Hello again, I hope you enjoy this new installment of Master of my Soul. I mentioned to some of you that this would be the last "fluffy" chapter before the boys return home. I couldn't fit everything in one chapter so there will be one more. Stay tuned because I think you'll like what will happen in the next chapter.

As always I want to thank all those who are following the story and especially those who review.

Again a big thank you goes to Ratts for the ideas she gave me for this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 18

"Are we going back to your home tomorrow master?" Seth prayed that his master's answer would be no. He was enjoying too much the freedom he was experiencing for the first time in years. Most of all he was surprised of how much he was loving the company of his master. The five days they stayed on the meadow by the creek had been the best of his entire life.

Jacob had not forced Seth to have sex even once and their intimacy was growing at an exponential rate. They spent hours talking, getting to know each other, from the silliest things to their deepest darkest secrets. There was only one aspect of his life Jacob was not willing to talk about and it was the events that surrounded his mother's death. Seth hoped that one day he would open up and unload that burden that had been eating him alive for so many years.

At times the master would sit resting his back on a tree trunk and Seth would rest his head on the alpha's stomach. Jacob reveled in the proximity to his submissive and the ease of their conversations. Little by little Seth had opened up to his master, going as far as joking with him. Jake absolutely adored the submissive's laugh; it was like a little piece of music that was played just for him.

The master would let down all his defenses and show Seth who he really was. He still struggled with his self-control, he knew it wouldn't be easy but it would be totally worth it. Jacob's greatest achievement in life would be to help Seth to not be afraid of him. The alpha felt vulnerable but he knew his submissive would never betray him. If there was one person he could trust was the little guy that slept curled next to him every night.

In their personal paradise sometimes they didn't even need to speak. They would just lie down on the cushiony moss and look at the shapes of the clouds while listening to the light breeze that blew through the trees. Sometimes they had to remind each other of their presence with a light touch filled with love and warmth. They felt hopeful and renewed, like a weight was slowly being lifted off their shoulders as they grew closer.

"Nope" Answered Jake making a popping sound with the p. He had something planned for his little submissive, it was a good thing that Seth talked in his sleep and a better one that Jake listened, curious as to what was in his slave's mind. The submissive was puzzled as to what were his master's plans; he eyed Jake's peaceful expression, his head resting on Seth's lap as they enjoyed the soft late afternoon sun.

"Where are we going next?" For days it seemed that earth had stopped revolving around the sun and life came to a standstill. They stood back and enjoyed what nature had to offer when there was no interference of man. Seth would've been perfectly content staying in their little paradise and never having to face another dominant but he knew earth would start moving soon enough and life would go on.

"You'll see when we get there; it's a surprise." Jacob felt like the kid that got up first in Christmas and knew what everyone was getting. He couldn't wait to see Seth's face.

The next morning they left their meadow, longing and sadness in their hearts. That was a place that will forever be etched in their minds as the place where good memories began to build. They took with them the beauty and peace that encased them. They were surrounded by comfort and light, peace and joy. Maybe that was not the meadow; it was simply their spirit being freed from its chains.

Jacob's russet wolf led the way as they ran through a lush forest. They smelled the rich dampness of the forest floor in its continuous cycle of death and new growth. The sun was dispersed through the canopy of trees, its light filtering onto the forest floor feeding it. They had trained themselves to ignore any evidence of traces of human bodies that found its last resting place on that piece of land. After all when the pandemic hit many rushed to the most isolated areas they could find trying to fool death but death found them anyway.

In that beautiful surrounding they could find peace and relaxation, any creature of the forest was better company than any man had ever been. Gradually the woodsy scents and colors were replaced by some that were foreign to Seth. He remembered a different scent reaching him during one of his transports but never knew what that scent corresponded to. The grass, flowers and moss changed to small pebbles that crunched under their paws. The late afternoon sun shone brighter with each passing minute the dense foliage thinning until it disappeared, replaced by low shrubs and overgrown weeds..

They reached an area that consisted of big two story houses, many basically crumbling to the ground more affected by the elements than others they had seen. It was a long street littered with homes, cars that were nothing but a heap of rust and many side streets. They had been walking on sand for quite some time, the sky was clear not a cloud to be seen. The breeze felt warm against their sun punished fur. The air was impregnated with a scent of old legends and fierce battles.

The evidence was conclusive; they were close to a beach. Seth's excitement was so grand he could hardly contain himself to not go running pass his master to reach the beach. He had never seen the ocean and was convinced he never would. This was unreal and unexpected, he would be eternally grateful to his master for giving him these experiences.

Master… Such was his excitement that the submissive found himself at a loss for words. There were so many things he wanted to say, many things that he wanted to do but decided against all of it and quieted his mind.

Seth go ahead, this is your surprise. Not wanting anyone to witness this milestone in his life he phased and took off running towards one of the walkways that led directly to the beach. The chips of rock that would eventually turn to sand gave him much needed traction. As he ascended he felt the warm afternoon sun on his back and the warm breeze on his naked body. After climbing the slightly steep hill he found himself on top of a twenty steps staircase that would take him directly to the shore. He took in the grandiose view before him, the comforting and humbling beauty of the simple combination or earth water and sky. The sea was brutal as it was serene; it was magical as it was real.

Seth turned around on his spot searching for his master's form in the brightly lit area. A big smile crept on his face when he saw him only a few steps behind him. Seth waited for his master, even in that moment he wanted to make sure his master not only approved but was pleased with his proceeding. "What the hell are you doing waiting for me? This is your moment puppy, enjoy it."

With Jacob's approval Seth took off running down the stairs, taking the steps two at a time. He became aware of the much softer sand under his feet and curled his toes in it. Seth was fascinated with the iridescent quality of the grains of sand as the sun shone on it. At a distance he could hear the cry of seagulls mixing with the sound of the waves beatings against the shore. He ran towards the water stopping at the water's edge to admire the rhythmic methodical motion of the waves.

Seth was jumping in place so excited he didn't know what to do first, he wanted to take everything in not wanting to miss one bit of it. He knew that it was most probable that he would never get the chance again. But who was he kidding? He wanted to try the water, the slave ran in, his over exaggerated movements evidence of the surprising resistance the water presented. The water was shallow and he alternated his legs as he hopped against the waves that weakly crashed onto him. Once he was waist deep in the clear water he fell backwards allowing his whole body to come in contact with the salty water.

Jacob didn't know if Seth was a strong swimmer and kept an eye on him as he came up for air only to sink back in. His shrieks of joy could be heard up and down that segment of the beach. Not wanting to interfere or take away from Seth's moment Jacob sat down on a mound of pure white sand and gazed out at the sea and back to his submissive. The submissive extended his arms like he was trying to touch the sky as he splashed to his delight.

The master figured out a little too late what a bad idea it was to sit naked on the sand. He became miserable as the sand crept up in very private places. Whoever came up with the idea of having sex on the beach had obviously never done it, he couldn't even fathom the idea of trying it. He desperately needed the relief that only the soothing ocean water could provide. But this was Seth's moment; he didn't want to contaminate the water with his presence. He sat and waited, taking in the experience of doing something for somebody else.

Every once in a while Seth would gaze back towards the beach only to find his master staring at him intently. He couldn't bring himself to care or to be self-conscious, he continued enjoying his moment. The submissive had never been impulsive but he felt his legs moving, taking him out of the water and in the direction of his master. Jacob observed him as he emerged from the water, his body covered with hundreds of droplets that slid down his form to rejoin the sea. Seth took his breath away, under the sunlight the drops of water made his body sparkle like the stars in the sky. He was so mesmerized admiring every detail of the sub's body that didn't even realize he was walking towards him

"Master aren't you going to try the water? It feels really good!" Seth's excitement was almost palpable and his usually sad eyes twinkled with a vivacity Jacob had never seen before. Jake had to shake himself out of his stupor to grab the hand Seth was offering him and pull himself up.

The master was sure he would've made a sandy face plant if it wasn't for his heightened reflexes when the enthusiastic slave pulled him towards the water. For such a little guy the submissive was surprisingly strong. Seth's happiness was so contagious that the alpha found himself grinning like an idiot. They ran in the water hand in hand making a huge splash as their bodies collided with the waves. They stood on knee deep water jumping at the approaching waves.

In the water they turned into kids again, engaging in silly games and swimming around each other. They frolicked in the deep surf while the sun slowly changed its position in the sky. Jacob surrounded Seth with his arms and spun him, kissing him softly once they were face to face. Seth wrapped his legs around his master's waist and flung his arms around his neck. Jacob locked his arms over the submissive's ass, not wanting to ever let go. Jacob's heart stuttered in his chest as Seth lips skated over his ear.

"Master, words cannot express how grateful I am. You've made one of my dreams came true; thank you." Seth marveled at the way his master's chest pushed against his own as his ragged breaths' came in and out with difficulty. The submissive sought his master's lips which he happily offered. The moist fire of Jacob's mouth had awoken all sorts of sensations on the slave's body. He had never felt so free, so happy and so cherished.

Seth's mouth explored his master's neck sucking lightly on the tan salty flesh. Jacob pulled back, action that Seth took as a rejection and with a dejected expression untangled his legs from his master's waist. "Where are you going?" Asked Jacob.

"I'm just going to swim around a little; I don't want to bother you." Seth was unsuccessful at trying to pretend like there was nothing going on. He shouldn't care if his master rejected him, the longer he stayed away from him the better but the thing was, he really cared.

"Why so sudden? It's fine with me but I really like holding you on my arms." Seth's expression brightened lightly but his confusion grew, still he wouldn't say anything. Pulling the submissive towards him so their chests touched Jake snaked his arms behind him and claimed his lips once more.

"Master I have no way to pay you for all your attentions, the only thing I can offer is my body and you already own me. Please know that I will do anything you want me to do." The slave wouldn't meet his master's eyes, he didn't know if years of slavery had damaged him to the point he lacked dignity and common decency or if it turned him into a machine designed to only care about pleasing his owner. He could sense his master's need and desire and felt the obligation of tending to his needs, or was it the other way around? Once more the submissive wrapped his legs around his master, but positioned himself lower so their sexes were touching. Between the movement of the waves and Seth's efforts in no time they were grinding their partially erect members.

"Fuck Seth stop! Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to resist you? I don't want you to give yourself to me for a sense of duty or because you feel you owe me something. You don't owe me anything. The next time I make you mine I want it to be because you want to. I will never force you again. I want… I want to make love to you Seth Black." Under the punishing sun the blush under Jacob's skin was more noticeable. The slave observed him in disbelieve. Until not so long ago the man in front of him had been abusive and cruel with him and every other submissive he ever owned. Was Jacob Black losing his mind? Or regaining it?

"Make…love?" His master had to be joking, that had to be it. The closest the submissive had been to making love was when Jacob forced Embry to take him. Even though the experience had been more than pleasurable it was hardly voluntary since it was done under coercion.

"Yes Seth" Jacob examined the slave's face for any signs of fear or apprehension, but found neither. Instead Seth was beaming, his smile broader than he had ever seen it. There was hope for them; they just needed to learn to trust each other. An awkward silence took over making them nervous and self-conscious. Taking his master by surprise Seth untangled his hands from behind his master's neck and propelled himself backwards onto the water. He playfully swam away, once he was a few feet away he turned to face Jacob who felt deeply satisfied watching his submissive act as young as he looked.

"Master what am I?" Asked Seth bopping like a buoy, his arms gently treading water.

"What are you pup?" Jacob was amused with Seth's playfulness, it was an aspect of his sub he had never seen and hoped to see a lot more in the future.

"A monster lurking in the dark waters" Seth dove in, disappearing under the surface of the waters. He swam between Jacob's legs and jumped out behind him latching on to his back. Both men were the happiest they had been in a long time. Neither one of them wanted this moment to end. Jacob held Seth's legs and the slave held on to his shoulders while nibbling on the sensitive skin behind Jake's ears and neck. They floated together enjoying the cradling sensation of the waves.

Jacob had never been a big fan of the water and leaving Seth to swim around some more; he walked out of the water plopping down on the warm sand. He laid on his back letting the sun dry the salt water off him. He felt content and proud with himself for having been able to resist the submissive's charms. The alpha dozed off lulled by the sound of the waves and his slave's splashing.

"Master, master" Seth was whispering but there was a sense of urgency in his voice as he roused his master from his nap. Jacob's eyes flew open and it took him a few seconds to focus on the face of his submissive who was hovering over him. "I hear some wolves coming."

Jacob sprung up and turned in the direction to which Seth pointed. He couldn't hear anything but the sounds of the wind, the waves and the seagulls. "I don't hear anything Seth"

"Master please believe me, I can hear them, at least three wolves are coming in this direction." Seth looked scared; he had a really bad feeling about the unexpected company.

"I'll try to contact them, don't leave my side." Jacob phased and stood on the beach looking in the same direction as before. He still couldn't hear a thing, after several minutes he phased back to his human self, but taking in Seth's scared expression decided to err in the side of caution. "I can't contact them; they're either from the west or rogues. Either one of those groups means really bad news for us, I'll not risk it. If they are from the west they will either kill us or take me prisoner and make you their slave. If they are rogues, I don't even want to think of what they'll do to us. Listen Seth I'm going to phase and you'll ride on my back, you'll grab our things and we'll high tail it out of here. You can't phase, your scent is stronger in wolf form and they'll detect you easily. For us to have any chance at escaping they have to lose our trail. "

Seth did as instructed and in a matter of minutes they were on their way. Jacob's ears perked up and caught the sounds of three sets of paws as they were hitting the pebble covered floor. Their howling confirmed their presence and increased the fear in the submissive and the determination in the master. He needed to create distance between them and what he was almost certain were rogues. No westerner would risk coming so far east, it would be suicide. He didn't know which group would be more dangerous, the west at least would respect their alpha, the rogues responded to no one and had no limits or respect for life. They were feral creatures whose only purpose in life was to survive.

One set of paws moved way faster than the other two and was gaining on them fast. Jacob wouldn't dare to look back but he could hear the wolf's growling and snapping of jaws as it got dangerously close to them. He could swear he felt on his tail the hot breath of the wretched creature. "Master they're gaining on us, please let me get off, I'll distract them while you escape." Jacob barked angrily at the mere suggestion that Seth sacrifice himself for the alpha. He wouldn't even consider the idea of leaving his submissive to be tortured and slaughtered. His heart felt tight inside his chest at the mere thought of all the vile things those wolves would do to his little wolf.

Fear and pain struck Jacob so deep that he felt it stung his soul, something he thought he had lost a long time ago. His heart was thumping so loud he could feel his pulse in his ears. Even Seth as he rode with his whole body against Jacob's powerful back could feel it pulsating under him. "Please master stop, I beg you. I don't matter, my time was up a long time ago and it won't make a difference if I'm gone. But people need and depend on you. Please master, think of your father, he wouldn't be able to get over the pain of losing you. I'm strong, I can hold them off until you're a safe distance from here."

The master's mouth went dry and he felt an emptiness so huge he thought it could swallow him whole. The thought of not waking each morning and seeing Seth's sweet and youthful face made him queasy. How could his submissive say him leaving this earth wouldn't make a difference? If Seth was gone it would make a huge difference. Jacob couldn't bear the thought of never seeing his little wolf again. That simple man had been the only person to ever make him feel human and not the animal he knew he had become. Singlehandedly he was helping him find what he had lost so many years before.

Jacob got a surge of adrenaline and redoubled his efforts; he was not losing his subs to those bastards. The master wanted to think that if Seth ever decided to leave his side, he would be able to accept it; he wouldn't be so selfish as to keep him by his side against his will. Whether or not he would be strong enough to ever let him go… only time would tell. Of one thing he was certain, regardless of his future being by Jacob's side or not, to give the submissive a chance at any future he needed to get him to safety. He would sooner fight to the death than have something as little as a scratch added to the multiple scars on the slave's body.

He pressed forward, his legs burning, his lungs aching, his whole body screaming at the exertion, but he wouldn't dare slow down. He could still hear the howls and the barks of the wolves in pursuit. They were very determined; he doubted they were interested in him. Most likely they wanted the only thing in his mind, his sweet submissive. They had another thing coming, whoever was chasing them would only get his little submissive after the alpha had joined his mother in the hereafter. Everything in their path became a blur as he snaked around tree trunks, jumped over fallen logs and tried to cross every creek and river on their path in an effort to shake them off. Gradually the howls and footfalls got farther and farther until they entirely vanished.

Seth lost track of time, he barely noticed as everything around them gradually turned darker. Jacob was hoping there would be an active outpost in that area and he could get some assistance but it was highly unlikely. In his frantic race to protect Seth, he even ventured into a small city, something they had been advised not to do in countless occasions. His strategy was based in the assumption that if the rogues still had a functioning brain they wouldn't risk going into a dangerous area. Only a desperate man would try something so daring. Thankfully the city was somewhat intact and they were careful enough to stay away from any big structures. They ventured into a dark expanse of woods that were pitch black in the moonless night. They heard the soothing sounds of the multitude of insects that populated that segment of land, their combined noise creating a humming sound.

"Master you can rest, it's been hours since I heard them last." Jake refused; there was no way in hell he was stopping. He was too scared, yes damn it he was scared! He was scared of losing Seth, he was scared of being left alone once more, he was scared of all the feelings that were bubbling inside him. He couldn't allow himself to feel again, to care for someone other than himself only for that person to be taken away from him.

If he couldn't hold Seth in his arms every day for the rest of his God forsaken life he would be nothing. He would be reduced to a feral dog, no longer a man, a creature without purpose. The man next to him despite being considered insignificant by most people was able to achieve the ultimate feat, to awaken his soul. Despite being utterly terrified Jacob had never felt more alive. Being happy was not weakness, being happy meant he was regaining his humanity. Jacob had buried so deep within himself every loving, honest and good feeling he ever experienced that he became lost. Seth found him…

Unable to continue Jacob gradually slowed down not wanting to do it haltingly and knock Seth down to the floor. His legs were wobbly, his throat rough like he had swallowed sand and his head dizzy from the dehydration. He was sore and tired but especially thirsty. He heard the sound of a stream and made his way to it. He shifted back near the stream and Seth cupped water in his palms for his master to drink. The master was shaking like a leaf while holding the slave around his middle. He wouldn't let go, he couldn't. The idea of those wolves hurting the submissive was terrifying but it was nothing when compared to the fear his newfound feelings were producing in him. He could hardly breathe; his heart felt like it was about to burst- he couldn't live without his submissive.

What lay ahead of them would be the biggest challenge of their entire existence. A man that the world considered trash, a disgusting tool for dominants to use and dispose of at their pleasure became his life. He would die for a dog; he would die for what was considered the lowest of the low… But the thing was that Jacob knew that was not true, there was nothing greater than his Seth. Nothing more loving, pure and kind… but especially forgiving and strong.

After his thirst was sated the master rested his back on the damp forest floor. He was having a hard time catching his breath since he had been running for close to eight hours while carrying the submissive on his back. "Thank you for protecting me." Whispered Seth while pressing a cool cloth on Jacob's forehead. His master looked spent and utterly exhausted. "Why don't you go to sleep, you need to rest. I'll stand guard."

Jacob took Seth's offer and in a few minutes the submissive heard the rhythmic snoring of his master. He guarded the alpha's sleeping form until dawn, keeping an eye out for any sound that could indicate the presence of uninvited guests. The first rays of the morning sun shone on Jacob's face forcing him to open his eyes and welcome the new day. His whole body was sore from the previous day's exertions but he was pleased with himself for having been able to protect Seth.

He looked around but Seth was nowhere to be seen, Jacob felt the fury begin to boil inside him. The little rat abandoned him; he shook his head to dissipate those destructive thoughts. Just the previous day he had decided to trust his submissive, he was ashamed to admit that his determination lasted less than a day. He understood he was too damaged and it would take time for him to act according to his feelings. He needed to grow in the love that was sprouting inside him.

Some rustling in the shrubs to his right caught his attention, scenting the air he felt himself smile when he caught Seth's delicious and enticing scent. The sandy wolf's snout was tinted red as he dragged a deer in his master's direction. The submissive phased back the instant he saw his master standing beside the stream. "Good morning master, I thought you would be hungry when you woke up and hunted for you. Did I do good?"

"Yes you did, thank you. It was not necessary but I appreciate it." Jacob encircled Seth's petite form with his arms and kissed him on the lips. That was exactly how he wanted every morning of the rest of his life to be like. Holding Seth in his arms, their lips together and their hearts beating as one.

"It's the least I could do for the man that saved my life." Seth moved towards his master and hugged him lovingly. He was so grateful to his master. Yes he had been a horrible never-ending nightmare in the past but he couldn't dwell on the past, if he did he would lose his mind. The slave focused on the here and now, this time was good.

Both wolves phased and ate their breakfast, their minds going over the events of the previous day. Master where are we? Seth had absolutely no idea where they could be; as a matter of fact he didn't know where the beach where they had spent the day was located. In his desperate state Jacob ran so fast that Seth couldn't even notice the direction they were traveling.

Jacob's wolf head shot up, his ears pointed up trying to identify any familiar sounds and his nose scented the air trying to identify any peculiar smells. Ha! I'm so stupid; thank goodness those idiots couldn't catch up with us because I ran in the wrong direction. Instead of running south to get closer to home I ran north. At least I have a pretty good idea where we are. I have been here before with my pack. Follow me, if I'm right there is a really pretty place far ahead. Seth grabbed their bag with his teeth and carried it always walking a few steps behind his master.

After about thirty minutes they stepped out of the overgrown forest and approached an old road filled with cracks with tall weeds growing in between. Following the road they ended up in an area overlooking some cliffs. They stood some distance from the edge, from it they could see the most beautiful and breathtaking view the slave had ever seen. A spectacular waterfall that had to be at least a couple hundred feet tall was nested between limestone cliffs. It was truly impressive, Seth felt his eyes sting with tears, the natural beauty of the area overwhelming him. The roar of the rushing water a testament to the power that the natural wonder possessed. The water plummeted down a sheer cliff wall through a small notch in the rock forming a pool on the bottom.

Master this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I didn't even know a place like this existed. What is it called?

Taughannock Falls, we're in upstate New York. This was completely unplanned but I'm so happy we ended up here. I had forgotten about this place, it has been years since I was here last. C'mon there is a hiking trail we can follow to the bottom. Seth followed his master as he maneuvered through the wide trail that took them to the base of the falls. As they got closer the fine cool mist cooled down their perpetually overheated bodies.

Both wolves were humbled by the glorious view of the vertical falls plunging through the rock seen from below. Along the base they observed a mixed hardwood forest. Master is this the most beautiful sight you've seen?

Not really, there is one that's way more beautiful. Jacob guarded his thoughts as he watched the proud profile of the sandy wolf next to him. Seth shifted and Jacob followed suit, not even bothering to reach for their clothes, after all, what was the point?

Seth sought his master's hand and interlaced his fingers with those of his master. Every day it was becoming easier for the slave to trust his master and rely on him for comfort and care. Even though he couldn't see his thoughts he sensed his panic when they were being chased the day before. Just a few months earlier his master would've taken the offer of Seth sacrificing himself to protect him but in this occasion he didn't. What had caused such a dramatic change in him? Damn if he knew.

The water looked crystalline and very inviting. They stood at the edge, the fine spray produced by the falls covering their bodies with thousands of infinitesimal droplets of water. Seth glanced sideways at his master feeling his admiration grow as he took in the alpha's handsome face. The submissive used his index finger to clean a few tiny droplets that rested on his master's long eyelashes making him giggle and take Seth's hand on one of his and kiss it.

"Is the water deep?" Asked Seth eyeing the water excitedly.

"Yes it is and cold as heck, want to try it?" Before Seth could answer Jacob pulled him towards him and jumped into the water making a huge splash. They broke the surface of the water with the submissive's arms around the master's neck. They laughed out loud with the first lungful of air.

"You surprised me! Bad master bad bad master!" Said Seth as he chuckled delighted with being able to address his master in such an informal way.

"Puppy, call me Jacob" Seth felt as the color drained from his face, his eyes wide as he stared at his master. He let out a deep sigh and tried to speak but opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of the water. Nothing came out he couldn't construct a logical sentence.

"Master… I can't" Seth didn't want to aggravate his master but years of slavery made its mark in him. He didn't consider himself worthy of addressing any dominant by their name. In any other circumstance it would be the grounds for some serious punishment.

"Why not? I'm telling you to call him by my name." Jacob's words came out a lot harsher than they should've making Seth flinch. Not only Jacob was learning he needed to use kind words with his submissive, he needed to tone down the inherent aggressiveness that every alpha possessed.

"Master I'm a slave; I've never addressed a dominant by his name. I was told they would pull out my teeth if I did. Like you told me the first time I…" Seth stopped talking the instant he noticed his master's crestfallen expression and pained look. "I'm sorry, I'll stop talking now."

Seth swam towards the water edge, leaving Jacob in the water. He was disappointed with himself for upsetting his master. Sitting under a tree he shivered as the light breeze hit his body. He pulled his legs toward his chest and rested his face on his knees. Jacob walked out of the water and after sitting next to the slave pulled him to his lap. "Puppy I'm sorry this screwed up system allows the dominants to treat you and others like you like shit. I won't even ask for your forgiveness, this is beyond forgiveness and a simple I'm sorry won't cut it. In the kingdom of the mother fuckers I'm king. Just know that I'm trying and I'll continue trying to do good by you." Jacob's heartfelt words warmed Seth's heart with dreams of a good future for both of them. He never had hope for the future; his reality did not go together with nice dreams.

"Ok no point of being mopey all day, let's explore. There is a really cool gorge on the other side of the waterfall." Master and slave spent the day exploring their surroundings. Jacob sat back and observed as Seth's wolf chased around a hare with no intention of hurting it. The poor thing was probably close to having a heart attack but the submissive was having too much fun. The alpha's heart swelled up with tenderness as his innocent slave ran, jumped and slid all over the place. He was indeed a puppy, the endearing nickname Jake had given taking a special meaning.

As night fell they snuggled together for the night. They lied down on the damp soil and observed the stars above them. Like every night in the past week Jacob held Seth in his arms while they talked before calling it a night. "Puppy, there is something I've been meaning to ask you since yesterday. How is it that you could hear the wolves while I couldn't?" Jacob noticed Seth tensed up.

"It's because my senses are more sensitive than those of most wolves. I can smell, hear and see things that are invisible to most. I've been told that what I do is called being a tracker." Jacob turned on his side leaning on his bent arm, his temple resting on his hand. He arched an eyebrow as he eyed his submissive in disbelieve. "That's why I was able to find Sophia when nobody could."

"Seth are all the submissives trackers?" With every passing second the master felt more ignorant. He had been around submissives half his life and he ignored so many details about them.

"No we're not, not even all have special gifts. I haven't met many subs, of the ones I have only Embry has a gift." It was Jacob's turn to get tense at the mere mention of Embry's name.

"And what can that one do?" Jacob really didn't care one way or another but his curiosity won. It didn't go unnoticed by Seth the disdain with which his master referred to his friend.

"He is a healer, when we were being transported the head of the caravan beat the three of us. Embry ran his hands over my skin and made it feel better. Master may I ask you something?"

"Sure Seth."

"Why do you hate Embry?"

"Because he gave you something I never could. He made you moan in pleasure and smile in bliss. I want to be the one to do that."

"Master with all due respect, you ordered us to fuck"

"I know, I'm an idiot."

"You're not."

"Well that debatable but we better hit the sack, I'm sure you must be tired. You didn't sleep a wink last night." Seth snuggled his body against that of his master. He felt so close to him, so afraid of everything he was experiencing.

"Good night puppy."

"Good night m… Jacob"