When we arrived at their den, it was huge! It had a big clearing, big balls, everything a dog like me could ever want! I jumped out of the car and stood next to Matt, wagging my tail eagerly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a round ball. He unhooked my leash and threw it. Something forced me to chase after it. I grabbed the ball and ran around the house at least twice. I then stopped and looked back at Matt.
"Bring me the ball, Bandit!"
Why would I give him the ball? He threw it and now it is mine. I sat down and stared at him. If he wanted it, he could come and get it. I stood up and walked over to Woobie and Chase. Chase tried to drag Woobie into the house. I barked as Woobie just sat down and watched. I got closer to him and chewed on the clip thing that was hooked to his collar. After realizing it was metal, I chewed through the leash as close to the clip as I could. As soon as it was off, Woobie ran over and grabbed the ball I was messing with. I started his way when Matt stepped in front of me sternly.
"Bad, dog! You don't chew things!" He raised his hand and my eyes flicked to his hand and I got back into a fighting position, staring at his hand. He then moved it to his side and I sat down and wagged my tail. He raised his hand again and I lowered my head and snarled. He then put it back down.
"She had an abused life. And she is quite smart." Matt's mother approached us. She got down on her knees in her dress and put her hand in front of me. I cautiously sniffed it and then pressed my muzzle against it, stating it was ok for her to pet me. She then put her hand below my muzzle and took her other hand and stroked it between my ears and down my back. I licked at her face.
"Mom, don't make Bandit all soft and sweet, I want her to be tough and strong. A friendly, but protective guard dog."
"Fine. But you are training her yourself. And then you will help Chase."
I watched him roll his eyes and I barked softly and turned around and chased after Woobie. He then ran around a tree and ran back to Chase. He dropped the ball at his feet and padded off, signaling for me to follow. I followed him around to the back of the house. He sat down.
"Look... You belong with a family and in a house, in front of a warm fire, and with people who love you. You're a domesticated dog. I, am a wolf an-"
"Don't give me that! You have dog in you, too! Woobie, you're the only friend I have ever had, you can't leave me now."
"This isn't my life. I was born wild."
"I was raised in the wild with a pack of wolves. Let me join you! Please."
"Fine." He sighed, "We leave tonight." I nodded.