Rejected by the Alpha on Midwinter Night

This year, my mate claimed he had territory negotiations and couldn't return to the den for Midwinter Turning Night.

He insisted I go celebrate with my birth pack instead.

But a blizzard sealed all the mountain passes.

So I turned back toward the Nightclaw central den, planning to surprise them for the holiday.

When I approached the great longhouse with my arms full of offerings, I heard laughter and the clink of bone cups from inside—a full celebration in progress.

"Daughter of our pack, eat more! Your pack-mother prepared this whole feast just for you."