Julooke had gone a little north of the pack's new home at Stavanger Bay to search for some seaweed, and explore a little. She had been quite happy since Verrine and she became mates, and had found a new den to live in together. Her heart would often swell with love for Verrine, and though it had before, it did more so now that she was able to show it openly, to him and to the rest of the world. She had been almost giddy with excitement at being able to start this new part of their lives together.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice, Hey Assbut. Her ears perked and her gaze looked around for offending wolf. Who would call her that and why? When she caught sight of the wolf, and understood he was talking to himself, she walked toward him. Are you alright? she asked, coming to a halt several meters away, respecting his personal space. She was fully prepared to keep walking on if he didn't respond to her well.

The male didn't respond aggressively, and Julooke was glad. He seemed apologetic, and honest that he was not, in fact, alright. Her heart fell when he admitted he wanted a family. She frowned, feeling empathetic and sad for him. She had no idea what she would have done without her family- probably feel just as lost as he did. She was so thankful in that moment she did have her family. Taking some liberties he had not given, Julooke slowly closed the distance between them, coming to try and sit down next to him. Maybe some physical closeness to someone would comfort him a little.

I know you feel the need for family to be blood related, but sometimes the family you pick can be better than the ones you were born into, she said softly. Julooke wasn't really speaking from experience, since she loved her family, but she was trying to give him a little perspective. Not all hope was lost for him to gain friends who he considered family. Sometimes, they're the most loyal, she added, thinking of Verrine.

He questioned her, and she nodded. Some of my most loyal friends have become family to me, she explained. My home pack is a long ways from here, but it's okay because I've met wolves who have treated me like their family, like I have them. Verrine had been one of those wolves a long time back, and just recently had become her mate, and there was a chance they'd be starting their own family one day.

He explained that he had recently joined a pack, only to have the leader up and disappear just days later. I'm so sorry to hear that. It must have been really upsetting to feel that he had found a home, and then to have no leader. She nodded to his question, They are very much my family. Ragnar, the Alpha, is very dedicated to his pack. She could easily be compared to Liyano. My Dad passed away, and I was depressed for the longest time, but Ragnar has quickly become like a father-figure to me. No one would ever replace Liyano in her heart, but Ragnar gave her that same support and structure that she had missed when he passed. Julooke, like Mees, had no idea they were related, but would be ecstatic to find out. You're welcome to come and meet him, if you like, she offered. She wasn't sure if he was interested in leaving his current pack, but she wondered if it was much of a pack at all without a leader. Maybe one of your pack mates will step up to take over being Alpha, she said as an afterthought.

The male was quite upset over the dynamics of the pack, and Julooke could understand why once he explained more.I know it seems daunting, but don't give up. Go around to the neighboring packs and meet some of their members, and see what they say about the pack. It's a good way to learn about them, and then that way you have a better idea of what suits you. He wasn't happy about the previous Alpha going missing, or about how the next one took their place. Julooke thought it was a little odd that a wolf would take the place of the Alpha and not even go looking for them.

I understand a little of what you're going through. My Alpha was murdered by a bear not too long ago. Ragnar took over leadership. We knew he would be the right wolf for it, though. It wouldn't make him feel any better, but she thought maybe it would let him know he wasn't alone in the things that happened to him. Unfortunately, it was part of finding his place in this world.

In an attempt to get his mind of the current stressed of life, she asked, Hey, have you had crab before? Maybe he wouldn't feel like it, but she would offer to help him look for some and drop some rocks on them.

He asked if they had killed it, and she shook her head side to side with a solemn expression. The bear had attack once before, just before I joined, and I know there were injuries, so they weren't able to go after it. This time, it had attacked our Alpha while she was alone... At that point, Ragnar just wanted to leave the area, fearing it would attack again. She knew some might few it as cowardly, but Julooke didn't. Instead of putting his pack members in more harm by attacking the murderous creature, he ensured their safety by moving them. She backed his decision one hundred percent.

Her ears perked and her head cocked to the side when he admitted he had eaten crap before but not crab. She could not help but ask, You've eaten crap before? On purpose? She wasn't judging him, but it sounded a little... weird. Still, he was up for the crab. Great! We have to find a rock first, she instructed, looking around the edge of where the sand met the grass. Finding one about the size of her paw, she picked it up, motioning for the male to follow her. Her eyes scanned the surrounding beach as she walked, looking for any movement. Spotting a crab, she bounded over to it, placing her paw directly in the center of its back. She dropped the rock beside her to speak, If you place your paw here, it can't pinch you, she said. Pick the rock up, then drop it right where my paw is, she instructed, just as Nerian had done with her, waiting to see if he would do it.