Song featured:

Wayfaring Stranger

An Old American Folk-Song.

If you want to hear a good rendition, listen to the one from the soundtrack for 1917.

By the time Sam and Dax returned to the clearing, night had already fallen, the only light being from the waning half-moon that shown overhead. But as the duo made their way back toward the pack, Sam happened to notice a grey-furred female putting herself further away from the others. Confused, Sam began to walk toward the female, followed by Dax who had a knowing smile on his muzzle.

Suddenly, the female turned her head in Sam's direction when her ears twitched at the sound of his approach. And when Sam saw her eyes, he was instantly reminded of Daria, for this female's eyes processed the same milky white haze over them. But, to Sam's surprise, she smiled after taking a strong whiff of the air.

"Hey Dax," she called in a lighter accent, making Dax smile as he approached her.

"Hey Hope, how goes sentry duty?"

"Not bad. Right now, I can only smell and hear the pack."

This caught Sam off guard. Upon hearing that Dax had put a blind wolf on sentry duty, Sam was getting a very unnerving feeling as he stared at this Hope with uncertainty. Dax must have sensed this, his suspicions being confirmed when he saw the uneasy look on Sam's face.

"Hope, I want you to meet our new friend. Sam, this is Hope, one of the finest trackers in the Wayfarin' Pack. She can't see worth shit, but her hearing and sense of smell are impeccable."

At first taken aback by Dax's bluntness in describing Hope's condition, Sam managed to relax when he saw her smile, a lite giggle escaping her throat as she and her leader conversed with each other. In short, Dax had explained to Hope what was happening, the girl flashing a smile in Sam's general direction as she was regaled with the story of how he, his son and friend were swept downstream the massive storm.

"Well Sam," Hope said with a lap, "you just stick with us and we'll get you home."

"Thank you Hope," Sam said with a smile, "I appreciate that."

After a few more minutes of talking, Sam and Dax final continued toward the rest of the pack. And when they reached the main congregation area, the two could see that Duke and Jake were back from their little romp, as evident by the fact that they were nuzzling each other and giving each other affectionate licks and nuzzles.

As for the rest of the pack, the were enraptured by a melodious sound, the sours being Liam, who with the voice of an angel, sang a human song he had heard before, a song that he felt fitted with this unusual pack perfectly.

"I am a poor wayfaring stranger

I'm traveling through this world of woe

Yet there's no sickness, toil, nor danger

In that bright land to which I go."

All around, the wolves, bear, fix and hawk listened intently, the bitter-sweet song making their chests ache at the words that Liam sang, words that made them think of their travels, and their dreams of finding place that they could call home.

"I'm going there to see my father

I'm going there, no more to roam

I'm only going over Jordan

I'm only going over home."

What Liam sang next, encompassed the very feeling of hopelessness, of struggle and strife, not just for the Wayfaring Pack, but himself, his father and Sweets, who was laying down just behind Liam with a sad smile on her muzzle, a few tears slipping down her cheeks as she listened.

"I know dark clouds will gather 'round me

I know my way is rough and steep

But golden fields lie just before me

Where God's redeemed shall have their sleep

I'm going home to see my mother

And all my loved ones who've gone on

I'm only going over Jordan

I'm only going over home."

And once Liam had finished singing, the area erupted with sound of long, sorrowful howls, Liam and Sweets joining the chorus along with Sam and Dax. And after a solid minute of howling, the calls subsided, and the pack returned to a state of normalcy as each member went about their business, some even complimenting Liam on his voice.

But the moment was ruined when Jenny returned to the clearing…with a cougar in tow.

"JENNY!" Dax called in an authoritative voice upon notice the duo, making said wolf and her feline companion stop in their tracks, theirs bodies stiffening as all heads turned toward them. And to say the air was deathly still would be an understatement. But the quiet shock was quickly broken by Jake and Duke, who both sprang tot heir feet and began growling at the cougar, the same one that had attacked Liam and Sweets, who were currently staring daggers at the feline.

"Who is this?"

Before Jenny could even responded, Liam had walked up beside Dax, giving his own answer.

"She's the cougar that tried to kill me and Sweets earlier. She would have succeeded if Jake, Duke and Jenny hadn't shown up."

Upon hearing this, Sam looked at the cougar with disdain, his own hackles slowly raising as he walked up to be by his son's side, the younger wolf himself looking at the mountain cat with great contempt. At this point, Jenny could see the situation getting out of paw.

But luckily, she didn't have to diffuse it.

"I'm sorry about that," the seemingly bashful feline suddenly said, her gaze cast to the ground. But when she raised her head once again, the wolves staring her down could see a pleading look in her golden eyes, eyes that were filling with tears.

"I was just so hungry. It's been days since I've last eaten. Please, if you can spare just a little food I'll go, and you won't see me again."

"Boss," Jenny suddenly added in, her voice soft and compassionate, "I've talked to this cougar a little bit. Her name is Selena, and she's been on her own for several weeks after she left her father's pride."

This caught Slade's attention.

"Technically speaking," he began, his skeptical gaze boring into Selena, "Cougars do not have prides. They are solitary hunters."

"My father had an idea," Selena began to explain, "he thought that if cougars were so strong alone, they could be even stronger together. So, he started forming a pride, and for a while it worked. But after some time, things changed. My father faced opposition from other members of the pride, each wanting to overthrow him. It got so bad that he feared for my safety. So, he told me to run and not look back. I've been on my own ever since."

Sam, upon hearing Selena's story, was overcome with a great feeling of Déjà vu, memories of his own time with a wolf that made him and his family feel unsafe. But, lucky for him, that wolf was dead, and in a way had helped Sam's father-in-law to become a far better wolf than what he could have imagined. But for him and Dax something still did not sit right with them. Something about Selena and her story just felt…

Wrong.

But they would let it slide…for now.

After exchanging a nod with Sam, Dax called to Jake.

"JAKE! Get a piece of caribou for our guest."

At first reluctant, Jake did as he was told, retrieving a fresh slab of meat from a recently killed caribou and bringing it Selena, who graciously accepted the offering, only to savagely begin tearing into it with great ferocity. And it was only when she noticed the others staring at her that she realized her little faux pa.

"Sorry," she said giving a sheepish smile. This actually earned a small giggle from Jenny.

"No need to pace yourself hun. Yer obviously starving."

Now Selena didn't know why, but the way Jenny addressed in such an endearing way caused a blush to creep through her fur, especially with the memory of their little session in the forest still fresh in her memory…and on her tongue. Luckily, it was dark enough that the others couldn't see.

"You can rest here for the night," Dax added with a straight face, "but tomorrow we head our separate ways."

"Yep," Kyle added in a chipper tone as he bounded up to Dax, "we're heading to Banff."

"KYLE!" Dax warned through clenched teeth, making the young tod shrink back upon realizing he said something he shouldn't have. But, to Sam's surprise, a look of recollection crossed Selena's features as she finished her meal.

"Banff? I know where that is. Actually, I know a short cut."

"What do you mean 'shortcut?'" Dax inquired, quirking an eyebrow at Selena's statement, only to become frustrated when Selena rolled her eyes and gave a sarcastic response.

"I mean faster than the long way."

Great, Dax thought to himself, a sarcastic cat.

"I know what a 'short cut is,'" Dax responded in an agitated growl, which seemed to unnerve Sweets, who had come up alongside Dax to get a better read on the conversation. However, Dax's aggravation also seemed to provide a little entertainment not just for Selena, but Jenny as well.

"Look, there's a place called Rogue Pass, named after this pack of wolves that lived in Banff. And I know the fastest way through."

Thinking it over, Dax turned to Sam, rationalizing that the blonde-furred wolf might be able to confirm what Selena was say, having been a rogue himself.

"Any of this hold water?"

"It does," Sam replied warily, still unsure if he could trust Selena, "Rogue Pass is a gorge that starts just a few miles south of Banff. If we can get there, it's a straight shot that could cut a three day journey into a day, day-and-a-half if we take our time. However, I would need Slade to fly ahead so we can get our bearings first. From there…Selena can lead us."

Sam's reluctant suggestion caused great unease in the others, save for Jenny, who looked ta Selena with a lustful gaze, one which did not go unnoticed by the large cat, who felt her blush deepen through her fur. However, the moment was ended by Dax as he spoke.

"Alright, but it'll have to wait til morning. For now, we need to get some shuteye."

At that moment, the rest of the pack took the hint that it was time to turn in. But as Faith, Elsa and Roy were about to turn in, Sam approached them. At first curious about what he might want, the small family rose to their feet and walked a little bit away from the others until they were out of earshot.

"Elsa, can I ask you something?" Sam suddenly inquired.

"Of course, sweetie," Elsa responded with a kind smile.

"Well, I wanted to explain why I ran off earlier when I saw your son, but in order to find out, I need to ask, and you don't have to answer, but…

Who was Roy's father?"

Elsa's smile instantly fell, a haunted look creeping into her eyes as she began to remember a very painful event that had happened to her. But, upon seeing the inquisitive look on Liam's face, a look that said this was a question that need some serious answers, and the look of genuine curiosity on her son's face, Elsa took a deep breath as looked to the both the young males.

"That is a very difficult story to tell…but I will tell you all the same…It was a few years ago. I was traveling alone. One day, I happened upon this pack. It seemed nice at first, and the leader seemed so kind and handsome. But, one day, I saw how he treated the Omega's of his pack. I wanted to run, but he found me. I tried to fight him off, but he was too strong."

At this point tears began to from in Elsa's eyes, her breathing picking up as her mate and son comforted her. Even Sam felt a feeling of sorrow and rage taking over him at the knowledge of what was making Elsa so upset.

"He pinned me down. I thought he was going to kill me…but instead he…h-he…"

"It's alright Elsa," Sam quickly interrupted, placing a comforting paw on her own, "you don't have to say it."

"Thank you," Elsa said with sad smile, tears still streaming down her cheeks, "but anyway, he left me for dead. Luckily the Wayfaring Pack found. Faith healed me, we fell in love, and, well, a few months later Roy came along. Believe me, I hate that wolf with every fiber of my being, but if it weren't for him, I wouldn't have the most important male in my life beside me."

At this point, Roy himself was crying, happily nuzzling his mother as she returned the affectionate gesture. Sam and Faith smiled warmly at the sweet moment. But the older male's smile quickly fell when he remembered one crucial detail he needed.

"Elsa… do you remember what he looked like."

"I could never forget," Elsa growled after a moment, "fur black as night, and eyes red as blood."

That was all Sam needed.

"His name was Cain, a ruthless Alpha who viewed anyone beneath that rank weak and useless. He committed many atrocious acts, and nearly killed me and my family. That is why I ran when I saw Roy; He has his father's face. But luckily, we don't have to worry about Cain anymore."

"Why?" Roy inquired.

"Because Cain is dead. He was hit by a train when he attempted to kill my father-in-law."

There was a long silence.

Then Elsa spoke.

"I have lived in fear for so long," Elsa admitted, "so afraid he would find me again, but now…now I can…

Let it Go."

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Sam didn't know why, but he shuddered as Elsa finished her statement, a look of disdain barely visible on his features, unsure of why three words made him feel like that. But, at that moment, he didn't care as Elsa placed a thankful paw on his own, offering a tender smile which was gladly returned by Sam. But, Sam's happy expression turned to one of confusion when he noticed the families attention was on something behind him. And upon turning around, Sam found Liam standing behind him.

"What is it Son?" he inquired.

"C-can I talk to you alone Dad?" Liam quickly inquired, stammering over his words.

"We'll give you two a little privacy," Faith said with smile, her family following her so as to leave the father and son alone. And for the next several minutes, the two males just stood in silence, Sam staring at his son with an inquisitive look, all while Liam stared at his paws, which were fighting with anxiety. But, after taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Liam blurted out what he wanted to say…a little too quickly.

"ALANDIAREDATING!"

"WOAH! WOAH! Slow down son," Sam said with a laugh, "one more time, and this time take it slow."

"Okay," Liam said with a shaking voice, taking one more deep breath before slowly, and calmly saying,

"Al and I are dating."

Now to Liam, the two seconds that followed were the longest in his entire life. But the moment he saw his father smile, his jaw dropped open by what he said next.

"It sure took you long enough."

This rocked Liam to the core.

"YOU KNEW?!"

"I'M YOUR FATHER BOY!" Sam exclaimed with a laugh, "I NOTICE THESE THINGS! I pretty much had it figured out when Al told me he liked males. I mean why would he tell me, of all wolves, that he was gay if he wasn't dating my son…and your mother pretty much confirmed it."

At that moment, Liam felt a great weight lifted off of him.

"So…you're not upset that I like girls AND boys?"

At that moment, Sam's laughter subsided, his wide smile replaced by a smaller, gentler smile as pulled his son close to him, nuzzling his head atop Liam's, the smaller male humming in content as he embraced his father.

"Liam…you are my son, and I love you…nothing is ever going to change that…but, if I'm being honest, I was more hurt that you felt you couldn't tell me."

And at that moment, upon looking at his father's dejected face, Liam felt a great wave of guilt crash over him, his face contorting in sorrow as he threw himself into his father, his tears soaking the fur on his chest as he cried.

"I didn't want to hurt you dad," he sobbed. "I don't know why I was so afraid to tell you. I guess…I was afraid you would be disappointed in me, that I wasn't the son you had thought you would have."

Upon hearing these words, Sam's heart wrenched as he nuzzled his son, his own tears falling as he did everything, he could to console his crying pup. And that made his heart ache more, as Liam was hardly his "little pup" anymore. He would practically be adult by the coming winter.

"I told you son," Sam rasped out, "I love you…and I am so proud of you. Nothing you do could ever make me feel any different…"

At that moment, Sam let a mischievous smile break out on his muzzle at a statement that most assuredly embarrass his son.

"Even if you want to tap Al's…"

"DAD!" Liam practically screamed as he shoved his father away, the older male laughing loudly at the deep blushing showing through Liam's fur.

"Sorry son, I couldn't resist."

And at that moment, Jake entered the scene.

"Did ya do it?" he inquired playfully.

"I did it!" Liam exclaimed as he beamed brightly.

"I knew you could," Jake responded, "know come on, it's time for shut eye."

And as the trio of wolves made their way back to the others, Sweets was beginning to settle down for the night, and was just about to lay her head down on her paws when she was approached by Dax, who offered a kind smile which was returned by a shy one.

"Everywhere else is full…mind if I join you?"

"Not at all," Sweets answered with a little giggle, a deep blush on her cheeks the moment she felt Dax's side brush against hers as he laid down beside her. And for the next several minutes the two just lay in silence. And after a while, they found themselves star gazing.

"It's so beautiful," Sweets said in awe, not noticing that Dax's attention really wasn't on the stars.

"Yeah," he whispered as he gazed at Sweets, "Beautiful."

At that moment Sweets noticed that Dax was looking at her, a small smile on his lips as he did so. And while Sweets was a bit bashful, she felt she had enough confidence to do a little teasing at Dax's expense.

"You Texans are pretty forward, aren't you?" she playfully inquired, causing Dax's face to fall as he quickly noticed how much he had been staring at this girl he had only just met.

"S-sorry," Dax stammered as he averted his gaze. In fact, Dax was o embarrassed that he made to move from his spot. And if Sweet's was being honest with herself, that was the last thing she wanted.

"Hey," she quickly said, putting on paw on Dax's, "I didn't say it was a bad thing. And you wanna know the truth?"

At that moment, Sweets leaned into Dax's ear, the male shivering at what was whispered by the beautiful omega beside him.

"I like it when males look at me…and females."

"Why Miss Sweets," Dax said with wide eyes and a smug smirk, his anxiety over the situation slowly subsiding as he gazed at the beautiful wolf beside him, her creamy fur and stunning golden eyes shining beautifully in the half-moon light, "if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to seduce me."

And what Sweets said next really got his heart thumping.

"Maybe I am, but you have to catch me a nice dinner before you get the goods."

And it was at that moment, Sweets noticed something in the corner of her vision…

A little flash of red peaking from Dax's sheath.

Oh, Sweets thought to herself as a sly smirk formed on her muzzle, that's it…Mama's not going to sleep without a snack first.

And so, with as seductive a look as she could muster, Sweets whispered in Dax's ear…

"Why don't I help you with that, my big, handsome Wayfarer?"

Confused at first, Dax's look of confusion turned to one of shock and embarrassment as he noticed that his member was nearly half-way out of his sheath. Quickly standing to cover his growing erection with his fore-paws, Dax was suddenly halted in his actions by Sweets, who with a sultry smile, walked past, brushing her tail beneath his chin before walking to rise at the edge of the clearing. And when she did, she made sure to lift her tail high enough to show off what she had to offer.

Needless to say, Dax needed no further persuasion as he quickly followed Sweets over the rise, only to receive a surprise in the form of Sweets tackling him, forcing Dax's against a nearby tree, his eyes wide in panic as he saw Sweets look down on him with a dangerous look of lust in her eyes.

"Sweets," he finally managed to get out, "isn't this a little to fast. I mean, we only just met, and I don't want you doing something you'll regret later."

At that moment, Sweets froze in her actions, her eyes growing wide at the amount of concern Dax was showing her. And if Sweets was being honest, she couldn't help but feel deep admiration for Dax at this moment, not just his consideration of her feelings, but it was this combined with the fact that he was kind, smart, and to top it off a real looker…

Everything she wanted in a mate.

And while she was happy with the time she had with Candy, the two not really mates, more "friends with benefits," Sweets figured that maybe if she and Dax got serious, she would invite her best-friend to join them now and again, which she was positive Dax would thoroughly enjoy.

And while it did seem fast…Kate and Humphrey's start was just as fast….

And look how it turned out for them.

And so, with great sincerity, Sweets, with a loving smile on her muzzle, leaned in so that her nose was touching Dax's, and whispered against his lips…

"I like fast."

At that moment, Dax couldn't take it, and responded just as huskily…

"So do I."

And almost as fast as lighting, the two wolves found themselves in a heated make out session, their tongues battling for dominance as their moans bounced off the trees, any concern of the others hearing them gone with the wind as their paws roamed all over each other's bodies. But, at some point during the session, Sweets broke their connection, only for her lips to start trailing down Dax's jaw, to his chest, and his stomach, until finally she reached his pelvis.

"Now," Sweets said cheekily as she prepared to lay herself down on the ground, "let's see what the great leader is packing."

And upon laying eyes on her prize, Sweets' eyes grew wide at the sight of a nearly nine-inch-long wolfhood, knot and all, throbbing between Dax's legs, a lustful growl escaping her throat as she laid down on her stomach. After taking a few moments to admire the impressive piece of meat before her, Sweets reached a paw forward, smiling with pride as she elicited a gasp of pleasure from Dax the moment she wrapped said paw around his shaft.

"Mmm," she moaned as she began to stroke his member, "so tasty looking."

Dax, unprepared for this, began to dig his claws into the bark of the tree his pack was pressed against, his teeth grinding together in pleasure as he clenched his eyes shut. Sweets, taking this as a good sign, upped her game by leaning her head forward to gently blow on the tip of the wolfhood in her grasp, which at this point had developed a sizable glob of precum.

"Fuck," Dax softly swore as he then felt Sweets lick said glob off the tip, the female moaning at the salty taste on her tongue.

But she didn't stop there.

To Dax's surprise and ultimate pleasure, Sweets began to move her mouth along the length of his shaft, wrapping her tongue around the musky tool as she did, relishing the taste as Dax moaned loudly at this point, not caring if anyone heard. But soon, Dax received another great surprise in the form of Sweets bringing her head back to the tip. In an instant, Dax's jaw dropped in a silent moan as Sweets quickly brought her head down on his wolfhood.

Unfortunately for Sweets, she only managed to bring her head down three-quarters of the way before she felt the tip of Dax's penis hit the back of her throat, making her gag slightly. But, she decided that for Dax and her pleasure, she would push herself beyond her limit.

With a little bit of self-coaxing, Sweets began to attempt to take more of Dax into her mouth, still slightly gagging as she tried. Before long, Dax was moaning without abandon as he felt Sweets attempt to literally swallow his wolfhood. And once Sweets' lips reached his knot, he couldn't control himself as he placed both of his paws of her head, holding her down as he tongue lolled out of his mouth.

Sweets, however, was at a loss for what to do. With Dax holding her down, she found it difficult to control her gagging as Dax was the largest male she had ever sucked off. But soon, Sweets felt her throat start to relax, the rarely used passage quickly accommodating the large haft within. Before long, Sweets' eyes fluttered shut as she moaned around the shaft, the vibrations, making Dax moan as he felt Sweets add to the pleasure by wrapping her tongue around his encased member.

Removing his paws from Sweets' head, Dax decided to sit back and watch as she slowly began to bob her head up and down on the now slick wolfhood, while at the same time using her right paw to fondle his balls. And as this happened, Dax smiled lustfully as he saw Sweets twisting her hips, spreading her hind legs before using her other paw to rub her dripping folds, the sight of which prompting Dax to bring one paw back down on Sweets' head.

"Yeah," he moaned, eyes closing in bliss, "just like that baby."

Upon hearing this, Sweets received quite a shock as she felt Dax forcing her head down, speeding up her thrusts as her eyes went wide in surprise. However, Sweets quickly adapted to the change, adding to the pleasure by twisting her head with each bob while at the same time rubbing her pussy faster, her orgasm quickly approaching.

This proved to be too much for Dax.

"SWEETS...CUMMING!"

Upon hearing this, Sweets quickly swatted Dax's paw away. As she as she did this, Sweets brought her head up so that her lips were still wrapped around the head. Moving the paw that had been fondling Dax's balls, Sweets wrapped it around the part of the shaft that was exposed before vigorously stroking it. In seconds, Sweets was rewarded with strand after strand of hot cum, the first few shots filling her cheeks like a chipmunk. But, needless to say, the salty, musky taste sent Sweets over the edge as she sprayed her sweet juices all over the ground, the dirt becoming soaked from the great release Sweets just had.

After about fifteen seconds, the two's orgasms died down. Sliding his back down the tree, Dax looked up to Sweets as she brought herself to her feet to stand over him. And as Dax could see, her cheeks were still puffed out from the semen in her mouth. But soon, Sweets tilted her head back, making a huge gulping sound as she did so. Looking back to Dax, she opened her mouth with a smile to reveal something that, to Dax, was even hotter than a mouth full of his cum.

Nothing.

"That is so hot," he whispered with a seductive smirk, the smile growing as Sweets laid herself on top of him, her head falling on his chest as the two continued to bask in their afterglow, both focusing on the sound of their breathing and heartbeats. And it was only about ten seconds later that Sweets finally let out a loud yawn, a clear sign that she was ready for sleep. And when she nuzzled her head into Dax's chest, the male couldn't help but smile as he placed a tender lick on Sweet's head before drifting off to sleep.

And before long, everyone in the area was sound asleep…almost everyone.

Once making sure that the coast was clear, Selena's glowing eyes looked around the clearing, double checking that everyone was asleep. And once she was sure, she made her way out of the clearing, senses on high alert. And the moment she was a good hundred yards away, she came face-to-impatient face with Kako, who looked at her with slight aggravation.

"I told you to scout ahead, not join them," he snarled.

"I decided to change the plan," Selena said in a confident tone, clearly unphased by father's attitude.

"I'm leading them to Rogue Pass…the perfect place for an ambush."

And the moment those words hit his ears, Kako's snarl turned into a smile of devious glee.

"That's my girl. Yes, lead them to Rogue Pass. I'll organize the others and run ahead. By days end tomorrow we'll be feasting on wolf."

With that, Kako turned back towards the pride, leaving his proud daughter behind to continue her work. But, as soon as she returned to the clearing, Selena couldn't explain the feeling she got in her chest the moment she laid on eyes on the forms of the sleeping wolves, and not just the adults, but the pups as well…as well as the three strangers just wanting to find their way home.

Was this regret?

She didn't think it was regret…that is until she laid on eyes on Jenny.

DAMMIT! She thought to herself.

Why do you have to be so cute?

And halfway between Jasper and Banff, Selena wasn't the only one having trouble.

"HUMPHREY!"

Humphrey looked up as he saw his father Rex and a small search party from the Tranquility pack come over a small rise, anxious, but hopeful expressions on their faces.

"DAD!" Humphrey called back, the Jasper search party running to meet up with Rex and his party, which consisted of Matthew, Samson, Delilah, and a few others.

"Any luck?" Collin inquired, silently hoping that they had found something on his uncle and cousin.

"Nothing," Samson responded in a light baritone, which was surprising for a wolf his size, "and we had some of our party double check."

"Same," Ewan added in a thick Scottish drawl, "but we kept coming up empty. They may have been swept down one of the other river outlets."

At that moment Rex looked up, noticing Marcel and Paddy flying overhead.

"MARCEL! PADDY!" he called, gaining the two birds' attention. And when they landed, Rex got right to the point.

"Is there a chance you two can fly along other river outlets to see if Sam and the others got swept down that way."

"We can," Marcel added, though with some hesitance, "but it is already too dark and half a moon is hardly enough light to work with."

"Yes," Paddy added, "but we can start looking at first light."

And while this was news that the others didn't want to hear, they couldn't argue with the birds' reasoning.

"Alright you two," King said with great reluctance, "good work for today…get some rest."

With that, the two avian flew away to find a tree to settle in for the night, leaving the large group of wolves alone, each feeling rather dejected, especially Al.

"We'll never find them," Al whimpered, quickly being pulled into a tight embrace by his father.

"We will find them Al," Garth whispered, "don't give up hope."

"Yes," Alan added, "my son has my stubbornness, and Liam is just as stubborn. They're also strong, so we know they can help Sweets."

"For now," Delilah added, "we should head back to Banff. It's closer than Jasper. We can rest and regroup in the morning."

And so, with heavy hearts, the group mad their way to Banff, unaware that their search would come to a favorable close in the coming days.