Lachlan

Lachlan - Oh feck! *Touching my hand to my head the pain screaming behind my eyes, looking around trying to figure out where I was. Sitting up slowly my hands pushing against the ground my ass sliding a small bit. Breathing in deep taking in all the scents, none unknown yet none really familiar. I was in a forest. I was near running water. There was game around to hunt. Speaking of hunting, closing my eyes, trying to feeling my Lykae. Growling out loud my eyes flying open my hands grasping at my chest breathing hard. Looking around panic real, my mind alone inside my head. I have never been alone inside of my head before. Never! Even as a pup my Lykae was always there! Holding my head as I stand leaning against a tree yelling at the top of my lungs* IS ANYONE OUT THERE! *Looking around me once again now that I am standing, noting the flattened brush where I had woke up, frowning seeing only tracks from myself pushing myself up against this tree. Cocking my head looking harder, but seeing nothing, it was as if I had been dropped there. Rubbing the back of my head the pain shooting behind my eyes again, dropping to my knees one hand on the tree trunk praying to the gods my words a mere whisper* There has to be someone out there, I don’t think I like being alone. Please my wolf is missing, something isn’t wrong… something…. *Closing my eyes gripping my chest with my free hand*

Kerri - ~Eyelids pop open at the faint sounds of yelling or at least I thought I heard it. Thinking I must of been dreaming as I notice the sky peeking through the thick green canopy.  As I took a deep breath pain ricochet through my cranium causing me to snap upwards from where I laid.  The sensation that followed my quick movement didn’t help the pain. I check out my surrounding before slowly getting up. I was in a forest but it wasn’t the one I was a familiar with. Debating for a moment to yell or not.~  Hello!  ~Capturing my head in my hands it felt like a beating drum. Yelling was definitely not an option. I was alone it seemed. I wipe my forehead and I start walking to the sound of running water in the distance.~  

Lachlan - *Crawling forward the sound of the forest around my loud within my head, breathing in deep almost gasping trying to get the scents around me. I could get everything, every scent, I could feel the forest. I just couldn’t feel my Lykae. Following the sound of running water my ears almost picking up a distant ‘hello’, stopping and listening again but nothing. The sounds of the forest not disturbed around me, crawling on trying to push my Lykae to take over. Needing to be my wolf and not this lost human! At last seeing the wide river through the brush and pushing forward, collapsing at the river bank my mind taking note of the lack of animal prints in the mud by the water. Washing my head and face with the cold water, the pain behind my eyes easing. Looking at my hands as I pull them away from the back of my head, looking at the dried blood mixed with the river water on my hands* Well there goes my damn day! *Turning at the sound coming from behind me, crouching a low growling watching the trees and low bushes*

Kerri - ~Carefully moving through foliage that was at times knee high. Searching for any sign of another while keeping an eye on the path I was making. My memory was failing me. How in the world did I get here? And where is here exactly? Questions swirling right along with this gigantic headache. Stopping by a cluster of trees I place a hand on one of the tree’s trunk. Peering around the tree all I could see was the river just beyond the blanket of lemongrass. The sound of water rushing grew louder as I approached. Tucking a strand of hair back out of my face wishing I had something to tie it back. Taking a few steps I bend down to grab a long blade of lemongrass to do just that. Picking three that matched in same length to braid that is when I realized the disturbance in the grass. It lead away from where I stood and curved to the left towards the river. Instantly I crouched down low behind few bushes. Staying still I wondered if it was an animal or man. Was not sure what I heard if it was a mumble or growl I heard?~

Lachlan - *Trying to shift the pain sending me further to the ground my hands digging into the muddy river bank. Taking in a deep breath the scent of lemongrass heavy on the air along with the scent of a woman. Shaking my head as the scent of the woman isn’t right but without my Lykae I just couldn’t pin it down. Slowly standing up my eyes locked on the trees knowing the woman is behind them, breathing in deep and slow trying to work out where I was. I knew I was in a forest but other than that nothing was familiar. Taking a step forward growling low in my throat, the loneliness inside of me an open wound just like the back of my head* Woman I know you are out there, come here and we will see if we know each other. *Taking another step forward, letting my shoulders relax my legs bent, I might not have my Lykae but I still knew how to fight. My wolf might be missing but my human was still a force to be reckoned with. Walking to the bush with the woman’s scent behind it, pushing it aside and looking down at her, a few strands of lemongrass in her hand. So that was one scent but what was the rest? Keeping the bush pushed aside but stepping back enough for her to pass by me* Come on, you can’t stay crouched down there for the whole day. And I promise not to bit, yet!

Kerri - ~From my spot I could hear him moving then the sound of thump. Shifting from left to right trying to see him through the bushes. Watching him slowly rise up half covered in mud.  His stare targeted right where I was. How could he spot me so quickly? I froze hearing him ordering me around like he was king of the forest. I started to move to leave but the roots buckling upwards as if the bushes had came to life it made it difficult. Dropping the partial braid of lemongrass as one knee stabs into the ground. The ungraceful moment felt like someone was knocking on the back of my skull. Closing my eyes tight wishing this pounding would stop. Eyes flash open when the bushes flashed open and the male now stood before me. Freeing myself slowly rising I step free of the bushes~ I can if I wanted to. It was a nice cool shaded spot. ~Trying to appear as if I wasn’t spying on him but fail. Grinning now~ And less muddy too.  

Lachlan - *Eyeing the fallen lemongrass then following the woman’s steps as she walks past me. Letting the bush go turning to fully face the woman, giving her a cocky smile my arms wide* What are you afraid of a little mud? It helps keep you cool. *Motions over my shoulder toward the bush where she had been hiding* And as for your hiding spot, you really think that lumpy ground is better than my nice slimy mud? *Waves a hand up and down my body, looking down at the mud dripping from my knees. Rubbing my hands together getting rid of the mud from my palms, then rolling my shoulders* Ok not to be rude but who the hell are you and where the hell are we. Oh and why we are at it, you know anything about my head wound? *Slowly looking the woman up and down, cocking my head to the side breathing in deep again her scent again not right* Or are you hurt? You don’t look hurt but I can only see one side of you.

Kerri - ~Scanning the area making my way past his muddiness I could hear the smile he was wearing as he compares the shade vs mud. My fangs length at the smell of fresh crismon. Pivoting around just in time to witness his gesture to his pants. I couldn’t help but snicker as mud now drops from his hands. Crossing my arms at the change in his tone of questioning. Taking one step then rocking back in place~  The name is Kerri. Did you say head wound? I don’t know anything of a head wound. ~Looking up at his forehead not seeing this wound. In order to control of the hunger I kept a few steps away. Clearing my throat reminding myself get back to the questions~ I am not hurt other than a headache from hell and to answer your other question I do not where here is. I take it you don’t since you asked. We need to get your head looked at and get some medicine. ~Once again scanning the area as I fire off my own questions before my eyes meet his~ Isn’t there a plant or something like that we can make a compress to put on your wound? Peat moss maybe?

Lachlan - *Nodding my head my eyes locking onto the woman’s mouth, a flash of teeth, or was it fang! Giving my head a shake then looking again but her teeth seem, this whole forest and waking up without my Lykae was just messing me up. No way was this woman flashing fang, her scent was off but I would know if she was wolf. Right! And no way was she a vamp, no way, no not happening. Smiling back at the woman* Kerri, I like it. Now lovely I didn’t think you had hurt me. I think it would take more that a woman to knock my head bloody. *Watching as Kerri steps back, a look of something in her eyes. Crossing my arms over my chest, my ear to Kerri but also the very quiet forest around us* I am glad you are not hurt, I think we should look after your headache. My head well heal itself, but as soon as you are feeling better we need to work out where we are. And how we got here. *Growling low as I crack my neck moving my head from side to side* I woke up in the middle of nowhere with no tracks leading to where I was laying. Now I am good with tracks even with a head wound and I mean it when I say there was no tracks. It was as if I had been dropped from the sky! *Laughs* Maybe that is where I got my head wound.

Kerri - ~Gently run my hand over my forehead then down to cover my lips for a brief moment when I noticed the questionable expression he gave me. I start to make a comment about the more than a woman but I decided that’s it wasn’t worth it. Letting a small scuff go~ This headache will dissolve soon. I agree this is a lovely forest but it is rather quiet here. I have noticed that we are the only ones making any kind of noises. Not one bird, jaguar or wolf.  ~Shifting my stance~ Good question is how did we get here? I woke up just a few yards from here. The last thing I remember I was in my favorite spot reading a good mystery book. Then I woke up here with this headache from H E double hockey sticks. Tequila usually give me headaches when I’ve been drinking the night before but I didn’t have a drop. What is the last thing you remember? ~Pauses remembering he didn’t say his name yet. He did say he was good with tracks so maybe it’s Trapper or something like that ~ What do I call you? Trapper or Hunter?

Lachlan - *Rubbing the back of my head not even trying to hide the wince, pulling my hand away the blood on it more dried specks now. Dropping my hand looking away from Kerri my eyes lost in my last memories, my last time I felt my Lykae* I was running in a forest not much different from this, I had the scent of a rabbit firmly fixed and my paws were digging into the forest floor deep with each bound I mad. Then just as I felt my teeth latch onto the rabbit and it’s blood flow onto my tongue I woke up here. *Stopping short my eyes widening as I turn to look at Kerri* Why did I tell you that! What the hell is going on! *Crouching down my hands gripping the back of my neck my head almost between my knees* I do not understand what is going on. I would never spill my thoughts so normally. *Closing my eyes the loneliness eating away at me, where my wolf should be was just an empty space. My body wouldn’t shift, all I had was my sense of smell. Smell! *Looking up at Kerri breathing in deep, her scent that of a woman and more!* Kerri what are you? I know you are not just a woman! Oh and a word to the wise, don’t ever call me Hunter! That monster is nothing like me. My name is Lachlan just so you know.

Kerri - ~Noticing the smell of blood having grown faint with his movements but the hunger was still there. It couldn’t be the talk of rabbit blood. Just talking about blood has never had this effect on me. It was not that long ago that I had enjoyed a glass of warm ruby red. Was it? Did I imagine him saying paws? What was he? I knew he was not like me that much I could tell. I start move back to put some distance between us. Instincts of the predator side telling me to take. Now was not a good time to go off the deep end. What was it about this forest or was it him that drove my hunger? Thoughts swirling when I heard a voice telling me go ahead you know you want to. Rubbing my temples shouting within my head NO! Then I heard laughter fainting to his growling voice.~  Look I do not know why you spoke freely perhaps the answers lies within where we are, Lachlan. ~Dropping my hands, my eyes flash red meeting his eyes~ I am what some would call a bloodsucker. One of the monsters of the night. So is this Hunter is a vampire too?

Lachlan - *Standing slowly each breath bringing in Kerri’s scent, her words ringing in my ears. The sight of her eyes turning red sending a shiver down my spine. Without my wolf I hadn’t placed her scent, her other words at last breaking through the haze of finding out she is a leech. Damn it all to hell! Scrubbing my hands down my thighs* Ok let me get this straight you are a leech, one of those blood sucking monsters that most hate. *Chuckles* Ok I don’t have a very high opinion of them either. *Looking around but keeping Kerri in my line of sight* Ok so you think this forest could be causing… *Waves my hand around* What! *Huffs then grinds my teeth, holding my head again the pain less but still pulsing at my eyes* Ok first, I am not a chew toy for any leech. Second, we need to get moving and find a way out of here or someone to help. Third, I hope I am right thinking that you don’t know Hunter. And no he is not a vampire, but yes he is a monster. *Looks to the sky my anger riding me hard, letting loose a yell I wish was a howl* Last thing I remember…. *Feeling the pain and emptiness inside me, where the hell was my Lykae. Maybe Kerri was right, maybe this place was doing something to me. First I was talking like a pup, all mouth and no brains. Second I didn’t know her scent and third I was afraid when she let me know she was a vampire. Afraid! Ok something really weird was going on!*

Kerri - ~Placing a hand on my hip standing there watching the changes taking place in his features as he spoke. From domineering to almost innocent confused kid then was that fear? No surely. I had to remind myself to keep control. Have to figure a way out of this situation. Tempers must stay in check. No need in poking the dog. Releasing the breath I took in and moved a half of a step back~ I agree with you. We do need to get moving and we should follow the river downstream. Perhaps there is a campsite or something. As for a chew toy ~Glances over his form~ You don’t look like one unless you want volunteer. ~Gently laughs, I was thankful I didn’t laugh harder with the reminder of my headache~ You have no worries with me. I will not bite. Remember we both do not know where we are or the why or the how? You need me just as much as I need you. So there you have it. I give you my word. No biting ~Holds my hand out~ You know in all the names I’ve been called. Leech is not one I cared to be called. ~My smile fades to a thin line~ So tell me about this monster, Hunter. Who is he?

Lachlan -   *Shaking myself rolling my shoulders, then cracking my head from side to side. Giving Kerri’s hand a firm shake, then dropping it my eyes raking over the river* Ok let’s just work together, your idea of moving with the river is a good one. Also is it me or have I lost the sun? *Covering my eyes as I scan the sky, it was daytime but where was the sun. Huffing as I start to move with the flowing water, keeping on ear to the forest around us, glancing to my side meeting Kerri’s eyes* So no leech names. But if you are a vampire as you say, how are you out in daylight? *Sniffing the air the scent of overripe fruit stinging my nose, my own hunger making itself known by loudly growling within my stomach. Picking up my steps, overripe fruit was better than nothing. But what was the vampire going to eat!* Why would you want to know about Hunter? That animal, that monster is pure evil. Trust me when I say this. He would eat you up and spit you out. For him it is about how much he can hurt you. And he doesn’t have a very high opinion of vampires. I even think he was the reason we have no more around us any more. But then my pack aren’t too unhappy about that. *Snapping my mouth shut, what the hell was going on. Every question Kerri asks I answer. WHY!!*

Kerri - ~Walking beside Lachlan I couldn’t help hearing his stomach growl over the sounds of the river. Keeping my laughter within only to have my smile disappear when the smell of rotting fruit hit my nostrils. My hunger grew but not for fruit. The pulsing rhythm that walked beside me called to my thirst. The hunger calling again. No! I gave my word. Something he said brought me out of my thoughts~ Oh, yeah, daylight. It doesn’t affect me like most vampires. I can be out in it but I am weaker than I am in the night time. I will have to remember this Hunter if I ever were to run into him. Your pack? I bet they miss you. ~Quicken my steps with his when I noticed the smell grew stronger. Stopping when the view ahead of us was filled with fruit covering the ground and some still on the trees. It looked like something out of the Wizard of Oz movie. These trees were a mixed fruits. How in the world does a tree have apples, oranges and pears on them? All on the same tree!~   

Lachlan - *Each step bringing me closer to the fruit, trying not to think of my pack. Or the fact I was telling Kerri a vampire all about us. Stopping mid step the sight of an over large fruit trees strange enough, but all the fruit growing on it! They were as big as maple trees, but fruit trees didn’t get this big right! Slowly stepping up to the fruit on the ground, not all of it was overripe. Looking up into the limbs of a tree seeing oranges, apples and pears, what the hell was going on. Picking up an apple from the ground that wasn’t overripe, sniffing it then holding it out to Kerri* What do you think, is it safe to eat? *Looking back to the tree, a frown creasing my forehead* And while we are at it, have you ever seen a tree growing not just one but three different types of fruit? *Throwing the apple into the air and catching it, stepping around other fruit on the ground. My mind racing with the why’s of what I was seeing, stopping facing Kerri my voice more wolf growl than human* Ok we are here together, neither of us know how or why we are here. My stomach is tell me I am starving, like I have never eaten. That isn’t right. Now here is this fruit all for me to eat. But what about you? *Throwing the apple away* I think we just keep moving and try and find a way back to our lives.    

Kerri - ~Studying our surroundings trying to make sense of this. It isn’t possible for these fruits to grow on the same tree. My eyes follow the apple Lachlan now tosses only to see it fly. The smell changed from fruitorous to carnage. My throbbing fangs begging me to take what I thirst for. I try to shake off the nocturnal demands. Looking back at him at the same time reaching for an apple on the tree~ Yes, nothing is right about this place. ~When I picked the apple the skin was so soft it broke open and the juice ran crismon turning black. Immediately dropped it and turn searching for anything or anyone~ Did you see that? The one you had didn’t do that! What in the blazes is going on here? Yeah you are right we need to keep moving. We have more questions than answers. I’m afraid that we might not like the answers if we stay in this spot. ~Starting to move past the maple size tree and get some distance. I knew he was right behind me. I wanted to keep my word so I curled my fingers into fists. My nails digging into my palms. The pain helped subside the internal demand.~ Think...think...do we have anything in common? Other than we are not mere humans.

Lachlan - *My nose flaring with the scent of blood coming from the fruit in Kerri’s hand, then shaking my head as we move on. Our steps getting more hurried, my eyes scanning the area around us. The forest in front of us looked like a picture perfect forest, but a picture wasn’t a true forest. My ears almost picking up the sound of singing, but when I tried to listen harder it was gone damn it. Listening to Kerri. She was right we needed to think not just act* Ok so we are not human, that has to mean something, but I can’t think of anything else we could have in common. I have never seen you before, I don’t really hang out with leec.. I mean vampires that much. *Scrubbing my face as the river starts to curve around a bend, do we stay on the bank or cut through the forest. Looking back at Kerri, taking in her very feminine clothes, not the type of clothes for climbing through underbrush. Stopping with a hand on Kerri’s arm. Nodding towards the bend in the river* You up to trekking through or do we stick with the river? *Cocking my head almost catching the sound of singing again, growling low reaching for my wolf, but only finding a hole deep within myself* Damn it! Did you hear anything? Do you feel normal as I don’t. Something is wrong my wolf is gone! And this picture perfect forest is so far from right, all the different fruit on one tree, no real animal sounds. No sun, and now that I think of it no real scents. Ok I am getting trees and small animals but what of predators? We aren’t in a real ecosystem, we my friendly neighbour vampire are somewhere else. Maybe a different dimension! *Letting loose a short laugh at the idea of another dimension*    

Kerri - ~My head spinning with more questions than answers but the one answer that I keep coming to I refuse to take action upon. What is it about this place? Walking along the river I was thankful that I was not wearing my stilettos. It wouldn’t be good if my favorite shoes were ruined. Feeling his touch I stop beside him. Looking at the rocky terrain I almost laughed~ No as a matter of fact I do not hear anything but us. Not even a shadow creature. ~Taking a moment closing my eyes as I tried to hear the shadows move. Nothing. The only thing I was able to hear was the strong pulse of wolf crismon next to me. Opening my eyes just as I turn back toward him~ Singing? Like, maybe a succubus? Which could explain why I am not hearing it. It would be best we keep moving and away from her if you know what I mean. And to answer your question, no, I’m not too girly to trek. Push come to shove I’ll remove my block heel sandals. It’s time to find out if we are stuck in the twilight zone.  

Lachlan - *Shaking my head to get the sound of singing out of my head, if it was a succubus like Kerri hinted at this wasn’t good. She wasn’t hearing it only I was! Looking down at her feet her shoes or sandals as she called them making me grunt out an almost laugh* Ok miss nature woman let’s get to the bottom of this. *Taking Kerri’s hand and pushing into the forest, at last the sound of singing going away. Even if it was more an almost sound then a true sound. Setting a steady pace pleased to see Kerri not falling behind, the underbrush not as dense as I would have expected* So this succubus you think I am hearing, that’s bad right? Men fall for them and then die if I’m remembering the old tails. *Pushing on the sound of the river had moved away from us but it was now in front of us again. Making our way in a straight line had worked quicker than it should have. Moving a branch aside and leading us out into a clearing, then stopping short using our joined hands to push Kerri behind me looking at the female dancing and singing in front of us. In a clearing with the sound of the river loud even though it was nowhere in sight, this place was just playing with us*

Kerri - ~Our pace not yielding as we make our way hand in hand through the inflexible forest. Keeping an eye out over my shoulder for any surprises, I answered his question about succubus~ Old tales holds good lessons within them. Yes, need to stay on your toes if you are hearing one and they never travel  ~My words halted as I bumped into his back. I was about to smack him when I heard the sweet lullaby. I took a glance around his shoulder and saw a woman dancing in the clearing. Shit! This was not good. Had to get him away from her but it was like tugging one of the forest trees. She gracefully swayed in our direction, her eyes locked with his. This is not happening! I couldn’t let her have him. Jumping between them taking a fighting stance causing her to lose her trance. She let out a loud screech in return I bared my fangs. She spun around to my surprise and took off running into the forest. Keeping Lachlan at my back I walked full circle around him.~ Do you still hear her? That was way to easy. They never give up this quickly. Lachlan?

Lachlan - *My hoarse whisper almost too loud as we stand still just looking at the female, her voice getting louder with each second that passes* Never travel are you sure! *If I wasn’t looking at what I think is a succubus, I would be laughing at us right now. Cocking my head to the side my eyes locking on the female, her voice like liquid sexy rolling over me. Her swaying hips hypnotizing, licking my lips my body wanting to step forward but a strange pull on my arm stopping me. Blinking as I lose sight of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, wincing at the sound of a screech then letting loose a low growl as another female walks around me. Her voice grating on my ears as she natters on about something, shaking my head as I gently push her aside cocking my head. The faint sound of singing calling me, beckoning me forward, a tantalizing sent in the air. Marching off my only thought was finding the seductive women who is calling to me, pushing forward back into the forest at a fast jog my heart pounding. At last coming to another clearing and falling to my knees at the feet of the woman, her perfect sounding voice making my heart pound even faster. Looking up at her my hands fisting on my knees* I have found you! *Smiling like a loon up at the angel before me, my mind blank, my heart… my heart… my… Shaking my head trying to remember, trying to make sense of this feeling that something was wrong. Trying to…. But that sound, that voice*  

Kerri - ~Having kept my back towards him I spun on my heel hearing the high pitch screech. Searching for the danger that surrounds us but he vaulted through the forest once more. Now running I follow the branches that swing from his passing. This has become a nightmare someone please for the life of me wake me up. I could hear him just ahead, stopping in my tracks when I came upon them. Her attention not leaving him. It was the movement behind her. Several more step out in the clearing. All dressed for the hunt of pleasure with lust in their eyes.  I wanted to laugh for this had no use on me. As if they heard my thought they simply gave me an all know look and turned to him giving way for a shadow figure. The dark masculine scent carried in the breeze had me tempted to step forward. These women will do anything to keep us here. My eye locked on the shadow as he moved around edges of the trees keeping out of the light. I took a step away from him because I knew something was wrong. I could feel something pulling me in. This dance seemed to go on forever. The urge was there. Pulling my stare from the shadow figure to the woman who was now caressing Lachlan cheek as she sung to him. Her eyes lifted catching mine. She was in my head ordering me to take.~  NO! I will not! Not for you!  I do not take orders from anyone. Do you hear me? Who are you? Why all this?  

Lachlan - *Something wasn’t right, I was on my knees looking up at a woman. A woman who I couldn’t really see yet I knew she was the most beautiful woman I had even seen. I also know that she has my heart, my… Closing my eyes my senses trying to fight with my mind, I knew what I saw, it was a beautiful woman. But my senses were telling me that Kerri was close to me, that more than one woman was around me. The hole that was my Lykae was a gap that was trying to break me. Dropping my hands flat onto the soil, digging my fingernails into it. Something was very wrong, the song from the woman still ringing in my ears. Closing it out and breathing hard, each breath slow and controlled. At last my senses flooding me at last with facts, I wasn’t alone and the women around me were part of what was wrong. Cocking my head to the side as Kerri’s voice rings in my ears, the last few hours pushing away the sound of the woman’s voice. I still wasn’t sure why we were here but at least I knew who I should be with and it wasn’t the woman I was kneeling in front of. Opening my eyes and standing up, my movement slow. Stepping back away from the woman her eyes locked on Kerri, my eyes noting the other shapes around us, stopping only when I was beside Kerri. A growl coming from me, if I didn’t know better I would say my Lyake was back. Keeping my voice as low as I could hoping only Kerri could hear me* I think we need to get out of here and fast.

Kerri - ~Eyes locked with hers she was in my head but I pushed back. Refusing her orders over and over again. There was a growl heard beside me causing me to shift my stance. The woman started to laugh that is when I noticed the shadow figure behind her staying in the dark woods. The other women now chanting began to circle us.  After hearing Lachlan I didn’t look at him I answered~ We should but where will we go? She has the upper hand it seems. ~Taking a step forward and demand to know. Enough was enough~ What are you? You’re not a vampire like myself.  I would remember you if we had met before. ~Squaring my shoulders I stood my ground~

Lachlan - *Cocking my head my fists clenching so hard I can smell my own blood dripping from where my nails have broken the skin. Breathing in hard as something snaps within me, my Lykae rushing forward only my will stopping my form from changing. The woman’s voice like a rusty nail scraping on a blackboard, hiding my wince as I listen to her my eyes tracking her as well as a shadow in the tree line. “What am I. Why I am the love of that male’s life. Shall we ask him?” A force pushing on my will, trying to make me move over to the woman. My Lykae wanting to go but to put her down. Letting my feet move me forward and kneeling again at the woman’s feet, looking up at her at last really seeing her. She wasn’t so young or beautiful. She was human but smelled really old, she also smelled of magic and a faint hint of many many other souls. Trying to work out how I knew this, it wasn’t blood I was scenting, but souls. Souls in pain. My eyes locking on the shadow, a scent of pure evil emanating from it. Keeping my face blank as the woman cups my chin cocking my head back. “Who do you love male? Tell this woman who I am.” Taking a deep breath standing up to look down at the woman, my hand gripping her neck tight* You are nothing to me woman, you are not even worth the time I am going to take to kill you. You tried to push down my Lykae but you have failed, I am going to kill you even if it means being stuck here for the rest of my days. I can smell the scent of unhappy souls on you, I can smell the scent of age. I can smell the scent of magic on you WITCH!

Kerri - ~The fright that expelled from her had shivers running over me. The movements that followed was like watching an old black and white horror flick I had so enjoyed when I was young. This however was more thrilling as it unfolded before me. The others vanished leaving only a haze of smoke. The shadow figure stepped back swallowed by the darken surroundings. I found myself wanting to laugh. It must have been the grip he had on her the fear taking away her magical strength because the forest was giving way to the real reality~  You have failed and now you must suffer the consequences.  

Lorren: ~I knew that Neall was up to something but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was. The trip to town with the teens still hit me wrong. There were so many red flags that I couldn't see through them to find the real truth of the matter. One thing I knew for sure, it didn't work out like Neall had planned. He'd been pissy with me since then and I had to tread carefully to keep him from wondering about me. The questions that blazed through my mind were things that I had to sit on. It was infuriating. Who slashed at his neck? What did the kids have to do with anything? Was he just trying to seem like the 'cool' guy to the new generation to gather support? Why hadn't their parents known? We'd barely made it out of town before a mob of people could beat the living hell out of us. And through all of it Neall seemed oddly emotionless, like he was lost in another world. Then as soon as he got home, the bastard snapped right out of it and pulled out the asshole card again. He blamed me for everything going wrong. Suddenly my concern for him bleeding all over the place was a bad thing. Yeah, okay, so I had jumped over a table like it wasn't even there to get to him. People tend to frown on things that aren't supposed to be easy being pulled off with fluid grace. I wasn't exactly thinking at the time. To me it seemed like there was something more to Neall's anger though. He could really care less what a bunch of clueless humans thought. They were beneath him. Hell, we were beneath him. No, this was something else. And I think it had to do with the fact that I got all the teens home safely. Damn straight I did. That kind of thing was ingrained in me. There was no amount of pretending that I could do that would cover up for protecting the innocent. It was my ultimate goal. Even through all of the mess that I'd tied myself up in. I was protecting the pack by becoming the thing that I hated. And while the Alpha was away, the asshole was all set to play. Neall kept me so busy delivering messages for him that I was having a hard time figuring out what he was really up to. Run to this Elder's house and give him a basket of whatever, then visit another council member and bring back whatever they had to give Neall. They were all messages but none of them were making sense to me. I read the little notes passed back and forth but they all seemed so innocuous that you would never suspect a thing. Of course I had to deliver them because everyone needed to see that I was Neall's boy now. I hated it. Made my skin crawl. The very last straw was when the bastard sent me to a house to retrieve a young boy. The child was no more than ten. I would not be party to whatever the hell this plan was. The mere mention of it sent chills across my skin. If I was in my wolf form, I knew that all of my fur would be standing on end. I determined right then and there that I would instead sneak the kid out and hide him somewhere. My plan still wasn't fully formed but I knew that I had to save him somehow. I crept through the woods taking a long, circuitous route to the home of the child. I didn't want anyone to tie me to this sudden disappearance. Neall would know. And he would probably come after me. It was a dangerous path I was treading. All of my efforts could easily go up in flames with this one move. But I would not be deterred.~

Kade: *I pulled my head out of one of the books I’d been studying and rubbed at the bridge of my nose. My eyesite swam initially and then eased back to normal now I wasn’t so focused on the tiny black text. My office was swimming in pages and pages of history, whether it was in book form or random pages strewn around. It all had to be catalogued and in some cases updated to be put on our intranet. I’d been at it for weeks, but I loved every minute of it. It didn’t give me much in the way of social skills, but it allowed me to use my talents and hide away, which made me much more relaxed than I would have been doing anything else. I still tried to get out each day to train where I could, but I wasn’t pushing yet to be part of the sentry. Instead I hid away and then disappeared into the woods to keep an eye on the surrounding areas from a place I had the advantage. It was about that time now, and I already had a backpack of stuff ready to go. It contained food and clothes and other essentials in case I was kept out longer than I wanted to be, or had to shift into lykae form without warning. I clipped up the back around my waist with the shoulder straps pulled tight and then locked up my cabin. I needed to keep everything in there safe, and while I knew that most wouldn’t venture in there. I’d hate for someone to get in and do something that would cause long term issues. Even if it wasn’t intended to be malicious. I circled the camp once and then made tracks out into the woods. I would normally stay longer, but the vibe in the place since Lachlan, Rorey and Joshua left made it feel wrong somehow. I wasn’t comfortable there, or at least, less comfortable than I normally was. It didn’t take long for me to make silent tracks into the surrounding forest and work through the various paths until I could climb one of the many trees that I’d made into a safe haven for myself. I could curl up and settle between branches that stretched from all angles. They gave me a vantage point of the surrounding area as well, while keeping me as hidden as possible so high up in the air. I was still getting myself settled in, even managing to pull out the book I’d brought with me when I saw Lorren rush by. He was being careful, but he was moving fast. I frowned at the look on his face and instantly tugged my back onto my back again and dropped silently to the ground. My tracking coming in handy as I tried to keep up while not being spotted. It wasn’t easy, since I had no idea where Lorren was going, and I wasn’t sure if following was the best idea. But I’d barely managed to speak with him over the last few weeks, and I was still uncertain as to what was happening with him. Still worried about what it was that he was doing with Neall. Wherever he was going, it certainly couldn’t be the direct route, we’d zigged and zagged through the forest and beyond without stopping. I wanted to see where he was leading us, but I also didn’t want him to get in shit if he was meeting someone and I happened to be caught. Speeding up slightly I stopped with enough distance between us that he’d not get spooked before speaking, “Lorren, what the hell is going on?”

Lorren: ~I stopped dead in my tracks, eyes wide as I searched my surroundings.~ Shit! ~Thank god it was only Kade! I fell back against a tree and raked my fingers through my hair. I couldn't do this. I was so fucked! I hadn't even noticed him until he called out to me and here I was trying to sneak through the woods. A small child could have found me for all the good I was doing. My heart was racing so fast that I felt like I would drop on the spot. How was I supposed to fix anything? I still had no clue where I was going to hide the child once I got to the house.~ It's bad Kaden... Really bad... ~I sunk down to the ground, practically curling in on myself. Think, damn it. Think. This was going to completely blow my cover if it wasn't done right. I could be dead before Lachlan even returned. I looked up at my best friend, the only one in all of this that I trusted. How much could I tell him? How much should I tell him? I hated involving him in my mess but I really couldn't see another option at this point.~ Neall sent me to do something terrible. I know it's wrong. Every fiber in me tells me that it is. ~My hands dropped to punch the ground beneath me. Fuck that bastard! This went far beyond wanting to be in control of the pack. None if it made sense. Why would he want a child?~ Help me, Kade. Please?... I don't know who else to turn to. It's such a mess. All I wanted to do was protect the pack from that asshole and now... I don't know...

Kade: *I arched a brow at the sudden reaction from Lorren, stepping back automatically in case he lashed out. I knew he’d not do it on purpose once he knew it was me, but if I surprised him that badly, it was on me to defend myself. Thankfully he seemed to recognise me right away. I slowly took in my surroundings, making sure that it was just the two of us facing the house. Whoever was in there, it was something Lorren didn’t want me a part of, obviously. But something inside of me just couldn't let him do it alone. Especially when his broken words made it through to my brain. I huffed out a breath and moved slowly towards my friend as he curled up on the ground. I crouched before him and frowned hard. I could feel the anger and hurt and confusion and upset coming off him in waves. I was totally out of my depth with this. What was I meant to do? I hesitantly reached out to settle my hand on Lorren’s shoulder, squeezing gently and allowing me to drop to my knees beside him, “I’ll do anything I can to help you, you know that. Name it.” I didn’t need reasons, I didn’t need anything more than an explanation and what was expected of me. I was loyal to the pack, but if I had to pick between them and Lorren, he’d win. I knew that’d never happen under Lachlan as our alpha. But I wasn’t convinced there wasn’t something going on to try and find a new alpha for the pack. WIth enough influence and power I was sure they could do it as well. I blinked as my attention focused, I reached to squeeze Lorren’s wrist, stopping him from being able to hit the ground again, “No point you breaking something. I’ll help. I promise. Tell me what’s happening. We’ll figure it out and keep it so you can protect the pack. No one is watching me, use that.” I nodded and dipped my head to arch me brow as I met the male’s gaze, urging him to talk.*

Lorren: ~I looked up at my best friend and knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that this was the right decision. Kade would stick with me no matter what. The bond that we had formed went far beyond the things that were going on here with this pack. We had each other's backs for so long that you just couldn't come between something like that. His words set off a light in my head. I grabbed his shoulders, almost shaking him.~ You are right! No one watches you! Kaden! This is perfect! No one will know and you can help me protect the young in this house. ~I gestured wildly to the house that was near. I came up on my knees, forcing my voice to remain low unless there was anyone near.~ Neall has tasked me to bring him the pup. He could not be any older than ten. ~I shook my head, trying hard to banish the terrible thoughts that ran through my head.~ I'm telling you, Kade, something bad is going on here. Why?! Why would Neall want anything to do with one so young? When we went down into the village last we had... teens. Young, inexperienced. It was their first trip to the village and they were excited to come along. But do you know what I learned? None of their parents knew about the trip! Neall had gone to them personally, selecting them for their youth and swearing them to secrecy. ~I shuddered at the sneaking suspicions that I had. It was traitorous to even think that someone would turn on their own pack.~ And while we were there something attacked Neall. He was wounded. Though he would not tell me what had done it. He refuses to even speak of the matter. ~I stood up from the ground, offering a hand to Kade to help him up.~ There is one thing that I know for certain. If I had not been there to see that the children made it home safely, they would not have. They would have been taken. ~I paused, my voice dropping even lower yet I knew that Kade would hear me.~ I hate to even whisper this... I fear that Neall has allied with the Hunter.

Kade: *I met the gaze of my friend, someone who hadn’t made me feel like the shitty reject of the pack. While he’s not managed to do much to deter the others in our old pack, he’d certainly made the times they weren’t around bearable. The times I’d risked being seen with him, not wanting to tarnish him with the same brush I had. But he’d stuck with me regardless, and then allowed me to follow him back to this pack. He had all my loyalty and then some. And I knew he was aware of that. Glad that he trusted me that much. The sudden change almost had me landing face first on him, my fingers scrambling for purchase as I looked more and more confused. Protect young, what now? I blinked hard and plopped backwards onto my ass. I was sure my eyes were wide while watching the animation behind my friends actions, I didn’t understand, and my brain had short circuited the second he’d mentioned a young. I wasn’t good with………………...anyone, much less kids. I ran my tongue over my bottom lip nervously and then tipped my head towards the house. I’d not paid much attention to it really, I knew it was there. But I hadn’t really taken into thought Lorren was here for this specific house. I inhaled hard and tried to focus on what he was saying. Young taken into town and then an attack happened. I felt a cold blast hit my body and I immediately had that bad feeling return to the pit of my stomach. I was sure my face was as pale as my hair in that second. But it couldn’t be what I thought, could it? When Lorren confirmed it, his voice hushed as he hunched closer. Making sure no one but the two of us could hear his thoughts. And what a thought it was. I choked on a cough and slapped a hand over his mouth, my eyes wild as I searched the place. I was sure I’d been careful, and I knew I’d know if someone followed me, but with this kind of information, this kind of accusation. If someone had followed Lorren, they could be here already. And I’d have had no idea. I hushed my friend and shuffled in closer, my voice as low as I could make it without making no sound at all, “If that’s true, Lorren, do you know what this means? For you, and for Lachlan, for his new mate. If we are attacked again, there’s nothing to stop Neall attacking at the same time, no one would know in all the chaos. Taking the young would have left us vulnerable and emotionally spent. No one would have been looking where they should have.” I swallowed hard and just stared at my friend, what the hell had he gotten into? This wasn’t just protecting his brother, this was aligning himself with an enemy of the whole pack. He could be outcast or even killed if anything could be proven and Lachlan didn’t know he wasn’t really working alongside Neall. “What do we do, Lorren? Tell me what to do to help you, please.”

Lorren: ~I nodded mutely as Kade processed the entire mess that was going down right now. It was huge. And I couldn't simply do nothing. No one in their right mind could sit back and let something so terrible happen to the pack, to a child! I felt lost and I was grateful for the one person who knew that I would never willingly participate in this kind of thing. I glanced back at the house. Somehow I knew that the only one in there right now was the young. Neall would have arranged for it. Pulling the parents away on something that was no doubt important. He probably even guaranteed that I would be here to watch over the child. In one fell swoop it would paint me as a betrayer and hand over an innocent. My mind raced through a million different ideas. This would be the moment where Neall knew for sure where my loyalties really lay. I was signing my death certificate no matter which way I went. I refused to drag Kade down with me. My options were grim. I could do what Neall wanted. No way that was happening. I could take the child to safety, using Kade to help me hide them. I still came out looking like a kidnapper and Neall would use that to stir up the pack against me. They would be out for blood. I could leave Kade here to stay with the child until the parents returned then go back to Neall and say that the young was not alone. This implicated Kade and would turn Neall's gaze in that direction. The pit in my stomach grew larger and larger. I knew what I had to do. I had to stay here with the young until the parents got back. Neall would know that I'd disobeyed him. It was the only way. I looked back to my friend with a calm kind of acceptance. I grinned and pulled him in for a big hug.~ You've always been there for me Kaden. I could not have asked for a better, more noble friend. ~I refused to let my emotions get the better of me. This was what all of my subterfuge had led to. This was why I went down the road in the first place. The pack, above all else.~ I have one task for you. One request. Go. ~I pushed at him weakly.~ Find my brother. Let him know all that I've told you. I will guard the young. ~I nodded and gave a small smile. This was how it had to be.~

Kade: *I watched my friend closely, if I’d learnt one thing in my old pack, it was to read body language. All the better for avoiding the inevitable beatings. I tried to clear my mind, to get myself in a space where I could do this, I could look out for a child and a whole family. To ensure they were safe, and to help Lorren with whatever thing came his way next. The pack needed him around to watch his brothers back as well as others in the pack. Lachlan leading, while Lorren was able to support him. I couldn’t help my brain running into over drive. What would happen if Lorren disobeyed a direct order from Neall? What happened if he didn’t. If he did as he was asked in order to keep them from knowing that his real loyalty was with his brother? I had no doubt in my mind that they’d kill him. One day we’d all just wake up and he’d be gone, or they’d find his body after a freak accident. Blame the Hunter or another lykae. To know that Neall appeared to be working with the very being that had slaughtered half the pack, forced them to run and hide. And done so without a shred of guilt. I tried to go through options in my head. Of what might happen if the kid was here when Neall got here, or if Lorren hadn’t followed through. What could he possibly say had stopped him other than his need for a child to be safe? I frowned hard and looked between my friend and the house that was undisturbed in front of us. We were hidden, but I could see it clearly through the branches and leaves. A home that could shortly be a shell of itself should this plan continue. When Lorren started talking, I lifted my gaze to his. My confusion getting stronger the more he spoke. I willingly hugged him back, though contact of any kind was hard for me, I trusted Lorren, and that was shown with my ability to be close to him. I smiled and was about to answer when I was shoved back. Weakly, but still. I started shaking my head before he’d even finished talking. “I swear, Lorren, if you think me going is your best chance, then I’ll go. But you know if they figure out out you’re dead. And that’s not an option for me.” I moved back to where I’d been, close, but with enough distance that he didn’t feel I was crowding him. My brain fired as I tried to figure out a way that he could protect the kid this time around, without giving himself up. “You’ve been given a task, right? They expect this to happen, tonight? So say I showed up. I followed you. I don’t care how you make it sound, like I’m stalking you. Whatever. But that I turned up and refused to leave. You have to keep up some illusion so the pack doesn’t cotton on, just like they do. They’d get that, right? And they have no reason to do anything to me, cos I don’t know anything. Just happened to be in the way this time around?” I reached out and placed my hand on Lorren’s shoulder, my entire expression pleading as I bent my head to try and meet his gaze, “As I said, I’ll go if it’s really what you want. But if I can help, even if I have to avoid you in public for a while, you know I’ll do it.”

Joshua: *I paced back and forth at the main access road to the village as I waited for Lachlan to make himself known. I knew he was coming, but I hadn’t got a time. But I would stay here all day if it meant that I would manage to grab him before the rest of the pack pounced. Once I’d left the council meeting the night before, I’d immediately disappeared the best I could so I could speak to Lachlan on the mobiles that we were both still getting used to. He sounded like he was up to his neck in stress also, so I hadn’t felt particularly good dumping more on him. However, in true Lachlan fashion he’d acted on my information and had said he’d leave as soon as he could and arrive at some point the following day. Which was now today as I checked my watch for the millionth time. I’d been grateful that I was staying with someone who was so valuable to the pack, I had no doubt I’d have been silenced in some “accidental” way by Dickson if I’d have been alone. While I could hold my own, I’d still barely slept trying to listen out for anything out of the ordinary. At last I lift my gaze and it lands on a truck slowly making the way down the road, I could tell it was Lachlan and Rorey immediately, and I lifted my hands so they were able to see me before the boundary of the village began. I held up two fingers to flag down my Alphas as I turned to check we were still alone.*

Lachlan: The drive had been long and quite, the meeting with Rorey’s pack playing over and over in my mind. The issues which I know Joshua must be facing alone adding to the whole mess that is my life, and for the first time in my life I can safely say I was missing my pack. It wasn’t like before I was Alpha and went walkabout, this was different. I was missing the connection with my pack, as Alpha I could still just about feel the pack in the back of my mind. But I missed the full feeling of them, if I wasn’t traveling with Rorey I think I would have had to turn back. Letting out a sharp laugh then wincing as I look to my side to make sure I hadn’t woken up Rorey, reaching out to her with my mind and ghosting my mind through hers. The shiver sliding through me, the power this woman had over me was unreal. And to make matters worse I was falling more in love with her if that was possible, she had made me sleep most of the night while she drove us here. Without her we doing that would have had to stop as there is no way I could have driven this distance in less than twenty four hours. Looking up as I can feel Joshua’s mind getting closer and closer, my hands steady on the steering wheel, I wasn’t a good enough driver yet to relax. Not with my mate asleep next to me on the bench seat, it was bad enough that I was dragging her here to the Whiteclaw pack, a pack that housed that shit Dickson. A man that I was happy to put down with my fist, he was a man that liked to treat women badly and he still thought he had a claim to Rorey. Like hell! A smile pulling me from my dark thoughts as I at last see Joshua in the road in front of me, pulling the truck over to the side my hand at last getting to touch Rorey as I gently shake her. “Little Red we are here, well Joshua is outside and we all need to talk before we meet the Whiteclaws.” Turning away from Rorey and jumping out of the overly warm cab, slapping Joshua’s shoulder my voice low not wanting it to carry. “Well Old Wolf what shite have I well and truly dropped us in now?”

Rorey: *I’d driven thru the night while Lachlan slept. My only comfort going to the white claw pack was that there really was nothing that I would have to face where Lachlan wouldn't be at my side. My heart was aching because Joshua was stuck in what should be my mess and mine alone. When my vision started to get blurry and I felt I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore I’d pulled over and woken Lachlan to take over. Sleep consumed me but my dreams were less than pleasant at first. My poor mother had thought the worst until she saw me. Now she was quietly by my father's side longing for my return knowing I wouldn't be. I don't know if it was Lachlan's scent that calmed me eventually but my dreams wandered back to our runs and the cool pool we’d gone swimming in. I was abruptly pulled from the dream when the truck came to a stop and Lachlan shook me. I woke and sat up stretching a little. My eyes still sleepy I got out and walked with Lachlan to where Joshua was standing. My eyes telling him how sorry I was that he was stuck in the middle. I stood quietly and waited to hear what was going on.*

Joshua: *I watched as the truck drew closer. I could see Rorey asleep in the front seat, with Lachlan concentrating hard beside her. I knew they’d driven all night to get here, and I was glad it wasn’t just one of them on their own. It would have been near on impossible. I waited long enough to check them both over to ensure they were in one piece before I inhaled deeply. I had no real idea where to start, or what the reaction would be, but I was going to give Lachlan as much information as I could so he wasn’t surprised. “We had a council meeting, it was set up pretty quickly after I arrived as I requested. There had been a few changes as generations move through the ranks. Some I recognised, some I didn’t. One specifically gave me a bad feeling. I announced the mating of yourself to Rorey and got no further before I was shut down. I’m not sure how much they know, or who was involved.” I turned to face Rorey so I could invite her thoughts into the discussion, knowing she felt it was her fault. “The male who believed Rorey to be his mate seems to have informed others. They were very unhappy.” I looked back towards the village. “I am trying to read those here, but I certainly feel more secure now there are three of us. They know you’re coming, as I informed them as much while I was at the table. I called you immediately.” I reached out to squeeze Lachlan’s shoulder while maintaining eye contact with Rorey, “And Pup, this is neither one of your faults. But we’ll tackle it as a pack, however you want to deal with it, I’ve got your back.” I nodded and tried for a reassuring look before starting towards the truck. “Mind if I grab a lift back to Morris’ cabin?”

Lachlan: Nodding along with Joshua his words only confirming what I had glimpsed from the mind link, but still it was grating on my nerves. I knew I would have to take whatever repercussions from mating Rorey without permission, I also knew about her pending mating so I shouldn’t be getting annoyed but I was. Joshua was feeling the blow off from my decisions, my pack would as well if I didn’t find a way to nip Dickson and Tidus stories. Scrubbing my face both to wake me further and to relieve some tension, then looking to Joshua as he grips my shoulder I knew what he was saying was more to make me feel better. Rolling my shoulders letting out a short chuckle. “Old wolf I get what you are trying to do, but let’s be honest with each other right here. But only here I have to save face with the pack after all. I should have known better then to jump and take Rorey for my own.” Looking to Rorey a cocky grin playing on my lips. “But I couldn’t help myself, you just do it all for me. And I do mean all.” Looking back to Joshua my voice low. “I should have taken even your advice, or at least looked for it before I went down this path.” Rolling my shoulders and walking back towards the truck, not looking back to Rorey and Joshua my voice low. “So who is going to call shotgun as I want to drive some more, I need the practice.” Stopping with my hand on the open driver’s door, calling back to Joshua. “Tidus, Rorey’s old alpha and father didn’t tell his pack he knew where she was. Or that he knew we had mated, I think this will play in our favour.” Shaking my head. “I am not sure what Tidus hoped to gain from that, but I don’t think Morris or the rest of the Whiteclaws will be happy with being pulled into this mess when facts were withheld.”

Rorey: *I stood there, my thoughts scattered. I was sad and angry all at the same time. My father had lie by omission to my mother. From what I was hearing Dickson was telling others that I was still his. Did this pack even know I had run? I wasn't happy about any of it.* I’m sorry that my father started all of this and my running continued it but I will never be sorry that Lachlan and I are mated. *Sighing heavily.* This is not the way I wished to spend the week. Joshua I am sorry you were met with such ugliness had I any clue you were going to Dickson's pack I would have warned you. *Rubbing my temples and walking back to the truck I sat in the middle leaving Joshua the door. I needed to be close to Lachlan. My nerves were on edge and I was going to need every ounce of peace I could draw from being close to him.* Let’s get this over with. The sooner it’s done the sooner we can go home.

Joshua: *I kept my eyes on both, my Alphas were uncertain and it wasn’t something that suited them. I wanted Lachlan to be at peace that it would be sorted, and we all made impulsive decisions. “Rorey, this is not your fault. What happened here today reflects badly on Dickson, and unfortunately also your father. However, it is fixable.” I looked back at Lachlan, “Pup, you’re right in saying that it should have been announced first, but it would have made little difference to what has happened I fear. Dickson is seemingly infatuated with your female, and I can’t think that an announcement would have changed that. Neither one of you is at fault. In this instance protocol may have done just as much harm as good.” I wished I could say more to the two of them. I could see how tired they both were, and I hoped that Morris was willing to talk and then take a break to consider so they could sleep. I looked back towards the truck and turned to walk to the door, curling my fingers around the handle and pulling it open, “Whatever you need from me while we’re here you’ve got it. I only urge you to be careful, I have no idea what Dickson may have told Morris in my absence when I left the meeting. But his cabin is the same one it was the last time we were here, and we can park close enough. But we should get moving so that they don’t think we’ve disappeared on them.” I hopped into the cab and pulled the door shut behind me. Despite my easy acceptance, I was still worried that things wouldn’t go to plan. I just hoped the two were able to draw strength from each other and get through the next 24 hours.*

Lachlan: Nodding along with Joshua’s words of comfort to Rorey, his thoughts that this whole mess could be fixed ringing true in his voice. Dragging my eyes from Rorey to Joshua, then scrubbing my face. “But if I had at least tried protocol I might have had a better standing right now, but you are right. Either way I was always going to trap Rorey to my side. She just didn’t stand a chance.” Climbing into the truck after Rorey got in my hand gripping her thigh for a moment, sending calming thoughts to her through the mind link as I growl softly. “Little Red there is nothing for you to be sorry about, you are the only truly innocent party in all of this.” Looking past Rorey to Joshua as he climbs, his worry showing in his eyes. He may have been able to block them from the mind link, but I knew this old wolf too well. “Ok I remember the way, and I hope Morris isn’t going to be too upset with putting us all up.” Pulling away my driving skills still not one hundred percent, but I didn’t embarrass myself too much by bunnyhopping the truck too much. And the grinding of gears was only when moving from first to second now, parking as close to Morris's place as I could then turning off the engine. My eyes scanning the area as my hand gripped Rorey’s thigh again, keeping my voice low letting my Alpha senses take over. “Ok so far so not wanting to kill us completely, I think Joshua you knock on Morris's door and just confirm we are welcome before I let Rorey step foot outside of the truck. I don’t sense and evil thoughts or eyes on us but let’s not take chances.” Breathing in deep feeling Moris as this pack’s Alpha around the edge of my mind link, yes Alphas could talk over the links unlike normal pack members. But with the way things were going and not knowing what lies Dickson was spreading, I wasn’t pushing my luck that Morris would think it a breach of protocol.

Rorey: *To say I was uncomfortable was an understatement. My family, Lachlan's family and three packs all on the line because my Father was an idiot and I ran. I needed to push down the discomfort and hold my shoulders straight and my head high. I laugh to myself for a moment thinking of an old human saying I’d heard in town about being thrown to the wolves. Shaking my head I let go of the fear and shame. I am the mate of an Alpha. My duty was to watch my mates back and protect the pack from harm with him.* Joshua, your kindness is so needed. I can't begin to express what it means to me. *I paused* I’m far from Innocent Lachlan, I knew what I knew but I wanted what my heart wanted. Let's get this over with so we can figure this mess out ,pay whatever penance we are going to be required to pay and get home safely before the pack thinks we ran away for good! *I sighed I could feel the tension as I waited for whatever was going to unfold.*

Joshua: *I took a second to reach over and gently squeeze Rorey’s hand, her obvious upset was something that would affect anyone who was able to witness it, “You knew you were being forced into something you hadn’t agreed to. That on its own should be enough for Morris to understand your point of view. He has kids. But your actions led you to Lachlan, and I think that speaks for itself on whether it was something you had to do.” I lifted my eyes to Lachlan as I opened the door to the truck and dropped my feet to the floor* I’ll go in and speak to Moris, let him know you’re both here and willing to talk. I won’t let either one of you in unless I’m sure it’s safe. Give me five minutes and I should be back.” I nodded and stepped back, closing the door gently before turning to make my way towards the cabin. I kept my eye on the surrounding area, houses and open spaces, seeking out anywhere that people might be able to hide or ambush my Alphas. I didn’t hesitate when I got to the door, knocking three times and waiting for an answer. I was barely on my third knock when Morris appeared at the door and ushered me in. I nodded to Lachlan before stepping inside to speak with Morris and check all was well.*

Lachlan: Letting out a soft chuckle watching Joshua squeeze Rorey’s hand, his words of comfort sitting in my mind. He was right any Alpha would feel for Rorey, no one really wanted to return to the old days of forced matings. Pulling my mind back into the here and now. “Little Red trust me when I tell you, you were and are innocent. Now me, that is up for discussion.” Winking at Joshua as he climbs out, opening the door then jumping out. Turning and holding my hand out to Rorey, then looking across the hood of the truck to Joshua. “We will stay here but I am on guard, so you go work your magic.” Pulling Rorey in tight one arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling us into the shadows just back from the truck. My eyes and mind wide open, tracking Joshua to the door, then watching as Morris lets him inside. Holding my breath as I let my mind flow out to feel the whole area, picking up on many of Morris’s pack and a few holding ground not too far away forming a loose circle around Morris’s house. Touching on both Rorey’s and Joshua’s minds. “Morris has men around the perimeter, not close but there be on guard. Most likely they are there to stop any talks getting out of hand. But they could be used to close the net around us if the shite really hits the fan.”

Rorey: *I still wasn't convinced about any of this not being at least partly my fault. I was concerned with letting Joshua go in alone. Unfortunately I just wanted to break into that house and tell them all this was a misunderstanding. I needed them to know Lachlan's pack had no knowledge of any of this and that they needed to be left alone. I was antsy, even Lachlan's arm around me didn't do much to quell it.* I don't like any of this. We can't afford a war within the packs. *I sighed and did the only thing I was allowed to do at the moment. I waited and stewed in my own thoughts.*

Joshua: *I stepped inside the cabin and saw Moris look behind me at the truck housing and Lachlan and Rorey in the shadows beside it, I smiled reassuringly and held up my hands to show my surrender. “Morris, Lachlan and Rorey have come here to clear up any miscommunication that has happened. They are willing to speak with you, but I need to ensure their safety before I can allow them in here. I need your acceptance and assurance that they won’t be harmed and that peaceful talks can be undertaken for them to come inside. Can you assure me of that?” I continued working around the room, checking out every place that there might be someone hiding. I didn’t think Morris would be stupid enough to do anything, but I wasn’t taking any chances with my Alpha and his mate. I slowly circled and came back around to Morris, listening to his words before nodding in agreement and moving to the door, “I’ll get them. Leave the door open please so we can get inside without any issues.” I nodded without waiting for a reply and made my way back down to the truck, making my way slowly around it to the place Rorey and Lachlan were waiting. I felt a pang in my chest at how stressed they both looked, but I wanted to assure them it was all ok, “Morris wants to speak to you both, get these things sorted. He’s willing to listen, and I think he’s going to fall down on our side, despite the lie coming from one of his own pack. I’ve checked the whole place, and there is no threat. I would suggest speaking to Morris first before he calls in the rest of the council. But I can get the others here should you want to address them all at once initially? Door is open, so any time you’re ready, I’ll follow on after you and close up behind you.” I smiled and stepped back to allow Lachlan and Rorey to move past me, their eyes still watching in case anything threatened. I waited until they were past me before falling in behind, ready in case anything should happen.*

Lachlan: Feeling the tension building as I pulled Rorey into my arms, my eyes still scanning the area around us. Her body hard against my mine not yielding as it usually was, keeping my voice low after I listened to Rorey. “Little Red it isn’t your fault, I am more to blame and even then I acted with my dick not my head.” Leaning down and kissing the top of Rorey’s head my arms tight around her, then locking onto the door Joshua had gone through my mind piggybacking along as I listened in on what was being said. Watching Morris through Joshua’s mind was beyond wired and was creeping me out, my father had told me about doing this and I knew what to expect but it was still making almost seasick. But that could have been Joshua walking around scanning the small dwelling, then ending back up looking at Morris pulling back from Joshua’s mind as I feel as well as see him coming through the now open door. Standing more tense as I listen to my Beta, nodding along one arm tightening around Rorey. Leaning forward with placing a hand on Joshua’s shoulder, cracking my neck pushing a cocky grin onto my face. “Ok Old wolf lets us get it on.” Taking a deep breath and striding forward Rorey’s hand in mine into the house, thanks to Joshua's mind I knew where everyone was. Stopping in front of Morris, locking eyes showing him the respect an Alpha deserves. “I’m here because I broke with tradition and followed my heart. But it wouldn’t have been an issue if I wasn’t an Alpha, yes I should have known better but..” Turning to look into Rorey’s eyes then back to Morris. “Rorey or my Little Red stole my breath and mind and heart. I was like a green pup falling around with a soppy grin on his face. But that being said I swear I meant no offence, but again I won’t lie I did know Rorey had been promised and to whom just not which pack to begin with. But I also know that we found her after she ran away as she didn’t want to be matted to Dickson.” Again turning to look at Rorey and Joshua then back to Morris. “You and my father were friends, my sister is part of your pack. I do not want to upset our ties but I can’t let Rorey go. I am willing to take whatever whiplash you feel necessary, but I hope as a fair and respected Alpha you will place all whiplash on ME not my pack and not Rorey.” “Lachlan..” Wincing as Morris sighs and starts to pace. “This is a shit storm and make no mistake, Dickson was hoping to mate into being the Greyson’s Alpha once Rorey’s dad passed. Was I happy with his planes no, but he is an Alpha and is pushing for it. I was glad to be getting rid of his intentions and yes maybe him as well, but you can’t get off free. I need to do something or it looks bad on both our packs. And to be honest I didn’t know Rorey was being forced, hell I thought she was still with her pack till Joshua reached out to me about it.” Letting out a low growl. “Trust me Morris, no one will ever force my mate. So what are we going to do?”

Rorey: *Squared my shoulders and walked into the cabin after Joshua said it was ok. My head was high and I was ready for whatever was to be said. I stopped and waited for the conversation to begin. There would be so many questions. My hand slipped into Lachlan's and I felt strong.*  I was not asked , I did not want to mate Dickson. I will not wear the marks of anyone's anger. I will face with Lachlan what needs faced but you need to know the kind of Alpha Dickson will be. The is no room for an abuser in power.  *I stopped talking and stood waiting for a reaction.*

Joshua: *I followed on after my Alpha and his mate, My eyes still scanning until we were safely inside the large home that served as Morris’ office, home and in some cases council meeting place. Once we were all inside I closed the door to the office and took up post one side of it. Should anyone try anything I was there to protect Lachlan and Rorey. I knew everyone was tired and needed rest, but this needed sorted. At Lachlan’s words, I felt my mind agreeing with some of it. The pup had been hasty and while waiting wouldn’t have changed the outcome in any way, it wasn’t something I’d expect. Lachlan had always been headstrong and his impulse control wasn’t the best in the world. But that served well as Alpha in other ways, he was passionate about his pack and wanted the best for them. He’d pulled a lot of us into the current century with technology and trade links. He also cared nothing for his own safety when a member of his pack was in danger, throwing himself in head first to fix or change whatever situation they were in. All of that were things that went in the box that made him great at what he did. And not in the same way as his father had been great, but in his own unique way. In this situation taking the time to discuss options as per the outdated guidelines was something that should have happened. However, it was evident that Rorey had no interest in Dickson and even less interest in backing him for anything, especially her Alpha and Mate. Dickson really didn’t have a leg to stand on should he try to fight this fairly. Though he didn’t seem like the type to fight a battle he knew he’d lost. I felt that he’d be underhanded. I just hopped Morris and Lachlan were ready for that. My eyes bounced between the two alphas as they spoke of what might happen, taking into account all the information they’d already garnered. I knew Lachlan and Rorey had gone back to her home pack, and I was interested in knowing how that had gone. But I would wait until we were alone to speak of that. I was sure that whatever information they had would be interesting, but I wondered how much of it would be fully disclosed with it being Rorey’s family. That was a tricky line to cross for future alliances, but the two had been together long enough driving all night to have worked that one out. I just hoped whatever was worked out didn’t result in bad blood while our pack were still healing and gaining in numbers again.*