# Aimless Fate: Chapter 2

Author: FeralFENRIR
Tags: Blood, Canine, Death, Drama, Friendship, German Shepherd, Husky, Mutt, Red Wolf, Sad, Story Series, Suspense

#2 of Aimless Fate

Okay, so here is Chapter 2. &nbsp;Sorry, won't be making my one week deadline, better up it to 2 weeks. &nbsp;Between all the other things I do, it's hard to find time to write. &nbsp;I feel this chapter was a little rushed, but I put it up anyways. &nbsp;Hopefully it accomplishes what I want it to. &nbsp;Anyways, &nbsp;as usual, feel free to comment, let me know what you liked and/or didn't like. &nbsp;Now it's time to relax, and work on Chapter 3. &nbsp;Also, stay posted for edits of both this chapter and the first one. :) Until next time guys! :)

-Feral

**Aimless Fate: Chapter 2**

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The miles flew by, as Stray held the speedometer pinned at over 100 M.P.H.&nbsp; Yeah, it was speeding, but the faster Stray left his home, the better.&nbsp; So what if a cop pulled him over?&nbsp; 'Wouldn't be the worst thing to happen tonight', the canine thought grimly.&nbsp; A stab of pain sliced through his left shoulder.&nbsp; Stray gritted his teeth, gripping the wheel harder. The blood had dried, leaving his fur sticky and matted.&nbsp; It was going to be fun to clean it, he thought, scoffing.&nbsp; &nbsp;A sign flashed by the side of the road.&nbsp; It read: Clearwater City 10 miles.&nbsp; The drive to Clearwater usually takes about two hours.&nbsp; Stray made it in a little over an hour.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When he left Mike's house earlier, Stray had no idea of where he was going.&nbsp; After, hitting the Interstate, he decided he needed to tell Michelle the events of the night. &nbsp;His phone had been lost at some point during the night, so he couldn't call her. &nbsp;He could go to Underworld, find her, and hopefully stay with her, at least for a little while.&nbsp; Another jolt of pain ran through his shoulder.&nbsp; 'Damn! Need to do something about that.' He thought.&nbsp; Concentrating on the road ahead of him, he ignored the pain.&nbsp; To keep his mind off the hurt, both physical and mental, Stray thought of Michelle.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The last time he had seen her was probably the last time he was at Underworld.&nbsp; Times had been more fun then.&nbsp; No responsibility, few problems, and plenty of entertainment.&nbsp; Stray chuckled, remembering the crush he used to have on Michelle.&nbsp; The two were like brother and sister, both wanting it to stay that way.&nbsp; Stray had imagined though.&nbsp; He had many thoughts of what they could have done together.&nbsp; Her slim figure, that bushy tail, the way she moved . . . The canine blushed, slightly aroused.&nbsp; The best part of her was her eyes, those gorgeous blue eyes.&nbsp; Shaking his head, Stray restrained his imagination.&nbsp; Michelle was beautiful, no doubt, but they were not meant for each other.&nbsp; It just wasn't supposed to be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The lights of the city were now on the horizon.&nbsp; Stray reluctantly let off the gas, knowing it was stupid to speed within city limits.&nbsp; Entering the city, it took another half hour to get to Underworld.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally, Stray made it to the nightclub.&nbsp; The clock in the car's stereo read 3:11 a.m.&nbsp; A yawn escaped the exhausted canine.&nbsp; He hadn't realized how tired he actually was.&nbsp; Being drugged and having your friend and his family murdered can do that to you.&nbsp; Parking the car, Stray looked at the large pyramid-like building.&nbsp; Bright purple lights illuminated the outside of the building.&nbsp; Beams of matching light cut through the night, flashing in random patterns across the sky.&nbsp; It was huge.&nbsp; Stray groaned.&nbsp; How the hell was he going to find Michelle once he got in?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Opening the car door and stepping out, a familiar sensation blossomed in his shoulder.&nbsp; 'First, let's cover this wound.' The canine thought, digging through Mike's car for something to cover it with.&nbsp; Looking in the back seat, Stray found a plain grey hoody.&nbsp; He carefully slipped it over his head, moving his left arm as little as he could.&nbsp; It was a little tight, but Stray wasn't trying to look good, just hide the fact he had been shot.&nbsp; Taking a deep breath, he walked toward the club's entrance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A large Doberman, wearing black jeans and a matching shirt with "SECURITY" written in bright silver letters stood by the door.&nbsp; Approaching him, he stopped Stray.&nbsp; "Sorry, we're about to close for the night. Come back tomorrow."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Look, I don't want in." Stray said wearily, "I just need to talk to a friend.&nbsp; She's a &nbsp;husky and a bartender here.&nbsp; Her name is Michelle.&nbsp; It's an emergency."&nbsp; The bouncer just looked at the small canine standing in front of him.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry, can't do that."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray took a step towards the bouncer, sticking his chin up at the dog, locking eyes with him.&nbsp; "Look, there's been a death in the family." He growled, "I need to talk to her about it."&nbsp; The bouncer pulled his lips away from his teeth, and Stray feared he was mere seconds away from having his ass handed to him.&nbsp; Stepping back, the Doberman placed a finger to his earpiece.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "One moment," The Doberman pressed a button on his headset, turning his head from Stray.&nbsp; He talked in a low voice, too low for Stray to hear.&nbsp; After, a brief conversation, he turned back.&nbsp; "We've notified Ms. Michelle.&nbsp; She's coming out here to meet you."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thanks."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The bouncer grunted.&nbsp; Stray stood, anxiously waiting.&nbsp; What was he going to say?&nbsp; With a long sigh, he closed his eyes, rubbing his forehead.&nbsp; His head hurt from all the emotions he was going through: pain, sorrow, guilt, anger- when would it end?&nbsp; Now, he had to tell his other best friend, his "sister", that Mike was dead.&nbsp;

It wasn't long before the husky rushed out of the club's front doors.&nbsp; She saw Stray standing nearby.&nbsp; Running to him, she threw her arms around the canine, hugging him tightly.&nbsp; "Stray!" she exclaimed.&nbsp; Stray yelped from Michelle's hug.&nbsp; Quickly letting go, she looked him over.&nbsp; "You're hurt!" she cried, "What happened?&nbsp; They said it was an emergency."&nbsp; Stray softly put his hand over his wound.&nbsp; He slowly looked at the husky.&nbsp; Her blue eyes held him in their gaze, silently asking questions the hurting canine did not want to answer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Mike", he said, closing his eyes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh God!" the husky said, placing her hand over her mouth.&nbsp; Taking a few breaths to steady herself, she asked, "What happened?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Come with me."&nbsp; The pair headed towards the Corvette.&nbsp; Leaning against the car, Stray took some deep breaths.&nbsp; Turning towards Michelle, he blurted, "Mike's dead."&nbsp; The husky squeaked and tears formed in her eyes.&nbsp; Stray closed his eyes, struggling not to cry, "And it's my fault." &nbsp;A knot formed in his throat, and he found it hard to swallow.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sure it's not."&nbsp; She said, after a few minutes. Walking over to the agonized canine, she pulled him into her arms.&nbsp; "What happened?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray gasped, trying to say the words.&nbsp; After several failed attempts, he finally managed, "I'll tell you later."&nbsp; Drawing a ragged breath, he continued, "I hate to ask, but, I need a place to stay."&nbsp; The canine looked at her, the pain and sorrow clouding his green eyes.&nbsp; When Michelle met his gaze, she saw he was hurting, deep inside.&nbsp; She had never seen her friend in this much pain.&nbsp; Stray had always hid his pain from others.&nbsp; He always tried to ignore it, act as if he were fine, even if he wasn't.&nbsp; Not tonight. &nbsp;Anyone could tell that the poor mutt was broken inside.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Of course you can stay with me," she said into Stray's ear, "I just have to let my boyfriend now you're coming."&nbsp; Stray's ears pricked up at the word "boyfriend".&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Boyfriend?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes, I'm living with him now.&nbsp; He won't mind."&nbsp; Pulling a phone from her pocket and stepping back, she pressed a button and held it to her ear.&nbsp; Stray looked at the night sky.&nbsp; It was clear, not a single cloud to block the infinite stars in the sky.&nbsp; The moon was almost full.&nbsp; 'So beautiful' He thought, 'Such a beautiful night for such a horrible day.'&nbsp; A tear came to his eye as he wondered what the view of the night was for Mike.&nbsp; 'At least you're in a better place, not here, wracked with pain.'

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Michelle put her phone back in her pocket.&nbsp; "Come on, you can follow me to our house.&nbsp; Let me go get my car."&nbsp; Stray nodded, as the husky walked across the parking lot.&nbsp; Minutes after she had disappeared, a blue Eclipse sped towards him.&nbsp; Michelle honked.&nbsp; Getting into the Corvette, Stray slipped behind her and followed her.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The drive out to her boyfriend's house led them outside the city.&nbsp; The house was nestled in a patch of woods on the outskirts of the city.&nbsp; It was built on a hilltop, overlooking the area.&nbsp; The cars pulled up the gravel driveway, coming to a stop at a garage on the side of the house.&nbsp; As the cars' lights cut off, Stray stepped out onto the gravel.&nbsp; Looking back at the driveway, he could see the lights of the city miles away, over the tree line.&nbsp; The canine turned around, as he heard the sound of the garage doors opening.&nbsp; He looked over the house.&nbsp; It was a big, wood house.&nbsp; Stray guessed that Michelle's boyfriend wanted to be away from the city, away from everyone else.&nbsp; Large windows were on the front side of the house, leading out to a deck on the second floor.&nbsp; It seemed like a nice place to hide from everything.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Michelle called out to Stray, gesturing for him to follow her in.&nbsp; Stepping into the garage, he noticed a black Camaro beside Michelle's Eclipse.&nbsp; The car shined under the fluorescent lights, the silver racing stripes almost shimmering.&nbsp; Stray went through the door in the garage, and climbed the stairs leading to the house.&nbsp; At the top was some sort of small foyer.&nbsp; His friend led him through a door, connecting to an open kitchen.&nbsp; The canine couldn't help but look around.&nbsp; All the appliances were stainless steel, shining in the light coming from the lamp hanging overhead.&nbsp; The tabletops were all polished stone.&nbsp; There was a countertop bar on one end of the open room.&nbsp; Past the bar, Stray saw the living room.&nbsp; It had leather couches, a low table in the center, and a huge flat-screen T.V. on one end and a fireplace on the other.&nbsp; Looking up, he noticed the ceiling was high, two-stories up.&nbsp; It made the house feel huge.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A short German shepherd leaned against the island in the center of the kitchen.&nbsp; Three full glasses, of rum, judging by the open rum bottle beside them, were on the tabletop.&nbsp; "Hope you like rum." The shepherd said, offering Stray a glass, "It's all I have at the moment."&nbsp; Stray guessed this was Michelle's boyfriend and owner of the house.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's fine."&nbsp; He said, taking the offered drink.&nbsp; Without hesitation, he downed the entire glass.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You better take the bottle," said the shepherd, handing it to him, "You look like you need it."&nbsp; Stray took the bottle and decided that was the best gesture he had received all day.&nbsp; He put the bottle to his lips and took a lengthy swig.&nbsp; At this moment, it was the best drink he had ever had.&nbsp; After pulling his lips from the bottle, Stray put the glass down and looked at the shepherd.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Jacob, this is Stray, my old friend.&nbsp; Stray, this is Jacob, my boyfriend."&nbsp; Michelle gestured, introducing the two.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I wish we had met under better circumstances." Jacob rubbed the back of his head, nervously.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Screw it; it's nice to meet you, anyways."&nbsp; Stray took another hit from the bottle.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Michelle moved over beside Jacob, kissing him lightly and grabbing a glass.&nbsp; "Now, can you tell us what happened?&nbsp; Come in the living room.&nbsp; Make yourself at home."&nbsp; She turned and made her way to a leather couch in the adjacent space.&nbsp; Jacob followed her, sipping from his own glass, and sat beside her.&nbsp; The shepherd put his arm around her and their tails curled together.&nbsp; Taking a deep breath, the canine walked to the couch opposite from where the couple was sitting.&nbsp; He sat down, holding the rum bottle between his legs.&nbsp; For a moment, all he could focus on was his tail moving slowly from side to side.&nbsp; His vision blurred.&nbsp; Stray couldn't decide if it was from his exhaustion, or if the alcohol was kicking in.&nbsp; It didn't matter.&nbsp; 'How do I do this?' He wondered, still watching his tail.&nbsp; Still looking at the floor, he began.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Mike's dead."&nbsp; He stated bluntly.&nbsp; His eyes stayed focused on his tail.&nbsp; His ears perked up at Michelle's whimper.&nbsp; Stray's tail swished, just over the hardwood floor.&nbsp; The only sound in the room was Michelle's crying.&nbsp; Stray mindlessly counted the strokes of his tail.&nbsp; 12 strokes later, Michelle attempted to speak.&nbsp; The husky opened her mouth, and then froze.&nbsp; Her jaw worked, forming a word, but no sound came out.&nbsp; Closing both her mouth and eyes, she tried again.&nbsp; This time she forced the word out.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taking another pull from his bottle, the mutt continued.&nbsp; "Some bastards murdered him."&nbsp; He stated flatly, never looking away from his tail.&nbsp; Jacob's eyes widened and his grip tightened on the husky.&nbsp; A squeak escaped from her, before she buried her head in her boyfriend's chest, soaking his fur with her tears.&nbsp; Stray desperately tried to drain the rum bottle.&nbsp; Any escape from this pain was welcome, be it slumber, alcohol, or even- death.&nbsp; His tear ducts were basically burned out by now, but hearing Michelle sob, that was unbearable.&nbsp; He looked across the coffee table to the couple sitting opposite him.&nbsp; Jacob was holding Michelle tight, eyes closed, nose pressed to her head fur.&nbsp; Her face was turned away, her body convulsing with her sobbing.&nbsp; Their tails remained curled together.&nbsp; Sighing, Stray told them the story of the night: how he had spent the day with Mike, his abduction, the murder, and his flight to Clearwater.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They listened, Jacob holding his girlfriend closely, as she turned her face sideways to listen, her fur slick with tears.&nbsp; When he had finished, he downed what was left in the bottle, and stared at the ceiling.&nbsp; Alcohol and exhaustion seized his body.&nbsp; His head swam and his vision was fuzzy.&nbsp; His chest was warm, however, the alcohol masking the hurt that lied beneath.&nbsp; Darkness crept around the edges of his sight, letting him know his eyelids were closing.&nbsp; 'Please- please, take the pain away.'&nbsp; The suffering canine begged, 'I don't care, just make it stop.'&nbsp; The darkness called to him, beckoning with promises of peace.&nbsp; It was there, he just had to go to it-

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Stray!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Something was shaking his shoulder.&nbsp; A tingle went through his left shoulder.&nbsp; The canine pushed against the encroaching darkness.&nbsp; He could hear his name.&nbsp; His senses struggled to work.&nbsp; Another tingle traversed his shoulder.&nbsp; The darkness retreated.&nbsp; Then it hit him. The sensation in his shoulder wasn't a tingle, it was burning pain. &nbsp;The canine cried out, jumping from the pain.&nbsp; The world shifted under his feet, and instead of jumping up, Stray jumped sideways and landed hard on his other shoulder.&nbsp; The pain pulsed in his shoulder.&nbsp; He lay there, groaning and clutching his injured shoulder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "He's hurt!" Michelle cried, looking at Jacob.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah, that shoulder is sensitive.&nbsp; We need to get that hoody off."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Stray, can you take that jacket off?&nbsp; Jacob needs to look at you." The dazed mutt looked at her, clearly confused.&nbsp; "He's a doctor." She explained, "Let him look at you."&nbsp; Not really caring, Stray removed his hoody.&nbsp; Pain flashed through his entire upper left arm.&nbsp; He threw the jacket away, panting.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good." Jacob kneeled on the couch, examining the mutt's shoulder.&nbsp; He noticed immediately the hole in Stray's shirt.&nbsp; "Gunshot wound." He noted.&nbsp; "Dear, could you get the first aid kit and some alcohol?"&nbsp; Michelle nodded, walking off to get the kit.&nbsp; Jacob turned back to Stray.&nbsp; "Good thing you're sort of drunk, this is going to hurt."&nbsp; The injured canine looked at him.&nbsp; "Sorry, but we're going to have to make do."&nbsp; Michelle returned with the small white box.&nbsp; The shepherd opened it, laying stuff on the coffee table, barely looking at each item.&nbsp; "Scissors, I need scissors."&nbsp; The husky ran off, only to return with a pair of scissors.&nbsp; Jacob took them, cutting Stray's shirt up the middle.&nbsp; Carefully peeling the shirt away, he examined the wound.&nbsp; "Blood's dried around the wound, but, it is still pretty fresh."&nbsp; He said to himself, gingerly touching the skin around the hole.&nbsp; Stray winced.&nbsp; "Yeah, it is sensitive."&nbsp; He grabbed a penlight from the table and shone it in the wound.&nbsp; "Some bleeding, but no major vessels or bones hit.&nbsp; Just a flesh wound.&nbsp; Can't find and remove bullet fragments here.&nbsp; I'll have to disinfect and patch up."&nbsp; The shepherd muttered, grabbing the alcohol.&nbsp; "Get ready, this is going to burn."&nbsp; He soaked some gauze with the fluid.&nbsp; "Deep breath," he commanded.&nbsp; Stray inhaled-and yelled when the shepherd pressed the gauze to his wound.&nbsp; His fingers dug into the leather couch, as the doctor cleaned the wound.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally, Jacob removed the gauze, now stained red with blood.&nbsp; Taking another piece of gauze, he carefully cleaned around the wound.&nbsp; Next, he grabbed more gauze and a bottle of something.&nbsp; "Don't worry, it is an anti-bacterial.&nbsp; It prevents infection." The shepherd explained, smiling, "It doesn't burn."&nbsp; Soaking the gauze with the yellow fluid, he firmly pressed it to the wound.&nbsp; "Michelle, would you help with the bandaging?"&nbsp; The husky grabbed the bandaging, stretching it out for her boyfriend.&nbsp; "Here, wrap it around his shoulder, and bring it under his other arm.&nbsp; Yes, like that."&nbsp; Jacob instructed, as Michelle wrapped the bandage around Stray.&nbsp; Standing up, the shepherd asked, "Feel better?"&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray sat up, rotating his injured shoulder.&nbsp; It stung, but it wasn't burning pain anymore.&nbsp; Not wanting to use energy to speak, he gave the shepherd a thumbs-up.&nbsp; "Good.&nbsp; You can clean up and sleep in the guest room, if you like."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Fuck it," the exhausted canine slurred, falling back on the couch and closing his eyes.&nbsp; 'Finally, the peace of sleep,' he thought, drifting into the darkness.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jacob nodded at Michelle.&nbsp; They waited until Stray's breathing reached a steady rhythm.&nbsp; Then, they carefully moved him into the guest bedroom down the hall.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The darkness had lied.&nbsp; It did not bring him peace, as he had hoped.&nbsp; Instead, it brought him nightmares.&nbsp; Stray tossed and turned in his sleep, his sub-conscious replaying the events, adding its own twisted details.&nbsp; That smile.&nbsp; That smile, filled with sharp teeth, dripping with blood.&nbsp; Stray wanted to look away, but it filled his vision.&nbsp; Two orbs, glowing in the darkness, shone above the horrific grin of death.&nbsp; They were eyes, demonic, golden eyes.&nbsp; Then the wolf appeared.&nbsp; Stray stepped back from the monster.&nbsp; The red wolf continued to smile, his glowing eyes unblinking.&nbsp; His body was distorted, thinner, and more grotesque.&nbsp; Long, thin claws grew from his hideous hands, almost scraping the floor.&nbsp; He moved towards the horror-struck canine.&nbsp; Stray wanted to scream.&nbsp; For some reason, he didn't.&nbsp; He wanted to run, flee this hellish creature, but he wouldn't move.&nbsp; 'Run! Run _damn it_!' his mind screamed, but he just stood there.&nbsp; The diabolic wolf came to stand directly in front of Stray.&nbsp; The monster cocked his head to the side, staring at the canine.&nbsp; _Bang!_ Stray felt something hit his chest.&nbsp; _Bang! Bang!_&nbsp; Two more hits to his chest.&nbsp; The canine couldn't breathe.&nbsp; He gasped for air, falling to his knees.&nbsp; The evil wolf looked over him, opening his maw, letting his long, forked tongue hang out.&nbsp; Stray heard a gurgle come from its throat.&nbsp; It threw its head back and laughed.&nbsp; The unholy sound shook Stray to his core.&nbsp; He fell over, closing his eyes, preparing for the worst.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When nothing happened, he opened them.&nbsp; He was lying on hardwood floor.&nbsp; Slowly, Stray rose to his feet, checking for injuries.&nbsp; Not finding any, the bewildered canine looked around.&nbsp; This place was familiar, too familiar.&nbsp; With a start, Stray realized he was in Mike's house.&nbsp; He was in the entry room.&nbsp; His ears swiveled this way and that, searching for danger.&nbsp; This was Mike's house, but something was wrong-terribly wrong.&nbsp; Stray couldn't quite place what it was, but something was not right.&nbsp; Taking a deep breath, he tried to sort it out.&nbsp; Something on the wall caught his attention.&nbsp; Stepping towards it, the canine drew back in fear.&nbsp; Long, thin lines scarred the wall.&nbsp; Some devastating claw had damaged the wall.&nbsp; Stray's heart thumped in his chest.&nbsp; What the hell was going on?&nbsp; His boot stepped in something wet.&nbsp; Swallowing, he anxiously looked down.&nbsp; It was blood.&nbsp; A long, sticky trail led from the living room doors to where the stricken canine stood.&nbsp; Grudgingly, he followed the disturbing trail to the living room doors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The doors' nice wood had been clawed and ripped.&nbsp; Stray's paw froze, just above the golden handle.&nbsp; He feared what was behind them.&nbsp; He feared even more that he already knew the answer.&nbsp; With a quick inhale of air, he threw open the doors.&nbsp; Nothing could have prepared him for what he found.&nbsp; The living room was a mess straight from a horror film.&nbsp; Darkness sat in the room, like an ominous cloud.&nbsp; What little light was in the room, threw ghastly shadows on the wall.&nbsp; It was trashed, furniture flipped and stuff scattered around.&nbsp; Stray cried out, seeing what lay in the center of the room.&nbsp; Sweat broke out over his entire body and he shook violently.&nbsp; In the center of the room lay Mike, in a pool of dark blood.&nbsp; Falling to his knees, Stray grabbed his head, shaking it.&nbsp; So caught up in his fear, he almost didn't hear the voice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Why didn't you save me?"&nbsp; The voice was almost a hiss.&nbsp; Stray continued to shake uncontrollably, ignoring the voice.&nbsp; "Why didn't you save me?"&nbsp; It asked again.&nbsp; The canine felt something touch his shoulder.&nbsp; He looked up, into the face of Mike.&nbsp; Screaming, he flung himself backwards, away from his dead friend.&nbsp; Panting and shaking, Stray beheld his friend, standing before him.&nbsp; The hole between his eyes was there, and Mike stared at him through lifeless eyes.&nbsp; "You're the reason I'm dead."&nbsp; He whispered his mouth not moving.&nbsp; Stray started sobbing.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm _sorry!_" he babbled hysterically, as Mike moved towards him.&nbsp; Mike stood over his friend, now hugging his knees and crying.&nbsp; Emotionless, he touched Stray's left shoulder.&nbsp; Confused, the canine stared at him.&nbsp; Something warm and wet was on his shoulder.&nbsp; He looked and saw blood flowing freely from where Mike had touched him.&nbsp; Falling back, he held his shoulder, seeing the evil wolf in the corner of the room, with his glowing eyes and wicked smile.&nbsp; Blood covered Stray and he tried to scream-

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray woke up with a scream.&nbsp; He was sweating and out of breath.&nbsp; His hand flew to his injured shoulder.&nbsp; There wasn't any blood.&nbsp; 'It was just a dream,' he breathed, 'a nightmare.'&nbsp; Moaning, the canine let himself fall back into bed.&nbsp; His shoulder was sore, but thanks to Jacob, it felt better.&nbsp; Lying there, it occurred to him that he didn't remember being in this room.&nbsp; The last thing he remembered was Jacob patching up his shoulder on the couch.&nbsp; Michelle and Jacob must have moved him after he passed out.&nbsp; Stretching out, Stray observed the room.&nbsp; It was big, but not too big.&nbsp; There wasn't much in here except a dresser and some pictures of landscapes.&nbsp; Bright orange light came in from a window beside the bed.&nbsp; 'It must be sometime in the evening,' he thought.&nbsp; The canine rolled over and looked at the alarm clock on the nightstand.&nbsp; It read 6:14 p.m.&nbsp; Throwing back the covers, he slowly stood.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The light hurt Stray's eyes and his head hurt.&nbsp; He noticed a piece of paper at the edge of the nightstand.&nbsp; Picking it up, he read, "Sorry, we moved you to a more comfortable position.&nbsp; We figured you would like a bed, instead of the couch.&nbsp; The bathroom is across the hall from you, if you need to shower or anything.&nbsp; Jacob and I have taken some time off work, we should be nearby if you need us.&nbsp; -Michelle"&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray left the room, walking down the hall towards the kitchen.&nbsp; Michelle was in the living room, watching something on T.V. &nbsp;Her eyes were swollen slightly and there were many tissues lying crumpled near her, indicating the husky had been crying. &nbsp;"Good morning." She called.&nbsp; The mutt grunted in response.&nbsp; "Need anything?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Just a drink."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "The kitchen's right there.&nbsp; Get what you want."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He intended to do just that.&nbsp; Reaching the fridge, he scanned its contents.&nbsp; The thirsty canine grabbed a soda, quickly gulping it down.&nbsp; Wiping his mouth with his hand, he walked towards the bathroom.&nbsp; "You wouldn't happen to have any clothes lying around, would you?&nbsp; I'm about to shower."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Not really, but, Jacob should have something you can borrow.&nbsp; I'll find you something."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thanks." &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You okay?" she asked concerned.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah."&nbsp; Stray contemplated telling her about his nightmare, but decided not to. "Are you?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'll be fine eventually."&nbsp; Nodding, the canine headed towards the bathroom.&nbsp; Entering the bathroom, he noticed everything was clean and organized.&nbsp; It gave a really nice impression, and Stray wondered if all furs like Jacob kept everything immaculate.&nbsp; Removing his jeans and boxers, he stepped into the shower.&nbsp; Minutes later, steaming water was streaming over his fur.&nbsp; He found himself working shower gel into his fur, not really paying attention.&nbsp; The headache was still there, making it harder for the canine to focus.&nbsp; It wasn't like he really wanted to.&nbsp; At this point, Stray did not know what to think.&nbsp; Everything just didn't matter anymore.&nbsp; Standing, the canine let the water roll over him.&nbsp; 'There has to be something,' he pondered, '_something_, to deal with this.'&nbsp; All he wanted to do was curl up and do nothing.&nbsp; His fingers found Mike's pendant, and began turning it over, again and again.&nbsp; He thought of Mike, and what he had said in his nightmare.&nbsp; With a heavy sigh, the canine stepped out of the shower.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drying off with a nearby towel, he wrapped it around his lower body.&nbsp; Stray leaned over the sink, staring at his reflection.&nbsp; His bright eyes were dull.&nbsp; The weary face looking back showed he looked as bad as he felt.&nbsp; He saw himself as what he thought he was- a miserable, worthless stray.&nbsp; He had no home, no family, and few friends.&nbsp; 'Why am I even alive?' he wondered, beginning to hate the mutt in the mirror.&nbsp; His reflection pulled his lips back, in an intimidating snarl.&nbsp; "It's your fault!" he snarled, pointing a finger at the mirror.&nbsp; "You're the reason he's dead! You're nothing more than a pathetic, fucking _stray!_"&nbsp; Stray punched the mirror, shattering the glass.&nbsp; Pain bloomed in his hand.&nbsp; Panting, he fell back against the wall, seeing the broken fragments lying in and around the sink.&nbsp; He slid slowly to the floor, holding his head.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The door flew open, hitting the counter with a _Bang!_&nbsp; "Stray! What happened?"&nbsp; Michelle found Stray, curled up on the floor, and also noticed the broken mirror.&nbsp; Her friend just sat there, not even moving.&nbsp; Kneeling beside him, she gently touched his shoulder.&nbsp; "Stray," she said gently, "are you okay?"&nbsp; Touching his hand, she noticed the blood on it.&nbsp; "You're bleeding.&nbsp; What's wrong with you?" she asked worriedly.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What do you fucking think?" He snarled, glaring at her.&nbsp; The husky was startled by his hostility.&nbsp; "Maybe the fact that my friend was murdered?&nbsp; Maybe the fact that I was completely helpless, and couldn't save him?&nbsp; Maybe the fact that I really am a stray?"&nbsp; He looked at her, anger flaring in his eyes.&nbsp; "I mean, look at me.&nbsp; What do I have? Nothing.&nbsp; I've lost, not one, but _two_ families.&nbsp; My apartment, my home? Gone.&nbsp; What's left?&nbsp; Nothing.&nbsp; I don't deserve to live."&nbsp; Stray looked away from Michelle, concentrating on the blood dripping from his injured hand.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't say that.&nbsp; Please, you're scaring me Stray."&nbsp; She moved to hold him.&nbsp; He pulled away from her touch, but she grabbed him tightly.&nbsp; "Listen to me, Stray.&nbsp; It was _not_ your fault. Understand?&nbsp; It just happened; there was nothing you could do.&nbsp; I miss Mike, too, but he's gone and we have to accept that."&nbsp; She caressed his back, putting her face next to his. &nbsp;"You're not a stray, you're my friend. I know things are bad now, but they will get better.&nbsp; I don't know when, or how, but they will.&nbsp; I'll be here for you every step of the way."&nbsp; She kissed his forehead, rubbing his head fur.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I just- I just don't know what to do.&nbsp; Nothing matters to me anymore.&nbsp; I want to do something, anything, but no matter what comes to mind, I just don't feel like it.&nbsp; I can't feel happy."&nbsp; Looking at Michelle, the anger faded from his eyes, slowly being replaced with sorrow.&nbsp; Michelle hugged him tighter.&nbsp; Seeing him in this state was just wrong.&nbsp; She couldn't see the cheerful, nonchalant, friend he was supposed to be.&nbsp; Instead, he was a broken mess of a creature.&nbsp;

Anger swelled within her. Michelle stayed on the bathroom floor, holding her friend, praying that he would be okay- and that the ones who had done this to him would burn in Hell.

Stray let Michelle hold him.&nbsp; He had cut his hand pretty bad on the mirror, but, it would heal.&nbsp; Jacob could patch it up in no time, he figured.&nbsp; Michelle breathed softly on his neck.&nbsp; She was doing her best to soothe him, and it was starting to work.&nbsp; 'Would he ever feel better?' he asked himself.&nbsp; All his feelings, good and bad, had disappeared.&nbsp; A void was all that was left of them. &nbsp;Slowly, he stood.

"I need fresh air."

Michelle nodded.&nbsp; On her way out of the bathroom, she handed him some clothes.&nbsp; Stray put the jeans and plain tee on.&nbsp; He looked at the remains of the mirror, noting he would have to pay Jacob for that. &nbsp;Stepping out, he walked towards the living room. &nbsp;He opened the sliding glass door that lead to the deck outside.&nbsp; The cool air was a relief, as it rushed past his face.&nbsp; Jacob had a nice deck.&nbsp; It looked over the trees, to the city on the horizon.&nbsp; The canine imagined it must look amazing with the city lit up at night.&nbsp; He laid back in one of the deck chairs nearby. The sun was just sinking below the horizon, letting the darkness take the sky.&nbsp; Stray inhaled, wishing there was a place where he could hide from the pain, and the nothingness inside it left him with.&nbsp;

His ears twitched as he heard the door open behind him.&nbsp; "Nice view, isn't it?"&nbsp;&nbsp; Jacob leaned back in the chair next to his.&nbsp; "It's one of the reasons I wanted this house."

"It is a nice view. &nbsp;This house is nice. &nbsp;You must get paid pretty well."&nbsp; Stray commented.

Jacob laughed, "Well, I'm only a few years out of med. school actually.&nbsp; I've been out for about three years. I'm still really just paying back loans."

"Who bought the house then?"

"My parents," the shepherd said indifferently.&nbsp; Stray turned to look at Jacob.

"They must be loaded."

Jacob shrugged. "They're doctors."&nbsp; He stared at the twilight sky.&nbsp; "We all are actually, me, my sisters, and our parents."&nbsp; Stray's eyebrows rose.&nbsp;

"Your entire family?"

"Yup," he continued, avoiding eye contact, "all in different fields."&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray whistled.&nbsp;

"It must have been tough growing up.&nbsp; Under all that pressure to be a doctor."

"Not really," the shepherd shrugged again, still not making eye contact, "I wanted to be one, so I became one."

"They buy you the Camaro, too?"

Jacob smiled, "Yes, it was my graduation present. My parents get us cars for graduating med. school."&nbsp; The shepherd smiled, remembering his graduation day.&nbsp; "It was the happiest day of my life.&nbsp; That day I became _Dr._ Jacob."&nbsp; He chuckled, "The better part of 20 years, working my tail off to get there.&nbsp; Mom and Dad were so proud.&nbsp; I finally had my degree, and my car.&nbsp; My sisters were there, too."&nbsp; Jacob trailed off, his smile fading.&nbsp; Stray noticed.

"Are your sisters older or younger than you?"

"One is older and the other younger." Jacob said apathetically.

Stray thought for a moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Where are you from?"

"The South."

"How did you end up here?&nbsp; It's a little far from home."

Jacob continued staring out over the railing.&nbsp; "I wanted a change of scenery.&nbsp; I was tired of the heat and the flat land."&nbsp; There was something in the doctor's voice, making Stray suspicious.&nbsp; He couldn't quite tell what it was, but Jacob's tone seemed-hurt.

"You ever miss home, and your family?"

Jacob shifted nervously, and cleared his throat.&nbsp; "Actually I haven't talked to any of them in a while.&nbsp; I haven't seen any of them since I graduated, now that I think about it."&nbsp; He continued staring over the trees, towards the city, deep in his own thoughts.&nbsp; His tail swished anxiously, and his ears were held low to his head.&nbsp; Stray guessed that Jacob wasn't telling him everything.&nbsp; He wondered why Jacob was uncomfortable discussing his family.&nbsp; 'Why did you leave your family?', he wondered.

Jacob turned, realizing Stray's hand was bleeding.&nbsp; "What happened to your hand?"&nbsp; Stray looked away, embarrassed.

"Well, I kind of got angry at myself and hit your mirror.&nbsp; I'm sorry, I'll buy you another one."&nbsp;

The shepherd nodded, "I see. Don't worry about it, I'll deal with it later.&nbsp; Here, I can bandage your hand if you want." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both canines turned at the sound of the glass doors being opened.&nbsp; Michelle walked out, forcing a smile.&nbsp; "We all have a lot on our minds.&nbsp; So, how about tonight, we just go out, have a good time, and forget everything for awhile."&nbsp; She suggested, looking in turn at the two males.&nbsp; "We'll go to Underworld, get hammered, and let go of all our problems.&nbsp; It'll be like old times."&nbsp;

"Just without Mike."&nbsp; Stray muttered.&nbsp; Michelle looked down.

"Yes, but we need to get our minds off that.&nbsp; We need to accept he's in a better place, and forget the pain right now.&nbsp; Especially you, Stray."&nbsp; Her blue eyes bored into him.&nbsp; The canine sighed.&nbsp; She was right.&nbsp; He wanted an escape from the pain.&nbsp; Here it was.&nbsp; All he had to do was have a good time with Michelle and her boyfriend.&nbsp; A few drinks and losing himself to the music in the club seemed like a great idea.&nbsp; He had to get his mind off Mike, and his grief.&nbsp; If he didn't start feeling better soon- well he didn't want to imagine what he would do.&nbsp; Turning towards Michelle, he nodded.

Jacob began to walk inside, "Okay, we can take the Camaro, assuming Stray doesn't mind the back seat."&nbsp; The mutt shook his head from side to side.&nbsp; "Oh, and I'll bandage your hand before we go."&nbsp; Stray, thanked him, and followed him inside.&nbsp; After his hand was taken care of, he got in the car with Michelle and Jacob.&nbsp; Jacob backed it out of the garage, and headed for the city.

Stray stared out of the small window, thinking to himself.&nbsp; He had suffered so much lately and now, he was afraid to even sleep.&nbsp; He shivered, remembering the demonic wolf from his nightmare.&nbsp; Even asleep he couldn't escape the pain.&nbsp; Stray shivered again.&nbsp;

If the only thing he had was pain and suffering, what was the point of living?

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/B1QVNb6e
Part of the series Aimless Fate
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