The town was slowly starting to come into view, and eventually so did the other townsfolk. There was a wonderful blend of people and cultures in this town. Sure it was small, but it was varied, making life a little more exciting. After all, a town of just one of any creature would be pretty dull. Though, there was only a few wolves in their town, so it was easy to spot Caleb and his family in the growing crowd.

Though he always spotted her first.

“Early I see. That’s a change.” Caleb smiled as he spoke, but flashed a smirk just for Shilo’s eyes. She lightly punched his arm, knowing that smirk meant trouble. Luckily her father didn’t catch it.

“You bet. It’s always a challenge getting this one out of bed.” He pat Shilo on the shoulder, earning a lazy groan. “Please stop talking, Dad…”

Caleb couldn’t help but laugh, the sound rare for anyone to hear. He was always so serious. It was a nice change to see him just be a kid for once. Though that carefree air diminished completely once his father stepped up behind him, placing his own hand on his son’s shoulder.

“Please tell me my son isn’t troubling you, Mr. Boneahmi.” His voice was so deep it almost made the ground tremble. It was surprising to Shilo that Caleb was even able to tolerate standing so close to that rumbling voice!

“Not at all. How many times have I asked you to call me Broden? Our children have been friends for five years and you still insist on calling me by my last name.”

“Apologies, Mr. Boneahmi,” he responded slowly. “However, especially in this environment, it is better for my kind to stay formal.”

Shilo hated that. He always referred to him and his family as their “kind.” Even her father was uncomfortable with the distinction. To them, Caleb and his family were equal. Completely the same.

“Despite the truce, it is very easy to find ourselves in a tight spot in town,” he continued, filling the silence. “You understand.”

“Right. Will your partner be here today as well?” The wolf slowly shook his head in response.

“Afraid not. Better not to have a group of wolves in a crowd, don’t you agree?”

“No," Shilo muttered defiantly. “I don’t see what the big deal is.” Before she could say anything else Caleb reached for Shilo’s hand, pulling her to his side and walking ahead.

“We’ll meet you in the meeting hall. I’m sure Shilo wants to sit up close.”

Caleb didn’t wait for their reply. He simply kept walking, still holding Shilo’s hand in his. Once the two were far from their parents, Shilo yanked her hand away and shoved him aside. Though he didn’t stagger very much. He was quite heavier than her.

“What the heck was that all about? You seriously agree with your dad about that? A truce is a truce! You guys shouldn’t be-”

“Shi, that’s how things are,” Caleb interrupted, his voice forceful but never raising in volume. There were more townspeople around. Causing a scene would only bring trouble. “Just leave it alone. Truce or no truce, accepted or not, we will always be different. It’s fine.”

No, it’s not...