Chapter 2

I woke the next morning feeling sore and tired. I realized later, that I had woken up several times to keep the pups in line. It was almost time to sent them loose. I was debating on whether or not this was the right place and time, and finally decided it was. If they stayed with me, while we were traveling, they'd have to stay with me until I decided to return to this old town, which I had no intention of doing. I got up and whistled softly, calling all seven of my trusted side kicks to order.

"Alright guys, today, Mia and Killer will be set loose. Marka and Slick, this is also another chance for you two to leave our little pack and start your own. Saraphene and Chase will remain here, until I return. Shansy, you're coming with me, to assist in the release of the youngest two," I told them. I gave a soft click, and Chase, followed by Saraphene, curled up in the corner of the trailer, yawning hugely as they settled in for a long nap.

I went through the notions of removing the microchips from Mia and Killer, the only two who remained chipped. They were only chipped because they were young, and back home, they were always ending up at shelters, due to my neighbors being cruel.

I clipped leashes to all four, letting Shansy follow at my side. We passed the endless rows of tents and trailers, until we reached the end of the camp. I looked around, then headed into the nearby forest. I unclipped Mia and Killer, and gave a quick, sharp whistle. A single of release. They looked at me, stunned for a moment, before howling with delight. They raced off into the woods, only once turning back to face their father, who gave a deep growl. They howled again, and ran off yapping, their tails high with pride. I knew those two would stick together, until they found a pack, or packs, to which they felt welcomed.

I looked at Slick and Marka, my two beloveds. They looked at me, their eyes sad. They were itching to be released. I knew if I let them go, I'd have to find two more fillers as soon as possible, because alone, Saraphene, Chase and Shansy were not enough for my acts.

"If you wish to leave, you may. You know how to locate me if you want to return," I told the two wolves. They had never left before, but as always, I would offer them the option. I unclipped their leashes, and to my surprise, both let out excited howls, before following the pups through the trees. I sighed sadly, hurt that those two would so easily turn their back on me. I put the leashes in my bag, before turning to walk back to camp. I was stopped by Shansy, who let our a deep growl, before pointing to the right.

"What is it boy?" I asked him, listening closely. I heard the sound of a dog whining. I gave a quick click, which was signal for Shansy to lead the way. He ran through the trees, me close of his heals. We came to a stop at the entrance to a small cave. I took a deep breath and grabbed hold of Shansy's collar. He pulled me through the darkness, until we located where the sound was coming from. There, right in front of my face, laid a young she wolf and her two new born pups. The young mother looked at me and barked softly, nudging her pups towards me. I noticed that she was thin and bloody, clear signs that her pack had either turned on her, or tried to fight her soon after the pups were born. I picked the pups up, noting that they were both females. The mother whined again, and Shansy let out a low yip as he went to her side, pulling out another small pup. The she wolf growled, but did not make a move to attack Shansy, who brought the pup to me. I examined it, and noted that it was a male. Two girls, one boy. The she wolf whined again, and went still. Shansy nudged her, then let out a low howls. The mother had passed over.

I took off my thin hoodie and piled the three little pups into it, before calling to Shansy, who led the way out of the cave. Together, we walked the path back to the camp, and had to struggle to ignore the curious performers who had only recently learned that a "Wolf Whisperer" had joined the troop.

I finally made it back to my trailer, and laid the three small pups on the small, hay filled mattress. The pups wiggled and whined, clearly hungry and scared. I glanced between my three adult wolves, and sighed. I would have to bottle feed this litter, due to lacking a possible foster this time around. I grabbed my 'wolf bag' and closed the trailer door quietly. I wouldn't need to worry about the pups getting hurt by my dogs, they were wise to the fact that new additions came and went often.

"You look lost," a voice came from behind me. I turned quickly, having been taken by surprise.

"I didn't mean to scare you, I'm Darren Shan, I heard that there was a new performer among us, and wanted to welcome you to the Cirque," he said.

"Hello Darren, a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Kanzii Ross," I said softly. I looked around, still trying to figure out where I could find some milk.

"You look lost," he repeated.

"I am, sort of. I'm looking for somewhere I could find some milk. I just came across a litter of new born pups, who just lost their mother, and they are in need of some milk right about now," I said quickly. I wasn't the most social type, and Darren made me feel uneasy. Not because he was a vampire, or a Vampire Prince for that matter, but for the simple fact that he was not what I had been expecting.

"I'll take you to Mr. Tall. We generally don't keep milk around, because it spoils so quickly, but I'm sure he has something that will suffice," he said with a nod.

"Thanks," I said as I followed him through the camp.

We reached a large trailer at the center of camp, and before Darren even had a chance to knock, the door flew open, and Mr. Tall was standing before us.

"I see you met Darren," he said with a smile.

"I did. But it was by chance. I was actually looking f-" I started, but fell silent as Mr. Tall handed me a jug of milk.

"If you need more, just come see me," he said with a smile, before closing the door.

"Strange man," I muttered as I turned to leave.

"He is, but he is a good friend," Darren said, trailing behind me.

"I wouldn't know," I said a little sharper than needed. I had a headache, and just wanted to get the pups fed so I could stop stressing about them.

"I can help you, you know. I know a bit about wolves, having traveled with them before," he said with a shy smile.

I sighed and nodded. "Fair enough."

We entered the trailer quietly, and were greeted by Saraphene, who was nuzzled close to the pups. I gently moved her away, and picked up the pups. I wrapped them in my blanket as I lit a small fire, and poured the milk into a tin pot. Once the milk was warm, I filled three bottles and handed one to Darren.

"Do you know how to feed one?" I asked him.

"I think so," he said as I handed him the male pup. The pup took to the bottle instantly, and I smiled, knowing Darren would have no trouble feeding that pup.

I fed the two girls, who were harder to get to nurse. Neither one wanted the bottle, but eventually, they gave in and began to suckle happily. Once they were fed, I made them a bed in one of the corners, and allowed Saraphene to take care of the after dinner mess. She had fostered countless litters and knew exactly what was expected of her.

I found myself looking at Darren after that. For such a strange person, he had a big heart, I could see that already. I made a mental note to be kinder to him, especially if I expected to convince Larten to blood me in the future.

I had a strong feeling that Darren was curious, so I took a deep breath, just as he asked me "So, what's your story?"