here with us. After all these years I can honestly say that he was right and I’ve never been more wrong. I’ve watched you transform from that inexperienced, lovesick pup into one of the best leaders I’ve ever known. It has been an absolute honor to serve with you, and it will continue to be so as I serve under you. I’m sure that as you make this transition your unit will miss you, but the Clan as a whole will gain a great leader who will look after them and care for them for many years, just as I have.”

          Dash chuckled and smiled. “Wow, I don’t even know what to say to that.” He said.

          Aleu laughed. “Well every word is deserved, just don’t let it go to your head.”

          Dash nodded and smiled. “…don’t worry, I won’t.”

          Suddenly Aleu dropped low, her belly scraping the snow. She peered through the trees, her full attention switched forward.

          Dash leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “…see something?” He asked. Well nurtured instinct caused his muscles to tense and his fur to to begin to stand on end. He could hear his heart beating in his ears as he waited for her report of what she’d spotted.

          Aleu stood back up. “…just a deer.” She said.

          Dash nodded. “Well, I’m going to let you get back to watching out for us.” He said. “…take care out here.”

          Aleu nodded. “I will.” She said.

          With that Dash turned and started the walk back to the cave.

Chapter II:

          Aleu was tired as she walked through the Main Entrance and walked to the chambers she now shared with her mate Shadow. He was waiting inside, as she’d known he would be. She was growing worried of him. He’d taken the events of the past month very hard and she feared he might never fully recover from them. She’d always thought of him as very strong, but it seemed seeing her run down by a car had very nearly broken him… or perhaps it had. This was one of many things weighing heavily on Aleu’s conscience concerning her decision to attempt to save Aniu one month ago.

          As she entered he stood and walked over to her. “Hey Aleu, back from guard duty?” He asked.

          Aleu yawned and nodded. “…and ready to go to sleep.” She said. “…I’m awfully tired.”

          Shadow smiled and led her to the corner of the chamber where they laid down next to one another. “…and you…” She said. “…how have you spent your day?”

          “…thinking.” He responded.

          “…about when you’re going to step up and take control of the Defense Force again?” Aleu asked. “I talked to Dash today. The job of Alpha is already weighing heavily on him and right now he’s having to do your job as well. It would take some pressure off of him if you stepped in again. …besides, you’d probly feel better if you got out of these chambers and did something.”

          Shadow sighed. “I’m not taking over the Defense Force again.” He said.

          “…what, why?” Aleu asked. She raised her head from the floor of the chamber to look at him.

          “I failed them, utterly and completely, even after losing you… I should have soldiered on, taken over the position of Alpha and led them… at very least I should have been here to comfort our family at your loss… instead I ran away. I cannot in good conscience take over and put myself in that position again.”

          “…but they need you.” Aleu said.

          “They don’t need me, they need a leader who knows their job and cares for them, not one who abandons them to the enemy.”

          Aleu sighed. “Shadow, you’ve got to let this go, get on with life.”

          “I will.” Shadow said. “…in time, but not as the leader of our defenses. I will tell Dash tomorrow that I am stepping down and that a replacement will be needed. I will serve the Clan as a lieutenant, nothing higher until I feel I have gotten over this. I know they need another lieutenant with Dash leaving his unit to become Alpha. I’ll take over the First Unit, that will take some stress off of him over finding a replacement.”

          Aleu could see in his eyes that there was no use arguing with her mate. He’d made his decision.

          “…and add the stress of finding a leader for the entire force.” She said. “…who do you think can replace you.”

          “I thought about that.” Shadow said. “…and I think it should be you.”

          “…me?” Aleu asked. “..why do you think that?”

          Shadow smiled. “I know you Aleu. You won’t be happy as just another member of the Clan. You have to be doing something. You’ll like the break for a month or so, but then you’ll get restless, remember when Saba took over as Alpha?”

          Aleu nodded. “Yes, and I guess you’re right, but why me as leader of the Defense Force? I’ve never acted in that capacity before.”

           “You’re good with tactics Aleu, and you care about them, you have soldiered on in the face of adversity in the past and I will feel confident in leaving them to you.”

          Aleu stared at him for a moment, unsure of what to say.

          She looked into his eyes and saw the hurt there, the pain that making this decision was causing him.

          The Defense Force had been Shadow’s idea. Back during the first year of Aleu’s tenure as Alpha of the Talbourne, the old wolf Nava had found Shadow roaming the woods alone. Nava’d brought him back to the Clan, then only a smallish pack.  At first Shadow had been very shy and kept to himself, but soon enough he became very active within the clan, quickly rising to become one of the best hunters. His time by himself had left him often intruding on other pack’s territory to hunt for himself, and this had led to him being involved in his fair share of scraps over his infringement. As a result he was a very accomplished fighter as well. He had a mind for security, for what was required to keep the clan safe. Soon he realized a need for the Talbourne to protect it’s Alpha. He’d spoken to both Nava and Aleu herself on this matter and been granted permission to create the Defense Force, though it only numbered ten wolves and on unit, led by Shadow, at that time. He’d taught the ten wolves to fight and survive on their own in case the circumstance ever arose that they would need to do so. The wolves of the Defense Force started standing one guard post outside the small cave the pack had inhabited then. They were a unit separate from the responsibilities of the rest of the clan. Their only job was to fight off anyone who threatened the clan, or more importantly, the Alpha, Aleu. Not long after that several packs heard of the Talbourne’s existence and their loyalty to Aniu. As a result they joined the Talbourne, increasing both the Clan’s size and territory. As time went on and the Clan grew, the Defense Force grew right with it. The Force was Shadow’s baby, he cared for all the wolves in it as his own children. For him to make the decision to leave them would have been very difficult indeed.

          This was the other thing Aleu saw in her mate’s eyes. The resolve that this was the correct plan of action.”

          Finally Aleu sighed. “…alright Shadow.” She said. “I suppose if I can lead a clan I can lead a Defense Force.”

          Shadow nodded. “It will also place you second in command to Dash. That way you’ll be able to council him as he feels out his new