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The path I had been set on, was not one I could have ever imagined. Not in a hundred years would believe was about to happen to me, or _who_I was going to meet.

That day . . . permanently engrained into my mind. It hadn't rained in the valley for a few weeks which meant water and game were scarce, and our supplies were running low. The elders begged the Gods to grant us a miracle to survive, and no more than two to three days later, it had rained . . . and with the rain came deer and other creatures. Our greatest hunters were set forth to bring back a kill for us, and did they, hunting some of the biggest deer we've ever seen. The ancient Gods had answered our prayers.

To celebrate our bountiful catch, the elders decided to through a grant feast for the entire village. The village went to work preparing the feast, the women were out collecting herbs and spices to season the meat, as well as collection various plants and vegetables to prepare with the meat. The younger men--warriors and hunters in training--were sent to help the cubs collect logs of wood to build a fire in the center of the village.

By nightfall the food was prepared, and everyone was sing and dancing around the fire or scarfing down the juicy and tender meat or eating the broth the females of the tribe had prepared. The elders and finest warriors were huddled in their own section drinking some strange liquid they had bought from some strangers, Westerners, as mine--a tribe of wolves--and other tribes called them. They were strange people who wore strange cloths, so I've been told. The closer I got the stronger that scent became, almost unbearable to my nose. I had once tried it out of curiosity, just a sip and it felt like it had burned my maw, scolding my tongue. I couldn't understand how anyone could drink that foul stuff.

One of the warriors noticed me and called out, "Hey, runt! Come here and joins us."

I was tempted to pretend I hadn't heard him, but his eyes bore into mine fiercely, implying if I didn't obey, I would regret it later.

"Runt!" Malik sneered. "Come!"

My ears pulled back at being called such an unpleasant name. But it was true. I wasn't as strong as the other warriors but I was an excellent hunter, using specialized traps to attract prey and had better aim than most the other hunters, hitting my target almost every time.

I abled over to the other wolves and sat down. Malik hand me a cup and told me to drink. I stiffed at the liquid sloshing inside; my nose wrinkled at the harsh scent. I knew exactly what it was.

I handed the cup back. "No thank you . . ." I started to get up until a hard paw shoved me back down.

"What did you say Chinook?" Malik growled, baring his teeth and digging his claws into my shoulder. "How dare you decline my offering you little runt."

Out of fear I grabbed the cup and downed its contents, and tried not to think about it's awful taste.

Laughter erupted around me, most likely because of the face I had made.

"It's good is it not?" the wolf asked. "This was bought from one of those Westerners trading for some of our medicines and herbs. A strange man he was. I can tell why their kind likes this stuff."

I nodded in compliance. I sat there quietly, keeping to myself as the others drank and chatted amongst themselves.

"You may leave." Malik waved a paw at me, irritated.

I scurried away as fast I could, but not before I heard on of them say, "Look at him running off with tail between his legs . . ."

Silently I made my way to the villages entrance, using the dark shadow of the walls that surrounded our tribe. I slipped passed the lightly guarded entrance because of the celebration. The forest was dark, but after a few seconds my eyes adjusted, and I made my way toward our meeting spot near a fallen tree.

I had to see him . . . I had too . . .

Minutes ticked by as I waited for him, sharpening my claw against my knife. A branch snapped ahead of me made my ears perk, and my hackles to raise. "Who's there?!" I called out, keeping my knife close to my chest in case I was attacked.

"Is that how you treat a friend?" a voice called out.

My heart thundered in my chest. Out walked the tall coyote. It was him . . . Breecher. The sight of him caused a stir in my chest . . . and my sheath. Without even thinking about it, I ran to him, and we embraced each other full and hard. We pressed against together, afraid that if we let go, we'd never see one another again.

Breecher was an 'yote of a neighboring tribe compiled of coyotes. _Relations_between our two tribes was forbidden, especially one of a certain nature. If we were ever caught, it would be the end of both of us, and our tribes if they went to war about it. Men who had relations with one another was punishable by death--to be burned alive with their partner.

The thought sent a shiver down my spine--or maybe it was because the coyote pressed against me while his paws roamed by chest and stroked the base of my tail, causing me to hike it up in pleasure. He always knew my sensitive spots.

"Mmm . . ." I moaned out into his neck, breathing in his sweet scent, and buried my muzzle into his fur.

It was almost funny how we had gotten to this point, a point to where we longed for one another. Sneaking out every full moon to see each other, just to feel connected, even out of fear of being burned together. It wasn't just a sexual ache we felt, it was deeper than that. Though we never said it, we were mates, and luckily wolves' mate for life.

"Missed you," I breathed out in harsh pants as Breecher continued stroking my tail before his paws rested on my ass, pressing out sheaths together. He wanted this; I could tell by the hardness straining within his loincloth.

Of course, so was I. I reached behind him and undid his loincloth and watched as it fell to the ground. I admired to complete sight of him, and soon I removed my own coverings, tossing my shirt and loincloth to the si--

A branch snapped behind us. I perked my ears for any other sound, and lifted my nose up, sniffing around. But no other sound or scent came to me. Must have been some game nearby. My instincts must be playing tricks on me.

Breecher placed his paw onto the sides of my muzzle, and pulled me into a gentle kiss. I missed this, one and only thing that seemed to give my life any meaning, to be with him.

"Hey," the 'yote said, causing me to open my eyes and stare into his deep green eyes. "I love you . . ."

Love . . . the one word I was dying to hear the times we'd gotten together. The very sound of it made my heart flutter, and made my knees feel weak under me. It was a beautiful sound that caused my eyes to tear up.

"I love you too," I said, and meant it.

In that instant, we gave into the thralls of passion, mashing our bodies and lips together while coyote shoving his tongue into my muzzle. The kiss was deep and sweet and where ever those paws roamed my body, they left fire in its wake.

We made love shortly after, unable to withstand our urges any longer, and it was brilliant and beautiful, just like my mate. The closeness we felt holding each other was indescribable. It was something be both longed for, unable to find it in our own respective tribes.

After what felt like hours of love making, we laid back into the soft grass, Breecher's arms around me. I rested my paw and muzzle onto his chest, smiling as his chest rose and fell. I didn't want this moment to end.

He traced a finger along the red edges of my tattoos across my chest, tracing out each red pattern stained into my fur. His paw dipped down and cupped my chin lifting it toward his, and kiss me. "Love you," he said.

My cheeks flushed hearing those were words again. "I love you too," I replied. "I wish we didn't have to keep leaving our tribes to see each other. I wish we could just be together."

"I know, Chinook. What . . . what if we left together . . ."

"You mean . . . you would leave your tribe, for me?"

Breecher nodded. "Yes. I would do anything for you."

I was speechless. No one has ever been this selfless for me. Not even my parents. Yes, they did have and raise me, but I knew it was expected of them. To create and raise a new warrior for the tribe. All throughout my cub-hood. They would tell me what a warrior I would became, and that it was my duty to find a wife and produce offspring for the tribe . . .

I knew that wasn't for me, deep down that I wasn't interested in having a wife, mostly because I wasn't interested in the females.

"Yes, I would like that," I said. "But where would we go? If either of our tribes were to find out, we both would be dead."

Breecher pondered that. "What about one of those Western settlements?"

My fur stood on end at the thought. "I don't know . . . they're dangerous . . ."

"We'll make our own place than, just the two of us."

Tears swarmed my eyes. "Yes, I would like that. We'll leave tonight."

"No, not tonight, next full moon, when we can collect supplies and prepare."

I simply nodded in agreement, over joyed, tail wagging behind me.

"Next full moon," I promised.

We began to get dressed once we were ready to head back. I handed him a small bar of soap to mask each other's musky scent, and to hide our recent activity. It's what myself and other hunters used mask our scent from prey when we hunt, but for this occasion, it was perfect.

It was always disappointing to see him cloth himself. I licking my lips as I basked in the sight of his naked, tone form, the way his muscles bulged under his fur, the perfect v shape that followed down to his plump sheath and heavy sack.

I shoved my shirt over my head before tying my loincloth back on. Breecher just finished rubbing himself down before he handed me the soap, and I grabbed his paw and pulled him close, hugging myself to his firm chest. "Thank you . . ." I whispered.

"For what?" he asked.

"For loving me. . . for risking everything for me . . ."

The coyote wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly. "I just can't imagine a world without you, my little wolf. Next full moon we'll meet back there, and begin our journey together . . ." He reached down gave me one more kiss before we parted--against a branch had snapped off into the distance.

"Did you hear that?" I asked, unsheathing my knife.

"Yes," he replied, his voice low and lethal.

I lifted my nose to the air and tried to catch any foreign scents (or any familiar ones) but all I could smell was the moisture that began to thicken in the air. It was about to rain.

A sharp breeze assaulted my face, and carried a very familiar scent. . ..

Wait . . . Fear began to ice my limbs as I looked down at the masking soap clenched between my fingers and the _very_strong scent of wolf came to me.

"Breecher!" I called out as something hard hit my shoulder, nocking me the ground. Wolves ambushed us; they surrounded us in a small circle, and leading the pack was Malik. He lips pulled into a wicked sneer.

The imposing wolf kneeled toward me as one of the other warriors held me down. "I always knew something was off about you . . ." he growled. Then he turned to Breecher who was held by two other wolves. "So, this is who you've been seeing . . ."

Panic and fear raced through me, shaking my body. I knew that if we stayed caught, we'd surely die. I kicked out against those strong paws that held me in place and slowly began to crawl toward my coyote. The only thing was . . . Malik was between us, and he was an obstacle I was more than willing to get through.

"Hey! Where do you thin--" Malik began to say before I wrench my arm free and dragged my claws against his face, enlisting a howl from him.

Breecher fought off the wolves holding him and made his way to me, and when we were finally within reach, we embraced each other, kissing as quickly and passionately as possible. We knew we weren't going to make it out of this alive.

"You insolent runt!" Malik snarled, pulling me away from my lover. "Hold him down!"

Two wolves surrounded me and held me down in place, and no matter how hard I fought against them, they were just too strong.

Malik stood over me; his scent became so overpowered with blood and rage; I couldn't detect his natural scent. His eyes were filled malice. He kneeled and grabbed my muzzle harshly with one paw while his other paw unsheathed his knife. "You'll pay for that."

His eyes drifted down to my loincloth, and ripped it off. He brandished the knife in front of my groin before scoring the blade against my sheath.

Sharp, blistering pain shot through my body as I cried out in agonizing pain.

"No!" Breecher screamed. "How dare you!"

The wolf reared back, glaring back at the outraged canine. "It's what he deserves! Filthy little parasite mating with another man. That scar"--he laughed--"is a reminder of what shame he's brought upon our tribe. Well . . . that's if he survives."

Through teary vision, I watched as Malik walked around behind Breecher, and while staring me dead in the eye, brought his blade-wielding paw forward and dragged it against the coyote's throat.

No . . . no. No! I watched in horror as Breecher's body went stiff, and his eyes widened as blood began gushing out there his open wound. Tears flooded by eyes as I sobbed out. This can't be happening . . . I had to get to him!

I fought as hard as I could, clawing to get closer to him, but those strong paws held me in place.

Breecher crumpled to the ground, muttering my name, his paw outstretched for me. The more he tried to say something, the more he choked on his own blood as it pooled out. "I-i-I l-love you . . . I'm s-sorryyyy . . . ." he gurgled.

And as soon as he finished, I saw the last flicker of life fade from his emerald eyes.

"Oh gods!" I cried, unable to held back the sob shook my body. This can't be happening . . . it's just a dream, and I'm still in my tent, sleeping . . . The pain radiating from my sheath told me otherwise. My mate. . . he was gone--and it was my fucking fault!

"Bind his paws and take him back to the village for everyone to see," Malik commanded.

I turned my rage full eyes on the son of a bitch. "I will kill you! You hear me?! You. Are. Dead," I snarled with malice. Roughly, I was pull to my feet and a tight leather rope was wrapped around my paws, and stripped the rest of the clothing off me.

"Move," one of the warriors said, shoving me in the direction of our tribe.

I gave one more sorrowful look at Breecker's lifeless body as I was dragged away, trying desperately to hold back another sob that threatened to escape. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing me break down again. Every step made my sheath shoot with brilliant pain. Blood began to drip down my balls and down my legs, staining my fur crimson red. Every few paces my knees gave out under me from the pain, and I was kicked forward and told to keep going.

It took us about ten extra minutes before we reached the village wall. Once we entered the village, all conversations and excitement died down as everyone saw me being paraded around the center of the village stark naked. People began to gather around us as we made our way toward the elder's tent. The grand elder stoop up and eyed us suspiciously.

"What is the meaning of this? Why is that young hunter bound? he asked.

Malik strolled in front of us, a superior smile on his muzzle, tail and ears stood tall and proud. He bowed his head and said, "Myself and my pack found him consorting with a man."

The elder stared somberly at me and then gazed back at Malik. "What proof do you have?" he asked.

Malik's grin widened as he shoved me around, painfully pulling my tail up. "Please scent under his tail, sir, there you will find the evidence."

The elder leaned down and waved his nose near the base of my tail. A hiss escaped his bared fangs. "So, it is true. What of his companion?"

The wolf's face suddenly became very serious. "It was a coyote from our neighbor tribe. Regrettably, he went wild and attacked me. I had no chose but to defend myself and kill him, but not before he caught me across the face with his claws."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing! "That's a lie!" I growled, fighting against my bindings. "He murdered him in cold blood in front of me."

A sharp slap, so raw, streaked across my face as the elder swiped his paw back. I could taste blood.

"How dare you accuse one our most respected warriors of such lies! Now," he leaned close to my face. "Your punishment depends on what you say, so tell me the true, were you willing participant in such a foul act?"

I grinned and spat out the blood from the slap onto the elder's feet. "I was more than willing, in fact, I insisted on it, and enjoyed every minute of it." The look on the elder's face was all I need: a look of disgust. If I was going to die, I might as well show no fear.

My vision filled with stars as he snapped me sharp and hard against the face again. I keeled over from the force, and closed my eyes, hoping that would made the dizziness subside.

The grand elder sighed. "Dispose of him . . . Malik, at first light we shall will go over to the coyote tribe and discussed what has happened." He beckoned Malik to him. He leaned over and whispered something into his ear, looking my way while doing so.

Malik growled, "Fine," before nodding. He bowed his head and then turned toward me, smirking. The other warriors hosted my back onto my paws and led me out of the center toward the entrance. As I was being pulled away, I caught site of my parents, and instantly my heart sank at look on their faces--as if some evil spirit possessed me.

I knew no amount of screaming would help my cause, no one was going to help me. Every face I saw was a look of distain, as if I was something less . . .

The group led me far off into the distance. At some point, we must have reached a good spot because I was roughly pushed into a pile of broken branches, growling as some of the sharp edges dug into my skin. One the warriors grabbed my ankle and dragged me away from the thorny branches, and then gave a swift kick to my sheath. Bile filled my muzzle as white hot pain sparked from the cut on my sheath. I turned around on all fours, and coughed up more acidic vomit . . . there was so much I couldn't it hold it back so much. I let it all spill out, wiping the back of my paw against my lips after I finished.

"This," Malik said, bringing his foot against my stomach, causing me to double over. "Is for the clawing my face and this." Another kick landed on my head. "Is for disrespecting me in front of the elders."

I clenched my head in my paw as my mind swam with stars, praying the pound would stop. "Please! I'm sorry," I cried.

"Beast like yourself and your coyote deserve to face a fire!" he sneered. "It only saddens me that I would be able to hear yours and his screams as the flames consume you."

"Then why take me out of the village? Why not burn me there?!" I asked. It's what I would have suspected why would do.

"Because," Malik answered, grinned sinisterly. "The elders are feeling generous from the God's gift, and besides . . . I already killed your mate . . . where would be the fun if you didn't burn together?"

Rage filled me to the brim. My mind flashing back to Malik's smug smile as he slit my mate's throat. I used the fire and raise myself and lunge at him, and with all the force I could muster, brought fist and claw to face. He was going to pay, and I was going to make sure of that!

A wolf ripped me of Malik, and held me down. Malik sprang to his feet, clenching his battered face. He reached down and grabbed my sheath and gave it a hard, painful squeeze.

Stars and tears invaded my eyes, my body stiffing from the pain. I was in complete shock, I couldn't even cry out. I had never felt so much pain my life, I began to fade out of consciousness.

Malik grabbed my wrist and snapped it to the side, dislocating it. Please stop . . . I wanted to say, but I couldn't force the words past my screams.

Soon after, kicks and blows streamed against my body as everyone gave it all the could until I was nothing but a bloody pulp. I don't know how long the attack continued or when they had stopped. I lost track. Everything cried out in pain, and at that point I wished it would just end. I could feel myself tittering between life and death.

I_wanted_ to die, for my suffering to just end. But my body kept fighting, clinging to life. And then, finally, everything went dark. This was it. I was finally allowed to die, and in death I_knew_ I would be reunited with my mate. I would see him again . . .

Thunder boomed in my ears, loud and frightening. Was the Gods calling me for them? Was my judgment about to take pace? I would image the Gods wouldn't be too pleased in my actions.

Again, thunder rung in my ears, and something wet splashed against my face. What was this? Increasingly wetness splashed against my body. It took me a couple of seconds for my hazy mind register that it was raining. It started out as a gentle mist, but soon that mist became fiercer until it poured down from the heavens with wrath.

No . . . I was still alive . . .

The rain continued to pour, and though my nose was filled with scent of my blood, I caught the slight sweet scent of berries in the air. I let the scent fill me, and used it to comfort my broken body. One more pleasant thing to remember as I faded back into darkness.

I kept fading in and out of consciousness. When I was lucid enough, I realized I was being dragged, and another time I felt heat crawl across my body and heard the crackle of a fire very close the me.

So . . . this was it . . . they came to drag me back for the pyre. Fine! Burn me if they wish! I wanted it; I wanted to feel alive once more, even if it meant feeling those scorching flames.

But nothing happened. I could feel the heat of the fire, at a distance. Warmth licked across my body, but it was almost pleasant . . . the heat reminded me of a comfort, of the long cool nights staked out by the fire with my parents.

I laid there for what felt like a felt like an eternity, waiting for something, anything, to happen. But what came to me was . . . peace. The more I used my other senses, the more I realized I wasn't laying on the hard ground, but something soft, what felt like a pelt beneath me. The other thing I noticed was my body wasn't as sore before, it didn't scream it in pain, but I did wail with hungry. For some reason, I was starving.

My ears perked at the sound of something moving about. An animal? Was I about to became some creature's prey? No . . . I don't think so. I didn't sense any danger.

But I didn't exactly feel comfortable either, my body was on edge. Someone was watching me, that I knew for sure.

The stranger's footsteps close end as he got near, and my body stiffened and tensed. The figure knelt and placed something in front me. I stayed still as long as possible, hoping whoever was watching me, figured I was still passed out. But . . . curiosity got the better of me. I stretched my nose forward cautious, sniffing the object.

Food . . . it was food! Why would my tribe give me food if they meant to end me? I didn't have long to pounder this as my stomach growled audibly. It smelled like meat! The knowledge of it made my stomach growl louder.

Slowly, I opened my eyes. But everything became hazy and unfocused. I looked around until the saw whoever it was watching me closely. His eyes . . . . they were a bright green. Almost like . . . "Breecher," I asked.

Breecher's ears switched at the mentioned name, but . . . no, they were all wrong. The ears were small and circular, not triangular like they always been. And the fur, it was different as well. It was more of a sandy/brown color rather than brownish, greyish color as always.

Realization struck me hard: this wasn't Breecher, he wasn't even the same species as my coyote! My eyes focused on the big cat across from me once my fuzzy mind settled. The large, toned lion watched me closely, his green eyes glinted with interest.

The lion said something in a strange language, and the look on my confused face must have clued him in. "Ah. It's nice to see your awake. You've been out for quite a few days," he said in my own tongue, his voice gruff and husky.

Panic raced through my body as my eyes darted around my surroundings. One of first was that I wasn't inside my village, I was in some kind of open campsite. And secondly, I was very close to a Westerner, no more than a few feet away. I also noticed it was still nighttime.

"Hey, hey, hey," the Westerner said, holding his paws out, placating. "It's ok, just relax. I'm not going to hurt you. You're safe."

Lies. Lies! I had-I had to get out of here. I wrenched myself up from the pelts I was laying on, but the jarring motion made my body scream in pain. I clenched my head tightly; tears stung my eyes. I stayed in that position for a minute or two, trying to collect my bearings and for the throbbing to stop.

Once my heart and mind calmed down a little. I surveyed the area. Behind the lion was small, but spacious tent, right next to that was a large wagon, and right between the two of us was a fire pit. That made me feel a little comfortable. I don't know what I would have done if something didn't divide me and this stranger. The next thing I noticed was that I was covered with anther pelt and some cloth was wrapped tightly around my head and wrist, and another bandaged around my torso.

I was also still naked, and held the pelt close to me, covering me body. Had he done something to me while I was out?

I eyed the Westerner suspiciously. I was told that they were always up to no good, always using trickery to get what they want. Much like a fox would.

"Who are you and why am I here?" I asked, my voice clipped.

The lion gave a small smile, a hint of a smirk on his lips. "My name is Leo. The spot where I found you is where a type of berry called achiote regularly grows there. In fact, it's what was used to create your tattoo."

My eyes traveled down my tattooed arm. I eyed the patterns that weaved and curled around my forearm.

Leo--what a strange name--reached beside himself and pick up a plate of food. He picked up a piece of cooked meat and started chewing on it. I couldn't keep my eyes off the spectacle. Now that I was calm, I got a chance to actually look at the man. He was tall, much taller than me, and was older too, maybe seven or nine seasons older. He had a short, thick brown mane that encompassed his head. His clothes were . . .strange. He had on a formfitting white shirt with sleeves that all the way down his arms, and leather strap that held up his pants. At both his wrists and ankles he wore leather cuffs. I had never seen such clothing, and as much as I'd hate to admit it, the attire fit him well. It intrigued me to see what their cloths looked like, but why he'd were so much clothes wondered me.

I looked down and saw Leo had placed a plate of meat beside me. My maw watered and my eyes stayed fixed onto the tender slabs of meat. Hesitantly, I reached for a piece before drawing my paw back. For all I knew he could have poisoned it.

Leo motioned with his paws, encouraging me to eat.

But I didn't want too. So, I sat there, ignoring me angry stomach. Every so often, my eyes and nose would drift back to my plate, then back to the lion as he took another bite of his meal, watching as the juices dripped down the side of his muzzle.

He licked the juice of his lips, slowly and teasingly. How dare he taunt me!

The longer I watched and waited, the angrier my hunger became. My hunger goaded me to take a bite of the morsel. To distract myself I asked, "How long was I out?"

Leo dipped his muzzle down and looked my straight in the eye. "Oh, about three days," he said.

Three days?! It was no one wonder I was starving! But it hadn't felt like days . . . more like minutes. I must have passed out at some point when Leo dragged me back to his camp.

"How are you feeling, darlin'?" he asked.

Darling? What an odd thing to call to another man.

I glanced down, adverting his stare. Every few seconds I glanced back at those green eyes of his, I couldn't help it. They reminded me of my own mate's eyes.

"I am feeling better, thank you," I muttered briskly. "And my name is Chinook."

"Good. Please, eat. You'll need your strange to get better."

I stuck my muzzle stubbornly into the air, refusing to eat. Leo seemed to be a nice man, but I did don't trust him. I stared down at the food he offered me. I had no idea if he had poisoned it or not, and I wasn't willing to take that risk. The longer I stared at the food, the more my hungry hounded at me to eat.

Unfortunately, any suspicious I had about the meat was overridden by gnawing hunger, and finally I gave it and started tearing into the juicy, tender meat, licking up any residue felt on my fingers. I don't think I've ever taste meat this good--

Without warning, my stomach heaved. I turned away from the lion and emptied its contents onto the ground.

Leo ran over and placed a paw on my shoulder. "Are you all right?!"

I cringed away from his touch and glared at him "Don't touch me!" I growled. "What did you do to my food?!"

The lion jumped back as I swung, claws out. He got down to one knee and raise his paws in defense. "Nothing . . . I promise. You haven't eaten in a couple of days and your stomach was pretty bruised up. It will probably take you a couple of days to get used to solid foods against."

Tears started to swell up in my eyes. "Why?" I asked.

"Why what?" he asked.

I looked at him. "Why are you being so kind to me?!" I shouted.

His eyes darkened with pain and his face deepened somberly. "You remind me of someone I knew . . ." He expressed changes just as quickly, putting on a pleasant smile. "Here, try this."

I reached out as he handed me a bowl of broth, and even that smelled savory. Cautiously, I tipped the bowl toward lips, blowing on the hot liquid to cool it. The warm broth washed over my palate, making me gulp more down. The broth didn't have much flavor, but I didn't care. I was happy just to have a nice hot meal in my belly.

Leo was right. My stomach didn't protest; it actually made it better.

I laid the bowl down and wiped the back of my paw against my lips. I was fairly content, considering the circumstances.

Leo cleared his throat, and I looked back at him. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you end up in that field?"

Instantly my body went stiff. I looked away, reluctant to answer.

"Something terrible must have happened to you to get that scar on your sheath," he said, observing my reaction.

My ears and tail twitched at the mention of my scarred sheath, giving me away. "It is . . . not something I feel comfortable talking about." I wiped away a tear that made its way down my cheek I couldn't help but think back to that night. Back to the memory of Breecher uttering his final words to me, and how I was helpless to stop it.

"Yes, well, I tried to bandage it up as best as I could. The cut was fairly deep, but I believe you should be fine."

I shot my eyes up at him, bewildered. He had . . . touched me. I pulled back the fur pelt and looked down at the poultice that covered my groin.

"Don't worry, all I did was dress your wound. I didn't cup a feel or anything," Leo said, sensing my uneasiness, or maybe catching the scent off me, I couldn't tell. Either way, I don't know how to feel about a stranger touching me.

I pushed past the dark thoughts that clouded my mind at hearing this information, and asked. "Seem to know a lot about medicine and healing."

Leo gave a nonchalant shrug. "My Pa was a physician, or what you'd call a healer. He taught me everything he knew in case I was every injured or in trouble, I'd know how to take care of myself. Since I'm a hunter and trader, this is a good skillset to have."

I smiled at aspect of his father helping him, but something kept nagging me in the back of my mind. He may be helping me out the kindness of his heart, I knew there was something he'd want as payment. Men like him always want something.

"I thank you for your kindness, but there must be something you'd want as payment. I am sorry to tell you; I have nothing to offer."

The lion sighed and squared his broad shoulders to more a serious stature. "That isn't enterally true. I tend to travel a lot, and my native isn't as fluent as I'd like it. There are a lot of tribes around that collect or made valuable items. I would need your help communicating with them."

I nodded at once. "I would gladly help."

Leo smiled, but the smile seemed off for some reason. "That's good to hear, but I do require payment."

The way he said that made my fur stand on end, and again worry began to creep into me. . . .

The next three days where hard on me. My body was still healing from my endeavor, and because I still couldn't hold down any solid food, I had to rely on the broth Leo made for me. Unfortunately, because my meal mostly consisted broth and water, I constantly had to relieve myself, and every time I got up, my body groaned with soreness.

Though, I think it was especially hard for Leo. I think he wasn't used to staying in one spot for so long, it was making him antsy. He was kind and courteous to me, but I felt at sometimes it was forced. As if, I reminded him of something long forgotten. I always felt his eyes on me, but whenever I looked back, suddenly he was staring at something else or polishing a strange metal object in his paw.

At night I was haunted with nightmares of Breecher. Every time I slept, I saw his cold, lifeless eyes staring back at me. And I would always wake up sobbing until my face was drenched with tears. And every time I woke up from my nightmares, Leo was there, cradling my head in his lap. He would hum something and scratch the base of my ears to sooth me. I didn't trust the man at all, but at the same time I was comforted by his present, just know he was watching over me--it was a strange feeling.

It was mid-morning by the time I woke up. I half expected to see Leo sitting at his usual seat skimming through a collection of papers, but was surprised he wasn't. Worry creeped into me. Where could he have gone? Ever sense I woke up, I felt safe with him near, and thought I still didn't fully trust him, it brought comfort to know he was watching over me.

The lion strolled behind me and sat down, dripping. He must have taken a bath from a nearby stream. His fur was still damp, bleeding through his clothes. The top of his shirt was still open, a bit of chest tuft peeked out.

"You look better," he said, smiling down at me.

"Yes, I am," I said. "My sore spots have all but faded."

"That's good." He nodded and then reached down pulled (what he called a blanket) back. I shivered at the sudden gust of air that tickled my body.

Suddenly, he placed his paw on my sheath, running his paw pads through the fur.

"P-p-please don't . . ." I breathed.

Leo ignored my please and continued feeling around. "I'm just checking to see how much your scare healed," he said as he examined my most intimate parts.

I gasped out, trying to ignore the sensations that ran through my sensitive sheath, blushing hard as my tip began to slip free. Against any will power I could muster; a moan slipped my lips. His touch was getting to me . . . .

His ears perked at my pants and lite moans, his lips pulling into a slight smile.

"I'd still like to know how you ended up in that pasture, bruised," he said, looking me straight in the eye.

I blushed. Should I tell him the truth? "I-I was banished from my tribe." A lie of omission.

"What for?"

"For . . . loving someone I shouldn't."

Leo nodded in acceptances, and then, without warning, slid my sheath down my shaft.

"Wait . . ."

"Just checking to see how deep the cut went through--" Leo cut off in the middle of sentence, eyes widening.

I looked down and was surprised to see a faintest pink line across my shaft. So, the knife cut deeper than I thought . . .

"Listen," he said, sliding my sheath back up and removed his paw. "Tomorrow, we're packing up and heading toward the nearest town. I have business and things I need to sell. I know you're still not well, but we can take our time. It's about a week and a half's trip, anyway."

"O-ok . . . um, do you have any clothes I can wear? I-I wouldn't feel comfortable traveling naked," I said.

Leo nodded and headed inside his tent. I grabbed the soap he had left behind and decided I need a bath. My fur felt grimy and disgusting, and my very pungent scent made my nose wrinkle. A bath was something I desperately needed.

Two minutes ticked by, and Leo was still in his tent. "Leo?" I called. "Are you ok?"

The big cat ambled outside, his eyes glassy and his face hard. He walked over and place a bundle in front of me. I opened it and found a pair of breechcloth, a shirt, and a long cloak. The clothes reminded me of . . .

"These designs are remnant of coyote tribe nearby. How did you get these?" I asked.

"I bought the three years ago from some tribe in the area," he said.

"I don't know . . . tribes don't usually sell clothes to your kind. It would've been handed down to any of needed it, or fit it."

Leo grabbed the paw that held the cloak, squeezing it almost painfully. "Stop asking! It's none of your business!" he snapped.

I stared at him in shock, and ripped away my paw from his crushing one.

Leo adverted his eyes. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "Really, I didn't mean to snap at you . . ."

"Fine," I said flatly. I glared at him, and grabbed the soap and steadily got up and made my way from the camp, founding a stream close by.

I replayed the conversation in my head over and over again, wondering if staying with the lion was the best chose. I think he was starting to show his true colors, against arousing the suspicion I had about him in the beginning.

I edged toward the bank and dipped my foot inside, shivering at the cold water. I wasn't particularly excited to jump into the freezing water, but knew it's what my body desperately needed. I placed my clothes at the edge, leaving my bandages still on and slowly made my way into the shallow water. It did feel good.

I grabbed the bar of soap and started kneading my fingers through my tangled fur, feeling as all the dirt and grime wash away. As I washed my fur, I started thinking of a plan. Did you I really want to stay with Leo? Could I trust him? He mentioned traveling to some settlement tomorrow. Maybe once there I could escape and hide there. But I knew none of their language, and the thought of staying near so many Westerners unsettled me. What would I do once I did? I had no means to hunt for myself, nor the strange to sustain myself.

All these things kept swimming in my head, just like the fish in a stream, trying to survive a cruel life. Leo was the only means I had to survive, and though this morning out bursts didn't sit well with me, I don't think he intently meant to harm me. But still . . . he obviously was keeping something secret.

But what? There was still plenty I didn't know about him. What would he do if I told him about my allure to men? Would he try to kill me like my tribe did? I didn't know, but the thought of deserting him made me guilty, especially after all he's done for me. He went out his way to save, to feed me . . . to _care_for me, and I did say I would repay him for his kindness.

I stared down at my sheath, and now that all the blood was washed away, the scar a fairy noticeable. The thought of the lion's paw on my sheath made my body tingle and shiver . . .

No, stop it! I didn't want to think about those thoughts.

To distract myself, I finished washing myself, rubbing the soap thoroughly through my fur and wiped away any remnants of blood away. All the black and blue bruises that covered had all faded away.

When I was finished, I ambled back to the shore and started pulling the cloths Leo gave me on. Everything fit well on me, maybe I little too well. Everything felt tight on me, almost suffocating. I pulled the cloak over my shoulders and made my way back to camp.

Leo placed a bowl at my spot and plate of food, little things my stomach could handle: berries and roots, a few small cuts of dried meat.

"Good, your back," the lion said, a small smile played on his lips when he saw I was wearing my barrowed clothes. "They look nice on you."

"Thank," was all I said and sat down at my usual spot, sweeping my tail to the side so I wouldn't sit on it. My stomach growled, and I dug into my food, downing my broth, and tearing into the roots. I tore off small bits of meat and popped them into my muzzle, testing to see how my stomach would react to it.

"There are two tribes that are along the way to town, and I'll need your help translating or trading any supplies we might need," Leo said.

I nodded. "What are the tribes?" I asked between bites.

"Hmm. I don't know the names, but one closest is a rat tribe and the next is . . . um, coyote tribe . . ."

I perked my ears. Another coyote tribe? I had heard there were a few tribes of the same species in different areas, as I'm sure there is another wolf tribe out there . . . but could I go there? Already the thought of it made my heart squeeze a little. I know that if I did, it'd just be a painful reminder of the mate I lost. See all the young men that remind me of Breecher.

The rest of the day had . . . calmed, I guess, but the tension from earlier still hung in the air. Leo at some point asked me things about myself. I gave him short, one-word answers, making sure I watched what I said.

"What made you decide to be a trader," I asked late into the evening, feeling uncomfortable with silence.

The lion looked up from a strange large parchment with symbols and strange writing on it. "Oh, well," he said. "My father wanted me to join the family business and because a doctor like him. But I wanted to travel and see and meet new people, and trading would let me do that. What about you? Have you ever traveled before?"

I shook my head. "No, going outside my tribe's territory was forbidden, even going to our neighbor tribe was against the law. Only specially permitted warriors and hunters were allowed too."

Leo nodded and turned his gaze back onto the parchment he had in his paws, intently staring at it. Once I was finished, I got up and made my way toward his and peered over his shoulder. The parchment had strange markings on them and was written his own language.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Planning our route to town," he said without looking up. "The map is a bit old, but still useable."

I pointed toward a small white diamond shape the map. "What's this?"

"That's the town we're going too. It's called Valley Fold."

"And these?" I asked, pointing to the strange picture with sharp edges.

"Those are mountains. We'll have to go through those to get to down, and it's a two-day trip there."

I processed this for a minute or two. I've never seen mountains before, only heard of them from traveling tribes. My tribe was placed deep into the forest, and the forest is all I know. I heard they were these tall mounds of land that reached up high into the heavens.

"And this," I pointed to a long blue line that snaked across the map. "This is the river, right?"

Leo smiled up at me. "That's correct. Very good."

My tail began to wag proudly. "Say, if you wouldn't mind. Could you . . . teach me how to read this map?"

Leo's emerald eyes lit up. "Of course!" he said. "I'll have teach you how to read Western first."

I nodded excited, tail wagging. I scanned the map at as whole, mentally making notes in my head as to where towns and tribes were positioned on the map. We step what was left of the day going over aspects of the map, and how to read it. Read and pronouncing some of their settlements names was difficult. But after while I believe I got a hang of it. Leo pointed to different towns and asked me what they were called. I got about less than half right, but still . . . it made me proud. They had a strange way of writing.

After dinner, something dawned on me.

"Your native is really good," I commented.

Leo bowed his head. "Thank you," he said. "I've traded with a few tribes before, so knowing their language was kind of essential."

"Who taught you?"

Leo's ears tipped back, paws clenching, and his whiskers flattened--almost looking sad "A, um . . . very good friend taught me," he said at length.

I cocked my head to the side. "Where is he now?"

Leo looked up from the fire burning between us and stared at me. Something flickered across his face. He got up and said he was heading to bed and went into his tent, closing the opening.

I stared at his spot, dumbfounded. Had I said something wrong? If he knew a tribesman, that would explain the clothes I was wearing. Beneath his own scent that clung to the clothes, I caught the fainted scent of coyote. I'll have to ask him about it tomorrow. . . wait no . . . Somehow, I sensed it was a sensitive subject for him, best leave it alone for a while.

I finished my meal, drank some water, and got under my blankets for sleep. The sound of the crackling fire, and the low hum of the wilderness was calming. But I couldn't fall asleep, no matter how tired I was. Had the lion lost someone? If so, that would explain why I was apparently wearing his companion's clothes. It was obviously he was broken inside, maybe as broken as I am/ The pain of losing my mate was still heavy on me; at times, it felt like my heart and soul would shatter into a million pieces. How've I've managed to remain sane was beyond me.

One thing was for sure: it was all my fault, if . . . if it'd done something--anything useful!--I could have saved him. Or if it'd realize I'd been followed, or recognized the masking soup or . . .

I didn't want to finish that thought, but I knew it was true, no matter how painful it would be to even conceive it . . . maybe it would have been better if he hadn't met me at all. He would have still been alive!

Against my own will, I cried silently. Because I hadn't acted, or rather had, on my own instincts Brecher would be alive right now. And now, I had to live with my mistake for the rest of my life. Why wasn't I strong enough . . . ?

I let the pleasant memories of us fill me, let them take hold and wished they'd never let go. And not long after I eventually fell asleep, the memories helping. I woke up early into the morning. Leo wasn't up, so I decided I'd be helpful, and grabbed our waterskin canteens, filling them by the nearby creak. When I got back, Leo still was asleep. I went through was rations he had and made both of us breakfast, leaving Leo's plate at his stump.

Finally, by mid-morning Leo emerged from his tent and stretched . . . naked. My ears and face felt hot as I couldn't help but stare at his groin, fully sheathed. Either he forgot to put his pants or was as fully aware how much of himself he was displaying to me. I suspected the later. He seemed sure he figured out my secret . . . why I was banished.