Chapter nine: Welcome home…

Nears P.O.V

I move my body to the side just in time so the bottom of his muzzle brushes against my shoulder with his jaws a little too close to my neck. I turn and clamp down onto his neck forcing him to the ground and pinning him there letting out a growl of dominance which is usually used for when alpha wolves are getting their pack members to submit or it is sometimes used when two are having sex in which the dominant or top gives a growl of dominance in order to watch their bottom submit to them so they can take them. I'm using it to get this guy to submit because if I can't get him to submit then well keep fighting till one of us flees or dies. I keep a firm grip as he struggles until he stops struggling and lays still.

He lets out a low growl of submission looking angered but unless he wants to be killed he will have to submit to me.

I let go of his neck but I keep him pinned in case he tries to attack again then I have the upper hand. "Take your wolves and leave our territory. If you dare to try to come back you won't be just facing these mighty wolves that came today but the pissed off mates of any that have one because you and your pack harmed their mate. Do you understand?" I growl slightly.

He glares at me then nods softly and I get off of him. He gets up and moves a few steps before crouching, tail down, ears folded back, eyes pissed and body tense.

It's a natural reflex of our bodies to submit to a higher ranking wolf or a wolf that has made you submit to them though the rule can be broken by true alphas which this wolf is not.

He glares daggers at me but I stand tall and proud ready for any attack he tries. He bares his teeth in a vicious snarl. "I will remember this and one day you will feel revenge. Don't think I won't be looking out for when we may cross paths again cause next time I will kill you." He snarls at me then jolts off away from our territory letting out a howl to command his wolves to retreat.

The other rouges follow and dash off trying to catch up to their alpha.

I feel the members of my pack that I brought with me to fight as well as those that were already here flank me as we watch the rouge leave.

The pain of the wounds hit me suddenly and I feel the weakness I had unconsciously pushed aside making me feel more alive to battle.

I sit down and hope that it will go away but I know better.

It was that attack to my neck when I was defending the pup in training .

Cris looks to me worried. "Alpha?" He looks me over the best he can looking for any wounds that he can see that may be causing the problem.

I pant ever so slightly as I take a few moments to try to gain strength back into my body at least enough to head back to the orphanage. "I'm... Fine." I try to look strong but I'm not sure how much longer I can stay on my paws.

"I'm sorry alpha." The wolf in training bows low in front of me. "If I wasn't so weak you wouldn't have gotten hurt like that."

I smile softly. "Little one it's alright. You did your best and you helped the others keep the rouges busy until more help arrived. Don't worry about it. You were strong."

The wolf in training brightens a little. "Thank you alpha. I'll do my best to never ever let you down."

I smile a little wider at that and I find myself coughing slightly the next second.

Some blood from my wound on my neck falls to the ground and Cris's ears perk as he notices this.

"We need to get back to the orphanage. Now." He looks to two wolves that don't seem to be too badly hurt. "You two. Run ahead and warn the nurse that our alpha needs to be healed as well as the rest who may have fetal wounds."

The two nod and they run off back towards the orphanage.

"Can I help? It's my fault the alpha got a serious wound." The wolf in training looks pleadingly at Cris.

I will myself to stand but my body won't move and instead I end up laying down on my stomach still in wolf form. I cough again with some more blood falling from my wound. I feel light headed and weak. I force my eyes to stay open but it's getting harder to do so.

"Run ahead and warn us of any danger up ahead. Let us know if you find any short cuts we can take." Cris tells the wolf in training.

The wolf in training nods and dashes off following the other two.

Cris looks to Nick who is an auburn wolf with purple eyes. "Nick. Help me support the alpha to get him back to the orphanage. If needed well carry him." He instructs.

Nick nods and the two crouch on either side of me facing the same way I am.

"Do you think you can stand alpha?" Cris asks.

My eyes flicker to him for a moment then I close my eyes and try to push myself up to a standing position. I feel wobbly but instantly there for support Nick and Cris are pressed against me on either side supporting me as they help me up.

"If you don't think you can stand anymore let us know and well carry you." Cris says and we start walking back towards the orphanage. Cris looks to the other pack members following as we continue to walk. "I want all but two of you to run ahead and make sure we can get inside the orphanage to the nurse without any hassle. Keep the humans from witnessing us as wolves if we make it there in wolf form." He commands knowing that with my wound I am too weak to give commands so he steps up to help like a gold beta should.

The rest except for two run off ahead to do just that while the other two flank Cris and Nick.

I have my head low feeling like I want to pass out but I can't just give up like this. I need to be strong for my pack; End of story. I keep up with Nick and Cris but I think they are trying to let me set the pace.

No wolf goes ahead of me unless Cris or Nick need to do so a little to help keep me up or they had ran ahead to follow orders. They all know that even in this weakens state I am still their alpha and I am their leader alongside my mate Mello, they stay where they will not be ahead of me acting on instinct.

I try to stop myself from wobbling but it escapes a bit making Cris and Nick almost pause a second to stabilize me. I see black swimming into my vision and I close my eyes a moment but open them once again to keep myself from falling into unconsciousness... For now... I cough with more blood dribbling out from the wound though I'm pretty sure I've been leaving a dotted trail from the wound already. I take a few deep shuddering breaths and Cris watches me worried.

"Alpha." He speaks almost softly. "You are strong and no one will think of you any less if you don't think you can walk back. Don't push yourself."

I know that my pack won't see me any less just because I couldn't make it back with this fetal wound but I as alpha need to look strong and worry that if the pack thought the rouges caused me to go into a weakened state in which I could not walk back to the orphanage then I fear they may become scared of the rouges thus causing things to go downhill for us. "I can still walk." I tell him.

He doesn't argue and instead just keeps helping me stay up with Nick.

We keep walking almost in silence and I slightly raise my head to look to the forest... But... Everything looks strange... It's getting darker and it's starting to look warped almost.

I shut my eyes tightly wishing this to go away but it persists as my mind starts to become dizzy. I open my eyes almost to half way then I feel like I can't stand a moment longer. 'Forgive me my pack and don't be afraid of the rouges.' My mind speaks trying to be humble as I fall forward my eyes closing as I fall to the ground.

"Alpha..." Cris's distance voice rings in my ears as the last thing I heard before I fall into darkness.

'I'm sorry Mello.'

No ones P.O.V.

"Alpha! Cris calls as the group stops as soon as their alpha started falling forward. Cris swoops down and with the help of the others he gets Near onto his, in wolf form, back. "Hang in there alpha." He speaks softly then he dashes through the woods heading for the orphanage with the others hot on his heels.

They rush to get their beloved alpha to the nurse before it's too late and their hearts skip a few beats out of fear.

Near's P.O.V.

I start to see some flashes of my life as I stand here in darkness.

The time me and Mello met at a young age and we were imprinted by each other just like that while our parents probably shared knowing looks since me and Mello were so lost in each other's gazes… and well each other in general as much as children can.

My time going into alpha training with Mello and rough housing with Mello to practice said moves while the alpha male before us, who also happens to be Mello's father, watches telling us something's that will help in our practice fighting.

Mello really takes after his father but that's mostly in wolf form while he has his mothers face in human form.

I see the time where my parents died and I was really young. I was really sad but Mello was right by my side and stuck with me as he helped work me through the deep sadness.

Then the time in which Mello's parents died a few years later and it was just like when I had lost my parents but our roles became reversed.

My time playing with Mello when we were younger and our pack was arriving to the orphanage making sure to keep human suspicion to a minimum.

Then there's the time Mello and I first shared a kiss promising to be together forever.

Mello…

As the memories go by all my mind can think of is Mello and my eyes tunnel to every memory with him in it no matter if it is even a small glimpse in the background.

"I love you Mello." I whisper to no one and I shut my eyes tightly as I wish for this to be just a dream so I can awaken in Mello's arms safe and warm.

….. Is that… A light?

Things are changing…. Why do I feel like I am lying in my wolf form lying somewhere….?

Am I going to the legendary paradise said to be given to all those animals that have passed away?

I don't want to open my eyes at first so I groan very softly and the chirping of late afternoon birds sound in my ears. I open my eyes half way then blink a few times as my blurry vision starts to get clearer a little slowly. I am in some room…. I think…. I can't really tell and being disoriented I glance around feeling stiff but almost numb especially where my wounds are or if this is paradise then were…. Though true paradise in with Mello.

"Ah you're awake." A female's voice echoes around the room and into my ears making them perk up slightly to show I heard her by the small twitch upwards with my ears. I try to figure out where exactly the one that spoke is standing.

My body starts to feel as soon as I notice a figure so I collapse back onto the bed.

Mello's P.O.V.

I look to where Angel was killed and I see a bunch of people seeming to help work on the farm since no one else seems to be able to. I keep my ears perked and I glance around trying to judge which way Alex and the others ran since exposing myself right at this moment is risky in human form or not. I glance to some bushes just a little away from me and I look only to find a slightly older black and white cat with wise old green eyes comes out.

He obviously has no home but how ruffled he is but he looks up to me with kindness. "You here to find territory too?" He asks.

I move closer to him then I sit in front of him facing him as he sits down as well. "I am actually here from the group earlier. I am their leader so I came to scoop the area out as best as I can before heading back." I tell him.

"I see." The cat nods slightly. "I appreciate that you are understanding since usually our kind don't mix. Wolf and cat… Well let me tell you about the territory. My owners gave me the name Bear before they left to someplace by a strange car with lights on it." He introduces himself and turns so his side is facing me with his front facing the farm just beyond the bushes. "Now listen here youngster. The territory has a good mixture of field and forest. It is not commonly disturbed by humans and there is many different places for a pack to set up camp." He looks up the sky. "I tried living there on my own but there's too much space for little ol' me. You as a pack will have the capabilities to be much better suited for said place."

"It sounds like a good place. How do we find it?" I ask and turn to face the same way he is.

After getting the information from Bear I thank him and stand up.

"I need to get back to my pack. Thank you for helping us." I say politely.

"Say youngling." Bear looks to me. "Give me a ride to just before the field. Will you?"

I nod and crouch letting him climb on. "Now stay on but don't dig your claws into me." I tell him as I stand.

"No worries mate. I have no claws. Something went wrong with them so my human got them removed." He assures me.

"Alright. Then hang tight." I begin heading in the direction I came with Bear on my back this time.

We exchange casual conversation as I take us back.

"So do you have a mate?" Bear curiously questions.

"Yeah. A real beautiful mate. My whole world and the most beautiful. My one and only." I can't help but brag about Near. "His fur is as white as the freshly fallen snow and I swear sometimes in the sun his appearance gives off the most beautiful shine though I see it almost all the time."

Bear smiles as I speak, I can feel it in his gaze. "Sounds like you've been imprinted or so I've gathered from other wolves I have run into in the past." He lets out a soft purr. "That's very sweet. He sounds really beautiful."

"Yeah. He is. He's also caring, sweet, kind, thinks of the pack and he is just all around perfect." I sigh softly almost in dreamland but I focus enough to keep on going without crashing into a tree or something.

"A nice boy." Bear agrees. "What does it feel like to have a mate?" He asks.

"Wonderful doesn't even begin to describe it." I inform him. "Have you really never experienced having a mate?" I slightly glance back to him.

"I have thought about it. There is a nice female about my age in a human's home not too far from where you'll be dropping me off. I have been debating on asking her." He admits glancing off to the side opposite of the direction my head is slightly facing at the moment.

I smile softly seeing the dreamy look on his face. "Go for it. If you lose her then it is possible you might lose her forever. If she's your intended mate then don't lose her." I advise and I look back to where I am going as we near where I will be dropping him off.

His gaze on the back of my head is felt by me. "Thank you young one. I promise to try." He pauses and looks up noticing we are about ten maybe twenty steps away from where I'll be dropping him off. He waits till we reach the spot before speaking again. "Ah we are here."

I lower myself and I let him off.

He hops off and turns to me. "Thank you so much young one." He says gratefully. "Perhaps when you pass through we will meet again. I can tell you're a wonderful alpha looking out for your pack and mate. Well I'll see you maybe when you and your pack come through." He leaves with that.

"Thanks and bye." I say as I watch as he leaves in the direction to the side, to the field area, of where I need to be heading. I turn my head to the right direction and I crouch slightly to make sure I get a good speed so I can get back to Near being that it'll probably be late evening to night by the time I get back as the sun sets. I dash off and my paws barely seem to pound on the ground and the wind rippling through my fur as I run. I won't stop unless absolutely necessary. I want to be back with MY Near as soon as possible.

The journey there seemed to pass by in a blur until I find myself slowing as I approach where the forest ends just before going onto the area of the orphanage.

I pause a moment only to change to human form then I dash to get to the orphanage as I ignore my panting so I can keep going. I make it and I open the front gates in the moonlight then I somewhat skip towards the orphanage's building as I hum 'I am going to see Near again.' Over and over. I make it to the double door front entrance and I open it going inside. I glance around at the inside of the orphanage that can be seen from the front entrance and as expected it's lit by lights turned on overhead. I close one of the front doors behind me as I only needed to open one of the kind of big double doors to get inside. I notice some human children but I don't spot any members of the pack though it is possible none of them just happen to be at the front entrance area at the moment. I guess I was kind of hoping Near would be here to greet me back home with a big happy welcome home like in a fantasy where me and him share a kiss after…. I guess that is actually a fantasy though huh? I guess I'll settle for getting a welcome home kiss instead once I find him. I walk in and head up towards the bedrooms wondering if the day went by smoothly for my beloved. I stop walking as I almost run into a wolf in training… that looks like she had been in a fight…. I wonder if the pups were trying to make rankings amongst themselves again. "Had a rough time with the other pups?" I gently ask getting a small flashback of when me and Near used to do that as pups with the other pups.

Though back then our names where different then what we go by now at the moment but now that I think about it maybe we can have an option to go back to the names we were given by our parents before Whammy's.

I snap back to reality as my memory thinks of Near before Whammy's and his real name. I want to see him!

The girl pup in front of me has brown hair that starts to fade to blonde as it grows longer, starting at about shoulder length, and she keeps complaining if her hair is cut shorter than so the tips are resting against the top of her chest as for whatever it is almost like she is obsessed with having hair that long or longer. She has brown eyes.

Her mother had blonde hair and her father had brown hair so I guess that's where she gets her hair kind of.

She has a sister who is her identical twin… or well had….. a man who happened to get lost in the woods inside our territory shot her parents as well as sister but she managed to escape.

We found the bodies and confirmed it was a gun shot that killed them each.

Her sister's name was Lu lu.

She looks up to me with guilty eyes as the rest on my face.

I blink and become worried wondering if everything is alright. "Tia? Is everything alright?" I crouch to try to be more on her level of height. I watch her eyes and a few tears come to her eyes.

"I'm sorry alpha." She sniffles. "I am so sorry alpha." She wipes her eyes with the back of her sleeves on her long sleeved pink shirt.

"It's ok. What happened? Can you tell me?" I rest a gentle hand on her shoulder to try to help her calm down so she can tell me what happened.

She nods softly and sniffles again. "It's my fault. He told me not to worry about it but…." She looks down as a few more tears slip from her eyes. "Well when we were fighting the rouges and the other group from our pack, not from the patrol I was on, came to help and they joined in the fight. I was weak and I was going to be killed by one of the rouges when Near jumped in front of me taking the hit instead." She trembles slightly and my eyes widen slightly as it starts to click of what happened but I don't want to believe it.

Oh dear god please don't let him be… be….

I look to her desperately needing answers. "What happened after that?! Where is he!? Is he ok!?" I know I should be also thinking of the pack however my mate that is my world since the first day I laid eyes on him causing an imprint to happen is now what sounds like in trouble or…. Or…. Or…. I can't finish that thought. I wait and I silently beg her for answers.

"He's in the nurses office with the others that need to be there. The ones that didn't have any too serious injuries were allowed to go. I don't know how he is but Cris and Nick brought him back unconscious." Tia responds. "Please forgive me alpha."

"You're not to blame." I say quietly but my expression shows relief then I begin to start to feel very dark or evil as I go over painful ways to kill whoever did this to him.

Tia's eyes rest on me as she witnesses my mood swing. "Thank you alpha."

I look to her and nod allowing my dark or evil feeling to drop for now. I stand and I rush off heading straight for the nurses office not slowing in my step at all.

Hold on Near! I'm coming!

AN:

Hey guys!

Sorry it may seem like I haven't updated but I got busy and I didn't have time to write but when I did have time then I got lazy. So terribly sorry if it's been awhile since I last posted.

Well this chapter seems pretty good so I hope you enjoyed it and see you guys next chapter!

Mello.