Chapter 14

The next day posed a serious question that hadn't even been thought of during the last night. That question was what to say to Aniu's pack once they reached it. It would've been a whole for her to explain if the events of last night hadn't taken place, but Aniu wouldn't trade her newfound bond for anything.

Just how far was she willing to go, though? The thought had crossed her mind to not even go back, and run off and make a home somewhere with Storm. That pack was her family though, and it would stay with Aniu too long if she didn't at least tell them she was alive. She could almost see her father, who was probably worried sick about her, and Night… what would she say to him? Storm had said that they could just go back and tell the story like they'd been intending, then wait until the opportune time to speak about the relationship. This was the preferred option.

Either way had a risk of consequences though, and if the wolves decided they wanted to kill Storm, Aniu wasn't sure there was much she'd be able to do to stop them. She knew that her father would never kill her… but killing him would be like killing half of her. That was all part of the risks, and in the past few hours alone she'd asked Storm more than six times if he was willing to take those chances. He'd said yes each time, and that he'd go with her wherever she went. That didn't mean he wasn't afraid though.

Storm was more afraid for Aniu, because despite what she said about how her father would never allow any harm to come to her, Storm knew that one wolf wouldn't be able to hold back a pack if they became angry at Aniu, for… rebelling? Rebelling against the unspoken but omnipresent law that wolves and dogs should never be together. Storm hoped that whatever happened would be directed mostly at him. He had no idea what to expect, as Aniu was the only wolf he really knew.

However small the chance was, it was still possible that maybe the wolves could be persuaded like Aniu's uncle had been. That would be great, and would be one step closer in the ultimate goal of convincing both sides that they didn't need to hate the other. It was dangerous, sure, but would be worth it.

Or there was the hiding option. Both had said they'd be more than happy to simply find a home and stay there for a while, make a home, maybe raise a family… they would keep that option in mind, but for now they kept on towards Aniu's former home.

By the end of the day, said wolf was beginning to recognize some of the landscape around her.

"Hey, I recognize that peak, we're almost there. Just on the other side of that mountain. If we make good time tomorrow, we can make it back the day after."

That mountain would pose a challenge, but it was nothing they couldn't handle, at least nothing compared to what was waiting on the other side of it. It was a long climb up, but probably even longer to go around. Storm didn't know, as his team had always gone around it, which was another reason to go up. They couldn't take the risk of meeting a team; it would probably end in one or both of them being shot. Finding a place to stay for the night was relatively easy, and staying inside of it was even easier. The two both curled up, happy and content.

The next morning Storm actually managed to catch a hare, but was quickly disappointed when he found Aniu waiting with two, which she'd caught in half the time. They each ate one and shared the third before continuing on their way.

The day of travel was fun filled, partially to ease their ever growing stress, but mostly to have fun and because it made time pass faster. They played a sort of hide and seek game, each would take turns running ahead to hide, making sure not to stray too far off course. Then the other would try to find the hidden one. Aniu was significantly better than Storm, and it often ended in his giving up. There was one time he thought he had her, only to have Aniu jump down seemingly from thin air and land on his back. It scared him half to death, but was easily laughed off.

The mountain was quickly ascended using that game, and also helped them find probably the most amazing night time resting place in existence. If one climbed a narrow, rocky path up about one hundred feet, they would reach a spot that provided a clear, unobstructed view of the vast tundra that lay beyond the mountain.

"It's so beautiful out there." Aniu said, awed by the sunset.

"Not as beautiful as you." Storm commented, sounding very sincere.

"Stop that!"
"Don't be modest, it's true!"

Aniu just shook her head and smiled, cozying herself against Storm for the night. Once again the aurora provided a great show for the two who watched it.

The next half a day was spent with tense, silent travel. This was the day that they'd likely meet Aniu's pack, and tense they should be. T was only noon when they reached he last big rever, the river that served as the border of Aniu's packs territory.

They crossed the river quickly, as the ice was beginning to melt. Spring was almost upon the land, and signs of it were everywhere. Already sprouts of grass were beginning to poke up out of the snow, but that didn't mean winter was over. Storms had happened later in the year than this, and neither would be surprised if another big storm didn't happen before winter officially gave way into spring.

After crossing the river, they split up for a few minutes so each could have a chance to relieve themself. On the way back to Storm though, someone called Aniu's name. She turned to her right, and standing just beyond a good sized grey rock, was a black wolf, who stared at her almost disbelievingly.

"Night!" Aniu exclaimed, rushing up to her pack mate and giving him an affectionate nuzzle.

"It's so good to see you! How's the pack, are they alright?"

"Yes, they're fine, but we've all been worried about you! Where in this world have you been?"

"I'll tell you, but first I want you to meet someone." Aniu tilted her head back and let out a short, sweet howl. Somewhere another replied, and within a minute Storm came bounding through the snow.

"Aniu? What's…" he trailed off as he saw Night, who instinctively stepped forward, bared his teeth and growled.

"A dog." He hissed, "What's this about?"
"Night, relax, I know him." Night relaxed his aggressive posture, but remained tense incase this dog tried anything. Storm showed no emotion, moving slowly towards Aniu, who turned away from Night to stand by his side. Her shoulder fur brushed lightly against his, giving him a message that said, 'Do not say anything.' He didn't. The next few moments were critical in gaining Night's trust, and Storm was confident in Aniu's ability to gain said trust.

"Night, this is Storm, Storm, Night."

The two eyed each other suspiciously, reading one another for any sign of aggression or ill will. Both accepted what they saw and Aniu continued.

"I'll say more once we get back to camp, but Storm is my friend. Anyone going after him is going after me too, and will answer to both of us."

Night nodded, accepting this. Aniu was still of a higher rank than him, Night still being a beta wolf.

"But if he makes one wrong move, and I will kill him." Night warned, reminding Storm very much of the time Phoenix had said almost the exact same thing to Aniu.

Storm was led by Night and Aniu back to camp, feeling more like a prisoner than Aniu's mate. Of course no one knew that he was in that position, and it would probably be wise to keep that secret for now.

On the way in, several wolves gave weird stares at Aniu, and even more at Storm. He got a lot of hate filled speech directed towards him, and all the wolves followed obviously expecting an invitation. The wolf camp was pretty nice. It was surrounded by thick bushes and many evergreen trees, which provided comfortable living spaces for anyone who wanted them. The Alphas den was in a huge rock that stood shaped like a large right triangle. It had an opening on one side which said alpha wolf would go inside, and it was a perfect shelter for the wolf. He could also leap up on top of the rock to address the whole pack when he needed.

They stopped in front of this rock, and the wolf on duty beside it conversed quietly with Night for a few seconds, before turning and walking into the rock den. A few seconds after that, he reappeared, followed by a thick, dark brown wolf who had amber eyes similar to that of Aniu's.

"My daughter!" he cried out, his voice full of affection. He put his paws around his daughter's neck, who returned her father's embrace. They spoke quietly in each other's ears, before the big Alpha wolf turned to Storm.

And with any hint of warmth gone from his tone, he asked, "Well, well, what do we have here?"

..

Not too much left to go with this story... it kind of saddens me, but I'm really looking forward to getting on with the series. I've already got a few (I think) great ideas for at least four future stories. Again thanks y'all for readin' and reviewin', hope ya enjoyed.

ANonymouS