interested in Balto and all he did because she had heard about the Diphtheria scare in Nome and how Balto saved the whole town. They talked late into the night and shared many stories, but they both grew tired. The blizzard was getting worse and they knew Anthony would not come back because of it. The fireplace was still active, keeping the whole shed warm in the storm. Even though Akira wanted too, she decided not to sleep next to Brigham. If I’m actually going to fall for him, I’m going to do it right this time. As soon as she thought that, Brigham spoke to her, “I don’t think we should sleep in the same room tonight, I mean I just, I’d be kind of too soon. Not like we’re together…. Not that I wouldn’t like too be, but I just…” “I know what you are trying to say and I’m glad that you said that, I was hoping that you would be ok with it.”

Brigham sighed, he was relieved she didn’t think he was a bad guy; he already cared about her more than she ever could imagine. He already loved her, he loved her from the moment he saw her in his dreams. And now he was beginning to fall in love with her. That night even though they slept in different rooms, it felt as if they were right next to each other. They both dreamed of the other and they both thought the same thing as they fell asleep, finally, the one I’ve been looking for, for so long.

Chapter 5: It’s Not a Big Town, But We Like to Think So

The next day, it was still snowing, but the wind had stopped and the weather was bearable. However, after battling through the demented snowstorm, Anthony managed to get into the shed. The fireplace was almost extinguished when he opened to the door. As he took off the many layers he was wearing, he occasionally let out a brief cough. Now that it was day, it was easier to see what Anthony looked like. He was a short boy of no later than 7, with blonde hair and greenish blue eyes. The moment he was inside Akira and Brigham both jumped on him. Anthony laughed as he was bathed with nuzzles and licks, “Guys, come on…. Ha,  ok ok ok.” The dogs relented and let Anthony get up. “I’m glad to see you both are fine. The storms are supposed to get really bad again, that’s what my dad told me. And he still wont let you I the house Akira.” Even though she rarely ever got to go into the house, during weather like this Anthony wasn’t allowed to sleep in the shed with her and it made it lonely in there. However, like last night, she would be happy to sleep there because Brigham was there. Akira looked at Brigham and smiled. Brigham smiled back, she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I would do anything just to sleep in the same house again.

Apparently their flirting and attraction was so obvious that Anthony noticed. “Aww, you guys are really cute together.” They both blushed and looked down at the ground. Anthony laughed and said, “if you are going to be a part of the family boy, we need to get you a name… let’s see, I think ill call you Garrison.” Brigham and Akira both gave a whimper and looked sad. Anthony was not a dumb kid and picked up on their ways of communicating their dislike for the name. “You don’t like it?” Brigham nodded his head and wagged his tail. “I guess that’s not your name… hmm, how bout Brigham?” Both Akira and Brigham barked and started to lick Anthony’s face. While he was being attacked by their affection her managed to speak, “I guess that’s your name, haha.” However, while they were licking his face their mouths met for a quick moment. They both pulled away instantly and both became red in the face. Even though their lips touched but for an instant, the effect was instantaneous. Brigham had never kissed anyone in his life but this really was not a kiss. Nonetheless, Brigham enjoyed every millisecond of it. Akira had more experience than Brigham, but even after the many kisses she had experienced, the one she had with Brigham was the most invigorating one ever. Our lips only touched for a second, yet it was the most I’ve ever felt kissing anyone. I’m thinking I’d be fine to fall for him…. wait, we have to see if we can trust him first. Don’t go getting your heart broken again.

 While Brigham was still feeling the effects of the kiss, Akira sobered up. Anthony had missed their kiss and continued talking. “I wish you could leave the shed Brigham but I’m scared that when my dad finds out about you, he will kick you out.” Brigham understood, he knew that many people don’t look kindly at his wolf appearance. But he just wished that the people he met could be more like Anthony. Akira looked sympathetically at Brigham, why does he have to deal with this? Today I’m going to take him out of this prison and let him enjoy his life. After Anthony left to go get more food and water, Akira turned to Brigham, “I think we should sneak out today after Anthony brings back the food. I’m sure if I’m your guide, we wont be seen. Besides I want to give you a tour of Taylor.” Brigham was a little nervous but the spontaneity that she showed made him forget being nervous. Brigham smiled, “well I know I’m stealthy because I’m part wolf, but you seem like you’d be a little loud.” Akira laughed, “oh ok, well I’ll try not to get us caught.” Anthony soon returned and brought them more food and new water. After they ate Anthony spent time petting Akira and Brigham by the fireplace. After he left, Akira decided it was time to set her plan into motion. By this time, it was beginning to get dark and the snow was still falling steadily.  They had both eaten and got their fill, when they decided to set out. “Ok, Anthony wont be back till tomorrow and I think we will be fine for tonight.” “Where are we going anyway?” “Oh, you’ll see, but don’t go thinking you can make a move on me cause it gets all romantic.” Brigham was not actually thinking about that but he still blushed. Make a move? I mean I would love nothing more than to kiss her, but I can’t just make a move. Maybe that was a hint that she wants me too. Girls are way to confusing.

They soon left and began to tour the town. Akira showed Brigham many of the alleyways and back streets so that if he ever wanted to explore on his own he would know where to sneak. During his tour of the town, Brigham could not help think about something that had crossed his mind before. Why am I still here? I want to be with Akira for the rest of my life yes, but I can’t live in a town where no one likes me. I can’t just stay inside the shed all day everyday, even if it’s with Akira. What are you planning grandmother? Akira continued the tour and showed him the doctor’s office where Anthony’s dad worked, the town hall, and the other key parts of the town. “Ok, well that concludes our tour of the town itself. How bout we take this show somewhere else?” “Well let’s just hope that you’re brave enough for the outskirts and forest. I’m really scared.” Akira laughed, “Oh, don’t worry, I know that you’re not the greatest fighter so I’ll take care of you.” As they began to exit the city limits, the snow was steadily falling and the moon was shinning brighter than Brigham had ever seen it.

 He looked over at Akira as they walked and almost tripped. She was so beautiful in the moonlight and the way it hit her coat left him in awe. She was the most captivating thing he had ever laid eyes on. As she turned to him, her eyes sparkled like sapphires in the moonlight. This could be reason enough to stay inside a shed all day. She saw that he was admiring her and turned away flattered. At least he isn’t drooling this time, but I kind of enjoy it though. Maybe I might let him stay around…. We’ll see what happens after tonight. They continued to walk out of town and towards the woods. Even though they had exited the town it had not taken long to get to the woods. There was little wind and snow was falling lightly. The moon shone off every treetop as they walked deeper into the forest. “Where are we going Akira?” “It’s not that far from here, trust me, it will be worth the walk.”

They began to climb up a steady incline in the terrain. As they got higher and higher the trees began to get smaller. There was a clearing at the top of the cliff that looked out over the forest and surrounding area. At the back of the cliff was a huge boulder that was slanted forward creating a natural shelter. The sky was perfectly clear even though the snow was still falling. The moonlight danced along the cliff edge as they both walked over and sat on it. Brigham took in the view, it was a lot like the cliff that overlooked Nome, but this one had a key difference. The Aurora Borealis filled the sky with colors of green, blue, purple, and white. The light show glistened off all the snow covered treetops and mountaintops. The light that was reflected off the trees and mountains mirrored the colors in the sky and created a Christmas light feel to the landscape. The landscape would blink different colors as the colors in the sky would ebb and flow. Akira had only been here once when she was younger and back then, was unable to appreciate the splendor. “Oh, it’s so beautiful…” Brigham had been looking at Akira the whole time. “Yeah… beautiful.” Akira looked at him. The moonlight was playing along his fur and accented many of his features.

 Ok, he is definitely really good looking. But