Mara

Mara knew that her luck had run out. She was backed into a corner; the alpha male of the Xera pack slowly advancing, his teeth bared, ready to kill.
She stepped back, only to be shoved forward by a lesser member of the pack, forcing her into the circle; forcing her to fight.
Mara raised her hackles and lowered her head, protecting her vulnerable neck. If she was going to die, she was going die with a fight. She growled deeply, telling the alpha that she was not going to back down. The other members snarled mockingly, knowing already who was going to win the fight.
Mara was a young she-wolf. Her fur was a deep chestnut colour, unusual in wolves. She had been forced out of her pack when she was only a pup, her mother sensing weakness. But Mara had proved her birth-pack wrong and grown to be strong and a fierce competitor. She was a lone wolf know, merely seeking somewhere to hunt and sleep away from others. However she had just walked over into the Xera pack’s territory uninvited.
The alpha male was a huge menacing black and grey wolf. His amber eyes flashed angrily. He did not like to be interrupted during his morning hunt. Mara could see him moving into the attack posture and steadied herself. She might not be stronger; but she was quicker.
The alpha leapt forward, his teeth ready to latch onto her throat. She dodged quickly, causing the alpha to sliding into the dust. He growled loudly, his amber eyes now shone with humiliation. He looked at his pack, daring them to laugh or spot his blunder. None moved, and they all stayed silent. Mara used his hesitation for her own benefit. She leapt onto his back, tugging hard at his left ear. The two bodies entangled, dust and dirt flying up.
Suddenly the alpha flipped over, causing both wolves to hit the ground hard. Mara was winded and suddenly the alpha was on top of her. His teeth set into her throat, the pressure increasing. She whined in fear and desperation. Suddenly the alpha let go and drew back. He sat heavily on his haunches and stared at her. He barked a command at the pack, and silently they left without question.
Mara pulled herself up, keeping her belly low to the ground. Cautiously she crawled forward to the alpha, whining and nipping at him. He ignored her at first, tasting her scent. Gradually she was right underneath him. Gulping down her last bit of pride, she rolled over onto her back, showing him her belly. The alpha looked down at her and then leapt forward, biting her throat again. This time, the pressure was light; just enough to tell her who’s in charge. She whimpered at him and nipped his lower jaw.
Come. You pack now. We hunt.
His postures spoke to her. She had been accepted into his pack. She was unsure of why, but gave her thanks in quick, short yip-yips. He licked her nose, then her throat where he had bit her. He stood up and walked off, not looking back.
Mara picked herself up and shook her body. She trotted behind him, keeping a respectful distance. 1