looked at Kaltag, “Celebration?”

Kaltag laughed, “For a successful expedition to save Nome.” He paused, “It’s also kind of a party for your new membership on the team. We’ve been needing a new leed dog for a while.”

Balto stared in disbelief, “Are you serious? I’m on the team?”

“Yep. The musher has personally picked you as Steele’s replacement. After all, you are the fastest dog in the city. It only seems right.” Kaltag replied.

Balto couldn’t believe it. He was going to fulfill one of his most valuable dreams. The other one was being with Jenna for the rest of his life. Janne licked his cheek then looked at Meria, “Well, we’ll see you there.”

“See you.” She told Balto and walked away. Balto felt himself blush but stopped when Jenna was looking. He didn’t know if being Meria’s friend was a good thing, or going to ruin his life with Jenna.

Jenna and Balto made their way to the party in the afternoon. They had spent the rest of their day with Rosy in the hospital and was a joyful experience too. The celebration was in the mill and was filled with dogs. There were the dogs that were on the sled team, and the female dogs that were flirting with them. Then there were Jenna’s friends: Sylvie and Dixie, two dogs that used to be in love with Steele, but after the night before, hated him. Jenna walked off to talk to them and Balto saw Meria talking with Kaltag. She then looked at him and waved for him to come. He hestitantly obeyed and stalked off toward them.

      Meria smelled like she had taken a bath and was smiling at Balto as if it were trying to impress him. She the brushed up against him and gave him a friendly hug, but a little bit too friendly. Kaltag then rolled his eyes then said, “Good to see ya made it.” He paused, “Oh wait, it’s your honor, of cource you made it.”

Balto smiled at his friend and moved away from Meria who was still brushin up against him. Balto then looked at Kaltag and mouthed, “help me.” Kaltag understood and did what he had wanted do and asked

“Er, Meria?” he paused, “Can I talk to you?”

Meria smiled and said, “Sure.”

Kaltag took her to a corner and asked, loud enough for Balto to hear

“Do you want to go take a stroll through the moon light.” He added, “Just me and  you?”

Meria smiled but then said, “Sorry, I just moved here, and don’t really know anybody here, but maybe after I’ve met everybody and got a taste of the people here,” she winked at Balto, “I’ll go with you.” She walked off to Sylvie and Dixie. Balto made his way to Kaltag

“I didn’t see that coming.” He said. Kaltag was looking down.

“Don’t worry about it, maybe when she realized that you’re with Jenna, she’ll get it.”

“Look, I didn’t mean for that to happen. I’ll stick away from her and spend all my time with Jenna so she gets I’m not in to her.” Balto reassured him then turned as Jenna came walking up to him.

“Hey, you guys.” Jenna said, “Can I talk to Balto alone, please?” she asked blinking at Kaltag. Kaltag chuckled then walked off to Nikki and star, his best friends who are also on the sled team.

Jenna then blushed and then nuzzled his neck. He smiled and nuzzled the top of her head. He felt so good to be with her and couldn’t believe how much they’ve gotten closer. She then sighed with joy and then asked, “Balto?”

Balto smiled and replied, “yes?”

She then raised her head looking in to his eyes and said, “I love you.”

It took him off guard and then he felt week in the knees. She was his best friend and they’ve been through so much for the last few days. She was perfect in everything she did in, while he was an outcast and only limited people liked him. He then replied while he sniffed her nose, “I love you, too.”

She smiled and nuzzled him. He felt so good to have her brushing her fur against his and he sighed with joy. She was the closest thing he had to a family, not including Boris. She then looked at him and they together joined the party.

        Balto walked Jenna home that night and led her to the shed. He walked her in and she lied down on her bed. Balto smiled and sniffed her nose. They closed their eyes as they did so.

“Good night.” Balto said opening his eyes. He realized he was kissing the prettiest girl in Nome. He gave a sigh at the thought.

Jenna smiled and opened her eyes, “Good night, my love.”        

Balto smiled and left to leave the shed but was called back, “Wait, where do you live? I’m sorry, but I need to know that your safe out there.” She asked

Balto grinned and told her about his boat. He had never told anyone about it before and was happy to finally give it up. She looked in disbelief.

“Well, at least stay here for the night. I would feel a lot better about your safety.” She offered. Balto looked at her and she stared at him with loving eyes filled with sorrow and caring. He licked her nose and replied

“As long as I’m with you, I’ll be fine.” He said then he lied down next to her. The bed was warm and Jenna’s fur only made it more comfortable. She looked up at him and cuddled up with him. She fell asleep afterwards and Balto did so also. He knew from the beginning that he loved Jenna and hoped to be with her one day, and now that he is finally with her, he is overjoyed.

Balto woke up before Jenna did. He yawned and stretched his legs as usual and then licked Jenna’s nose. She giggled and opened her eyes. She wore a bright and beautiful smile on her face and licked his nose. Balto chuckled to himself, but then flinched when Rosy’s father opened the shed door. He stared at him and then did what he expected him to do.

“All right, out.” He said pointing out the door. Balto obeyed and walked out, “If there are going to be any puppies from Jenna, they’re going to be pure bred not mutts.”

Balto twitched at the comment. After all he did for their family, he was still treated as an outcast. Jenna walked out the door and caught up with him.

“Balto?” she asked, “I’m so sorry.” She nuzzled his face. He pulled away and said

“He’s right you know.” He said, “You would be better off with Steele then you would be with me.” He didn’t make eye contact, “maybe it’s for the best if we just stayed-“

“No,” she interrupted, “I will not let that ruin us. I love you, so much.”

Balto looked at her beautiful eyes and replied,, “I love you, also, but I need to be alone right now.” He walked off and he could hear her softly say

“See you later.” She paused, “Balto.”

Balto walked in an alley and lied down and stared at himself in a frozen puddle. No matter what he did, he still had the look and heritage of a wolf. He then thought of what his life would have been like if his mother didn’t die. Would the pack not accept him because he was part-dog? He then figured out there was no place for him. Then a familiar voice came from behind him.

“Now why is the town hero moping around?” He turned and it was Meria. He suddenly got a very uncomfortable feeling and backed away.

“Er, Hi, Meria.” He hesitated saying so. She smiled at him in a weird way.

“So, um, what happened to you last night? I didn’t see you leave.” She said getting closer. Balto stared at her.

“I left early with Jenna.” Balto answered. She made smirked when he ssaid Jenna’s name, then got even closer and their chests were brushing against each other now.

“Well,” she said. “You don’t need her you know.” She said. Balto stared at her, “After all, if her family doesn’t accept you, why would their loyal pet be any different?”

Balto growled under his throat, “Excuse me?”

She smirked again and said, “My family doesn’t care who I’m with. We could be together with no problems at all.” She then nuzzled his chin with her tail, still making a very creepy smirk. Then someone came up to them.

“Balto?!” it was Kaltag. He looked at Meria and then at him again and then glared at Balto, “I see.” He walked off. Balto didn’t want for any of this to happen and then he growled at Meria and raced after Kaltag.

“Kaltag?” he asked desperately. He was in front of him now, “That wasn’t what it looked like. I don’t care for her, she was all up on me.” Kaltag didn’t look at him, “You have to believe me.”

“Why should I? I saw how you two looked at each other yesterday. Why should it be any different today?” He had a point.

“I swear, I’m telling you the truth.” Balto pleaded.

Kaltag looked at him, “You think you could just steal everything away from the other dogs in Nome? Who do you think was supposed to be the next lead dog after Steele left us? Me, but then you took his spot and the musher only thought it was right to give it to you.” Balto couldn’t believe it, he hadn’t done anything, “and what would Jenna think if she saw that?”

“Saw what?” a voice came from behind