Chapter 2 The Unknown 

The rain slowly started to subside and Conan sighed in relief as he shook his fur trying to get the water out of his eyes and ears. He was quite far from the alpha den but it didn’t bother him because was normally on his own ever since his friends never quite accepted him because of his running passion.

When he was only a pup his friends used to play with him because they enjoyed his company but when he started to beat them at races and at play fights they slinked away and excluded him from games up until now. Since they found out he’d be future alpha male of the pack they all suddenly started crawling back to him but he just sneered at these attempts to get close to him.

Conan could almost call himself cold and dark because of the wolves who kept ignoring him and not appreciating his passions until they found he was in power.

His large paws splashed the large puddles on the snow as he walked through the forest which was absolutely silent because all the animals were away hiding from the storm which was slowly subsiding. The tension his father felt between him and Aleu had always been there ever since he was a pup. Conan wasn’t quite sure why but they had never seen eye to eye and still didn’t. His mother never told him about his heritage, his past family or even where she had come from. Most of all he resented her for not supporting his running passion. She was always telling him he needed to be more reasonable if he was someday to be the leader of the pack, he knew that there was some truth in it but that still didn’t change anything.

Stopping where he was Conan hung his head low looking at the white snow on the ground as he sighed. He wasn’t ready to be the alpha he wasn’t ready to do this, something inside him was telling him something else and he didn’t understand what it meant. The only person who knew about what he felt was Aleu who he knew would never tell him.

Hearing a sound behind him Conan quickly jumped around and barred his teeth as he looked into the thick forest of trees searching for any sign of life. He smelt the air which was better then his eye sight as he looked at the shadows to see if any of them moved.

‘Come out right now.’ Conan growled as he slowly started to walk forward towards the area where he heard the sound. He was powerful like a wolf and was much faster then any other wolf in his entire pack which gave him a distinctive advantage.

Suddenly from the shadows a wolf much the same size as Conan appeared staring at Conan with their brown eyes. Conan didn’t recognize him from the pack so he knew he must be an intruder and intruders in the wild were dealt harshly with. Stepping forward growling Conan was about to attack when the wolf in front of him stepped back in a submissive stance making Conan stop looking surprised. ‘What are you doing in our land? Conan said edging further as the wind picked up creating a mist from the fallen snow on the ground.

‘Strange beings have captured my pack and now they’ve moved into your land!’ The wolf whimpered as he looked at Conan who simply frowned.

‘Don’t lie to me, you must be seeing things now get out of here.’ Conan was surprised at himself for being so lenient to this intruder, a wolf would have killed him on sight but for some reason Conan was stopping himself from doing that.

‘I’m not lying! They’re on the glacier.’ The wolf said backing up even more as Conan was almost right in front of him. Conan’s expression changed as the wolf mentioned the glacier that was near his home.

‘Show me.’ Conan ordered looking at the wolf who seemed reluctant at first but soon ran off into the forest followed by Conan who was in close pursuit.

Once they arrived at the edge of the glacier they both ducked behind the trees as Conan could see a vivid image of something moving at the edge of the ice.

‘There.’ The wolf said looking at Conan before slowly backing up. Conan was to busy looking at the sight to realize the wolf behind him had disappeared leaving him alone. When he realized the wolf was gone Conan turned around and yelled.

‘Get back here!’ The other wolf was obviously gone Conan thought as he growled but just turned around and looked back the strange beings on the glaciers snow covered surface.

It couldn’t be wolves he thought to himself as he edged closer out of the cover and into the open towards the strange beings. Wolves didn’t run in a straight line of twos and certainly didn’t carry anything large behind them and were connected by a strange material.

Curiosity made Conan run forward towards the sight and as he got closer only more questions popped into his head. Soon enough he was only about 10 meters away and was easily keeping up with the team of animals that looked like smaller wolves which were all connected by a strange material. They were pulling something that stood on two legs and was looking at him as he ran.

All the dogs that were on the team stared at each other as Conan ever so slowly edged towards the team feeling an excitement he’d never felt before. His powerful legs pushed him forward till he was in front of the team.

For a moment he completely forget that these were strange beings and it felt almost natural to be running side by side with them with the wind in his face.

Suddenly everything snapped into reality when he felt something hard hit his back and he immediately tripped over what ever it was as he fell crashing to the floor as the group of wolf like creatures ran past him all laughing as they did.

He slowly came to a stop on the snow and looked up realizing the strange creature had thrown something at him. He watched them disappear in to the distance as he lay there watching them his heart beating fast wanting nothing more then the quickly catch up but he knew he shouldn’t.

Hanging his lead low for a moment he slowly got up and started to walk back to the forest to tell the pack of what he’d seen, he had a feeling Aleu might know what they were.

Chapter 3 Discover

‘I don’t want you to go any where near them.’ Aleu ordered looking at Conan who was staring at her coldly. She was standing in front of him with Ty behind looking at them both reluctant to get involved.

‘I ran beside them they looked so much like us…’ Conan said remembering the strange wolf like creatures connected by the material that was pulling another strange creature.

‘Gather the pack.’ Aleu said as she quickly walked out of the den and out on to the snow leaving Ty and Conan alone in the den.

‘Why can’t she ever talk to me…?’ Conan said to himself holding back his anger as he quickly walked to the entrance of the den where his father quickly stopped him but Conan didn’t let him speak as he quickly walked past to gather the rest of the pack wondering how on earth those other wolves were so dangerous and why was Aleu so afraid of them? 

‘I’m glad you’re all here…’ Aleu begun as she looked at all the wolves who looked up at her. ‘Strange creatures have entered our land and I don’t want anyone approaching or going near them. They are dangerous.’

A chorus of whispers suddenly broke out as Conan stood in the middle looking up at his mother wondering whether or not to speak. Even though Aleu was his mother she was also the Alpha Female who looked after the safety of the pack and whom every pack member had respect for. ‘Why are they so dangerous?’ Conan said stepping forward looking up at Aleu who was standing on a small rock looking down at her son. Everyone in the pack whispered again but Conan just ignored them as he waited.

‘They have weapons and will harm you and I don’t want anything happening to anyone in our pack.’

‘The rouge wolf I saw said that they had captured his pack mates.’ Conan said turning around to look at everyone as though enforcing the warning what Aleu had just said.

‘Stay safe everyone and if they are seen again tell me right away. No one is to approach them.’ Aleu said staring at her son who wasn’t looking at her but rather at the expressions of his pack mates. Conan remembered his mother telling him that her pack had traveled across the ocean for safety and for food and he believed that the pack was starting to get scared and perhaps were starting to regret the decision.

Slowly the pack started to disappear leaving Conan alone as it started to snow softly making him shiver. He watched as a small snow flake landed on his cold wet nose and for some reason he suddenly got a strange feeling as he slowly walked forward into the pine forest towards the glacier.

When he reached the glacier he looked behind him to make sure no one was following him as he ran over the snow towards the tracks the others had left. The snow had almost completely covered them up but using his keen sense of smell he quickly followed it across the glacier hoping to find the group.

As he ran he realized he was getting dangerously close to the edge of the glacier and when he looked out to sea he could see the pack ice in the distance slowly starting to break up and turn in to huge ice bergs. Over the edge of the glacier was a huge drop that no one would be able to survive and there was no other way down because he’d tried to find a safe way down countless times but all the times ended without a safe passage.

Conan suddenly skidded to a halt on the snow as he smelt the air realizing that he was leaving his packs territory. His pack was named the Glacier Pack and a similar sized pack called the Mountain Pack owned the land beside them. Most of the time they lived happily side by side as long as they didn’t venture into the others territory.

Considering the options Conan stood on the edge for so long that he felt his paws being buried by the snow. Breathing in deeply he took a risk and stepped over the invisible border till he was completely in the Mountains Pack territory. Looking away from his usual territory he started running again oblivious to the dangers that lurked all around him.

He knew he was different and that these strange beings were the answer to his questions and he had to risk everything because he just had to know who he was and why he looked exactly like a wolf but had the passions of some thing else.

The glacier slowly started to get smaller as he came closer and closer to the pine forest and mountains in the distance. Once he reached the pine forest he smelt the air and smelt something different as he stopped and looked around him, something wasn’t right.

As Conan looked in the shadows he didn’t hear something approach him from behind and before he knew what was happening he turned around in time to see something behind him.

The wolf like creature looked straight at Conan with its teeth bared and in a defensive position. Starting to regret his decision for a moment Conan looked at the aggressor and knew he had come and so he had to finish what he had started no matter what.

Chapter 4 Husky

As Conan and the other creature circled around each other he suddenly remembered seeing her on the glacier when he was running beside them. Before he had time to say anything she jumped at him causing him to jump back avoiding the attack. He knew he had to defend himself but if she was who he thought she was she might be able to answer some of his questions.

‘Move away from here.’ She growled at Conan who kept his ground.

‘Who are you? I know you’re not a wolf’ Conan said looking at her noticing that she was obviously smaller then he was which meant she couldn’t be a wolf because nearly everyone in his pack was about his size. She was a mixture between a light grey and light brown with blue eyes.

‘Does it matter I’m telling you to leave.’ She jumped at Conan who easily jumped out of the way. ‘Just fight me or leave.’ She growled as she frowned looking at Conan who smiled to himself.

‘I could but then I’d win…’

‘You’re very confident.’ She said slyly watching Conan closely before back off a little and sighing. ‘If you were a wolf you would have attacked me by now.’

‘My names Conan and I’m a purebred wolf.’ He said proudly looking back at her who still seemed on edge.

‘My names Koara and I still I need you to leave.’ Koara said sternly looking at Conan who had relaxed slightly.

‘Don’t you remember me I was running beside you and the others on the glacier?’ Conan said looking at her and taking a step forward which made Koara instantly jumped back away from him.

‘You tried to attack us!’ She said backing off a little as Conan looked confused.

‘I was running beside you I was never going to attack you I was intrigued by what you were doing I’ve never seen something like that in my life.’

‘You’re going to be seeing a lot of us around because my owner has…’ She quickly stopped realizing she had said too much.

Owner? Conan thought to himself as the word kept going in and out of his mind. No one had an owner in the wild everyone lived free and did what they wanted. Wolves never had an owner unless she was talking about an Alpha Pair but even then why did she use the word owner? ‘What are you? Who’s an owner?’ Conan asked looking at Koara who was still on edge.

‘I’m a purebred Husky and my owner is the man.’ Koara said proudly standing up tall.

‘Husky…is that a type of wolf because I’ve never seen anything like you around here.’ Conan asked smiling up at her and took a step forward which made her instantly step back. ‘Why are you scared of me?’ He said stopping where he was and sitting down making Koara stop and look back at him.

‘You kill dogs, you kill animals…’

‘I kill to survive...but I’ve never killed a Husky and trust me I’m not going to start now.’ Conan said looking down at the ground.

 ‘Please leave Conan. I’m on watch.’ Koara pleaded looking up at him.

‘Maybe I can stay and keep you company then?’ Conan said happily as he quickly jumped back up and ran over to Koara who didn’t seem to stir as he sat down beside her. He was much larger than her but it didn’t seem to bother him as he sat there smiling to himself. She had the answers and he was going to get them.

‘Conan I really think you…’ Koara started but before she could finish they both heard a crashing sound and Conan watched as someone bounded out of the trees making them both stand up. It was another husky but he was black and white with red splashes around his eyes.

He growled fiercely as he approached Conan who instantly stepped forward barring his teeth the hair on the back of his back standing up as he walked closer.

‘Get out of here Koara he’s a wolf.’ The black and red husky said loudly as he lashed at Conan who quickly dodged the attack but before he had time to attack back heard Koara yell out.

‘Stop it Alden he was just leaving!’ Koara said staring at Conan who growled but stopped himself staring at Alden who Conan knew he could easily beat in a fight since he to was smaller then himself.

‘Get out of here before I call my master.’ Alden growled snapping at Conan who looked at Koara before frowning wanting nothing more then to beat him in a fight. He knew that Aleu had told him that the man was dangerous and for once he’d take her word, turning around he ran off in to the forest feeling as though he was a coward form backing down.

Alden turned to Koara who stood her ground as he walked up to her and said in her face. ‘These wolves are killers, we are here to stop them not make friends. I think you should leave your duty Koara and if you ever see a wolf again don’t disobey our master and stop the wolf yourself or call our master to do the job. You understand?’

‘I understand clearly.’ Koara cooed as she walked past Aden and towards the small camp that was nearby.

As she walked she couldn’t help but think that there was something different about Conan. Why was he so interested in who she was and what she was doing? A wolf would have attacked her but why was he more interested in her sled team? He looked exactly like a wolf but something different shone in his eyes she had never seen someone so different in her life.  

Chapter 5 Intentions

Koara looked up at the stars as she woke up from a light sleep. She was sleeping beside her masters’ tent with the other dogs on her team but they all seemed to be asleep. It was a cold night but her thick coat kept her nice and warm and she rested her head back down on to the snow closing her eyes.

She suddenly opened them again as she heard a howling wolf, quickly looking around she noticed that none of her other team mates had been woken up. She looked over at the trees and she saw a shadow and instantly jumped up and barred her teeth. She watched as the animal stepped forward in to the moonlight where she could see that it was only Conan.

Conan was surprised he could be so silent with such huge paws as he walked up closer and closer to the tent and the sleeping dogs. He watched as Koara stood up and silently totted over to him. ‘What are you doing?’

She said in a low tone looking at him. Conan was to busy looking at the strange tent to worry about all the dogs that were in front of him. ‘What is that?’

Conan said amazed as he looked at the tent and took another step forward. Koara quickly stood in front of him frowning as she motioned him away from the tent. Reluctantly he followed her until they reached the safety of the trees.

‘Who do you think you are? You could have woken my master or my sled team’ Koara hissed looking at Conan who was still staring at the tent before looking back at her.

‘I had to come back and see what was here. It was a little obvious you were guarding something before.’ Conan said slyly looking at her with a smirk on his face. Rolling her eyes Koara frowned.

‘If any of them woke up my master he would have had you shot…’

‘Does he kill wolves?’ Conan said shivering slightly as he remembered what had happened to that lone wolf he’d found.

‘We don’t kill them we just take them away…’ Conan frowned as he walked away from Koara who just stood there before quickly following him shaking her head.

‘How can you take them, this is our home we aren’t hurting anyone.’ He said as he kept walking with Koara beside him shaking her head.

‘You don’t understand.’

‘I understand perfectly, maybe my interest in your sled team was just me being stupid.’ Conan suddenly broke in to a run but Koara kept up with him as they both starting running through the forest together, Koara easily keeping up Conan despite that she was smaller then he was.

‘You’re pretty fast.’ She said smiling as she slowly but surely ran past him. Conan watched her for a moment before smiling and catching up. She was pretty fast he thought to himself as he ran as fast as he could, neither wolf or dog tiring out as they did.

They suddenly left the forest and ran on to the glacier were they both slowed down as it started to snow. ‘You’re pretty quick yourself.’

Conan said trying to hide that he was starting to get a little tired. Koara smirked as she walked towards the glacier edge. Smiling Conan quickly followed till they were standing on the glacier edge over looking the ocean. ‘I’ve never seen a wolf quite like you…’ Koara said softly.

‘What do you mean?’ Conan said looking at her as the rough ocean threw up a spray of water in to their faces.

‘Why are you so interested in us? And why do you love to run? You were actually keeping up with me.’

‘What are you talking about I could have gone for hours and besides you were only just keeping up with me!’ Conan said holding his head up high looking at Koara who simply laughed to herself. He suddenly looked away from her and out to the ocean a frown coming over his face.  ‘What did you do with the wolves your master caught?’ Conan asked looking at her wanting a real answer. Koara simply sighed as she looked truthfully up at him.

‘We took them away because my master and others are coming…’

‘I-I don’t understand’ Conan said looking confused. ‘This is the Mountain Wolves pack land what are you going to do with them?’

‘Is this your pack?’ Koara asked.

‘No…’

‘Then why does it matter?’ Conan frowned as he turned away from her and looked out to the snow capped mountains behind them.

‘This land borders my packs land and I don’t want anything to happen to my pack or any other wolves in this land.’

‘I can’t stop them…’ Koara said truthfully.

‘Yes you can. Why doesn’t your team stop running why can’t you just run your master away from here?’

‘It’s not that simple’ Koara said frowning. Before Conan could say anything he heard a howl in the distance that made his ears perk up to listen.  ‘What is it?’ Koara asked looking at Conan who was looking back in to the forest.

‘It’s the Mountain pack they must have found me…’ Conan said quickly as he ran away from the glacier edge towards his own territory but as he was running he could hear a strange call of barks which made him stop and look at Koara who was looking back into the forest.

‘What’s that sound?’ Conan yelled back at Koara who looked worried as she looked back at him before running away into the forest leaving Conan alone on the glacier ‘The Mountain Pack must be…’ Conan suddenly realized as he turned back around to follow Koara knowing that the Mountain Pack must have found where her team were sleeping. ‘Koara wait it’s the Mountain pack….!’ Conan yelled running back after her.

Chapter 6 Reality

Conan ran as fast as he could through the forest after Koara who had disappeared from his view. He knew the howl he had heard very well because since his pack bordered the Mountain Pack he often heard them calling out for each other in the night.

As Conan ran in to a small clearing he skidded to a stop as he looked in front of him to see that all the Huskies were awake and defending the small tent as two large wolves walked casually towards them. Looking around he quickly tried to find Koara not really worried about the other Huskies and when he found her he saw that she was standing amongst the huskies trying to warn off the approaching wolves.

Growling Conan instantly ran forward towards the group and stood in front of the huskies facing the two wolves who looked surprised. One of the wolves was almost completely black except that he had a white splash across his face and tail. The other was a light brown color with beady black eyes that Conan could feel watching him.

‘Your not one of these muts…’ The black wolf said as he sniffed the air obviously picking up his scent as well as the Glaciers packs scent.

‘You’re from the Glacier Pack.’ The brown one growled stepping forward towards him.

‘Move aside so we can deal with these dogs and run back to your pack before we kill you as well.’ The Black wolf said standing beside the brown one looking at Conan who still hadn’t moved.

‘I’m not moving and you better leave.’ Conan growled barring his teeth at the wolves who seemed highly amused at his antics.

‘Those pathetic creatures have taken away the River Pack and they’ve come for us…’ The brown said starring at the huskies who all seemed to back off looking at them as they stepped forward.

‘I told you not to move or else.’ Conan said in a low tone as the huskies behind him looked scared and confused. The black wolf went to walk forward but Conan quickly jumped forward snapping at him causing the black wolf to jump back surprised.

‘So be it wolf…’ The black wolf growled as both he and the brown wolf leapt forward at Conan who had no where to go because of the huskies behind him. Conan may be bigger then the huskies because he looked like a wolf but these wolves were the same size and perhaps stronger then him because he was younger then they were.

Conan was a powerful runner and had strong legs but his real fighting skills hadn’t been tested since he play fought with his friends at his pack.

Before he could react the brown wolf jumped on his back and the black wolf leapt at his face hitting Conan’s face causing them all to lose balance and fall to the snow. Conan managed to push the black wolf off him but the brown wolf easily avoided his attacks. Snapping at the brown wolf Conan managed to catch its shoulder causing it yelp slightly as it jumped back away from him.

The black wolf leapt on Conan and was so heavy that Conan couldn’t lift himself back up on to his feet as the brown wolf walked up to him showing its large pearly white teeth.

‘I’m going to enjoy this traitor.’ The brown wolf was about to latch on to Conan but before he could Koara leapt forward knocking him away from Conan who managed to stand up knocking the black wolf to the ground who was stunned with surprise.

The brown wolf jumped back up at leapt at Koara who looked worried but Conan quickly leapt at the brown wolf pushing him away from Koara who ran back to the other huskies who seemed to cheering Conan on as he turned to black wolf who was now on his feet.

Before any of them could attack they heard a sound coming from the tent and the black wolfs intentions soon changed as he ran towards the tent the huskies all jumping away except for Koara who kept her stance protecting her masters’ tent.

‘Koara move!’ Conan called out as he ran past the brown wolf who was surrounded by the other huskies as he ran up to Koara just as the black wolf leapt at her and tent behind her. The black wolf collided with Conan and with its weight knocked Conan away on to the snow where he didn’t move as the black wolf looked up to see the man standing there looking at him.

Instantly the black and brown wolf had second thoughts as they ran threw the group of huskies and in to the forest leaving the huskies and Conan at the tent.

As the wolves ran the black wolf turned to the brown wolf and said angrily. ‘We must warn our pack about this intruder.’

‘And not to go any where near that wolf who is traitor to his own kind.’ The brown said spitting as he ran in to the distance leaving the camp site behind them.

Conan slowly opened his blue eyes and saw the man standing a few feet from him, instantly Conan jumped back to his legs and growling snapping at the man as he back up away from the tent.

Koara looked at Conan and went up to walk to him but the man quickly grabbed a collar she was wearing and held her back. The man seemed extremely confused as Conan stood there watching him closely, he knew he should run but something felt different as he stood there looking up at the man who seemed to be just as confused as he was. Had he really just saved the life of this man and these huskies?

Chapter 7 Man

The Man suddenly let Koara go and she bounded up to Conan who was still on edge looking at the man getting ready to run at any moment. ‘It’s alright Conan he won’t hurt you…’

Koara said looking at Conan who seemed to have other ideas as he took a step back away from the man as the man stepped closer to him. Suddenly the man turned around and walked back in to his tent leaving at Conan at ease for a moment before he returned.

The man threw something down in front of Conan making him jump back at snap at the man who simply watched him before walking back in to his tent leaving the dogs and Conan alone.

Looking down Conan sniffed at the piece of meat the man have given him and scoffed at it as he looked away wondering why he was still here. ‘Eat it Conan its just meat he gives us that’s all.’

Koara said looking at Conan who refused to eat the meat that was thrown in front of him. He was a wolf he could hunt and bring down his own food he didn’t need this man to feed him like one of those huskies. He was more then capable to do things on his own.

The huskies who were watching nearby slowly walked up to him but kept their distance as Conan stared at them coldly with his blue eyes. Alden looked at Conan and they exchanged a deathly stare before Alden walked away and laid down in front of his masters tent and didn’t move.

‘I’m not on show.’ Conan growled at the five huskies who were all staring at him and Koara.

‘Clam down they’re not going to hurt you’ She said staring at the other huskies who quickly shook their heads.

‘Can-Can I have that?’ One of the huskies said looking at the meat on the ground in front of Conan who still refused to eat it despite that he was hungry.

‘Take it away I don’t need to be feed.’ Conan said at the husky who quickly slinked up and took the meat away and quickly ate it. The other huskies slowly disappeared and laid back down near the tent as Conan still stood up away from the tent not wanting to go any where near the man. ‘Why did he give me that?’ Conan said looking at Koara who was smiling slightly to herself before looking up at him.

‘I think he was saying thank you for saving him.’

‘I wasn’t saving him…’ Conan said and looked away before continuing.

‘I was saving you.’

Koara looked shocked for a moment before blushing under her thick coat. ‘You know I can take care of myself.’ Koara said smiling happily as Conan looked back at her and smirked before laughing.

‘I believe you.’ He paused ’You have to leave here they’ll be back and I have to go.’ Conan said quickly looking away from the tent and in to the forest knowing that the Mountain Pack would soon be back in greater numbers for revenge on not only him but the man and the huskies

‘We’ll leave in the morning so why don’t you stay and leave in the morning to, it’ll be safer.’ Koara said looking at Conan who looked reluctant as he looked in to the woods. He knew he should be getting back to his pack, he’d been gone nearly two days and if he knew Aleu she’d be worried about him. He sighed also knowing that Koara was right and that it’d be safer during daylight.

‘You go sleep with the others and I’ll just sleep here…I don’t want to be to close to…’

‘I understand.’ Koara said looking up at Conan before smiling and walking back to the tent and laying back down. Conan smiled at her for a moment before slowly laying down resting his head on his large paws as he looked out towards the tent. Was he really staying because it’d be safer in the morning or was it because the man had intrigued him? He was really confused as he slowly drifted off into a light sleep.

When Conan woke early the next morning he quickly jumped up not realizing he’d fallen asleep. Looking over to the tent he noticed that it was still there and that all the huskies were still asleep.

Standing up Conan slowly edged closer towards the tent but what caught his eyes was a few feet away was the material that held the dogs together when he saw them running. Feeling a little excited he ran up to the material and looked at it not sure how the dogs managed to be connected to it.

‘You like that do you boy?’ Came the voice of the man as Conan instantly turned around hearing only the muffled sound of the mans voice as he approached. Conan instantly ran a few feet away looking at the man who had bent down beside the material and stroked it gently. As he watched the man he didn’t feel afraid but rather sensed that he wasn’t in danger, he knew a wolf would have run away or attacked the man by now so why hadn’t he?

‘You’re a strange wolf. You looked exactly like a wolf but you protected me and my dogs who invaded your land and then I find you sniffing around my sled equipment.’ The man sighed as he looked at Conan who didn’t understand a word he was saying as he watched him carefully. For some reason Conan felt himself walk forward till he was so close to the man that he could have easily touched him. The man didn’t looked scared as Conan sat beside him looking down at the sled ropes. ‘You’re a strange one boy.’

The man said as he got up causing Conan to jump back in surprise as he walked back over to his tent. Conan smiled to himself as he looked down at the material not realizing Alden was watching close by.

Chapter 8 The Sled

Conan sat beside Koara as they watched the man slowly put the tent away and put it back on the sled to move off to a new area hopefully away from his family and pack mates.

‘Where will you go now?’ Conan asked looking at Koara who seemed to shrug to herself before looking up at him.

‘Where ever our master wants to take us I guess.’

‘Why do you do as he says? Why don’t you run free like me and the wolves?’ Koara sighed as she watched her pack mates play amongst themselves.

‘We’re only huskies Conan we’re not brought up or born to be wild like you.’

‘I was born to run.’ Conan said smiling looking at the sled where the man was slowly starting to get the dogs in place before calling for Koara to come over. Koara looked up at Conan and thought for a moment before smiling and running up to the man and jumping playfully at his legs. The man patted Koara as she motioned Conan over but he just stood there reluctant too get any closer to the man and other dogs.

‘Come here boy…’ The man said bending down and motioning Conan over towards him. Conan looked at the man and slowly took a step back still feeling unsure the warning of Alue’s still playing games in his mind.

Koara ran over to Conan and pushed him forward with her nose making him move forwards till he was quite close to the man. Conan’s blue eyes looked directly into the mans brown ones and he suddenly felt a strange feeling of safety and security but was still reluctant to go any closer to him and the huskies.

The man put out his hand where Conan snapped and slinked back into Koara who was standing behind him frowning. ‘Don’t snap Conan I think he wants to do something for you…’

Koara whispered as Conan turned to look at her feeling unsure. Looking back the man Conan saw him lift up the material of the lead dog position and show it to Conan who sniffed it realizing that it wasn’t going to hurt him.

‘I’m not a husky…I’m a wolf…’ Conan said looking at the man who obviously didn’t understand a word he was saying as Koara slowly walked up to him.

‘You said you were born to run now prove it.’ Koara said in his ear making him slowly but steadily walk forward towards the material but before he could walk into it Alden jumped up and growled snatching the material from his masters’ hands.

‘This is my position…what do you think you’re doing wolf.’

‘It’s a gift for saving us.’ Koara hissed looking at Alden as he held it in his grasp greedily. The man seemed to take control of the situation as he patted Alden on the head and slowly took it away from him holding it out to Conan.

Conan slowly walked into it and on feeling the strange material on his fur it made it made him feel trapped but at the same time made him feel an excitement he’d never felt before.

The rest of the dogs slowly got into their positions as Conan looked back at Koara who gave him an encouraging smile as he turned around getting ready to run like the wind. The man climbed on the basket with the dog that had been left out sitting on the basket watching them carefully. ‘Mush!’

The man yelled and for a moment Conan didn’t understand but he felt the dogs behind him move so he instantly pulled forward and starting running and once he was running it didn’t even feel as though he was held by the material.

The team ran so fast out onto the glacier that it didn’t even feel like his legs were touching the ground. Conan’s powerful legs pushed him forward ahead of the others dogs who were close behind. The wind in his face made him close his eyes for a moment just to experience something he’d been dreaming off since he was a pup. He never knew what his passion was until then and his ambition of running never felt so real. He was a wolf and he was a sled runner just Koara and the huskies. Who was there to say he couldn’t be both?

He was enjoying it so much he didn’t realize he’d run into his own territory where near the forest Aleu and Ty were standing watching him at a distance.

As he was running Conan suddenly heard a howl and recognized it instantly as his legs stopped and he skidded to a halt all the dogs behind him running in to the back of each other as he stared out to the forest and could just make out two wolf figures watching him.

‘No…’ Conan said looking back at the team who looked confused. Conan instantly wriggled his way out of the material before turning to look at Koara who went to walk up to him but was stopped by Alden who snarled at Conan.

‘Koara I have to go…’ Conan said turning back around and running towards the forest leaving the sled team, the huskies and the man all behind as he ran towards his parents, his life and his pack.

It took a few minutes for him to reach them and when he did Aleu looked up at him shaking her head. Conan looked at Ty who looked extremely disappointed.

‘Let me explain…’ Conan started looking at Aleu who had stood up and was looking coldly at her only son.

‘You’ve lead them right to us!’ Aleu said as she disappeared leaving Ty and Conan looking at each other. Ty sighed before leaving Conan and following Aleu leaving him alone.

‘No…’ Conan said dropping his head low as it started to snow.

Chapter 9 The Truth

‘I told you not to go near them and you disobeyed me!’ Aleu fumed as she paced in front of her den where Ty and Conan were sitting watching her. Conan had seen Aleu angry before but he had never seen her so angry at him before. He knew he should regret the decision he had made but for some reason he didn’t and wished he could have done the exact same thing again. ‘Don’t you remember me telling you that they were dangerous?’

‘Yes but…’

‘No listen, these men captured the River Pack and have invaded the Mountain Pack. We had an unsteady truce with the Mountain Pack and now word has gone around that you invaded there land…’ Aleu shook her head as she sat down looking at Ty who again seemed to want to stay out of it but from the look Aleu was giving him he quickly stood up and looked at Conan.

‘You were supposed to be the new Alpha Male Conan but after recent events…’

‘Maybe I don’t want to be the Alpha!’ Conan suddenly said looking at both Aleu and Ty who looked shocked.

‘Maybe I just want to run with the huskies and the sled team that’s my passion why can’t you understand that?’ He pleaded looking at Aleu who just sighed.

‘You’re not a husky Conan you’re a wolf!’ Ty said his anger rising slightly as Aleu walked in front of Ty and looked him in the eyes shaking her head.

‘It’s time we stop doing this…’

‘But Aleu I thought…’ Ty stopped when he saw Aleu’s face. Ty loved Aleu and knew almost everything about her including the fact that she and the pack had kept a big secret from their only son. He knew it was only to protect Conan but he feared that one day she’d have to tell him.

‘Stop what?’ Conan said looking at Ty and Aleu who both turned to look at there son who was so confused he didn’t even know who he really was any more.

‘I’m not a purebred wolf Conan…’ Aleu started.

‘What…’

‘Please let me finish’ Aleu said looking at Conan who nodded reluctantly as Aleu carried on. ‘My mother was a pure breed husky and my father was a wolf dog. When I was born I was too much like a wolf and so my father and me found my perfect place which was this wolf pack. Your father is a pure breed wolf and has known that I was not a real wolf but he didn’t mind and we had pups. We were afraid that you would be more husky then wolf but when you looked more wolf then me and my father we all decided to keep my secret and not tell you’

‘I’m not a wolf…?’ Conan said shocked as he stepped back away from Aleu who quickly stepped forward towards her only son with a sympathetic look but before she could say anything Conan did..

‘That’s why I’m a born runner and when I was running in the sled I felt like I belonged…’

‘Your grandfather was a champion dog sledder and actually saved humans from a terrible disease. He was part-wolf and still lived happily’

‘But he didn’t look all wolf like I do! Those huskies were scared even though I’m really part dog.’ Conan sighed as he looked at Aleu and Ty who were sitting beside each other looking up at him.

‘But these men are dangerous Conan. They hunt wolves and even tried to kill me and with you more wolf like then me they won’t stop at anything to kill you or anyone in our pack’

‘The man didn’t seem like that and the huskies…’ Conan smiled as he thought of Koara but before he had time to think for much longer Aleu stepped forward towards him.

‘I never wasn’t you going near them again, you’re all wolf and that’s how it’s going to stay alright?’

Frowning Conan looked at Aleu who had the exact same look on her face. ‘I was born a wolf but I’m not a wolf am I mother? I’m a wolf with the heart of a sled dog and I don’t think you understand what that means’

Turning around Conan quickly ran away from the den leaving Aleu and Ty looking after him with worried looks on their faces. Aleu went to go after him but Ty quickly stopped her making her look up into his eyes. ‘Am I doing the right thing, I need to look after my pack but my son…’

‘It’s alright Aleu time will sort things out and these men will leave trust me.’

Aleu looked a little teary but held back the tears as she nodded. ‘I hope so Ty, I hope so…’

Conan ran back to the to the glacier where he stopped and tried to find the sled team but to no avail because the glacier was completely empty of all life. Hanging his head low Conan growled to him as he paced slightly, he didn’t know what to do or where to go.

Suddenly he heard a strange call of barks and instantly recognized them as a husky call. Smiling he quickly ran towards the sound which was some where in the forest near where he was. Without thinking he ran into a small clearing where he saw two sled dog teams but they weren’t the ones he had seen before. The huskies all jumped back in surprised looking at Conan who slowly approached them.

‘What’s going on?’ He said growling at the huskies.

‘Better run wolf because we’re here to stop you.’ One of the huskies said looking at Conan who looked confused as he heard gunshots in the distance. Conan’s mouth dropped open as he looked back into the forest his family was in danger and it was all because of him.

Chapter 10 Man Or Wolf

Conan’s heart was pounding hard against his chest as he ran so fast that he was just missing the huge trees that stood in his way. The thick layer of snow didn’t stop him as he seemed to just fly over the snow his large paws only touching the snow for a moment before leaving so he didn’t sink.

The sound of the gun shots echoed in his mind as he ran towards his den and towards his pack and family. His mother was right he had lead the men to his home to capture is family and take them away from the wild.

He felt so foolish trusting the man that was Koara’s master was and now wished that he could take it back. His dreams an d passions were important to him but nothing was more important then his family and his pack and he’d only started to realize that now.

As he broke threw some of the undergrowth he landed on a small rock where he stood looking out at the clearing where he could see his pack all talking amongst each other each looked extremely worried, among them stood Aleu who everyone was talking to.

‘We have to run!’ Conan yelled out as they all turned to look at him including Aleu and Ty. ‘The men are coming we have to get out here.’ Conan pleaded looking at the wolves who didn’t seem to understand what he was saying.

‘Why should we believe you? You lead them here.’ One of the wolves said as he stepped out from the others and looked at Conan with a frown etched on his face. Conan knew the wolf quite well, his name Night and always been a rival of Conan’s.

They were around the same age and if Conan didn’t accept the position of Alpha he was next in line and he knew it. ‘There’s no time to squabble amongst our selves they’ll be here soon.’

Conan said looking at Night who seemed to be enjoying himself as he turned around. ‘This fool…’ He didn’t finish because Aleu growled loudly and jumped in front of Night causing him to step back.

’This fool us the future Alpha now respect ranks Night.’ Before anyone could say anything else Conan saw something bright shining in his eyes. Squinting he looked to try and see where the light was coming from and he could faintly see a man holding something shiny in his hand pointing it at the pack.

’No…’ Conan thought as he leaped from the rock and ran towards the shadow who didn’t seem to realize he was coming. Once Conan was close he leapt up at the long black weapon and latched on to it with his teeth dragging it down as he fell. The man tried to shake Conan off but he held on tightly not letting go just as the gun went off.

Koara and the other huskies who were resting nearby heard the gunshot and instantly Koara jumped up and looked at the other huskies who all had the same expressions on their faces.

‘I must warn my master.’ She said as she started to run over to the mans tent when Alden stepped in front of her blocking her way.

‘Move Alden.’ Koara said looking at Alden who didn’t seem intent on moving.

‘You need to forget about the wolves Koara…’ He hissed in her face causing her to step back disgusted.

‘Step back before I made you Alden’ Koara growled looking at Alden barring her teeth, suddenly the other huskies all circled around Alden as well making him look surprised.

‘I agree with Koara a wolf saved our lives now we must to the same. Go Koara.’

One of the huskies said looking at Alden and smirking as Koara quickly ran up to the tent and started barking madly until the man came out.

‘Koara what’s…’ They all heard a gunshot and instantly the man looked at the huskies before looking at the sled.

‘Come on.’ The man yelled as all the dogs ran over to the sled and quick got themselves ready as they started running off towards the forest leaving Alden all alone beside the tent.

‘I’m coming Conan.’ Koara said in her mind as he ran at the front where Alden normally was.

Chapter 11 Heart Of A Wolf Dog

Conan still held tightly onto the gun despite the fact the gun had gone off hitting nearby trees and making his pack bark in fright as they all stood together with no where to run.

Finally the man let the gun go making Conan and the gun fall on to the snow. Instantly dropping the gun for his mouth Conan reared up at the person who managed to jump aside before Conan could reach him.

Running back to his pack he could see Aleu and Ty standing in front of them looking at Conan who was out of breath. ‘Get the pack out of here before they come back.’

Conan said looking at Aleu who just seemed to stand there looking at her son. Ty quickly did as Conan had said and turned to the pack mates and told them to run for the closet dens and to stay there until they were called.

Watching at the corner of his eye Conan watched them all leave except for Ty and Aleu who were looking at their son.

‘Quick Conan we have to leave.’ Aleu said nudging him slightly to make him move from where he was standing but Conan didn’t move as he looked at them shaking his head.

‘You get out of here I’ll lead them away maybe they’ll leave.’ Conan said sounding unsure.

‘No don’t be stupid you need to come with us.’ Aleu pleaded looking at Conan who just smiled as his mother.

‘I started this now I need to finish it Aleu just like you had to long ago.’ Smiling up at her son Aleu and Ty looked proudly at each other but before they could say anything they heard a sound and turned around to see another hunter right in front them pointing the gun at Conan who turned around and growled at the man.

‘Stay behind me!’  Conan said watching the human carefully as the mans finger started to go down on the trigger. ‘Stop!’ Came the voice of another man as Conan turned to see Koara’s master bursting his way through the forest towards the other man who turned to look at him the gun going off in his hands. The bullet landed just in front of Conan who instantly saw his chance and leapt at the man with the gun grabbing on to his shoes and growling trying to knock him off his feet.

The man kicked Conan away from him as he turned to Koara’s master and laughed shaking his head. ‘Gone soft then?’

‘Leave these wolves alone. I’ve learnt something these past few days its that we must leave places like this, if we take all their land where do the wolves go?’

‘They’re killers!’ The man said pointing at Conan who was growling at the man ready to attack again. From the trees a group of six huskies suddenly ran up to there master all growling at the other man including Koara who looked at Conan feeling relieved he was still alive.

‘Leave’ Koara’s master said in a low tone looking at the man who still held the gun in his hand. For a moment there was a silence but the man quickly dropped his gun no the ground before running off in to the forest. Conan went to follow but was stopped when Koara quickly jumped in front of him.

‘Let him go.’ She said looking at Conan who was still fuming.

‘He tried to kill my family!’ Conan said growling but quickly stopped when Koara nuzzled him and their eyes met.

Aleu and Ty who were nearby slowly walked up to Conan and Koara who turned to look at them. All the huskies seemed scared except for Koara who looked at Aleu and Ty and smiled at them looking unsure.

‘I haven’t seen a husky in years.’ Aleu said looking at Koara who reminded her so much of her old life back at the town.

‘You didn’t tell me about this young lady.’ Ty said winking at Conan and Koara who just laughed to themselves.

‘So I guess you’re Conan’s parents?’ Koara said looking at the wolves who were also larger than her. Both Aleu and Ty nodded as they watched the man who walked up to Conan making Aleu and Ty step back away from the man.

‘It’s ok he won’t hurt you…I think he just saved our lives.’ Conan said looking up at the man who bent down beside Koara and patted her on the head. He went to pat Conan but he quickly stepped back not wanting the man to touch him.

The man simply laughed and looked at Conan who looked questionably up at him as Koara looked at Conan with a smile on her face. ‘Come with us Conan.’ Koara said looking at Conan who was taken aback.

‘The man will let you he’s nice and you’re the fastest wolf I’ve ever seen.’

‘I’m not all wolf Koara. My mothers’ parents were actually a purebred husky and a wolf-dog.’ Conan said looking down ay the ground.

‘So what does that make you?’ Koara asked as she looked at Conan then back at his parents who were watching them.

‘It doesn’t matter what your heritage is or what you look like, it’s what’s you are inside that really counts. I should have realized that a long time ago but only now do I see that because of you Conan.’ Aleu said walking up to her son and smiling at him with Conan returning one of his own.

‘What ever you choose Conan we’ll support you.’ Aleu said as Ty stood beside her and looked down at Conan who looked from Koara and the man to his parents and the wild.

Chapter 12 A Decision

Conan stood on the glacier looking down at the water where a large boat had pulled up to a small inlet where Koara’s master was organizing his stuff and dogs to go on board the boat they had found a safe way down, something he had never done. He sighed as he looked down at them as someone came up beside him and looked down at them.

‘It’s not my decision.’ Koara said looking at Conan who looked back at her smiling.

‘Yes it is, its your team, your life that’s leaving and will probably never come back.’ Sighing Koara nodded having to agree with what Conan was saying.

‘Why would I want to leave when all I want is here with me?’ Conan smiled at Koara as he looked back down at the boat which was getting ready to leave. He sighed as he looked down at them his dreams leaving for the first and last time. He was born to be a runner and had the dreams of a sled dog but at the same time he was born a wolf with wolf blood running through him.

It must have been one of the hardest decisions Conan ever had to make in his life. He was offered to go with them back to the human world to become a sled dog racer but was that world really meant for him?

The man looked up at Conan who stood on the top of the glacier his fur blowing in the wind as their eyes met for a moment. Conan was something the man had never seen and thought would never see again.

‘Goodbye faithful Koara and goodbye to the wolf with the heart and passion of a sled dog.’ The man sighed as he looked away and slowly climbed on to the boat just as it slowly went back out into the choppy waters away from the glaciers edge below.

‘I’m sorry.’ Koara said at Conan who watched the boat before turning to look back at her.

‘Don’t be sorry. I can still live my dreams here with you among my family and my pack.’  Smiling Koara nuzzled Conan as the boat started to move further away from the glacier. Conan and Koara quickly ran along side the glaciers edge until the boat was only a glimmer in the distance.

Conan looked at the boat that was slowly disappearing and smiled to him self as he howled after the boat as he stood on the glacier the wind blowing his fur with Koara his new found love standing beside him.

True Conan was part wolf and part dog and he would always be torn between the two but he knew that with Koara and parents beside him that he would always be on the right path no matter what.

He was the new Alpha Male of his pack and as he howled the dreams and hopes of the wolf with the heart of a sled dog would only grow brighter with time.

The End