Hey there everyone! Here I am, present and ready to give you another chapter. And I want to thank all of you for reading the last chapter. It´s nice seeing that it has been read quite a lot and I really hope you enjoy this new one coming forth. I just finished Embrace It and…it´s so good. It is without a doubt my favorite story and I recommend it strongly…again, heh. Starfang really created something quite good there. Well, off to the chapter!

Things hustle

"I think more mammals know." Stu turned the newspaper he had just gotten, showing the picture to the pair as they focused on their images in the ZRS wagon.

"What? When did they take that photo?" Judy inquired as Stu slid the paper through the table, barely reaching Nick as the fox picked it up and saw the headline.

"Hopps goes Wilde? Gosh, that´s so cheesy."

"Nick, focus here. Someone took a picture of the both of us inside the train. Our location could be revealed. And they didn´t even stop by seeing two mammals during an intimate moment!"

"I don´t think so Carrots. BunnyBurrow would be mentioned in the article. But seeing it´s a Furdian paper, it only throws gibberish at our relationship and me."

"What?" The bunny glanced towards the article, managing to read several strong accusations directed towards Nick and his relationship with her. "Those jerks!"

"Carrots, it´s fine. This newspaper has always been quite conservative."

"I don´t care. They are insulting you! And doubting our relationship!" The fox shot a tender look at the bunny as he ruffled her head´s fur.

"We know the truth, Judy. This is just bigotry and stereotypes speaking."

"I know…but they are insulting you. I will not have it. I´m gonna call T´Challa and see if he can do-"

"Carrots, it´s fine. Believe me. Once we return and basically the entire city gets a sniff of us, this will go away like the air."

"But…if someone tries to do something to you when we get back?" She stared at the fox with a worried face, making his insides turn at it. He wasn´t happy at all that Judy had grown worried about his safety. It was him who had the protective urges towards the bunny, so seeing her concerned about him made him mad at himself. He gave the bunny a quick peck, trying to get her mind out of the issue.

"I´m gonna be fine Carrots." The bunny was about to retort, but Nick´s cellphone interrupted her with its ringing. "Who might that be?" Not knowing the number, but seeing that he couldn´t give himself the luxury of not answering with the situation they are in, Nick pressed the green button and moved the device to his ear. "Hello?"

"Hey Nick." The fox got stiff at the rough voice that came from the other line, making Judy shot him a confused look.

"…Finnick?"

"Hi. I…uhm…how have you been?" Judy saw as the fox´s face turned harsh instantly, not knowing why since she thought that Finnick was a friend of his. Nick looked around and stood from the table, moving a bit far so that he wouldn´t make the mammals uncomfortable with his conversation, soon to be turned into an argument, with the other fox.

"Really? You are asking that?"

"Look, I know we left on bad terms-"

"You did. I was trying to explain everything and you just lashed at me for stopping with the cons."

"…I´m sorry." Judy saw as her fox was actually displaying his emotions on his face, worrying her as she wondered what she was speaking about with Finnick that could make him drop his mask so easily, until a rabbit´s voice called her.

"Judy." The bunny turned to look at a completely black doe, who was staring at her with caring eyes. "Is something wrong?" Sighing the bunny turned to her sister, doubtful if she should talk about this issue with her family. They deserve to know

"Well…it´s been quite a difficult time for us, you know? Those mammals targeting Nick…they are the ones at fault for our Chief´s death. And…well they seem to have a grudge against us…mostly against Nick. They have…threatened us."

"What? Judy, why didn´t you tell us?"

"Because…well I didn´t want to worry you guys. And…I am scared that they might hit Nick with NightHowlers again. He…he suffered a lot from it. I think that fighting against the serum took a harder toll, but…he was left afraid. And I don´t want to see him suffer like that ever again. It hurt so bad to see him so…scared of himself. He´s my mate and…I haven´t been able to protect him like I should." She sighed, memories of the last week hitting her hard. Nick saw this with concerned eyes as he kept speaking to the fennec fox.

"Nick, are you there?"

"Yeah, yeah. Why should I trust your apology?"

"Because I really mean it. I was a fool. Your…your mom made me realize what I had done to you for so long…and-"

"Fin, listen to me. What you did was a dick move. But…I understand that you felt betrayed by me. I gotta go now, but we´ll talk later." He cut the call quite fast as he moved towards Judy, enveloping the rabbit in an unexpected hug. "You don´t have to protect me. You don´t have to. Stop blaming yourself."

"Nick-"

"Stop Judy. I don´t want to see you like this." He kissed the top of her head and, unconsciously, started marking her cheek. He realized he was doing so when some coughs took him out of his trance and he stared at the rabbits looking at him, most of them with caring and gentle eyes as they saw the interaction between the couple. He felt as Judy turned and hugged him, strongly. He returned the embrace as he felt his body become warm with feelings towards his bunny.

"I love you Nick." She then looked up at him, teary amethyst colliding with concerned emerald as she held him even tighter. "I…I am so scared. Things are-"

"I know. I know Carrots." The fox kept soothing the bunny, ignoring the bunnies that were definitely looking at the pair as he focused entirely on Judy. He felt as his instincts demanded for him to protect her and shield her from the world. So he swooped her from the floor and moved outside of the dining room, the bunny firmly grasped by the collar of his shirt.

The entire table stared at the parting fox and, once they were out of earshot, a bunny started talking.

"That fox better not do anything to Judy or else-"

"Jerome, what is wrong with you?"

"Are you serious Todd? He´s a fox-"

"Didn´t you just see what we all saw? He gets worried every time Judy feels unnerved. He soothes her, cherishes her and makes her happy. I mean, he marked her for comfort in front of your face and you still think he means danger!?" The gray rabbit lashed at his brother, who shot him an intense glare as he kept talking. "He loves her, man! He cares for her and is focused solemnly on her well-being! That fox is Judy´s mate, Jerome! And you should respect that!"

"Shut up, Todd. You are no one to talk to me like that."

"I am Judy´s brother. And Ben´s brother. Which you are too. And as their brothers, we need to support them when they take any decision. ANY. Nick and Judy shouldn't need to worry about you when they have so much in their plates. Their lives are being threatened. Your sister is targeted by criminals and you still make a big deal about her mate?"

"I cannot believe this." Jerome simply shook his head and left the room, sighs loudly heard from the entire table.

"Thanks Todd." Zara said in a low voice as she saw the bunny rising to the defense of both couples. The buck simply smiled at her.

"It´s nothing Zara. Someone really need to put him in his place soon." Though he received frowns from his parents, Todd remained strong by his words. "I just hope Nick isn´t the one that sees himself in the need of doing it."

Nick took Judy towards the room he was staying, closing the door behind them as he sat on the bed. During the small and fast walk, Judy had broken into a small crying fit, making the fox worry even more as he hustled. Once on the bed, the fox broke the embrace in which he had Judy and stared at her, the bunny´s eyes flooded with tears as she stared at him.

"I…I´m s-so s-sacred Nick." Judy passed her arm through her eyes as she stared at the fox, her sobs growing stronger. "I don´t want you t-to get hurt again. I…I don´t." Nick couldn´t hold himself any more. Holding her tightly the fox started marking Judy, letting her know he was there. That he was safe. She sobbed harder, understanding that he made this to tell her that he would never leave her side. The fox let out a whimpering sound as Judy kept sobbing even after he had finished marking her, so he hugged her with all his strength. He knew that right now there was nothing else he could do to calm her down, as he felt the rubs Judy gave him, marking him back. He knew how much it had affected her to live those couple of days since the NightHowler shooting. He saw her eyes every time he pushed her away, and he didn´t want that back either. So he held her close to his heart, warmth filling him as he heard the sobs lighten in intensity. He gave the base of her ears a small, affectionate lick, making Judy tighten her hold on him. He moved from the hug and planted a strong kiss on Judy, reassuring her that he was going nowhere and wouldn´t get hurt again. It seemed to work, as Judy let herself be drawn by the action, her sobs stopping. Once the fox ended the kiss, he stared right into Judy´s eyes and placed a paw on her cheek, the bunny nuzzling it and leaning on the fox´s limb. Words couldn´t reach the fox as he just stared at her with loving eyes. He didn´t know what to say to here. He was tired of seeing Judy cry. Tired of having her worried about his safety. He was tired of being such a bad mate to her, so he decided to start changing immediately. Planting another kiss on Judy he held her tight to him, hoping that his presence could ease her further and he would be able to speak.

"Judy…sorry. I…I never wanted to make you feel like this. Sorry for being such a bad mate."

"Don´t say that. Don´t you say that. It has been me the one that has failed to protect you. You fought against NightHolwers for me. You…you have been protecting me since we met…and I haven´t done anything!" She placed her face on his chest as she started to cry again. The fox felt how his heart crumbled every time she sobbed. It was as if a dagger was piercing through it. Whimpers came from the tod as he felt useless for her, her sadness affecting him greatly.

"Judy…I-"

"You have no idea how afraid I am of seeing you get hurt once more. I don´t think I could handle it." She lifted her gaze to meet Nick´s, both mammals with sorrow plastered on their orbs. "I…I need to…to know that I can protect the one mammal I love the most." The bunny sighed as she stopped crying, but tears still present on her face. "I need to be a better mate."

The fox didn´t know what else to do. He wanted to hug her harder, to show her how he felt and to soothe her. His mind kept telling him that what he should do, but his body had no idea how to reply. He was hugging her strongly, kissing her passionately and marking her once more, but he knew that wouldn´t make Judy´s sadness disappear instantly. Sighing the fox laid on the bed, placing Judy on his chest as he kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back with his paws. An entire hour passed as the couple kept embraced, Nick hoping the bunny had calmed after being so disrupted with sadness.

"…are you better?" The bunny lifted her gaze, showing the fox teary amethyst as he passed his paw through her head.

"…yeah. Yeah I´m…better. Thanks Nick." The bunny pecked the fox, who held her tight as he deepened the kiss. Judy blushed when she realized that he had actually kissed her quite passionately during this small outburst, trying to soothe her. She realized that…she liked it. Though it was the most intimate thing the two had done, she was actually curious of what else they could actually…do. Not now of course. The kiss broke and Nick shot her the sweetest smile he could harness at the moment.

"I love you so much. And I promise that I will watch out for myself. I won´t let anything happen to any of us both."

"…I love you too Nick." The bunny rested her head on his chest and felt tired after all the crying she had done. She was moving towards the realm of dreams…until a knock came to their door.

"Ugh. Who is it?" The bunny asked with a bit of ire in her voice, her hard to get comfort molested by the sound.

"Judy, sweetie, I think the two of you should come to see this."

Both mammals stared at each other and sighed. Judy stood from Nick´s chest and was about to go for the door, until Nick´s paw held her to her place. She turned to see the fox on his knees and at her eye level. He passed his paws through her eyes lovingly, moving away the reaming tear that were on them. She smiled at the fox and placed a soft kiss on him, relishing the feelings that he made her body go through. Nick stood up and grabbed the bunny´s paw, opening the door for her. Out there was the apologetic look of Bonnie Hopps, who understood the situation and simply signaled the pair to follow her. They did so as Judy closed the door, her paw holding tightly her fox´s one. The murmur started to grow nearby as Nick faintly heard the sound of a T.V. broadcast.

…so now with the topic of the day. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

"More about us?"

"What?" Judy asked, confused since she hadn´t heard anything. Both entered the living room Bonnie guided them, silence flooding the room as the couple made itself visible, their eyes focusing on the big screen that was showing a ZNN reporter.

"Carrots, isn´t that-"

"She is. She´s that wolverine from the train."

Zootopia: Tundratown District 8:00 a.m.

"Glacier & Tropic 61…her it is. Apartment number two." The wolf entered the complex he would be visiting for the entire week. He entered the apartment and was not surprised by the small size it had. Gary Wolford had been used to staying in long stakeouts thanks to his nose, which made him the most reliable mammal to do this kind of jobs. He could smell a mammal´s scent he was focused on way before he was going to reach the place he was watching, helping him to prevent any kind of situation that could blow up his hiding spot. He sat on a chair that was nearby the window, inspecting which angle allowed him to keep a better look at place. The point where the weasel is supposed to be a frequent mammal was a bit far from his eyesight, but he found the perfect spot that allowed him to see directly to it. He took the file that Paws delivered the mayor, reading through it once more. "The High Ground. This bar has been around for ages. The owner is a bearded ox that calls himself Obi…you gotta be kidding right? Anyhow, Paws says that the bartender, Rod, has seen that weasel come by several times, mostly during the afternoon. Huh, what a strange hour to grab a drink. Well, seems that I will have to wait for a while." The wolf took out his cellphone and dialed his home´s number, Sofia´s voice instantly putting a smile on his face.

"Hey sweetie."

"Hi hon. Did I wake you up?"

"No. I was heading out actually."

"Out? How come?"

"Well, I wanted to go visit Ben. It´s been a while since I have seen the cheetah."

"You sure it´s a good idea?"

"It will be fine. And since you won´t be at home or at work, I don´t want to stay alone so long."

"About that…have you talked to your sister?" Gary heard the sigh that came from the other end of the line as he rubbed his temples as well. "I´ll take that as a no."

"Nice call. Gary, I think she´s just…not over it yet."

"I know. I know. I…I just don´t get why she got so mad about it."

"Me neither honey. Well, Imma go to the precinct. Please take care of yourself."

"I will. Love you Sofi."

"Love you too." The line got cut and the Wolf smiled to himself, though a frown quickly took place on his face.

"It´s been almost a year and that…jerk can´t let it go." Gary went automatically for his stomach, reminiscing about how he got the long scars he had across it. "It doesn´t even has anything to do with her."

Outback District: Zootopia Marine Institute

"Morning boss."

"Good morning Beatriz." The giraffe smiled momentarily towards the bison, until he retook his professional behavior. "So, the tests?"

"Right over here sir." Both mammals moved through the facility. The Zootopia Marine Institute had settled itself in the Outback District since it was the closest to the rivers that surrounded Zootopia, letting them study the marine life that had accommodated itself through the base of the city, as well as the microorganisms that were surrounding the area. Martin had become the Institute´s director after he presented a thesis about the growth of bacteria related to the use of artificial environment devices in the city. He had even showcased the process in which that tech accelerated the growth of pathological risks to the citizens, which was averted by the Institute after knowing how to stop it. Martin had took that chance to put his entire plan in motion. Being inside the ZMI, he had access to the entire repertoire of bacteria that he could gather. That´s when he found it. That bacteria he had being studying since he graduated from college.

"So, Cianis Morelis merged correctly with the NightHowlers?"

"More than correctly, sir. Combined and with the presence of water, its effects are ruthless."

"I like hearing that. And coloration?"

"None. Those notes of your helped us to find the right dissolvent to eradicate any presence of colors and even smells." Both mammals stood in front of a small tube, which contained transparent liquid in it.

"It´s…beautiful."

ZPD-Precinct 1

"I…I think I should call them." T´Challa was rubbing his head as the idea crossed his mind. Sighing he picked his phone and started to put in the numbers…only to stop and sigh once more. "They deserve to know…right? I mean, that´s the weasel that almost killed Wilde, so it would only be logical to inform them." Going towards the green button, the black panther reconsidered his actions and blocked the device. "Knowing Hopps, she will come back and apprehend him herself. They need to rest and block the current events." He stood up and left his office, going towards the lobby area, where he found someone he was actually going to meet later in the day. "Hello Sonya."

"Chief." The polar bear nodded to him, her attitude one of respect to the new commanding officer.

"What are you doing here? I thought we were meeting at the academy."

"I have something to talk to you about. It´s about Bogo."

"Sure. Here, let´s go into my office." Both entered the interrogation room, followed by the curious eyes of Clawhauser, who caught a soft part of the conversation. Confusion grew within the cheetah´s mind as he could only imagine what Bogo could be giving them to talk about.

"It´s been almost a week since then. I can´t believe it. Chief…wait…the security records." The cheetah stared at the space where Bogo´s office once was. Burnt and damaged, he could only imagine where those DVDs were hiding. He took a quick glance around the lobby and moved towards the stairs. He moved slowly, trying not to bring any unwanted attention towards him, knowing that the situation was one of care. He got on the second floor and moved through it, seeing the black marks on the walls from where the bomb reached. His throat formed a small knot, but he gulped through it and moved inside the burnt office, ignoring the yellow police chord that was surrounding the area. The cheetah stared terrified at the scene. Most of the office hadn´t been moved, thought it was already searched by the forensics team. Though the cheetah thought that there could be something they missed. He moved through the office, searching for the CPU frantically as every second he passed in that room made him remember the loss of his boss. His friend. "Gotcha!" The cheetah lifted the desk a bit, until he could drag the toasted piece of technology from down under. He tried to open the DVD tray case with his paws, but failed as it was embed to the CPU now. He then took out a small utility knife he always carried and pulled the tray as strongly as he could, opening it with a loud thud. He stared with wide eyes at what he saw. The CD was there, but it seemed to have burn a tip of it. He grabbed it, hope filling him as he exited the office. "Maybe…just maybe."

Sonya couldn´t stop the grin that her face forced as she saw the state in which T´Challa was being forced to work in. She stared playfully at the panther, who closed the door.

"Comfy office."

"Makes everyone talk." The polar bear chuckled at that as she took a seat, T´Challa doing the same in front of her. "So, what is it you wanted to talk about?"

"It´s about his death…I think something is quite off."

BunnyBurrow

"She´s a reporter?" Judy inquired as she held Nick´s paw, remembering the kind words she had uttered at the pair.

Good morning Zootopia and its surroundings. I am Laura Kinney in today´s section of Hot Goss. And today the goss is inside the fuss. That´s right. Nick Wilde, ZPD´s precinct one freshest officer, and Judy Hopps, first rabbit officer, are involved romantically.

On the background there was a picture of Nick and Judy resting on each other as they were asleep, making the bunny blush with embarrassment.

The famed crime solving team, which became partners at the ZPD, are the first interspecies relationship known to ever roam inside the ZPD, and not only that, being that they are also one of Zootopia´s first predy/prey couples. Not to mention that, both this mammals, are mates. I have personally smelled their joint scents as I boarded the same train as them, so I can confirm that they are surely bound to one another. Both mammals are known for solving the NightHowlers case, and have been under the spotlight recently since Wilde has been the target of two attacks, one of them being with the same serum they had fought time ago. Now, speculation is being said about whether the bunny is being forced by the fox to be in this relationship or if everything is even a ZPD publicity ruse. But, the way those two mammals interacted with each other at that wagon told me that what they have is real. Real as any relationship can be between mates. For further proof I have contacted Officer Wilde´s doctor via cellphone. Dr. Mario, thanks for accepting my call.

It´s a pleasure Laura.

Dr. Mario, I want to talk about Wilde´s ability to…resist the effects of the NightHowler serum on him. Seeing that you were the one that treated him after the events, what can you tell us?

Well Laura, Wilde´s ability to resist the serum comes from one of the most basic instincts amongst canid mammals. Imprinting.

Imprinting?

Yes. One canid mammal imprints on another mammal that he/she sees as their mate. It´s not a mark nor anything of the source. This is a change in the mammal´s hormones that determine said mammal as their mate. Once imprinted, that mammals is the only future romantic partner the canid will ever have.

So, Wilde already thought of Hopps as his mate?

Exactly. That pulled through his brain as he fought against the serum´s effects.

But during the cases there were mammals whose mates got shot with the toxin, and they didn´t stop at that.

That´s because Wilde and Hopps´ desire for each other is greater than an average mammal. The fact that Nick halted the actions even before scenting his mark on Judy shows how attached the fox is to the bunny. And even Judy´s behavior shows the trust she has on him. The pair loves each other with complete certainty.

That sounds lovely. You said that Wilde stopped even without scenting his mark on Hopps. Now that they have marked each other, what could happen if he gets shot with the toxin once more?

That´s a really good question. And I really hope Nick is hearing this. The fox will not only restrain himself from harming the bunny and staying a bit rational. If hit with the serum again around Judy, Nick will be able to fully resist the effects of the toxin, of course if their relationship is still as strong at that moment.

You are saying that Wilde, while being with Hopps, is immune to the effects of NightHowlers?

Basically yeah, he is. It will all depend on how their relationship strength is at the moment. If they are having a rough time with each other, it will waddle a bit. But he presents no threat to Judy at all.

Dr. Mario, thanks for the amazing information you have delivered us.

It´s nothing Laura. Say hi to you dad James for me.

I will. See ya. So, folks, there you have it. If there was any doubt or fear that Nick Wilde meant any kind of danger to Judy Hopps, your minds can now rest peacefully. The fox is incapable of hurting the bunny. In my opinion, I feel proud of the couple. It takes guts and bravery to do what they did. And I´m happy for them. Well, that was all for today. See-

The entire household turned their eyes towards the pair. Nick felt that it was the hundredth time the bunnies had done this in what had gone of the day, it was just noon. He felt how Judy grabbed his arm with both his paws and he turned to find her smiling at him. He felt a bit confused as he felt how she tucked his arm, until he got to her level and felt the kiss on his cheek. She felt relieved with the doctor´s words. If she was with him, no NightHowlers could affect her fox. She felt as Nick hugged her strongly, the relief in him great as well. Judy didn´t care that her entire clan was watching them like this. She felt so happy. From what just had been probably the worst hour in her life, she finally received some good news about Nick. She had been terrified of seeing the fox suffer, but now, contempt filled her as she marked the fox once again, gaining a disgusted grunt from Jerome.

"Really? Again?" But then what happened was fast. Nick felt as Judy stopped marking him and turned fiercely, locating her brother in a matter of seconds. She went towards him, fury palpable on her face as she got closer to the rabbit, who stared at her with a death glare. "What are you goi-" The strong punch Judy placed on his face made the rabbit fall to the floor like a sack of vegetables. Jerome felt the pain his jaw was suffering, it was a lot. He knew that Judy had knocked out a rhino, but he had never been in the other end of one of Judy´s punches. Anger took over him as he tried to stand up, only to be stopped by Judy´s spite words.

"I dare you to stand up. Go ahead, make my day." The bunny was towering over her brother, her paws closed in fists as she glared at him. Jerome took in the sight in front of him. An enraged Judy was giving her more chills than any other mammals had ever done before. Sighing he turned and sat staring at the furious doe. "You ever disrespect any of the interspecies couples this house holds and I will gladly show you what I could do to those who dare to offend my mate. I AM CLEAR?" Judy´s tone was terrifying. The doe was breathing strongly and her entire body was tense. She was straight up threatening her brother. The clan stared at Jerome, who only passed a paw through his mouth, which was dropping some blood. "I SAID, AM I CLEAR?"

"…yeah." Jerome´s gaze was directed to the floor, embarrassment and betrayal making him submissive in front of his sister. With a huff Judy turned towards Nick and went to her fox.

Nick felt something stir inside him when he saw Judy punch her brother for him. She acted so…strong. He had never seen her this angry before, to the point she actually hit a mammal. A blush spread across his face as a confusing warmth filled his body. Once his bunny was by his side and hugged him, he whispered into Judy´s eyes, avoiding the trained ears of the entire clan.

"Carrots…that was…hot."

Tundratown 4:00 p.m.

The wolf´s nose started sniffing the air, the scent he was looking for finally making an appearance. He focused his view towards the bar´s entrance. Two minutes later, the weasel he identified was just entering the bar, his walking manners discreet. He knows what he´s doing. Grabbing his bigger radio since he was not wearing his uniform and pressed the communications button.

"Chief, are you there?"

"Come in Wolford."

"I have eyes on the weasel. He just entered The High Ground. Should I go in?"

"Negative. Stay vigilant, he might leave towards one of the other locations and get you towards another mammal."

"But sir, I might get something if I get nearby earshot."

"I said negative Wolford. It´s too risky for you to be spotted. Though the High Ground doesn't have a bad reputation, it is known for the dislike it has for cops. I need you to remain on a lower stance."

"…copy that Chief."

The wolf cut the communications as he sighed and rested his head on the table. He knew that he could get more info if he had ears on the place. He grimaced as he passed his paw through his ears, determination roaming through his eyes.

"Screw it. I´m going in." The wolf stood quickly from the chair he was sitting on and readied himself mentally. He left the radio on the table as he went for the door, stopping as one thought crossed his mind. He moved his paw towards the holster on his waist, mauling over if taking his tranquilizer gun would be the best idea. He inspected it, noticing that it actually formed a bulk on his clothing items, making it obvious that he was carrying a weapon. With a sigh he left then gun at the table as well, not without taking a dart and placing it inside his leather jacket´s pocket. He readied himself once more and exited the room, locking the door behind him. His paw immediately went for his cellphone, his mind telling him what he had to do before going into that pub. He dialed quickly and waited, the call answered on the third ring.

"Hey sweetie."

"Hi Sofi. You still with Clawhauser?"

"No. I am actually just arriving home."

"Good. Was everything okay?"

"Yeah, little kick´s now and then. But all good." She heard as her mate sighed on the other end, worrying her as she sat down on a couch. "What is it?"

"I…I think I´m about to do something really risky honey. So…I want you to know that I love you. I love you and our couple of coming babies with all my heart."

"Gary-"

"Sofia, I would be nothing without you. I am grateful for everything you have given me. And…I know I´m probably exaggerating, but if something goes south…I wanted to tell this to you. Wanted to hear your voice once more."

"Gary…"

"Te amo mí loba preciosa." The Spanish that came from him made the she-wolf sob as she knew that he was going in knowing something could go south, real south.

"Te amo lobín." Gary´s throat had a knot in it as he rested against the door, the call having ended. He knew that this didn´t necessarily had the potential of going south, but if it did, it would go real south. The wolf took a strong breath as he retook his confidence and moved through the hall. He wanted to do this. He needed to do this. Putting down mammals that had hurt his friends and were a plausible threat to his mate moved him across the street, facing the front door of the bar. Inhaling deeply, the wolf opened the door and entered the High Ground. His nose allowed him to locate the weasel with no difficulties, as he spotted the small mammal sitting on a stool at the counter. He approached the bartender, positioning him long enough from the weasel so that he could be at earshot and not be suspected.

"What can I get you?"

"Grape juice and vodka please. Easy on the vodka." The lioness nodded and went to get the wolf´s beverage. The canid inspected the place, which seemed like a common bar. He did however noticed a mammal selling illegal substances near him, his urge to apprehend him almost blowing his cover. Instead he made a mental note. Gnu. Reddish fur with a stride of green on his left side, as well as a long blue colored beard. Brown eyes, short horns. From thirty to thirty five years old. Right hooved tattooed with a…surfing board.

"Here you go." That took the wolf out of his small inspecting trance. He thanked the lioness and payed for his drink, which he started ingesting slowly. That´s when the weasel´s voice sounded. With a side glance the wolf noted the weasel´s actions, who was talking through his phone with a harsh tone.

"What do you want?" The wolf perked his ear, cursing when the bar´s sounds didn´t allowed him to hear the other side of the conversation.

"I told you, I haven´t found out yet. The moment I get ahold of it I´ll go."

Taking a sip from his drink, Gary saw as the weasel was rubbing his temples quite frantically and his paw gripped the counter´s bar. Most be talking to the one giving the orders.

"Listen, I´m getting kind of sick from this, you know? It´s always "Travis do this. Travis do that." and it sincerely is wearing me off."

Bingo!

Gary finished his drink and hopped down the stool he was on. He walked past the weasel, able to hear one last part from the conversation.

"That cuppa you got hasn´t done anything besides the office thing and Fin hasn´t done anything at all."

Gary tensed at the mention of the police officer that had been involved with the group of mammals. Knowing he would gather some looks if he stayed put, the wolf moved as if he was tipsy, throwing away any curious glance that could´ve been shot at him. Though he did notice that the weasel shot him a concerned look. Once he was out of the establishment he sighed, built up pressure leaving him as he realized he had exaggerated things. Sofia is going to kill me.

Once inside the apartment the wolf took his seat, placing the dart he had taken from the gun in its place as he reached for his phone, eyes focused on the bar´s door.

"Gary!"

"Hi sweetie."

"Don´t scare me like that! What happened!? Are you okay!?"

"I´m fine sweetie. I´m fine. Come on now, breathe with me. Iiiin…and oooout. One more time." The wolf did the exercises a couple more times, hearing his mate becoming more relaxed. "Sorry I scared you. I didn´t know what I was going to face in there. I…I exaggerated."

"You…moron! I was terrified! You sounded so…certain!"

"I´m sorry Sofi."

"…jerk. Please keep in touch, okay?" Gary chastised himself as now his mate would be needing constant reassurance that he was alright. The urge to go to her and soothed her made itself present as he kept hearing the she-wolf´s crooked voice.

"I will. I´m sorry. I love you."

"Love you too, you dummy." The call got cut and Gary sighed, suddenly feeling tired. He stared at his watch, surprised when it showed him that it was already six in the afternoon. He had felt that his time in that bar had been minimal, but it seemed to be the opposite.

An hour passed and Gary was already prepping himself to leave, when the scent from the weasel made itself present once more. He turned to the door, seeing how the weasel went out of the bar and walked to his right, moving away from the building. Taking his chance the wolf moved out of the building and followed his nose, distance precise so that he would not be detected at all by the weasel. Ten minutes passed until the scent stopped moving, the wolf moving close to the stronger source. Tilting his head towards an alley, Gary saw as the weasel was speaking to a mammal that was inside a van. It most have been a small mammal, since he wasn´t visible at all inside the huge car, which had a type of cyborg mammal carrying a damsel in distress. The weasel hopped on the car as the engine revved up. Wolford quickly moved to hide in the gate of an apartment complex, seeing how the van moved away. His eyesight failed him as he squinted and tried to read the plates. Sighing he took out his radio and pressed the communications button.

"Wolford here Chief. I have the weasel´s name. It´s Travis."

CONTINUES IN CHAPTER 15!

Hello there. I see you reached the end of this chapter. I really wnjoyed writing this one, which actually came out of me quite fast. I am liking Wolford quite a lot. So, once again I want to thank you all! Finishing Embrace It made me realize that, indeed I had separated from fanfictions for a long time, especially since I was reading the story at the same pace Star updated it. I didn´t want to, but believe me when I say that is feels way too good to be back. And I am even happier that you guys have welcomed me back so well, in here and in Fluffy Stories. I will truly never stop being grateful at you all for supporting my fictions. Thanks to you all!

Guest: I am really glad you are enjoying the story! And I hope this chapter delivers what you expected!

Have a nice day everyone!