In a word, Desert was furious.

Furious that Draco had never listened to her. Furious with the Wind-dog that had killed him. Furious that Gannon and Jas had lost both of their parents. And more than anything else, furious that, one way or another, she had let her little brother die.

She knew better than to really blame herself. But she had always felt a responsibility to take care of him, and him being dead meant that she hadn't done her job.

Why, oh why were you always so stubborn?

But it didn't make a difference anymore. Draco's body was in the ground and it was time to choose the candidates for their new alpha. Night Pack couldn't afford to linger on the past, especially with winter here and the prey once again dwindling. No one could tell yet whether this winter would be as harsh as the last one, but few were willing to take chances.

Pebble and Tansy were standing together in the center, just underneath the lip of the overhang. "It's time to decide who our new alpha will be," Tansy said. "I know all of you have been thinking about it, so now is the time to say which dog you would like to nominate."

"I wanted to say up front," Pebble added, "that I have no desire to be alpha. If any of you were considering me, I ask that you choose someone else."

Some dogs nodded in response. Desert understood Pebble's decision. He was a good organizer and very dedicated, but he did not have the strong will necessary to lead this pack.

It was Tucker, one of the hunters, who spoke up first. "I nominate Colt," he said. "We should have a hunter as a leader. Hunters understand the needs of the pack even more than defenders do."

Desert saw a few of the defenders bristle in response, but she understood what the Great Dane meant, even if his wording was somewhat lacking. She wasn't entirely sure whether or not she supported the nomination, however; she had always known Colt to be stiff-necked and abrasive even in the best of times.

Regardless, about half of the pack, and not just the hunters, voiced their agreement. "Do you accept the nomination, Colt?" asked Tansy.

The Bull Terrier stood up and dipped his head. "Yes, I do."

Tansy looked back at the rest of the pack. "Are there any other nominations?"

There was silence for a few moments and then Ajax said, "I nominate Desert."

Desert looked up, slightly surprised. She had been so wrapped up in thoughts about Draco and everything that had happened that she hadn't even considered that she might be nominated. But she wasn't actually opposed to the idea. If she became alpha, then maybe she could lead the pack out of this war.

The other half of the pack, which hadn't openly supported Colt's nomination, were now nodding in agreement with Ajax. Desert realized the difference between the two groups: the dogs who had nominated Colt were the ones who were the angriest towards Wind Pack--dogs like Emma and Rosaria and Baron, while the ones who had nominated her had always been more reluctant to fight, even if they were not as outspoken towards Draco as she herself was.

Tansy appeared to notice the distinction as well, her eyes flickering briefly. "There can still be one more candidate," she said. "Is there anyone else who wants to nominate one?"

No one did, and Tansy nodded. "Tomorrow night is the Hunter's Moon. In the meantime, consider your options and get ready to make your decisions."

~

In what Minerva guessed was the most awkward turn of events possible, Wind Pack was hosting the Hunter's Moon. Night Pack took its time arriving, and when they had reached the center of the snow-dusted meadow, all of the other packs were already there, even Frost Pack.

Pebble was in front, and he dipped his head to the assembled alphas and betas. "As some of you know, Draco is dead," he said, getting directly to the point. "It is time to select a new alpha for Night Pack. Desert and Colt, please step forward."

After the two dogs had done so, Gabriel slowly asked, "What about you, Pebble? Are you a candidate also?" He still had visible wounds from the battle and his voice was strained.

"No," Pebble answered with a shake of his head. "I am content with my position as beta. I do not think the role of alpha would suit me."

Gabriel nodded. "Very well, then. Proceed."

Pebble cleared his throat. "These are dogs you know. Dogs you have fought beside and against. Make your choice carefully, and may the wisdom of the Hunter Dog be with you."

Night Pack stayed standing, watching as the packs huddled together to discuss the options. Minerva knew that the only votes that really mattered were Storm Pack's and Wind Pack's, since they didn't share borders with anyone else. She wondered whether or not most of the pack would even care who Wind Pack voted for.

One by one, each of the packs faced forward to indicate that they had made their decision. "Which dogs do you vote for?" Pebble asked.

"Frost Pack votes for Colt," said Martin.

"Lake Pack's vote is for Desert," said Lyra.

"As is Storm Pack's," Kestrel added.

"Earth Pack votes for Colt," Aster said.

"And so does Wind Pack," Gabriel finished wearily.

Pebble nodded curtly. "Night Pack will now make its decision, taking your votes into consideration."

The pack then circled together, while Desert and Colt remained to the side so that they couldn't hear the pack talking about them. "It's time for the final decision," Pebble said. "Who will be our alpha?"

"I still stand by my nomination," Tucker said. "Colt can lead us through this winter and far past it."

"I agree," Emma said. "He's not a pushover. He wouldn't let Wind Pack stand in the way of feeding our pups."

"Desert is hardly a pushover," Jade interrupted. "She always wanted peace for this pack. I know she would take the steps to accomplish that, and she wouldn't let us go hungry either."

"Are you really going to vote against your own mate?" Cosette asked, sounding surprised.

Jade huffed. "I know him better than anyone else, and I know who would make a better leader."

Minerva didn't add her own voice to the discussion because she never did, and she doubted any of the other dogs would care about her opinion anyway. It also basically went without saying that she would vote for Desert. She knew that all her mother wanted was to keep the pack safe, and while she bore no ill will towards Colt, she didn't really like him either.

"Let's just put it to a vote," Pebble said, interrupting the argument that had started between Ajax and Tucker while Minerva had stopped paying attention. "Those of you that are for Desert, get on my right side, and those of you that are for Colt, get on my left side."

The pack separated and Pebble's eyes scanned over both the dogs, counting under his breath. "That's it, then. Colt has more votes." He turned to face the other packs, who were waiting expectantly, and declared, "Night Pack has made its choice. Colt will be our leader."

Minerva saw Desert's eyes flicker but she said nothing. Colt stepped in front of Tansy, who began to speak the ceremonial rite. "The position of alpha to Night Pack has been bestowed upon you. Do you accept it?"

"I do," Colt answered.

"Then lead, well, strong, and fairly," Tansy said. "The grace and blessings of Siglitun be upon you until the end of your time. Who do you choose as beta, to assist you in leadership?"

Colt thought for a moment, and then nodded to Pebble. "I wish for Pebble to be my beta. Will you continue to serve us as you have?"

Pebble smiled slightly. "It has always been my honor."

"Behold, the new alpha of Night Pack!" Tansy barked. The other packs cheered but Wind Pack maintained a marked silence.

Gabriel was the first to speak after the cheers faded. "Thank you for coming. Since there is no hunt tonight, we bid you farewell."

Wind Pack turned to leave, but Colt suddenly approached Gabriel and began talking to him. Minerva couldn't hear what he said, but she could guess that they weren't exchanging well wishes. She turned to see Desert standing just behind her. "Are you disappointed?" Minerva asked.

"What?" Desert blinked and looked at her, having been also watching Colt and Gabriel.

"That you didn't become alpha."

Desert flicked her ears. "I respect Colt. And there's no point in being upset about it. We can't always get what we want."