Hello all my dear readers! I am so happy with all who reviewed and thanks to those who did. You guys are awesome! I hope everyone like chapter 20. So here is the next installment of D&L!

Max: Shall I do disclaimer?

Me: yup

Max: Silver no owns anything related to Twilight Saga: New Moon or MR.

Me: Nope sadly. :(

Max: On with story!

Enjoy.

Chapter 21

Max P.O.V.

The morning air chilled my skin as I awoke on the grass near a small creek. I shivered at this and sat up. Looking around me, I saw that the rest of the pack was still asleep some in their wolf form while others in human form like me. I heard the splash of water and turned to see two members of the pack crossing the water in their wolf forms. One was short with blondish fur and gray eyes. The other a little larger and had pale dusky gray fur with brown streaks along the tail with shining green eyes. I knew it was Gallia and Ambrose.

I nodded as our gazes connected and Gallia nuzzled Ambrose before parting with him and coming over to me. Ambrose watched her with love-filled eyes before he turned to the small body of Kaplan who was now waking from his slumber.

I turned back to Gallia just as she nudged my shoulder and seemed to be smiling at me through her eyes. Then she nudged me again as if telling me something. I decided that being in wolf form would be easier. I closed my eyes and in the next second I knew I was Maximum the wolf. I glanced over at Gallia who let out a bark of laughter waking a few more members of the pack.

Rolling my eyes, I asked, 'what does the annoying Gallia want this fine morning?' She growled playfully and said back, 'To chew on your tail for such talk, but I'll let it slide. How was your first night with the pack?'

This made me pause for a moment; I thought about my answer and said carefully, 'I say it was a great relief to have others like me. Where did you and Ambrose go this morning?'

Gallia glanced towards her mate before answering, 'We had to patrol the land borders near the eastern and southern ridge. Soon you'll be joining the patrols once you're more attuned to how things are done. Though, I'm sure one such as you will catch up fairly quickly.' She turned back to me as she said this. Amusement was dancing as clear was daylight in her gray eyes. Then Ambrose called to her and she bid me farewell before going to him.

I watched as the two nuzzled then set off down the bank towards an outcrop of land near the shore. Kaplan came padded over to me then and said, 'Care to join Faros and I for hunting?'

I looked over at where a massive black and white streaked wolf with cold black eyes awaited his companion. His gaze latched onto mine and I saw him snarl before turning and disappearing into the trees. Kaplan followed my stare and sighed. He looked apologetically towards me before turning and running after Faros.

I let my massive shoulders sag and turned to see my reflection in the clear creek at my paws. I saw my large head and shook it. Then I inspected myself in detail. I had a long narrow snout and my head was shaped of that like I guess a wolf's. I looked over my shoulder at my back to see my somewhat long fur was dark ebony with silver streaks twisting their way through it.

I was so caught up in my own thoughts I didn't hear the paw steps of Sloane till she was right next to me –her white muzzle briefly touching my ear. I swiveled around and almost bashed my nose into hers, but she luckily backed up. I lowered my head in embarrassment and heard a throaty bark come from Sloane. Glancing in her direction, I saw she wasn't mad, but more so amused at my action.

'Why so troubled Maximum?'

I still looked at the ground while saying, 'I feel like I'm an outsider here because I don't know how to act or what to do…'

Sloane thought for a moment before she said, 'Maximum, you are not perfect and no one here expects you to be on your first day. We were all in your position at one time or another. A trust me, soon you will be a big help when we have a new arrival to the pack.'

I looked up at her in confusion about her remark. This seemed to catch her attention because she said, 'I know of your friend Fang. He will soon be joining us. Once he is born into a wolf. Then he will come.'

I stared at her shocked. Fang was like me? I must have said this out loud because an amused look came over Sloane and she nodded in return. Then her ears pricked at the sound of Decius's howl calling for her. She nodded to me before turning and scampering off towards the sound. I thought about what she said when I was almost fully alone. Fang was one of us?

I felt my heart swell at the fact that I didn't have to keep my secret from Fang anymore. Then I realized something I hadn't thought of in awhile. Every time I heard or saw Fang, I would get a warm fuzzy feeling inside me and my mind would be filled with nothing, but him. I didn't know what the emotion was, but it felt amazing.

I heard a raspy chuckle from behind and looked over my shoulder to see Zaden walking over to me in his human form. He smiled at me and I nodded in hello. His smile broadened and he said, "So are you liking the whole being a wolf and in a pack idea?"

I shook my head up and down meaning the answer yes, knowing he wouldn't understand what I said if I was barking at him the whole time. He seemed to understand my meaning and said, "So I hear we'll be gaining another new member in a few days. Decius wanted me to tell you that he needs you to go back to Oakgrove High School and to get Fang. Then help him through the first transformation. Then after a day or two, bring him to the ridge where we first met you. He'll be given the option to join us and everything else like we did with you. Okay?"

I nodded again and he said, "Alright, I got to go. Zalfe is waiting for me. Good luck Maximum. Oh and Decius wants you to leave today. Fang should be arriving at school soon. So catch him before then and take him somewhere he'll be comfortable for when the transformation happens." With that piece of advice, Zaden jumped into the air and instantly became a large pale white wolf with brown and hazel streaks coursing through every part of his lean shape. Then he took off towards where an identical wolf was waiting.

Without thinking, I turned into the trees and ran as hard as I could towards the place of hell.

Fang P.O.V.

I felt sick to my stomach as I woke up this morning. My body felt like it was burning and I couldn't get the heat to go down no matter how much water I drank. I could feel my heartbeat racing twice the rhythm it was supposed to. I didn't know what was wrong with me, but I had to hurry if I was going to make it to school on time. Avoiding my mom, I ran out the door and hopped into my car and drove to school.

Once I was at school, I got out and somehow ended on my hands and knees in the school parking lot. My head felt really dizzy from moving the slightest inch and my eyes started to hurt.

As I tried to stand up, I fell against my car. I tried grabbing onto something for support, but to no avail I slumped against my car and closed my eyes. I felt like I had no strength at all. Then I felt a presence beside me and blindly looked over to see Max kneeling in front of me. Her face filled with concern, worry, and determination. I tried to say something, but my throat felt really dry.

Max seemed to notice and said, "Fang, listen to me carefully. I'm going to need you to help me by getting you into the passenger seat of your car. Then we're going to go to your house because you aren't supposed to be out right now. So come on."

I didn't feel like arguing so I did as she said and climbed into the passenger seat with a lot of her help. Then she hopped into the driver's side and started the car. The engine roared to life as she pulled out of the parking lot and drove towards my house. The last thing I remembered before I passed out was Max placing me onto my bed.

Max. P.O.V.

I watched as Fang stirred in his sleep. I quickly went to grab a fresh wet cloth and brought it back to rest on Fang's sweaty forehead. He muttered something and tried to turn over, but I felt like he had to stay in one place on his back, so I carefully pushed him back into his original position.

After a few hours, Fang came around and woke up blinking blearily around the room. Then his eyes landed on me and he said, "Max?"

I nodded and walked over to him from where I had been sitting on the small couch in his room. He smiled and then his face contorted into pain, but the expression lasted only a millisecond. I leaned close to him and gently stroked his forehead as he gritted his teeth in pain. I knew the transformation was going to take place soon, but for now, Fang had to rest and save his strength.

~Time skip to a few hours later/ Time- 2:30 A.M.~

I was sitting on the windowsill by Fang's large bedroom window when I heard a cry of pain sound from where Fang slept. I crossed the room in a matter of seconds and sat beside Fang and leaned over him. I saw his eyes were still tightly shut, but this time they were closed in pain as his jaw clenched in anxiety.

I knew the transformation was going to happen in a few minutes so I decided it was time for Fang to leave the house. I shook him roughly and his eyes snapped open. The first emotion I saw was pain. Pure and evil pain. I spoke gently and said, "Fang, you have to move because you can't be here. Let's go to the forest behind your house. Everything will be alright; you just have to listen to me okay."

Fang nodded weakly and I helped him out of bed. Then we made our way slowly, but surely towards the dark trees.

Once we were a good mile or so, I let Fang rest. His breathing was now coming in rapid gasps as he tried to calm himself. I could clearly hear his heartbeat race faster as the transformation began. Fang curled in on himself and then he let out a cry of pain followed by a few subtle groans of pain. I stood by feeling my heart break at the sight of Fang.

Then he screamed the sound echoing through the trees like a wild breeze. The transformation finally took place and with one last cry Fang's body shuttered and then it was replaced by a massive figure. I quickly called my wolf shape to me and instantly became a wolf spirit. Then I padded over to where Fang in his wolf form lay limply; his breathing now slowing and coming in a ragged gasp.

I nudged his shoulder and he opened his eyes and when he saw me he whimpered. Then he really saw me and his eyes widened in shock and fear. A question appeared in his dark eyes that clearly said, 'what are you?!'

I sighed and moved away then I remembered that he needed to know what was going on. I transformed back into a human and walked over to Fang. My eyes roaming over his huge body frame. His body was lean, but muscular. I noticed the color of his fur and stared in awe. The color was a deep shady black with ribbons of dark violet like a raven's wings. It was beautiful. Fang noticed my gaze and turned to see what I was staring at. He then saw the fur and his body and his eyes widened greatly.

I walked closer to him and laid my hand on his furry cheek and said, "Fang it's alright. You're not going to die or anything. For right now, just try and stand up."

He nodded slowly and tried to stand up on his long legs, but stumbled to the ground after a moment. I nodded in encouragement and turned into a wolf. Then I helped him by supporting his weight against my shoulder. Once he was stable and able to walk on his own. I nodded for him to follow me. He nodded

and we ran off. He stumbled along the way, but was making progress.

~Time skip (2days later) ~

After a long two days of getting Fang used to his wolf form, it was time to head towards the meeting place. I had told Fang all about the pack and everything and he seemed to be in awe at this information. Once we arrived at the ridge, I saw the pack was already waiting.

As the ceremony took place, I never took my eyes off Fang. He looked so strong and confident. When it was time to raise our voices to the sky, I knew I was the loudest and Fang seemed to notice as well. His eyes connected with mine and something amazing happened. A small flash of light appeared between us and then vanished into sudden darkness. Everyone was staring and a wolfy grin appeared on Decius's muzzle.

I gazed at him questioningly and he said, 'All answers will be revealed in time young Maximum. All in time, for now, enjoy what you have.'

I nodded and turned back to Fang who was now making his way over to me. I saw Gallia grin at us as he nuzzled my cheek. I growled at her and she just rolled her eyes while padding away. Her mate, Ambrose, went along with her. They were truly a perfect match.

I glanced at Fang who was staring out over the ridge at the incredible view. Then I shoved him and he glared playfully at me and shoved me back. Soon we were playing fighting and finally I was able to pin him. My paws like steel holding his massive body to the ground. He growled at me, but I could see the humor playing in his deep eyes.

He leaned up and touched noses with me which was a wolf's version of a kiss. I pulled away and hopped off him. He rolled over onto his paws then looked around to see that we were the only ones left on the ridge. I could hear the faint sound of everyone else dispersed around the area a couple of miles apart. I called to Fang getting his attention easily.

Then I said, 'Do you want to go down towards the shore?'

Fang looked out over the landscape. Today the sky was clear and light blue. The trees and mountains were now a colorful array of green, blue, white, and misty gray. It was a beautiful sight. The water below was now a light turquoise with a light green hue. Fang looked at me and nodded.

I turned and headed down a stony path that led straight to the shore line. I could feel Fang close behind and let out a throaty laugh when he yelped as he hit his forehead on a low branch. He growled at me and I just kept going.

When we finally reached the shore line, I turned to see Fang staring out across the water in awe. His eyes were as wide as dinner plates. Then he turned and started ambling over the small rocks and sand making his way around the shore. I followed after a moment and gazed at him. He walked with a certain air that gave me chills –in a good way of course. He must have felt my stare because he turned to look at me.

Then he called over to me, 'You coming or are you afraid of the water?' I glared playfully and ran over to where he stood a few feet away. Then we continued along the shore. Our fur brushed with every step.

After a long bit of silence, Fang asked, 'What's going to happen now Max?'

I paused for moment before answering, 'Honestly, I don't know Fang. If you're referring to us being wolf spirits, then I think we'll figure it out okay.'

Fang shook his head and stopped walking all together. I looked back at him puzzled as he stared at me with an emotionless expression. He said, 'I'm not talking about the whole wolf thing. I know we'll be alright. I don't know how, but I just have a gut feeling. However, I meant what is going to happen with us? I can't go on not knowing where we stand Max.'

I sighed and made my way over to him and pressed my head against his broad shoulder, resting my chin in the curve of his throat and shoulder blade. Fang did the same to me and he nuzzled into my fur. A cool breeze blew around us from the water. Making the tip of our fur dance in the soft wind, Fang pulled back a little and pressed his nose to my ear.

Then he said, 'I love you, Max. When we first met, I felt like you were just another person in my life. Then as I got to know you, things changed. I never realized before now how much I needed you. I can't go a day without thinking of you. Every time I see your face, your smile, and your eyes. I feel like my heart could burst from how fast it beats. I know now how I feel about you. And I know I'm in love with you.'

I didn't say anything for a moment and Fang seemed to know that I was trying to think of what to say. I then murmured into his soft fur, 'I-I-I love you, too. I never thought I'd say those words, Fang. I honestly didn't. Every day, I felt the need to hate you because I never really knew that I was actually falling for you. And I tried to stop myself from doing so, but it was to no avail. I ended up falling anyways.'

Fang pulled away and looked me in the eye, and then he said, 'I won't ever let you fall.'

I felt a wolfy grin appear on my face. And Fang leaned forward and pressed his muzzle against mine. I knew right then that Fang and I were soul mates.

Decius's P.O.V.

I watched as the lovebirds nuzzled each other. Then they turned and started along the shore again. Their bodies pressed close together. I smiled to myself and turned and headed deeper into the trees. It was always an amazing sight to see wolves become newly mates. I still remembered the time when Sloane and I became mates.

At that thought, Sloane stepped out of the trees. Her dress flowed along with her graceful movements. She gazed at me with a smile in her deep sapphire blue eyes. I walked over and pulled her into my arms while leaning forward and planting a soft kiss onto her soft pink lips. She giggled and said, "How does my love fair?"

I looked deep into her eyes and thought, 'Love is only fair when you are here.' She smiled and hugged me, burying her face into my chest. You see Sloane has a special gift. She can read minds, but only of certain people. And those people are the pack. Since me and Sloane are mates though, we can read each other's thoughts. It is a special connection we were gifted with.

I pulled her along as we strolled through the forest and talked about nothing and everything. I was truly at peace and happy with my love at my side. Then my thoughts flashed back to Maximum and Fang. A smile etched into my features and Sloane read my thoughts and saw the image of the two young wolves. She laughed and said, "They are truly extraordinary. Soon we'll tell them of their matence to each other. For now, let them enjoy their time together." With that we continued on our way; enjoying the feel of one another at our sides.

Hey everyone! Hoped you all like this chapter. I know it's officially one of my favorites. Ha-ha!

**note: the word "matence" in the story means that the wolves had mated. If you go back and read the part about Fang's ceremony as joining the pack; the flash that I wrote about was the mating of the him and Max. Just wanted to clear that up. Okay!

R&R?