"Um… so we're just supposed to stay here… hiding a stolen, two-hundred pound wolf in our house?" Vitali looked wearily at Aries, inching slowly away from the large predator sitting casually on his tattered sofa.

"Woof!" Ruby barked with a quick nod of her head, her tail slapping impatiently against the ground. She was eager to go, but more eager to get back. I know I promised Thistle and Krystal that I would help them with the drug problem in this town but I don't want Aries to be here for longer than he has to, he's been cramped up in small places for too long.

"I'm pretty sure that's a yes." Verna giggled, rubbing behind Ruby's ear, her fingers sinking deep into her thick, warm fur. Her mind caught back up with reality, remembering suddenly that the large canine sitting between herself and Thistle was a person. Her hand began to pull away, her cheeks heating up in embarrassment… until she felt Ruby's snout bump against her fingers.

You don't need to stop. It's okay. Ruby knew she couldn't speak with human words as a wolf, but somehow, that felt more natural anyway. Her tail gave away her feelings as she wagged it gently back and forth while her cold, wet nose tapped her friend's hand. That was all it took for Verna to guess what Ruby was saying, and nervously resumed scratching behind her ear.

"Relax, I practically raised Ruby, I can take care of this guy." Yang dismissed Vitali's concern with a wave of her hand before falling down on the couch beside Aries. "We stopped at the supermarket on our way here for a reason. We've got enough to feed him and I'll whip us up dinner as thank you for letting us use your place tonight."

"And it's not like you can come with, you haven't exactly been subtle about fighting the dealers, they spot you and we'd be busted before we got close enough. As is, we're just three little girls taking our… very, very big dog for a walk." Even saying that, Thistle couldn't bring herself to look at Ruby, instead her eyes meeting Yang's for just a moment, half expecting the older sister to be offended, but instead, she just looked amused.

"We don't have time to debate who's going, we need to deal with this tonight." Krystal spoke quietly, emerging from the kitchen with a somber visage. "Thanks for letting me keep Alan here, Vitali."

"I know we aren't related, but that you and that idiot are family." For all his bravado, the carefree smile Vitali wore gave way to a worried, frustrated look. "How is he?"

"Not well… he took another shot of Venom while we were rescuing Aries. I- I thought I cleared the apartment but apparently he had one stashed away somewhere." The strong willed girl quivered, her voice shaking as she fought back the urge to cry, but Ruby could smell her pain.

"Krystal…" Thistle stepped forward, her hand raising up to comfort her friend across the room… but she only made it a single step. Her hand fell helplessly back to her side and impotent anger welled up inside her small body.

"He's going to be out for a while, he'll need to be hydrated and kept cool. Make sure he stays laying on his side in case he throws up." With a trembling breath, Krystal clenched her fists and puffed up her tail.

"Don't worry, we'll take good care of him. Just make sure you come back safe for us, you too pipsqueak." Vitali grinned at his little sister, but everyone could feel the growing unease in the room, the atmosphere was getting so heavy it was almost unbearable.

"We'll be back soon." Thistle slowly pushed the door open, letting in a rush of cool, autumn night air.

"Oh, wait, almost forgot!" Yang blurted out, reaching into a plastic bag beside the couch.

"I bought this for Ruby, figured it would make you all look less suspicious." Without hesitating, the Huntress in training held a heavy duty leash and collar swaying form her hand. The collar was thick leather and from it dangled a rose shaped crest…

"Woof!" An indignant bark erupted, filling whole room. Ruby was used to being naked, even comfortable enough around people she just met that day, but now her ears were heating up and her tail was held low between her legs. I can't believe she did that! It even has my name on it! How is this helping me keep my secret!?

"Are- um… are you sure that's okay?" Verna's cheeks had ignited into a furious pink, unconsciously scooching away from the agitated wolf beside her.

"Of course I'm sure! I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner, and she'll look so cute in it too!" The older sister was having way too much fun at Ruby's expense as she knelt down in front of her and unclasped the collar.

"Grrrrroooo!" With a whiny growl Ruby backed up until she felt her butt hit the door. Her ears fell back against her head and her tail stayed low. S-stop it Yang! I don't want that on! This isn't funny! She's totally serious. Why is she doing this in front of everyone? Aries is staring at me, so is Verna… wait, why is she blushing! Why did that make me even more embarrassed? Why-

Click.

"There, perfect fit." Dusting off her hands, Yang stood up to admire her work. The collar was hidden within Ruby's fur but the silver, rose shaped tag dangling onto her chest was clearly visible with her name in beautiful red lettering.

"Hrmmmm." Ruby murmured while her back leg kicked uselessly at the collar. I'm so getting you back for this!

"Pfff… heh-heh." A barely suppressed laugh caught everyone off guard, the room turning to the smiling, grateful face of Krystal who was carefully wiping away her tears. "Thanks… I um… I needed that."

"I figured we could all use a laugh." Yang gave an affirming nod to Krystal before turning to Verna. "Here, you should hold her leash."

"Oh! I- I don't know." Ruby could hear Verna's heart racing and smell her anxiety and unease. Meanwhile, her own heart was pounding, her burning hot ears pointed straight up and her fur was puffed out.

"If people see a dog the size of Ruby off a leash they'll get suspicious, I have to stay here and take care of Aries, I'm trusting you to take care of her." Yang grabbed Verna's hand and forced the leash into before firmly tightening her grip while her eyes burned red. "Don't let me down okay?"

"I won't…" Verna's face took a serious tone as she secured the leash around her wrist and hand before clasping it onto Ruby's collar. "I'll keep her safe."

"We should leave, we have a long night ahead of us." Krystal's tail twitched back and forth and Ruby could smell her impatience and anxiety.

"Boof!" Ruby barked in agreement, more than eager to leave before being subjected to any more of her sister's teasing. Still, as the door opened and Thistle took the lead, the young she-wolf spared one more long glance back at the wolf she had saved.

Aries' ears were pointed straight up and his was raised from the soft couch cushion. He didn't want her to go, she could tell. His body language, his scent and his whines so soft no one else could hear them, they all begged Ruby to stay.

I want to… I do, but I have to help them. I promised I'd save you, and I will. Just wait, and listen to my sister. As a wolf, she could communicate in more ways than a human could, including scents. She let her body exude an assuring, calming scent so subtle that it was barely there, but she knew he smelled her once his muscles relaxed. Her eyes flicked towards her sister for just a moment, and he left out a long sigh in acknowledgement.

In only a second, the two wolves shared a secret conversation. In a room full of people, even including her own sister, only another wolf could truly understand her.

With that sad thought weighing on her heart, Ruby was ushered out the door by Verna. Led by her leash, Ruby stepped outside into the cool autumn air, before the door closed behind her.