He was happy to have felt the large mutt lean against him once more. When feeling his mate move in such a way, the pallid wolf did his best to make the other feel as welcome as could be. One of West's fore-paws was brought up and placed just behind the other's head, bringing him in so that he may once again rest against the white chest. After all, what took residence within said chest now belonged to Shade. Well, it always has, just, not anywhere near this openly. This honestly was just the best. Time seemed to have stopped for a moment as the amber orbs were trailed down, allowing him to gaze at the handsome dog whom leaned so close to him. My how lovely did it feel to have Shade fit his body against his own. It felt so nice to have their fur mingle and warmth be shared. Though, like all nice things, it'd come to an end shortly do that they may cover the rest of their way home.

He almost whined when Shade left his grip, and soon became a tad cold again. The only thing that kept his maw shut was the fact that his clever sable romance had once again snuck a kiss from him. The white wolf sat there, and blinked dumbly. He looked like a big confused puppy with his lips puckered in a late attempt to return the kiss, and that befuddled expression of his. "Wh–Heeeey, I wanna get kisses too!" West grumbled playfully, and his cheeks began to redden a tad. He had no idea how to have a relationship like this. Not one clue. However, he'd try his absolute best to please his lover. His former statement was just a bit out of character for such a large male, but, he didn't care. If it made his mate happy, West'd wear a princess get-up and prance about on the tips of his toes. Whatever Shade wanted, he'd get. Period.

After not having been granted the chance to return such a lovely portrayal of affection, he feel forward into a joyous trot, and when coming up beside Shade, he leaned into the alpha and let their sides brush together. It felt so nice, and so warm. He then created space for each of them, backing off a tad, but not too far. Luckily for West, he had a companion on his trip home through the dark. Even though the spirits were known as non-malicious entities, they still spooked him a bit with their random appearances and unwarranted visits. There was no sign, really, they sorta just poofed.

"My family?" His pointed ears perked at the sound of Shade's voice, and he turned to take a quick glance at the black wolf, as if he were making sure that was who'd spoken out to him. "Ah.. Well, I mean... Not too much that I haven't already told you.. Since there really isn't much to tell at all." He settles his gaze on the path forward, and could feel his chest swelling with emotion. This time it was a bit more melancholy. He'd only told Shade about their lives in the pack, but, never brought himself to explain what exactly had caused him to become a lone wolf. "I guess.. I guess now I could shed a bit more light on the situation... I'm sorry, but, I've not told you the whole story about my family, and origins.." He added, his tone softening to match the decibel of their light footfall. Thankfully there were no twigs or leaves beneath their feet, otherwise they might've both been in for a big scare. West drew in a good deal of oxygen, then spoke once more. "We were thieves... Well, they.. Or, we... But, we didn't steal from those who needed it.. And, we never took pride in that sort of lifestyle... Especially not me.. We stole from hunters and poachers. Since they stole things of much more value than simple materialistic things, we held little pity for our actions towards them.. We'd take medical supplies, blankets, pillows, and, even this thing they called 'candy'. It was odd, since it came in so many different forms, but, they were really sugary. The taste was quite nice, though, it wasn't something I could've had very much of. The pups seemed to enjoy that the most." He stopped, becoming silent as a slight grin began to play on his lips. It was quite obvious that he'd taken a little trip down Memory Lane. West was always nice to the pups in his pack, and found them to be quite adorable. They were so innocent and pure, and their lack of knowledge wasn't one to be ridiculed, but, rather admired. "We lived out our days in such a fashion for quite some time. But.. I do believe that it was our way of living that truly attracted them to us..." He drew in another deep breath before rambling on. "You see, one day, everything was going pretty much the same as every other. From sunset to just before it lowered behind the mountains, everything was normal. However, just as darkness began to roll over the land, an odd feeling of unease spread throughout the pack. We all felt it - that was obvious, but not many spoke up. Then, it happened. Men with large sticks that had a cylindrical opening at their tips came running through our den, and before I knew it, chaos had ensued." Gradually, his smile seemed as though it'd fallen victim to gravity's law, and instead of his lips curling upward, they were wrenched down, and a frown had settled into his complexion. "Loud bangs echoed throughout the caves, and my people started to die... They had holes in them, and, blood was sprayed everywhere.. Those people had no mercy.. They cared little for our bloodcurdling cries, or our pathetic pleas for mercy... They were in the seat of power, and, they'd made us their mark. There was... So much blood.. The blood of those I called brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, papa, and mama... All of them, they were slain without hesitation, before my very eyes..." West felt the salty liquids beginning to form along his waterline once again, pursing his lips to keep from letting them flow. "Eventually, those of us who weren't killed made it out to the hills, and we ran.. They chased us... And continued to kill.. I'm not sure who survived aside from me..." West finally finished with his story, and, it was beyond his control to let loose a few tears. His pace slowed just a bit, and both of the thin pointed ears that laid upon his cranium were pinned back. How long until they could lay down, and West could lose himself in Shade once more?

All who knew of their species would thoughtlessly vouch for the notion that they were a brutal part of nature. And they weren't wrong for it. Wolves have been around for as long as anyone could remember, preying upon even species who were rules to be predators of their own. Though, it was also clear that loyalty ran deep within the tailed beasts. As ferocious and unrelenting as they could be, if another of their kind would touch their heart, the two individuals would be friends for a lifetime. Unless, of course, there was a mishap in which a single party lost out while the other gained from their downfall; whether it be minor or significantly major. Bottom line is that the animals of which he spoke on were vicious. That reason alone seemed to be enough to cause friction with species that dwell far from home. Humans were one of those species, and, truthfully, they outclassed the mutts in every way imaginable.

It'd been a while since he quieted himself, yet, silence remained thick between the two wolves. The only sounds now were the light thuds of their footfall, and the rhythmic thumping of Shade's heart. Although it was feint, he definitely was able to hear it. Silence was common on this path, since creatures chose not to inhabit the forest around the area. They held a theory that spirits kept them away. Either by choice, or simply because they naturally scared off the insects and smaller animals. He enjoyed listening to the soft beat coming from within his mate's chest. 'Don't you ever stop making that noise, please, Shade.' West thought to himself, only to be interrupted by a bit of weight being forced against his side. He already knew who exactly it was that had pressed up against him, and he didn't mind it, not a single bit. In fact, he felt his heart rate quicken, and his eyes lit up some. Warmth quickly spread through him. It was really nice to have someone to be like this with. To hold them above all else, as yours. He'd give his life for this black mutt, without hesitation. Years of strife to become what they are now, and countless days alone, just them two, had obviously left a big impression on the white wolf's heart. Though, he now knew that the same had happened with his buddy, and, their lives would intertwine in a way that would bring about the best of days.

"Hunting dogs?" He repeated in a shallow voice, his train of thought departing once again. Rewind. Further back. Back to the gruesome annihilation of his entire family. Back to the bloodiest day he'd ever bore witness to. If it were anyone but Shade to have asked, he would've hurt them, right then and there. He trusted the sable mutt, and honestly, he didn't mind speaking about it with Shade as much as he did with others. Not nearly as much, obviously. He was there to help West for practically his entire life, and, as stated before, loyalty runs deep. "There were six, total." He finally spoke up once more, but not before clearing his throat. "Three of the hunters were unarmed, and instead, they each manned a pair of dogs." West was sure of this, though, what puzzled him was why the other asked about it. It was something that even West himself didn't bother remembering. "Why do you ask?"

The shrine was now in sight. Torches lot their way to the beautiful den that they called home. Finally, he could abandon life's troubles for a bit, and seek refuge within his handsome hound of a mate. Shade really was just too attractive. Though, he was unsure of one thing. Would he sleep with Shade where the alpha normally slept, or would they share his own little space? Not that he'd mind at all, so long as Shade didn't mind sharing the area with a slightly-chubby dog such as himself. At least their snuggles would be nice and warm, no?

Still confused as to why the other had brought up the question regarding his memories of that night, he remained silent. West wasn't angry. Not at all. He was just a bit dumbfounded, and wasn't exact sure how to say what he wanted to say at that moment. Truthfully, all he wanted to do was to tell Shade that he loved him, and then ask where they would be sleeping. But, the obligation to further this chat of theirs lingered in his chest. Though, a new feeling began to stir as well. Unease, would've been the best way to describe it.

Now within the shrine's boundaries, he caught scent of familiar bodies. None were here, but, they'd inhabited the place for so long that each spot occupied by members of his pack could be identified by scent. It was a thing for wolves, he supposed, to be gifted with such a great sense of smell.

Upon hearing Shade speak up, the white wolf's ears perked. However, what he heard brought about a torrent of mixed emotions. At first, anger had manifested deep within his breast area. The wolf he loved for so long took part in the annihilation of his family. Not just a few injuries over a skirmish. No. His whole pack had been slaughtered before his eyes. It was at that moment that he lessened the weight he'd put on Shade's side to press back against the dark wolf. If it were anyone else but Shade, he'd have taken the chance right now to rip their throat out after giving them a mouthful of their own innards. Heat struck his face, and a low growl caused the white wolf's chest to vibrate. He didn't even tell West, either. How could he?

"Shade.." West spoke in a gentle, stern tone, then stopped and began to think once again.

Of course, he could've very well chosen to scorn and despise the black dog right then and there. Well, not really, since he'd allowed himself to fall so harshly in love with the aforementioned mutt. But, well, holding a grudge could've definitely been a thing. He then caught a glimpse of his past. A dark wolf with treacherous green eyes stood over him, teeth showing and a set of sharp talons raised, ready to spill the blood of a smaller wolf. It had to have been Shade. But, he was allowed to live. Even at such a young age, he was able to see right through Shade's facade. Those leafy orbs held something far different, and far more genuine. They boasted concern, and affection. Shade didn't want to kill.

"You did, didn't you? But, it's okay, Shade. I know, by the look in your eyes that night, you were not there to kill because you found joy in watching others suffer. You were there because whomever you belonged to at the time told you that you needed to be." He took a deep breath, then leaned himself fully against Shade once more. "You're all I've got left to call my own, Shade. And, despite that night, you've done nothing but good for me. Besides, you couldn't have predicted our future back then. Shade, I forgive you..."

Truthfully, West was a bit saddened by the revelation of truths from the fellow wolf. However, he understood that survival was indeed a selfish thing. It always has been, and will forever remain that way despite certain circumstances. He could tell that Shade was genuinely sorry for what he had done, and, it didn't feel right to begrudge such a warmhearted male for a bit of a wonky past that he had no control over. West wasn't well-informed on Shade's situation before they'd met, but, he knew that it held more than a single wolf's fair share of hardships. He just couldn't bring himself to be upset with the beautiful mutt that he now called his own, and, it'd have been wrong of him to label the other for what happened. Shade wasn't responsible for the death of his entire pack, and if anything, he should be the one apologizing for causing the sable barker to become so uneasy and frightened. The sight of his lover becoming so terrified and on edge brought pain to West's chest, because, above all else, he loved Shade. He truly did. And now, it was his job to make sure that nothing harmed what they were, and that nothing, not a soul on the earth, would ever even consider harming his gorgeous romance.

It became suspenseful for them both, now. What if the way that he reacted to what Shade said would cause the dark-pelt to rethink things? It'd practically destroy every bit of West's sanity to have gotten the love he so greatly desired, only to have it torn from him not even a day later. He'd break, and become a mess with no hope of ever returning to what he once was. The silence was literally killing him.

Finally, Shade spoke, and the soothing sound of such a charming voice graced the snowy wolf's ears. Just the sound of his mate's voice alone began to settle his fears, though, he could still feel his senses beginning to blur. It was as if he'd left his body, and was now watching from another's perspective. Funny how such a great sense of fear could cause reality to become so critically distorted, no? Truthfully, it was to the point where he couldn't make out what Shade was saying, but, the verbal portrayal of affection with those three final words were caught onto by his cognitive, and they were then used as a lifeline to yank him back into sanity. Before even being able to give a response, he'd been toppled over and forced onto his back by the weight thrown at him. He didn't mind though, since it came in the form of such an attractive black wolf. His face became warm. Here he was, laying down with the wolf of his dreams on top of him. They were so close to one another that their underbellies and chests met. It wasn't an ill-minded sort of heat, but, more one of sheer surprise. Soon enough, the white wolf's forelegs were closed around Shade's midsection, and he even began to giggle, just like a pup would. Zeal was apparent here, even showing by the twinkle that danced along the heterochromatic hues of the snowy mutt's fiery chasms. "I love you too, Shade!" He spoke back to his mate with just as much excitement laced throughout his tone, and when given the chance, he'd return each kiss that was bestowed upon his face. West's tail slithered from beneath them both, finding its way to the fuzzy appendage of an opposite shade that now swung with bliss. Slowly, it curled itself around the other fluffy limb, showing the affection that rushed through the white body of West. However, there was just one more thing to be done here, and it would be, just as soon as he could find his opening in the barrage of kisses between them.

Allowing the affectionate assault to continue on for just a bit longer, West chuckled quietly. This was so nice, but, it could be even better. He waited for a few moments, closely watching the movements of his mate's head. The white wolf got the timing down, and with a swift movement, he caught Shade's lips with his own. Now that their muzzles were locked, it couldn't be helped when West's eyes fluttered shut, nor when his tail tightened itself around his mate's. This was truly the best. He felt as though even the moon and stars would envy him for finding a love like this. The night around them was silent, and only the crackling of torches could be heard.

After a while, he pulled away with reluctance, and his eyes were peeled open to meet the love of his life once again. West touched their noses, and a soft, warm smile played upon his lips. "Y'know, Shade," he spoke in a gentle voice, "You're everything I could've ever prayed for. That beautiful heart of yours, wrapped up in such a kind and charmingly silly personality, topped off with an appearance so perfect, and so flawless, that it surpasses the standards created by even my wildest of dreams." West quickly pecked his lover on the lips, then let their snouts touch again. "I love you, with all of my heart, Shade." He finished speaking, and awaited a response. It didn't matter how long it took him to receive one. West was perfectly fine with just laying there, the wolf he called his caught within his embrace. He truly couldn't have asked for anything more.

After cutting Shade off by way of a nice, sweet kiss, the white wolf awaited the onslaught of reactions that he just knew would be adorable. Thoughts skimmed along his brainwork, scenarios of his lover playing over and over, searching for the perfect scene. They were all just so perfect in their own ways, and it became quite difficult to choose just one. Well, until he caught sight of what really had gone down. Warmth blossomed within the fleshy confinement in his chest, spreading throughout his entire being as he witnessed the black wolf's eyes go wide. Of course, it also helped that Shade's muzzle was cut from his field-of-view, and the reason behind it was oh so sweet. All he could see was a set of bulbous green eyes that he knew were only reacting in such a way due to his actions. Soon, West felt limbs around his torso, and this only cause him to pull Shade even closer, letting their entire under-bodies mingle, wanting to be even closer, despite the restraints set upon his desires by physics. Then, and only then, did his own eyes grow wide in shock, a faint redness forming upon his cheeks at the same time. The paw belonging to his lover had trailed up his back, and rested against the rear of his cranium, further igniting their passionate meeting of muzzles. Regardless of what was shown in his expression, this felt absolutely amazing. To be pressed against Shade, while having the same black wolf massage at his noggin, their lips molded together, and an arm around him. Slowly, West let one of his own paws trace meaningless shapes while traveling up the back of his ebon lover, positioning it between the overwhelmingly adorable floppy ears of Shade's, lightly scratching at their bases. He knew Shade loved that, even more than other wolves would. All of this seemed to have really taken a positive effect on the darker mutt, seeing as though his hind leg was now pedaling against what wasn't there. God, he truly was just far too adorable. A bit later, their kiss deepened when Shade made the decision to tilt his head, which provoked West to do the same, only in the opposite direction. Also, the black wolf now lay beside him, rather than on top of him. Either way, he'd be getting his snuggles.

After parting from their kiss, the fur on his chest was warned by his mate's humid breaths. Truthfully, it felt really, really nice. Would it be wrong of him to request that they sleep just like this? Surely they both shared that same thought, right? Though, something else crossed his mind. Had Shade witnessed his blushing? It wasn't too bad, right? It was his first ever kiss, after all. He was so certain that he'd mess up here, but, maybe he knew a bit more about what he was doing than he credited himself for. Snapped back to reality by the warmth of his romance's muzzle against his own, the white male prepared himself for a response to his barrage of compliments towards Shade. He'd do his best not to squeal with bliss. C'mon, what kinda beta would do such a thing?

Intently, he listened to the charming voice of his romance, letting each and every syllable sink in. His heart must've slipped at least a thousand beats there. All of those wondrous things that Shade thought of him. They were real! Not just in his imagination this time! A surge of happiness ran through him, and West couldn't help but let out a happy growl, gently squeezing his canid lover. Though, before he could really respond, Shade seemed to have made plans to lick at his nose, then drift off into dreamland. Realistically, West was quite sleepy too, and, the snuggles didn't help fight his exhaustion. "Closer.." Mumbled the snowy barker while he very carefully pulled the black dog even closer into him, adjusting so that Shade's nose was angled perfectly against West's neck, but, free of any obstruction so that he could draw oxygen without a hitch. Now satisfied, he planted a sweet goodnight kiss to the pole of Shade's head, resting his own muzzle there to sleep. But, before he drifted off, he mumbled once again, almost like a greedy, innocent , sleepy child. "Mine~." And with that, it was lights out for the white mutt.