with relief, and then turned to face Jenna.

''Jenna, I know you don't want me here so...''

Balto was surprised when he saw Jenna's face light up. He was even more surprised when she smiled at him.

''She's...smiling?'' he thought.

Balto was taken completely aback as Jenna jumped at him, and the two of them rolled onto the floor.

''Jenna? What...?'' he asked, thoroughly confused.

She laughed, tears streaming down her face, and nuzzled him hard. When she climbed off him, he remained on the floor.

''Jenna, what...I mean...you...?''

''I believe you Balto'' she smiled.

''You...you what?'' he stuttered.

''I believe you''

Balto was at a complete loss for words.

''How?''

''Doc told me. He told me all about the cancelled trip, and the way Karla lied about you. Balto I'm so sorry, can you ever forgive me?'' she let the tears flow down her muzzle.

Balto smiled ''Of course I do''

Jenna buried her face in his warm fur, and he nuzzled her in return.

''How...how did Doc find out?'' he asked, still slightly confused.

''This lead dog, Chester, told us all about Karla. Her involvement at Anchorage, Carver...'' she mumbled into his fur.

Something pinged in Balto's head, and he quickly straightened up, catching Jenna off guard.

''Balto? What is it?'' she asked, taking a step up to him. Balto stepped back.

''Jenna...stay back. Please, it's not safe''

Jenna was utterly confused. She looked straight into Balto's eyes, and she was shocked at his expression. He had the most heart-wrenching expression she had ever seen, his face contorted in a mixture sorrow, pleading and agony.

''Balto, what’s wrong? Please, tell me'' she pleaded, unable to bare the expression on his face.

Balto closed his eyes ''I can't do this'' he thought.

He sighed ''Jen, I...'' he stopped and hung his head, his eyes still closed.

''How can I tell her? Tell her something...like this?''

Jenna took a step closer, only for Balto to step back.

''Don't Jenna. Please''

Jenna was utterly confused. She didn't know what was wrong with Balto, and she so wanted to hold him and comfort him.

Balto opened his eyes and looked at her, tears trickling down his face.

''Jen...I love you so much...I can't...'' he couldn't continue.

''I love you too Balto. Please, just tell me what’s wrong'' Jenna pleaded.

Balto sighed ''Remember...when I told you...that Carver...'' he shook his head.

Jenna shook her head, unable to remember ''Balto, I don't understand...''

Balto began to quiver, tears pouring down his muzzle ''Jenna I'm...''

''Just do it!'' his thoughts screamed at him.

''...rabid'' he whispered, opening his eyes and looking at Jenna.

Jenna didn't move, didn't say anything. Balto watched as a tear slowly trickled down her muzzle as what he had said set in.

''No...no, you can't...please no...'' she took a step back, shock and disbelief on her face.

Balto hung his head ''I'm sorry Jen''

Jenna looked at him ''Carver...bit you?''

Balto nodded ''Yes''

She gulped ''And you have...rabies?''

Balto nodded, unable to do anything else.

Jenna shook her head slowly ''Oh...Balto''

Before he could stop her, Jenna ran up to him and buried her face in his fur, tears streaming down her face.

''Jenna, I...'' he didn't know what to say.

Jenna stared at him hard ''I'm sorry Balto. I'm so sorry'' she nuzzled him and licked his nose.

Balto smiled faintly, but it quickly faded.

''Jenna...I can't stay. It's not safe''

Jenna stifled a sob ''We could get help...help you'' she sobbed, nuzzling his soft fur.

Balto's voice failed.

''I'm sorry Jenna''

Jenna stopped sobbing, and looked up at him ''Where...will you go?''

Balto shook his head ''I don't know. Somewhere where I...can't hurt anyone''

''I haven't got a clue'' he thought.

Jenna looked straight at him, and Balto was surprised at the anger in her eyes.

''I'll kill him! I'll kill him for what he did. For what he...'' she broke down.

Balto nuzzled her ''Please don't Jenna. I don't want you to get hurt. These guys are dangerous''

''I know, but I'll still make them pay!'' she sobbed, nuzzling his neck.

''Promise me Jen...that you won't go after them. Please, promise me?''

Jenna looked deep into his amber eyes, full of such love and agony.

''I know it's hard Jen, but please, promise me?''

Jenna nodded slowly, unable to say anything else. Balto licked the tears off her muzzle.

''I've got to go Jen. But remember...I love you with all my heart'' Balto smiled faintly.

Jenna returned the smile ''And I love you Balto. Always''

She nuzzled him one last, before he slowly padded to the door. He took one last look at her, her eyes full of love, anger and sorrow, before he silently padded outside into the snow.

*************

Further away from the house, two fiery red eyes glared at a pair of bright blue eyes.

''I could have taken her! Him! Why'd you stop me?'' Grant snarled.

Carver smirked ''Because now, we move onto phase two''

*************

''Phase two?'' Grant asked, still smoldering.

Carver nodded ''Yes. Balto is on his way now, that you cannot deny, so for now we can ignore him and move onto the next part of the plan''

Grant frowned ''You expect me to do that? After the way you showed me up back there?'' his voice dropped to an icy hiss.

Carver smiled in amusement ''Why Grant, don't tell me I...embarrassed you!''

Grant snarled ''You embarrassed me all right! And you know it! I could have taken that mutt, but you stopped me!''

Carver cocked his head quizzically ''You remember the plan Grant. We went for Jenna, not Balto''

''He showed up and he wrecked it! And if you think that I'm gonna let him get away with it, you must be out of your mind Carver!'' Grant growled, baring his teeth.

Carvers smile vanished ''You'll do as your told Grant. Remember your place'' his voice turned so cold that it sent a chill down Grants spine.

''He embarrassed me! You embarrassed me! And no one does that to Red Grant! Not even you'' Grant countered, taking a step forward.

Carvers hackles rose slightly ''You dare to threaten me? You have the audacity to question my authority?''

Grant matched his stance ''You may be our leader, but things can change Carver. Leaders come and go. And your no exception''

A low growl formed in Carvers throat ''You impudent, mangy mutt! Have you any idea who your speaking to? Do you have any idea what I could do to you should I choose? My word is law, and you will obey!''

Grant faltered. He was scared out of his wits at the expression on Carvers face, and Carver knew it.

''At a loss for words Grant?'' Carver smirked, the fire in his eyes still burning.

Grant gulped ''Just...don't embarrass me next time. Okay?''

Carver smiled ''Good boy. I hate it when we fight''

Grant sighed inwardly and nodded.

Carvers features softened ''Go on then. I'll give you a couple of minutes''

Grant raised an eyebrow quizzically ''For what?''

Carver smirked ''Find our 'old friend' and... persuade him to our ends. Make Balto know who he's dealing with, and make sure you two make it look convincing''

Grant smiled viciously ''I can do that. Where do we meet?''

''We'll all meet at the postmasters in ten minutes. Then, the fun will begin!'' Carver sniggered.

Grant licked his lips ''That I look forward to! I'll see you later''

He turned and hurried away up the street. Carver looked back to where Jenna's house stood, a twinkle in his eyes.

''My dear Balto, why do I feel that I'm making a mistake with you?''

He chuckled, and padded away.

*************

At the factory, tensions were rising.

''Where is he? He's taking too long!'' Vladimir protested. Several heads nodded in agreement.

''This is a mistake. I knew there was too much risk involved'' Fitz frowned, furrowing his paws nervously.

''My Carvy knows what he's doing! How dare you all accuse that!'' Karla accused, glaring at each dog in turn.

''Mr. Carvers getting soft on this matter. You especially should know that Karla!'' Jack interjected, a wry grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

The malamute huffed ''My Carvy baby has eyes only for me! You'll see!''

There were stifled sniggers all round, to which Karla snarled at. Glowering, she padded away to another corner of the floor.

Glaring disdainfully after her, Theo turned to Jack ''She is really starting to tick me off''

The German shepherd nodded absently ''What I'm worried about is where that half-breed has gone. He could make things...difficult for us''

Nick nodded in agreement ''This is taking too long. We need to be out there! Doing what we do best! And how can we do that when our leader is fawning over the cause of our problems?''

Krest and Renard padded over, to the obvious disdain of the others ''Oh, do we detect rebellion in our midst’s hmm?'' Krest mocked.

The others stared venomously at him ''And if there is? What’s it to you?'' Theo growled.

''Well, and there was me thinking we were all one big happy family! Would be a shame if something happened to change that'' Krest replied coolly.

Jack and Theo traded uncertain glances. Nick finally spoke ''Nothing is wrong, we're just concerned with how the situation has become...fragile''

The Brothers Grim nodded in unison ''True'' both uttered at the same time.

Jack sighed in relief ''Good. So we're all on the same side then?''

Renard cleared his throat ''For now, we'll all agree with Mr. Carvers plan. But should anything go wrong...'' he left the sentence hanging dangerously.

''...Things will change'' Fitz finished coldly.

*************

In the old mill, Chester and his team were in heated discussion. The ten dogs, eight males and two females, were listening intently.

''So as of now, I want patrols round this town all through the night. Leave no area unchecked. Is that understood?'' Chester glanced at each dog in turn. Each one nodded in agreement.

''Remember also, that there is a blizzard expected tonight, so be on your guard. If necessary seek shelter, but don't take any unnecessary risks. Are we all clear?''

Again, each dog nodded.

''Good. Now, you know your