King of the Wilderness

She carefully reached out her hand, gently placing it on December’s broad head. The thick, warm sensation made her unable to suppress a gasp of amazement.

December seemed to enjoy the petting, closing its eyes contentedly and even gently nuzzling Aliya’s palm with its large head, making Aliya giggle.

Next, it turned to Emily, sniffing at her side in the same manner.

When it caught the unique scent on Emily, carrying a hint of life’s essence, it noticeably paused.

It tilted its giant head as if pondering something, then made a move that surprised everyone.

Instead of nuzzling Emily’s leg, it very gently and cautiously used its nose to softly, tentatively touch Emily’s slightly protruding belly.

Then, it let out an extremely soft "woo~," as if engaging in cross-species communication with the unborn life inside.

This scene instantly melted Emily’s heart, tears of emotion welling up in her eyes.

And Amber, the eternal mimic, seeing her sister being loved by the two new friends, immediately followed suit.

It trotted over with its short legs to Aliya and Emily, sniffed seriously, then raised its head, earnestly imitating December’s posture, and let out a soft, adorable "wooo?"

This endearing clumsiness instantly struck a chord with Aliya and Emily.

"Oh, my gosh..." Aliya was the first to squat down, carefully reaching out to touch Amber’s fluffy little ears.

Amber did not shy away; instead, it actively nudged its little head forward, allowing the gentle hand to stroke it.

The entire place was filled with the happy cries of the two little ones and the women’s uncontrolled, motherly exclamations of awe.

They excitedly circled at the feet of the four people, taking turns nuzzling each person’s leg with their furry heads, welcoming the family’s arrival in their own way.

Watching this warm scene, Max stood at the doorway, a relieved smile on her face.

She knew that regardless of what choice she ultimately made, these two little ones had found their best home. Her heart was clearer and more peaceful than ever.

After staying in Anchorage for two days, Lin Yu’an’s family, carrying an unresolved question and a heavy sense of anticipation, took off once more.

Their destination was the place where their story began—Wiseman.

Stan, Old George, Hank... All the friends who had formed deep friendships with him in Alaska were already waiting by the icy riverbank.

And Whiskey and Honey, like two intertwining black and white streaks of lightning, ran wildly across the ice, barking with joy and urgency.

That night, Wiseman’s only small tavern was bright and bustling with voices.

Lin Yu’an honored his promise by hosting a feast for the entire town.

It was a grand farewell and a joyous reunion.

When Lin Yu’an raised his glass to toast all the friends who had helped and accepted him, he knew his story with Alaska was not over.

It was simply etched deeper and more profoundly into his life.

Saying goodbye to Wiseman, the family finally embarked on their journey home.

Before leaving, Lin Yu’an handed the keys to his first car, a heavily modified Ford F-150 by his brother-in-law Bo, to Sean.

He patted Sean on the shoulder and solemnly said, "From here, follow the Alaska Highway all the way south, through Canada, and eventually reach Wyoming. The trip covers over three thousand miles, with complicated road conditions, so stay safe. I’m entrusting my two big guys to you."

"Don’t worry, sir." Sean and Mike stood firm, eyes resolute, "We guarantee to complete the mission."

As Lin Yu’an’s family took a chartered flight, departing from Wiseman and flying towards their warm southern home, a black steel beast also set off, carrying two excited and curious Bernese Mountain Dogs, onto the long road south.

They would eventually reach a new, vast kingdom, starting their new, happy lives.

And on the plane back to Wyoming, the faint sadness of leaving Alaska was soon replaced by an unspoken anticipation.

The cabin was exceptionally quiet, with only the steady, low rumble of the engine.

Aliya and Emily no longer excitedly discussed like before, merely gazing quietly out the window at the swiftly receding clouds, occasionally exchanging a glance only they understood.

Lin Yu’an remained silent as well, sensing clearly the shared concern in his two wives’ hearts.

He knew they had opened the broadest embrace for that uncertain future. Yet, at the same time, the right to choose and the immense pressure of making that decision weighed heavily on the lone figure in Alaska.

In the few days since returning to Eagle’s Nest, the sense of home grew stronger but also carried a subtle air of waiting.

The preparations for the trip to China were being conducted orderly, as Emily and Aliya efficiently handled various documents and travel planning. Yet, unconsciously, they would glance at their phones during conversations, then quietly put them down.