Chapter 5

Amy was running with all of her energy through the flame riddled forest. She whined in pain as she felt her fur catch flame. She tripped and fell into a pile of burning leaves and she barked and whined in pain. She rolled out of the flames and looked up too see some humans with instruments on them that was helping them spread flames. She panted as she started to close her eyes.

"Amy get up! I refuse to let you die." She rose her head when she heard Des' voice. Her eyes widened when she realized that he was human.

She tried to crawl away from him but she flailed violently when he picked her up. He pulled her close and hugged her, "Amy I've got you."

~

She gasped as she jumped out of her nightmare. Her fur was a damp with her sweat. She scanned her surroundings before realizing she was still in Des' den. She rested her head back on her paws as she gently stretched out her back legs, both of them giving a welcoming crack. She cried out in pain as Des ran in with a deer's neck in his jaws dragging the carcass in, leaving a trail of blood behind him. Instantly her mouth began to water.

"What happened? Are you okay?" He asked as he dropped the deer and rushed over to her. Amy blushed a little as she nodded. He turned his attention to her leg and gently ran his tongue over her wound. Amy shuddered as she felt a shiver down her spine. Des looked up at her curiously, "Did that hurt?"

Amy shook her head, "No, it didn't hurt. I was just...surprised." She hoped that he didn't catch the subtle tone in her voice.

He nodded as he grabbed the deer and dragged it a little close too her. "Eat up, you are going to need your strength."

"Why?" Her ears perked up curiously.

He walked over to the other side of the deer as he took a bite. "Because we are going to work out your leg today."

She nodded as she started to eat. After a few silent bites between the two Des left the den to clean up the trail of blood left behind by his prize. Once he returned he helped Amy stand up and he made her lean onto him as they paced around the cave.

"Des how long have you had me trapped here?" Amy asked.

Des chuckled as he kept his attention on keeping her balanced, "For about a week."

"Want to tell me why you are a lone wolf? You know I could get in trouble hanging with you." Amy stated. As per pack mandated rules any and all lone wolves are to be disposed of to avoid them causing a shortage of food.

"Yeah, I'm not too worried. I used to have a pack but I got kicked out. Honestly I don't care for that pack bullshit."

"Why?"

"Too many rules. Too many restrictions. Too many pissing contests." Des grunted as Amy stumbled and he used his body to support her weight.

Amy's expression grew soft, she loved her pack as everyone was like family. "Maybe you were just born into the wrong pack."

Des shook his head, "That shit's for the birds."

Amy frowned, "Birds are in flocks. Wolves are in packs."

Des hit his paw to his face, "Its a figure of speech love."

Something about the way the word love rolled off his lips was enough to make Amy's heart race. She knew he noticed as they both had stopped pacing and now they were looking into each others eyes. Then it all clicked.

"Des...am I the reason that you got kicked out of your pack."

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"You did help me when I was a pup, after I accidentally stumbled into the wrong territory."

Avoiding the question Des left her side and paced to the entrance of the den. Amy was a little wobbly at first but she was able to stand her ground, careful not to put a lot of pressure onto her wounded leg.

"Its true, isn't it."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Is that why you have been following me all of these years?" Des turned around quickly and she nodded as she advanced, "Don't think ?I didn't notice. I remembered your scent clear as day. It took weeks to change my scent back to my packs."

Des turned his attention back to the entrance of the den and he seemed to be focused on something in the distance.

"Des if you are still mad at me for that I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you kicked out of your pack. I was a stupid pup and I made a stupid mistake. I never thought you would pay for it."

"That's not..."

"I know you probably hate me but even now you are taking care of me and I am just so confused as to why. Maybe you are showing off how much better of a wolf you are than me, and if that is the case then that kinds stings but..."

"Amy..."

"I just don't want you to hate me Des..."

Amy's back hit the ground with a soft thump as her wide eyes focused on an irritated Des. "I was kicked out of my pack for other reasons, it wasn't just you. So before you sit here and start a feeling sorry for yourself or for me maybe you can actually listen to what the fuck I was going to stay. You aren't stupid, you were learning. No one is born knowing everything. I followed you to ensure your protection. I don't hate you Amulet, quite the opposite actually." He growled as she closed her mouth.

Her heart was banging in her chest and she prayed her couldn't hear it. He looked down at her muzzle and she looked at his. The realization dawning on her how close they actually were too each other. Just as their noses were about to touch a deep bark could be heard echoing against the walls of the den.

Des jumped off of Amy and turned in defensive mode only to be tackled to the ground by a familiar auburn male. Amy gasped as the two snarled, growled and rolled around as they snapped and barked at each other. Amy cowered in the corner as this was her first time seeing two grown males fight up close. She saw Moon and Squeaker sneak past the two males and she perked up. "Girls?"

Squeaker helped lift Amy onto Moon's back. "Wait Moon..."

"Don't worry Amy, I have had multiple litters of pups. I can withstand any amount of weight." Moon assured her as Squeaker gently patted her friends wounded leg. "We gotta go."

Moon nodded as her and Squeaker ran out of her den. Amy turned and she felt a distinct pain in her heart as Sal an Des disappeared from her view.