied drawl was as dreadful and clear as though it were spoken in his ear. “Please give my regards to your sister...!”

Snarling awake, a sharp yelp brought him out of the fog of panic. Panting heavily, he glanced around then to the ground. “J-Jack! Uh, sorry!”

Plucking his Alpha up and setting him to his paws with the effort of a toy, Jack coughed as he collected himself and had to lean against the wall he’d just been hurled against. “Wow! I were not expectin’ that!”

Trying to swallow the lump in his throat proved unsuccessful with how dry his mouth was. “Sorry,” was all he could mutter around it.

Waving his hand dismissively, Jack straightened himself out. “Naw, that were my fault. I don’t always have the brightest ideas, an’ sneakin’ up on a growlin’ wolf definitely weren’t one o’ ‘em.” With a big breath as he rubbed his sternum, he peered at Anubis with concern. “Are ye okay?”

Pinching the bridge of his snout before rubbing his eyes as he tried to banish the fresh images in his mind, Anubis let out a solemn sigh. “Yes. I’m fine. Just ... bad dreams. I didn’t hurt you, I hope?”

Raising a brow, Jack was not convinced. “Must be some awful dreams, cuz ye don’t look fine.”

Having to take a deep breath to calm the panic still thumping in his chest, he nodded. “I’ve had nightmares since I was a pup. I can assure you, real life is a lot scarier.”

“Guess I can’t argue with that.” Shaking his head, Jack clicked his tongue. “An’ here I were hopin’ it’s cuz the Wogtal’re nocturnal.”

With a little smirk, Anubis had to correct him. “Actually, we prefer to be crepuscular.”

“Oh, excuse me,” he rolled his eyes in as wide and sarcastic an arc as he could. “I stand corrected. Now, how ‘bout correctin’ the image in my head o’ what ye might be dreamin’ of.”

Anubis gave him a sidelong look before turning his gaze to the communal area. The sunlight that spilled in was hot and bright, well past breakfast. “I don’t think you’ve seen the kinds of things I have to imagine.”

“Ah, the good ol’ brush off. Ye should talk to Silver ‘bout how he got here. Guy’s quiet fer a reason. Once said somethin’ to me lot like that. But Nova an’ Veka been feedin’ us enough to get a idea, so try me.”

As Anubis quietly deliberated, Jack’s expression grew more and more ridiculously expectant, his brows dancing all over, until he finally cracked with a puzzled chuckle. “What are you doing?”

“Waitin’ on you.” He grinned smugly. “I’m the Alpha. I got all day. But, if I recall, ye were hopin’ to gain rank at some point in my lifetime. It’s already pretty late out there.”

Shaking his head with an eye roll, Anubis sighed. “She told you about ... how my uncle died?”

Pursing his lips, Jack nodded slowly. “Yeah. Said yer brother ripped out his throat an’ ... his eyes. Said he killed ‘imself after.”

Sucking in as deep a breath as he could, his words were a quiet rush. “They put us in the cage with their bodies.” Jack’s mouth popped open, but Anubis didn’t give him the chance to think of words. “Sometimes, it’s Gray. Usually, it’s Mustava who comes at me.”

“Shit. Anubis...”

He glared sidelong at his Alpha. “I don’t want any pity.”

Jack’s head rocked back in surprise, brow furrowed deeply. “This ain’t pity. This is concern. Guess ye wouldn’t know much o’ a difference. Now ain’t that a pity?”

Rolling his eyes, Anubis got to his paws, making Jack crane back his neck. The Alpha’s nervous gulp was not lost on him. Considering how easily he had just been taken off his feet, he had every right to be. “Ah, don’t think I’ll ever get used to how big ye are up close. Ha!”

Even just a week ago, Anubis would have enjoyed making Jack feel so small. Today, though, it left a particularly bitter taste in his mouth that he’d like to get rid of. “I assume you’re here because I’m late.”

His brow furrowed again and he shook his head slowly. “I don’t think ye’ve quite figured out how it works ‘round here still. Ain’t no one gonna force ye. Ye could spend all day in bed if ye felt like it. Ye just won’t gain no rank ... an’ probably piss us all off a bit. It helps you to help us, but if yer tired, I won’t stop ye. I were just concerned when I didn’t see ye at breakfast tryin’ ta be sneaky ‘bout organizin’ the tools.” Narrowing his eyes in feigned disdain, his mouth had to set in a hard line so he didn’t smile. “I’m tryin’ not to like ye, don’t ye know?”

Looking down upon him attempting to be so stern at half his size, Anubis could not help but chuckle. “I did nothing of the sort.”

“Oh, right, it were just some other ghost in the night. S’pose we’re haunted!” Shaking his head, Jack had to walk away or Anubis would see him smile. “There’s still some breakfast left over. It’ll be cold, though.” Now he flashed that charming grin of his over his shoulder. “‘nother good reason to be up on time with the pack.”

Following after him with a soft chuckle, Anubis had to cover his eyes in the bright sunlight. Hardly had there been any cloud cover in weeks, much less rain.

Just as they rounded the corner, there were two yelps of surprise slightly off set from one another, and a delighted little cackle.

“Fletcher!”

Jack and Anubis watched as the boy strutted proudly around Winterlace and Iron Gale, beaming ear to ear. “I got’cha, ommy!”

Both of them shook their heads, but their glares were playful.

“Ye little scoundrel!” Winterlace chided fondly, though her wagging tail giving her away.

It didn’t seem possible, but Fletcher’s impish grin got even wider, jabbing his thumb to his chest. “I’m part Wogtal!” he announced proudly.

Iron Gale glanced up and locked eyes with Anubis. Just as his ears began to fold back, the Beta turned his attention to his mate in a good-natured glare.

“Bitch!” he growled. “Ye been sleepin’ around?”

Perking and glaring back at him, she realized he was teasing and gave him a coy smile. “Course I been sleepin’ ‘round...” Leaning against his broad chest to touch noses, she batted her lashes with a seductive coo. “Sleepin’ ‘round you.”

His brows popped up and his tail wagged a little harder than he probably intended with his giddy grin. “Oh, that so? Think sleepin’ sounds like a good idea right ‘bout now.”

Grabbing her hand, the two hurried away. Fletcher watched them go with his head cocked to one side before glancing around to locate new prey and scampering off.

Jack snickered. “Part Wogtal, eh?” Glaring up playfully at the Dire from the corner of his eye, he shook his head. “Wish I could pin that one on ye, Anubis. Then I could demote ye! Oh, wait...” Chuckling to himself, he sauntered off to follow after Berry and her litter-sister River, who swished their tails in invitation and giggled at him lasciviously before disappearing around the corner.

Eating his food in the Great Lodge, there were a few of the older pups giggling together as they took turns sitting in the Alpha’s chair and pretending to command one another before overthrowing one ruler for the next. Anubis pretended not to see them, all the while smiling to himself with thoughts of Nova.

“I was just thinking of you.”

Slipping into the seat next to him, she smiled and wagged her tail. “Oh? Good thoughts?”

“Are there any others?”

She tittered and leaned against him, looking at him expectantly until he relented and kissed her. The pups glanced at each other and made faces, poking their tongues out with wrinkled noses before rushing out the door to find a new game.

Glancing around, Nova giggled with mischievous delight. “Oh no! We’re alone! Ye might eat me!”

Baring those brilliant teeth with a shared sentiment, he leaned over her to make her feel small and waggled a brow. “Well, maybe some of you.”

Blushing with more giggles, she squirmed in her chair. “Ye promise?”

A smug smirk was his only answer. Smiling slyly at him, she leaned forward and snatched the bite of food right off his fork. Giggling hysterically at his stunned expression, she hurried out of his reach and skipped out the door.

Watching her go, his snout wrinkled a little with his salacious grin. She had grown so bold with him. As he could do nothing about her antagonizing, she pressed her luck at every turn. That was alright. He would let her think she was getting away with it. In reality, he had a list in his mind of every time he would have reminded her which of them belonged in a collar. Not that he minded how lively and trusting she was now. Just, it would be nice to throw her on his bed, pin her down, and teach her that taking food from a Dire came with consequences. Though, honestly, they wouldn’t be the type to deter future transgressions.

Finding things to do was not difficult. There was always something to do. He did as he was told when he was told since he had no rank to refuse, but otherwise, he mostly had free rein of his time and choice of tasks. The large, well worn board that took up half a wall in the Great Lodge was constantly being updated and changed with what tasks needed done at any time. Some tasks were such a low priority that they had not been tended to in years. Other tasks were urgent or regular enough to be word of mouth, such as those out in the fields and orchards needing to be fed rather than trudging all the way back and leaving valuable equipment laying about.

Anubis had learned that stealing from neighboring packs was commonplace, and by getting away with snagging tools, equipment, or medical supplies, the young men could climb the ranks rapidly by being stealthy, smart, and daring. However, any sort of violence against a sentry was considered reason for demotion and could require restitution from the offending pack, so it was safe for even an omega to be left watching anything that needed to stay in the fields. There had been a few more encounters with the neighboring packs, but they had all ended peacefully, the young men scurrying off at just the sight of him even if he wasn’t looking their way.

Though Jack had not exactly forbade him from the venture, Anubis had been quite sternly warned against it because he was already considered a target, and once off pack territory, they could not come to his rescue should he be caught and attacked. If he were one of them, the worst that might happen would be a sound ass whooping, some humiliation, and possibly being held ransom until the pack came to collect him with tribute. Deliberating it during the nights that the wind blew in his favor, he had looked at his hand and decided against it.

Instead, he kept his ears perked for mentions of tasks, and it just so happened he heard Denver had been left in the orchard while the higher ranks retreated to the Great Lodge for the freshest food and perhaps a nap, unless more carnal opportunities arose. Snagging one of the baskets lined up and ready to be taken when they were done with their afternoon break, he figured it was better to escape all the sensual moaning that was more difficult to ignore than it had ever been before.

The orchard was a decent walk through the fields along the rolling, muddy river that was more shore than water at this point. At least there was plenty to occupy his attention along the way, from the waving grass crop growing fat at their bases in preparation of budding to the birds that fluttered across the sky. He even startled a small group of the only prey animals he’d seen so far. Watching the fleet, horned creatures dash away after their heads on long necks popped over the vegetation, he had to take a deep breath to force down his instincts and continue.

Ears twitching, his nose quivered, and he smirked before spinning around with a devilish chuckle. Snagging Fletcher just as the boy was reaching out to tug his tail, he yelped and squealed and squirmed against that godly grip, begging his friends to rescue him.

More pups surged forth from their hiding spots, surrounding him and attempting to budge him in any fashion. Lifting Fletcher high over his head, he grinned up at the yipping boy. “I’ve always wanted to taste an Aroogar!”

There was a choir of lamenting yowls when he opened his mouth wide and slowly lowered the thrashing, snarling pup head first towards his maw that could have swallowed his head like a snack. A few of the older pups stepped back to a safer distance and offered their condolences for his sacrifice to the predator.

Perking, Anubis looked down and flashed that toothy smile at them. “Oh? You think I’ll stop with just one? I happen to be very hungry!”

Flipping Fletcher back to his feet, he gave the boy the chance to flee with the other pups when he threw up his hands like claws and snapped over their heads with a menacing growl. Shrieking, the pups took off, the faster ones thanking the slower ones for their sacrifices.

Laughing to himself, his tail swayed as he let his thoughts wander back to Nova and the pups he had every intentions of making with her. Even if it never happened, he’d still have plenty of fun trying.

The moist, mossy ground of the long established orchard was so delightfully cool between his toes. It was enough to make him sigh with yearning for the forests of the mountains. The soothing shade was so pleasant and nostalgic. The dapples of sun swayed with the light breeze that made it even sweeter among the laden trees getting close to ripeness.

After a moment to enjoy, he sniffed the air and glanced around. There was no underbrush here so it wasn’t hard to spot the brown fur on the far side, propped against a twisted, mossy trunk and likely napping.

Definitely napping. Anubis could hear his soft snores long before he got close enough to look down on the omega. The teen sure was cute, one hand cushioning his head against the rough bark while the other lay over his belly. With a wry little smile, Anubis leaned down to set the basket beside him when he gave a snort, his instincts sluggishly bringing him awake to startle with a yelp at the sight of an enormous predator looming over him.

“A-A-Anubis! D-Do-Don’t do that!” he panted, clutching at his chest as he sat up. “Y-Yer scary!”

Standing over him, Anubis put a hand on his hip and smirked. “I would hope so. I’d hate to think people run away because I’m ugly.”

His face brightening into a smile, he giggled and his tail thumped the ground. “Yer so funny, Anubis. Should g-g-give ye a funny name. Like Nubbie or s-somethin’.”

His whole body reacted, head jerking with how fast his ears shot back. A cold tingling replaced all other sensations in his body for a second. “Uhhh,” he started, licking his nose as he reminded himself that Denver had no way of knowing all the reasons he didn’t like that name. “I, uh, would really prefer you not call me that.”

Lowering himself, Denver picked up on his discomfort immediately, scratching the back of his head with chagrin. “O-oh, uh, o-o-okay. S-S-Sorry.”

Sucking in his breath at the sight of the dejected teen at his feet, Anubis squatted down so he did not feel so impossibly large. “I’m not upset. There’s just ... things that happened in my past that I don’t want to remember, and that name brings back a lot of them.”

Perking, Denver looked up at him. “Well, I-I guess I can u-u-understand that, a-a bit. Th-The stuff Nova been sayin’ m-m-makes m-me real sad.”

“It ... made me really sad, too,” Anubis admitted with a small nod. “I didn’t really understand just how much because all of that was just ... normal. But, then I came here, and I found out what being happy was like. And, I like it here a lot better. I got to meet you. You’ve been a really good friend.”

Ears perking, his tail wagged a bit before he blushed and scratched the back of his head again with a sheepish little smile. “Oh, ha ha, uh, I-I-I’m glad ye th-think so. Y-Ye’ve been a good fr-friend, too.”

He was just so cute. It caused the corner of Anubis’ mouth to curl up. Glancing around, it grew into a devilish grin, and Denver’s eyes grew wider, a dark, gravelly drawl causing his hackles to rise, trembling.

“I’m not a fool, Denver. I know you like me a lot more than as a friend.”

Blushing deeply, Denver tried to stammer something, but Anubis didn’t give him the chance. “One of the many reasons my old home was so terrible was that I never had the freedom to ... explore certain aspects about myself. But, since I’ve been here, I’ve had the chance to think about some things, and I think you can help me with a little ... self discovery.”

Shrinking down, his eyes darted around. “Uh-Uh, h-h-how, uh...”

Kneeling in front of him now, the hand Anubis put behind his head to draw him close was big enough to crush him, and his heart attempted to hop out of his mouth. Gasping, he put his hands out as his nose was nearly pressed into his belly fur, but Anubis restrained himself, giving the teen a moment to come to grips with what was happening.

“I’ve come to realize that I rather like you, too. You’re such a... good boy, aren’t you?”

His hands sank into the dense, soft fur recently brushed, settling on the powerful muscles underneath. How he had wanted to be this close to the lofty Dire, but he had forced himself to be comfortable with the thought that nothing would ever happen between them in the same way as everyone else. Swallowing hard, he peeked up at Anubis with a hint of disbelief, but there was nothing in that dominating gold gaze and expectant grin that hinted at a prank.

Gulping again, he quickly averted his eyes, but his nose quivered at the intoxicating aroma of Anubis’ arousal causing the kilt to bulge. Sucking in a shuddering gasp as his heart raced, he glanced up again, licked his nose and willingly buried it into the luxurious fur. There were just so many muscles, taut and hard in stark contrast to that lush pelt. Even after nearly 2 months, he still smelled of deep woods and wild hunts, things Denver had never experienced but tingled his instincts, nonetheless.

Feeling the omega melt into him, he stroked him between the ears. “So it’s true. You are such a good boy.” A lustful chuckle rumbled through his body when Denver’s tail wagged a little. “Why don’t you keep being a good boy and help me learn all about this side of myself.”

It wasn’t a question or even a request. The shiver it sent up his spine made his fur bristle and his sheath grow tight.

“Gladly, sir,” he murmured breathlessly, gliding his fingers through that thick silk.

“What a good pet,” Anubis rumbled with approval.

With a gasp and a whine, any last resistance dissolved. Given free rein, Denver burrowed into him while his hands unabashedly explored his exceptional physic. The kilt continued to push forward, and he could ignore it no longer. Perking a little, he glanced up and blushed.

“Uh, y-ye ought to l-lie back, sir. Ye’d be a lot m-m-more comfortable.”

That grin had to ache, and indeed, it did. “An excellent suggestion! Such a good boy!”

Starry-eyed, Denver panted eagerly while Anubis settled himself against the very tree he had been napping against. Now, Anubis watched with carnal delight as his new pet grew bolder in his task. His nuzzles continued down until he could contain himself no longer and pushed the kilt up out of his way. His breath caught and shuddered, staring at the glorious, shiny rod that pulsed with desire before him.

“Oh, uh ... w-wow,” he marveled, his eyes wide.

“Like what you see, pet?”

His fur fluffed with the shiver that seductive tease shot through his body, and Anubis saw the excited little smile pull up the corners of his mouth before he sank low between his thighs. Hesitating one last time, glancing up just to make sure, he nuzzled against the sheath at the base of his member, sniffing deeply.

Using a hand to hold his cock steady to his nuzzles, Denver ran tender, searing licks along his shaft, his other hand massaging those delectable testicles. Making his way leisurely to the drooling tip, Denver suckled there a moment as he gripped the base above the knot before sinking down further and further. Peeking up, he delighted in the hazy expression on Anubis’ face. His adept technique could hardly be improved by the enormous hand resting between his ears, but the gentle pressure pushed him down even more, deeper into his yielding throat with every bob and buck.

Panting hotly, his pent up needs were building rapidly. Denver was able to take him a lot deeper than Nova had been able to, at least with her mouth, and he had never tried to force it.

“Ah, pet, I can’t last. I’m going to...!”

Eagerly pressing his nose into the musky fur at the base of his pulsing shaft, sucking on the swollen knot, Denver encouraged every last drop out of him while watching his expressions. The undulations of his throat swallowing every thick, hot rope made Anubis’ toes curl, a frantic wiggling of his tail accompanying his gruff moan.

Spent and satisfied, Anubis panted breathlessly, his head resting on the trunk. He peeked from under heavy lids when he felt Denver slide up his body, snuggling beside him. He could no longer keep his hands to himself, caressing all over his chest with a sweet little smile. Holding him close, the boy practically melted in his embrace, nestling his chin into his fur with a content whimper.

“You are an excellent pet.”

The boy was just so cute when he blushed and shivered a little, but his waggling tail gave away his excitement with the title. “I-I’m glad ye enjoyed yerself.” He then perked up with a small gasp. “Oh! F-F-Fern’ll be surprised!”

Anubis smiled. “Actually, I told him first.”

Denver’s mouth popped open. “W-What...?” His teeth suddenly clenched tight with a snap in a snarl that was too adorable to be intimidating and his brow furrowed as he glared in the direction of the hamlet. “That fuckin’ dick! Stringin’ m-me along like that!”

Snickering, Anubis opened his mouth to reply when every instinct in his body tingled. Sitting bolt up right like his hackles, knocking Denver away with a surprised yip, his head snapped to his left, scanning among the trunks. Without underbrush, the sleek predator’s only hope had been its silent approach. Realizing it was seen, the feathered, catlike hunter growled and hissed, crouching low and thrashing its tail indignantly.

Hearing it now, Denver snapped up, his ears back. “A-A s-sk-sk-skaowl!”

Anubis lunged to his paws with a feral snarl and every intention of fighting. Growling at him, the smaller predator didn’t like its odds now and turned to run back towards the woods along the river.

Shuddering, Denver panted in terror. “Wow! I-I-I’m so g-glad ye were here, Anubis! It m-m-might’ve e-e-eaten me while I slept!”

Snarling as he seethed, he had to take several deep breaths to try and bring himself back from the wild instincts that were suddenly burning hotter than he had ever recalled.

“Uh, y-ye should go back a-a-an’ tell ‘em the skaowl’s b-back,” Denver suggested, gulping, his eyes darting about though remained mostly focused on the place the beast had vanished.

Anubis glared down at him. “Are you crazy? I’m staying right here until the others come back.” Then he smirked. “I’m the only predator allowed to stalk this pack.”

Though it made Denver’s mouth curl in the ghost of smile, the fear still thumping in his chest overrode any amusement. “W-W-Well, it’s a ambush hunter. I-It don’t attack s-s-so long as we’re lookin’ at it. Th-Th-They’re real skittish. J-J-Just yellin at ‘em m-makes ‘em run.”

Shaking his head, Anubis sniffed the air again, and remained adamantly beside Denver until the others returned. Warned of the predator nearby, they were less concerned than Anubis thought they should be, but they were worried for the pups.

“Shouldn’t you hunt it down?” he questioned with a hint of surprise.

Eli, one of Cloud’s brothers, shot a look up at him in bewilderment. “What? Why?”

“It might attack you. Did I not hear that one of those beasts killed your previous Alpha?”

Glancing at the others, Eli nodded sadly. “That’s true. But, the skaowl’ve been here long ‘fore us. It’s got the right to eat, too. Unfortunately, sometimes, we’re the food. It’s why we gotta be on alert. Ye ought to head back quick so the pups’re safe. Find Cloud. She’ll know what ta do.”

Reluctantly, Anubis obeyed, glancing back at Denver with a smirk that made him blush and fidget before hurrying back with all due haste. Following his nose, he found Cloud in the art barn with many of the other women. As much as he enjoyed spending some of his free time just looking over all the art and watching others create as he waited eagerly for his hand to finish healing, now he hardly glanced about.

Perking at the news, Cloud cursed under her breath and rushed out the door to let out a quick, high pitched howl. It was one he had heard most evenings when calling the pups home, and sure enough, the pups closest obediently arrived to her side first.

Even Jack trotted over from wherever he had been to discover why the pups were being called back so soon. Hearing of the predator, he agreed they were to stay within sight of the hamlet and absolutely no further.

“If it’s prowlin’ up on one o’ us in the orchard o’ all places, that means it’s real hungry,” Cloud explained to the whining pups. “Give it a day, it’ll catch somethin’ an’ not be huntin’ for us no more. Now off with the lot o’ ya. Go have fun!”

Watching the group slowly wander off, Anubis decided to follow after. Sidling along the barn wall, he smirked as he reached out and plucked a hair right off Fletcher’s shoulder. The boy let out a sharp yelp and turned to snap at whoever had dared touch him. The other pups startled, peering at him curiously. Trusting him when he claimed someone had touched him, they followed with him back around the corner, only to find nothing but crates.

Their chorus of shrieks made Anubis cackle after he had pounced out behind them with a growl. By the time they had all gathered themselves to chase after him, he had vanished into the darkness of the barn.

As fearless as ever, Fletcher strode right inside to the laments of the others. Glaring all about, he screwed his little mouth in thought and sniffed the air, peeking around the equipment, his ears twitching all over. It never occurred to him that someone so dark wouldn’t need to hide very well. Simply to stand perfectly still was a form of stalking, especially when the prey did not think to look up for eyes. Lifted into the air, he could only snarl and thrash helplessly. Realizing he was defeated, he turned to the great void that held him. A sharp, disembodied grin floated in the air with him. Just as he started to lower his ears, he found himself back on his feet, the laughing shadow oozing away as the other pups hurried in to give chase.

Anubis was just turning the corner in his attempt to escape the barn while the pups weren’t looking when he felt the sting of hairs being torn from his tail. Head snapping around, he glared down playfully at Fletcher. Flashing him a triumphant but nervous grin, the boy smartly turned and rushed away, calling out that their prey was escaping.

Snickering, he was surrounded in an instant, the smallest pups trying to take bites out of his legs. After a dramatic demise, they swarmed his body, declaring themselves the victor in a great battle against evil, only to squeal and plead for mercy when a half dozen of them found themselves being squeezed together in his embrace. The adults that watched called out in amusement and encouragement of the pups, chortling every time the smallest ones were able to cause the demon to still in over exaggerated death before coming back to life when they let their guard down.

The hours felt like nothing. Anubis hardly noticed the time until the pack started gathering, putting things away for the evening. While the other pups whined at having to return to the den to eat, Fletcher waited by the corner of the barn until he knew Anubis was looking at him. With a smug little grin, the boy held up the tail hairs he had plucked earlier. Just as Anubis raised his brow, Fletcher stuffed the hairs among his own. “I’m part Wogtal!” And with that, he took off to follow the others.

At dinner in the lodge, Anubis immediately noted that Fern and Denver were not there. He did his best to hide his smirk, though could hardly contain his lofty strut to the heavy stool they had made just for him. He knew he’d be hearing about it later.