The Return

Chapter 1: Unwanted Surprise

“Hello Claire, long time no see.”

There sitting on the living room couch was a black husky with a red collar. The dog had piercing yellow eyes. “Damon.” Clarie growled.

Damon looked more handsome and muscular than before, Claire had remembered him to be more thin and less body built. He smiled slyly. “tsk tsk, is that anyway to treat your boyfriend?”

Claire smiled in a not amused way. “I'm not your girlfriend Damon. Did you forget? You cheated on me?”

Damon's sly smile disappeared. “Is that what you think happened?”

Clarie felt tears start to well up. “It's what I saw. You broke my heart, I don't know how stupid can you be, showing your lying face here. Why are you really here Damon?”

Damon laughed. “I came back because I missed you. Claire admit it. I'm irresistible.”

“I'm not taking you back. Damon It's over.” Claire snarled.

Damon started to walk out, he turned back to look at her. “It isn't over until I say it's over.” with that he was gone out of sight.

“Rise and shine sleepy head!”

Kodi awoke startled. “What? What? What's up!” he looked up to find no other than Dingo.

“Had to wake you up early, I found out from mom that you have a race next week.” Dingo said with a grin.

Kodi groaned annoyed. “And who said you were in charge?” he asked now sitting upright.

Dingo chuckled. “Bro, I'm just trying to help.”

Kodi yawned. “Now that you have purposely waken me up, I might as well go and start practising.”

Dingo laughed. “I already know where your really going. Your going to visit blondie.”

Kodi rolled her eyes. “She has a name.” he said walking out the door.

Dingo scoffed. “Whatever, tell me how it goes!” he called out.

Kodi sighed releaved. After last nights events, visiting Claire would actually be a good idea. With Dingo in town, things were going to get a little annoying. It was actually still pretty early to be up.

Alue was now near the river, she had travelled far. She stopped at a large entrance opening just behind the waterfall. As Alue stepped inside the cave, she noticed everything the same way it always had been. Twenty or more rocks of shelves surrounded her all around that held wolves of all kinds on them. This was the packs hideout, the pack had a few problems with hunters.

Nave approached her. “Alue.” he wrapped her in a warm embrace. “We were so worried about you, are you alright?”

Alue nodded slowly. “I'm sorry I left.”

The old wolf smiled. “Your back now, that's all that matters. Don't worry things are just the way you left them.”

Alue was releaved to hear that. “Are there enough food supplies for the young ones?”

Nava nodded. “Enough to last for winter.”

As painful it was to say goodbye to her family, her pack needed her. Alue was their Alpha it was her responsibility to look after every member of her pack. “I wanna organise a council meeting.” she said.

Nava smiled. “I'll get onto it right away.”

“How is he?”

“He'll be just fine, it's just a few cuts and bruises. We'll take good care of him Duke, don't you worry.”

Duke smiled. “That's great to hear, I wouldn't want my dog upset.”

Balto was outside the vet wating with Jenna, Ewan and Star. he hoped Kaltag was alright. “He's quite tough you know.” Jenna said trying to ease the tension.

“Yeah he is.” Star agreed.

Balto chuckled amused. He then went back to his worried state.

Ewan frowned. “Something else is bothering you.”

Balto sighed. “he mentioned who did this to him.”

“Yeah, about that. You never told us who?” Jenna said.

Balto bit his lip. “Steele?”

Jenna's eyes widened. “Steele? But Steele's-”

“-I know. He left for good. It doesn't make sense.”

Just at that moment Duke finally came out. Balto turned to him with hopeful eyes. Duke chuckled and patted his head. “Calm down boy, he'll be just fine. He's just going to stay with them for a while, he'll be good as new.”

Kodi made his way to Claire's home, it was kinda weird that house was located around the outskirts. That was his opinion though. He spotted Ryan sitting on the porch looking a little upset about something. “Ryan?”

The husky looked up and sighed. “She's inside.” he said.

Kodi nodded. “You ok?”

Ryan managed to smile.“Yeah man, She's wating for you”

Kodi smiled back nervously as he made his way inside.

Claire was in the living room pacing nervously, she stopped when she heard Kodi's voice. “You ok?” he asked entering.

Claire managed to flash a smile back. “Yes, now that your here.” she said nuzzling him.

Kodi pulled away. “We shouldn't rush things, your dad still doesn't think I'm a good influence on you.”

Claire chuckled. “Don't take it personally. He's like that with everyone.” her smile faded.

Kodi frowned. “You ok? You seem a little out of it today.”

Claire sighed. “Nothing just family problems.”

Kodi smiled warmly. “Wanna talk about it over a walk?”

Claire bit her lip. “Actually there's something I need tell you.”

The whole pack was filled with murmurs. When Alue entered the council chamber, all the wolves gathered below. There were a few gasps. Nava sat beside her. The council chamber was a room In the center of the cave, pack meetings or gatherings were held here.

“She's back?”

“I thought she died.”

“We were better off without her.”

Alue cleared her throat. “Uh.. hi everybody. I just wanted to uh say that...I'm back now. I promise everyone of you that things are going to change around here for the better.”

“Where did you go?” a wolf asked stepping up.

“I..” Alue's voice trailed off. “It doesn't matter. I'm back now.”

“we were better off without you.” another growled. “Coming back was a big mistake-”

“-Silence!” Nava's voice boomed. “I'm sure she has a explanation.”

Alue sighed. “I know by leaving I failed you all. When I mean things will change for the better, I mean it.” with that Alue left the chamber.

“I'm sorry. I didn't know they would react this way.” Nava said.

Alue smiled weakly. “I knew this was coming.” suddenly out of nowhere a wolf jumped in front of her. Alue gasped and saw the wolf lying on the floor..

“Damon? Didn't you mention him last night?”

Claire nodded. “He came for a late visit last night.”

Kodi frowned. “What does he want?.” from the way Claire was acting this Damon guy was not a saint.

Claire's eyes were filled with tears. “I don't know.” she said now with her voice breaking. “He made it clear that it was over.”

“Have you told your dad?”

Claire shook her head. “No, I haven't told him or Ryan” she replied wiping her tears.

Kodi sighed. “Where is he now?”

“I don't know.”

Kodi smiled. “Hey, Everything's going to be ok.” he said nuzzling her. “I was actually going to ask you if you would like to meet my parents.”

Claire's eyes widened. “Your parents?”

Kodi nodded now grinning. “I met your dad, It would only be fair if you met mine.”

Claire giggled. “Um, ok when?”

“Say now.”

“Now?”

Kodi nodded. “C'mon. We can sort out this problem on the way.” he said chuckling.

Damon from the distance had been watching the whole thing. His eyes narrowed. “So this is the rebound guy?” he sneered.

Chapter 2: The Start Of Something New

“Alue! Are you alright!”

“Are you hurt?”

Various wolves now surrounded their alpha leader checking she was ok. “I'm so sorry. That wasn't meant to happen.” Nava apologised.

Alue frowned and turned to the wolf who had caught the bullet. He was lying on his side he was breathing slowly. “Is... he ok?” Nava came over to her side.

“I'll get help. Come everyone!” Nava and all the wolves left leaving Alue alone with the injured wolf.

“You ok?” a weak voice asked.

“Why did you do that?” Alue asked turning to him.

“It's my duty to the pack.”

Alue smiled. “That was very brave of you.”

The wolf winced.

“It's Shadow right?” Alue asked.

The wolf nodded. “Yeah, How did you figure that out?”

Alue chuckled. "Lucky guess."

Shadow managed to chuckle himself. "I.. Is..Is it bad?” he asked between breaths.

“It's nothing.” Alue assured him smiling. “It's just a scratch. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Oh, I'm not afraid of death, I never have been.” Shadow replied simply he actually managed to smile. He let out a painful groan.

"Don't worry you'll be good as new in no time." Alue assured him.

Nava just at that moment came back with two other wolves. One of them heaved Shadow onto their back. “We'll take good care of him.” one of them said.

Alue smiled back in reply. Something about Shadow gave her a sudden urge.

“Oi Ryan!”

Ryan's ears perked up. “Dusty?” 'what was she doing here?' he thought.

Dusty came over and sat beside him. “I came to check on you.”

Ryan scoffed. “Check on me? I'm not a kid.”

Dusty frowned. “What's with you today?”

Ryan stepped of the porch. “None of your concern.” he said walking off leaving her stunned. 'what's gotten into him? Was it something I said?'

“Hey!” Dusty yelled running after him. “What's gotten into you?”

Ryan scoffed. “None of your business, just leave me alone.” he said finally walking off.

Dusty felt her eyes start to well up with tears.

“I know why he's mad at you.”

She turned around. “Kirby? W-wha-”

“-He heard everything.” Kirby said cutting her off with a smile.

Dusty frowned. “Everything? W-what do you mean?”

Kirby smirked. “Our little conversation last night. He heard every word.”

Dusty bit her lip. “He really had feelings for me?”

Kirby scoffed. “Why do you care? You made it preety clear you didn't last night.”

“-that's because I didn't know!”

Kirby gasped. “You actually love him?”

Tears started to well up, Dusty didn't reply instead she ran off Ryan's direction.

“Is this where you live?” Claire asked staring at the house with curiosity. She admired small homes, she was never used to big houses like hers.

“No, this is where my dad lives. He should be home.” Kodi scratched on the door.

Balto's head popped out. “Kodi?”

Kodi nodded. “yeah it's me dad.”

Balto looked around, his eyes fell on Claire. “Who's this?”

Kodi chuckled. “Dad, this is my girlfriend.”

Balto smirked. “Girlfriend?” he asked coming out the doggy door.

“I'm Claire.” Claire said.

“We're you going somewhere?” Kodi asked.

Balto nodded. “As a matter of fact I was going down to the beach to meet your mother and Dingo.” he replied looking surprised.

“Can we join you?” Kodi asked hopefully.

Balto smiled. “Sure, why not.”

“Well if it isn't my favourite chatter box.”

Kaltag gasped and immediately stood up. In front of him a few feet away stood no other than Steele, looking more strong and muscular than before. “S-Steele?”

Steele smiled. “Not happy to see me?” he asked walking towards him, backing him up against a wall.....

Kaltag awoke with a start panting and sweating heavily.

“You ok buddy?”

Kaltag frowned. “Star? W-what's going on? Where am I? Where's Balto?”

“your at the vet.” Star said.

“The vet?”

Star nodded. “You passed out last night. What happened? Balto mentioned you were attacked.”

It would be best if Star didn't know a thing. “It was just a bunch of dogs, no biggie.” Kaltag lied.

Star frowned. “You don't look so good.” Star was right about that. Kaltag looked like he hadn't slept for days, he had dark circles under his eyes. He was also looking awfully pale.

“I'm fine.” Kaltag said. “Been under a lot of stress lately.” he added with a small smile. “nothing you need to worry about.”

“Kal buddy, I worry about you. Ever since Nikki died... I-I just get this feeling like your next.” tears started to form in Star's eyes.

Kaltag sighed and wrapped him in a warm embrace. “Everything's going to be ok.”

“How is he?” Alue asked as she approached Nava.

Nava smiled. “Good as new. You wanna see him?”

Alue smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, if you don't mind.”

Nave chuckled. “He's just inside. I'll leave you to it.”

Alue nodded and took a deep breath before entering his sleeping chamber. Shadow was staring out into the view outside he turned when he spotted her. “Hey.” he said chuckling nervously.

Alue managed to laugh herself. “You ok?”

Shadow nodded. “Good as new.” he said with a grin. He claimed do be fine but had a slight limp as he walked up to her.

'Where do I start?' she thought. “Look... I didn't thankyou properly for saving me back there, you don't know how grateful I am.”

Shadow smiled amused. “You life's worth more than mine. Your our alpha, it's our job to protect you.”

“Listen. I uh... well I was kinda wondering if you would like to-I know we don't each other but I-”

“-Wanna take a walk with me?” Shadow asked cutting her off with a hopeful smile.

Claire, Jenna and Dingo all got along well. They stayed around the shore side while Balto and Kodi walked around the beach. Kodi noticed Balto acting a little different than usual. He couldn't help but worry. “Dad, you ok?”

“Hmm? Oh me? Yeah, why do you ask?”

Kodi shrugged. “I don't know. You seem a little out of it today.”

Balto sighed. “I just got a lot on my mind right now. Kaltag was attacked.”

Kodi looked surprised by this. “Oh god, by who?”

“I don't know.”

“Dad... I'm so sorry.” Kodi said.

Balto smiled back. “Don't let that bother you. So tell me, who's the blondie?”

Kodi chuckled nervously. “My uh girlfriend, didn't I mention that?”

Balto smirked. “You did, You didn't tell me how you two met though.”

Kodi laughed. “You really wanna know?”

Balto nodded with a grin.
 

“Well... she was new, I kinda showed her around and ... we fell for each other.”

Balto raised a eyebrow. “That's it?”

Kodi nodded amused. “Pretty much.” he went back to being serious. “Is he ok?”

Balto smiled weakly. “Who? Kaltag? Yeah, He's at the vet, he'll be just fine-”

Kodi frowned. “-Dad there's something your not telling me, what's really going on.”

“Are you sure your ok? Your leg looks preety bad.”

Shadow look down and up again.

“That was uh... another injury.” he replied with a soft chuckle.

Alue chuckled back nervously. “So tell me about yourself?”

Shadow's face expression now changed looking quite nervous and ashamed. He gulped. “Well uh... there's not much to tell.”

Alue smirked. “C'mon, I'm sure it's intresting.”

Shadow sighed. “Well I never really knew my parents... Nava said they were killed... he said I would be proud of them, as for me well I uh am just a loyal member to the pack.” he said smiling a little.

Aleu frowned. “Something tells me your past wasn't pleasant.”

“It wasn't.” he admitted.

“Why did you really save me back there?” Alue asked. “Just because I'm Alpha it doesn't mean the pack respects me, someone else could've easily taken my place.”

Shadow smiled. “I know... But I had to, I couldn't let you take that bullet.”

“But why? You went through all this pain-”

“-You think I regret saving you?” Shadow asked cutting her off.

“I can see that you do.” Alue said.

Shadow groaned in frustration. “You don't get it Do you? I wanted to save you! Can't you just thank me and get over it!”

Something about Shadow's eyes suddenly sent a chill down Alue's spine. “S-sorry.” she stuttered.

Shadow sighed. “We better start heading back.”

Without another word the two started to make their way back to the cave, without saying a word to each other.

“Steele? Didn't you say he left town for good?”

Balto nodded. “That's what I thought too. Nikki was brutally murdered.”

Kodi was in total shock. “Oh god..”

Balto sighed. “I didn't want to tell you... sorry.”

Kodi managed to give a weak smile. “At least I know what's bothering you now....” his smile faded. “So what now?”

Balto bit his lip. “I don't know. I don't know what to do.”

“Dad. You have to tell someone about this.”

Balto nodded. “your mother and your uncle already know.” he finally gave Kodi a smile. “Everything's going to be alright, you'll see.” he said giving his son a comforting nuzzle.

“Ryan!”

Ryan who was sitting on the porch outside his house looked up. “Dusty?”

Dusty nodded quickily. “Ryan I uh... I wanted to.. talk.”

Ryan frowned. “About what?” he asked getting up.

Dusty bit her lip. 'how do I say this?' she thought. “Listen Ryan... I know you heard something … uh last night. How much of that did you hear?”

Ryan blushed. “I didn't hear much.” he lied.

Dusty smiled hopefully. “Could this be possible?”

Ryan raised a eyebrow. “What?”

“that... you actually have feelings for me?”

Ryan was speechless. 'oh no... how did she find out!' He hung his head low. “Yeah- I mean no! I mean- Whoa!” He felt himself being pushed to the floor. “Dusty what-”

Dusty was on top of him with a bright smile on her face. She licked his cheek. “-I love you too Ryan.”

He was speechless.

Dusty bit her lip, she was getting nervous. “Please say something.”

Ryan finally smiled. He licked her cheek back.

Dusty chuckled and licked him again.. this was definitely the start of something new....

Chapter 3: A Love Triangle Begins

Alue sat alone in her chambers. It had been a long day, sighing she started to curl into a deep sleep.

“Alue.”

She opened her eyes. “Nava?” she asked with a yawn.

“Someone wants to see you.” Nava said.

Alue frowned. “Who does?”

Nava didn't reply, instead Shadow answered that question by stepping into view. Alue sighed.

“Leave us.”

Nava nodded and left the two alone. “What do you want?” Alue asked.

Shadow sighed deeply. “To apologise about earlier today.”

“That was nothing” Alue said.

“No, I should've have yelled at you like that. I'm sorry.”

Alue finally smiled, amused. “Apology accepted.”

The two stood with a awkward silence for a few minutes before Alue finally decided to say something. “So... where does this leave us? Can we try this again?”

Shadow's smile softened. “For now... lets just stick to us being friends.” with that he finally left the chamber.

“You sure you wanna go home? You can always stay at my place.” Claire was a little nervous about going home due to her earlier encounter with Damon. Kodi was offering her to stay at his place. After what his father had told him about Steele, he wasn't so sure about leaving Claire alone.

Clarie smiled and nuzzled him. “I'll be fine. Thanks for today, I had fun.”

Kodi chuckled and nuzzled her back. “Hope my dad lived up to your standards.”

Clarie smiled amused. “Your dad's sweet and your mom... she's really cool.”

Kodi frowned noticing her a little down. “I can stay over if you want.” he offered again.

Claire rolled her eyes playfully. “Stop worrying about me. I can take care of myself.”

Kodi smiled as he licked her cheek. “Ok, goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Claire replied licking him back. Making her way inside she spotted Marvin in the living room snoring. Claire couldn't help but giggle.

“So who's the rebound guy?.” Clarie growled once she found out who that voice came from. “What are you doing back?”

Damon who emerged from a dark corner, smirking “You didn't answer my question.”

“His name is Kodi and he actually cares for me unlike you.” Claire snarled.

Damon's smirk faded. “Do you actually think I cheated on you?”

“It's what I saw Damon! Don't bother to deny it.”

Damon sighed. “I regret ever doing it. It kills me to think I did that to you.”

“But you did and you seemed to enjoy it. Damon why did you really come back?”

“Because I love you! Claire I came back for you.”

Claire's eyes welled up with tears. “What you did... is unforgivable.”

“I didn't want to do it! Claire I regretted doing it, I wanted to take it back, I wished it never happened at all.” Damon said now in a pleading tone.

Claire sighed. “I'm sorry Damon. I just don't have feelings for you anymore. You came back too late”

Damon growled. “fair enough.” he started making his way out of the living room. “I will fight for you if I have to” with that he was finally gone leaving Claire alone in the living room stunned.

“Where have you been boy!” Duke exclaimed relieved. “I've been so worried about you.”

Balto barked in reply. Duke chuckled. “Let me guess... Jenna?”

Balto licked his face. Duke smirked. “She must mean something to you.”

'Your damm right about that.' Balto thought.

Duke laughed. “Get some rest boy, you need it.”

Balto barked in reply. Duke left into the kitchen leaving Balto in the living room. He made his way to a couch and started to drift off into a deep sleep.

“Well if it isn't the famous Balto.”

Balto's ears perked up. “Who's there?”

Out of the Shadows stepped out a familiar malamute with black and white fur and piercing blue eyes. Balto growled once he found out who it was.

“That won't be necessary, I won't be staying long.” Steele said calmly.

“What do you want?” Balto snarled. “Have you come to finally kill me? Do it then, I'm right here!”

“Killing you would be quick and painless... I want you to suffer, I'm to kill all your friends and family one by one and there's nothing you can do about it.”

Balto sighed. “Why are you doing this?”

“Revenge is sweet, you kinda deserve this.” Steele said with a amused smile.

“Steele kill me, I'm here now, you can rip my throat open, but please don't harm anyone else, this Is between you and me.” Balto said.

“They are involved in this as much as you are.” Steele stepped aside to reveal a badly bruised body of Star. “This is only the beginning.” with that Steele left the room.

Balto rushed to the husky's side. “Star! Talk to me buddy!”

The husky coughed weakly. “Balto?” Various bruises covered his body, he was good as dead.

Balto's eyes welled up with tears. “I'm so sorry. It's my fault-”

Star cut him off weakly. “-T-this wasn't your fault buddy.”

“Your gonna be ok Star, It's not that bad.”

Star smiled weakly  with that the husky became a limp body. Fear and emotion flooded through Balto as Steele's words haunted his mind....

"this is only the beginning."

To Be Continued...........