Chapter 10

Inseparable

Ever since their first flight together, Balto and Dusk had become inseparable friends. Every morning Balto would wait in town for her to come and then the two would spend the whole day talking and playing. Balto hardly ever spent the day at home anymore, but Duke didn't mind; ever since the two friends met the pain behind Balto's eyes slowly disappeared being replaced by the same light Duke was sure had always been there. Dusk even sometimes went with them on the mail runs and would sit bundled in close to Balto leaning her head on his shoulder with her eyes closed feeling the wind brush against her cheeks.

- Balto and Dusk fell hard for each other after an event that occurred about four months before their physical bonding. A black male husky forced himself between the two of them and immediately went to asking herself out on a date. When Dusk pushed him away he pressed himself against her and tried to steal a kiss. Balto had seen this behavior before with his former mate and wasn't at all surprised when the male got a mouthful of claws. The male lost his temper and struck her back. Seeing this, Balto jumped up onto the male's back and bit down hard onto the top of his head. The dog cried out and spun around. Balto was finally thrown off, but landed effortlessly on all fours. The male charged in attempting to land a head-butt to the hybrid's side; but, unbeknownst to him, this half wolf was a well decorated veteran in fighting.

Balto jumped to the side and the dog flew past with a snarl. Almost as soon as he came to a stop, he was hammered on the side by Balto's head. The dog rolled and stopped on his back. Balto placed his paw down on the fallen dog's neck and slowly pushed.

"If you ever so much as look at her again, I personally promise you that you will be dead before you hit the ground."

The male whimpered and nodded his head. Balto let him up and the male slinked away with his head low in shame.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," Balto said sheepishly.

"Balto, are you kidding? That was amazing."

"Oh, well, it was nothing. He deserved to have his butt thumped after what he did to you.

Dusk smiled and her whole composure changed. Balto could sense the change in her eyes. He simply smiled and took his place beside her.

"I want to show you something," Balto said and began leading her out of town.

The trawler lay unattended in the distance.

"This is where I used to call home," Balto said when the distance was closed.

"You lived here," Dusk asked astounded.

"Yes, with an old goose if you can believe it."

Dusk laughed. "Now that is a little strange," she said playfully. "So, where is he now? I'd really like to meet him."

Balto remembered the feeling of his best friend's neck under his paw.

"He's dead," Balto began with his head low, "He was killed by a dog that had just lost everything he ever had."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, but if you don't mind, I'd like to not go inside. It would just be too painful."

Dusk smiled her understanding. The two of them turned away from the trawler and would never go near it again.

- One day Balto noticed a change in Dusk; her scent was irresistible. He knew exactly what this meant, his best friend was in heat. Balto's nostrils were invaded by the scent and he turned away as Dusk came to him. She looked him over and was able to sense his thoughts.

"Hey, if this is bothering you, we can just spend the day apart."

Balto turned and faced his friend.

"Yes, I think that would probably be the right thing to do," Balto said not wanting to give in to the urge.

Dusk smiled and turned to go. Balto turned and walked back to his house.

- Duke was surprised to see his dog during the day, but decided to go ahead and leave him behind today, it was obvious that he wanted to be at home. Balto walked into his room and lay down in his bed.

- Thirty minutes later, there was a whine under his window. Balto rolled out of his bed and opened the window with his nose. There sat Dusk with a broad smile and wagging tail.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Balto asked.

"Nothing," Dusk replied coyly.

Balto jumped down onto the snow and Dusk nipped him on the cheek. He knew what she was doing.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

Dusk simply smiled and danced away toward the trees.

"Well, I guess you'll just have to find out. That is, if you can catch me."

Balto smiled and Dusk fled before him into the woods. They both disappeared into the wilderness and wouldn't return until nightfall.

A/N Here is chapter 2. Please leave me a review and tell me how I'm doing.