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The shrill scream echoed off the bare brick walls, taunting the suffering wolf as the pain blossomed through him.

"Scream all you like, pup. No one will come to save you. No one cares about you now," the rat teased as he thrust harder and deeper into his victim.

Somewhere through the agony, Freddy's subconscious heard a faint voice and reached out for it. Latching onto it and drawing comfort from it. Slowly the voice grew louder and his mind pulled it closer to him.

"Freddy."

"Freddy."

"Freddy."

The wolf's eyes shot open and he gasped in a deep ragged breath, lashing out with his fists at his assailant. A pair of muscular black arms wrapped around him, pinning his flailing limbs to his sides.

"It's okay, pup; it was just a dream. Shush now," the voice said comfortingly as he continued to struggle.

Sobbing hysterically, Freddy buried his muzzle into tan chest fur, the voice and the firm embrace something for him to cling to while his mind was in a maelstrom of emotions.

"It was him, he was there. I know he was there," the wolf snivelled.

"Who was where, Freddy?" the voice asked softly.

"HIM, he was THERE," Freddy hiccupped miserably.

"Whoever he is, you are safe here. Just take your time, pup. Calm down and we will talk about it as soon as you can," said the voice as the arms squeezed him tighter.

Freddy tried to concentrate on breathing steadily; he could feel his heart stop pounding in his chest as he held on to the other fur. Eventually he felt he had his emotions under control and he released his grip. Looking up he stared at the face above him, the look of concern evident across the dog's muzzle.

"So are you ready to talk now, pup?" Tyrone asked. Freddy nodded and swallowed hard before the dog continued. "Let's start with who is He?"

"He was the person that attacked me when I first arrived in the city. He chased into an alley and stole everything, and then he... he... he had a knife, I couldn't stop him," the wolf whimpered pitifully. "He left me there in the snow, with blood dripping from my muzzle, and god knows what leaking from my rear. It hurt so much; I had never done anything before. He stole everything from me, even my dignity. Why did he do that to me, why?"

"I wish I could give you an answer, Freddy, but some people just don't need a good reason. You had something he wanted and that was enough for him. Don't blame yourself, pup, you couldn't have stopped him," the dog said, comforting the trembling wolf in his arms, while fighting down the anger that burned in his belly.

"He must have been at the Mall today. It was the eyes. I must have caught a glimpse in the crowd before we went to Mack's. That's what freaked me out. Those soulless, yellow eyes are burned into my memory. What am I going to do, what if he finds me here?" the wolf gasped as panic started to build again.

"Don't worry about that Freddy, you are perfectly safe here. Lowlifes like him don't come to this part of town. Just try and rest and we will think about how to deal with it tomorrow," the dog said, laying the wolf down and straightening the covers. "Try and sleep now."

"Uncle Ty?" Freddy whined.

"Yes, pup?"

"Could you stay? Please don't leave me alone, please," the wolf begged.

The dog looked at the pitiful pup shivering nervously under the quilt. Part of him screamed that this was a bad idea, setting a precedent even now would only lead to problems. But part of him knew that he couldn't leave the distressed pup alone. The nurturing side won. Clad only in a pair of boxer shorts the Doberman slipped under the covers with the wolf and wrapped an arm round the pup. Freddy snuggled into the side of the dog and rested his head on his chest. Closing his eyes, the steady thump of the dog's heart calmed him and he began to relax. Taking in a deep breath, he sighed peacefully.

"Uncle Ty?" he muttered.

"Yes pup?" the dog asked patiently.

"If there is a next time, could you use the scent masker, it is a little distracting."

"Cheeky whelp," the dog chuckled. Inside though, Tyrone blanched, concern for the pup meant he had forgotten. Unable to sleep he had turned to the age-old method of stress relief. The results were now dried into his chest and belly fur and he cursed himself for it. Freddy meanwhile took another deep breath of the dog's musk and felt a stirring in his groin before sleep claimed him.

Tyrone lay awake in the dark, gently stroking the wolf's head resting on his chest, his gentle breathing ruffling the dog's fur. Sleep came slowly to the Doberman but when it came he fell into a deep, peaceful slumber.

A ray of sunlight leaked through a gap in the curtains, landing on Freddy's face, rousing him from his sleep. As the fog cleared from his brain, he became aware that he was not alone, that he was snuggled into a warm, breathing body. Recollections of the previous night seeped into his head and a fresh surge of panic threatened to erupt. Hugging tightly to the body next to him, Freddy managed to quell it and relaxed again with a deep sigh.

Disturbed by the sudden constriction of his ribs, Tyrone woke with a grunt, momentarily disorientated by waking in an unfamiliar place. Glancing down, he looked into a pair of sparkling eyes gazing back up at him.

"Morning, pup," he rumbled. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thank you, Sir," Freddy whispered, slightly embarrassed.

"We had better get up. It is Sunday so you can spend the day how you like, but remember your tutor comes on Monday morning so be ready for him. Now, I had better go before James..."

A knock on the door interrupted the Doberman and the door swung open.

"Master Freddy, have you seen Mister Briggs this morning?" said a voice as James' head appeared round the door. "Oh, oh I see you have," gasped the otter before turning and closing the door firmly behind him.

"Damn," growled the Doberman as he jumped out of the bed. "I have to go and talk to James before this gets out of control." Grabbing his dressing gown, he rushed out of the door and Freddy could hear his voice receding as Tyrone went after the mustelid. "JAMES... JAMES!"

Freddy lay back, planning out his day as the house grew quiet again. Eventually he threw back the covers and headed for the bathroom, decisions made.

When Freddy eventually made it downstairs for breakfast, Tyrone was already there. Still clad in his silk dressing gown and sipping a steaming cup of coffee. As the wolf settled in his seat and began to eat, so James appeared with a fresh pot.

"I would like to apologise, Master Freddy. Earlier I jumped to conclusions and thought ill of you, it was wrong of me. Mister Briggs has explained the course of events and I would humbly ask for your forgiveness," the otter squeaked miserably.

"There is nothing to forgive, James; I know what it must have looked like. Please say no more about it," Freddy replied.

"So, pup - what would you like to do about this miscreant?" Tyrone enquired. "If he could be found, would you be prepared to go to the police with the matter, or would you just warn him off and let him be?"

Freddy thought quietly as he munched through his food, pondering the options.

"What could the police do after all this time? After all it would only be my word against his? We would have no proof, but I am reluctant to just let it go and leave him free to do the same to someone else," Freddy retorted.

"That's probably true, Freddy; all the same I will make some enquiries of my contacts in the police department and see what they can come up with. But as you say, I don't hold out much hope unless he offends again. In the meantime I suggest you try and put it behind you and move on with life."

"I'll try, Uncle Ty," Freddy whined.

Freddy spent the rest of the day setting up his room, finding the right spots for his computer and consoles. By the end, he was seriously hooked playing the beta version of Final Fantasy 14 online. First chance he got he would go and buy the game.

That night, as Tyrone lay in bed reading, there was a soft knock on his door.

"Come!" he barked.

Freddy slunk into the room and stood by the door looking bashful.

"Uncle Ty? I can't sleep, I just can't stop thinking about him," the wolf whimpered looking at the floor where his foot traced arcs in the carpet. Raising his eyes to gaze pleadingly at the dog, he continued. "Could I... you know... sleep with you again tonight?" he stammered.

The Doberman put down his book and looked the wolf up and down.

"Alright, pup, you can quit the puppy dog eyes. You can stay tonight but don't make a habit of it, just be warned I have to be up early to go to the office. The study is all laid out for the tutor in the morning, James will give him all the paperwork. I expect you to do your best with him," grumbled the dog patting the bed beside him.

Freddy shut the door and slipped under the covers, quickly snuggling up to the dog and sighing happily. He was asleep before Tyrone turned off the light.

The next morning when Freddy awoke to a knock on the door, the bed was empty but the scent of the Doberman still lingered.

"Master Freddy, it is time to get up," James called. "You have an hour before your tutor arrives so you had better hurry. Mister Briggs has already left for the office."

"On my way James," the wolf called back, climbing out of bed and heading back to his own room. After a quick shower and breakfast, Freddy was ready and waiting in the study. He could hear voices approaching as James and the tutor talked and he wondered what he would be like.

Soon the door swung open and a large figure strode into the room, closing the door quietly behind him. A big polar bear stood by the door inspecting Freddy as carefully as Freddy was checking him out. Freddy had been expecting some ancient fossil that was topping up a meagre pension by doing some tutoring. The bear was anything but that, probably in his mid to late thirties. His white fur gleamed brightly, reflecting the morning sun, and a pair of ice blue eyes twinkled through wire-rim glasses. Like most ursines, the bear was chunky without being overly rotund, suggesting a muscular frame under the insulating layer.

"Good Morning, young pup!" the bear said cheerfully, a broad toothy smile across his muzzle. "I am Mister Soames, please call me by my name, or Sir will suffice. Now today I have drawn up a series of tests so that I can judge where you are academically. There is no pass or fail, it is purely so I know where to pitch my lessons. While you complete them, I will read through your paperwork," the bear continued, waving a manila folder.

Setting a pile of papers on the desk, the bear waved Freddy to take a seat.

"Take as long as you need, there is no time limit," Mister Soames continued.

While Freddy worked his way through the test papers, the bear sat in an armchair by the window and read through the wolf's old school reports. After what seemed like hours, Freddy completed the last paper and sat back, stretching his cramped muscles.

"All done?" the bear asked.

"Yes, Sir," Freddy replied respectfully.

"So how do you think it went?"

"Most of it was easy, other parts were hard as I have never covered them."

"Good, good," mused the bear, "that is how it should have been. Your old reports show a good history until a year or so ago but I have been apprised of the reasons for that. I don't think we will have any problems getting you ready for the next semester. Now go and get yourself some lunch, while I check through your answers."

Freddy winced inwardly at the thought of a crash course of schooling, while outwardly appearing pleased and enthusiastic. Beating a hasty exit, he headed off to find James and food.

Returning to the study after lunch, he found the bear snoozing in the armchair, as the wolf closed the door firmly the polar woke with a start.

"Ah, there you are. Based on your answers, I have prepared a list of text books that you need to acquire. If you would be so good as to pass this to your guardian," the bear said as he passed Freddy a sheet of paper. "That will be all for today, we will start in earnest on Wednesday, if you could have the books by then please."

As the bear was packing his belongings into his briefcase, the door opened and Tyrone stepped in the room.

"Mister Soames??" he asked.

"Yes," replied the polar, turning round to face the newcomer.

"Oh, hello, I - err - I am Mister Briggs, Freddy's guardian," the dog stammered, noticeably flustered. "I hope Freddy has acquitted himself well?"

"It has been an informative day, thank you," the bear said, a quizzical look on his muzzle. "You look as if you were expecting someone different."

"Well, yes, I don't mean in a negative way. It's just from your references I expected someone more mature. Not that that is a problem, far from it. I mean..." the dog blustered as he dug himself a deeper hole.

"Don't worry, Mister Briggs, I get that a lot. But don't let it cloud your judgement of me, I know my stuff and I am very good at what I do," the bear chuckled.

"Oh, I am sure I will have no complaints at your performance," the Doberman groaned. "I am just going to shut up now."

"That might be wise, Mister Briggs," the bear teased.

"Please, in future call me Tyrone, Mister Briggs sounds so impersonal," the dog smiled, holding out his paw.

"Very well Tyrone, if you will call me Garry," the bear grinned as he shook the proffered paw.

Freddy watched the exchange with a broad smile on his muzzle. He couldn't miss noticing that as the two shook hands their eyes met briefly before they both dropped the contact, the inside of their ears flushing like two shy teenagers. Before they looked back up, the moment was gone, but Freddy stored it away for future use.

"Well, I must go and start to plan our schedule," Garry said turning back to get his case. "Freddy has a list of books that we will need. If you could have them ready for Wednesday I would appreciate it."

"Of course," Tyrone replied. "Freddy, would you show Mister Soames out?"

"Yes, Sir," Freddy said escorting the bear to the front door. Once they were out of earshot, he turned to the bear, "I think he really likes you."

"Don't be daft, young man, what would he see in someone like me? Not that I would be interested anyway!" the bear blustered, as his ears turned even pinker than before. "I will see you Wednesday, pup, be ready for some hard work."

Returning to the study, Freddy found Tyrone sitting at his desk, eyes closed in thought.

"Can we go and get those books now, Uncle Ty?"

"It's too late today, pup," Tyrone said, looking up at the clock. "I have to be at work early again tomorrow, there are important meetings all day. I have an account at the bookstore in the mall, would you be able to go in on your own? If you order them, then they will deliver. James will be busy too, but he will arrange a taxi to drop you at the door."

"I guess," Freddy replied doubtfully, "but what if he is there again?"

"It will be broad daylight with lots of people around; even if he is there, he wouldn't dare do anything if you keep to busy places. Head for Mack's place and call me if you feel worried at all."

"Okay, I will try."

"Good boy, now get out of here and relax for the rest of the day."

Later that night, just as Tyrone prepared to turn off the light and sleep, there was a soft knock at his door and Freddy stuck his head inside.

"Uncle Ty, can I... you know?" he asked nodding at the bed.

The Doberman sighed, he didn't want this to become a habit but, if it helped the pup sleep, then it couldn't hurt until he could sleep alone again.

"Alright Freddy, just don't get dependant on it."

The wolf grinned happily and quickly hopped onto the bed before the dog could reconsider. Snuggling up to the Doberman, he rested his head on the dog's chest, as a thick arm wrapped round his back. Feeling safe and secure, Freddy closed his eyes and relaxed.

"He seemed nice, didn't he?" he asked the dog.

"Who's that, pup?"

"Mister Soames, of course."

"I am glad you like him, it will make the lessons easier for you," Tyrone said wistfully.

"I think he likes you, you know?" the wolf teased.

"Behave yourself, pup," the dog blustered.

"I think you like him too, don't you, Uncle Ty?" the wolf continued. Looking up at the dog, he saw his ears flush scarlet.

"Go to sleep, pup," Tyrone growled, turning off the light to end the awkward conversation.

The next day saw Freddy wandering the mall having been to the bookstore and given them Mister Soames' list. They had promised faithfully that everything would be delivered first thing in the morning. With his allowance burning a hole in his pocket, he paused outside a shop looking at the posters advertising the arrival of his now-favourite game. Ducking inside, he grabbed a copy of Final Fantasy 14 off the shelf and headed to the checkout. His pocket now forty bucks lighter, he headed back into the throng of people.

His stomach growled loudly to remind him that it needed feeding. He considered heading straight home then he could play his new game; his stomach growled louder making his choice for him, Mack's it was. Leaving the mall and heading for the restaurant, he was too focused on food to notice a figure tracking him. The door chimed as he pushed it open and stepped inside, Mack looking up to welcome his new customer.

"Hey pup, it's good to see you again so soon. You bought Tyrone with you?"

"Hi Mack," Freddy replied with a grin. "Afraid it's just me: Uncle Ty had to work. I had some shopping to do and now I am starving."

"One Mack special coming right up, pick a table. Milkshake?"

"Chocolate, please, Mack."

"You got it," the bear growled.

Freddy sat and played with his phone while he waited. Browsing the net, he was aware that he had no friends to chat to. The only number in his phone was Tyrone's. His ears splayed sadly, he needed to do something about that, maybe once he started back at school. Before long, a plate was put in front of him and he attacked the food with gusto.

"Thanks Mack," he mumbled through a muzzle full of burger.

"My pleasure, kid. It's pretty quiet today, so mind if I join you for a chat?" the bruin enquired, setting a mug of coffee on the table.

"Be my guest," Freddy replied.

Mack sat down carefully, fitting his bulk into the chair which creaked dangerously in protest. He sat quietly for a while sipping his coffee and watching the pup eat.

"So, how is Tyrone? I don't see much of him these days," the bear asked wistfully.

"I still don't know him that well, but he keeps busy with work and stuff," Freddy replied.

"Yeah, he always did let that run his life. Seems things haven't changed much," the bear chuckled.

"Mack, do you mind if I ask you something personal?" Freddy enquired nervously.

The bear's eyes hooded over as he paused, suspicion flowering in his head. After a few moments of thought, he sighed as if in defeat.

"I guess, just don't take exception if I won't answer," he growled.

"What is it between you and Uncle Ty? I mean, James told me a bit of your past and all, but you seem to miss him and I know he misses you. So why don't you spend time together anymore?" the wolf blurted out.

"Damn that otter, he didn't ought-a run his mouth off like that," the bruin grumbled, running his paws over his muzzle. "I guess as you know some of it, you might as well know the rest, it could help Ty in the long run. I owe that dog my life and I love him like a brother, he has been there for me during some dark, dark times. But James doesn't know it all. I know all about Ty, I know how he feels about me and with all my soul I wish I could give him what he needs. I am just not that way inclined. We did try, you know. I was curious in college and we experimented, just didn't do much for me but I could see Ty was into it big time." The bear rambled quietly, tears forming in his eyes as the memories returned.

Freddy sat quietly, not wanting to break the mood or the flow of the bear's thoughts as he continued.

"When I came out of the military and Ty rescued me from my torment, we tried it again but we both knew that I was doing it out of gratitude and some perverted sense of debt. He deserves something better than that, someone that can love him and desire him, body and soul. I just wish he could find that person so that we can spend time together as bro's again without it hurting him like it does," Mack sniffed. "Damn it, pup, you have got me snivelling like a girl," he muttered, his paws gripping the tablecloth as he tried to control his emotions.

Freddy put his paws on top of the bear's and squeezed sympathetically, though he doubted that Mack could feel it. At that moment he vowed to himself that he would do anything he could to put things right between them. The seed of an idea taking root in his head. The bear glanced up at the clock.

"Time is getting on, I have to get ready for the evening rush. You should be getting home, pup. Have you got a ride?"

"Not yet, I need to find a taxi," Freddy replied.

"I'll call you one, just wait there and finish your shake" the bear said, reaching for the phone on the wall.

Freddy was slurping up the dregs of his milkshake when the phone rang, Mack answering promptly.

"That's your taxi, pup, it's waiting out front of the mall. Hurry up, they are not known to be patient, but I know the dispatcher so you have a bit more time than normal."

"Thanks Mack, see you soon!" The wolf barked as he went out the door.

As he ran to get to the cab, Freddy wasn't looking where he was going and he ran straight into someone. Recoiling back, he lost his balance and landed on his rump.

"I am terribly sorry, it was all my fault," he apologised, getting back to his feet.

"That's okay, kid," a dark familiar voice replied. "I have been waiting for you to come back out of there."

Freddy looked up in panic, straight into the yellow eyes of the rat.

"Looks like you have done good, kid." The rat continued, "Got some nice new goodies for me, have you?"

"Nooo!" the wolf moaned as he looked round for help. In that moment the street was empty and in desperation he lashed out, his foot paw connecting hard with the rat's groin. As the rodent doubled over, Freddy turned and ran.

"You little bastard. You'll pay for that," the rat gasped as he gave chase.

In his blind panic, instead of heading to safety Freddy turned down into the deserted loading bays behind the mall. He could hear the rasping breath of the rat close behind him, just as he was tackled to the floor, the weight of the rodent landing on top of him. A paw grabbed the ruff of his neck, pulling his head back, the glint of a blade appeared in the corner of his eye.

"I am gonna cut ya bad for that, kid," the rat snarled in his ear.

Suddenly the weight was gone and Freddy rolled over ready to run again. The rat was suspended in mid-air held in the grip of one of Mack's huge paws.

"Fuck off, old man," the rat yelled waving his switchblade wildly at the bear.

Freddy winced as the blade sliced across the bear, a line of red blossoming in its wake. Mack hardly seemed to move before there was a sickening crack, and the blade fell to the ground, the rat's broken arm hanging limply by his side. Not finished yet, the rat managed to sink his teeth into Mack's arm; with a roar the bear flung him like a rag doll. There was a hollow thud as the rat hit a brick wall and slid to the ground in a motionless heap.

"Are you alright, Freddy?" Mack asked as he knelt by the wolf. "The dispatcher called to say you hadn't arrived and the cab was leaving. I came to find you and saw you run down here with that thing after you."

"I think I am, you got here before he did anything," Freddy sobbed as he clung onto the bear.

"Let's deal with him and get out of here," Mack growled. Grunting, he hoisted the limp body of the rat onto his shoulder, and led Freddy back to the restaurant. Putting the closed sign on the door, he locked it behind him and walked into the back of the restaurant. Checking the pulse of the rat, Mack dumped him in the meat locker and shut the door. Leaning back on the wall he slowly slid to the floor, hugging his knees to his chest muttering quietly to himself.

"Mack? What's the matter?" Freddy asked but got no response as the bear retreated into his head. In desperation, Freddy reached for his phone and called the only person he could.

Tyrone's phone vibrated on the table. Glancing at the display he saw Freddy's name flash up. The pup had never rung him, somehow he knew it had to be important.

"Gentlemen, shall we take a short break here?" he addressed the rest of furs round the table. "I need to take this."

With that, he picked up his phone and left the room as he answered the call.

"Freddy, is it important - I am in the middle of a meeting?" he asked.

"Uncle Ty you gotta come it was the rat he attacked me Mack saved me he got cut but he hurt him bad shut him in the locker and he won't answer me now I'm scared Uncle Ty I dont know what to do you gotta come please say you will please please PLEASE Mack is just curled up in the corner rocking back and forth and muttering he won't speak to me what should I do he needs you now Uncle Ty please say you will come," Freddy blurted hysterically.

"Where are you, Freddy? At the restaurant?" Tyrone asked trying to remain calm.

"Yes," Freddy sobbed.

"Try not to panic, talk to Mack even if he doesn't respond. I am on my way," the dog instructed before ending the call. "Gerald," he called to his deputy. "I have to go, an emergency at home. We are almost done here, so just tie things up for me and we will speak later."

"Yes, Sir," Gerald replied to the Doberman's back as Tyrone ran for the stairs, not pausing even to wait for the elevator.

Freddy did as he was told, sitting on the floor next to the big bear he just talked, telling the bruin his life story because he could think of nothing else. The rat came to and was hammering on the meat locker door, demanding to be let out and threatening what he would do if they didn't comply. Freddy just ignored him and carried on talking until his phone rang.

"Come and let me in, pup," Tyrone asked.

Freddy still had his phone to his ear as he hurried to unlock the door. As soon as the door was open, he clung to the dog and sobbed into the Doberman's chest.

"It will be alright, Freddy. Uncle Ty will make it all better," he crooned comfortingly. "Now, where is he?"

"In the back," Freddy snivelled, following the dog as he went to find Mack.

Kneeling beside the bear, Tyrone wrapped his arms tenderly round the bruin.

"It's me Mack, listen to my voice buddy. It's okay, it's okay - we will make it right, just come on back to me Mack," the dog whispered into his ear.

As Tyrone spoke, slowly the bear stopped rocking and began to relax. With a gasp, he grabbed onto the dog and pulled him in tight, whimpering pitifully.

"I promised I would never hurt anyone again, Ty; I couldn't help myself. I hurt him bad, Ty. I promised I wouldn't. I can't be trusted, they made me evil to the core, Ty. I let you down again, Ty, I don't deserve to live after all I have done. So many lives, Ty, why can't the memories stop torturing me?" Mack whined as he clung to his rock while his mind twisted and turned.

"Shhh. You protected someone in danger Mack, that's not evil. You did what you had to, to protect the pup."

"But I felt nothing when I hurt him, Ty, I would have killed him without a thought," Mack muttered.

"Maybe but you didn't. Even though you could have, you didn't. Your conscience held you back, you are not that cold killer the army made you anymore. Listen to him in there, Mack; if he is making that much noise, he can't be hurt so bad, can he?"

Mack lifted his head and listened to the rat shouting and banging. His eyes cleared a little and a thin, hopeful smile twitched on his muzzle.

"I guess."

"Okay, now we need to try and clear up this mess. I need to make some calls while you clean up that cut. Freddy, go get some hot water, antiseptic under the basin, along with the medical kit, go!" the dog ordered as he took charge.

Happy to have something to do, Freddy set off. As he left, he heard Tyrone on the phone, "Commissioner Dannat please. Hello, Fred - it's Tyrone Briggs here, I have a little problem that I need your assistance with."

A few days later, Freddy entered Tyrone's study.

"James said you wanted to see me Uncle Ty," the wolf said.

"Come on in, pup, and don't look so worried. Take a seat," the dog chuckled pointing to the chair opposite. "Well, you will be pleased to hear that the police say Mack has no case to answer on the grounds that it was self-defence. The rat will go to trial and I don't doubt that he will be sent to prison. Commissioner Dannat assures me the case is water-tight. However, there will be a trial and you will be required to testify. Do you think you can handle that?" Tyrone asked.

"I think so Uncle Ty, I owe it to Mack if nothing else," Freddy replied.

"That's a good pup, I hoped you would feel that way," the dog smiled. "But that brings up an issue that needs dealing with. It will put you in the public eye, and your legal status will come under examination. It is likely that you could be forced to return to your parents as you are still sixteen and still their legal responsibility," he continued.

"NO!" Freddy barked, "please don't send me back there Uncle Ty."

"Calm down, pup. There are a few options that we can use to prevent that, but they must be tied up before the trial," the Doberman said firmly.

Standing up, the dog began to pace the room nervously.

"Freddy, I have gotten... used to having you around the place. You have added something new and special to my life that I didn't know I was missing. It has surprised me how... fond I have become of you over such a short time." Stopping behind Freddy the Doberman rested his paws on the wolf's shoulder, "You are fast becoming the son I never had."

The dog paused as if gathering courage.

"Freddy, how would you feel if I wanted to adopt you?"