"What do you mean you were already a father?" Kate asked a little hotly. "And why us this the first I'm hearing about it?" it was pretty clear to see that Kate is not happy about this revelation. She looked angry, confused, sad, and a mixture of many other emotions. I could see where she was coming from, this isn't something I should have kept from her. But honestly, this is something I tried to keep from myself; I wanted it out of my mind.

I tried to explain, but Andy and David were asking questions a mile a minute, not letting me tell them what happen. They didn't really seem angry, more just confused and a little interested. The pups just looked scared as they looked around the room at everyone.

"Is there another wolf, Humphrey? Did you leave someone and your pup for me?" She was jumping to conclusions, letting her emotions get the better of her.

"No, it's nothing like that," I defended, trying to calm the situation.

"Then what is it, Humphrey? How could you already be a father?" She cried out, starting to tear up. I sighed and looked at the ground depressingly. I took a Shaky breath and tried to calm myself down. All of this was bringing up memories that I had long locked away; but now they are all flooding back. I tried to push these feelings back down, but it wasn't working. I had kept them down for too long and they were finally surfacing. Tears started making their way to my eyes and I let out a small sob. All these suppressed memories flooding back into my head was just too much.

"Humphrey?" I looked back up to see everyone looking at me concerned. My eyes were now flooding with tears making everything blurry. Kate, seeing me like this, calmed down and started to realize maybe there was a reason I didn't want to share this story. "Are you okay? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have blown up on you like that." She started to apologize.

"I'll be okay," I told her. "But since this is already out, I might as well tell you what happened." I paused a moment to compose myself, then continued. "It all started about a week after David and the other two left me…"

Flashback

It had been nearly a week since my training had come to an end and my three new friends left to go do their own business. I wouldn't necessarily say I was happy with my situation. Content would be a better way to explain how I was feeling. At least now I would have a better chance at surviving then I did not too long ago. I had long stopped thinking about Jasper, the memories only bringing me pain. My life was different now and I knew that, so I did my best to move on and worry about the present. However, my life was about to take yet another drastic turn; this time it would be for the better.

It was a nice day out, which was nice considering most days here were dark and rainy. The sun was shining its warm Ray's, and there was a cool autumn breeze blowing through the forest. It did eventually start to get a little too warm for my liking which got me thinking. I had worked plenty hard for a past couple weeks, I thought that I deserved a little break from everything. My thoughts immediately went to a way I could have some fun while also cooling off. Not too far from where I was is a small lake that would be a nice way to beat the afternoon heat.

I followed a path that had become quite familiar to me as the days have gone by. Slowly, this place was turning into my own home. My surrounds have become easily recognizable and I was able to navigate around my territory without much effort.

I walked down the path for about ten minutes until I candy upon the lake. It was decent sized, not the largest one I have seen but it was big enough. This would be the first time I took a swim in it and I was really looking forward to it. I was ready to relax after all my strenuous training.

I walked up to the edge, closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, getting a wonderful smell of water as I let little waves wash over my paws. I exhaled and opened my eyes, ready to jump in and be consumed by the nice cold water. However, just as I was about to jump in, something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. The water began to turn crimson red and by the smell of it, it was blood.

I looked further down the lake to see if I could find the source only to see a few figures washed up on the shore. I cautiously made my way over to the scene, already expecting the worse. It didn't take long until I came upon the figures, now seeing them as two wolves, a male and a female. It was exactly as I expected it to be, the bodies were beaten, torn apart, and mangled corpses at this point. I'm assuming they got attacked and tried to flee in the lake where they died; that's my guess.

I felt bad for the two. No one should have to suffer a fate like this. I gave it some thought and decided to give them a proper burial. I grabbed ahold of the guy and proceeded to drag him out of the water, getting him onto a flat and dry surface. After I was done with him, I went back for the girl; however, when I got back I had to stop myself from crying. I didn't notice it before, but between the two wolves was a pup. It was covered in its parent's blood making it unrecognizable as being male or female. These two must have been a couple and they were trying to protect pup. My stomach churned at the thought of having to bury the pup as well, but I would do it out of respect.

I went to grab the little guy when I saw his ear twitch. I jumped back, surprised then immediately looked down at his chest. It was still moving! This pup is still alive! I quickly pulled the pup away from the corpse and laid it down nearby. I would take care of it later. First thing I had to do was get the mom out of the water. I did just that and placed her next to the dad. The next important thing I thought to do was wash the pup. I don't want it to wake up covered in its parents' blood and be scarred for life.

I picked the pup up and went to a place the blood wasn't, then I started to wash it. I was able to completely clean the pup, finally being able to tell that it was a boy. He had mostly back fur with a white tipped tail. He also didn't seem to have really any injuries besides a few cuts here and there. His parents did a good job protecting him.

After bathing the pup, I figured I should get him to safety. The best place would be my den. When I dropped him off, then I would come back and bury the dead parents. I grabbed the pup's scruff and sprinted off to my den. It only took me a couple minutes to get back. I took the pup and lied him down in the center of my den. This poor little guy must have gone through a lot, and possibly even witnessed both the deaths of his parents. I can't fathom how he'll react when he wakes up. I would deal with that problem when it happens, right now had to go bury some wolves.

The whole process took me about an hour as I had to dig their graves and then drag their bodies there, and finally cover them back up. It wasn't the greatest experience I've ever had. It's something I hope I never have to do again. At the end of it all I was dirty, sweaty, and exhausted. I said some final words of respect and then made my way back to the den where hopefully I would come to a panicking pup.

Walking back, I was consumed in deep thought. I couldn't help but think how screwed up this world is for things like this to happen. Sure, what happened to me was pretty unfair, but nothing compares to this pup. I couldn't begin to imagine how he must feel.

When I got back, I saw the pup still in a deep sleep. I walked past him over to my food storage and grabbed a caribou leg. I lied down and began to eat as I examined the pup. He seemed to be bothered by something in his sleep. Who knows what's going through his head right now? The thought of it made me feel sorry for the pup.

About halfway through eating, I saw the pup start to wake up. He was facing away from me and lifted his head up and let out a big yawn. He didn't really seem to be bothered by anything. "Mom, dad, I had the scariest nightmare ever. We were walking around, and these wolves came out of nowhere and hurt us." He pouted, obviously distressed by the while thing. This wasn't going to be easy breaking it to him. "Mom, dad?" he called out, a little confused as to why they weren't answering.

"I'm sorry pup, they aren't here." I spoke softly. He flipped around and faced me. When he saw me, he began to tremble with fear? He started slowly backing away.

"Who are you, where are my patents?" he asked, scared out of his mind.

"I'm a friend, I promise. And your parents, I'm sorry to say, didn't make it. They're dead." I gave it to him straightforward. No need raising his hopes to only crush his heart even more. By this time the poor pup was bawling his eyes out.

"No, they can't be dead," he shouted, not wanting to believe the truth. He curled up into a little ball and just let the tears fall, sobbing from his new-found reality. I felt so bad for him and wished I could do something to ease the pain.

Slowly, I walked over to him and gently rubbed his back as he let it all out. "Its okay, pup, let it all out. Everything's going to be just fine," I tried to assure him.

"No, it's not," he cried out violently. "Mom and dad are the only ones who cared for me." It was heart breaking seeing. I didn't know what to do. How do you consult a pup who just lost his parents?

I decided to say the first thing that came to mind. "I'll take care of you," I told him. I don't know why I said that, but it seemed like the best thing to do. Plus, what am I supposed to do? Just send him away? I couldn't do that.

He looked up at me with teary eyes, "R…really?" he asked.

I smiled softly down at him, "Of course, I can't just leave you out here alone."

It wasn't much, but he seemed to cheer up just a tiny bit. He smiled ever so slightly, "Thank you."

"No problem. Now, what's your name?" I asked him.

"Its, M…Max," he sniffled out.

"Max, huh? That's a pretty cool name," I smirked, trying my best to cheer him up.

"You really think so," he perked up a little. I just smiled and nodded my head. He thanked me again while looking away shyly. I was tempted to ask if he remembers what happened, but I assumed he didn't want to talk about that right now. He's already having a hard time as it is, I don't need him to relive it right now. I decided I'd just bring it up later.

"So, are you hungry?" I asked him. It took no time for him to start nodding his head, telling me he was starving. He seemed to be a little happier with me talking to him, a d with a promise to take care of him, I'm sure he is feeling a little relieved. But he was most definitely still upset about his parents. Maybe he was just trying to keep it together for me, but underneath that he was a mess waiting to explode into tears again.

I went over and got some meat for Max and brought it back to him. He dug right in, not waiting anytime devouring the entire slab. I couldn't help myself but chuckle at his behavior. In no time he was completely done with his food.

"Hungry," I laughed, getting him to look away shyly again.

"Sorry, I was just starving," he apologized.

"No need to be sorry, I was just teasing."

"What's your name?" he quickly asked.

"My name is Humphrey," I told him.

"That's a nice name," he complimented me.

"Why, thank you. Now how about we get some rest. We've both had quite a rough day, don't you think?"

He let out a depressed sigh and nodded. He lied down where he was and tried to fall asleep

The next four weeks weren't easy on either of us. It took Max awhile to get used to me and took him even longer to get over the death of his parents. To be completely honest, I don't think he ever got over it. He just got used to hiding the pain. The first two weeks had Max waking up every night in the middle of the night screeching in terror as the memories of his parent's death haunted his dreams. I did my best to try and comfort the pup, but it wasn't easy. Fortunately, over time he grew to trust me and even felt comfortable talking with me about what was going on in his head. Anyone could assume what Max was thinking, but to hear him talking about his dream and memories of the event was heartbreaking. I wouldn't wish for this to happen to anyone, not even the worst of my enemies. However, it did help us bond.

I shared with him my traumas and past pains. Sharing our painful pasts helped bring us closer together and we found a certain common ground. After the first two weeks our bond become pretty strong. Max seemed to trust me completely now and followed me around anywhere I went. The poor guy would be fear stricken anytime I had to go out of eyesight from him. I didn't mind though, taking care of Max gave me a certain joy. If it wasn't for me the pup would have died. I felt as though I had a responsibility to Max and if I had to take care of him and become his father, then so be it.

All these weeks later we were walking down a path. I hadn't walked this path since I had first found Max. I dint particularly want to go down this way, but Max was set on coming here. Max had asked if I could take him to see his parents grave today and though I was reluctant, I would not deny Max of trying to make some sort of peace. The entire walk was silent and as I gazed down at Max, I could see the pain in his eyes. It hurt seeing him like this, but he seemed to think this is the closure he needed so we pressed on.

It took some time, but we eventually made it to the clearing with the recently disturbed soil. Unsurprisingly, Max immediately started crying at the sight of his parent's grave. This pain would not fade for a long time, if it ever did. I sat back silently as Max went up to the grave and collapsed down next to it. He stayed there awhile, quietly talking to his parents getting everything off his chest. I tried to not listen in on the private conversation, but one thing said did catch my ears.

"I will miss both of you, but you don't have to worry about me. Humphrey won't let anything happen to me." Hearing that made my heart skip a beat. Knowing that someone trusted me enough to keep their life safe filled me with a happiness I hadn't felt for a while.

He stayed there for a little longer, I would have let him stay until the sun went down if he really wanted to, but he eventually shakily brought himself to his paws and told me he was ready to go. We began walking back again in silence, but I felt like I needed to say something.

"Max," I called for his attention. He looked up at me with tears still in his eyes. "I know we have only known each other for a few weeks, and we may not be blood related, but I just want you to know that I love you like a son and I will do everything in my power to protect you." I meant every word of what I said, hopping this wasn't too soon to admit that.

I saw his lip begin to quiver and for a moment I thought maybe I said something I shouldn't have. However, those thoughts were erased as Max latched onto me with a hug a cried into my shoulder. But they were more tears of joy instead of the usual tears of sorrow. "I love you too… dad." Again, my heart fluttered. I never thought I'd be happy again, not after certain events. But here I am, happy as ever with someone I could start a new life with. I was happy and content and it felt nice, even if it was for only a moment.

"Well, isn't that precious," I heard the voice only moments before I felt myself being forced to the ground. I felt a little dazed as I looked to where the voice was coming from. What I saw made me growl fiercely.

"Alex, you bastard. Let us go," I snarled, trying to break free from the wolves holding me down. That's when a sudden thought shot into my mind. I snapped my head over to where Blaze was only to see him pinned under a much larger wolf. The fear in his eyes said everything and at that moment I don't think I had ever been as angry. If it weren't for the two wolves holding me down, I would have latched onto Alex's neck and killed him were he stood. But I was helpless.

"Well, look who it is. The one who got away and…" Alex took a moment to try and recognize who he was looking at. He seemed to remember after a second. "Ah, I see you survived pup. How unfortunate. Guess I'll just have to set things right." He smiled evilly and walked over to Max with malicious intent.

"Alex, please don't. He's only a pup." I pleaded to him. He stopped and looked between the two of us, something notorious brewing in his mind. Slowly, a grin grew on his face and I knew something bad was about to happen.

"Fine, I won't kill him," he stated. I knew there was something else to it. "But I'll make sure you'll never see him again. Take him back to the pack." The wolf holding Max began dragging him away while he screamed for me. I tried all I could to escape and get back to him, to try and save him like I promised I could. But it was all in vain. As soon as he was out of sight, I felt something strike the back of my head and then blackness.

I woke up hours later with no one in sight. I ran around for hours trying to find any signs of where they went. But I couldn't even get their scent after a certain distance. I went back to my den that night and cried myself to sleep. When I was banished from the pack my heart died a little. But after that day, when I lost Max, I lost all feeling for everything.

End of Flashback

"I broke my promise I made, and I still have yet to forgive myself. To this day I have no idea what happened to him. I don't know where he went or even if he's dead or alive. I know nothing and it haunts me every day." I finished with tears streaming down my face. I had buried all of that for so long and just wished for the pain to go away. I had my eyes glued to the ground, not looking at anyone as a cried my eyes out. I had no idea how any of them were reacting. As I sat there wallowing in my sorrow, I heard paw steps coming towards me and soon I was brought into a hug by my mate, followed by my pups.

"I'm so sorry Humphrey, for everything. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions or accuse you of such things. No one should have to go through such things." I didn't have any ill feelings towards her for what she said, he did drop some pretty big news. I didn't say anything, just accepted the hugs happily. After our little happy moment, I looked over at the others, but what I saw confused me.

"What are you three smiling about?" I asked, referring to David, Andy, and Smitty.

"Oh, its just we kind of took over the Pack formally lead by Alex, and one of the first wolves we freed was a pup named Max." David chirped.

I looked at them with wide eyes, not believing what they were saying. All I could get out was, "Really?"

"Really!" Both David and Andy exclaimed excitedly. Slowly, a smile crept over my face as a new hope rose in me.

"Where is he?" I asked quickly.

"Well, the last time we saw him, he was walking off towards your old den. Man, if I knew he was your adopted son I would have brought him straight here."

This was the greatest news I've heard since Kate told me she was pregnant with my pups. I wanted to run there as fast as I could and bring him into my embrace. However, looking at my family I knew I had an obligation to them and couldn't just leave them right now. That's when an idea came to mind.

"David, could you go and see if he's still there. If he is, could you bring him here, but don't tell him why; I want that to be a surprise."

David smiled and gave a nod, "No problem. I'll be back as soon as I can!" He gave a final farewell and took off in the direction of my old den.

The joy I was feeling could not be properly explained. Max, the pup I failed to protect, was still alive and now after all this time I will finally see him again. I could hardly wait and I could barely contain my excitement. For now, though, all I could do was wait.