Peace and Quiet - 2. Chapter 2

I was up at dawn like I was used to and I saw Amos wasn't around. I joined Jessup at the morning chores while Zeke went off to his morning classes. Nothing at all was said about Amos, but I knew the only reason was because Jessup was not one to pry. I'm glad too because I could not stand the thought that I hadn't gotten away from him.

Tommy pulled up about lunch time in a nice Hummer. Not one of those fake ones. Nope, this one was real. Actual metal. “Howdy all.”

I was shirtless and chopping wood and waved when I paused. Jessup was out dealing with other things since I could chop wood. “Howdy Tommy.”

“Glad you took my advice and stayed put,” I nodded. “Listen, I put out an APB to the other Hunters to keep an eye out for your stalker. Would you be willing to give me more info on him? And if you think it's enough, just stop talking.”

I liked that about the people around here. They didn't really expect more than you were willing to give. It was a nice change. “His name is Amos Zedekiah Burwell. He's from Oklahoma. He's my ex-boyfriend and the son of a bitch who turned me without my consent or foreknowledge. He's an abusive shit stain and I wish he would leave me alone. He wouldn't be here unless he had rented a hotel room. He likes his comforts.”

Tommy blinked a few times. “Zeke got to ya, didn't he?” I laughed and nodded. “Kid's good at making people comfortable. That info is more than I will need. Do you consider him dangerous?” I nodded. “Erratic?”

“Name a cat who isn't.” He nodded his head to that. “Tommy, I don't want him killed, just want him to go away and leave me alone. You gotta do what you gotta do, but if you don't have to kill, don't.”

“You're too nice to be mixed in with guys like him. I...”

“Tommy! There you are!” Brigid had come out back. “When you boys are done c'mon inside. I got stuff for sandwiches and there is still some pie. Jessup! Lunch!” she bellowed and then went back inside. I grinned. One thing I can say about the Lone Wolf was it was loud, active and nothing changed.

“So, about tonight.”

“I'm staying inside with Zeke.” That seemed to shock him.

“That's not a bad idea. I was going to suggest staying with the family when you went outside, but inside is better if you can stand it.”

We started back inside, me grabbing my shirt and washing my hands in the pump out back before even entering the house. “This would be my first full moon when I could go outside. Amos kept us locked in the cellar.” I saw him flinch.

“So you're telling me that night with the deer?”

“Was one of the first times I had ever run around...as a Lycan.” I had to swallow the lump of anger to say it, but I did. Tommy just shook his head.

When evening was coming around I was up in the room with the door mostly shut. I had asked to be left alone while I was changing and they looked at me like I was funny for even asking.

“When you're done, I'll be in the living room. It's about the only room large enough to hold me,” Zeke said and Brigid beamed a smile of pride. Her son was a big lad and she was right proud of him.

I felt my change start and I stripped off the robe and crouched down, panting already. It was still painful and I know it was because I was fighting it. I didn't want to change. I didn't want my hair to grow out. I didn't want to grow that stub tail, or the paws, or the tufted ears and anything. The only part of it I liked was the senses. I could hear the smallest sound and scent the faintest odor on the wind. That was the only part I ever liked and even then I had been stifled in the cellar.

When I was done I stood and shook it off. I could smell the Whitebear family below and part of me cringed at the scent of large predators. It was like I knew that there were bears below me and I was smart to stay up here. Then one scent changed and dominated the others and I knew it was Zeke. It smelled big, but it did not smell hostile. I poked my nose out of the door and looked down the hall. No one was there, obviously as they would never fit in the hallway or up the stairs, but I could hear Zeke shuffling around below. I let out a small mewl and heard almost a chuckle in response. I left the room cautiously and went to the top of the stairs and I could see Brigid and Jessup shuffle out the doors for their night on the town. Then Zeke came into view and I have to say. The boy was a handsome bear. And huge. When he glanced at me I could swear he was telling me I could come down. Then he went into the living room and lay down to get comfortable. I padded down the stairs and looked around as I could smell Tommy was somewhere in the house still.

I made my way over to Zeke who watched me with interest and then scootched over to let me have some of the carpet. The part of me that still thought said it would be a bad idea to give Zeke any encouragement, but the rest of me knew he would be warm and comfortable. That side won out as I went and curled up next to him. Gently Zeke put a paw over me protectively and we nestled down to relax.

I must have dozed off because I came too when I felt Zeke move. He didn't just shift, he moved and very quickly. I hissed at him but then I saw why. Amos was standing in the doorway and hissing at Zeke. I cowered back and watched as Zeke stood to his full height. God above he was huge. Amos backed out of the door at the sight of that half ton of fury. Zeke swiped at him and backed him up farther and farther. Which was not the best thing as it gave Amos room to maneuver. He leaped at Zeke who was too shocked to react fast enough. He never thought a lynx would attack a polar bear. He got a scratch across his nose and the roar he let out made me run out the back door. I wasn't thinking any more, I just bolted.

I skidded to a halt when I saw two more polar bears running as fast as they could from the small lake on the property and I ducked as the female ran past me, her eyes filled with anger. The male stopped beside me as I hissed, my hackles up. He just wuffed and I calmed down. Then my mind took over enough to know it was Jessup and I ran and hid beneath him. His presence was enough to keep me from bolting even when I saw Amos taking off like a shot, but it wasn't Brigid that had him on the run as she had stopped at the gate. It had to be Tommy tearing off after him in full pursuit, a stunning Canis Lupus. I watched him chase Amos into the night.

My heart was pounding as Jessup gently nudged me back to the house. Brigid was staring after the chase but she turned and part of me knew she was worried about me. When I saw Zeke's torn up nose I mewled again and went over to see if he was okay. He lowered his muzzle to me and we sniffed each other for injury. Then I began to lick his nose to clean it. The first one made him pull back and snort, but he seemed to know my raspy tongue was not meant to cause pain and he came back. I cleaned it as best as I could and the two of us went back inside and I curled up willingly next to him. I felt safe here. For the first time in years I felt safe.

When I awoke I was still naked, but I was human again and under a blanket. Zeke was snoring softly and curled around me. His nose was healing well but something told me he would have a small scar there. I normally would have bolted right then, but I had given Zeke my trust last night, and I had not been betrayed, I had been befriended. My eyes caught movement and I could see Brigid smiling down at us. She put her finger to her lips as I slipped out from the covers and into the robe she was holding. We went to the kitchen. “How did you sleep?” she asked.

“Honestly? Better than I have in years. I don't remember too much about last night except Zeke.” I sat at the breakfast bar as she spooned me up some oatmeal. “My memory isn't the best about what happens, but I remember seeing him charge Amos. Then I remember cleaning his nose and falling asleep knowing I would be fine.” She grinned a smile of pride. “Brigid I can honestly say I trust your son with my life as much as I have any man I served with. While I vaguely remember Jess protecting me, it's nothing to what Zeke did.”

“He's a gem. I hope he remembers more than normal. His memory is just bad after he changes back. I'm proud of the way he acted last night. I was not prepared for just how big that creature was.” I looked down at my oatmeal and nodded. Amos was huge, bigger than I was. “There is no shame in running from something that much bigger than you. None at all.” I looked up again to see her looking me right in the eyes, willing my shame away.

“It's more than his size.” She nodded and gave me a motherly hug.

“I know, Quint. But you are still here. You didn't run away last night or even when he was here before. You stood your ground.”

“I was out of that house quick as a fox,” I said.

“After you heard Zeke roar. It was not fear of Amos that drove you out, it was sheer common sense. No stays around when an angry bear is there.” I nodded.

Tommy and Jess came in looking tired and disgruntled. “He got away,” said Tommy and I nodded. Amos was slick. He knew how to avoid getting caught. No one from the last place knew we were Lycan. “We'll find him,” Tommy assured me.

“No, you won't.” I was sure of it. The only time he would be found is when he wanted to be. I said as much.

“He's that good?”

“Yeah. Former Nave Seal.” Even Tommy shook his head.

“We'll keep searching. I have his scent now and others will be joining me. Hostile nomads in our territory are not treated kindly.” I nodded, but I knew they would not catch him. “Zeke got a good swipe in and he was injured so he's going to have to heal up some place.” He would go to wherever he was staying, which would be some place nice. I told them to check all the hotels within fifty miles. “Good idea. When would you like to go home?”

“Honestly? As soon as I can. I don't want to bring trouble to the Lone Wolf.” Jessup went to say something but I just looked at him. He knew his family could take Amos, but they would get hurt. He also knew it was my choice. In the end he nodded.

“You don't have to fight alone.” Jessup was honestly worried about me and I was touched. I really was. Not too many people ever looked out for me.

“I don't want to fight at all. I've done enough fighting.” He nodded. I told him a bit of what I had seen and it made him shake his head. “If he follows me, then I can fight him on my home ground where I know the land. He won't have enough time to even get his footing.”

“That's sound. And the Homestead Pack won't tolerate a hostile nomad like that.”

This was the first I had heard of the newest pack's name. “What's it like? This pack.”

Tommy grinned. “Actually, it's just the pack for you, I'd wager. The alpha is a Canis Lunais.” A Lunais alpha? I had never heard of one of those. “His mate is also Lunais and their adopted son and the pack's enforcer is a Solaris.” I looked at him like he was pulling my leg. “It's the truth. I've known them since I was fifteen. I wouldn't be a Hunter if I hadn't met them one Halloween.”

This pack sounded almost too good to be true. There had to be some catch, something that wasn't all what it appeared. Either way I would be in their territory and needed to let them know I was there. Most packs didn't care if a stray nomad lived within the borders so long as they weren't trouble. I might not have to join the pack at all, which would suit me just fine.

“We can go when you're ready,” Tommy told me and I nodded and went upstairs to dress and get my things. When I came back down I looked at Zeke who was still out cold. I smiled down at him and knelt.

“You stay just the way you are,” I whispered softly and kissed his brow. The slightest of smiles tickled at his lips and I walked out the door and to the Hummer.

“You're always welcome, Quint,” Brig said with a smile. “Call us when you get to where you're going. Let us know how you are every now and then.” I nodded as I tossed my things in the back. I got a sudden idea and ran back inside. I came back after a minute with a smile on my face. “What was that about?”

“Leaving Zeke a goodbye present.” Jessup nodded like that I did the right thing.

* * *

We spent to rest of the night of the moon in a safe house before getting to my flight home. Tommy actually took the flight with me. Somehow he had gotten a private jet to come get us. It was sleek and shiny and kinda sexy. “One of the perks of being me,” he said with a grin. I didn't question it. I was a bit nervous going up, but I shoved down that slight fear of flying as I could tell even the pilots were Lycans.

“So how did you get this jet?”

“Called the leader of Homestead. He'll be meeting us at the airport.” I know my eyes went wide. Meeting the Pack Leader on the first day? “He's not a bad guy. Not even all that stern of one. He leads with fairness and equality. He's more like the big brother than the Leader.”

I started asking questions. “His name is Jonathan Davenport. His mate is Patrick Farris and the enforcer is Dylan Davenport.” I must have looked as shocked as I felt. “Yes, his mate is a man. You'll have a thousand questions for me, but most of them will be answered just by meeting Jon.” In other words stop asking questions.

When the plane landed I got up and grabbed my gear. Before the door even opened I stopped Tommy. “Thank you. For everything. The advice, with Amos, the help getting here.”

Tommy just smiled. “Hey, everyone deserves to find their place and some peace. I hope you find yours here.”

As the door opened I got a nice cool blast of air. I could smell Montana like I never had before and it made me smile. I was home. At the bottom of the stairs was a man dressed in a simple business suit. Dear god, he was good looking. Not drop dead gorgeous, but seriously handsome. Great build, easy smile that was not fake at all. He also radiated power like no other Lycan I had met. This was an Alpha Male and I just stared.

“You must be Quintin Marshall.” He stepped up with his hand out stretched. I shook it.

“Yes, Alpha, sir. I'm sorry if I don't greet you right. I've never been in any pack.”

I liked the smile he gave me. It was genuine and understanding. “I've been told. You can just call me Jon.” He looked over my shoulder and his grin got even larger. “Tommy? Boy you have gotten big.”

“Hey, Jon. Six years will do that to a teen. You take good care of him now. He's got someone from his past that wants to keep him there.” Tommy handed Jon a folder and I knew it had everything Tommy could dig up on Amos.

“We will. Say hi to your dad for me.” And with that, Tommy was back on the plane and leaving.

I was at a loss. I was in new territory and I was being treated like I was someone important. “Alpha...Jon, I am really confused.”

We started walking towards a nice truck where he put my stuff. “I bet. Not used to being treated like this.” It was no question. “When Tommy called and said I would have a nomad and former soldier coming home to his family, I just thought little of it other than to welcome you when you came by. When he told me the rest, I knew I had to come here personally.” He looked me right in the eyes and I could feel his power like a force. “You will be taken care of. If you wish to join Homestead, you are more than welcome. If not, you mom's house is in our territory and we'll keep an eye on it and your family. As of the moment you stepped off that plane you are under the protection of Homestead.

“Now, you hungry?” I could only nod. I was, but it also gave me something to do while I processed all this.

Jon drove us to a small cafe that made me smile. It was about five miles to my house from here and I use to work here during the summer for some spending cash. None of it had changed, not even the greeter. “Well I'll be. Little Quintin, bout time you come home. And welcome back, Jon.”

“You know I can't stay away from your pies, Lilly,” Jon said and kissed her hand. She was old enough to be his mother but I could tell that Jon was a people person. Unlike I had become. “Can we get a table? Quintin here is going to be working for me part time and I need to fill him in on the mondo torture he'll be put through.”

Lilly laughed and sat us out of the way of the rest of the room. “I'll be back with some water and menus.” She ruffled my hair and I grinned a bit.

“You use to work here, didn't you?” Jon asked and I nodded. “So, cover story aside there are some local businesses that could use a new hand. I know you want to get home, but think on it.”

“How...influential are you here?”

“Well, when Pat and I moved here we discreetly bought up about half the town.” I just gaped. “Most of it was going to be foreclosed or repossessed, so it was cheap. The people don't know who bailed them out of the tight spots, only that someone did.”

“Rich?”

“Not really. My Pop and Pat's dad are and they helped out. Since you will be meeting them I will say that Travis Andrews is Pat's dad.” I knew that name. He was the former leader of The Pack that controlled almost all of Eastern US and south through Arizona. He was counted to be a strong man and a fair one. “Do you have any questions for me?”

“Will I...be welcomed?” I was asking because I was starting feel already that meeting Jon was going to be a good thing. It was like the Lone Wolf all over again.

“Well, by most, yes. One of my edicts was no one is excluded based on type, only for being an epic douche.” I snickered. “I welcome you to the territory and hope that your homecoming is a good one. Pat and Dylan will have their say if you wish to join the Pack. I do not exclude my mate or my son. And I listen to what my Pop and Travis have to say as they are also Alphas.”

“Three Alphas?” I had never heard of such a thing.

“Yeah, it gets heated at times, but this is my pack ultimately. They speak for their own kind.” He leaned forward. “I'm Lunais, Travis is Lupus and Pop is Solaris.” I stared. I mean...how? Weren't Solaris extinct? Even I knew that from Amos' ramblings. “You'll meet them.”

Lunch with Jon was interesting. He would slip up some times and I could tell he was from California. He used some cheesy surfer movie words like mondo and tubular. It was almost comical except he was filling me in on what I should expect living in the territory. Not much as far as politics; I was far from the border of another pack so I should never have to worry about disputes. As long as I kept to myself I would be left alone.

He was also charismatic. He just had a way to put people at ease, make them comfortable. Until he brought up Amos. “What do I need to know about him?”

“Ex. Turned me without permission. Navy Seal. Wants me back.”

“Cut and dry. Good. Less pain that way. I'll read Tommy's report later, but I wanted to make sure you knew that if he comes around, don't fight him. If he's as big a problem as you and Tommy say, and that boy has seen problems, then I want you to grab your mom and bring her to the camp.” The camp was an old camp ground that went under and Jon made it his home. Each of the leaders had their own cabin around the communal fire pit, although from what he says his dad split time between here and Australia. “We'll do our best to keep your Lycanthropy a secret from her, unless you plan on telling her, but in an emergency she will probably find out. If we can't keep him from taking you with words, we will use force and he would be no match for us. Not bragging, just stating the facts.” And I believed him. He was the younger of the three Alphas, but he was powerful. Big, strong, abilities I could never hope to have. I didn't see I had much of a choice, really. This was his territory, but he was also talking sense. He didn't want anyone hurt if he could avoid it. “Let's hope he didn't follow you here.”

“Yeah. I really appreciate you taking the time for me, Alpha...Jon.”

He smiled. “Never a problem to help out someone, especially one of our former Armed Forces.” I could smell he was genuine. He respected me a lot for serving the country. “Once you're settled, if you want to come by just give me a ring.” As we got up to leave he handed me his card. “That way we know you're coming and won't catch me and Pat...busy.” The grin he gave me said he was often busy with his mate. “I...” he stopped when his cell rang. “Talk to me, handsome,” he said with a sort of lovesick puppy look. “Seriously? Today? Shit. Infect him and stab him in the head with a silver spoon. Or have Dyl do it.” He tried upset but he was grinning. “Yeah, I'll go pick his ass up after I drop off Quint.”

“I can walk,” I said but he waved away the suggestion.

“Sure, love. See you soon.” He hung up. “That was Pat. My best bud and bane of my life has decided to fly in for the weekend.” I nodded. I knew those types of friends. “Love him to death.”

“Death by silver spoon?” I asked with a smirk.

“Probably. He's still completely clueless I'm Lycan. Even after seven years.” To that I nodded. Something told me that this friend was to remain clueless.

Jon dropped me off and then waved as he turned around to go to the airport again. I looked at the old house and saw it needed a lot of work. Mom would not keep up on something like the paint or the fence when she had other things to worry about. Dad wouldn't care enough since he was a holier than thou pious prick who believed Jesus would provide everything they needed, even if the house fell down. He would pray and it would be answered. This would be hard because last time I had seen my folks Dad had kicked me out for being gay. Told me not to come home while I was with that man.

I hiked up my bag and walked through the open gate. My old dog Sadie lifted her head and then came trotting up. She took a good long sniff of me and then her tail wagged. Guess she remembered me enough to not care about the rest. “Miss me?” I asked her and she barked.

“What you after, Sadie,” came mom's voice from inside. When she came to the door she stopped and looked at me. “Quintin?”

“Hi mama.” She came down the steps quickly and into my hug as I dropped my bags.

“My boy is home. You...you didn't bring that man here, did you?”

“I left him. Long story, but we're not together and if he comes calling, call the cops.” Her eyes got big. “Long story. Papa home?”

“He's working. What did you do to your hair? You come inside and put your things up. I'll fix you something to eat, you must be famished.” I smiled as mom led the way into the house.

“I'm fine. I had lunch with my new boss.” I would be working mainly on the farm, but Jon had arranged for a part time job at the market.

“Already have a job? Well, that's one less thing for your father to complain about.” I kissed her cheek and went upstairs to drop off my things. My room was exactly the same, even had the same Pokemon bed sheets. Being in the room brought back a host of good and bad thoughts.

“So I'll be working at the market,” I said to my mom, even though she had made little noise coming up the stairs.

“That's nice. Quint?” I looked at her, seeing the concern in her eyes.

“I'm fine, mama. Amos wasn't the man I thought and I came home to start fresh.”

“Wanna tell me?” She put her hand on my arm in concern.

I didn't want to, but I found myself telling her almost everything he ever did. When I got to my Lycanthropy I told a small lie. “He...gave me something I can't get rid of.” Her body shrank. “I'm fine. Healthy even, but there ain't no getting rid of what I got from him. So, if I ever get a cut, let me deal with it.”

“You're a brave man to tell me this, honey. You're father won't be so understanding.”

“I know. Also found out I have an allergy to silver.” She made a quirky face. “Makes me break out.”

“Then I'll make sure you don't use your grandma's silverware.” I chuckled and gave her a hug. “I'm glad you're home, baby.”

“Me too.”

I was up on the roof with some shingles when dad got home. I heard his truck coming down the road, but I just kept working as if I didn't dread the moment he realized the blond guy was his son. When I heard the door slam I could smell his aftershave on the slight breeze. “Lenore, who is that on the roof?” Ever the suspicious one. I turned and looked down at him with as blank a look as I could. I saw his face go from confusion to disbelief, shock to anger, and finally to resigned. “Is he with you?”

“No, Papa. I left him.” He nodded and went inside. No welcome home, no happy to see you...didn't expect one really. At least he didn't yell at me to get off his property or tell me I was going to hell for my sins. I went back to work.

We stayed away from each other, mostly, unless we had to be in the same room. Then we didn't speak at all. Mama tried to get us to talk, and we would talk to her, but we never said a word to each other if we could help it. I knew it would be like this, so I was prepared. The biggest thing I was not prepared for was working in the market and the people I would have to be around. I was supposed to be the stock boy. I was, but I wasn't told I would also have to fill in as cashier when told.

“I was told you got some PTSD, or some thing wrong with you, so as to keep you from being around the customers too much,” said the manager. It was a good cover story for a guy who needed some time to just get his feet back under him. “But the cashier called in sick, so you get to do it today.” I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and nodded. “Good. Now get hopping.”

I went out to the register and forced a smile on my face. “Hi there,” I said cheerfully. Most of the time I got some polite conversation and others I got people who knew me from school years past.

But one guy stood out from all of them. He was massive. Like bigger than Jessup massive. I ain't never seen anyone that big in my life. He had to be seven feet tall and his arms had to be close to twenty-five inches around. A strawberry blonde, hazel eyed giant who looked about eighteen in the face. A very handsome face, almost too perfect. He had the same shoulder to waist ratio of one of them comic book heroes. When he saw me his eyes narrowed a bit like he was taking my measure. He wasn't Lycan, I could tell that much, but he sure seemed to know I was one. “Howdy,” I said as he put his purchases on the counter.

“Who are you? I've never seen you around the town before.” His voice was deep, but not too deep, and resonated like huge bells.

Blunt and to the point. “I'm Quintin. Just moved back from the south. Folks live just out of town.” The answer didn't seem to satisfy him at all.

“I'm gonna keep my eye on you. If you're trouble, you'll answer to me.” With that he paid for his things and left. I got a chill up my spine that as strong as I was, he would still be stronger than me. I had done nothing to him, said nothing bad to him, yet he seemed to hate me on first sight. The rest of the shift was iffy because of that one meeting. Then I got to actually stock the shelves and clocked out after eleven.

My dad was waiting up when I got home. “Coming in late?”

“I was at work.”

“The market closes at nine.” I heard the accusations in his voice.

“I stock shelves, Papa. That means I'm there after the customers.” I walked past him and up to my room where I shut the door. What a horrid way to end the day. Something clicked in my mind and I grabbed my phone and dialed a number.

“Lone Wolf house,” came Brigid's voice. She sounded a bit tired, then I remembered it the Wolf was in the next time zone east.

“It's Quint. I made it home okay.”

I swear I could hear her mood improve. “Great to hear it. You know Zeke has been on cloud nine since you left. I thought he would have been more upset. He...is tapping his foot and glaring at me. I think he wants to talk to you.”

I chuckled. “You are an evil man, Quintin.” I couldn't help but laugh.

“Found it?”

“Uh, yeah. You set it as my background on my phone.” I could hear him walking through the house, probably to his room. When I heard his door shut his growled softly. “That was the sexiest picture I have ever seen.” I had left a picture of me in my underwear flexing for him and the caption “something to remember me by” at the bottom.

“I owed you at least that for pulling my ass out of the fire. Never did get a chance to thank you.”

“Trust me, that picture was thanks enough. I may get carpal tunnel, but it will be worth it.” I laughed into my pillow. Here was something I could do to end my days. I missed him. “So you all settled at home?”

“Yeah. Mama was glad to see me. Papa...well, he wasn't thrilled but he didn't tell me to leave.” I told him about my day and about the guy at the market.

“He sounds hot.” He was probably salivating.

“He was good looking, but did he give me the creeps.” We talked for a few more minutes before I went to bed. Being in a much better mood, I fell asleep quickly.

Twice more that week I saw that big guy. Each time he was glaring holes in my head. One time he was in line with a well built man who, when he got close enough, smelled of Lunais blood. He was a bit shorter than average but built like a truck. Good looking, but then I was coming to see that most Lycans were at least decent if not hot. I didn't give my normal happy smile, I just kept my head down.

“You must be new in town,” said the older man with the giant.

“Yeah. Just moved back.” The guy got the hint that I was not wanting to talk and said nothing else.

On their way out, the giant said, “That's the one I was telling you about. I don't trust him.” Out of the corner of my eye I saw the man look back at me.

“He's harmless. If you push him you may find trouble, but I see nothing to worry about.” The giant went to open his mouth but closed it when the man raised a brow. “He's probably had enough stress in his life, so don't go adding to it.”

“Fine, but I'm keeping an eye him.” They got into their truck and drove off.

The second time I was just leaving the store after work and he was standing across the street and looking right at me. I averted my eyes and hurried home. Thankfully he didn't follow me, but this guy was seriously giving me the creeps. The worst part was he was so...hot. I mean it was intimidating, and I had my fill of intimidating relationships, but I could not help but feel attracted to him. Which scared me. I called Zeke, which was a nightly thing for me. If nothing else I could be in a better mood just listening to him natter on.

It was the next day when I saw the guy across the street from the house that I really got freaked out. My dad was at work and Mama was in the laundry room. “Mama, can I borrow your car?”

“Bring it back in one piece,” she said and I could hear her smile. She always said that to me.

I jumped in the car and was out of there before that guy could even think to follow. I drove, following directions I had been given, and came to the camp. While I knew I was supposed to call ahead, this was getting to be too much for me. I did stop on the road about a mile away. “This is Jon.”

“Jon, it's Quintin. I'm dropping by.”

“Cool. Travis is here, Pat's in the shower, and Dylan is in town, but you're welcome to come say hi.” I hung up and drove. When I pulled in I saw Jon and a very good looking gentleman in his later years seated at the picnic table.

“Sorry to just drop in, but I've had someone following me.” Jon's welcoming grin fell away and the other man, a Lupus by his smell, turned. He looked very familiar to me, but I couldn't place it.

“Travis Andrews, this is Quintin Marshall.” My eyes widened a bit and then man smiled kindly as he shook my hand. I had just shaken the hand of the Former Leader of the largest pack on the east coast.

“Welcome home, Quintin. Tell us of this person.” I described him perfectly and they were trying to suppress grins.

“What?”

“Your stalker...is he walking up the road now?” I looked back and I know I squeaked out something. He was staring right at me, right in the eyes. I shrunk back. They laughed at me. “That's Dylan, the pack enforcer. My son.” I looked back at him. “Dylan, didn't Pat tell you to stop pestering Quintin?”

The giant, who I now realized was a Solaris, looked a bit red now. He looked at me and flushed even more red. “He said something like that.”

“Son, Quintin is the one I told you might need help from someone following him. Stalking him. Hunting him.” Jon's tone was just a bit reprimanding, but not harshly so.

“So I messed up?” he asked and I could see he was young. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked at me. “I am sorry. You were new in town and they told me to keep an eye on anyone I didn't know.” His handsome face was red from embarrassment.

“You are seriously creepy, you know that?” Jon and Travis just laughed.

“Yeah, been that way most of my life.” He stuck out his huge hand. “I won't bother you like that again, especially since you're the one I'm supposed to help out if you need it.” I looked at it and shook his hand. Mine was dwarfed. When I touched him I felt a surge of power shoot up my arm and we both jumped back like we were shocked. Travis and Jon looked mildly concerned.

“Ah, our mystery man has come by.” I was jolted out of my trance. It was the man who was with the enforcer...who I now realized was the mate to the Leader. “My name is Patrick. You must be Quint.” I nodded dumbly and rubbed my hand against my leg to get feeling back in it. “Did I eavesdrop correctly?”

Jon kissed him. “You did. Dyl was stalking the guy who is not to be stalked.” The color rose higher into Dylan's cheeks.

“Yeah, yeah, Dad, laugh it up. Like you never made a mistake.”

“I've made plenty. You don't do it very often, but when you do, little dude, you really fuck up.” Dylan laughed and looked down. God he was gorgeous when he blushed. I stamped that thought down as soon as I thought it. I did not need someone who both scared the shit outta me and made me want to jump in his lap to know I felt that way. “So, since the problem seems to have solved itself, do you want to stay for lunch? Pat makes a great sandwich.”

“I couldn't impose, Alpha,” I started, “sorry, Jon.” That was something I would have to work on.

“It's no imposition,” said Patrick. “We share the meal making around here. Jon cooks breakfast, I do lunch and Dylan does dinner. If either my dad or Jon's are here, they chip in with pretty much anything.”

The Alpha cooked? Wasn't that the job of the mate? But Pat cooked too and so did the enforcer. I really wasn't ready for such a strange place. Amos...Amos told me a bunch of shit by the look of things 'round here. “Another time,” I said, looking at the enforcer out of the corner of my eye. “Mama probably has lunch made and waiting.”

“Sounds like life is pretty good so far?” Jon asked and I nodded. “Awesome. You're welcome here anytime and if you ever get around to telling the folks, and they don't take it too badly, bring them by too.” He stuck out his hand and I shook it.

“I doubt you'll be seeing Papa. If he kicked me out for dating a guy, wonder what he would do if he found out I get all hairy at night.”

“Might be a personal question, but can you change outside the moon? I've heard the cats can do it more often. I know Dyl can, but he's Solaris and doesn't count.”

“I can only change at night, but I can do it any night.” I smelled Alpha Andrews get a bit jealous. “But heck, what is a lynx like me going to do? Take down an angry Pomeranian?” I smiled to let them know I wasn't really putting myself down. A lynx the size of a pony was not small. I might not match the other guys present, but I'm glad I was a good size.

“Heaven forbid,” Dylan said with a smile. “I would hate to face down even one. It would kill me...by getting stuck in my throat.” I couldn't help it. I had to laugh.

Back at home I was getting ready for work and thinking about what life had been and what it was now. I mean I had changed so much when I left that shitstain. I'd walked half way across the US, met some really good people and was now in a new pack territory in my old home. If only Amos had stayed in the past this would have been a very good life to be living. Yeah, Papa wasn't too thrilled about having me back home since he still knew I liked guys, but I wasn't dating.

That of course led me to the pack enforcer. He was by far the most amazing creature I had ever met. Tall, gorgeous, scary as shit, built like a tank...a big blonde scary tank of walking sex. And what was that thing when I touched him? Felt like I got shocked. I heard of the spark of attraction, but nothing like this. It was creepy. And didn't he say he had been creepy most of his life? What was that supposed to mean? I knew one thing, I was not too keen to see him again, hot or not.