The great art of life is sensation,
to feel that we exist,
even in pain.
-Lord Byron
***
Jay sat on the front porch with John. They could hear the soft whispers of female laughter inside, coming from Daisy, Grace and a few others who, like Grace, were expecting or heavy with pup. The soft breeze and sound of birds were all that filled in between Jay and John. "How has the pack been?" John asked, no regret filling his voice. He liked being beta, but he liked being free of responsibilities more. Jay told John of the reports he had received from the different packs, how the warriors were doing and other various pack dealings and mishaps. "Sounds like you are doing fine without me," John said, leaning back with a smile. Jay gave a small smile back. He and John knew better. Jay couldn't
