Silvertip Mountain Wishful thinking

long post is long 


Mason’s heart was in his mouth, as he waited for his Uncle’s reaction. It didn’t stay there long, because as they reached the lake, Steady began to talk. His words confused Mason. He was promoted to Beta? No way, he must be confused. FitzDutiful would have said if he had offered the position to two of his pack and it was a race to the finish, surely? Dad had appreciated that he needed time to think. He wouldn’t have simply offered the position on a platter to Steady instead?

Feelings now in limbo, Mason shifted on his paws, staring at the ground. He was done with being angry or upset about everything. He needed all of the information before he allowed himself to fall into another world of hurt. He couldn’t stop the tears springing to his eyes, though, when he thought maybe Dad had not wanted to wait for Mason. Luckily, Steady was exactly the wolf to talk the boy down from the ledge. Mason respected Steady enough to allow him to speak without butting in. He continued to gaze at the blurry dirt and sniffed softly. As Steady’s careful voice wound onwards with the advice and explanation, Mason’s ears began to prick back up, and he let the information digest. Steady was sensible enough not to voice Zaria’s misgivings about Mason, and therefore he felt appeased almost fully by the time his Uncle had finished. 

“You’re right Uncle Sted, about Zaria and I need to stop being angry about it.” Mason finally looked up, directly into his Uncle’s kind face, and shook his head to clear the back-end of any tears. He smiled. “You’re so clever and kind, I think you’re an amazing Beta already.” Mason reached in to lick his Uncle’s chin, and then thought carefully about the other things that Steady was saying. Clearly his Uncle was happy to Co-Beta with him. There was no need to wonder what would happen if either male had not agreed – Mason couldn’t think of a better-matched pair in Silvertip. Perhaps having no mateship involved in leading would make it easier – both of the boys’ experience in love had been poor so far. They could be Beta-Bros, wingmen.

Steady’s suggestion that Mason could lead his own pack one day brought a big smile to Mason’s face. Uncle obviously had more faith in him than he did in himself. “Silvertip is my Home, an’ I think Dad wants me to stay here until he gets too old to move and then take over. I dunno what Zaria would do though, so maybe it’s an idea…” Mason had a long time to think about such a monumentous step. He liked the idea of a pack right next-door if he did ever do it. But for now he would be content with any kind of leadership he could get. Steady, Zariaand Dad all felt he was ready.

Mind made up, Mason sniffed one last time then threw himself onto the floor at Steady’s paws and rolled onto his back in fake supplication. With his pale belly on show, Mason tucked his tail up over his genitals and wiggled as though in distress. “Oh worthy Beta, accept my unworthy presence, please!” He cried up at his Uncle, closing his eyes.

Then, after a moment or two he opened one eye and added “… and know that this is the last time you ever see me doing this, because soon I’ll be on your level.” And with an evil grin, Mason stopped his wiggling, pushed all his weight into rolling on his side. He was hoping to catch Steady’s paws with his own, trip him up and send him sprawling into the shallows of the lake.