position.”

          Aleu nodded. “I’d already told him I’d be available for that purpose.”

          Shadow sighed and Aleu could see in his eyes a sense of relief that his Defense Force would be in good paws… but she could also see a grief in his gaze that was matched only by the one he’d worn those long weeks that she had been absent from this world.

          Shadow sighed again and laid his head down as well. “…now I’m tired.” He said. “…guess we should go to sleep.”

          Aleu nodded. “…guess so.” She said. She wished that she could assuage the pain her mate felt, but she knew there was nothing she could do. She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. …soon, both of them were fast asleep, both their minds troubled with thoughts of the future.

          Timbre sighed.

          He was tired.

          The responsibilities of the Lieutenant’s of the Defense Force had grown in intensity steadily ever since the first attack by Lytion and the Shadow Clan. Things had not gotten easier after the Shadow Clan’s defeat either. Though the Talbourne had won the battle thanks to Aniu, it had still taken an awful toll on the numbers of the Force. Nearly half the Clan had been killed or wounded in the first attack by Lytion and his clan and still more in the weeks that followed. Now the units were grossly under-manned and the fourth unit didn’t even have a Lieutenant leading them. Timbre and Ami had taken it in turn to lead them on the days when they were on duty. Weeks of pulling double shifts had left Timbre exhausted to the point he could hardly be recognized as efficient in even his original duty as Lieutenant of Second Unit, much less the extra ones that he had been forced to take on by the lack of wolves in the force.

          He sighed.

          The Talbourne was sucking up more and more of his time everyday, and this did nothing to help the situation at home. Melody was growing increasingly angry with the leadership of the Clan for making him do all these extra duties, and she always thought he should be able to do something about it. She didn’t understand the idea of rank or chain of command at all.

          Timbre turned and stepped into his chambers. Melody was already there.

          “Timbre, you’re home.” She said.

          Timbre nodded.

          “…you’re late.” She said, walking over to him. “I was getting worried about you.”

          Timbre sighed. “We got attacked again on our patrol today. Same thing, a few injuries, no deaths… then the wolves broke contact and ran away. I’m beginning to wonder what they think they’re going to accomplish with these attacks. They don’t seem to have a purpose.”

          Melody nodded. “Well at least you’re okay, and you’re off tomorrow. I thought we could go for a walk, take it easy, we haven’t done that in a long...”

          Timbre cut her off. “I was off.” He said.

          Melody’s eyes flashed. “…what is it now?” She asked.

          Timbre sighed and sat down. “...Fourth Unit is on security detail tomorrow, and because of the attacks Dash wants someone there to lead them in the event these wolves try a real attack on the Clan.”

          Melody shook her head. “…damnit!” she yelled. “Can’t we ever get anytime alone? …just one freaking day!” She sighed and stopped talking for amoment, then looked back up at him. “…can’t Ami cover tomorrow?”

          Timbre shook his head. “She was on guard with them today and Patrol with her own unit the day before… she’s more exhausted than I am.”

          Melody shook her head. “…did you talk to Dash?”

          Timbre sighed. “…of course I did… but there’s not much I can say. He’s the Alpha. I have to do as he says.”

          Melody scowled. “I thought he was your friend.” She said.

          Timbre sighed and looked at the ceiling of the cave. “He is.” Timbre said. “…but he’s the Alpha first.”

          “Well that’s just sorry.” Melody said. “He should understand what all is being placed on you two.”

          “He does.” Timbre said. “You just don’t understand how the system works.”

          “Oh so now it’s my fault?” Melody snapped.

          Timbre sighed. “Melody, I really don’t want to talk about this now, and I certainly don’t want to argue with you. I’m really tired.”

          “Well far be it from me to care about my family!” Melody yelled.

          “Please don’t yell.” Timbre said. “The other wolves don’t need to hear about this.”

          “Oh yes they do!” Melody yelled. “They should all know how he’s treating you two… like freaking slaves!”

          Timbre sighed and walked to the corner. “If you’re going to keep yelling I’m going to sleep. I’m tired and I have to wake up early in the morning.”

          He laid down and closed his eyes.

          Melody walked over to him. “I’m beginning to wonder if you care about this at all.” She said. “You’re so freaking calm it’s like you volunteered.”

          “I did.” Timbre said.

          “What the hell?” Melody said. “…why’d you do that?”

          Timbre sighed.  “…because I told you Ami is beat. She’s been as busy, if not busier than I have been.”

          “Well I don’t see her taking any of your duties.” Melody said. “What’s wrong with her?”

          Timbre sighed and shook his head, anger growing in his own mind now. “Listen!” He said sharply. “Ami is a fresh Lieutenant with little to no experience and she’s pulling more than her weight in the teams. Times are hard right now, I can’t leave and it’s no one’s fault but my own for accepting the position in the first place. Stop getting mad at everyone and just deal with it.”

          Melody looked at him for a long while. Then she turned and walked briskly out of the chamber.

          Timbre sighed. “At least I can get some sleep.” He thought. Then he laid his head back down and closed his eyes. It wasn’t long before he was sleeping soundly.

          Dash had finally managed to get away from the meeting he’d called with his two Lieutenants. He could tell that they were both exhausted, and he felt badly about working them so hard, but he also knew there was no alternative available at the moment. Ami in particular was extremely tired. He could see it in her stance, not only physically, but mentally as well. He sighed and stepped into his chambers where June was waiting for him. “Hey you.” He said with a smile.

          June smiled back. “So the Alpha of the clan finally found some time for little ole me huh?” She said.

          Dash nodded. “…sure did.”

          June walked over to him and sat beside him.

          “So… I’ve been thinking today and…” Dash looked up at his mate. “Now that the kids are all grown up and in their own chambers… if you want to have pups of your own..” Dash stopped there, unsure of quite how to phrase his