Steele:After the Exile

The boiler room was warm, but not because of the hot fire that burned from it. But of shame and grief that tore at Steele, he knew from the begging who was responsible for this whole thing, he knew who he must show no mercy to. While thinking about this, all the rage and hate cut through him like a bears claw.

"I swear, ill be back for you wolf dog, and when I return.....I will enjoy the taste of your blood."

He knew he had to leave Nome, if he stayed, more shame would be brought upon him. As he left into the coldness of the snow, not only did Steele leave, but his fame, respect, and popularity was swallowed by the darkness.

"Its freezing out here, Its to cold out.". Steele growled.

He knew his actions wasn’t the best but......still. His ego, and what was left of his pride, was to big, to strong to believe that he caused this upon himself.

"Its that wolf dog! He did this to me, he took what I worked so hard for! Every thing I had, all of it is gone. Balto, you took my love, I was doing fine, you had to be so stubborn and take it for yourself, just so you could show off to Jenna!"

Of course, it was really the complete opposite to what really happened. Everything he said about Balto was really him. But he wanted to play as the victim, even though he knew that he was responsible for his own actions. The snow that blew into his face felt like sandpaper, stinging his flesh, but he paid no attention to it, another stinging feeling was irritating him.

"I need to find shelter fast, or ill never take my revenge."

Just the thought of never making Balto suffer the way he has, to never see his fearful eyes and seeing death grasp his throat, made Steele all the more determined to fight to stay alive.

"I will not stop, I will not be die here, I wont! Nothing shall convince me other wise, and god have mercy on all those who dare to stand in my way!"

Steele found an abandoned cabin, small, but if gets him out of this freezing hell, he’ll take anything. He stopped for a moment.

Steele laughed at this ridicules thought.

"Who cares who lives there! I am not some scared puppy. If someone lives there, and even tries to move me out, that will be their last move....ever."

Steele did not care who was there, man, women, child, dog, wolf, they will all die the same. He smirked at this, he then moved toward the cabin. He bared his fangs and his mucels tensed, he was ready for a fight. As he entered, no one was there, the place was in a terrible state of disrepair. The fire place looked as if it hasn’t been used in years, dusty, and a hole in the ceiling that let a little bit of snow in, and a cool breeze. Steele relaxed and laid on an old couch. As he laid down, a cloud of dust flew up. The flying dust was like his respect and pride, it flew away, further from his grasp until it was gone. Steele turned his head and fell into madness, which was actually the best sleep he ever had in a long time.

====================

The slamming of a body against a rock and cracking of bones was music to him, but these were no ordinary bones, these were Balto’s, it relaxed him.

"Now you see how I feel!? Now you see all the shame you brought to me!?"

Immediately after he said that, he bit Balto’s scruff and swung him into another rock. Balto tired to fight back but was easily outmatched, Steele was bigger and stronger than him.

"Come on, I really thought this was going to interesting, but I guess not." Steele taunted.

Balto bit Steele’s muzzle, Steele yelped and kicked him as hard as he could in his chest. Balto wheezed and gasped for air, now Steele had him pinned to the ground with his paw.

"Before I kill you." Steele said with baring fangs and a demotic look that Balto has never seen before.

"Tell me why you didn’t think I would come back for you! Did you actually think you were safe from me!? All you did was deny the inevitable, and angered me!"

Balto didn’t answer, but gave him a look, more of a smile that taunted him.

"FINE! You want to die so bad, ill make you suffer!" Steele growled.

He could feel his teeth sink into his throat, it was the best feeling he ever had. Excitement surged through his veins and he trembled a little bit at his accomplishment. As soon as he pulled, he awoke.

=====================

"Dammit.....that was one of the best dreams I ever had."

He rose up from that wretched couch and gave a slight growl at the fact that his dream was not true. He sat there for a minute and looked out the window, he saw some birds on a tree branch, and the sun that warmed his body.

‘Maybe I should just go back to Nome and finish what should be done.’

"No." Steele said

he knew if he went back now, all the other dogs would stand up to him and help fight.

"Maybe if I stay away from Nome long enough, the others might forget about me."

It was a stretch, but it was the only thing he could do at the time. Steele did not want to stay here for that amount of time. He wanted to leave, he left that cabin and walked through the snow. The weather was good today, not a cloud in the sky and not the slightest bit of wind. Steele had no idea where he was going, but he knew the way back, that’s all that matters.

"How did this happen to me? I was the prodigy of sledge racing, the envy of all teams. Once my deed has been done, these questions will be asked later."

He walked for what seemed to be a eternity. Steele has never been this far away, but he did not care, he had other thoughts that were pounding on him. He finally came across a small town, it was a little bit bigger than Nome, none the less, it was still new to him. As he walked through the snow covered streets, other dogs looked upon him as a stranger.

‘Good.’ He thought ‘Nobody knows who I am.’

He was not like the others, Steele was much larger and looked more stronger. Some watched him, others just ignored him. He came to a building that had a storm drain coming from the roof to a small bucket. Steele suddenly realized how thirsty he was, he could feel his dry throat stick together. Steele walked to it and drank it, he could feel the stick loosen and become more wet. After he was done, he looked in the reflection and looked at himself, admiring his self. As the ripples set, he saw a figure behind him, he suddenly turned around and his nose came to another. He was now face to face with a dark blue eyed, pure bred husky.

"Oh im sorry." she said blushing as the words came out.

"No, not at all." Steele replied, he had to admit she was very cute.

"I apologize, I did not mean to startle you."

"Its perfectly alright, let me properly introduce myself, my name is Steele. And you are?"

Steele, for a brief moment forgot all about Balto. He was to busy showing off to this new, young husky.

"My name is Niska." She replied. "Are you new around here? I’ve never seen you before."

Time suddenly froze to Steele, he couldn’t tell her where he was from. He would risk getting discovered, he had to think of a lie. Thoughts went through his head quicker than the wind. Only one place came to mind.

"Im from Nenana" He said, it was only 600 miles from Nome, he knew it well, all to well. The serum run flooded his mind. She looked at him with a questionable expression.

‘Oh no, does she know who I am, am I exiled from here to!?’ Steele thought to himself.

"Hmmmm.... I’ve never heard of that place." She said.

A silent sigh of relief came from Steele. He was not exposed, he remembered what he was really doing here. He was only here to blow some steam off and return to Nome when the time was right. He then remembered Balto, and a scornful look wiped across his face, he was looking over Niska, so it wasn’t directly to her.

"Are you ok? What’s wrong?" Niska asked.

Steele then was awoken from his trance of violent thoughts against Balto. He looked at her and saw she was worried. He smiled at her.

"Oh, im sorry, yes im fine." Steele said.

"Oh, ok. Hey, why don’t I show you around town!" Niska said excitingly, wagging her tail.

Even though Steele knew he needed to stay focused on why he was here, he could not resist. It reminded him of the old times, before Balto. She stayed at his side most of the time, she showed him the little places like the post office, the veterinarians, and the bakers, and so on. Steele was paying attention, he needed to know this new place. He never did ask where he was, he didn’t care, all he knew was that he would start a new life here, for the time being. It was getting dark, she showed him everything she knew.

"Its getting dark out. I have to go home to my masters." Niska said.

"I see....I thank you for showing me this beautiful town." Steele replied, although he did not think it was so great.

"Do you have masters as well?"

"No...im a stray I guess you could say." As he said this, Niska looked sorry at him.

"Oh, I did not no, I hope I did not offend you." she said with her head hanging down.

Steele walked up to her and she could see his paws.

"No, not at all, in fact, I prefer to be on my own." That was a terrible lie.

"Ok, will I see you tomorrow?" She asked, her face showed that she wanted to see him again.

"Of course, ill see you where we first met."

"Alright. Goodbye!" She said happily, and trotted off.

Steele didn’t know what to think at this point. He wandered off in search of a place to sleep for the night. There were no empty houses, and Steele could not afford to cause any trouble. He saw a forest, and went into it. The trees would provide some shelter, he later came across a cliff that overlooked the whole town. Across the town was a large slope, it was as large as a mountain, but not rocky what so ever. He laid down and slowly slipped away into sleep.

=======================

More images of violence found its way into Steele’s dream. He didn’t fight it, he wanted it, he embraced and enjoyed every moment of it. But this dream was not the one he wanted, this was a nightmare.

"What’s going on? What’s happening?" Steele said.

He was back at Nome, every one had a blunt object and was beating him like a drum. Steele looked in between the crowed over the pain that was being inflicted to him. He saw Balto, and he was laughing.

"YOU!? Ill kill you! I swear ill kill you!" Steele yelled. But Balto did not seem to hear.

Steele managed to escape the crowed and ran. With angry people following him, Steele stopped, and saw a familiar body, he looked up. His mother stood before him, Steele wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

"You disappoint me Steele." She said "for the shame you have brought to our family, you must be punished!"

Before he could do anything, she grabbed his throat, and tore at it until blood came running down his fur, turning the snow in to a maroon blood color. Before anything else could happen he awoke. Steele was panting hard and swallowed a gulp of air, trying to regain his sanity. He thought about what happened, what his mother said.

=====================

"I will not disappoint you mother, I will spill his blood for you, the blood of the heretic. He’d better pray that death will find him, before I do!"

Steele then remembered yesterday, he remembered Niska. He got up and stretched and was on his way back. It wasn’t to late, it was probably only around 10 a.m. or so. He found that little building and saw the familiar body of Niska. She was laying down in the snow, waiting for him, as he approached her, she saw him out of the corner of her eye.

"There you are! I’ve been waiting for you." She said happily and excited.

"Im terribly sorry. I didn’t get a lot of sleep." He always played as a gentleman around her.

"Lets go!" She said nudging him to walk with her. "I need to show you one more place."

They were walking together down the street for awhile. She couldn’t help but to keep looking at him. Every time he went to look at her back, she turned her head and blushed. As they were walking, another male dog called out "Niska!" Both Niska and Steele turned to see who it was. Steele did not recognize him but Niska seemed to. She gave him a scorn and kept walking, the male dog followed them.

"Hey Niska, looking good today....like you always do." He said.

"Get lost! I told you we were through." She growled at him.

He seemed very confident on what he was saying. "Don’t worry, ill take you back, if you make it worth my wile, eh?" He smiled like he was smoother than ice.

As soon as he said that, Steele jumped in front of the other dog and gave him a warning.

"She said get lost, mutt." He said.

Niska gasped to see his reaction to what he said. It showed her that he cared.

"Who the hell do you think you are? Im the alpha male around here, and you’d better show me some respect. Or I will teach it to you."

Steele had enough of him. The dog walked past him like he was no threat. That was a mistake. Steele rammed his head as hard as he could into the dogs body. The male, flew a couple of feet from where he was standing. Steele now pinned him down with his paw, it reminded him of another mutt he wished was there.

Other dogs watched as their "Alpha male" was so easily taken down.

"Let me teach you something, you come near Niska again, ill kill you. That is, if your lucky enough that im in a good mood and make it quick." Steele growled, bearing his fangs, and ready to kill him on the spot.

The male had enough. He tried to act tuff, but everyone could see that Steele was stronger and more dangerous.

"Ill be back for you, you bastard! And be ready to die, Niska will be mine, I own her!" The male shouted.

He left limping away. Steele was still standing there, the other dogs talked amongst themselves about what happened. Steele then moved towards Niska, she was shaking and had tears in her eyes. He decided not to ask her who he was, he didn’t want to upset her even more.

"Come on, lets go." Steele said.

Steele said they should take a rest by the forest, they did. She laid down and hid her head in her arms, so he couldn’t see her cry. At that time Steele wasn’t Steele anymore. He actually did care for her. He laid down by her and whispered encouraging words to her. She then nuzzled him, he was surprised, this has never happened to him before. He did the only thing he could do, he nuzzled her back. Steele asked her what she wanted to show him, when she felt better she took him to a house, she was right, this was the only place she did not show Steele.

"Where are we?" Steele asked

"This is where I live, if you ever need to find me, ill be here waiting for you." Niska said while she nuzzled him.

Steele felt something, a feeling he never had before. Was it love? He didn’t know, it was new to him. He then thought to himself.

‘Even before, when I had all the fame, the glory, even all the females I could want. Im so much happier here.’

Steele and Niska were together the whole day, when darkness fell upon the town, he knew he had to part, just for today. Steele walked her back to her house, he asked her a question....

"Who was that male from before?" He asked.

She gave out a sigh and replied.

"His name is Conwell and...." she was silenced by Steele’s words.

"That’s all I needed to know. No need to go back to bad times, im here for you now."

She felt so protected by him, and she was. Steele still did not know the feeling of love, but the feeling he was having now was better than anything he ever experienced. They began to nuzzle one another, as they said their goodbyes. Then nuzzling turned into kissing.

"Same place tomorrow?" Steele asked.

"Every day." Niska said.

As Niska made her way into the house she smiled at him until the door was closed. Steele was now someone else, he had a clean slate, a new life, and he hasn’t thought of Balto in a while. He made his way back to the forest. He was in no hurry, when he found the spot where he slept last night, he immediately feel asleep.

=====================

He had no dreams, for they all came true, his mind was at peace, he slept without a single image of Balto or any other nightmarish hell. He couldn’t wait for tomorrow to come, to see his Niska again.

As the sun rose from its sleep, the warmth hit against Steele’s body. He awoke shortly after the sun rose. He knew today was to his beautiful Niska, but it was still to early to see her. He feel back asleep. He felt his body become warmer, he opened one eye slightly, he saw Niska resting on top of him.

"How did you find me way out here?" He said.

"Your not as complicated as you think." She giggled.

They both got up, Niska looked around.

"I’ve never seen this place before. Have you been here this whole time?"

"Yup." He said.

Steele knew that the northern lights were going to be close to the town, so he was going to take Niska here. Hopefully the lights would come off the hill. They both walked back to the town and everything was the way it should be. Steele was worried that Conwell would show his mongrel face again. He was not worried about himself, he was more worried about Niska.

‘If he even tries, if he even comes near her, ill kill him where he stands!’

Steele thought this to himself keeping an eye out for him but not a trace, not even his scent was near. Steele tried not to worry but....theirs always that chance.

Niska took Steele to the bakers shop.

"My master wants us to keep an eye out for his store while he’s gone to go run errands." She said.

"I didn’t know your master owned the bakery shop." Steele replied.

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you."

they both laid together on the porch, Steele couldn’t be more happier. They both took a short nap

together until Steele woke so suddenly and quick, Niska woke up as well. Steele knew this scent, it was one he wished that would go away. But it came closer.

"Steele....what’s wrong?" Niska asked not expecting an answer.

Steele didn’t answer, he was to alert, he stood up and growled, but he didn’t know where the scent was coming from. He felt himself fly to the ground, into the cold hard snow. He looked up. There were three dogs growling and showing their fangs. Steele returned the favor, they stood there for a few moments. Niska watched in shock to what was happening.

"Who are you? And what do you want?" Steele asked.

"Don’t worry, this will be fun.....for us." someone snickered. Steele saw between the three dogs, it was Conwell. Steele was furious.

"What’s the matter Conwell? To scared to fight one on one? Of course you are right, you should be scared." Steele said while giving him an evil smile.

Conwell did not answer, but the three other dogs pounced on Steele.

"Conwell I beg you, please stop!" Steele could hear Niska cry out.

Conwell turned around and slammed her to the ground. "You made your choice! You chose a fool over me! After he’s dead, you’ll satisfy my needs."

Steele knew what this meant, he was going to rape her, if he had the chance. He had to get the other dogs off him. All the weight was heavier than Steele, he struggled to get up. The dogs were tearing at his flesh, he grabbed one by the muzzle, until blood was drawn. One of them yelped and let go, Steele took this advantage, and kicked one of the dogs that sent one of them flying into a crate that shattered like glass as the body smashed into it. The last dog left went for Steele’s throat, Steele turned him over and pushed his paw as hard as he could into the others chest, until he heard a few ribs break. The other with the bloody muzzle, threw itself on him, but Steele moved out of the way and grabbed him by his hind leg. Steele swung him until the dogs head hit the building. None of the dogs got up, Steele did not care if they were dead or not, all he knew, was that one dog was going to die today. Conwell was still on top of Niska, Steele pushed him off her and stood in front of her, showing that he was willing to die for her. Conwell looked around, none of the dogs he sent got up to help.

"I warned you! You were stupid enough to come back and try to hurt Niska! Ill kill you, that’s a promise I swear ill keep." Steele said with demotic look, baring fangs that craved for blood.

Niska was scared, she’s never seen Steele like this.

Steele then saw Conwell’s body take a different shape, his fur turned into a different color, a light brown color. He knew who it was, yes he knew all to well. Steele was lost, he was to far suppressed into his own mind of killing Balto. No matter what, Conwell was going to die. The heat from their body’s against the snow actually made steam. Like all the fires of hell burning below them.

"Go ahead make your move, it will be your last." Conwell taunted. He was sadly mistaken

"Run wolf dog..." Steele said.

"Wolf dog? What...?"

"Run! I want to kill you on the run!" Steele actually thought Conwell was Balto.

Conwell instead lunged at Steele, Steele put his paw out and it slammed into Conwell’s chest. This all happened while Conwell was in the air, Conwell fell back and was slammed down by Steele’s paw. Gasping for air, Steele was then reminded about his dream, he wanted it to come true. Niska wanted to say something, but it would be pointless, she saw his look, he wanted to kill. Conwell’s face was filled with fear.

"Im sorry! Don’t do anything you might regret! You don’t need to do this! Conwell was trying to stall, more time for his hour glass. Steele wasn’t going to give him any.

"Regret!? HA! Your life is mine!" Steele remembered the promise he made to his mom.

Steele grabbed Conwell’s throat, but this time he didn’t wake up, it was real. As he pulled, all the snow around them turned red. All became quiet, snow feel from the sky, Steele snapped back into reality. The nightmare faded away, Balto no longer laid there, but Conwell did. He looked around, everyone was looking at him astonished, he didn’t care, but there was one person he did care about, he looked over his shoulder. Niska was full of tears, she didn’t know what to think of him. She still loved him, even though she never said this to him.....but. Steele knew what she was crying about, but he was not regretful though.

"Im sorry you had to see that." Steele apologized as he laid down with her.

"Who was that?" She whispered.

"Who was who?" Steele was now confused.

She looked at him. "Out there. That wasn’t you, your not like that."

Unfortunately he was, but she did not know his past. He had one other person he wanted to do the same to, but she didn’t need to know that.

"I...I don’t know. I was so scared for you, I don’t know what came over me." He did, its what he lived for.

"He deserved it! I warned him, you no that, he was going to..." Steele stopped, he didn’t want to upset her even more.

She looked at him then she gasped. He saw what she saw, there were two deep wounds. One was on the side of his back and the other on his leg. The others were merely scratches. He didn’t notice these until now.

"Just a flesh wound." he said with a smile.

They both noticed the other dogs get up. They looked like their heads were a little blacked out and they were stumbling. When they came too, they were injured as well. They saw Steele laying down with Niska, they were ready to quarrel once more. But they saw Conwell’s body lying on the ground. The snow was no longer blood colored, but a crimson color. They saw this and knew they wouldn’t stand a chance. They ran from the scene the best they could, Steele motioned, as if he were to follow them. He stopped, Niska’s paw was on his.

"Please, don’t leave me." she said nuzzling him.

He laid back down with her. "Im always here for you, to protect, and to love you." He caught himself, he said love, he now knew the feeling of it, and he liked it. She caught him saying it as well. She kissed him, and said...

"I love you Steele." He felt like nothing could stop him, he was untouchable.

"I love you two" He replied.

Soon they forgot all about Conwell, but the other dogs didn’t. They now looked up to him as the alpha male, and he was. Steele was now reminded of Nome. It was just like before, he now had respect, power, pride, and most importantly popularity. People no longer treated him like a stranger, they now respected him, he liked it. It felt like he was now the big shot again, he was right. He still knew he had to return to Nome, nothing was going to change his mind about that. Steele forgot all about the northern lights, he wanted to show her.

"Have you’ve ever seen the northern lights?" Steele asked.

"The what?" She replied.

Steele was surprised. Even though he was hoping she’s never seen it before. He was wondering how she could never even know what it was? But perhaps it was better this way, he could show her, and share it with her.

"It will coming tomorrow, I want to show you." Steele was so anxious to see her face when Niska sees it for the first time.

"Ok, what is it?" she asked curiously.

Steele looked at her and smiled. "You will see, ill meet you at your house in the morning."

As the night feel upon the town, again they parted. Saying their goodbyes and kissing and nuzzling each other, then later leave. Steele was walking back to his usual spot for the night, when a young female dog approached him, she brushed up against him, not just an accidental bump, she did it with lust. Steele stopped and she stopped with him, he looked at her and he looked confused.

"So you’re the new alpha male?" She asked while rubbing his chin with her tail.

"I am, how did you know?" He replied.

"I could see how strong you are, and what you did to Conwell, so vicious." she said lustfully.

Steele watched every movement she made, she was circling him. "Well....its not exactly something I like to remember." Who was he fooling, he loved every minute of it.

She started to nuzzle him and.....he liked it, he did it back to her. Her fur was so soft, he couldn’t resist.

"Ill see you later ok?" She said and kissed him.

She trotted off and left. Steele stood there for a few seconds. Then he thought to himself.

‘What the hell were you thinking!? You were going to betray Niska like that!?’

Steele was ashamed of himself. Niska loved him, and he loved her back, he became angry with himself.

"That wont happen again, it wont!" He shouted to himself.

Disgusted with his actions, he went straight to sleep. He became calm and peaceful, he remembered what tomorrow wold be. A small smile found its way to his face, he spoke to himself,

"Ill make it the best day of her life, I promise." Steele realized he made a lot of promises, he completed one against Conwell, the biggest one was to see Balto die at his own teeth. To rip a scab off the world, that was the wolf dog.

======================

The dawn broke free of the darkness, birds chreeping songs to greet the morning sun. Steele did not feel the same, he didn’t get to much sleep, to many thoughts were flying through his head. So fast, that he couldn’t even dream, let alone focus on one single thought. Even he didn’t know what to think.

"Maybe im doing to much thinking." Steele amazed at himself. He actually thought about things before he acted on them. Today was the day, he couldn’t wait for night to come. He went out of that lonely forest, and into the busy town, as he walked in to town, other dogs really showed their respect to him. They would move out of the way if he was walking in their direction. He could hear other dogs talk about him.

"Be careful of Steele, you should’ve been there to see what he did to Conwell." one of them said.

Steele was surprised to see how everyone in town knew who he was, even when he’d never seen some of these dogs before. He couldn’t resist but to proudly walk down the street with his head held high. Things were looking up for him.

‘Don’t let all this go to your head like last time.’ A small, but loud voice said in his head.

"I won’t. Ill just be more careful about what I do." He silently said to himself.

He walked up to Niska’s house and he could see her sleeping on the porch. He silently laid down next to her. She barley lifted her eyelid and could tell who it was.

"Good morning, my love." She said kissing him

"Good morning to you to." He said kissing her back.

"So what did you wanted to show me?" She asked stretching.

"It can only be seen at night."

She yawned and then looked at him.

"Then what shall we do until then?"

"Well..." He said "There is a small valley that has a river next to it, I think you’ll like it."

"Well then, lets go!" She said. Niska jumped up and wagged her tail with enthusiasm.

Steele and Niska were walking together and everyone showed respect for the couple. The last thing anyone would want to do, is to do anything to Niska, they all learned that lesson. Steele and Niska, reached the end of the forest and entered. Niska followed him until they reached the small valley. It was small but beautiful, the river ran so smoothly, and it was so clear. The grass was not tall or short, but just tall enough to bunch together and give it a very comfortable feeling when you lay in it. Steele went to the river and drank some water, when he turned around, he saw her laying in the grass. She was around a large patch of yellow and orange followers that made the ground look as if it was on fire, like his heart. At first he didn’t know what to think. Niska looked at him and said,

"My love, I want to show you how much I care for you."

Steele knew what she meant. He did not plan for this to happen, but he was glad it was. He walked towards her and laid next to her. Niska nibbled on his ear, Steele whispered to her,

"And I want to show you how much I love you."

Time seemed to stand still to both of them, it was beautiful. They now knew it was more than the simple "I love you" they were now mates.

After it was over, they nuzzled each other.

"Im so happy we are mates now." Niska said.

Steele couldn’t have been more proud to be called her mate.

"Im so happy that you chose me to be your mate." He replied.

They both feel asleep while Steele curled up around her. He wanted to make sure that everyone knew they were mates, so noone could make the mistake that Conwell did.

Steele was the first to wake up, he looked up at the sky and noticed how close it was getting to dark. He gave Niska a soft nudge to wake her up. When she did, Steele told her they had to go, it was almost time. Steele led the way to the cliff that he usually slept on. He sat there and waited for her, when she sat next to him, she asked,

"I’ve seen this before, remember? What are we looking at?"

"Just wait" Steele said.

A few moments later, the sun hid behind the mountains. minutes later, there was a small ray of light.

"Look, right there. Just keep watching." Steele said.

Niska looked and waited. The ray suddenly grew almost bigger than the hill it shined on. It was so bright and wonderful, you would think a new world was being created. Niska couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She became speechless.

"Steele....its...."

"You don’t need to say anything, its all for you. I wanted to share this with you." Steele said.

Niska nuzzled him,

"I love you more than you could ever imagine."

Steele did though, if there was more love she had than now, he would be more than willing to take it all, and try and give as much as he could back to her. This could’ve lasted all night, he wished it did, but she told him she had to go before her master worried.

"Ill be here for you tomorrow." She whispered.

"And ill be here waiting for you." He said as they kissed.

While the lights still gleamed to what seemed to reach all the way up to the heavens, Steele slept once more. He did dream tonight, but far from a good one.

=========================

Steele was alone. He had noone, and nothing around except falling snow and buildings. It looked familiar but he was not sure. As he looked around, he saw pups playing and running with one another. He looked at them while they enjoyed the time they had. They.....looked almost familiar to him, the brown fur was unmistakable, he knew who’s puppy’s they were.

"Well....if I cant kill Balto, ill kill the closest thing he has."

With his teeth ready and mucels waiting for the right time to kill the pups, one of them ran straight into his leg. The pup looked up at him and saw his eyes, Steele’s eyes were no longer blue, but all white with a bloodlust smile to go with it. The pup was clearly scared and to frightened to run. His blood was cold as ice and showed that he would enjoy seeing Balto’s face when he finds out. He looked at the puppies eyes, his smile turned into confusion.

‘Balto’s eyes were not blue, neither was Jenna’s. They both had brown eyes. So why are they dark blue?’

Only one person came to mind.

"No! She wouldn’t! Im here mate, not that mangy mutt!"

He refused to believe this thought, and shook it out of his head. As he was about to grab the pup, two figures appeared from behind a large boat docked on land.

"Balto! There you are, I thought I was going to have to kill your worthless pups. But that won’t be necessary anymore."

The figure next to Balto jumped out in front of the puppy to protect her own.

His fear was then realized, the blue eyes, the similarities, it was all answered. Niska was the mother of the pups. She growled and scorned at him with hate.

"Niska?....I thought...we were...." Steele stuttered at this horror.

"How could I love a disgrace like yourself?" She shouted at him.

Steele didn’t know what to say. He was speechless. Balto lunged a Steele and was on top of Steele, growling at him. He didn’t even fight back, Steele could have easily thrown him off, but didn’t. He could not care if died now, but the thought of her, having mutts with that mongrel. Steele screamed, but awoke himself by his own scream.

As he jolted up, the birds that were sleeping in a nearby tree, was also disturbed. They flew away and the tree seemed to come alive.

========================

‘How long have I’ve been gone? How long has it been?’

Steele realized that he has been gone for almost a year. Everyone in Nome must have forgotten him, and went on with their daily lives....he hopped. He noticed that it was early, and the sun has not yet risen, and the lights still danced in the sky.

"I think ill surprise Niska." Steele said to himself, he was going to sleep on Niska’s porch until she woke up as well.

Steele rose from his spot and walked to her house. On his way, he noticed the young female from before.

‘What is she doing up so early?’ He thought.

He tried as best he could to avoid eye contact, he even tried to act like she wasn’t even there. But like before, he couldn’t resist.

"Mmm, your up early." She spoke to him.

He tired not to make the same mistake he did before. "Well....I was just on my way to-."

"Niska’s? Why have just her, when you could have me, and more." She interrupted him. She did have a point, he deserved some kind of reward didn’t he? After all, he’s the alpha male, he should be allowed to get whatever he want’s.

seduction, mixed with betrayal, one was stronger than the other. He turned back into his old self again.

‘NO! Its not to late! You can change this before you lose it all!’ That small voice said.

Steele was lost. He agreed to leave with the female. She led him to a small ally where there were other females, it felt like the old times, everyone wanted to be around him, everyone wanted to be him. As soon as he approached them, they all crowded around him.

"You were right, he is strong."

"And handsome." Some of them replied.

All nuzzled him, all wanted his attention, he was the center of it all.

‘I almost forgot how it felt to be number one.’ He thought.

"We go inside, and show you a good time, no?" One of them said, she had a Russian accent.

Steele was going to, but he saw the sun was over the mountains. He had to go before Niska would discover him.

"No, I have to go." He said.

"Awwwww.....later then?" The young Female replied.

=====================

Steele did not answer, but left in a hurry. When he reached Niska’s house, he laid down and closed his eyes and would act like nothing happened. He never slept, but acted like he was, a few hours later the door opened. He did not look to see who it was.

"Who’s this?! A stray?" An unfamiliar voice shouted.

Steele jumped up to see who it was. He didn’t know who he was, but the man scowled at Steele.

Steele would fight back, but getting in a quarrel with Niska’s master, was not the best decision. He decided it would be better if he stood down.

"Get out of here!" The man kicked some snow at him.

Steele didn’t run, but looked back at him and growled, then he walked away. He watched the man walk out of his house, and into the street. Shortly after, Niska walked out to see what was happening.

"Steele!" She saw him leave, she got his attention.

"Niska!"He said with excitement.

They ran toward each other and kissed each other.

"What happened? I heard Samuel yell." She said.

"Samuel?"

"Yes, he’s my master."

"Well, I was waiting on your porch, waiting for you, but he didn’t seem to happy to see me." Steele explained.

"Don’t mind him, he means well. I thought I was meeting you at the cliff?"

"I wanted to surprise you."

Steele had to think of a way to tell Niska that he was leaving so he could finally taste fresh blood upon Balto. But he couldn’t tell her that, he had to think of a lie. But what could he possibly tell her.

"Uh...my love?." He said. She looked at him to see what he was going to tell her.

"Tomorrow, im going to Nome to see some old friends of mine. You know, visit." His lie was dead on, she believed him.

"Ok, can I come to?" Steele couldn’t let her come, he wanted to savior the kill for his own selfish needs.

"Im sorry, but we need to catch up on old times as friends. It’s a long trip and I don’t want you to get hurt." He hoped that would be enough to convince her otherwise.

She was not sad, but she sounded like it. "Oh, I see.....how long will you be gone?"

"Only a day or so. Not long. And when I come back, ill have all the time in the world for you."

This seemed to do the trick. She responded happy to this. All that, day they relaxed together. Steele needed his rest for tomorrow. She only thought he was relaxing for the journey. When the sun fell to its dark abyss, he told her he would see her soon.

"Ill think of you while you are gone." She said kissing him.

"You are always in my thoughts, ill see you soon, I promise." He said kissing her back.

======================

They left each other to see again, another day. She watched him until he was gone. But she noticed that he turned the other way from the forest. He didn’t notice her watch him, she wondered where he could possibly be going. She followed him until he disappeared. She couldn’t find him, but she caught his scent. It led her to a small house, the door was cracked open, there was another scent, a few in fact. It was other females.

"No. He wouldn’t, he loves me. He knows I love him back." She tried to convince herself.

But she had to look, she just had to. As much as she didn’t want to believe it, it became reality. Steele was laying on an old mattress, he was surrounded by other female dogs who were kissing and nuzzling him. He was no different, he did all the same back to them. Niska couldn’t take it anymore, her tears were blinding her. She ran to the cliff that Steele would sleep on and cried as hard as she could.

Steele staggered out from the house with a stupid, but satisfied face. He made his way to the cliff, as he moved tworead the cliff, he saw a dark figure. Steele became tense.

"Who’s there!?" He barked out.

"Steele...?" Niska said.

"Oh, its only you, love." He replied. He relaxed as he walked to her.

Niska couldn’t look at him. She couldn’t call him love, she could hardly speak to him.

"We need to talk." She said with her head hanging low.

"Sure......what’s wrong?" He knew, but hoped she didn’t know. He played as if nothing happened at all.

"I saw you. I saw you with those other females." Steele’s stomach collapsed in. He felt sick, he was caught, and there was nothing he could do to get himself out of it.

Steele sighed. "I was just with others that appreciate me."

"I do appreciate you, I love you Steele. Isn’t that enough for you?" She was trying to hold back her tears.

"I deserve more than just you. I worked hard for what I’ve done, why can’t you understand?"

She looked at him with astonishment, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

"How could you....I thought we had something. But your acting like a egoist pup." She said.

Steele was furious. "I don’t need you! I can have whoever I want, not scum like you!" Steele left her, she couldn’t understand.

"My Steele....my Steele, what happened to you?" She whispered to herself, and began to cry. Niska buried herself in her arms so he couldn’t see her.

==================

Steele slept under a house for the night. Niska cried until she fell asleep. The sun broke through the everlasting dark to shed light upon the world, Niska woke before Steele did. She left into town to look for him, to see what he was doing. Niska heard Steele groan, she jumped and hid behind a building, and watched him. He came from under a house with snow all over his back, he shook it off with intensity.

"The time has come, wolf dog. I will keep my promise, I will enjoy the taste of your blood. I will take my revenge!" Steele said to himself.

He had a crazed look in his piercing eyes, the same he had with Conwell. Steele got up and walked out of town.

Steele knew the way back, it wouldn’t take as long as it did last time to get there. The sun was bright, it reflected off the snow and warmed his dense fur, but nothing was warmer than the hate and excitement he had for Balto. He finally passed that small cabin that he slept in from before, he remembered his first dream. He was going to make it come true, nothing was going to stop him, nothing. Steele recognized this area, yes, he knew this part, he was close now. He could taste his accomplishment, it tasted good.

"Nothing to fear, everything to gain." He repeated to himself.

So many things to feel. Every part of his body had a different feeling, as if they had a mind of their own. His head was full of stress, his chest full of anger, his heart full of pain. He only once thought of Niska.

‘You don’t realize what you lost. The only person who ever loved you.’

"No. I don’t need that scum. I have plenty of others who will want to be with me."

But he didn’t understand that people only wanted to be around him for what he was, not for who he was. Niska loved him for who he was. Steele came across a small hill, he saw all of Nome, and the docked boats on shore.

"Im coming for you. And you will suffer the same way I did!" He said.

He could have went around the town to get to the boats, but he didn’t. He walked through town, not caring who saw him. Nobody paid any attention to him.

‘Maybe they all forgot. Perhaps they don’t care anymore.’ Steele thought. But as soon as he thought this, a voice shouted.

"Hey! Look who’s back!" Steele’s heart froze for a second.

"Steele?! Wow the failure is back." They said laughing. The more that taunted, the more that came.

"Well....I got to say, I didn’t think you’d show up here again." One of them taunted.

Steele kept walking, he ignored their words for as long as he could.

"Hey Steele. What made you bring your mangy face around here again?"

That was all he could take. Steele grabbed his muzzle and threw him to the ground, the dog yelped. The dog was bleeding, he looked at Steele as he got up and saw something that noone saw before. He had no pupils, no color to his eyes. All white and throbbing red veins that showed he was not tolerating anymore of their taunts and jokes. He stood in place with teeth showing, he told them,

"If you ever get in my way again, any of you." He said as he looked around. "Ill kill you!"

The others knew he was serious, they all backed away from him. He didn’t care if someone went to Balto to warn him, he wanted a good fight. Steele found himself in front of a large boat.

"You’re mine, mutt." Steele said.

===================

Just like his dream, he saw puppies play, then two figures. Finally, his dream, his wish he had for so long, was going to come true.

"S...Steele?" He figured it must have been Jenna, since it was a higher voice than Balto’s.

Balto could now see him, he was shocked, but not surprised. He knew Steele would try something like this.

"Well, well, well. I can clearly see you created some more useless welps around here." Steele chuckled from under his breath.

"Jenna, get back, take the puppies with you." Balto said, he gave Steele a scornful look. "What do you want Steele? Im guessing your not here to apologize."

Steele growled, but did not look at him. "Do you remember what you did to me that day? The day you ruined my life?!"

Balto did not answer, but listened to see what he wanted.

"You took everything from me! Now im going to take all that you have, all that you cherish, all that you LOVE!" Steele was slowly slipping into madness. The demons that lived in his head for so long, have now consumed him.

Balto prepared himself to fight, but Steele’s demons were still talking.

"I will not disappoint you mother, I will spill his blood for you. This is all for you!"

"Listen to yourself! Your mad, snap out of it!" Balto barked out. But Steele was not in a trance, only his own thoughts, came from his head to his mouth and formed words.

"Don’t tell me what I should do. Don’t tell me how I should think. Don’t tell me how I need to feel, I feel nothing!" Steele spoke the truth, he was cold, he’s eyes were the same as before.

Balto knew there was only one thing to do to help him.

"If you think im going to stand here while you hurt my family, you’re insane!" Balto has never seen Steele like this before. He knew that if he failed to protect his family, Steele would do unimaginable things to them. He wasn’t going to let that happen.

Steele lunged at Balto. Balto moved out of the way, he was smaller than Steele, so he would be able to move more swiftly than him. But Steele was larger and stronger than him, if Steele managed to pin him to the ground nothing would be able to stop him. Steele slammed Balto with his two front paws to the floor, but Balto was able to get out of his grasp.

"Hear that wolf dog? Its hells gates, creaking, opening, welcoming you to its eternal flames." He laughed at this like it was the funniest thing in the world to him.

Steele was to far gone, lost in his own mind. Trying to reason with him is pointless, it would be like trying to douse fire with gasoline. Impossible.

Balto grabbed Steele’s nose and his leg smashed into his face. Steele flung him off, he shook the pain off him. Even though he was bleeding, he paid no attention to it. Taking Steele down was not going to be easy, his only plan was to stay alive. Panting with excitement, Steele walked to him. He tried to grab his neck, but Balto jumped out of the way before Steele had the chance to close his jaws. But Steele anticipated his move. As Balto was in the air, Steele grabbed some skin on his back and swung him into a tree. Balto felt a few ribs break. He could no longer move away in time for anything Steele was going to inflict on him. Balto tried to bite Steele’s legs, but Steele pushed his paw on Balto’s throat. Balto couldn’t move, he couldn’t defend himself.

"How does it feel to be helpless? To be kicked while your down?! An eye for an eye, don’t you think?!" Steele said as he showed his fangs to him.

"These will be the last thing you will ever see." He said.

Steele felt a little bite to his leg, it was one of Balto’s pups. He looked down and saw a wolf like looking dog trying to stop Steele from what he was doing. Balto’s eyes widened with fear, he tried to tell her to run away from him. But Steele’s paw was pushing to much pressure on him to talk.

"Leave my papa alone!" The young puppy said

"Aleu! Get away from there! Run!" Balto and Steele could hear Jenna shout.

"This mutt looks more wolf than you do wolf dog!" Steele laughed.

"Before I kill you, why don’t I kill your mutt first." He said smiling.

Balto tried as hard as he could to get free, but he failed.

As soon as he went to grab Aleu with great force, that would have killed her, someone jumped to push little Aleu out of the way of the jaws. Steele’s teeth sunk into another body than he intended, his teeth were a little bit away from the neck, but still might be bad enough to kill. Balto couldn’t believe what he saw. Steele felt that it was a light body, most likely a female. He swung the body away from them.

===================

"Well looks like Jenna did my job for me. Next you, then your worthless hybrids."

Balto tried to tell him something, but the words came out chocked.

"Final words? I might as well let you speak your last words, before you walk the path to hell." Steele relaxed his strength from Balto’s throat so he could speak.

Balto gasped for the air Steele allowed him to breathe.

"Go on! Spit it out!" Steele demanded.

"Look again." Balto said.

Steele turned his head, he saw Jenna was fine, she stood there with Aleu at her side. Jenna looked at the body that Steele thought was Jenna. Steele was confused.

"Who would be fool enough to risk their life for that mutt?"

Steele let Balto free and his paw was off him. Jenna ran to Balto’s side to see if he wasn’t hurt to badly. Steele approached the body, as he came closer, it became more and more clear who it was.

"No! Why did you do that!? Why?!" Steele shouted. His voice sounded sad, like he was trying to hold back tears.

The body that laid there was Niska. She had a gash between her neck and shoulder. It was as if a higher power, pulled the demons from his head. Steele came back to reality.

Niska looked at Steele and said, "I followed you here. I didn’t want to lose you to other girls. I see that you had something else you had to deal with."

"Niska....I....im so sorry." He didn’t know what else to say.

Niska nuzzled him, and said, "I know you didn’t mean it, but I couldn’t let you do what you were going to do."

Steele felt like the stupidest creature on earth. She still loved him, even after all he’s done to her. Niska passed out from exhaustion, the bite was to much for her.

====================

Steele looked at Balto and Jenna, "Is there any where I can take her!?" he said with fear.

"Our vet was hiking on White Mountain, and was caught in a snow storm." Jenna said.

"He’s still lost up there." Balto added.

Steele thought about what he was going to do.

"Where can I find a sled?" Steele said.

Balto and Jenna said they didn’t know, Steele told them to keep watch for her while he went to find one.

He whispered to Niska, "Ill be back for you, I promise." Steele ran into town.

"Can you believe that someone loves Steele? Even after all he’s done?" Jenna said to Balto.

"Everyone deserves a second chance." Balto replied. But this was not Steele’s second chance, but his third. Steele was going to make things right this time.

Steele ran back with a sled that he dragged. He found it outside. A musher must have went in a building and left it unguarded, Steele needed it, so he took it.

Steele gently put Niska on the sled.

"Where are you going?" Balto asked.

"Back to her town, there’s a veterinarian there. He can help." Steele said as he tried the best he could to harness himself. He missed a few holes to clip in, and some buttons. But he only needed to make sure he could drag it.

"You’re a lucky dog Steele. Not everyone gets another chance." Balto said as he struggled to get up.

Steele heard this and ignored it, but he acted like he didn’t hear it.

Steele ran as fast as he could. He was not about to let Niska go again, the way he did before. He ran until his chest burned and his heart felt like it was going to burst. But he didn’t stop, not for a moment. Her life meant more to him than his own. He ran, for what felt like an eternity, until he saw small cabins and ran even faster as he came closer to town. Steele took her to the veterinarians front door to the building. Steele barked until someone opened the door. A man in white came outside and looked at the sled.

"Oh, dear." He said. "This doesn’t look good. Thank goodness you came here, any longer and this could have ended badly." He said as he patted Steele on the head.

Steele watched the man gently carry Niska into the building. The man turned around and smiled at Steele and said, "Don’t worry, she’ll be fine."

as he walked in other people in white surrounded Niska and took her away until he couldn’t see her any more.

Steele waited outside for hours. The sun started to set. Steele’s ears stood straight as he heard footsteps on the hard wood floor. The same man came out and told him she was going to fine, but she needed rest. He spoke to Steele as if he knew he was here for her. When the man went back in, Steele thought to himself,

‘I cant stay here. How could I look at her knowing that I did this to her?’

======================

Steele got up and began to walk back to Nome. On his way he saw a window that looked into Niska’s room. Steele had to tell her goodbye before he left. He loosened the hinges to the window and was able to push it open. Niska was asleep, he walked up to her and whispered in her ear,

"Im so sorry it had to end this way. Im so sorry I did this to you. But no matter what, ill always love you." Steele gave her a kiss and left the way he came.

That walk back to Nome was the most horrible thing Steele ever had to endure. He was forced to relive what happened in his mind. The walk felt longer than the others. He came to Nome and went to the boat that Balto lived on. There was one last thing he had to do.

His claws scratched against the wood as he walked. Balto jumped out in front of Steele with his teeth baring.

"What have you come here for? To finish what you started?" Balto growled at him.

Steele sighed and said, "No, but to end what I started."

Balto relaxed, but was still was ready to see what would happen.

"Balto, I want to......ummm....apologize for what I did before, and in the past. I understand if you don’t accept." Steele said looking at him

at first Balto thought it was a trick, to let his guard down. But there was something that convinced him otherwise. Steele’s eyes were full of sorrow and hurt, he has never known Steele to apologize for anything. Balto sat down and said,

"Alright, I believe you." Steele laid down and sighed.

"Who was that young husky, and how did you know her?" Balto asked.

Steele looked at him, "She was my love. My only love....Niska."

=====================

Steele told his story to Balto. Balto felt sorry for him, something he thought he would never feel for Steele.

"I can never look at her again, not after what I did to her."

Balto heard water drops hit against the wood. Steele was crying, but Balto acted like he didn’t see it.

"Not many people get as many chances like you did." Balto said.

"Not many people screwed up the way I did, either." Steele added.

Balto stood up.

"But she still loves you, she will forgive you."

Balto had a point. If she would follow him all the way here and nuzzle him after what he did, there was a chance.

"It maybe a long shot, but if there’s a chance to claim my love once more, then ill take it!" Steele shouted.

Steele went outside and was ready to run back to that town.

"Steele, wait!" Balto shouted. Steele stopped. "A woman’s heart can only take so much. Love her, don’t repeat your past."

The wind blew, and the ground grew colder.

Steele stood there for a while, staring into the distance.

"Balto.....thank you, for listening, and understanding." Steele never looked at him, but Balto knew he meant it.

Steele ran from there, he couldn’t wait to see his Niska again. He reached the town that he missed for so long. He never stopped till he reached Niska’s house. Steele looked at it and gathered himself to walk up to her door. He took a deep breath and was about to walk up the doorstep until a man walked out of the house and locked the door. Steele has never seen this man before. Steele thought to himself.

‘That wasn’t Samuel. Who was that, and why is he in Niska’s house?’

His thoughts were interrupted by another dogs voice.

"Hey Steele!" The dog shouted.

He walked up to Steele. "You looking for Niska?"

"Yes, I am."

"Well, she’s not here." The dog said.

Steele’s heart stopped, he felt dead inside.

"What happened to her!? Where did she go!?" Steele asked the dog frantically.

"I don’t know, nobody knows. Her master was scared for her life after someone really hurt her. She had a big gash on the side of her shoulder. Who would do that to such a nice girl?" Steele was ashamed of himself.

"Anyway, they just up and left without telling anybody. I saw you drag her on that sled when you found her the way she was. It’s a shame to, you two were so happy with each other. Then you left, we all guessed you went to go find the mutt who did that to her."

Every relationship had its dark sides. This was the rotten core of all of them. He was the monster who hurt Niska. He never said anything else to the dog.

"You know, I really hate to be the one who has to tell you this." The dog patted him on the shoulder.

"Anyways, welcome back, Steele." The dog walked away.

Steele didn’t know what to do. He was so close to having her back, and she was out of his grasp. Steele went under a house and silently cried.

===================

Steele wallowed in his despair for almost ten minutes, he opened one eye and saw a familiar paw.

‘No, it couldn’t have been. She was gone.’

He looked up and saw her, Niska. She looked down at him, smiling. Steele jolted up and looked at her.

"Niska? Is this you? Is it really you?" He nuzzled her and she nuzzled him back.

She was warm, her fur was soft. It was her. Steele began to tear up.

"I thought you left. I thought......" He couldn’t speak. He was to overjoyed with happiness.

"If you ever need to find me, ill be here waiting for you. And you came back. I promised you I would be here for you when you needed me."

His tears ran like the river in the valley, and so did hers.

"I thought you left, I was scared that I would never see you again." He whispered to her.

"My master did want to leave, but I wanted to stay, and hoped you would return. I ran so he wouldn’t find me and make me leave without being with you. After a while he gave up and left because he already sold the house." She kissed him after she told her story to her.

"I heard what you said to me that day." Niska said.

"I meant every word." Steele said kissing her back.

Steele had one other question he had to ask her.

"Are we still.....mates? He said.

"Yes...I would want nothing more." Niska replied.

They both walked down the street, together. As they were walking, a young male dog came up to Steele.

"Your not so strong to be the alpha male!" He laughed. "I challenge you, for title of alpha male!"

Everyone knew Steele could easily defeat that dog. Steele himself was ready to fight. A thought occurred to him.

‘This title was what started the whole thing. It will just cycle all over again.’

Steele walked up to the dog, and told him,

"Then I relinquish my title as alpha, and bestow it upon you." Steele spoke respectfully. He would fight if he had to, but he would no longer fight for reasons like this.

The dog looked at him confused, but took his place. The others gasped and awed at this, but now greeted the new alpha.

=================

Both Steele and Niska walked away from everyone else.

"Why did you do that?" Niska asked.

"Im not going to lose you ever again, not over anything for any cost. I would rather die, than know I couldn’t be with you."

She couldn’t believe that he did such a thing, just to be with her. She looked at him and smiled.

"You know, were going to have to think of names." She said.

"Names? Names for who, and what?" Steele said looking at her.

All that she did was smile at him, and that was all that he needed to know.

"Niska....are you saying....?"

She nodded at him. He felt something inside of him. Like something grabbed his heart and threw it in a fire. It gave him a warm feeling, he hoped that this feeling would stay.

The night slowly kissed the day away, and took its place in the sky. They both slept together for the first time. Steele was born again, he swore he would never take revenge again.

‘You forgave, and look where it led you. You have a loving mate, your going to be a father, and you have someone to love.’ The small voice in his head said to him. The voice spoke so loud, he thought Niska could her it.

The words that Balto told him, ran faster through the wind and harder than the waterfalls crushing waters It led to below.

‘Love her, don’t repeat your past.’

the words slowly became quieter as he fell into slumber.

"I love you Niska." Steele whispered.

"I love you to Steele." Niska replied.

Steele no longer feared the darkness of his dreams, as long as he had Niska with him, he would be able to feel the warmth of happiness.

They both fell into the dark abyss that was sleep, together.

They both couldn’t wait until the sun would rise to see each other for a new day, and a new life.

Email:rockmonster93@yahoo.com