#7

Sable woke with a headache and a sore throat. She opened her eyes to ask Snow for some broth, but found Anju there instead. Instantly, her body stiffened and her eyes darted for her white wolf. But, she didn't see him.

She was scared, but didn't let the female see as she made food and helped her outside to exercise.

"Snow?" she called through the link.

"What?" he answered shortly.

"Where are you?"

"Home. Anju is there. I'll be back eventually."

With that, he blocked her off. Hurt, she stayed quiet the rest of the day.

Snow ran the territory boundaries with his father, an ache in his heart at the way Sable begged her father to take her home, to leave him. His heart ached for how she looked at him with hatred in her eyes, like he was the enemy. His heart ached at the way she sounded scared when she asked where he was, yet he steeled himself from it all, hardening against her sweet voice. He would not allow himself to get hurt.

"Snow, what happened?"

"Nothing. It doesn't matter!" He ran harder, faster, making his mind shut down until there was nothing but emptiness inside.

Anju watched the female go about her day with silence. After one day of asking questions, she didn't think the female would be any more open today. Something was wrong though, she knew it. Something happened between her and Snow. But Snow was not answering questions either. He has blocked out the pack, locking himself up so tight, not even Turk could get through to him.

Lass came by to play with Sable, but the female ignored the wolf, focusing on her exercises instead. Lass whined, looking to Anju, who shook her head. Lass left, tail between her legs. The next day, Anju suggested Turk have Mazelina bring over a few pups. When they arrived, there was a small success in how Sable softened toward the pups, but she closed off to the adults.

By day four, Snow still did not return, and Sable was not eating. Anju tried to make her stay inside, but the female was adamant about getting stronger. Anju let her go, sighing in despair. That night, she helped Sable with food then went outside while she went to sleep. "Alpha, something is wrong. Where is Snow?"

"Burning himself out with running. He won't come to the den."

"Where on the borders?"

"He's not running borders anymore. He's just running. It's like something snapped. I've never seen him like this. It's worrying."

"Can you link him?"

"No. Completely blocked me out. Snow isn't acting right. Anju, what happened?"

"I don't know. Sable isn't talking. She has stopped eating entirely. She played with the pups, but won't play or talk to the adults. I think it's because of Snow."

"I'll find him. Keep her close."

Anju sighed and went back inside, looking to the bed, but it was empty. She went to the bathroom, but Sable wasn't there either. Worried for the female, she shifted into her wolf and ran into the forest.

Snow was running, about to leave the pack territory when his father slammed up against his mental shields, demanding entrance. Snow whimpered and allowed it. "Where are you?"

"Running."

"Get to your mate! Now!"

Snow shook himself and stood. "Anju is watching her. I'm sure she's fine."

"She's gone!"

This made Snow stop arguing and start sniffing the air. When he got nothing, he began to go to the tiny house that he set Sable up in and begin tracking her there, however, he didn't get far when he saw a form on the ground against a tree. Snow bounded over to find Sable, curled up crying softly.

"Why are you out here alone?"

Her green eyes looked up at him and he saw relief. "I wanted to find you. I was worried about you. You've been gone for so long."

He growled. "Don't you want to go home? Away from me?"

Sable furrowed her brows. "What are you talking about? I just wanted to spend time with my father, not leave you. I didn't want my father hurt. I didn't want to live without him, not ever knowing if he is safe. He's the only family I have."

Snow put his hackles down and relaxed, finding truth in her words. He sat down and nuzzled her chin. "How did you get away from Anju?" he asked in a softer tone.

"She was talking to someone, unaware of me climbing out the window and falling onto the ground. Then, I stumbled here. I couldn't go further. I couldn't find you. I couldn't contact anyone."

Snow grunted and laid up against her, letting Sable wrap her arms around his neck as he kept her warm. He let her gain strength before making her get up and follow him back. She steadied herself with a hand in his fur, which he didn't mind one bit.

When they got back, it was nearly dawn and he let Sable sleep, laying in the doorway and watching her. "Call off the search party," he told his father. "I have her."

"Are you done sulking about the forest?"

"I don't sulk." Snow heard Sable's breathing even out and knew she was asleep. "But yes, I am done."

"Good. Tomorrow, you're bringing her to the den where she can be watched."

First thing in the morning after Sable ate, Mazelina and Turk arrived and made sure Snow made the change. Snow was apprehensive about the move as Sable was even more scared of Turk and now, Anju, than ever. But she kept close as they walked towards the large mountain. Snow saw his brothers playing just outside, tackling each other while Noreen watched, and eventually joined in. They passed the pile of bodies and into the garage, where an elevator waited to take them up to the first floor of the den.

The moment the doors slid open, Sable got behind Snow to hide. But no one was focused on the new female, but on the alpha pair. Snow snuck passed the chaos of questions being thrown and dragged Sable to his rooms, just beyond his parents' chamber. However, Kortan blocked their way and gave a large smile to Snow. "I haven't seen you in weeks! Where have you been? Your parents are tight lipped!"

Snow grinned. "Out. Kortan, you have the worst timing. I think it's your age."

Kortan waved a hand and noticed Sable. He immediately sobered. His voice soft, he said, "Hey, there, beautiful! I'm Kortan!"

Sable whimpered, having never met the male before. Snow turned and brought Sable into his arms, holding her against his chest. "He won't hurt you. He's just loud."

Kortan took no offense to this statement and knelt, becoming smaller than Sable. "You know, you remind me of Little Noreen. I bet you have spirit behind that shy façade, don't you?"

"Kortan, it's not a façade," Snow hissed.

"What happened? Rudi said she is quick to laugh and play."

"She's changing environments."

Kortan hummed to himself and held out a hand. "What's your name, Beautiful?"

Sable looked to Snow, who nodded his encouragement. She looked back to Kortan and whispered her name. "She's my mate," Snow added firmly.

Kortan snorted. "I figured that out the moment I saw her clinging to you!" He smiled at Sable. "Which is a fine choice, Sable. Snow is a huge softy even though he looks like a bull." Kortan leaned forward, whispering, "He likes to play hide and seek, if you want to get him in a good mood."

Snow narrowed his eyes. "Kortan, don't you have work to do?"

"Oh yeah!" Kortan stood and focused on the main area behind Snow. "Is your father here? I need to talk to him."

"Yeah." Snow gestured and Kortan left. Snow led Sable into his rooms before any more interruptions and locked his door.

"Kortan is older, right?"

"He's part of my father's guard and one of his friends. He is just like my brothers though and likes to joke around."

Sable nodded, looking around. "Do you like hide and seek?"

Snow shrugged. "Sure. I have a really good nose and my senses of how other people like to hide is good too."

"Why does he call me beautiful?"

Snow blinked. "Have you ever looked in a mirror?"

Sable shrugged. "I think I look good, but I don't know about beautiful." She looked at Snow then, eyes wide. "Was he flirting?"

Snow laughed. "No! Kortan doesn't flirt! That's just how he is around others, especially pups. He was just trying to make you more comfortable around him."

"Then why call me beautiful?"

Snow walked up to her and cupped her face with both hands. "Because you are. Even my father thinks so. Anyone can compliment you, Sable. It does not mean they plan on hurting you."

She was quiet for a long moment. "That's how they lured me in. Compliments. I grew comfortable with them too, until it was too late."

"No one here will hurt you. If they do, they're dead." Snow let her go and went to his closet where he found some of his mother's old clothes given to Sable. "Here. Why don't you pick something then shower. After, we'll go somewhere I think you'll like."

Sable walked over and gasped at all the clothes awaiting her. "Are those mine?"

Snow smirked. "Unless there's another female named Sable that also looks like you, yes."

Sable grinned and hurriedly began to sift through the pieces, as close to pleasure as Snow had ever seen her. He hoped to get that reaction more as time came. He would treasure every one, never forgetting them.

Twenty minutes later, Sable was showered and dressed in a flowy dress of light blue with a pair of flats, gazing down at herself. Snow directed her to the floor length mirror and watched as she twirled around in front of it. He smiled, then grabbed her hand and led her back out into the fray of the den. This time, Sable walked beside him, more confident than before. He led her to some stairs and went up a flight, then to a room that had squeals and cries and laughter coming from it.

"Wait here," he told her, and rushed into the room. "Dez, can I speak to you for a moment?"

Dezra, nursery leader and pup extraordinaire, smiled at Snow and set pups down, making her way through paints and crayons and toys. "How can I help my most quiet pup?"

Snow smiled. "I don't know about quietest."

Dezra crossed her arms. "Snow, I have never seen a pup so young look so solemn in a room full of toys."

Snow rolled his eyes then stepped out of the nursery. Sable was there, looking from Snow to Dezra. Snow shut the door softly and went to his mate. "Dezra, this is Sable. She would like to work with the pups here."

Dezra gave Sable a big smile. "So, you're the one our Luna stole a few pups for a few days ago? The pups were so excited about you, and cried when you didn't come to see them."

Sable warmed instantly. "Are they all here? The pups?"

"All the ones you saw and more!" Dezra opened the door to the chaos and gestured inside. "Why don't you go introduce yourself. I'm sure the pups will enjoy your company."

Sable looked at Snow. "Should I change?"

"No, just tell them you have to stay pretty for your mate," Dezra answered before Snow could. "They take mates seriously at a young age."

Still, Sable was looking at Snow for confirmation. He smiled. "Dezra knows best. But do what you want."

Sable glanced down at herself then shrugged. She was about to disappear into the fray of children and puppies, when she turned back and looked at him with wide eyes. "Where are you going?"

"I'll be back in an hour. I need to go speak to my father and mother." He looked to Dezra. "Take care of her?"

"From the children or from the pack?" Dezra asked teasingly. Sable stared at her, and Snow saw the beginnings of fear sparking in her eyes. Dezra must have seen it too because she cleared her throat. "Honey, I am with pups twenty-four seven. I protect them while all of you do business. I think I can handle your mate!"

This made Sable relax and go inside the room. Snow smiled. "Thank you Dez."

"Boy, don't thank me for anything. You are the son of a very special Alpha and Luna. I would do anything for you and your family."

With that, Dezra went back into the nursery to join Sable and the pups. Snow went to find his father.