A few weeks have gone by since Dean found out about his family. He still feels sad, but he is getting use to it. He is having fun with the pups, and he has been taken on several trips by Winston, Garth, Tony, Lilly, or Eve. He has been having a blast with Kate and Humphrey as well. Throughout these weeks of grief, Dean has also been planning in his head his next move. He wished to find answers, and he knew exactly where to go to find them. On this morning, he rose up from his slumber. He decided to go and get a drink. Everyone else was sound asleep. Kate wasn't patrolling this morning, so she slept in. Dean wanted to let everyone sleep. As he was walking down he decided to go back to his little den after his drink. That place became somewhat of a sanctuary to him. It was far away from everyone's den, but it wasn't as far out of the territory to where he would be in danger of trespassing. As he was stopping by the nearby pond, he heard two voices talking.

"Drake, you are sure that those big wolves are not here," stated a very familiar voice. Dean couldn't put his finger on it. The next voice made his blood boil.

"I am positive, King," said Drake. "That little human twirls guard dog is long gone."

"Good," said King . "Now, I can take this valley from Winston, and Tony, and rule their territory as my own."

Dean snuck into a bush, and looked to see how many wolves were present. It was the rogue pack, and Drake.

"There's a problem with that statement," spoke a voice from the crowd.

"Who dares," snarled King.

A big black wolf with blue eyes, and white markings that resembled a skeleton came out of the bush. Another one came out of the bush next to it. Soon, ten of the hulking beasts surrounded the pack. Along with them came a human boy that was wearing a grey cloak.

"I dares," spoke the boy. King couldn't see his face, but he knew that a human just spoke to him.

"Did you just speak to me human."

"Yes, I did." Dean then took his hood off, and revealed his face to King.

"You," he spoke, now recognizing the boy who thwarted his plans before.

"Me."

"You ruined my plans the first time I tried to take this territory."

"I did, yes that was me. I am here to ruin your plans again."

"Ok human, I'll indulge in your plan. How do you intend to ruin my plan. Dean looked King straight in the eye when he said this next part.

"I'm gonna make sure you are not taking this territory. My wolves fight for me alone, for I am their leader."

King laughed

"A mere human pup can't rule over such magnificent wolves."

Dean then lifted a hand and the Wayas began to snarl. He then put his hand down, and they ceased.

"Proof enough for you." That remark made King snarl. The fact that Dean was staring him directly in the eyes made him even more angry.

"You know, you are a human, and a pup at that, so I don't think you would understand what it means to look a wolf in the eyes."

Dean continued to stare King in the eyes.

"It means you are challenging a wolf."

"No, I know what it means. Why do you think I am doing it."

"You are challenging me."

"Indeed I am, but why don't we raise the stakes a little bit."

"What do you request?"

"Winner take all. If I win, I get to lead your pack. Loser never shows his face in either territory again."

"The loser of this fight won't have to worry about showing his face, he won't be breathing, let alone hiding. That is if I agree to this fight."

"Oh come on Chuck. I know you want to get back at me for ruining your first plan."

"What did you call me!?"

"You heard me Charles. You are no king of mine."

"You dare disrespect me."

"I do dare to disrespect you. If you don't accept my challenge, then you would have been an alpha who would lose to a human pup."

"Come on Chucky." That name was the straw that broke the camel's back. King was livid.

"I don't care if you're their leader or not. I will shut your mouth permanently."

"When and where?"

"Follow me," was all King said.

Dean walked up to one of the Wayas. "Stay out of sight," he said. The Waya nodded, and they began running into the trees and out of sight.

"Why do you send them away," spoke King.

"They'll know who their leader is. They don't need to see this."

"Confident are we?"

"You could say that."

Dean began to follow King and his pack. All while one thing was going through his head.

"What did I just agree to," he thought.

"Enlighten me pup," spoke King."What is your name, so I could name the human pup I kill today."

"Dean."

"Dean, how do you intend to defeat me? You have no claws, you have no fangs. What do you have?"

Dean then unsheathed his daggers, and showed them to King. His eyes showed uncertainty, and a little fear.

Dean then stabbed both of them into a nearby tree. He then removed his sheaths, and his cloak. He hung one on each dagger. He then removed his socks and shirt.

He then looked at King. "I don't need my daggers to beat you. "

He then let out a snarl. His teeth grew into the canines. His fingers and toes became clawed, and he now possessed his wolf tail. The wolves were in utter shock.

"Now you see my teeth, and my claws. This fight is more even."

"What are you?" King looked on in awe.

"I don't even know anymore. I only know that I will do whatever I can to ensure the safety of that pack."

"I see. Are you willing to die for them?"

"Whatever it takes to keep them safe. I owe it to them."

Soon the two packs made it to a clearing in the trees. Then, King stopped.

"Ok Dean, I think this is as good a place as any."

Dean then got in a fighting stance. The two packs formed a circle around the two. Wolves lined the outer tree lines to witness the fight of a lifetime.

"Ready when you are old wolf."

King then lunged at Dean, but he was too slow and Dean dodged it. He lunged again and Dean was just barely able to dodge it. He then jumped into the air, but missed his mark. Dean kept dodging all of King's offense. King soon got tired of it. "Stop running," he yelled. "Ok." Dean then ran at him, and threw a jab to the wolf. It connected, and the wolf reeled back. He quickly recovered and sidestepped to the side. Dean threw another punch, but King dodged it, and lunged for a bite. Dean moved away from the bite, but he ended up getting head butted. Dean stumbled on the ground dazed. He quickly composed himself enough to see King jump on top of him. He went for Dean's throat, but was discouraged of his target when Dean held King's jaws from clamping down. Dean quickly threw the wolves head to the right, and King face planted into the snow right next to Dean. Dean used his newfound teeth to bite down on the neck of King. Dean held on with his arms and mouth as King used all of his might to shake Dean off. After a few minutes of king struggling, he did throw Dean off. Dean stood up, and quickly looked at his enemy. He only had time to lift his arm up had as King ran up to him and clamped his jaws on Dean's arm. Dean quickly used his right hand to slice into King. King quickly backed up in pain. Dean held his now bleeding arm, and looked to his enemy. He too looked his injuries. They then locked eyes, and ran at each other once more. These bouts of one bitting, or cutting the other continued for another few minutes, and the combatants were bloodied. Dean was running out of stamina. He may have more strength than a human his age, but he still can't compete with a full grown grey wolf. He needed to end this fast, or he won't be able to hold out much longer.

"Give it up Dean," huffed King. "I can do this all day."

"Oh yeah, well I don't want to, So, why don't we make this the last stand Chuck?"

"Fine by me human."

"Ladies first."

King sprinted to Dean. Dean quickly dodged Kings attack, and jumped on his back. He wrapped his arms around King's neck, and he had him in a head lock. King began slamming Dean into the ground, nearby trees, just about anything he could do to shake Dean off. He didn't budge.

"Go to sleep, go to sleep. SUBMIT," screamed Dean. "SUBMIT!"

"Never," spoke the wolf. He remained standing for a moment. Dean put the hold on tighter. King was losing air, and he slumped to the ground. Dean held the lock in.

"Father," screamed a feminine voice. Dean looked to see a brown she-wolf being held back by two other wolves. "No," she said. This was clearly King's daughter. Dean did not want this. He didn't wish to take this life. He released the hold and backed away.

"Charles is unable to continue," spoke Dean.

Dean then fell to his knees. King's daughter ran to her father. "Father," she said. He quickly coughed and rose up. "What happened," he slurred.

"I won,"spoke Dean.

"But I am still alive."

"I knocked you out."

Dean tried to get up again, but his legs gave out and he fell again. He shifted back into his human form. King looked at his pack. They stood in awe. "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR," screamed King. "ATTACK HIM."

Most of the wolves stood their ground, but one stood out. Drake stepped out of the group.

"Drake, you hate humans as much as I do, so you'll join me in getting rid of this one."

Drake nodded, and both wolves sprinted to Dean.

Dean closed his eyes. He used up his energy, and couldn't move. He waited. He then heard two yelps. He opened his eyes to see Kate and Humphrey on top of the two. Kate was on top of King, and Humphrey was on top of Drake.

The two managed to wiggle themselves free from under the two wolves and stood up. The were then confronted by the United pack behind Kate and Humphrey.

"King," yelled Winston. "You and your pack are trespassing on United Pack territory. Leave now, or face the consequences." Several wolves began growling at King. He was about to say something, but stopped once he saw that he was alone in this battle. No other wolf other than Drake rallied to his aid. He then sprinted away from the territory.

"Bye Chucky," yelled Dean. Drake began to speak.

"Winston, I was merely trying to help the human." A snowball hit Drake right in the back of his head. Drake turned to see Dean winding up another.

"You are the worst liar I have ever seen."

"You dare call me a-."

"DRAKE," roared Winston. Drake was as quiet as a church mouse at this point. "Leave now while you still can. My mate and daughter may not let you if you don't go now."

He then saw Kate and Eve snarling at Drake. Drake got the message and left, but not before Dean got the final word.

"HEY DRAKE," yelled Dean.

Drake stopped and turned his head, but only or it to be hit with a snowball.

"NEVERMIND," laughed the boy. Drake continued to run. Winston turned his attention back to the Rogues. "Why are you still here," asked Winston. A wolf stood out among the rest. "King is not our leader," spoke the wolf. It then walked closer and bowed his head in respect to Dean. "Dean is our leader now." Everyone was in shock.

"Oh yeah, I won the fight," said Dean. He then tapped Winston and motioned for him to come closer. He then called for Eve and Tony to do the same. They did as requested and Dean whispered something in his ear.

Winston looked at Dean strangely before speaking.

"I don't know, but if it works, I will be ok with it. Tony and Eve nodded their heads in agreement. Dean then cleared his throat. "As your leader I resign my authority to a wolf of my choosing." The wolves were shocked.

"I give my power to lead over you to the leaders of the United Pack. I order you to follow by there rules, not as prisoners, but as equals. You all look starved. I guarantee that if you join this pack, not only will the pack be stronger, but you will as well. Is a dumb law that isn't even in action worth starving over. If you think about it as a survival strategy, more eyes are watching your back, and helping you hunt, or just being there. If you don't want to join, then leave, and don't cause trouble with this pack again. If you do, I will know, and I will come back here, and beat your tail black and blue." After that speech wolves began to go to Dean and bow their head in recognition. Only a select few walked away. One of those was King's daughter, but she did ask to join when she showed up again. She wanted time to think. Winston, Tony, and Eve allowed it. With these numbers in the pack, it was a very formidable force. The territory was huge now. With these wolves now joined, the pack consisted of about thirty seven wolves guessed the leaders. While everyone was happy, Kate, Humphrey and the pups rushed to Dean. "Dean," said Kate. "Are you ok."

"Uh, I think I'll be better once I heal," he said.

"How's your head?"

"I think I have a bump on my forehead, but other than that ok."

"Good."

"I can explain this whole thing, but can I eat something and get warm, please"

"We can fix something up for you," said Humphrey.

Dean was looked over by Eve once again, and she gave him some herbs to help heal his scratches.

He had help grabbing his cloak, and daggers, and he got a new shirt on.

"Mrs. Eve, we keep making this a habit of you checking up on me," said Dean.

"Now who's fault is that mister."

"It's not my fault everyone wants to fight me, or I choose to fight someone." He then told everyone his story of battling King. Everyone was shocked.

"You are very brave," said Eve.

"Thank you Mrs. Eve," said Dean.

He then received a smack on the back of the head.

"Ow," he exclaimed. He looked at Eve.

"Don't you ever do anything like that again."

"Yes ma'am."

Everyone else thanked him and left.

It was Dean, Kate, Humphrey, and the pups in the den. It was all silent until Dean received another smack on the back of his head.

"Ouch," he exclaimed. He then looked at Kate.

"What were you thinking, Dean," she said. "You could have been killed. Did you even think of that?"

"I just didn't want anyone to be hurt. I wanted to make sure you guys were ok. I don't want to lose anyone again. I wouldn't be able to survive."

"But what if you got more hurt than you are now, Dean," said Humphrey.

"I didn't care. You guy's were my one priority. If you were safe, that's all that matters."

"We wouldn't be ok, Dean," said Runt.

"What do you mean?"

"If you lost that battle, if you were hurt worse, we wouldn't be fine," said Stinky.

"But you are safe."

"But you're not," said Claudette. "You wouldn't be ok, and we don't want that. We would feel horrible if you didn't come back. We care about you Dean."

"You don't have to. You paid your debt to me," spoke Dean.

"You're right," said Humphrey. "But you know what? We want to help you. We want you to be ok. We sent the whole pack to look for you when you ran off because we wanted to make sure you were ok. We want to help you. It's not to pay a debt, it's to see you grow."

"Dean," began Kate. "If you didn't come back, I wouldn't know what to do. You have affected our lives in such a way that I don't want to go back to it as the five of us."

She began to weep.

"I was so scared when you ran away from us the day you heard the news about your parents. You were upset, and alone. When I heard you were fighting King, my heart stopped. I thought we were going to lose you." She wept. Everyone began to console her. Dean just remained silent. He looked at everyone and realized that they had tears in their eyes. They were afraid that they lost him. Dean made them feel this way. He felt horrible. He then slowly walked over and embraced them. Soon their tears stopped and they began to speak again.

"You're like a brother to us," said Stinky.

"Brother?"

"Yes," said Claudette. "You are like a brother to us."

"I always felt like a burden. You have to help me so much, and I am living with you."

"No, that couldn't be further from the truth," said Humphrey. "In that video, your mom said she would like to stay longer and tell you how great you are. She didn't need to because we know how great you are. You are so smart, funny, and kind. You did these great and amazing things, they didn't. You come up with these amazing plans. I would have never thought of half of those plans. You have creatures here that care about you."

"Dean, began Kate. "I know that your mom told you that you needed to find a family, but I am going to tell you that if you would like, you could stay here."

"You mean..."

"Yes, you can live here as a wolf."

"What would this mean?"

"You would live with Kate, the pups, and I," said Humphrey. "You would go to alpha school with Stinky and Claudette, and you will be a wolf. If you do choose us, you would have a huge family, and you would be loved."

"I would have a huge family?"

"Yes," said Kate. "You would have Winston, Eve, Garth, Lilly, and Tony."

"I never really thought of that."

"You would have us too," said Runt.

"What do you say Dean," asked Humphrey. "Instead of being an honorary member, do you want to be a permanent member of the family."

Dean was silent for a moment.

"I don't have an answer right now, but I know that I need to do something before I say yes or no. I am sorry."

"No, don't ever apologize," said Kate. "We don't want you to feel rushed. You don't need to make a decision now. You just do it when you are ready. What is it that you need to do?"

"I need to find answers, but to do that, I need to go back to Colorado."

Everyone was silent.

"You need to make a plan before you go," said Humphrey.

"I know, and I have been planning. I need to get my answers."

"Are you coming back," asked Runt.

"I hope to, but I need to talk to Winston, Tony and Eve. I wish to let them know of my whereabouts."

"You need to heal," said Kate.

Dean managed to stand up

"By tomorrow, I will be healed, and I will hopefully be en route to Colorado with me, myself, and I."

"You're going alone," spoke Runt.

"Yeah, there is no point in anyone else going. It's my answers I need to find."

"I feel like you need someone to go with you," spoke Kate.

"I will be fine. I can do this.

He then began to walk to the leaders den. He turned to see everyone with displeased faces. He didn't want anyone to go with him because they didn't need to go. He hoped they would understand once he returned. As he walked up to the leaders den, he saw Winston sitting and looking out over his territory. He turned and faced Dean when he came up.

"Dean, what a pleasant surprise," he said. "I didn't think I'd see you until tomorrow."

Eve and Tony walked out of the den.

"Dean, I thought I told you to rest today," she said.

"I needed to speak to all of you. I can't wait."

"Ok," began Tony. "What is so important that you needed to speak with us?"

"I wish to go back to Colorado. There is business I must attend to, answers to be found."

"You need to heal Dean," said Eve.

"I will be healed by tomorrow with my healing ability."

"How do you intend on getting there," asked Tony.

"I have calculated several train routes and I intend to train hop my way out. Once I have officially made it to Colorado, I will collect my answers and a few items, and I will train-hop, fly, or stowaway back here. I intend on returning back here."

"How long will you be gone," asked Winston.

"I can't say. I only know that I need to do this."

"Well," began Winston. "It seems you have your mind set on this goal."

"Yes sir."

"If you really need to do this, then I will allow it."

"I second it," began Tony. If you made it up here, then you can make it back."

Dean then looked at Mrs. Eve.

"You are just a pup, but you have grown up so much in the time that you have spent with us. You don't need to, but you did. I'll allow this if you promise me something."

"What is it?"

"Please, be careful, and come back."

"Yes ma'am, I will be careful."

"Ok, then you may go with all the leaders blessings."

"Thank you all so much. I am going to gather my belongings, and prepare. This is goodbye for a little bit I guess, so goodbye everyone, be well."

Everyone said their goodbyes and Dean was off. As he was walking he found that the wolves did not growl or snarl at him even as he walked as a human boy. Some even waved at him. He thought about this for a moment before someone got his attention.

"Hey," spoke the voice.

Dean looked down to see a brownish grey wolf pup.

"Hi there, how are you?"

"I am good, I am Tyson, but my friends call me Ty. You are Dean, our leader who gave it to Winston."

"Yep, I beat Charles," are you mad about it."

"No, I hated being in a pack lead by him, and I think you're the coolest."

"How manny pups are in the pack.

"Just a female and I," spoke Tyson.

"That's good."

"So, will you be my friend?"

"You want to be my friend? I am not a pure wolf pup."

"I think you're cool. I don't care about that. So, would you want to be my friend?"

"Sure Tys-, I mean Ty."

"Cool, see ya around, Dean."

"See ya Ty." Dean then walked back to the den.

Once he made it he saw only Humphrey and the pups.

"Hi guys, where's Mrs. Kate?"

"Hey Buddy. She went to talk to her dad about alpha stuff," said Humphrey. "So how did your conversation go."

"Oh it went really well, and I get to go."

"That's good."

"Yep."

"They looked so calm and happy," thought Dean. "Nothing like how I left."

Dean spent the rest of the day planning and packing what little items he could. He stuck his daggers and sheaths in his bag, he kept his cloak on, and he put his phone and earbuds by where he laid. Kate returned a few minutes after Dean returned, and everyone talked. Dean told them about his new friend Ty, and how the leaders told him to be careful. Kate asked what time he would leave. Dean thought that was weird. So, he told them tomorrow morning.

It was later that evening that Dean had eaten a lot of meat. He needed a full stomach for his journey. He then said his goodnight to everyone, and went to sleep. He opened his eyes and silently looked at his phone it said 12:00 a.m., midnight. Dean saw that everyone was fast asleep. He moved so silently and grabbed his items. He silently walked by the sleeping bodies, and once he did that he turned back to look at them for the last time in a while. He then silently walked out of the den. He felt horrible about telling them he was leaving later, but he thought they would try something if he left when he did.

Once he was far enough from the den, he began to sprint to the train station in Jasper. He used what magic he had left to increase his speed, and endurance. It wasn't by much, but he would be able to run to the Jasper station without stopping. From where the pack was in the park, it wasn't that far from the town. He made it within a few hours. He found a small gas station and made a pit stop. Before he walked in, he opened up his bag and his eyes glowed blue. Canadian currency began to appear in the bag. No coins, but five of each paper currency.

"First spell mom taught me," spoke Dean. "Thank you so much."

He then walked in and picked out his food and drinks. He realized that living with wolves for so long has changed his appetite. He only packed two things, a lot of beef jerky, and a lot of bottles of water. He packed enough to last him for more days than he needed. He paid for his items, and walked out with the cashier giving him a confused look. Dean then walked down to the train station and got a schedule, and map. He made sure his timing was right, and it was. He found a train moving cargo to Colorado, so he had his transportation. He was even a little early when he got everything figured out. He sat on a bench by the station and waited. Once the time was right, he sprinted to his train. He looked for the open train car. He found his car, and leapt on. No one caught him. He quickly jumped behind some hay bales, and now he had the straight shot to Colorado. He then put his earbuds in and turned on his music. The train slowly left the station, but Dean stayed out of sight. He was surrounded by a lot of hay bales. Once the train was moving at a decent pace, Dean moved from behind the hay bae. He then sat his bag down, and pulled out a bag of jerky. He turned around and immediately fell back in fright.

"Ah sugar honey ice tea," he screamed. Behind him was Kate, Humphrey, and the pups. He then removed his earbuds and caught his breath. Once they were finished laughing, they began to speak.

"Hi Dean," spoke Kate. "Are you ok?"

"Oh, beside the fact that I just had the life scared out of me, I am great. Also, how are you here, and why?"

"Well,"began Kate. "Humphrey and I didn't want you going alone to Colorado, so we wanted to join you. Then the pups wanted to join, so we thought we could make it a family vacation. I talked to my parents, and they thought it was a good idea, so when I asked when you were leaving, you were vague. I thought you would try something like that, so when you left, I was awake. We followed you all the way here, and here we are we jumped on when you had your back turned."

"When I said Kate was talking to her father about alpha stuff," began Humphrey. "She was asking him about our plan."

"Oh, so that's why you guys looked so calm."

"Yep," said Kate. "It takes more than an earlier time to shake us off Dean."

Dean just sat by his bag and let out a sigh.

"Good thing I packed extras," he said. He then bit into another piece of jerky, and this got everyone's attention.

"What is that," asked Stinky.

"Beef jerky." He then tore some pieces off for the pups, and gave the adults their own pieces.

"It's kinda tough, but it's good."

All of them sniffed it before taking a bite.

"Mmmmm," began Runt. "It is so good."

"It is delicious," said Stinky.

"It is really good," said Claudette.

"I've never had anything like this," said Humphrey.

"This is great Dean, thank you for sharing," said Kate.

"It's no problem, I am just glad the pups can eat it."

"Oh, if they couldn't, it wouldn't have been a problem," said Kate. "Humphrey and I could have fed them like we used to. Chew it into soft food, and give it back."

"I am glad I am old enough for solids," said Dean.

"What," began Humphrey. "Your parents never fed you like that."

"No, my parents never regurgitated food when I was a baby. The closest we had to it was baby food, and it was like crushed berries, or crushed apples."

"Humans are so weird," said Humphrey.

"You have no idea," began Dean. "Just wait until you see my house."