Peace and Quiet - 4. Chapter 4

It was the night before the full moon and I was restless. I knew that any moment Amos could come out of the shadows and make my life hell. It was a constant dread, really. Yet...I was happy. Zeke lay on his stomach in just his underwear, a tight pair of boxer briefs with the words “Everything is AWESOME!” across the butt, and he was reading one of my favorite books. It was the quietest I had ever seen him unless he chuckled at some of the bad jokes in the book.

On the sofa was Dylan, also in just his underwear, a very loose fit pair of boxers. He was watching TV, keeping up on the sports he always wanted to play. I wasn't openly ogling him, but I was looking and I found out on thing. I wasn't nearly as attracted to him now as I had been even last week. A lot of the mystery had been stripped away and the rest was blown up when he got engaged. Not that he wasn't easy on the eyes. He was almost too good looking and still creepy.

Colton was also watching the game, but he kept his shorts shorts on. Mainly because he was wearing a jockstrap under as we had been playing football earlier. He was leaner than the other two, and not nearly as tall, but he was fast. Faster than all of us and almost too quiet to hear. I had to admire the lines of his body. Still a bit of baby fat, he was only eighteen. I was the oldest, yet I didn't feel it. They didn't make an issue that I was almost a decade older than them.

I did notice and like one thing about them. All of them were hairy. Colton had the least with a small trail on his stomach and a decent patch between his pecs but his legs and forearms were very hairy. Then came Dylan, with his golden curls all over his chest and stomach, his legs and arms. Zeke...he was a hairy bear. Chest, the small of his back, across his shoulders, there wasn't much of him that wasn't hairy. So different, so appealing...so out of my league. And I shouldn't be thinking about them like that anyway. Dyl was getting married in a year, Colton was still just an acquaintance, and Zeke...he lived too far away for me to invest anything more than friendship. And I was in no shape to think about dating anyone...except here were three guys who all had my eye.

“You seem too quiet,” said Dylan to someone.

“I can be quiet. Just takes effort,” responded Zeke. He looked up from the book he was reading with a big grin. “Like not running out to the creek to skinny dip. Takes a lot of effort.” I laughed and nudged him with my foot.

“Stop trying to see us naked,” I joked.

“Nope. I will have satisfaction!” he exclaimed and grabbed me by the ankle, pulling me on the floor with him. I screamed murder when he dug his fingers into my sides. Dylan was laughing his ass off, but Colton just joined in the tickling. I could fight them off a bit, but not not two of them, especially when that big bear decides to put his weight into it and pins me down. “Get his shorts.” I began to kick, getting Zeke in the side of the head and Colton in the ribs. Then I was able to slip out of their grips and I jumped on Zeke. I was under no delusions that I could ever hold him down without resorting to evil tactics.

Except when I landed atop him he just stopped struggling and a low, throaty groan come be heard from him. His eyes instantly dilated and it was almost frightening how submissive he became. “Oh god,” he whispered. I rolled off him and watched his chest heave a few times. “Um...could you not do that again? Please?” he asked in a whine.

“Seriously?” Colton asked. “All he has to do is turn the tables on you and...” He gestured to Zeke's covered crotch. He nodded. “Wow. You're easy.”

“I thinks it's sweet,” said Dylan. “Reminds me a lot of my dads. I...” he trailed off as I walked out back to the porch.

Holy crap. I knew Zeke liked me and was attracted, but I had never seen anyone react like that. It was a bit scary. And I knew that leaving right then was probably not the best thing but I had to get some air and clear my head. I heard the door open, felt the thud of heavy feet, smelled that unique and somewhat intoxicating scent that was Zeke. “Quint...”

“I like you. A lot. I can't be what you want me to be.” I turned to look at him. “I can't be dominant, Zeke, not really. I can act it, but I...I want to be the one held. The one protected. The one that...” He silenced me with a finger to my lips and leaned in for a kiss. It was gentle but full of passion. More than the kiss at the airport earlier that day. Those massive arms pulled me off my feet and I could hear him growling in contentment. This is what could have been between me and Amos if he weren't such a douche.

We heard it at the same time. A small twig snapping behind me. Zeke dropped me in time to avoid getting hit. Amos came rushing at Zeke, punching him across the jaw and I heard it shatter. So did Dylan and Colton and they came tearing out the back door and crashed into Amos, shoving him off the porch. “He is mine!” Amos roared and came at us again.

Colton dropped down low and tripped him up just enough for Dylan to get in. With a strong hit to Amos's chest, that shit stain went flying again. “Quint, you take care of Zeke. Stay down.” I nodded, willing to take orders from Dylan, and went to Zeke while he was trying to get back to his feet and get back to the fight.

“Let them handle it.” I could see Zeke was livid and he tried to stand but I stared him in the eyes. “Stay down,” I said fiercely and he went limp with a shudder. “Do not move from here unless your life depends on it.” I ran inside and grabbed the rifle. I had always been a good shot with a rifle. I came back out to see Colton and Dylan were pushing him farther from the house but were not able to land any real hits. Amos kept dodging them or using their force against them.

“Down!” I yelled, and the two enforcers dropped to the ground as I squeezed off a shot. The .204 Ruger ammo was what Papa used to kill bears and anything else that may come too close to the house and it dropped Amos to his ass. I had hit him in the shoulder, not the heart, but it was enough to get the point across. He clutched at his wound and ran off into the night. “Next time I won't miss, you son of a bitch.” I handed the rifle to Colton and then went to Zeke. “Are you okay?” He looked up at me with such adoration that I smiled. “You can get up now, cub.” I looked shocked at what I had said. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't call you that. I hated when he called me kitten.”

He sat up slowly, keeping his jaw clenched. “I like that. Call me that any time.” I shook my head.

“That was some hit you took. You were not kidding when you said he is dangerous.” Dylan helped Zeke up. “I can't take him alone. Not this close to the full moon. Thanks for your help, Colton.”

“Hey, it's what I was trained for. Glad I was here. Ever break your jaw?” Zeke shook his head. “Just don't talk too much. You'll heal well enough with the moon so close and finish it tomorrow night. I'm calling Alpha Andrews and the other hunters. If they can't catch him no one can.” He pulled his cell phone out.

Zeke plodded in and sat on the sofa. I went to get some ice as it was the only thing I could think of to do as my medical training was not for broken jaws and he would metabolize any pain killer too fast. “Thank you for listening, Zeke. I don't want to lose you.”

“I didn't have much of a choice.” I could understand him, even with the clenched jaw. “When you get all stern like that...”

“Hey, time to be serious. You're strong and big, but he's stronger and bigger and has military training.” He nodded. He knew he was outmatched in human form, but tomorrow night he would have the advantage and Amos knew that. Having seen an enraged bear, I doubt he wanted to tangle with Zeke on the full moon.

“Therein lies the problem. We're not trained enough to handle this.” Dylan came over and looked down at us. “I know you have basic hand to hand training and you're a fine shot with a gun, Quint, but it's not enough. I can't stick to you like glue.” I nodded seeing where he was going.

“We need better training. I haven't fought in a few years and Zeke has only had to fight a cold before.” Zeke nodded. “Who can I get better training from?”

“We,” said Zeke. “I won't let him take Quintin from me. He will have to kill me to get to you,” he said and I felt a huge flush of heat. God...when he got serious it was such a huge turn on.

“I know just the man to call. Former hunter, showed me a few tricks. If anyone can help it's him.”

Colton came back in. “Alpha Andrews in on his way here with three trackers. The four of us are going to the camp. Alpha Davenport's orders.” Which it was probably a strongly worded request. “Um...I mean Alpha Alan's orders.”

“What about Dad?” asked Dylan

“He's coming to escort us back to the camp while Alan arranges for place to sleep for you two.” It was the best thing. I don't know why I didn't just go there when we got back. It would have stopped Zeke from getting hurt.

“Good. Any complaints?” Neither of us had any say really. I was not pack, but I would do anything to keep Zeke from harm. “Then Quint, pack a bag. Enough for a week.”

“Is this a bad time to bring up the fact that I'm looking to move out of the house?”

“Actually, it's a good idea. For now, you can stay at the camp. It's safest. After the moon we'll see what might be open around the territory.” It was as good as we were going to get.

I heard two vehicles pull up and some heavy foot falls. I could see Alpha Andrews through the open door along with three others, already in pursuit. After a brisk knock, Jon came in. “Sorry to not wait for the invite, but we need to get you boys some place safe. I got a van out front with two armed snipers.” I looked a bit spooked.

“Quint will be staying with us for awhile, Dad. He needs to move out of the house. His folks might be safer that way.”

“Fine. Zeke, you okay?” He nodded and stood. Jon came over to look at the injury. “That son of a bitch is strong.” We all nodded. “Pack. We move out in five.” I responded to the brisk commands with the programming of a soldier. I was up and packed in three minutes, even remembering my toothbrush and hygiene products.

At camp Pat met us with a sad smile. “Sorry about accommodations, guys, but you'll have to bunk up. With the betrothal party we still have a few guests.” I looked over at Zeke and could see he was not unhappy with this at all. “Dylan, take them to cabin six. Alan is there already airing the place out a bit. If you're hungry we still have plenty of left overs from the party.”

Cabin six was small, quaint, and had only one bed. Alan, Zeke, and Dylan could not all be in the room at the same time without bumping elbows. “Sorry about the cramped space.”

“It's fine, Alpha Davenport. Really.”

He smiled at me. “You don't deserve this hell, Quint.” He patted my shoulder on the way out.

I looked over at Dylan. “Thanks, creep,” I said and gave him a hug. “Damn shock.”

“I hope it stops.”

Alan came back in. “What was that?”

“We shock each other each time we touch.” His face went from curious to guarded and then to a bit...happy? “Grandpa...what is going on? Share with the kids.”

Alan was silent for a time. Zeke sat on the bed, still holding the icepack to his face. “It's something good. A bond between the two of you.” Zeke's scent got a bit worried. “Not romantic, that would be a different sort of reaction, but a strong bond nonetheless. In the morning I will tell you what I remember of the old histories. They are not Solaris histories per se, but I do recall a few. Travis would know more. I know it will be difficult, but try and get some sleep. We will have a few people patrolling the camp at all times. Once Travis gets back, we will know more about this threat.” He left with a nod.

I dropped my bag in the corner. I would deal with it tomorrow. Right now I was tired and wanted to sleep. “I'm right next door, guys. If you need anything just holler.” Dylan gave us each a smile and wink. “Don't stay up too late.”

“Out, creep.” He left with a laugh and shut the door behind him. When I turned back to Zeke he was already stripped back down to his underwear and looking at them like they were evil. “What?”

“I normally sleep nude.” I saw him blush a bit. He set the icepack aside since it was mostly water anyway.

“You take the bed, I'll take the floor...” His face looked a bit crestfallen. “Or...I...” I couldn't say it. It was too soon. He was too young for me and I couldn't be what he wanted. He slipped under the covers and held them open for me. “Are you sure? I mean I don't want to lead you on. I'm not ready for anything...”

“Just strip and get in bed.” Before I even knew what I was doing I was down to my underwear, my good old white briefs. I looked down, in awe that I hadn't realized I was stripping, and then shrugged. I slid into bed next to him and he pulled me close, wrapping his arm around me. “No commitment. We take it as it comes and if it doesn't work out, we can't say we didn't try.”

“So...just two friends who happen to cuddle and sleep together?”

“Yup,” Zeke said and he began to fidget. Then I saw him dump his underwear by the bed. I whined. “Did that turn you on?” he growled in my ear. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but it was no use to lie. He could smell me getting aroused. “Isn't it a bit funny. Here we are, two guys who find the other attractive...and we're both submissive.”

“How would this even work?” I turned enough to look at him. I could see his face clearly even though the curtains were drawn and there was little light.

“Take turns being dominant. Or just go with the flow. You may want something and I may want something. If I give you what you want...and you let me give you what you want, then we are both submitting.” He yawned and then winced, clutching his jaw. “Ouch.”

I grinned and kiss his lips carefully. “So we play it by ear.” He nodded and I rolled back over to snuggle deeper against his furry chest. This was where I wanted to be. In the arms of a man I trusted.

I awoke when I heard someone touch the handle on the door. Zeke did too by the way he his eyes looked glassy but becoming alert. We nodded and slipped out of the bed, me going to the door to hide behind it and Zeke going right in front and lowering himself into a football crouch. The handle slowly turned and the door opened without a sound. I got a good sniff of who it was and then waved Zeke to stand down. “Oh! Jeeze, Zeke put some pants on. Sorry to catch you on the way to the bathroom.”

“Colton, you nearly got jumped right now for coming in like that.” Zeke went to the bed and grabbed his underwear.

“I could take you, big fella.”

“But not me,” I said, moving up behind him and he jumped forward, turned mid air, and landed on his butt on the bed.

“SHIT! Quintin you scared the crap out of me.” Then he started to laugh. “So you had this planned out? Good. Breakfast is in ten minutes. And Alpha Alan says you'll be going on a hike with him and Alpha Andrews.” I nodded. “Oh, and by the way...you both look cute as hell all sleepy eyed and ready to fight.” He left with that remark.

Zeke and I shared a look. “Is he...” Zeke asked. I shrugged. I didn't know Colton well enough to even make a guess, but if he wasn't into guys he was sure comfortable about it. He was cute too, but I couldn't do it while Zeke was worming his way into my heart deeper than he already was. I bent over to pull my bag out from under the bed and then found myself flat on my back on the bed, Zeke having manhandled me there. I was about to attack him, but the smile on his face and the scent of him as he climbed atop me kinda stopped all thought. God he felt good there. “Good morning.” He kissed me. All I could do was smile. His face went slack. “Wow.”

“What?”

“You are freaking gorgeous when you smile. It makes your eyes shine and...I need to get up before I do naughty things to you.” He went to get up but I wrapped my arm around his neck and kissed him, which made him lay right back down.

“We have six minutes,” I whispered in his ear. We spent it making out like high schoolers. If this is what it was supposed to be like in an actual relationship then I liked this. I liked this a lot. While we dressed, Zeke pulling on some clothes that Dylan loaned him, we just smiled over at each other. Before we left I took his hand. “Thank you.”

“For...”

“Being a complete chatter box and pulling me out of my shell a bit.” He grinned. “And for being here. This whole thing is shit, but I'm glad I have someone I trust to keep me safe, sane, and smiling.” It was the durned cutest thing to watch him blush.

“You...really trust me that much?” he asked, a bit in awe.

“Hey, you already protected me twice from Amos, both times getting hurt. If not as a friend, then I trust you as a brother in arms.” He grinned and gave me a mocking salute. “At ease, soldier,” I quipped, which made him laugh.

After a very hardy breakfast, Jon did make one mean country breakfast, the Alphas started us on our hike. Alpha Andrews spoke first. “Your ex is proving to be every bit the amount of trouble you said he would. We tracked him to the stream behind your house and lost him. We checked up and down the banks for miles and nothing.” I nodded. Tonight would be the best tracking time, but by then Amos would be healed enough to pose another threat. Dylan and Colton came jogging up from dish duty. “Glad you could join us, boys, as some of this you may wish to hear. Alan has told me of your connection with Dylan and I may be able to offer some insight.” This was some news and something I knew I was very curious about. “Dylan did some digging himself last night into the few things I have forgotten. He is our resident Lycan fan, with Colton being a very close second.” The grinned at each other as we began our hike.

“The quick history of Lycans starts with Bast and Wepwawet. Solaris are her children, Lupus are his. Civil war relocated the Solaris into hiding all over the world, which is where your Lycan origins come in. We will start in Greece and the Solaris who fled there. This information comes from Alan as to their travels, but the tale is almost legend.” I nodded even though I was behind Alpha Andrews. “When the Solaris got to Greece they approached the people for sanctuary, which the Greeks granted even after knowing about the magic of Wepwawet and his infectious brood.” Strange to hear about the Canis Lupus referring to his own species as and infectious brood. “When the Lupus came and stormed the places they were hidden, the goddess Artemis was infuriated. She transformed her most faithful follower Callisto into a bear, something that can fight off the wolves. Callisto was given the power to turn her own troops into bears.” This was already fascinating. “Callisto and her troops held off the wolves long enough for the Solaris to escape with a small contingent of Lycan bears. Their travels took them across the country that is now Russia and then back south through Mongolia and to the Japanese archipelago where they were stopped by a pack who had come up from the south.”

That was very disheartening to hear. All that way and they were killed. “The bears did what they could, but only two of the Solaris survived along with one of the bears. The Ainu peoples of the area saw the mighty bear and believed it was their god and called him kamui. It later...”

“Became the name of a tribe of werebears,” said Zeke. “My ancestor was a Kamui. Course this was a long time ago and since I look nothing like the Kamui, I have never thought much about it. So you're saying that I can trace a direct line to one of these Greek soldiers, maybe even Callisto herself?” That took Zeke's fancy. Imagine him...direct descendant to Callisto.

“She died without having children once turned, so no.” Zeke sighed dramatically. “But yes, you are a direct descendant of one of that remaining Greek soldier. Your Lycan genes adapted to the cold and while you are not a true polar bear, the resemblance is close enough. Because of this, werebears have been known to be very protective of those dear to them. It is literally in your genes to protect others.” Zeke nodded like he was okay with this. “A few other types of so called bears went to China and down here to America.”

“Werepandas and weregrizzly?” Alan and Travis nodded. “Something to write home about. Mom always said I was descended from warriors.”

“Walking walls, maybe,” said Colton and grinned.

“The others went to different areas. There was another factions of Lycans that came from Egypt. The followers of Anubis, the Jackal god, knew of the plot against the Queen and her Solaris, but could do nothing to stop them. He was a god of the dead, what cared he for the living? But Bast appealed to her fellow god and he decided to break his neutrality because he was unable to guide the number of souls to the underworld. Too many were dying because of this war, most of them humans. Anubis brought his own followers in and they became the first Lycan jackal, what we call coyotes here in America.” Colton looked like he was impressed. “Those of his order were known to be guides and the werecoyotes guided the followers of Bast north to the Mediterranean and across it to Sicily and beyond. Those few journeyed into the court of King Lyncus in Scythia.”

This was like one big mythological mishmash. Bast, Anubis, Artemis. “Wait...is this the story of Demeter and how she turned the King into a lynx for killing her follower?” I had some interest in mythology growing up.

“Precisely, but that is not the precise truth. While she did turn him into a lynx, it was not for punishment but to save him. Triptolemus, in the guise of teaching him art of agriculture, had come to kill the king, and in defense, the king did kill the follower, but it angered many other people because the king had not shared the knowledge before killing Triptolemus. She turned him into a lynx to save him from the masses and he joined up with a few Solaris as they escaped. While he never had to deal with the Lupus, Demeter did instill a wariness of other Lycans into the species.”

“Which might explain why the Creep still creeps me out. All of you do, a bit. Except Zeke. He creeps me out a lot too.” I grinned over at him and he just smiled back and nudged me into the dirt. “Durned bear.” Alpha Alan helped me up, me getting a lesser shock from him. “Hey...must run in the family.”

“That is actually where this starts. Lyncus fathered many children after being changed, but none of them had his Lycanthropy. For ten generations the genes lay dormant until one daughter wed and mated a Solaris.” I had a suspicion I knew where this was going. “Half of them were Solaris, the other half Lyncus. The thing is, the siblings seemed to have favorites among them and never one of their own kind. Always Lyncus and Solaris. Always.” I looked over at Dylan and he had a serious look on his face. It showed he was wondering just freaky his life could get. “Throughout the rest of time the blood lines would diverge and then converge when these pairs got together. Sometimes as bitter rivals with profound respect for each other, others as siblings, and a few times as lovers. Always though, they were warriors.”

“So Creepy and I are distantly related?” Alpha Alan nodded. “Huh. Good...” I suddenly stopped. Something had caught my eye in the distance.

“What?” asked Dylan.

“There is someone standing there looking in our general direction. Older man, kinda of like Sean Connery a bit.”

There were smiles all around from the pack members. “Where?” asked Dylan. “I don't see him.” I pointed and he squinted. “Wow, you can tell that detail from here? Neat trick. Over here, you old gossip!” Dylan called out. I saw the man look in our direction and then come trotting over. As he got closer I could see he was a Lunais and one handsome man for all his years. When he got close enough Dylan ran over and scooped the man up in a huge hug. It would take someone his size to lift this well built man off the ground so easily. “I have missed you!”

“I have missed you too, Dylan. You have grown so much since the split.” Dylan carried him over like it was nothing and set him down, both grinning. “Been a long time since I was manhandled so easily.” He bowed at the waist to the Alphas. “Nice to see you again, Travis. Alan.”

“Welcome to Homestead Territory.” There was a note of respect from Alan. “Jon and Pat will be thrilled to see you, but why are you here?”

Dylan's face got a bit serious. “I called him. We need your help.” The gentleman nodded, not even questioning what the help was. What did he know? “Quintin, this is Gene. He's a former Hunter for the East Coast Pack and the liaison between the Lunais and the Lupus for that Pack.” I raised a brow. “Long story. He'll tell you later.” That brought a sort of merry twinkle to Gene's eye. “Gene, we have a situation and I'm not equipped yet to handle it. So I called in the best I know. Since he was busy, it fell to you.” Gene laughed loudly and I liked the sound. This man was someone worth knowing.

“Anything for you, Dylan, you know that. What do we have?” I told him. As we walked back to the camp he was silent, nodding that he was listening to everything. I had no doubt he could repeat the entire thing back word for word. “I see. And you want some additional training.” There was no question about it. He knew what he was here for and knew he would not be asked to fight Amos. “I can do that. With the moon tonight, I can work on some things, but it will mostly happen afterward. It's good you called. If Travis cannot track him, this man is good. Probably one of the best and Lyncus are known to be stealthy to begin with.” His entire demeanor changed when we entered the camp. He was now just one more visitor. “I need to pay my respects to the Alpha Pair.”

“DAD! STOP BANGING PAT FOR LIKE TWO SECONDS AND GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE!”

“NO!” I heard in reply which then was followed by a laugh from all around.

“I do that all the time...since they do it all the time. I swear those two are always...” Dylan stopped when he saw my flat look. “Well they are.”

“Kinda hot,” Zeke murmured and I couldn't hold the look. It was a hot thought. The Alpha Pair were handsome men.

After a moment Jon came out wearing just a pair of basketball shorts, showing off the last bit of a chub...and a rather impressive one. All in all, he was what Alpha men should be built like. Just...wow. “So why do I have to stop bang...Gene!” Jon came over and pulled the man into a fierce hug which was returned with the same intensity. “How are you?”

“Good, and glad to see you. Were it under better times I would be overjoyed for the new pack.” Pat came out in a sarong, another perfect specimen of manliness, and gave Gene a far more sedate hug. “I'm here to train these boys up. Give them a chance at this Amos guy.”

Pat smiled then shot a look at Dylan. “Couldn't handle it, little dude?”

“No.” The simple statement made them all become serious. “He's too much for me right now. Full moon and he's better trained. It took everything Colton and I had to just to keep him busy and away from Quint while he grabbed the rifle and kept watch over Zeke who took him on first.”

“He's easier to take on in his lunar form,” said Zeke. “Not as easy to hip toss someone without hands. He's faster, but I was able to hold him off by myself until my Mom chased him off. That's it, call my folks, they'll kill him for you.” Zeke grinned.

“They're protecting my mom.” He nodded like he had forgotten.

“Then she's safe. Believe me.” I looked at Zeke and wondered how such conviction could come from someone so care free seeming.

“So, with your permission, Jon, I'll be taking the boys for awhile. Keep them moving so Amos will have a hard time keeping track of us.” This suddenly sounded a lot like boot camp all over again, which wasn't too bad all things considered. I needed to get back into shape since Amos kept me all but prisoner for those years. This might be just the thing that gets me back into fighting form.

“You have mine, but you only have one week until we take Zeke back to his family.”

“Or we could all go back,” Zeke said with a smile.

“Not possible. If I send my enforcer and a crack team of insurgents that close to the ECP border, Angus will not take kindly to it. Gene being here is technically a breach, but we called him in.” Jon had to make sure he did not anger the ECP any more than he had in the past. He had people to protect now and could not just go piss Angus McLeod off.

Zeke nodded. “But I thought the Wolf was neutral territory.”

“It's in neutral territory, yes, but only eight miles from the border. Too close for comfort as the buffer zone is supposed to be ten miles. Quint can tell you how small that seems when you're traveling.” I could. There had been times when I had to skirt dangerously close to a territorial boundary and twice I had to pass through another territory. It makes for very tense living.

“That sucks. I mean it really does. Can someone just, I don't know, shoot the bastard in the head with a silver nitrate bullet with silver shrapnel and just call it a day? Maybe get some silver grenades?” We all looked at Colton. “I thought it was a good idea.”

“No one other than a Solaris could use it,” Dylan pointed out. “Friendly fire would be a bitch.”

“Oh yeah.”

Gene spoke up. “I'll have your boys back with whatever I can train them in. Get what you think you'll need for a week long trip. We'll hunt for our suppers.” Dylan snagged Zeke and they went off to his cabin for clothing. Colton went off to his. I was about to head back to the cabin I was using when Gene shook his head. “I need more info about this guy. What you've told the pack has been pretty cut and dry. I need more.”

“What do you want to know? His favorite cereal? How he takes his coffee? How many times he hit me? How many nights I lay there wishing I was dead because he fucked me like a cheap whore?” I was getting angry and frustrated. This close to the full moon my emotions were not fully mine to control. “How my life was a fucking hell for the past years because that son of a bitch never told me I would become a Lycan?”

Gene put his hand on my shoulder. “You just told me more than I needed. This guy will not stop until you're his again.” I shook my head. “Then we'll make him stop.” I took a deep breath, then ten more, and nodded. “And you just told me more about yourself. You're pissed, and rightly so, but you're no coward and know when to relax and let the emotions go. I needed to know that more than anything.”

“Combat might be different, especially if it includes explosions.”

“Combat vet?” I nodded. “Then you can really help things along. You do guerrilla tactics?”

“Not much. Camouflage, yes, but I was not on the front lines. Still saw some fighting.”

“Even better. The only way to find this guy is through stealth. Now, put the last anger out of your mind and go get ready. If you need a few minutes after that, I'll send in that big bear of yours to hug you back to happiness.” Despite myself I grinned.

“Guess we do smell like each other.” The men nodded. It was a cheerful thought that I smelled like Zeke...and not Amos. “I think I'm going to like you, Gene.”

He laughed. “You say that now. Wait until after you're put through the wringer.” That laugh and those words made me like him more. It was almost like being back in the service. Truth be told, being here was like finding a niche where I finally belonged.

We made some good distance away from any sort of civilization before we set up our camp for the night. My eyes had been scanning everywhere for any sign of Amos, but of course I saw nothing and the others scented nothing. I knew he was out there. He wouldn't give up that easily and the gun shot wound would be healed by now or it would be after tonight. My body itched something fierce as we dropped our bags. “I'll set up camp. You guys guard my back.” Dylan, being a Solaris, did not change during the full moon. He could not change during the moon at all. Alpha Alan found it very difficult to change, but he could if pushed, but he was an Alpha.

“Gotcha, big guy,” said Colton and stripped right then. Zeke and I checked him out and grinned at each other. Not bad. Still a bit of baby fat, but not bad at all. We followed suit and it felt almost...liberating to be out here, nude, with other people. I had never run with a pack. Cats didn't form them, and rarely did they even go in pairs. But right now, with these guys, I felt I could belong to a pack. “Gotta say you two make a very handsome pair.”

“Checking out our butts?” Zeke asked.

“Maybe,” Colton said and was about to say more but the moon rose high enough. He began to scratch at himself while Gene, Zeke and I changed. It seemed faster now than ever and far less painful. When I was done I looked at Colton. “My change takes time. I'm always be...hiiiind.” I watched him double over and begin to pant. His change looked far more painful than any other one I had seen and by the heavy breathing he looked to be fighting it.

“Relax, Colt. You've been doing this for years.”

“Not...w...w...with th...eeeeem arou...ou...” his word trailed off into a sort of howl as his face became a muzzle. I watched in almost horror as his change took its toll and he lay there panting. None of mine had been that rough, not even my first. Something told me there was a back story to this, but I wouldn't pry. He'd tell me if he wanted me to know.

When everyone was able to move about freely Gene stood. He was no Alpha, but at that point he was the highest ranking person. It was subtle, very subtle, because at that point I know I was not thinking along the lines of human thought. It was a scent thing. I smelled that Gene was the leader of this hunting pack and we all fell in line. “I'll hold down the fort. You four go hunt. If you need me howl or whatever.”

“We will,” said Gene, and I would have envied his ability to speak had I remembered what that was. Gene growled and then hissed. He spoke a bit of Felis; not much but, I knew when he meant. We followed his lead. We all took off silently into the night. My eyes were still scanning, but this time it was for prey. Colton and Gene made a good pair and I almost envied how well they worked together. Different species altogether, really. Cat's were stalkers, dogs were pack hunters. Bears...well...they were solitary hunters, but Zeke seemed to understand to stay with us.

We found a stream and we all drank, Zeke sliding into the water and almost immediately beaching a few fish. I watched as Gene and Colton snatched them up and ate with relish, but I waited even though there was a few still flopping around. Zeke came up and dropped a large one at my paws and when I didn't eat he pushed it towards me.

“Why not eat, Quint?” asked Gene.

I have not been given permission, I hissed and growled back. Felis is almost a language of body posture with the sounds being the accent and emphasis.

“I don't know what that Amos taught you, but in this pack, you eat when hungry and don't have to wait for the hunt leader.”

It took a moment for the words to trickle into my brain, but when I did I leaned down slowly, keeping my eyes on Gene to make sure I had understood him. When he nodded I took the fish Zeke brought me and settled down to eat. Zeke's happy wuff told me I had made him happy by choosing the fish he brought me personally. He then grabbed a few of the smaller ones and ate them down quickly. This was not the main meal or purpose of our hunt, just a snack in case the hunt didn't go well.

I was the last one finished and I hated that I ate so slowly, but I had learned to never eat fast with Amos. It made him angry if I burped or farted or did a million other things he found uncouth. They waited though. Not impatiently either. They weren't put out that I took my time to eat a rather large fish. When I was done though we were back into the fields of Montana, searching for something that Gene seemed to know about.

It didn't take us long to get to an old building out in the middle of nowhere. When we got within a hundred yards of it I pulled to a halt and my hackles rose. I smelled Amos. His scent permeated the area and I felt my insides clinch. Zeke smelled it too and let out a different type of wuff, one of warning and anger, but his reaction was to come and protect me. I shouldn't feel this way, but I was grateful for him and his protection.

“The target has been staying here for the past few days. When Tommy said there was a problem I hoofed it out here to Montana and began looking around. Jon and Pat know I've a knack for finding things and I found his hiding place, but not him. This could be a ruse, a place he's set up to throw a false trail, but that scent is fresh, made just an hour ago.”

Gene's words were a bit hard to deal with in such long sentences, but he waited for our no longer human brains to catch up. Colton growled something and Gene nodded. “You're right, his injury wasn't fully healed when the moon rose. You've a good nose, pup.” Colton seemed to preen under the praise of the older male. “By now it will have healed, so don't think he's going to be hurt if we find him. This cabin was our target tonight. I know Colt's memory is pretty good when he changes back. How about you two?” I shook my head and Zeke followed suit a moment later. “Good to know. Keep your senses open while we head back to camp. We can find more evidence of Amos and maybe some dinner.”

We didn't find Amos, but we found two mule deer and brought them down easily. Gene had paused the same moment I had. I saw the herd feeding and knew the wind was in our favor. They hadn't seen us yet so we could probably get a few. Gene motioned for us to go in different directions. A hammer and anvil strike, my mind told me, with Zeke as the hammer. He would drive them towards us and we would bring them down. It had been almost too easy. Zeke was quiet for a huge bear and went around the whole heard before they even knew he was there. Once they caught scent of him they perked up and began to mill about. Then he charged and they ran right to us.

Gene nodded his approval when we had our kills, and picked up both and started back to camp. I marveled at not only his strength at the age of seventy, but also how much simpler it was to have thumbs. You never think about how your life would be difficult without thumbs. I might have been less ashamed had I been a Lunais...

Zeke nudged me and I looked at him, wondering what the big bear wanted. He lay down and wuffed at me. At first I was confused, but then he wuffed at me while nosing towards his back. Did he...want me to ride him? I put a paw on his back and he nodded. Then I climbed on, feeling the amazing warmth of his body and I basked in the scent that was unique to him. When I was settled with my head on my paws he stood gracefully and the hunting pack walked on. His gait lulled me into a doze which ended as soon as he stopped.

“Two? Well, we are growing boys,” Dylan said. “I'll start prepping them. You have a few hours to sunrise. Chunks or carcass?” he asked.

“Carcass is good enough. Will you boys be fishing?” Gene asked of us. We nodded. “Want back up?” Zeke shook his head. “Roar if you need us.” Zeke went meandering back to the stream so we could eat our fill. I knew he didn't like red meat much and I did like fish. No big compromise for me. Plus I got to relax and be outside. It was nice to not be cooped up in a durned cellar. And I was finding out that Zeke was a good person to be around both in and out of fur.

After a large portion of fish for us both, I felt very drowsy. Zeke flopped onto the ground next to some large rocks and lifted a massive paw. Six months ago I would have run in fear of being hurt. I went willingly and curled up beside him. I didn't know that after we fell asleep Gene came to keep watch over us. All I knew was that I felt safe and loved. Peace and quiet.