Racing between Balta and Steele became a daily occurrence while outside of the town. The large husky truly enjoyed spending time with his half-wolf friend. She taught him how to survive should he and his team ever get separated, or if he and his team ever got lost. He had always worried about making a big run, only to get lost because of an unexpected blizzard.
During the past month, Balta had made another friend in the gentle red and cream husky named Jenna. Jenna didn't care that Balta was half-wolf, and they became quick friends. Steele was relieved that Balta would have someone to talk to when he wasn't there. Balta fell in love with Jenna's girl, Rosy. She was such a sweet child and never judged Balta for her heritage. The child was the only human who was kind to the half-wolf, and that earned her a special spot in Balta's heart.
Thanks to the races Steele had with Balta, his speed and stamina increased exponentially, leading to him and his team winning every race they participated in. He was barely winded after their races, and many wondered how he did it, though he never told them. He always ignored their questions, his mind seemingly always occupied by thoughts of Balta. Steele was never able to work up the courage to tell his half-wolf friend his feelings for her.
It wasn't until Rosy fell ill that things started going south. Rosy was the eighteenth case to have fallen ill. Jenna was worried sick about her as was Balta. Steele was worried as well, because this was the one human that treated Balta fairly. He knew if anything were to happen to her, Balta would be heart broken. So when he heard of the possibility that the sled team would have to retrieve the medicine, he was the first in line to go. He could only hope that they didn't get blindsided by a blizzard on the way back.