Maika tumbled out of the nursery den. Her sister, Dusty, racing out from behind her.

"Owch!!" Maika whimpered as she was pushed into the ground.

Dusty grumbled, "Stop being so small. I can't ever play with you.."

"It's not my fault I'm the runt..." Maika retorted.

'Why is she so mean to me...?' Maika thought glumly.

Then she brightened, "Let's go bother the betas!" She ran towards the group of wolves discussing border patrols.

Dusty came up beside her eagerly, "Can we go on patrol, too?"

One of the senior betas, Storm, shook his head,"No. You can only go out when you become beta."

Maika turned away, grumbling,"So unfair!"

Her mothers head poked out of the nursery, "Pups! Come and have your nap.

Dusty insisted,"We don't need na-" her protest was cut off by a huge yawn.

Her mom swept her tail over Maika's timber pelt.

"Come on, in you go." She nudged each of them back in the den.