SPECIAL THANKS TO DREWTHEWOLF FOR HELPING ME!

ALL CHARACTERS ARE COPYRIGHTED TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS!

            Time slowed its pace down to a crawl after the sound. Ears rang in the area. But all the hybrid could pay attention to was the sight of her alpha...Achak, fall to the ground as his own blood splashed through the air and scattered onto the snow. Kiona felt the bullet hit the ground at her own feet and only then did she move from her frightened, wide-eyed stance. She called his name as if, if she didn't address him loud enough, the world would end. Her call echoed throughout the entire territory, loud enough for the rest of the pack to hear and run to them.

            Kiona put her head on her savior's. His shaking, hurting form pained her so much, tears actually began to fall from her tightly closed eyes, to her face, onto Achak's. "Why did you do this!" she thought to herself. "Why did you let yourself get hurt by those you hate, just to protect me!" A soft sob managed to escape through Kiona's breathing. "Don't leave me!" she continued pleading inside her thoughts. "Please, don't leave me!"

            The rest of the pack abandoned whoever was left of Nayati's pack to see what had happened. And worse than what they had ever hoped, they witnessed their alpha on the ground, bleeding, and their fellow pack mate crying over him. All of their eyes were wide with shock, but then their expressions slipped into sorrow. Olathe's fur stood on end as she saw her son in the same position his father was in, dreading the worst. She and the others prayed, hoping for the best, no matter how bad the outlook appeared.

            "No..." Kanook thought to himself, holding back a sob. He could not bare the thought of losing Achak, especially so soon after Faolan's death. He was the one who wanted his life taken before either of their's. This could not be happening again! Ayashi and Takoda were battling the exact same thoughts as their mother and uncle.

            Pain was all the black and silver wolf felt in his entire body as the bullet pierced clean through him and lingered until he felt a smaller body on his. It clung to him with all its might. Achak's eyes flashed open when he felt dampness on his cheeks. Judging by the sound of the soft...melancholy sobs...it was Kiona. For an instant, he didn't feel pain in his body. It may have been due to losing blood, but even so...he felt terrible that he was making her cry. Just the same, he would not regret ever dying for her, or any family member for that matter. His vision was blurring, and his bloods ceased redding more snow. He closed his eyes.

            "Please, don't leave me."

            Achak's ears twitched at the voice. It begged of him. Kiona was begging for him not to leave.  He took a breath and dared to move. First his front legs, then his upper body. That was all he could manage by himself. He moved rather slowly and shakily, straining under his own weight. He raised his head. He would not die like his father. He would not leave Kiona. He would not leave his pack. He would not leave his family. Not like this.

            Kiona stared up at her alpha once he finished propping himself up. She could not believe it. He was still alive! The fact was so amazing, her mouth stayed agape as she watched him stare at Thomas with those icy blue beautiful eyes of his. Achak's black fur stood out in the sun-reflecting snow, almost as if he himself was making the forest light up.

            This entire time, Thomas was still shaken by the size of this wolf. It was bigger than he had ever seen and it took a bullet and was still alive. At first the wolf was on the ground for a few good minutes, but when he saw Kiona over him...she appeared to be mourning him, like this wolf meant something to her. Could he have taken the bullet to save her? Was Kiona happier out here? He asked himself until he realized that an entire pack of wolves was surrounding him, his "dog", and the wolf.

            Little attention was placed on him instead of red and black canines. Once the black and silver beast's bright blue glare pierced fear through his heart, he could not look away. If he was able to escape the scrutiny altogether, his eyes were only caught by more, until finally his gaze rested upon his once-beloved sled dog. Her large brown eyes were still moist and were as deep as ever, however, now it was almost as if they were saying, "I'm sorry...but this life is for me. Not even you can change that." He nodded, not fully understanding, but trying to nonetheless. He deactivated his weapon and hurried away through and out of the forest, giving Kiona one last look of apology before he was out of sight.

~~~

            The injured alpha had to be carried back by Dartanion. Kanook pretty much stayed silent the entire wander to home. It was partly due to being tired from the warring day, but mostly due that he was afraid to speak and cry in the process. He was so relieved. Everyone was, especially Kiona, who didn't dare look away from Achak. From the scene of the incident, to the return to the cave, she watched over him. Normally, Ayashi would playfully tease her about that, but she knew better than to do such a thing.

            Once the entire pack returned to the cave, Achak was placed inside to rest. Even though he had survived the gunshot, he was still not out of danger. The gun powder could still cripple him and he would still need to take it very easy. Almost as soon as he hit the cool ground within the cave, the alpha was asleep. Olathe told a few of the pack members to carefully go back to the "war zone" and check for any survivors of Nayati's pack, just in case, and to scout to make sure they were no longer within the territory. The rest stayed behind to guard their leader. The silver wolf widow licked her sleeping son on his head and heaved a sigh of great relief. She told Kiona to take care of him, since she knew more about how guns worked than anyone.

            The hybrid did. Thomas would hardly ever hunt, but he did keep a gun, and she had witnessed how it worked. It was a terrible and cowardly way to kill, even she knew this. So, she cleaned the wound, which was located just inches above his heart. She lapped up and ridded Achak of any potentially-tainted blood with her warm, moist tongue. As she did that, she listened to the calm beat of his heart, which rate would speed up slightly once in a while. She fell asleep by him, since the sound to her was very much like a lullaby.

~~~

            About a week passed. Everyone would take turns taking care of Achak, no matter how much Kiona objected. She felt rather responsible for his condition, even if his gun wound appeared to be getting better.. She sat inside the cave with Ayashi, even though it was her turn to take care of him. The hybrid said nothing, just sat in the cave, pretending to have an odd interest in the scenery outside the den. Just the fact that she was by Achak gave her a sense of comfort.

            The young silver wolf looked at the hybrid questionably. Why would she have such an interest in her brother? She noticed how she would follow him, not as much as stalking, but she did prefer his company over anyone's. She was curious and wanted to ask her, but first she checked to make sure Achak was sleeping. She couldn't tell, but his eyes were closed. Aya smirked and looked at Kiona.

            "Kiona, I'm thirsty. Could you keep an eye on Achak for me?" she asked as she exited the cave, not bothering to wait for Kiona's response. She knew either way, the hybrid would stay. Kiona didn't ask why, but it still didn't keep from being peculiar.

            Awkward silence. Awkward warmth. Kiona looked at Achak and jumped a little. He was awake with his head up, looking at her for a moment, but then looking away. Kiona jerked her head to the left, a soft inward sigh--thank god he was okay. This was the first time he was able to raise his head without much effort. The sudden turn of Achak's head threw tiny whiffs of his scent in her direction, she took in a slow breathe, he scent was so calming, protective, provocative. She got goose bumps. For the first time Kiona admitted to herself that she loved his scent. Unknown to the hybrid, the wolf felt the same way, however, he was an expert at showing little or no reaction (which Kiona found kind of disappointing, deep down).

            She loved his scent? Kiona thought to herself. That couldn't possibly be why she felt this silly pup-like feeling invade her. But... it explained a lot. She felt the need to protect him and be near him always. This entire time being in the pack, she'd follow him.