Sage MacTire stood outside his back door smiling at the soft bit of snow that was falling outside. It was going to be fun to run in it. Sage was a werewolf he lived his father and mother in West Yellowstone, Montana. Frost was building on the outside of the door Sage sighed how he wished he could run right now.

"Sage you're going to be late." Sage's mother called.

"Alright." Sage replied grabbing his bag from the couch.

"Oh and don't forget your showing a new student today. So go straight to the principals' office." Sage's mother stated.

"Yes ma'am. I'll see you later." Sage said leaving and heading to his Silver Jeep Trailhawk and hopping in already enjoying the slight warmth. "Wonder what this new kid is like?"

Meanwhile, Monroe kids, Tommy and Macy, were packing their things and ready to leave.

Macy was unpacking her room while she's listening to music. She was annoyed with the move and preferred not to leave.

"Ugh. I can't believe this happening," she muttered.

Just then, her brother came in with excitement. "Woo-hoo! Come on, Sis! Adventure waits us!" Tommy exclaimed.

Macy groaned, finishing up her suitcase. "You know, I still don't know why you're happy about all of this. New York has been our first home."

"I know that. But we've been through everywhere here. There are so many exciting things waiting for us beyond this city! Might as well give it a try," Tommy reasoned.

Sighing in defeat, Macy got her suitcase and left with Tommy following. "I wish I'd believe you."

Sage yawned as he walked into the principal's office an hour later.

"Hello Sage. How are you this morning." the secretary asked

Sage smiled tiredly. "Good though I think I should be hibernating right now."

The secretary chuckled. "We all think that. So how can I help you?"

"Principal O'Donnell asked me to show a new kid around." Sage replied.

"Oh right she is actually on her way in should be a couple minutes."

Sage nodded taking a seat.

Soon, a brunette with short hair entered at her new school. She didn't seem happy nor enthusiastic about all this sudden change.

"Ah Miss Monroe I'm Miss Evans the secretary welcome to West Yellowstone High School. Now here is your schedule and locker and other paperwork for your parents to sign later. Now this is Sage MacTire he'll be showing you around today and if you have any questions please fill free to ask." Miss Evans said

Sage stood up and nodded to Macy. "Sage."

"Uh, hi. Nice to meet you," Macy gently said, trying not to sound rude.

"Let me guess not thrilled with a move to a small town?" Sage asked with a smirk.

"What makes you say that?" Macy questioned.

Sage smiled. "I've seen the look before. My best friend moved here from Hawaii. He was happier when he found a second way of surfing."

"Oh. Well, I'm not making promises that I'll get used to being here," Macy shrugged. "My first home wasn't as beautiful as Hawaii, but New York is still my home."

"Eh you never know. Anyway let's get to your locker then I'll help you with the classes. Positive side at least you made it hear before the blizzard." Sage replied.

"I guess. Honestly, I was hoping a blizzard would stop my family from moving so soon,"

"Kind of last minute?" Sage asked

"I don't care. I wish for anything to get us back home,"

"You know...home isn't necessarily the place...it's the people your family that's your home. A place can change, things can be replaced...but family...the love you have for them...that's always forever." Sage said stopping for a moment at a large staircase.

Macy just sighed. "I guess. Maybe you're right."

Sage smiled placing a hand on Macy's shoulder. "Listen if you want I can show you the town later. I bet you haven't tried some of our food...believe me you'll love our pizza."

"I'll be the judge of that," Macy remarked.

Sage smirked. "So what'd you move down here for?"

"Eh, just some job opportunity for my parents here," Macy shrugged.

Sage looked at her questionably. "New sheriff and new psychologist?"

"How'd you know?" Macy asked.

Sage smirked. "I'm the mayor's son. Kind of comes with a territory."

"Your dad is the mayor?!" Macy exclaimed

Sage shrugged. "Yep, but don't worry none of my family are the rich tycoon type. And I'm not one of those people who shows off their money."

"Good to know," she muttered.

"Oh come on seriously...soon as I tell you who my father is you're going to judge?" Sage asked.

"Wha-no! No! I'm not judging you!" Macy assured raising her hands in defense. "I believe what you say. It's just that I've never met the son of a Mayor before."

Sage smiled. "Hey I'm no different than any other teen. I like pizza, movies, books, music. My hobbies are hiking, photography, and drawing. I'm completely normal."

"Right. So, what exactly is like to be the son of a mayor?" Macy asked

Sage shrugged. "Other than going to fancy dinners once in a while it's kind of boring...more annoying at some points you know."

"Eh. That's pretty much what I was expecting," Macy shrugged. "Guess it's like this town. Not much excitement going on.

"Well we had a guy dance in the street with a taxidermy bear once." Sage said with a light chuckle.

"Not sure if I count that as exciting. More like weird,"

"Saturday night with a big game going on. Just another day here. You just have to take each day with each of its adventures and in turn make your own."

"I guess,"

"Come on let's go and get you set up. Then I'll tell you about some great trails around here." Sage said calmly.

Hours later, Macy left high school and went to her brother's new school to pick him up.

Sage sighed as he opened the front door to his house finding a note on the front door key rack and black board.

"Had to go in for an emergency. Your father is going to be in late. Mom." Sage read. "Eh looks like its bacon frittatas.

Back at the school, Macy heard the bell ring and watched many kids get out of school in such a hurry. It didn't take long for her little brother to show up.

"Hey, Sis!" Tommy waved.

"Hi, Tommy. Glad you're done. It's time get back home," Macy replied.

"Good idea! I heard that mom is making fried chicken tonight!"

Hours later after both families had eaten Macy's mother walked up to her eldest room lightly knocking at the door.

"Hey...how was it?" Mrs. Monroe asked.

"It was great!" Tommy answered.

"It was average," Macy replied mildly.

"Tommy dinner is almost ready go and wash up okay." Mrs. Monroe said calmly.

"Okay, mom!" Tommy hurried over to wash his hands.

Macy sighed and followed her brother the same way.

"Macy hold up a sec okay." Mrs. Monroe said. "Did something happen? You're not yourself."

"Nothing happened, mom. Just still getting used to all of this," Macy shrugged, stopping to talk to her mother. "I did meet the mayor's son, though. Sage MacTire."

Mrs. Monroe smiled. "What's he like? His mother was very helpful today while showing me around."

"Pretty much did the same thing his mom did for you. Nothing much,"

"Honey...I know this has been rough on you...and I'm sorry your father and I just felt like you and your brother would be safer here. That it'd be safer for him here. You know he always felt like he didn't spend enough time with you and Tommy."

"I know, mom. It's just going to be hard to get used to," Macy answered gently.

"Well maybe Sage can help." Mrs. Monroe said cupping her daughter's cheek.

Macy just shrugged, not really convinced.

"Well...how about after dinner we have a bowl of vanilla ice cream with Razzle Berry pie." Mrs. Monroe said.

"I guess that's-" Macy started

"MOM! MACY! I forgot my homework!" Tommy exclaimed, running back inside and interrupting Macy.

"What?! Tommy, how could you forget your homework?" Macy asked.

"Honey is it really important or can it wait till Monday?" Mrs. Monroe asked.

"It kind of is important. That homework is supposed to be due on Monday," Tommy answered.

Macy groaned while face palming. "Unbelievable. Mom, hold my dinner for a bit. Tommy and I are going back to his school to pick up his homework."

"Okay. You have the emergency kit and spare phone we told you to keep in your car?" Mrs. Monroe asked worriedly.

"I do. Don't worry, mom. It will be a quick trip there and back," Macy assured.

"The storms rolling in fast. Just be careful. Seatbelts." Mrs. Monroe said. "And heavy clothing."

"Mom! We know the drill! I'll text you when we get there and when we're leaving back home," Macy explained, already hurrying up with Tommy following his big sister's lead.

"Be safe." Mrs. Monroe called.

Meanwhile Sage stared outside his kitchen door watching as snow began to fall outside. He had finished a large meal but like any and all wolves he burned if off soon. Giving an annoyed sigh Sage opened the door and stepped outside into the snow, his breathe began to show as his hair moved in the light wind. Sighing Sage shifted to wolf form a large white wolf.

Swiftly he ran out enjoying the cold and feeling like a cub again as he raced into the woods.

Meanwhile, Macy was driving the road with the snow slightly rising. Luckily, they made it to the school in time and hurried inside to get Tommy's homework.

"Found it!" the young boy exclaimed, getting it out from his locker. "I accidentally left it inside."

"Yeah, good for you. I'm texting mom to know we got it and we're on our way back," Macy said, getting her phone out.

Sage barked at the snowflakes even playfully leapt at a couple before running off towards the slowly dispersing trees.

Moments later, Macy was now driving carefully through the snowy roads.

"Whoa, so much snow! I can't wait to play with it this weekend!" Tommy said, grinning at all of this.

"Save your excitement after we get back home safely," Macy lightly growled. "Ugh! Of all times to forget homework and be out in the middle of a bad storm."

Sage raced through the snow leaping over the already tall berms till abruptly large lights and a harsh feeling of something slamming sent him into darkness.

Macy leaned forward as her windshield blades swiped the frozen water that splattered her windshield. Just as she was coming around a turn a streak of white reflecting her headlights came out of nowhere and even with the slam of her breaks that had every part of his body aching, he still felt the thud of a collision.

With adrenaline pumping in panic mode, she jumped out of the car and ran around to the front to see what he had hit. To her horror a large dog was sprawled across the concrete, still with red slowly soaking through the white and grey fur.

"Oh, my Lady Liberty! Please tell me I didn't kill a giant dog!" Macy exclaimed.

She looked around frantically but of course there was no one around to help her or offer her any advice. The animal didn't look mangy or unkempt so she knew it had to be someone's pet and not some kind of white wild wolf. Which made it worse, really. She scrambled to the dog's side and was relieved that it was still breathing though it was quick and shallow. Its leg was bent at an odd angle and the way it had fallen seemed unnatural. It definitely needed medical attention and quick.

She didn't have time to call for help, she was at least twenty minutes from the nearest vet which would mean nearly an hour round trip if she had to wait for someone. It might be dead by then.

Not being the neatest person alive, she dug through her car until he found one of her jackets and a hoodie that had been riding around with her. She took them as a makeshift blanket, wrapping them around the dog as best as she could and tried to lift her into the backseat of her car. The dog was huge now that she was trying to move it, surely standing taller than herself if it was up on its hind legs, and she was probably causing more harm than good with the way she had to drag onto the seat. It was her only option, though, and did her best before jumping back behind the wheel.

She called 4-1-1 for information on the nearest animal hospital and broke every speed limit and traffic rule in her rush to get there as quickly as possible. Luckily there was a 24 hour clinic that wasn't terribly far away and she made the drive in record time.

"You think he's going to be okay, Sis?" Tommy asked in concern.

"He has to, Tommy. Because if he doesn't, I'll never forgive myself," Macy replied.

Macy paced until the veterinarian came out to speak with her an Tommy and, even then, she couldn't stand still.

Fractured leg, internal bleeding, and flesh wounds. They all sounded terrible and she felt himself grow paler with each diagnosis. She still nodded along and agreed with any of the surgical options the vet presented her with. Anything that would save the dog's life. She'd even give them a down payment.

It was the longest wait of her life but when the vet finally came back with the news that he, the dog was male she'd been told, was out of surgery and so far doing well, it was such a relief. The dog needed to stay for observation overnight so she and Tommy were sent home and told she could come back in the morning to see if he was well enough to go home. The relief was short lived, however, when the blood on the pavement was still visible right before their turn into their driveway. There was no rest when she was still so worked up. She spent the night watching Netflix and watching the clock until it was time to head back into the clinic.

"Oh, why did I have to hurt an innocent animal? He probably belongs to someone and they're worried sick!" Macy thought, unable to shake of this guilt.

Mr. and Mrs. Monroe had been shocked when they heard about the dog and understood about what was needed for the dog. Both were very proud of their daughter for taking the responsibility to take care of the dog.

"You should go shopping and get some supplies for the dog, before you pick him up." Mr. Monroe said at Saturday morning breakfast.

"By what you said it's a good thing we bought a ranch house stairs wouldn't be a good thing. How big did you say he was?" Mrs. Monroe asked pouring Macy some orange juice.

"Like the size of a husky," Macy answered.

"He looks like a wolf! So cool!" Tommy exclaimed.

"Oh I doubt it's a wolf...now you best get going. We'll set him up in the living room for the time being." Mr. Monroe said folding his newspaper.

Half an hour later, Macy was a ball of nerves as she drove back to the clinic, wringing her hands as she waited for the vet to come out to talk to her.

"It was a little touch and go with the blood loss but he seems to be stable and doing well now," the vet started and Macy breathed a huge sigh of relief.

"He isn't micro chipped but considering his health and appearance, he looks like a well taken care of house pet. He's also been pretty docile the few times he's been awake but we've kept the muzzle on him just to be sure. He hasn't made any attempts to snap or growl at anyone yet," Macy nodded, chewing on her lip. "If you are comfortable with taking him home to start his recovery, I can keep my ears open for any reports of lost dogs in the area."

"Yea, I mean I can try my best to take care of him until I find his owner," Macy agreed. It was the least she could do after hitting the animal with his car after all.

"Could it be a wolf?" Tommy asked

" No." the vet said. "Based on his looks and characteristics I'd say he is some kind of Husky or Alaskan malamute mix. He's a little bigger than a Husky and his eyes aren't the color blue we usually see. It's hard to be sure."

Macy nodded along, anxiously shifting her weight and worrying her lip. At least it sounded like he was going to be okay.

"I'll have to run to the store to grab a few supplies first but if you think he'll be okay to leave…"

The vet agreed and sent Macy and Tommy on their way while he gathered together some aftercare and general information for them to take home.

At the store Tommy helped Macy pick out stuff for their new live in.

"I can't believe we're taking care of a wolf!" Tommy replied.

"Tommy, you heard the vet. It's not a wolf, just a rare Husky or Alaskan Malamute mix," Macy retorted.

"Whatever. He still looks pretty awesome. I can't wait to play with him,"

The Brunette gave her brother a look. "You know we're not keeping him, right? He probably belongs to another family."

"And what if he doesn't?" Tommy retorted.

"He has to! Besides, we can't keep a dog around. Our time here is already stressful as it is."

A few hundred dollars later and the duo were loading the middle of the Jeep with two fluffy beds, a large crate, dishes, collar, leash, and a few toys.

When they arrived back at the clinic, the vet's assistant took them back to one of the rooms where they had moved the big dog. Macy really needed to think of something to call him while she was taking care of him. She couldn't just call him dog or buddy the whole time.

It was a little upsetting to see the damage that she had caused there in front of her. The dog was laid out on his side, a thick cast covering one of his hind legs nearly up to his hip. Part of his belly was shaved with an incision that was stitched up and an IV trailing out of one of his front paws. The assistant was removing that as she looked and she realized she had been talking.

"I'm sorry, what?" she snapped out of her shock, looking over to the assistant.

"I was just saying that we've had him under some heavy pain medication since he came out of anesthesia so he will probably be a little groggy for at least the rest of the day. You'll want to make sure to keep him separated from any other animals in the house for at least 10 days and keep this cone on so he doesn't bite at his stitches. We've kept the muzzle on but you'll have to feel him out. He doesn't seem aggressive so I think you'll be fine to remove it once you get home. He probably won't be up to eating but you should try to encourage him to eat at least a little and call us if he hasn't eaten in 48 hours. Try to keep him calm and away from anything he can jump off or stairs. You can let him out for the bathroom but for at least the first few days, keep his activity to a minimum. He'll probably have a lot of pain so we'll send some medication with you. Let us know if you notice it making him sick. He had a minor rupture to his intestine which caused some bleeding but there haven't been any other complications. We also had to place several pins in his leg to stabilize the fracture so we'll schedule a follow up appointment on your way out."

It was so much information that Macy didn't think she caught much of it at all and hoped the information the vet had promised will refresh her memory once she was home. She still nodded along and, once the IV was removed and the spot above his foot bandaged, she moved forward to gently touch the white fur on the top of his head. It was surprisingly soft, something she hadn't even registered in her panic the night before, and she stroked it gently and watched as his eyes barely cracked open. The white muzzle looked uncomfortable and she knew she would be taking it off as soon as they were home. It felt cruel to leave it on for so long.

"I'm really sorry, boy. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'll try to get you fixed up and healed and take really good care of you." It seemed like the dog was staring right through her and it made her a little nervous when she had to back away for the assistant to secure the cone around his neck.

"I'll bring him out in a minute if you want to go check out with the desk," she smiled brightly and she nodded as she swallowed hard and went back out to reception. Macy paid the bill, way too much money if you asked her, and collected the information she would need. By that time the assistant was leading the very drunk looking dog out by the collar and leash that Macy and Tommy had just purchased.

"You'll have to be careful with him for a while but he'll perk up soon," the assistant assured her as she passed over the leash. Macy nodded and, with her nerves building up, began to lead the big dog out towards her car. Standing up, she nearly reached Macy's hip which was good when the dog stumbled on his three good legs but also made her rethink her idea of removing the muzzle. If he was upset, it probably wouldn't take much for him to take Macy out.

It took more than a little coaxing but she finally was able to direct the dog into the backseat and went around to get behind the wheel. They were barely out of the parking lot when she heard whining and then a long and mournful howl. It wasn't very loud and almost musical in tone but so melancholy that it made guilt swirl up to clench her heart.

'Why is it that my time here is growing worse and worse?' Macy thought to herself, her nerves rising more and more. 'It's like the universe hates me and telling me that I don't belong here. I never had this kind problem back in New York. I wish I was there instead of dealing with this!'

"I'm sorry, buddy. I know it hurts. We'll have you home soon." Tommy said reaching back and stroking the dog's head it wasn't much for comfort but it was all that he could offer at the moment. "I wonder what your name is. I can't just call you buddy the whole time. You kind of look like a sled dog… would you like the name Snowy?" Tommy laughed when he swore he could hear the dog huff in annoyance at the suggestion, shaking his head fondly. "Okay, not Snowy. What about… Balto? He was a sled dog." The dog let out another huff and Tommy couldn't help but smirk.

"Okay, okay. I'll think of something better then."

Macy parked her car right in front of the door so the dog wouldn't have to hobble further than he had to. "You just wait here while we get your bed all made up, okay?"

Mrs. Monroe stepped outside and peered into the back of the car. "Oh he's gorgeous!"

The living room in front of the fireplace seemed to be the best place to set up a little recovery station since she could spend most of her time on the couch there anyway. Tommy tore the tags off the big round bed while his mother flipped on the gas fireplace for extra warmth. That was the easy part. Getting the animal out of the car was another story.

"Come on, I have a nice warm bed set up for you inside!" Macy tried to coax, pulling on the collar just enough to encourage the dog to get up. He just looked up lethargically with a groan, closing his eyes once again.

"I promise you can sleep as soon as you get inside! It's not even very far!"

Eventually the three had tugged the big animal far enough that his front half began to slide off the seat towards the ground and thankfully that perked him up enough to catch himself on his front paws. It was a drunken stagger from there, bumping into Macy's hip then nearly falling over the other way while Tommy tried to keep him upright. It almost felt like leading one of her friend's home from a night out on the town.

It was a relief to finally make it into the living room, directing the dog's body to collapse comfortably on the bed. He seemed to fall asleep almost immediately so Macy went out to carry the rest of his loot in. Mrs. Monroe washed the two dog bowls and filled one with water and the other with food, carefully carrying them to set down right next to the bed so they were easily accessible in case he got hungry or thirsty.

"Okay. I got everything set up for him," Macy announced.

"And I came prepared for when Macy has to handle his breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside" Tommy announced, handing Macy a giant shovel.

"Really? I don't think I signed up for being poop patrol. Why can't you do it?" Macy retorted, glaring at him.

"Because you're the one who ran over him,"

"TOMMY!" Macy nearly shouted, chasing after the laughing boy. "I'll show you what I'm gonna do with this shovel!"

When they heard a long whine come from the bed not far from their Tom and Jerry routine. The two looked over to see the animal still stretched out on his side, his rib cage expanding with his breath between each long pitiful whine.

"You're okay buddy," Tommy cooed, going over to kneel beside him, "I'm going to take this off now so please don't bite me."

"Tommy be careful..." Mrs. Monroe said from the island.

His fingers gently unhooked the buckle of the muzzle secured behind his head and pulled it off. The dog stretched his jaw open wide but made no move to snap at him, continuing his long whines a moment later. Macy sighed in relief plopping down on the couch

"Let's find you a name now, how about that?" Tommy spoke to him, grabbing his laptop from the couch. He sat cross legged on the edge of the dog bed while he pulled up a browser, typing in a search for dog names.

"Would you like a sled dog name? There are some interesting ones. White Fang might be fitting," he suggested and laughed when the dog seemed to disagree. "Or maybe I could just call you Husky? Hmmmm…." he looked along some of the lists, scanning his finger down each one but nothing stuck out to him.

Macy just crossed her arms and not looked at the dog. She still felt self-conscious about getting near him.

"Harley? What about Harley?" He could have sworn the dog rolled his eyes at him but didn't protest like he had to the others. "I guess Harley it is then. Until we find your owners, anyway."

'Yeah. I doubt that he looks like Harley,' Macy thought, already walking out of the room.

The young boy noticed and decided to follow.

"You've been awfully quiet, Sis. What do you think of the dog's name 'Harley'?" Tommy asked.

"I prefer not getting involved by answering that question," Macy stated dryly.

"Oh, come on! Just because you hit him, it doesn't mean you have to be so grumpy,"

Macy shot a glare on that statement. She hated the reminder of getting the dog hurt in the first place.

"You want an answer?! Fine! I think the name is too average for him. He's way too tough and rad to be called 'Harley'," Macy rolled her eyes on the name. "I would go for something cooler. Like Hunter. Or Blaze. Or maybe Saber. But he's not my dog. So what's the point?"

"Tommy lets settle on the name Saber till we find his owner. In the meantime why don't you go and watch a movie for a little while on your computer." Mrs. Monroe suggested seeing things escalate. Tommy grumbled but nodded.

"You must be exhausted," Tommy whispered gently, setting his laptop to the side and scooching forward to pet Harley's soft fur. "You really are a gorgeous animal, aren't you?"

Really, the animal was a gorgeous beast. His clean white fur only shifted to a light dusting of grey along his back and out to the tip of his tail almost like he had been frosted with it. It was smooth and soft along his whole body, save the small section they had shaved for his surgery. He was large but still elegant, long and strong instead of bulky, most of his mass made up by his thick coat. It was easy to imagine this creature running gracefully across the frozen tundra in one of the National Geographic documentaries they always had to watch in school and he could imagine that Saber's owners had spent a pretty penny for him.

"Alright. I should probably go work on my school work. It will at least keep me busy," Macy muttered, already going up to her room.

"Macy wait." Mrs. Monroe said. "Bring your homework down here then you can keep watch. Honey I know you're frustrated right now but taking it out on your brother isn't nice."

"I know. But he's the one always bringing it up. I'm already upset as it is," Macy replied.

Mrs. Monroe sighed. "Just come back to the living room and do your homework. I'll make a snack before I go out."

Most of the afternoon was spent much the same way. She searched for lost dog postings in between doing her homework while Saber snored nearby and it all felt so cozy. It was easy to imagine her lazy days filled with writing music and recording, just the sense of another being close to the dog made the house seem more like a home.

Saber began to whine around supper time, rubbing his head and the cone collar almost violently against the bed. Macy watched the struggle for barely five minutes before heart hurt and she was rushing over to calm the animal.

"Shhh, Saber its okay," she took the dog's face in her hands while he whined, looking up at her with sad eyes that seemed to portray far too many emotions for an animal. "If I take this off, you have to promise not to lick or bite your stitches. Do you promise?"

Macy and Tommy were startled a bit and stared down at Saber when he actually nodded in response to her question. Macy had to shake her head because surely it was just a coincidence. She took it as an answer anyway and carefully went about removing the cone.

"There you go," she rubbed the ring of fur where the cone had sat and watched as Saber's eyes drifted shut and seemed immediately more comfortable and relaxed. "Now don't get me in trouble with the vet for letting you out of the cone of shame early. Be a good boy."

The leather collar she had picked up was still around Harley's neck and she adjusted it to make sure it was on properly.

"Do you need to go outside? You've been in here all day. Do you have to go potty?" Tommy shifted to squat beside the large animal, attempting to gently help him up.

A loud yelp made him stumble back and fall onto his bum, watching with wide eyes as the dog howled and then whimpered, no doubt in terrible pain. He was just glad the reaction hadn't been to nip at him for causing it. That could have become ugly fast. Macy nearly ran to the kitchen and her nervous hands fumbled with the medication they had sent home with her for the pain, the pills dumping onto the counter in her rush while Saber continued to howl in the next room.

"I'm coming I'm coming!" she tried to reassure him, ripping open her fridge and scanning the scarce contents for something to hide the pill in. The family really needed to go shopping. She settled her eyes on one of her brother's pizza Lunchables and ripped open the plastic, pulling out several of the little pepperoni slices to wrap around the pill. She ran back into the living room and knelt before the dog in obvious discomfort.

There was a hesitancy as Saber sniffed at her hand, pulling away and eyeing it with suspicion.

"It's one of your pain pills. They gave you the good stuff, I promise. I know you can probably smell it but I swear I'm only trying to help." Saber seemed to consider what she said before snarfing down the little bundle whole, almost as if he understood exactly what she had said. This dog seemed oddly intuitive and it was starting to freak him out a little. She'd never seen an animal seem to understand every word but then maybe it was still just the adrenaline and her generally overactive emotions over the situation that were just playing tricks on her. Maybe she just needed to get some sleep.

Tommy stroked Saber's head through his soft whimpers, trying to soothe him until the pain medication started to kick in.

"I'm so sorry. I know it hurts. We'll try to go outside in a minute. I don't want you to pee your bed just because it hurts to get up and they said it was good for you to walk around a little." It seemed like there was a huff in response, the dogs eyes falling closed to Tommy and Macy's ministrations.

"Okay buddy," Macy and Tommy tried to rouse Saber once it seemed the animal had calmed down in his pain, "It's time to go outside. I know you don't want to but you have to."

It was hard to watch how painful and difficult it was for Saber to get to his feet and only could with Macy and Tommy's help. The pain was all Macys' fault and she felt her eyes watering with each whine of discomfort. It was a long and slow journey to the glass doors leading out to the brick patio but they eventually made it. The dog was hesitating, though, looking back at Macy and whining each time they tried to follow along to help him. It almost felt like he was trying to get them to hang back so eventually they did. In his condition, it wasn't like he would be able to run away without Macy and Tommy being able to catch up with him in a few strides so they'd finally stayed back while the dog slowly hobbled around to hide behind one of the bushes. They smiled at the thought that maybe Saber had a little stage fright when it came to someone watching him go and that seemed to be the case when a few moments later he was slowly limping back towards Macy and Tommy.

"Good boy! See, that wasn't so bad. Now let's get you back inside."

They made the slow trip back to the bed and Saber flopped down in exhaustion, his breathing heavy a quick. Tommy did his best to soothe him, gently rubbing over his head and then playing with his velvety ears. Soon Saber's breath finally calmed down and small snores started up as he fell asleep.

A moment later Tommy looked at Macy confused. "Was that my Lunchable you fed him?"

"Yeah, sorry about that. I had to use some of the pepperonis to hide the pill and feed to Saber," Macy answered.

Tommy grumbled. "Couldn't you have given him some of your chicken skewers instead?"

"I didn't have much time. They were the only food I could use under short notice. Mom and dad really need to stock up on food,"

Tommy grumbled again before settling down by Saber's body leaning against a couple pillows he had grabbed from the couch.

Later that evening Mr. Monroe came home with Chinese food while Mrs. Monroe came home with the much needed groceries. Mr. Monroe had crouched down and looked the dog over before rubbing its head and returning to eat dinner.

"I asked around the station and no one had reported a dog missing." Mr. Monroe said grabbing a dumpling.

"Seriously? None of them even know or own a dog like Saber and reported him missing?" Macy asked in surprise. "He has to belong to someone around here!"

"Guess that means we're keeping him," Tommy announced.

"No it doesn't. It's possible his owner is a hunter that is up farther in the mountains." Mr. Monroe said sternly. "Tommy that dog does not belong to us. Macy you said that the vet had said other than his injuries he was clean and healthy?"

"That's right," Macy answered, nodding her head.

"That shows that it has an owner, Tommy. Now I don't want you getting attached. That dog doesn't belong to us." Mr. Monroe said.

"Awww, man!" Tommy whined.

"Hey, I never wanted to get involved so I wouldn't get attached," Macy defended. "The sooner we find the owner and return him, the better."

"Good. Now I have to go to work early so I'm heading to bed. Let me know if anything comes up with the dog." Mr. Monroe said getting up from his spot rubbing Tommy's head before he left. "I know you don't like it Tommy, but it's the way it is."

Tommy just looked down in sadness, knowing that it really was for the best. Even if it seemed unfair.