The wolves all nodded.

          “…great, then I’ll escort you out to your posts.” She said.

          Just as she turned Dash reached her. “…Aleu, before you go out can I speak to you for a moment?”

          Aleu looked at Dash and nodded. “…of course.” She said.

          Dash motioned for her to follow him and led her a short distance away. “I’ve been thinking.” Dash said. “…how much do you really like being the leader of the Defense Force?”

          Aleu shrugged. “It suits me I suppose.”

          “Would you be as happy as a Lieutenant?” Dash asked.

          Aleu sighed. “Am I to be punished for my insubordinate words this afternoon?”

          Dash shook his head. “No, you were right. I should’ve told you… if anyone deserves to be punished it’s me.”

          Aleu looked confused. “Then why the demotion?” She asked.

          “It’s not so much of a demotion as a restructuring of our command.” Dash said. “I think I figured out a way to keep Timbre out of the line of fire so much.”

          Realization dawned on Aleu and she smiled.

          For the second time in as many days the wolves of the Talbourne were gathered in the Main Chamber of the cave. Timbre stood at rigid attention beside Dash. “Aleu’s decision to step down as leader of our Defense Force and take the rank of Lieutenant leaves the position open.” Dash said. “A position my good friend Timbre will now fill. Timbre has been my best friend ever since this Clan found him and took him in only six months after I had joined the Talbourne. Together we’ve faced many adversaries, and always managed to come out on top. He is as close to a brother to me as I feel I will ever know. His leadership of Third Unit has been sound and true and it is with complete confidence that I entrust this new position to him. I’m sure his unit will miss him, but the Defense Force as a whole will gain a fantastic leader who will do his best to ensure their continued safety and awareness.” Dash turned to his friend. “If you would Timbre, please repeat after me.”

          Timbre’s heart swelled with pride as he recited the oath of office. Only once before had he been as happy, and that was the day that Melody said she would become his mate.

          When the oath finished the wolves all cheered. It was all Timbre could do to keep from smiling.

          “The structure of the Clan is now as follows:” Dash said. “Shadow is Lieutenant of First Unit, Ami is Lieutenant of Second Unit and Aleu is Lieutenant of  Third Unit. Fourth Unit is as of yet without a Lieutenant, and until someone is found to take the position it will fall on the other three to split the duty of leading them. Timbre is now the Commander of the Defense Force, and I Dash, am your Alpha.”

          The wolves cheered.

          “Wolves of the Fourth Unit. If you have nominations from within your unit, or if you have nominations from outside your unit as to someone who would be well suited to lead you, please submit their names to me for consideration.”

          Dash looked down upon the wolves. “With that, this meeting is hereby adjourned and you are dismissed. Please return to your chambers.”

          The wolves all started to break away, walking away from the Main Chamber.

          Dash turned to his friend. “Congratulations Timbre.” He said.

          Timbre smiled. “Thank you Dash.” He said. “It is truly an honor.”

          Dash nodded. “I know I can depend on you.”

          Timbre nodded. “…of course Dash.” He said. “If you’ll excuse me I think the Defense Force is waiting for me to dismiss them to their duties.”

          Dash nodded and Timbre walked away.

          Dash smiled, glad he had finally been able to help his friend. He looked up at the ceiling of the cave. “Thank you Aniu.” He said “…thank you.”

Epilogue:   

          A young wolf stepped out of the Shadows and into the moonlight.

          The guard at the rear entrance stood up straight. “Hey you… you’re not suppose to be out there, who are you?”

          The young wolf grinned at the young guard and sprung forward, grasping the guard’s throat in his jaws before the other could even cry out. A sharp twist of the head and a sickening crunch and it was over. The intruder dropped the dead guard to the ground. He looked into the cave and smiled. “Tonight you pay          for what you have done traitor.” He said quietly. Then he walked into the cave.

          Melody was getting ready to lay down.

          She had been set to wait up for Timbre, but he was taking far too long and the events of the day had exhausted her. She walked over to the corner and sighed. She almost couldn’t believe how stupid she’d been. As Dash had said, with time, he had found a way to keep Timbre at home more often… and she almost had him killed.

          Melody curled up on the floor of the chamber and closed her eyes. “…at least Dash is forgiving.” She thought.

          “Didn’t think we’d find you?” A voice snarled.

          Melody’s eyes snapped open. She was facing a very angry young wolf standing in front of her chambers. She quickly sprung to her feet. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” She asked.

          The wolf chuckled. “I’m the son of the wolf that you betrayed.” He said. “…and since you defaulted on our agreement I’m here to kill you.”

          Melody started to shake.

          The wolf grinned evilly. “It’s alright, it won’t take long, I promise…”

          Timbre was making his way to his chambers, Ami at his side. He’d  been talking with the Lieutenants for quite some time, letting them all know that he could be trusted, and that he was concerned for them. He’d managed to work it out where the days weren’t as long for them, and for this they were pleased.

          Ami’s chambers were just past Timbre’s, so the two had decided to walk and talk together as they traveled back.

          Timbre was anxious to get back to Melody. He knew she was probably waiting up on him and it was very late. The meeting had taken longer than he had planned for it to.

          Just then Ami and Timbre both heard Melody scream.

          Ami’s ears pushed forward in an expression of alarm as she glanced at Timbre. Then both were running to the chamber.

          Timbre slid through the opening to see a young black and white wolf on top of Melody.

          “You, off her, now!” He yelled.

          The wolf smiled and turned toward Timbre. “…you’re next.” He said. Then he struck downward with his jaws.

          “No!” Timbre yelled. He started forward but instantly realized he would be too late.

          Just before the wolf’s