"Grrrrr...."

I weakly swatted somewhere, hoping to get whatever was messing with my left ear to stop. Whatever it was did so for a moment, but then switched to the other, making me roll over in order to try to swat them away again.

Play!

Play? It was way too early to play. I always slept in if I could, and I was pretty sure I didn't have anything overly important to do that day.

Plaaaay, Tanner!

There was a sudden thump on my muzzle, making me snort and grumble with annoyance. I still wasn't ready to get up, though, and quickly rolled back over into the grass to curl up... except the butt-face bothering me then grabbed my tail and began to yank, hard.

Hey!

Alright, someone was gonna get bitten. With a frustrated growl, I jumped up and ran after the black wolf who had been tugging at my ears and tail. But, uh, he bolted away, only to drop onto his front arms and wiggle his butt in the air. Seriously? He was bugging me this whole time just to play like a puppy? I wasn't a huge fan of playing, and it was way too early in the morning for it since I'd sneaked away the night before with my mom to retrieve my stuff from the hotel in Cole's hometown and leave my rental car at the business I'd gotten it from.

When I flopped back down and stretched out in the grass, the other wolf sauntered away. Good. I realized that it was Cole, but I still needed a few more minutes... just a few more. A minute later, a squeak had my ears abruptly perking up, then my head lifting when the sound was made again. What the heck was Cole holding between his teeth? Was that a... a...

Ball!

My wolf whined loudly as it jumped up and dashed after the ball.

Ball. Ball. Ball. Ball.

We raced around the yard, me chasing Cole, who was holding my real target. Why didn't he slow down?

Ball!

Gotta come get it, Tanner, he chimed playfully through my mind. I was trying to get the darn thing. Giving a gruff growl, I picked up my speed as we blurred around the pool and back out into the thick grass. Then we edged around the fence to return to the pool. My mind was focused completely on the ball, and when it went up, I jumped to catch it... only to realize that Cole had just tossed it over the swimming pool. A loud splash rang through the quiet morning air as I caught the ball, then dropped into the chilly swimming pool directly below. I got one good squeak in before making the plunge. It was one hell of a wake-up tactic, but I immediately snapped out of my sleepiness and scrambled to the stairs. When I finally got out, I could hear a certain bastard-wolf snickering off to the side.

Oh? You think that is funny? Well, I have the ball.

With a squeeze of my jaws, I squeaked the ball and lunged, head-butting him in the side just hard enough to send him over the edge and into the icy water, even though he clawed at the side to try to halt his imminent swim. I could hear Cole grumbling in my mind at the cold but was much too busy playing with my awesome new squeaky ball. I mean, come on. Whoever thought of adding a squeaker to a tennis ball was a fuckin' genius. Of course I felt like a soggy doggy, and also probably was beginning to smell like one, but again, no caring. Ball!

"Tanner. You have a phone call from a guy named Ryder."

Awww, poo.

I quickly shifted and shook off before taking my phone and flopping down into a lawn chair by the pool, the ball clenched tightly in my free hand. I could also see an angry soaked pup glower at me from the edge of the pool, but my attention was generally on what Ryder was saying.

"Hey, Tanner, been trying to get a hold of you for two days now."

"Uh, yeah. Sorry, my phone was dead and I didn't realize it."

"Yeah, yeah. Well, where are you? We're coming to pick you up. Our next tour starts in two days so we gotta get to New York."

"Holy shit, really? New York?" I said, shocked. We'd only played gigs a few hours away from where I lived, but to go to New York?

"A-Are we driving or flying?" I asked curiously.

"Driving. That's why we need to leave soon. Where are ya?"

"Uh, at Cliff Royal. It's a little ways up in the mountains from where you dropped me off before. Just go up Main Street until the road ends and take a right. Then follow that road till you get to the town. I'll be in the big white mansion. It's hard to miss."

"Uh, weird. But okay. We're on our way. This is gonna be so awesome."

I chuckled at his enthusiasm before something hit me. Or well, a certain pair of eyes blinked up at me from the water again.

"H-Hey, um, can I bring a friend by chance?"

"Eh? You know we only have enough rooms on the bus for us and the manager."

Of course I knew that. It had cost a lot to add on the extra small doors and walls to actually make some tiny rooms. It was almost like a mobile home thing now, but with a much smaller walkway since the back part of the bus had been changed.

"I-I know...h-he could just stay with me."

Silence fell over the other end of the phone before I quickly stumbled out a reply. "H-He's a friend, and he's fallen on hard times. Please? He won't be in the way... Heck, he could probably help us with stage stuff and what not."

There was a tired sigh on the other end of the phone, but I knew I'd get my way. Or at least I could bribe my way... Turning away from Cole, I covered my mouth and quietly whispered into the phone.

"I'll make it worth your while."

I knew that would get him. He was so predictable.

"M-Mnn, fine. But you owe me," he stuttered out, making me smirk.

"Got it."

"We'll be there in three hours, you and your friend better be ready 'cause I'm dragging you on the bus even if you aren't."

The call clicked off before I could respond. Hmph, good ol' Ryder. When I glanced up to look at Cole, I got much more of a view than I was expecting. Not that I'd ever complain about seeing that delicious, wet, well-muscled body sauntering toward me. With a whimper, I got up and dove into the pool to keep myself from jumping him in a not-so-dignified way. At all. The frigid water chilled a certain item that had gotten way too hot too quickly, and I sighed with relief before turning around in the water. Okay, he's naked. That doesn't mean I have to jump his bones.

Woof, mate mate mate.

No, not woof mate mate mate, I corrected my wolf.

Mate, arf? It tried, making me inwardly groan.

No, no mate arf!

My wolf sulked in my head as I shoved it away from the controls. Didn't need what almost happened last night to occur again, and right before I planned to ask him to stay with me on a bus for an unknown amount of time.

Alright, friend face. Not 'I'm gonna eat you like a delicious jar of peanut budder' face, I thought to myself. Unfortunately, that gave me an amazing image of peanut budder smeared on his body just for me to lick off.

After a quick dive back underwater, I frustratingly mumbled out, "H-Hey, Cole... so... my band is heading to New York."

He stopped by the edge of the pool, torturing me with a full frontal view of amazingness. Err, I think I just drooled, among other things. Ignoring my stupidity, I bit my lip hard and forced the question from my lips before I lost my chance.

"U-Uh, yeah. Um. Do you uhm... wanna come?"

~Cole~

Did I want to come? Did I want to leave everything I had? My job and my pack, to go to New York? At first, the thought seemed ridiculous, but then I actually began to think about it and quickly felt my heart drop into my stomach. I had no pack to go back to. I couldn't work at that school without somewhere to live, and I didn't have enough in my bank account to get a decent place. I might if I could hunt for food, but you couldn't take game in another pack's territory.

So basically, he's offering me an out, but I'm not sure he can keep himself from going after me again...

"I'll behave. I promise, I just, you just, you can't go back there. It's too dangerous."

My legs slowly turned into jelly, making me squat down in front of him. With shaky hands, I pushed my fingers through my damp, shaggy hair and sighed again. My ribs were hurting, but they should've been mostly mended by now since they hadn't hurt too badly when we were running around.

"My life."

I was so happy where I was. Happy with what I had. Sure, I don't have a mate, and my eye is damaged, which will eventually make me lose my spot as alpha to Rowin, but why now?

A few gentle fingers came into view a second later and began to slowly rub against my cheek, then brush my wet hair aside to tuck behind my left ear.

"Cole..."

"I-I need to think about this," I stuttered out quietly. Before he could really reply, I got up and walked back into the house, going straight to the first bathroom I could find and locking myself in. A nice long shower was definitely needed... and some good crying. Hmph, an alpha crying over something that wasn't unbearable pain, pathetic. My mind wandered through everything that I had lost the past few days. Everything I had worked so hard to obtain.

Maybe I should just...

A loud bang on the door had me snapping my head toward it. The shower curtain was frosted, but I could still see enough. A second bang sounded harder, then the door was splintering inward and—

"W-Whoa."

Tanner was suddenly there, I mean here.

"Wh-What are you doing?" I stammered right before his arms were around me in a blur, hugging me tightly to his strong chest. I expected him to try to attack me again, but instead of licking my neck or face like I expected, he just pressed his forehead against my collarbone?

"Please don't ever think such things again. I-I'll get you back everything you lost. I'll give you a pack and a home. I'll pay you to teach me English and writing. I really need help, especially with the poems Ryder writes. When this tour is over, I'll buy you any house you want. So please. Please don't think that way."

My body sagged in his arms when I realized that my mind had thought something so disturbing. My wolf whined through my lips, and I let it take over to nuzzle against Tanner.

"I'm sorry," I whispered against his warm skin. I heard him chuckle quietly in response and couldn't help but smile.

"Just don't ever think that again, okay? I'll show you that it can only get better. And it will get so much better that you'll be the happiest pup in the world."

He was swaying us back and forth like one would do to calm a child as he spoke.

"You're such a dork," I said sarcastically.

"What's that word? I dunno it yet."

I glanced up at him with raised brows since I was pretty sure I'd called him that before, so he should've known it, but as soon as I saw his cocky smirk, I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out.

"Cocky little puppy. You ran away all those years ago, and I think you came back younger."

Tanner puffed out his cheeks and nipped my nose with a playful growl.

"I think I grew up quite nicely, even if my Engrish ishn't dat gwate. Even my scar looks good now."

The scar... his leg... My eyes drifted downward to see the slightly raised skin that ran in a straight line from his lower calf to his knee cap. Doc had done a great job with the surgery. It also felt nearly smooth to the touch. Err, wait. I quickly pulled my hand away, only to have it grasped by both of Tanner's.

"H-Hey..."

My eyes rose to meet his hesitantly, confused at what I saw there. What was that emotion? Wh-Why?

"Why do you look so sad?" I asked quietly, concern lacing my voice. I was the one crying and thinking of... bad things, so why does he look like he's lost someone close to him?

"Because I almost did," he whispered, answering my thoughts before continuing, "Dangerous thoughts spur dangerous actions."

His hand gently rubbed against my cheek, and instinct had me leaning into it.

"I'll try to think more positively," I said calmly. His frown turned upward slightly at my words, making my own match in moments.

"Alright. So, wanna grab some breakfast before we head out? I'm gonna kidnap you for the tour."

Oh, right. That.

Well, I guess I didn't really have anywhere else to go... and if what he was offering was anything like he said it would end up being, I might have something worth living for again. To get even half of what I had back would be amazing. With that thought, I squared my shoulders and gave him a determined nod.

"Sure. Not like I have anything to lose anymore."

I saw a faint hint of hurt in his eyes, but he covered it up quickly before winking at me and getting out of the shower.

"Food's ready, come on."

Pursing my lips, I climbed out of the shower and got dried off. I ducked out of the bathroom and quickly found some clothing that fit decently well. The shorts were a bit big, but I simply rolled them a few times. Perfect! I was just turning toward the door when I heard a growl coming from that direction. Suddenly I was shoved onto the huge bed and a frustrated wolf was rolling all over me.

"What are you doing, you fuzzbag?" I shouted as Tanner rubbed against me like crazy. He was off of me a minute and back in human form a minute after I'd yelled at him.

"What the hell was that?" I growled as I sat up with a scowl on my face.

"You smelled like him..."

"I smelled like....oh."

Then these were Kine's clothes. Wait a second.

"You were jealous? Of me just putting on his clothes?"

Tanner matched my scowl before he ran out of the room. Hey! You're not getting away that easily. With a growl, I climbed out of the bed and darted around the corner and into the kitchen. Oh, man. There was so much food. Watermelon, grapes, bagels, spreads, eggs, ham, sausage, yumminess. I didn't hesitate to load up a plate and flop down right against the corner cabinets, completely forgetting about teaching Tanner a lesson. What? I wanted to eat right away, not walk around to the table or sofa. Halfway through my meal, Tanner actually came over to sit beside me.

"The band will probably be here in an hour or two, just to let you know."

I nodded and nibbled at a big piece of sausage. Yes yes, perverted innuendos and all that, but it was good sausage.

"You can just wear the clothes I have on the bus until we get some time to buy you some."

"O-Okay," I replied after swallowing my mouthful of food. I was going to argue that Kine wasn't going to be wearing his clothing any time soon and that I could easily wear them, but it wasn't worth having to deal with the grumpy puppy who would likely try to squash me again to spread his scent.

"Hey, Tanner. Your dad got you something fun to play with."

I looked at Tanner, but he was already getting up as his mother walked into the room with... Oh my god, don't do that to the poor guy. His mother was unwrapping a small toy that you could find in any pet store called a rubber kong. Tanner eyed it with confusion, but when his mom got out the jar of peanut butter from the fridge and put a good amount of it inside the kong, then tossed it into the living room.... yeah. Tanner went flying as he howled and bolted after the maniacal device. They were often used to keep puppies busy, especially when teething, but this was totally hilarious. I looked up at his mom with a smirk, and she grinned right back.

"You are an evil, awesome mom."

I whispered the words as she walked over and sat beside me on the floor.

"That should keep him distracted for a good while. Now then, I wanted to talk with you before you two set out for New York."

"Oh? A-Alright..."

She giggled quietly and patted my shoulder.

"No need to be so tense, hun. I'm not going to try to pressure you into anything, especially when it involves my fuzzy son. I just wanted to let you know that he still has trouble controlling his wolf. It seems like it takes over when he gets stirred up. Since you'll be with him for a little while when on the road, maybe you guys could work on his control a bit. I'm sure he'd appreciate it."

My lips curved up into a small smile, and I nodded.

"Sure. I think I can do wonders with him as long as we can take that kong along and stock the fridge with enough peanut butter to feed an army."

She laughed and nodded before getting up, then taking my empty plate to the sink.

"If you'd like, go take a nap in one of the rooms. Tanner will wake you when the bus gets here."

Hmm, a good nap after stuffing myself sounded perfect.

"Thanks, I think I'll take you up on that offer."

After getting my butt up off the floor, I sauntered into the living room, rolling my eyes when I saw Tanner on his back, all four paws in the air trying to hold the kong still so that he could get the peanut butter out better. Yeah, wasn't working. Most adult wolves just knew to lick around the edges in a circle to get the stuff out... but Tanner was special. Oh well. At least it would keep him busy. After watching him for a few minutes, I quietly walked into the master bedroom and fell onto the blankets. There was a slight dip in the bed a moment later, then the sound of licking started up.

Yup, that's my pup, I thought to myself right before I drifted off to sleep.