Life In Jasper Park
Chapter Nine: Homecoming
Spring had finally returned to Jasper Park, and with it, the graduating alpha class. Wayne and Justine were so glad to finally be home, and their families felt the same way, the entire group of relations coming together in a joyous reunion. Of course, there had been changes on both sides; Wayne and Justine had been quite surprised to learn that their siblings had gained romantic partners during winter.
When Rosie had chosen to introduce Alf to her parents, their reactions had been positive; Garth had been impressed by the tale of how he had saved Rosie from falling into the ice, while Lilly had been won other by the young wolf's kind and caring personality.
When Jasper had taken Nicole home to meet his parents, Kate had silently assessed the young she-wolf's personality and traits, quickly forming the conclusion that Nicole was a worthy mate for her son. Humphrey, on the other paw, had jabbed Jasper on the shoulder, and loudly said "That's my boy! You got yourself a real gorgeous gal there! Like father, like son, I guess!", much to his son's embarassment.
As for the returning siblings, Wayne was pleasantly surprised that Rosie had found someone, although he had given Alf the classic "You treat my sister right" speech. Meanwhile, Justine had quickly connected with Nicole, to the point where they were soon discussing Jasper's little flaws and foibles, giggling throughout (To Jasper's annoyance).
It was then that Snatch had joined the group, and Jasper enjoyed some measure of revenge as Justine sheepishly explained his reason for being there. Over the remainder of their alpha training, the two had grown closer, and had finally come together romantically on the day of their graduation. Justine was a tad nervous at revealing their relationship to her family... with good cause, it would turn out.
"Aww." Kate cooed tenderly. "My little girl's in love."
"Moooom!" Justine groaned.
"You better take care of her, pal." Humphrey threatened, eyeing Snatch in a way that was very un-omega. "Or else you'll have me to answer to. Got it, mister?"
"Dad!" Justine yelped.
"Relax, Jussy." Snatch smiled, as he nuzzled her warmly. "Your dad's just looking out for his daughter. Don't worry, sir. I'll take care of her."
"Yeah, Jussy." Jasper teased. "Don't worry."
"Zip it, Jasper." Justine growled at her brother. "I can't believe I actually missed you..."
"Yeah, you missed me alright." Jasper smirked. "Face it, who wouldn't?"
"Not me, my cute little comedian." Nicole whispered, as she placed her forehead under his chin.
Jasper smiled, blushing deeply as he did.
"At least now, we've got a way to shut him up." Justine pouted.
"Don't stay mad, Jussy." Snatch cooed. "Your face is at it's prettiest when you smile."
Justine couldn't help but grin at Snatch's compliment.
"There it is." Snatch beamed. "Like the face of an angel."
"Oh, stop." Justine said bashfully.
"You have a very... interesting family, Rosie." Alf noted.
"The best." Rosie smiled. "And now you're a part of it, too."
"And I couldn't be happier." Alf smiled, rubbing noses with Rosie.
Wayne observed all the new couples.
"You leave for one season, and suddenly, everybody's hooked up." He remarked.
The next morning, Pepper raced happily over to Humphrey and Kate's den, ecstatic at the thought of seeing Justine again.
"Hey, girl!" She greeted her long-lost friend.
"Great to see you again, Pep!" Justine smiled. "I missed you."
"I missed you too." Pepper grinned. "Don't get me wrong, hanging out with just Jasper and Rosie wasn't that bad, but it just wasn't the same, not without you and-"
"Hello, Pepper." Came a deep voice from behind her.
Pepper turned to see Wayne approaching, followed closely by Rosie. Now fully grown, the young alpha had developed his father's brawny, handsome physique, but his eyes still had the warm kindness that his mother's possessed.
"Wow..." Pepper gasped.
"Close your mouth, Pep." Justine whispered smugly. "You're drooling."
"Hi, Wayne." Pepper cooed. "Wow, you really... grew up."
"What can I say?" Wayne shrugged. "Alpha school seemed to agree with me."
"I'll say." Pepper swooned.
"No kidding." Rosie chuckled. "The first time I saw him, I barely recognised him. I thought he was a walking mountain!"
The siblings and Pepper shared a hearty laugh.
"Pepper, can I talk to you... alone?" Wayne asked, suddenly nervous.
"I guess so." Pepper replied.
As the two young wolves walked off together, Justine and Rosie shared a knowing look.
"You think he's gonna do it?" Justine asked.
"I'll bet you three caribou legs he does." Rosie smiled.
"You're on." Justine smirked.
As they walked together, Pepper tried to keep herself from staring at Wayne, but was unable to help herself. He had grown so handsome, she could barely believe her eyes.
"You know something, Pep?" Wayne asked. "I really missed you over the winter."
"I missed you too, Wayne." Pepper smiled.
"No, I mean I really missed you." Wayne continued. "You were on my mind almost all the time."
"Really?" Pepper blushed.
"Really." Wayne nodded. "Every night, I'd fall asleep thinking of you."
"Oh, really?" Pepper smiled, remarking to herself that she too had often done the same thing. "That's so sweet."
"Do you remember when we were pups?" Wayne asked. "That crush you used to have on me?"
"Yeah..." Pepper sighed. "Used to..."
"Remember when I told you that I wasn't ready for a relationship, that we should wait until we were older?" Wayne pressed on. "Well, we're older now, and I've decided that I am ready."
"You are?" Pepper gasped.
"Yes." Wayne smiled. "Pepper, will you be my partner at the moonlight howl tonight?"
"Yes!" Pepper squealed. She starting hopping around Wayne in absolute joy. "Yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes!" Getting a hold of herself, she stopped suddenly. "I mean, I'd like that."
"I thought you might." Wayne joked, stepping forward to nuzzle her side, an act she gleefully returned.
"To be honest, I never really let go of that old crush." Pepper admitted. "I always hoped this day would come."
"To be honest, so did I." Wayne revealed. "You're a great girl Pepper. Smart, fun, pretty, the whole package."
"If you say so." Pepper blushed. "But you're the one who's really amazing, Handsome, kind, sweet..."
"Let's just say we're both pretty good catches." Wayne smirked.
"Deal." Pepper agreed.
The young wolves walked together for some time. As the sun started to go down, Pepper realised she had to take her leave.
"I gotta get back home now." Pepper sighed. "But I'll see you tonight, right?"
"I wouldn't miss it." Wayne smiled, leaning in rub Pepper's nose with his own. "Until then, beautiful."
As Wayne headed back to his family's den, Pepper remained where she was, paralysed with joy. Her legs suddenly gave way, and she collapsed to the ground.
"Oh, wow..." She sighed.
That night, the young couples all travelled to Howling Rock, the full moon illuminating their path.
"So, do you howl as pretty as you look?" Snatch asked Justine.
"Just wait and see." Justine teased.
"After you, m'lady." Jasper said to Nicole.
"What a gentlewolf." Nicole smiled, tickling his chin with her tail as she passed by.
"I hope I don't howl too badly." Alf said nervously. "I don't want to make you look bad."
"You'll be fine, Alfie." Rosie reassured her howling partner, nuzzling against him.
Bringing up the rear was Wayne and Pepper. Pepper was leaning against Wayne, almost to the point of tipping him over (Not that Wayne minded, though). The other wolves quickly noticed their arrival.
"Well, looky here." Jasper smirked.
"It's about time." Justine chuckled.
"Took you long enough, bro." Rosie grinned. "Somebody owes me some caribou legs..."
After the couples had taken their places on Howling Rock, Wayne turned to Pepper, his green eyes meeting her blue ones.
"Ready?" He asked excitedly.
"You know it." Pepper smiled lovingly.
Raising their heads to the sky, the two howled together. They were soon joined by all the others, their howls forming a symphony of love. Their parents looked on, overjoyed that their children had grown up and found love like they had (And would even have pups of their own someday), before joining in themselves, howling their love to the heavens.
The End.
(Alpha and Omega and all associated characters are the property of Lionsgate Entertainment.)