Kate, Humphrey, and the pups made their way to the front of the leaders den. The whole pack was there. All except one. Kate scanned the crowd in search of her pup. She had hope that he came down, and just took another route to the celebration. She saw his girlfriend, she saw his best friend, but there was no sign of her blonde furred, blue eyed pup. She feels simply awful about the thing she said to him. She just wants to tell him ok how sorry she was, and explain to him how wrong she was.

"He'll show up, Kate," reassured her mate.

"I hope so," said Kate. Throughout the whole trip to the leaders den, the pups were silent. They didn't say a word to their mother. All three of them were dead silent. They were sad and angry and really didn't want to be at the celebration. Their father was trying to keep everyone together.

"Guys," began Humphrey. "Your brother will be fine. He just needs some time to himself. Please try to at least look happy for this celebration."

The three looked at each other and then gave their father a small smile.

"Thank you." He then looked at his mate. "That goes for you too, Kate." She looked at her mate and lightly smiled. They all made their way to the leader's den since they are families of the leaders. Once everyone is there, Winston looked at Kate and her family strangely. "Where is Dean," he asked.

"Dean will be late to the celebration," spoke Humphrey.

Winston looked at everyone and they gave him small smiles.

"Ok, I hope to see him after this." He then walked to the edge with the other leaders and saw everyone looking at him, and quieting down. He then cleared his throat.

"We are gathered here tonight to celebrate the return of our brave hunters! They have been gone for fourteen moons. They were sent to hunt for bigger game. Unfortunately they didn't catch any food, but the good news is that everyone has come back safe. You We will have another hunting party soon, but, for now, let's us feast on what we have now, and welcome back our hunters! Enjoy the rest of the night! The wolves cheered and howled, and began digging into the food laid out for them. Meanwhile, the leaders and their families went to their den to feast on their own meal. They started to dig into the carcass of the elk, and Eve was the first to speak. "So, I heard you pups had a run in with a bear." Winston continued eating. "Uh yeah," began Claudette. "It came up on us when we were waiting for Dean to meet up with us."

"Yes, that is what Garth told us, he said Dean was doing something with Tikanni."

"Yes Grandma," said Stinky. "That's what he told us."

"Well, my question for you two is, why he wasn't at training today?" The two looked at each other, but then looked at their grandfather and Uncle Tony who only shook their heads no.

"Sorry Grandma," answered Stinky. "But by orders of the leaders, we cannot disclose anything about Dean, or his training today."

"Orders of the leaders?" She thought.

"Yes," spoke Claudette. "Grandpa and Uncle Tony told us not to say anything about Dean."

"That's all they said to us, Mom," spoke Kate.

Everyone looked at the leaders. "Winston," asked Eve. "Why?"

"It is Deans place to tell what is happening to him. I guess ,since he hasn't shown up, I can tell you what I saw. Before I do that, I will call someone up." Winston then went outside and howled. All the wolves quieted down. "Will Tyson please come up," he ordered. He then returned and waited for Tyson to come up. A minute later, Tyson came into the den.

"You called sir," asked Ty.

"Yes, I want you here, so we all can confirm what happened to Dean this morning."

"Yes sir."

"Thank you. Ok, now we were about to start single combat today, and I was about to order the trainees to start, but something stopped me giving the ok. Dean had an incident. When he was able to speak, he told me he needed to see Tikanni, and he could help with the incident. I allowed Tyson to take Dean to him. I will never forget what happened to Dean. He collapsed and turned human, but it wasn't like a normal shift. It was slow, and I heard his bones breaking. He looked in pain. He yelled, and bled. Is that what you two saw?" He was referring to Tyson and Tony.

"I saw Ty say something to Dean, and then Dean began shaking," said Tony. Everyone was utterly shocked at what they were hearing. Everyone except for the pups, the Winston, Tony and Ty. Everyone thought Dean was healthy. If something was wrong with him, he had been doing a heck of a job in hiding it. Kate never thought that Dean missed training because something was wrong with him. He was always fine to her. She then looked at Tyson.

"Tyson," she asked. "What did you say to Dean before he had his incident?"

"I told him that I would have his back, always. He then stared at the ground for a little bit, and then he began to shake. blood started to come out of his mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. He then began to shift. It was slow, and it was painful to watch. I couldn't imagine how much pain Dean was in. Once he could speak, he wanted to see Tikanni, so I asked to take him. Winston let me and I walked Dean to Tikanni's den. I saw something I thought I would never see on Tikanni, fear. He looked so pale when he saw Dean. He grabbed Dean from me and took him up to a part of his den. I followed close behind, and he sat Dean on something. He then began to look him over and ask him all these questions. They then wanted me to leave. I didn't want to, but Dean said he'd tell me about whatever was wrong with him later. I left and continued my training."

Humphrey then had a horrible realization.

"Pups," he said frantically. Everyone looked at him. "I don't think your brother went hunting the night before." All of the pups' eyes grew wide.

"What are you talking about Humphrey," asked Kate.

"Mom," spoke Runt. "Dean woke up this morning in his human form, and covered in blood. It was all over his face."

"He said he hunted a rabbit," said Claudette.

"Why would he lie about it," asked Stinky.

"I know who would have an answer," spoke Kate. Everyone looked at her.

"I'm going to see my son." With that she began walking out of the den. Everyone began to follow her. She wanted answers and she wasn't leaving Dean until he gave them. Even if she had to climb the tree to get to him. She saw Kayla come over to the group.

"Hi Kate," she said.

"Hi Kayla, have you seen Dean," asked Kate.

"No, I was about to ask you. I need to talk to him."

"Yeah, get in line," spoke Ty. He glared at her, but said nothing else.

"We are looking for him too," said Kate.

"Is it ok if I join you?"

"Sure, the more help the better."

With that, the full search party consisted of Kate, Humphrey, Claudette, Stinky, Runt, Winston, Eve, Tony, Talia, Garth, Lilly, Tyson, and Kayla. Their first stop would be the tree where Dean was last thought to be. This is considered to be his last known whereabouts. For all Kate and Humphrey knew, he was still up in the tree cooling off. After what Kate said, he had every right too. Soon, they made it to the tree.

"Dean, I need to talk to you," spoke Kate. "And apparently you have others who deserve an explanation." Winston took this as his queue.

"Dean, son, it's grandpa. I just want to know what's wrong. I know you're not well, and all of us just want to help."

There was no sound. The wind was all that could have been heard. Stinky got an idea and began sniffing the air. He went to the tree and caught his scent. He continued to smell for more while others tried their luck to coheres him out. Tyson tried his luck, then Runt, but something came up, and Stinky found something.

"Mom," he asked.

"What is it Stinky?"

"I found a scent. It's Dean." She quickly ran to her son and began to sniff where he found the scent.

"He jumped." Kate quickly began to track the scent with everyone not far behind. They continued a little bit further and this lead to a shocking discovery.

"No way," spoke Humphrey.

"He didn't," spoke Runt.

"He wouldn't," spoke Claudette.

Everyone was utterly speechless. They couldn't believe what Dean had done. He jumped out of the tree, and left. He left out of the territory and out of the park. His trail continued out of the territory. He was gone.

"He's coming back right," asked Tyson.

Kate was quiet. She was deep in thought.

Winston began to speak.

"We can't go out of the territory. We will be killed by hunters."

"If I may," spoke Talia. "We do happen to have an excellent human tracker. He is one of the best I know. He can blend in with humans a lot better than us, considering he is one."

Kate caught on and began to sprint to the home of the one other human she knew. She was going to see Tikanni. He would probably the only thing that understands what is happening to Dean. With that thought in mind, she gained speed. Soon, everyone was at the front door of Tikanni.

"Tikanni, It's Kate. Please come out." She then scratched at the door.

"On my way," was all that was heard from the other side of the door. Soon, Tikanni opened the door. He was in sweats and a t shirt. He looked around. His eyes grew wide at the sight of thirteen wolves at the door.

"This can't be good." Tikanni then looked closer at the wolves, and he couldn't find the wolf he was looking for.

"Where is he?"

"He left," spoke Runt.

"Where to exactly did he leave to?"

"Out of the territory. We need you to bring him back," spoke Kate. Tikanni was silent for a moment.

"Before I go anywhere," he began. "I am going to make sure Dean is not just taking a night out on the town. Tikanni quickly shut his door and a ,few minutes later, he came back with his shoes and a sweatshirt. He began walking down his steps and into the forest. "Where are you going," asked Kate.

"I am going to find my answers."

Tikanni kept walking, and he was soon being followed by the thirteen wolves. The trek was silent. No one said a word, for they didn't know where they were going. The only one who knew was Tikanni. He then stopped at a tree with a hole under it. Kate and Humphrey looked around and soon realized where they where.

"Humphrey, this is...," she began.

"Where we found Dean after he found out his family died," he finished his mates thought. This is indeed the place where Dean sought shelter from everyone when he heard the news of his family dying

"Huh," thought Tikanni. "So that's the significance of this place. He never told me."

He then told the wolves why he came here.

"If Dean's not coming back, he would have taken his bag with him. He told me in case I needed to find him." Tikanni then stuck his hand into the small den.

"I think Dean just took a night out on the town, and why don't I feel the backpack?"

Tikanni then stuck his hand out and peered inside the hole. His eyes grew wide with fear. "Oh no."

Tikanni then jumped up and he began to sprint to his log cabin home. He quickly hopped in his house and forgot to close the door. The wolves took this opportunity to follow him inside. He went upstairs and grabbed a large military grade backpack. He then picked up the phone and dialed a number in his phone. Soon a very irate voice came on the phone. Some very loud voices leaked into the room.

"Judging by your tone, General, I'd say it would be late. I just thought I would brief you and say I am going to San Diego." The voice spoke again on the phone.

"I am meeting with a friend. It's a vacation."

The voice spoke again.

"Yes Sir, thank you sir. Have a good rest of your evening sir."

With that the phone hung up.

Tikanni began packing before he heard a voice behind him.

"San Diego?" He turned to see the wolves and it was Runt that spoke. "Where is that?"

Tikanni walked over to a bookshelf in his room, and pulled out a book. It was an atlas. He then walked over to the wolves. He presented them with a map of the United States. He then pointed to California.

"This is where San Diego is. It is called California." Tikanni then turned a page to Canada.

"We are here in Jasper, Alberta, Canada. It is about a two days drive." Tyson got an idea, and silently left the group.

"How do you know Dean is going there," asked Kate.

"That's where he thinks his sister is located."

Everyone was shocked. For all they knew Dean's sister was dead with her family.

"I thought she died," spoke Tony.

"She is alive, but she has no memory. I really can't get into this I am running out of time."

"Why are you in such a hurry," asked Humphrey.

"Let me rephrase it," elaborated Tikanni. "I am not running out of time. Dean is running out of time."

"What is wrong with Dean," asked Kate. This is the question that was burning through everyone's mind. "He didn't tell me, or any of us for that matter. I know something is wrong."

"It's not my place to say."

"Well I'm asking you, so talk," ordered Kate.

"Fine, you want the truth? Dean is dying. If he pushes himself too much, his magic will not heal him and he will die. He is using too much power by shifting from wolf to human. He is doing it so much that his blood is getting confused. It is starting to mix the blood into one. That blood is bad for him, and it's killing him. Some wolf blood is staying when he is human, and some human blood is staying in wolf form. Human blood and wolf blood should never mix.

The words he said ripped the floor out from under the wolves.

"My pup is dying," Kate couldn't believe it. "How couldn't I see it."

"No one saw it," comforted Humphrey.

"He hid it well," spoke Tikanni. "I looked at his blood to find out. He kept it secret for a long time."

"Why would he hide this from us," asked Winston.

"Dean told me that he had a plan. He said he was going to go to Alpha school and stay a wolf until winter. By then he would be an adult, his magic would be stronger, and he would heal. He said he didn't wish to bother anyone."

"We're his family," spoke Claudette. "He is supposed to tell us his problems."

"What changed his plans," asked Stinky.

"Drew, his sister. He said that he has been having dreams where she is in danger. He then told me that when they were little, they performed a spell that tied their minds together. If one was in danger and needed the other, then the sibling would have a dream that gave clues to the endangered siblings whereabouts. His shift today during alpha training was the result of him having a vision of him and his sister performing the spell. Now, I am going to San Diego to find him, and possibly find his sister before he goes off to Alpha school."

"I am going with you," spoke Kate.

"No, I am getting him back," spoke Tikanni.

"I wasn't asking. Dean is my pup, and it is my job to protect him, and help him whenever he needs it."

"I'm going too," spoke Humphrey. "He's my pup too."

"We're going too," spoke Stinky and Claudette.

"No," spoke Kate. "We don't know if we will be back before Alpha school."

"How long is it till Alpha school," asked Tikanni.

"Twenty nine moons, now," answered Winston.

"We should be back by then. I am not staying their for a vacation. I am hunting someone. I am quick and I am efficient, ask Talia."

Talia nodded her head. "There is no doubt in my mind that Tikanni will find Dean. He will be quick about it."

Kate and Humphrey were still not convinced.

"Dean is our brother," began Stinky. "We want him to go with us to Alpha school. He would wait for us."

"Yeah," spoke Claudette. "We can find him quicker with more numbers. Dean has saved us so many times. It's time we save him."

After some more convincing, the parents finally relented and allowed their two alpha pups to go on the rescue mission for Dean. Runt spoke up.

"I want to go too."

"No," ordered Kate. "It is too dangerous for you. You are still a young omega."

"Dad's going."

"Your father has fighting experience. He at least can try to defend himself in case of an attack."

"But I can defend myself. I can fight. I have been training."

"I find that hard to believe, Runt. You have no one to train with."

Throughout the whole conversation Humphrey, Stinky, Claudette, and Tikanni remained silent. The knew what Runt knew. They wanted him to tell.

"Kate," spoke Garth. "If he has been training, then he wouldn't mind sparring against me. If he pins me, he gets to go. If I pin him, he stays. Sound fair?"

"I'm ok with that," spoke Runt. "I'll take on anyone to save Dean." You

"Ok Runt," spoke Kate. "If you beat Garth, then you can go."

Stinky and Claudette were shocked. They have witnessed sparring matches with Garth and other alphas. He wiped the floor with them.

Everyone walked outside and stood on the porch. The two combatants walked onto the yard.

"Hey Tikanni," spoke Garth. "Do you have everything you need to help Runt after he loses?"

"I have everything I need to help the loser, hopefully I won't need to stitch anyone up. Runt, make this quick. We are on a schedule."

"Yes sir," answered Runt. He then got into a fighting stance. Garth did the same.

"Runt, I won't be going easy on you."

"I won't be holding back either Uncle Garth."

"Ok Runt." Spoke Winston. "Are you ready?"

"Yes sir."

"Garth, are you ready?"

"Yes sir."

"Ok, start," spoke Winston.

Runt immediately began to attack to the surprise of everyone, even Garth. He began quickly nipping at Garth's legs. Along with Runt's increased muscle, he also gained speed. Runt quickly slipped by Garth and moved to the side. He quickly lunged at Garth and he tried to pin him. Garth remained standing. Runt was thrown off. It was Garth's turn to attack. He didn't give Runt any time to recover. He jumped with wicked speed and tried to pin Runt. Runt knew that if Garth caught him, it would be over, and he wouldn't be able to help Dean. That was if Garth caught him. Runt kept dodging and dancing around Garth's attacks. This commenced three more times He dodged Garth's attack and he lunged at Garth. Runt continued to nip at Garth's paws, dodging his attacks, and grabbing him by the scruff. Garth kept standing tall, but he was being whittled down slowly, but surely. Garth had enough and ran at Runt. He jumped in the air and was heading straight for Runt. Runt dodged and before Garth hit the ground, Runt had Garth by the scruff and slammed him on the ground. Before Garth could figure out what had happened, Runt was staring him in the eyes with his teeth bared. He hard a clean shot for Garth's throat.

"Yield," growled Runt. Garth had no way of stopping Runt. He was pinned. Runt had won.

"I yield," answered Garth. Everyone was shocked. Runt, an omega, has just pinned one of the strongest Alphas of the United pack. The only one who wasn't surprised was Tikanni he smiled and gave Runt a thumbs up.

"What just happened," asked Kate.

"I won mom," spoke Runt. "Now I get to go with you guys."

Tyson got back just as the fight ended. "What did I miss?"

"I'm going to find Dean with Tikanni."

"Oh great, that makes two of us." Everyone then looked at Tyson. "What?!" They all said in unison.

"Ty, no, you aren't coming." Spoke Kate.

"Dean's my best friend. If he is in trouble, I want to help him. He is my family. I talked with my mother and father. They wish for me to be safe, and to bring Dean home safe. Tikanni looked Tyson in the eyes.

"I'm not leaving my brother, Tikanni."

"I believe you. If it's ok with the leaders then it's ok with me."

Tyson looked at them and they were discussing amongst themselves. Finally, Winston gave him a nod. Ty jumped up in excitement.

"Great," thought Tikanni. "Now, I have to find Dean, and keep 6 wolves safe in San Diego. Tikanni's eyes got wide at a sudden realization. "Make that seven." Tikanni then looked to see Talia walk up to him while everyone else was saying their goodbyes to the leaders.

"How are you doing," she asked.

"I thought I wouldn't be going on any rescue missions when I left the force."

"The only difference is you have a choice to do this."

"I always had a choice, Talia. I just chose to act upon it. I'll bring him home even if it kills me."

"I know, but you better come back in one piece."

"I will."

"Don't do anything stupid."

"I'll try not to."

"Be sure to rest well."

"Ok, mom, we will be back as soon as possible." joked Tikanni. He then walked into his home and began to finish packing. He packed several things. The most noticeable were some medicine's. He then packed some clothes, blankets, a pillow, zipped the bag, and went down stairs. He then opened the room to find Princess sending glares his way.

"Can you stand," he asked.

"Why," She growled back.

"Because you are going somewhere with me, so I can keep an eye on you, and provide you with the stuff you need to get your strength back. You are also my prisoner. I am the boss of you. So Princess, does that suffice for a reason enough."

"Don't call me that," she barked. "That is only a name my father made me answer too when he started a rogue pack."

"I am sorry. That is the only thing I heard you were called. Would you care to tell me your real name, or should I resort to calling you POW."

"What's POW?"

"Prisoner of War."

"My name is Willow. If you must know, Tikanni."

"Thank you, you have a pretty name, Willow."

"Thank you, now I am not going with you anywhere, and you will release me."

Tikanni then gave a sadistic grin and sat his bag down.

"You have two options Deary: 1 you get in the truck, or 2 you get in the truck. Either way you are going with me on your own or I will drag you to that truck. I am not afraid to muzzle you and put you in a cage. Your choice."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Honey, are you willing to call my bluff?"

"You'll have to fight me if you come any closer."

"Oh please, I carried you all the way to my home, you are lighter than a feather. You're bites will only make me more mad."

After some silence, the she-wolf admitted defeat.

"Very well Tikanni, I shall go with you on this journey, but only because I choose too."

"Yeah yeah whatever helps you sleep at night. Now, please follow me." He picked the bag up and he walked out of the room with Willow hot on his heels. Once they got out, Tikanni found that the leaders and Garth and Lilly were gone. Everyone that was staying's eyes grew wide at the sight of their enemies daughter.

"Princess," spoke Runt. Kate got into a defensive stance.

"What are you doing here," she growled. Tikanni then stepped in between the two.

"She is with me, Kate. She was wounded by a bear attack, and severely malnourished. She woke up two days ago. She is going with us, so I can treat her, as well as keep an eye on her. This is not negotiable. Also, her name is Willow.

"Ok, welcome to the search of my lost pup, Willow."

"I'm sorry you lost your pup, and I wouldn't be going if I had it my way if it makes you feel any better."

"It doesn't, but thanks for trying."

"I will be back," spoke Tikanni. "I am going to get our ride because I am not walking."

Tikanni then ran behind his house. After a few minutes, Everyone heard a massive roar of something. They all grew uneasy when they see a monster of a vehicle. Everyone looked on in awe as the vehicle pulled up right next to them. They then hear the roar die down, and Tikanni steps out of the vehicle.

"What happened to the other one," asked Humphrey. Last time they saw Tikanni's car is was a black Humvee, not this monster of a vehicle.

"I traded that in, and decided to get something to my liking. After I took you guys to Jasper, I relized I needed something with more room in case I needed to move you guys anymore. I needed to get something a little more comfortable with that space. I customized it all by myself. This is a Toyota King David with a few of my touches. I made it black, I made it extra bullet proof, I added some other stuff, and the tires are my doing as well. Any more questions about our new mode of transportation?"

Everyone shook their heads no.

They then heard the bushes rustling. They looked and saw Kayla running to them.

"Kayla, what are you doing here," asked Kate.

"I am coming, too."

"Oh no," spoke Tyson. "I bit my tongue for Dean's sake long enough, but I am putting my paw down. You are not going with us."

"You aren't the boss of me. I am his girlfriend."

"That's not what he told me. He told me what you did, and ,honestly, If it were me Johnny wouldn't be alive right now. Dean treated you so well, he would hunt for you. You could have asked him to bring you a rabbit in the harshest winter, and he would have done it no questions asked. You had the audacity to do that to him, and now you feel sorry. Tell me this Kayla, are you sorry you did it, or are you sorry you got caught?"

"I know it was wrong, and I shouldn't have done it. I just want to make it right."

"Make it right, Make it Right! Oh that's great. You cheated on him, and you want to make it right."

"What," spoke everyone behind Ty.

"Uh oh," spoke Kayla. She looked to see everyone glaring at her. If looks could kill, Kayla would have bursted into flames on the spot.

Kate lunged at her, but she was soon being held down by Humphrey, and the pups. She made that as her queue to leave. Before she did she looked at everyone.

"I am so sorry," she spoke. She then sprinted to the forest. After a few moments everyone released Kate.

"Ok everyone," spoke Tikanni. "On that note, All aboard the rescue vehicle." Tikanni opened all the doors to his vehicle.

"Willow, I will be nice. You get to sit up front."

"Oh joy, I feel so lucky."

"Uh guys, the no good, backstabbing, cheating she-wolf is gone. You can load up so we can save Dean."

They were still looking at the forest. Slowly but surely they loaded up into the vehicle. Tikanni then had all his doors shut, and he was in the drivers seat. He then turned the vehicle on, and he hooked up his music. He was now ready to go.

"Ok, time for us to go to San Diego." He then pulled out of his driveway, and down the road. Soon the vehicle was gone into the night. The search was on, as of now, two vehicles were heading to San Diego. One was a bus the other was a car. When these two will meet, will be a mystery.


Hey guys sorry for the long wait. I will try to post sooner than this one. I hope you enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving.