It was a cool day just before the start of winter and the air was crisp with the promise of snow. Kyle went outside at the behest of Anastasia after she had frantically called him saying the pups were in trouble. He stopped by the kitchen and grabbed their first aid kit and some water, he felt it would be needed going by the twins blood he smelled on her.

The werewolf pups would surely heal fast enough on their own, but with any major injury it was always best to keep the wound clean and protected. Not to mention they were still young and it might take a while longer for them to heal compared to a full grown werewolf. Anastasia led the way as she explained the situation, and told him how they were trapped in a cave in the woods behind their house. She wore a thick, dark green, woollen dress that reached down to her sheepskin boots as she walked over the frosted grass behind their house.

The house was a large old hotel, long since abandoned and left to the elements, and was barely standing. They had found the place three years ago when Kyle started his pack and have lived here ever since. It was old but beautiful with large columns framing the front door which was beautifully carved mahogany, the windows were large stained glass of intricate designs. The hotel was surrounded by woods and there was even a beautiful lake on the side that was perfect for swimming in the summer. 

It's a wonder it was ever abandoned by humans, but after the government segregated non humans outside of major cities, a lot of buildings like this were just left abandoned as the humans flocked to the perceived protection of the cities. It's been a hundred years since then and the building was still standing tall despite being abandoned. It gave Kyle hope that he too would stand strong despite whatever the world threw at him. 

He wore a thick black turtleneck over grey sweatpants and trainers that slipped on the frost as he climbed up the shallow hill behind the house. Kyle listened as Anastasia explained that the pups had slipped into the cave while play hunting. The twins along with Benny, the youngest of the pack, had always play hunted in the woods. It was a fun game to keep them entertained and active and helped them hone their instincts for when they would need to hunt for survival. 

Small injuries weren't uncommon when play hunting especially with the way the twins were so competitive with each other, but something told Kyle that this time was different. He had a sinking fear in the pit of his stomach that he didn't dare ignore. 

Instinct and fear were what kept us alive, he told himself as he jogged slowly next to Anastasia.

“Annie fell in first and Josie tried to help her but fell in too.” Anastasia said, the werewitch was upset and frantic as she recounted the events.

“What happened after that?” Kyle asked calmly, trying not to let his own panic show.

“Benny was there too but they told him to stay away and run for help,” She said, her hands shaking. “Luckily I was nearby collecting herbs for my potions and he found me quickly.”

Kyle nodded, urging her to go on. He kept his lips in a tight line as he tried to control his breathing. His adrenaline spiked as his fear for the safety of the pups grew and it was all he could do to not blindly sprint in the direction he could faintly smell their blood coming from.

“Annie broke her leg as she fell in and Josie dislocated her shoulder trying to save her,” Anastasia climbed over a huge rock, out of breath as she continued, “I tried to heal them but my magic is weaker now without the full moon, so I could only take away the pain.”

She looked back at him, sweat plastering her locs to her brown skin as she widened her hazel eyes. Kyle could tell that she blamed herself for not having strong enough magic, but honestly it was a wonder that they had a magic user in their pack at all. He smiled lightly at her, trying to calm her down as he gently took her elbow and urged her on. 

“Let's go,” Kyle softly whispered, “The pups are waiting.” 

She nodded once weakly, and then steeled herself and nodded again a second time.

“Yes,” Anastasia said, determined, “The pups are waiting.”