After the punishment Zalen had taken leave, despite the imploring eyes of his pack-mates to stay and asked questions. He had to be alone, had to fight this raging guilt inside him for having to do that to the helpless Omega. It was a shame, but things had to be done in the name of pack security. It was so important to stay in Ichika no Ho-en’s favor, for their proximity to New Dawn and the exponentially larger amount of members they had did not bode well for the fledgling pack if they were ever to disgrace them.
Zalen had wandered off towards the lake, for its watery depths sometimes soothed him if he were just to stare into them for a while. The snow crunched underneath massive Optime paws and he took his time, letting his mind roll and mull over the last hour of his life. The difficulties associated with being and Alpha were stressful, but he felt that he had done the right thing, despite it having deeply shamed Noah. Zalen still felt for the Omega, and though he was disappointed in his actions as of late, there was no love lost in Zalen’s mind. In the future, after this had calmed down, he would have to speak to the man.
Zalen was nearing the lake when he heard his mate call out. His ears turned towards the sound but he did not stop in his path; she was close enough to catch up with him, and he wanted to enjoy being alone for a moment longer. The lilt in her voice did not bode well either; she was upset, he knew for he could see it in the way she stood back at the den, under the eyes of the New Dawn members and the Ichikans. He let out a sigh, steeling himself against her inevitable anger, and let loose a bark to let her know of his exact location.
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