O'Connell woke up and glanced at his watch. It was early morning, and Boxing Day. He looked around. He was in his living room, curled up on a sleeping Hermann. On the rug in front of the fireplace was Lucky and Gingernut, curled up together. He rubbed his face against Hermann's chest. The fire had gone out, but Hermann was providing enough warmth for O'Connell to be comfortable. O'Connell closed his eyes. They had planned to get up in about ten minutes, but O'Connell wanted to rest until then. He then sighed and got up, rubbing his eyes.

He opened the bathroom door, to find Bourke in there.

"Darn," he said. He had forgotten he and Hermann had tied the dog there. He closed the door and went to the other bathroom. When he came out, Hermann was awake and had turned on the lights.

"Hey," Hermann said, heading for the bathroom.
"Bourke's in there," O'Connell reminded him, heading for the cupboard that contained the breakfast cereal.

"Oh yeah, I had forgotten," Hermann said, changing his direction and heading for the other one.

O'Connell looked down at the present Hermann had given him. It was a shiny silver and gold figurine of a Command Wolf. O'Connell didn't have anything for Hermann, because he didn't have the time or money to get him anything worthwhile. Hermann already had all that he wanted. O'Connell remembered back to Christmas morning, when Hermann had given him the present. Hermann had said, "All I wanted for this Christmas was to be with you."

"Hey. Your parents are coming back today. How are you going to explain Lucky?" Hermann asked.

"That's why you're here!" O'Connell grinned.

"Seriously, though," Hermann said, eating his breakfast.

"I guess I'll just explain it adopted me and I'm too afraid to chuck it out of the house, so now we have a pet wolf," O'Connell replied.

"What if Lucky wants to come with you and not stay here with your family?" Hermann asked, peering over at the peculiar wolf. Lucky had cobalt eyes, brilliant, sparkling blue. He was certainly an unusual wolf.

"I don't know. Could he be the Ultrasaurus's mascot? I'd take care of him, and he could stay with me and sleep in my room and I'd put a muzzle on him so he can't bite anybody. He'd be great protection, too. The night guards could use him if he likes them. Kind of like a guard wolf. Please Hermann, please! If he doesn't want to stay here!" O'Connell begged.

"Well…" Hermann began. He looked at O'Connell's teal-grey eyes. They were begging, pleading, like a little orphaned puppy wanting to be adopted. Hermann couldn't say no. Besides, there was something special about the wolf.

"Only if he won't stay here," Hermann said.

"Oh thank-you colonel!" O'Connell said, jumping on Hermann and giving him a big hug.

As if he understood what was going on, Lucky got up and barked, and ran around the pair excitedly.
"I swear he knows what we just said," Hermann said, watching the joyful young wolf.

"I think you may be right," O'Connell said, hopping down.

"And I think he may be coming with us…"