the problem of being part dog. Sometimes I think he doesn’t realize that I’m both.

Sitka lifted his head, realizing what he had said. “I’m sorry Father. I didn’t mean insult to you, I meant full blooded dogs. They aren’t as cultured and understanding as wolves are. Wolves always share the full story; we have the Code and standards to guide us. Dogs rely on baseless rumors. They cannot be trusted.”

“It’s not dogs in general that are to blame Sitka. It’s the ones who hate someone for what they are. Those dogs weren’t even going to take care of supposed problems; they were out for sport and nothing more. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, and hatred will be your undoing if you allow it to grab a hold of you.”

The white wolf looked at his father in law with renewed respect, though he still looked tense. Though Balto was obviously still a rather young looking canine he spoke with wisdom one gets only with age. Sitka respected him for that. “I suppose you are right. I will apologize once everything is sorted out.” He gazed at Tovah who groaned and held her side. His eye brows creased in worry. “I just hope help comes soon.”

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

 Rosie giggled as she and Jenna played tug of war with her father’s long, well worn sock. Even though she was now ten years old, she still enjoyed Balto and Jenna’s company, and she was perfectly fine about the fact her best friends happened to be the family’s two pet dogs. Rosie grunted after a particularly hard tug on Jenna’s part that had nearly made her tip forward. “Gosh Jenna, you’re still really strong! Hand it over already! You can’t win for long; I’m now ten and not a wimp.”

Jenna just yanked harder, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I’d like to see just how long I can hold on to this thing! She’s getting stronger by the day. She had almost gotten it from Rosie’s grip when she heard frantic barking outside the door. In her surprise she let go of the sock, and Rosie went flying backward and landed on her rear.  “Oof!” She sat up and held the sock aloft. “Ha! I won this time!” Rosie crowed, but then she paused and watched Jenna curiously. “What’s the matter girl? You have to go out?”

Jenna barked to be let out, and Rosie opened the door for her. Jenna was met by the harsh February wind that slammed into her body. She looked up to see Kodi standing there. “Kodi? What are you doing here?”

“Mom, you gotta come quick! Dad and I found Tovah and Sitka, but some dogs had attacked them, and Tovah fell through the ice in Anvil Creek! We have to get Doc!”

Jenna snapped into action and was already running towards Doc’s place. “Alright, what are you standing in the snow for? Let’s move!”

Chapter Five 

The trip back was harder. Kodi and his two companions now had to face the stiff wind, and as if that wasn’t enough it was beginning to snow again. Jenna stumbled though a particularly deep bank of snow before righting herself. “Now I know why I’m a house dog. I’d never make it on a sled team.” She grumbled. Doc wasn’t doing much better in the snow, his bulky frame and his age made him lag behind the others a good four paces.

Kodi paused as he realized the fact that he never had been to his Uncle Kemo’s old cave before, (save one time as a pup, and he didn’t really remember that). He had been following his father this time, and now that he was alone he was unsure of where to go. “Uh, Mom? Do you remember the way to the cave? Dad never showed me where it was exactly. I doubt he would have Tovah right where I started from.”

Jenna didn’t say anything for a moment; she just plowed though the snow. “Alright, I’ll lead. Just stay behind me, and whatever you do, stay outside the cave.”

“Why?”

Doc grunted as he made his way after them. “Trauma can cause those who are pregnant to go into early labor. I have an idea that this may happen.”

Kodi gulped. He hadn’t known that, and now he was feeling twice as guilty. What if Tovah died because of this mess?

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

Jenna finally got up to the cave. “Now, Doc and I will be in here, while you and the others stay in that other cave over there.”

Kodi sighed and waded through the snow into the small dugout cave that was a few yards away from the main den. He shook the snow from his fur and waited until he saw Balto and Sitka come inside as well. He stood hastily and swallowed. “Sitka, let me explain about my actions back there”-

Sitka held up a paw. “There is no need to say anything at the moment. I need to think over what your father told me, and right now I can’t think straight with what’s going on. Just don’t speak to me.”

Kodi wilted; his gut twisting as he watched Sitka curl up at the back of the dugout, back turned to him. Balto just looked on wearily and sat at the front of the cave, in silent vigil. Not even he truly understands. Kodi thought, wondering when this would end.

“I know now that it wasn’t truly your fault.” Sitka finally said, uttering a sigh and startling Kodi out his angsty thoughts. “I just wish you and Father made it in time.”

Balto looked out at the snow that was beginning to pick up again. Worry was almost tangible in the air as the three looked at one another. “Well, there’s nothing to do but wait.”

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

And wait they did. Balto and the others waited for three hours, every minute almost killing them with suspense. Balto had finally begun to doze off when he felt Kodi paw him awake. “Dad, Mom just called for us!”

He sat up, all drowsiness forgotten. All three dashed out, and once they got in they stopped, breathless.

Four small fluff balls were at Tovah’s side, all looking as if the puff of wind would blow them away. Balto shook his head as he sat next to Jenna. “Now you’ve done it Tovah. You’re making me old.” He rubbed a paw ruefully over his snout, which was beginning to show lines of white now.

Tovah laughed weakly, and Sitka nuzzled her affectionately. “You had me worried.”

“I think the only one you should be worried about is yourself.” She huffed, though her eyes twinkled. “You are going to pay for doing this to me.”

Kodi looked at the puppies, absently wondering if he had been as small. “There’re…so small!” He whispered, forgetting himself here. He hadn’t realized that Tovah would be wondering why he was still around.

She looked up sharply at him, her brow creasing. “You! You think you can waltz in here and play happy family with that stunt you pulled? Who do you think you are?!?"

Kodi backed up when Tovah began to growl. “Listen, I can explain!”

Tovah looked as if she were a simmering pot ready to boil over. “Please do. An explanation on why you set beasts on us would be nice.”

Jenna frowned, turning to Balto in confusion. “Balto, what is she talking about?”

Balto cleared his throat, and told Jenna and Doc what had happened. He turned to Tovah as he wrapped it up. “It was a misunderstanding. Surely you know Kodi wouldn’t do anything intentionally to harm you.”

Tovah’s ears tilted backward, a sign that she hadn’t completely let go of her anger, yet was mulling over what was said. At last she glanced up at her brother. “Kodi, a lot has happened in a short time. I need time to adjust.”

Kodi nodded, taking his cue to leave when he was halted in his tracks by Tovah’s voice. “However, that doesn’t mean I don’t forgive you. You don’t need to leave just yet.”

Kodi turned; his face a mask of confusion. She was forgiving him that soon? If it were him, he would probably been angry for a long while! Females are so confusing.  “So, you’re forgiving me? After all I’ve done?”

“Well, I really don’t want to…” Tovah began, though a smile was creeping in her tone. “But it’s the right thing to do. I guess I owe you an apology, if you think about it.”

Kodi shook his head.  "No, I'm the one who should be sorry. I shouldn't have let you being Sitka's mate bug me so much. None of this was your fault at all."  He frowned.  "I guess I'm gonna be a really lousy uncle." 

Sitka smiled.  "There's nothing wrong with looking after your sister.  If I were in your paws, I wouldn't trust me with her either." 

Balto grinned at the comment and was going to make his own when Jenna stomped lightly on his paw to stop him. “Balto…”

“Sorry.”

Tovah scoffed. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she turned to Kodi. “Anyway, I have a deal to make with you.”

“I knew there was something up with all this sudden mushiness.” Kodi mumbled.

Tovah gazed heavenward, exasperated. “Will you listen please? I have a deal. If you decide to stop being so overly protective of us girls in the family, then I’ll let you name one of our pups.” She glared at Sitka who drew himself up to argue the matter, and he