After a few days it was time to return, Shadow Alpha had a promise to keep. After gathering a few necessary items for the trip home and a good hearty meal it was time to go.

"Marissa, your choice on how quickly we get back. We can be back by morning or two days, how quickly do you want to get back?"
Shadow Alpha asks, although he already knew the answer.

Marissa nods and says as she gathered her things.
"If I choose tomorrow, how will we travel?"

Shadow Alpha nods and smiles as he shifts to his wolf.
"By wolf, we only stop for bathroom breaks and water. The other way is we travel by day and sleep at night."

Marissa knew her options and she could tell Shadow Alpha already knew her answer.
"Travel by wolf, I want to see my family."

After getting everything ready and packed up Marissa sits on Alpha's back. Marissa thanks the dragons for all their help, Shadow Alpha thanks the dragons for everything. As he walks to the door a voice calls out.
"Alpha, you and your mate are to return for a gift. By order of the King."

Shadow Alpha nods and says with a wolfish grin.
"Of course, as his majesty commands."

After a few hugs and teary goodbyes Shadow Alpha walks out of the door and howls. Marissa holds his fur in her hands as they take off, Marissa was excited to see her family again. About two hours into the trip Marissa taps Alpha.
"Can we stop? I need to go to the bathroom."

Shadow Alpha nods and finds a nice area so Marissa could relive herself and have some privacy, Marissa gets off and goes behind a bush, Alpha simply walked over to a tree and relieved himself. A few minutes later Marissa returns ready to continue. Shadow Alpha nods as. Marissa climbs back on, he waits until she was set before taking off again. About an hour later Shadow Alpha says as he darts through the trees.
"We will be there in about 30 minutes. It will be night when we get there, so I will drop you off and go home. Please tell your husband I wish to talk with him later, I'll contact him."

Marissa nods, her heart races with excitement. She was actually going to see her loving husband and daughter again.

They arrive at Marissa's home, Alpha scratches on the door. Andrew opens the door and he starts to cry, Marissa smiles and hugs him.
"Hi honey."

Andrew looks at Alpha and says.
"Thank you Alpha. Thank you so much, I never doubted you not for a second. But I never thought you would find Marissa so fast. I owe you so much, anything ask and I will gladly give it, if I can."

Shadow Alpha shakes his head and says.
"You owe me nothing, family is important. Take care of her, she has been through a lot. Take care and always remember to love and care for each other."
Shadow Alpha turns to leave, Marissa grabs his tail.
"Alpha, you and your mate must come to dinner. I insist."

Shadow Alpha nods and chuckles softly.
"All right, we will. Good evening." Shadow Alpha walks off going home. As he leaves a small voice calls out.
"Hero Shadow Alpha, wait!"

Alpha turns around only to be wrapped in a hug by the daughter. He hears soft crying, his fur getting wet with tears. Alpha sits and wraps a paw around her.
"Shhhhh. It's ok little one, let it out."
Alpha lowers his head and hugs the daughter. The parents were watching, both had tears. Three Shadows were also watching, they walk up and nod.
"Shadow Alpha, by order of Shadow X. You are now leader of the Shadows, as he put it. Only a real man isn't afraid to cry. A real man shows care, compassion, love and most of all understanding."

Shadow Alpha shakes his head
"I am honored, but I decline. Shadow Leopard or Shadow Lion is better for that position."

The three Shadows nod.
"As you wish Alpha. And the child is right. You are a hero, you have proven that many times."

Alpha doesn't respond, the crying child was his concern at the moment. He holds her until she stops crying. She hugs him tightly and kisses his nose.
"Thank you, can I keep that necklace?"

Alpha nods and licks her cheek.
"Of course you can. Why?"

The little girl holds it in her hand, she smiles and says.
"To remind me, there are heroes. True heroes exist."