Running with the Pack - 24. Chapter 24

For a second day in a row, a team of hunters chased down a feral that had crossed into the pack’s territory. They made quick time heading for Silver Pines and after three hours, the capture took place just outside of town. This wolf was a little more aggressive, but it did give up. To the feral, it was no different than any other chase by the ones who held it captive, although this time it was not harmed at the end. It had been trained by the gang for use in their hunting parties. The pack’s hunters wondered if what they had always thought about ferals being little more than mindless creatures might be wrong. These last few behaved more like a natural wolf did when it encountered a lycan.

Once restrained and transported to the clinic, the doctor had food and water brought in for their third guest in two days. All that could done was process the blood work and await Ethan’s arrival.

He came in with his usual entourage, and the doctor escorted them to the new patient. The feral became agitated at so many new smells entering the room, and backed up against the wall growling. It scented the air, and focused its attention on the smallest of the group, cocking its head in curiosity. The two stared at each other for several minutes, eyes locked. It was not a challenge from the beast, but understanding it did not need to fear this one. The longer they watched each other, the calmer the feral became, until it sat in typical canine fashion. The wolf allowed Ethan to touch him and like the other times, after fifteen minutes or so he reverted to his human form. As the man collapsed, a small, black object could be seen on his back. Inspecting it, the doctor asked Trevor to get the hunter standing guard outside.

“Yes, Doctor?”

“This one has some type of device on him and I have no idea what it is. Call the sheriff and alpha.” The doctor pointed towards the door. “I want you guys out of here until we know what this is and why it’s on this man.”

The hunter called in as instructed. About fifteen minutes later, a team from the sheriff’s forensic department showed up with their boss and the alpha.

Sheriff Forester quickly got down to business. “What have you got for us, Doc?”

“There’s a small black object on his back. I did a visual inspection, but didn’t touch it yet. This is definitely out of my department.”

Two of the deputies knelt over the body, inspecting the device with various electronic tools. After a few minutes, one of them turned to the sheriff. “Sir, it appears to be a transmitter of some type. Possibly a GPS locator beacon. It’s still active. If it’s broadcasting anything we should have the signal frequency in a moment.”

“Got it,” the other deputy exclaimed. “Definitely a tracker. Getting a GPS code from it. This is a lot more sophisticated than the trackers our deputies and hunters use. And a hell of a lot smaller.”

The sheriff leaned in close to the alpha. “Why would a feral be tagged like this?”

“Good question. We’ve had reports in the past of some packs using ferals to hunt for sport. They tend to use a tracker so they don’t lose their prey, and to keep it away from humans. It’s technically illegal, but the council usually turns a blind eye to it as long as it isn’t spotted. I suppose if anyone inquires about a missing feral we’ll know for sure.” He turned his attention to the tech guys. “If any more of these trackers were to pop up, do you think you could detect them closer to the border?”

“I believe so, Alpha. It’s similar to what we use for the sheriff’s department, only this is in a different frequency range. If we set our equipment to begin scanning for what this one’s putting out, in theory we should be able to pick up any others. That’s provided they stay around the same frequency. When I get back to the office, I can verify if the equipment in our repeater towers around the county can pick up this signal. We’ll also need to check with the surrounding counties. But all the departments in the territory use pretty much the same equipment. This is definitely military grade. Someone spent a good chunk of change buying this, let alone what it takes to monitor at distance. I wouldn’t mind having a few of these for our deputies and hunters.”

The alpha waved his hand towards the device. “Ian, you’re sure none of the other ferals have come in with anything like this on or even in them?”

“No, Alpha. This is the first one I’ve seen. The hunters who caught this one said it was more aggressive than the others, and less compliant at its surrender. It might be a good idea to have the deputies use their scanner on the others just to make sure there isn’t a transmitter inside them.”

“What’s holding it to him?”

“Not sure yet, Alpha. Doc, could you assist me?”

Ian and the deputy worked together before the doctor answered the alpha’s question. “It’s held in place with surgical glue. And there’s something going under the skin.”

“Sir, there’s two electrodes connecting to the body. They appear to be imbedded in the skin. Just a guess without researching the device. It could be possible it deactivates, if the device comes off or the feral is killed. Kind of like some wildlife tracking devices.”

“Another possible theory aside from hunting a feral for sport… What if someone was using a feral to test a pack’s defenses? If it shuts down when the feral dies or it’s knocked off, whoever is monitoring this can see how far into the territory it gets.” Dan shrugged his shoulders at the idea.

John nodded. “I was already having that thought. I don’t like coincidences. We have a tracked feral come into our territory a couple weeks after my son decides to disappear. He was definitely angry enough to do something stupid. I would say your theory’s a possibility. Now we need more showing up to prove it isn’t merely a fluke.”

“We also need to decide on the new capture program. If this is something being orchestrated by your son, capturing a feral takes a lot longer than killing one. Do we go back to ending their life as quickly as possible? It might ward off a threat. Should we prepare for a possible attack while toying with whomever is monitoring this device? I need to get my deputies, the hunters, and warriors ready for either contingency.”

“I’m not ready to give up on the capture program yet, Dan. If this is my son, he’s not going to dictate our lives. In the meantime, update your deputies and hunters. We’ll need to run additional drills with the warriors very soon. I want to be as ready as we can, just in case it is him.”

The alpha stepped beside one of the deputies. “Do you have all the frequency information you need from this thing?” The man nodded. “Doctor, would you remove the device, please?”

A few minutes later, it was off the back of the lunis and secured in a shielded case. As suspected, when removed, it stopped transmitting.

The sheriff issued orders to his men. “Get it to the lab. I want to know everything about that device: prints, serial number, who made it, who sells it, and what it can do.”

“Yes, sir.” The deputies gathered their gear before departing.

“Dan, do what you can to start scanning for any more of these devices. It could be a one-time fluke, but just in case. Doctor, before the patient wakes, give him a complete inspection with full x-rays and the works. I want to know if there are any more surprises in him. Keep him in isolation for the next few days to be safe.”

They responded simultaneously. “Yes, Alpha.”

Outside the room, Aiden was the first to speak. “Alpha, what’s going on? What was that thing on him?”

“I’m not sure what’s going on yet, but that feral had a GPS tag on it.”

******

The rogue leader and his top lieutenants went over the data from their first incursion into the Parker Valley Pack’s territory. It had been a major success, though the leader, Jean-Pierre, wasn’t about to celebrate it as a victory. “The first test worked. We’ll wait a few days at least before sending in another to a different location. It would seem they do have a major gap in their hunter patrols for it to have gotten that far into the territory. Now we need to be cautious so we don’t tip our hand. Too many ferals too quick, and they might beef up their patrols.”

The others around him agreed and began planning for the next incursion.

Looking towards Michael’s cage, he nodded to have his pet brought over to him. “So, any idea why it got so far without running into hunters?”

Michael knelt at the man’s feet, and kept his eyes down. “There was only one or two feral in the last couple years before I left. They pulled back their patrols thinking they weren’t needed. Parker Valley thinks it’s too big for others to attack it, so they don’t need a strong defense. My father’s weak leadership doesn’t see there’s a threat. Just like him taking in that human like a pet. If you capture the human I told you about, my father would probably surrender. And you’d weaken one of the strongest young wolves in the pack. If my father was more like you, he would have a strong defense and be a worthy leader.”

“See, boys. Treat a bitch right, and he’ll tell you what you need.” He laughed as he lifted his boot to Michael’s chest, pushing the teen away from him. One of his men tossed the pet back into its cage. “It also doesn’t hurt to keep him pumped up on our nice little drug that works so well on him either. Though this bitch doesn’t seem to need any to be compliant.” The massive lycan strode over to the cage and pointed to the floor next to the bars. Michael dutifully crawled over only to have his face met by Jean-Pierre’s fist.

“Thank you, Alpha.” Michael’s arousal could be picked up by everyone in the room. He longed to please his new master in any way he could. Unlike his father who led the pack peacefully and with a sense of inclusion, he saw Jean-Pierre as a true alpha. A man who ruled his gang by force and violence as he had always planned to rule the pack when he took over.

******

Following the last feral to enter the territory, it was quiet for several days. Jonas worked with two of the new lunis to help with their integration into the community. Like Jonas and Anthony, they had almost no memory of their time as a feral, and spotty memory from before. The male recalled he was ostracized from his pack for not being canis lupus. The female turned feral due to the loss of her mate in an attack by a neighboring pack. They didn’t know how they ended up at the Parker Valley Pack, or why they surrendered. The pair knew they had imprinted and became mates while they were wolf, but found it odd trying to get to know each other’s human side, even though the mating bond remained. The tagged lunis was held in relative isolation for two days as a precaution. Further examinations did not show any additional devices or medical issues. He was much more standoffish than the others, and suffered from nightmares of being hunted, caged, and fighting other wolves. Anthony volunteered to sit with him as much as possible, quietly talking to him in hopes of helping.

The alpha and pack council made hasty arrangements to convert an unused industrial building outside of town into additional housing, and everyone was happy to help. For the moment, it was set up as a dorm, with a communal kitchen and bathroom facility. No one knew how many more ferals might turn up and get cured. Even after a few days, the available space was coming together in a rough sort of way. The building would eventually be converted into simple loft apartments. Nothing fancy, but it would serve the purpose. When finished, there would be an additional twenty-five residences available. Knowing it would end up being the former ferals living in the new building, a few of the single wolves in the original pack apartments offered to move. The accommodations weren’t as nice or private as their current lodging, but it would create a mix of lunis and lupus, old and new. They didn’t want the newcomers to feel they were being shunted somewhere away from the pack. They were all wolves after all, no matter if some had been feral or were lunis.

******

The alpha and sheriff were scheduled to meet with new applicants for hunters. Even though the capture program was working well so far, both felt an increase in the number would be a good thing for pack safety. Especially since capturing took more hunters working together on a single incident. There was also an uneasiness due to the feral found with the GPS device.

The first applicant was escorted into a conference room near John’s office by his assistant.

“Sergeant Marshall. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Alpha Stockdale, and this is Sheriff Forester, my beta. While not directly a part of his department, he oversees the general management of the hunters. They do work indirectly with his deputies.”

“Thank you for meeting with me, Alpha, Sheriff.” He bowed his head slightly in respect. “I haven’t used my rank since I left the Corps. Cody’s fine with me.”

The three talked for a while, until the alpha brought up past employment. “You have impressive references from most of the previous packs you worked for. As well as from your time in the Marine Corps. Scout sniper came up in your background check. I understand why that’s not in the information you provided. I am impressed and will leave it at thank you for your service. The captain of the Hunter Corps had rave reviews on you after your interview with him and recommended we hire you. Do you mind if I ask why you decided to leave your last employer? I noticed they were not used as a reference.”

Cody’s scent revealed him nervous, as anyone would be getting interviewed by the alpha and his beta. John’s question changed it to fear. “As you probably know, Alpha, my last employer had a change in leadership.” John nodded at this. “Since I’m not canis lupus, I was told my services as a hunter would no longer be needed by the pack. They did suggest there might be use for me in a janitorial position or some other entry-level service job. I didn’t so much leave as was fired for not being a wolf. I knew your pack was hiring, and figured a change might be good if you don’t mind a non-wolf.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I haven’t had any dealings with their new alpha. The only canis latrans we have in the territory are non-lycan, and they try to stay well clear of us. But a coyote is as welcome to settle here, and work for the pack as any other species of lycan. We have a few bears, a tiger, and some lunis wolves have recently moved here. If hired, you’ll work with multiple species including humans.”

“Thank you, Alpha.”

“Dan, if you have no objections?”

“None, Alpha. From his records he’d make a good addition to the hunters.”

“Then it’s settled. Here’s the employment offer with pay and benefits spelled out. If you accept, sign the top copy and I’ll give it to HR. Like with any employment, there will be a ninety-day probationary period. Followed by an evaluation for permanent employment status. Should you choose to leave the Hunters Corps and remain in the territory, any available employment opportunity here is equally available to you as it would be to a wolf.”

“Thank you so much, Alpha.” Cody signed the paperwork and handed it back.

“If you would, please wait outside while we talk with the next candidate. If we accept him as well, we’ll have a few things to discuss with you both so I don’t have to go over the same material twice.”

Darius McDonnell, the second applicant, was brought in and introductions were once again made.

“Alpha, Sheriff. Thank you for meeting with me.”

“Darius, nice to meet you. It isn’t often one of your kind comes around a wolf pack.” The alpha gave a sly smile.

The sheriff focused on Darius while subtly rechecking his scent as he thought Darius was human.

Darius’ expression remained neutral, giving up nothing to the men before him.

“It’s an alpha thing.” John tapped the side of his nose. “If you want your species kept secret, it won’t leave this room. Though it’ll need to be disclosed to my beta.” John turned towards Dan so the man understood nothing would be said about the applicant before them.

“Thank you, Alpha. It’s usually more of a safety thing than anything else. There are still some wolves who don’t like my kind. I always disclose it once I know I can trust my employer. I’ve never run into an alpha who could detect us before.”

“Some of us have to be able to tell your kind. Not that your ability to mask what you are has a nefarious motive. I do understand your need for safety after everything we’ve done to your kind. It’s usually the alphas like me who have met one of you before.”

Dan looked between the two men trying to figure out what was going on and appearing more confused with each passing minute.

“Dan, it’s okay, his species is able to mask what they are. This young man is a child of Sekhmet. Or as some call themselves, the grandchild of Ra.” Dan’s confused expression signaled his lack of understanding. “Didn’t you ever pay attention to the stories from the elders on lycan history and the Egyptians myths growing up?” Still receiving a blank stare from his beta, the alpha sighed. “You really did cheat off my exams in the class James taught, didn’t you?” His exasperation with his friend grew. “Dan, he’s a lion of the sun, panthera leo solaris.”

The sheriff crossed his arms. His facial expression and scent showing it was mock annoyance with being called out for actions from so long ago. “Of course I cheated off you. You were the teacher’s pet, and always got a perfect score. Not all of us were history buffs who could listen to him go on and on about mythology.” His eyes settled on the younger man across from him. “I’d really thought your kind was just a myth. You don’t often hear of a lycan lion, at least in this country.”

Darius smiled and had to stifle a laugh at the men’s interaction. He dropped the masking, and allowed the natural scent to flow off him. “We try to keep a low profile, Sheriff.”

“You’re references are impeccable as are your military records. Multiple overseas tours and numerous commendations, time in both the Rangers and Special Forces. Your last alpha indicated he wished you’d stayed. In all the hunters we’ve interviewed over the years, I’ve never seen a letter of reference from an army general.” Dan summarized the young man’s resume as he reviewed it.

“As much as I liked it there, I’m trying to find more of my kind, so I move around from time to time. Much like other lycan do when they’re searching for their mate. If I happen to find that in my travels, all the better. It was why I originally joined the Army.”

“If you’ll accept this employment offer, consider yourself hired and on a ninety-day probation.” John reached across the table to shake the lion’s hand before handing him the paperwork. “I’ve always been, and still am a student of history and a lover of myths and legend. I know you’ll hear some jokes around the pack about it. Given the mythical references between your kind and the coyotes from Egyptian lore, I find it interesting the two of you should happen to come here at the same time seeking employment.”

“Perhaps one of the old gods is sending me a guide to aid me in my quest. Or telling me this is where I’m supposed to be. Thank you, Alpha, Beta.” Darius bowed his head respectfully.

Waving through the glass to his assistant to have Cody brought back in, the alpha gave them a run down on how things were different at Parker Valley. “I want you to know we have a slightly different policy for dealing with ferals than you’re probably used to. Most packs kill them on sight and as quickly as possible, especially if it is a lunis. Here, we’ve started capturing the feral if possible to undergo a trial treatment. The five we’ve recently encountered have all responded well. Most have been lunis, but we did also have one lupus a few weeks ago. A few have integrated into the community, while the others are still receiving counseling. The first two we treated have petitioned for membership in the pack.”

“You’re able to cure a feral?” Cody was shocked.

“Like I said, it’s still in the trial stage. We aren’t broadcasting it to everyone yet, but so far it’s worked. To answer your question, technically yes, we can. If a feral can be safely captured, we do so. This is not done by a single hunter. When a feral’s scented, additional hunters are brought in to try and surround it, and conduct a safe capture. If it’s a danger to hunters or anyone else, they will be destroyed, but if we can preserve life we try to do our best. I don’t want to sacrifice anyone, hunter or feral, that doesn’t absolutely need to be.”

Cody and Darius nodded in understanding.

“If there are no questions, it’s a pleasure meeting you both, and I hope you will like it here.” The alpha stood and shook their hands.

The sheriff led them over to the temporary guest quarters. “We’ll get you assigned housing at the hunter’s barracks in the next few days. In the meantime, the guest quarters at our pack house are available to you. You can also rent or buy anyplace in the territory that’s available. In the morning, one of the Hunter Corps’ captains will meet you in the dining hall. He’ll to take you for additional testing at the rifle range, and start your training on our procedures. By the end of the day you’ll be setup with your training partner.”

“Thank you, Sheriff,” they both replied.

******

After getting his gear stored, Darius knocked on Cody’s door. “Hey, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to walk around a bit and check out the town?”

“Sounds like a good idea. It beats sitting here ‘til morning.” Cody gave a happy, carefree smile to the very tall blond. “Maybe we can stop at the dining hall they mentioned, and see if there’s anything to drink first.”

They walked towards the cafeteria-like space and lounge the guest quarters shared with the apartments, making small talk about their past and time spent in the military. As they turned a corner, the two literally ran into Aiden and Ethan who were with Casey and Tyler. Cody found himself on the ground looking up at a muscular, dark haired lycan that extruded a sense of power. Ethan stared up in awe at the wall of a man he had walked into.

Aiden reached out a hand to help the man up. “Sorry about that. You okay?”

“No worries. Was going for a walk to check out the town. I see the ground here looks and feels about the same as the ground elsewhere.” He gave a friendly laugh. “I’m Cody.”

He shook Cody’s hand once the man was standing again. “I’m Aiden. This is my mate Ethan and our friends Casey and Tyler.”

Casey took a noticeable step closer to Ethan, eyeing the larger guy who hadn’t introduced himself yet, while shaking Cody’s hand.

“I’m Darius,” The taller stranger said.

Casey kept his focus on the blond, sensing something, but not sure what. “Are you guys just passing through?”

Darius shook his head. “We were just hired on as hunters today.”

Tyler studied Cody. “I can tell you’re canis, but I don’t recognize the type. I know you’re not a lupus or lunis.”

Cody’s scent shifted from happy to uncertain. “I’m a coyote.”

“Oh, cool. I’ve never met or smelled a coyote before.” Tyler’s carefree scent that put Cody at ease. “Not to be too forward, but can I sniff you so I learn it better?” He blushed at the request.

Cody nodded with amusement as the younger lycan leaned in, breathing deep near his neck.

“Thanks. The difference from a wolf is subtle, but I think I could pick out a coyote if I ran across another one.” Tyler shifted his attention to Darius. “We don’t get many human hunters. But with your size, I don’t think much of anything would mess with you.”

Ethan assessed the big guy. “Are you sure? I may not have learned how to use my nose yet, but I would’ve said he’s a lion from that mane of blond hair.”

Darius’s face remained neutral, as Tyler laughed. “Naw dude, he’s human. Lions are just a myth the elders like to talk about during story time. We’ll get your nose trained up soon. Besides, that would make you a lion too, with that shaggy blond mop of yours.” He playfully ruffled his friend’s hair.”

“Hey, I spent five whole minutes combing that so I looked good for my man.” Ethan crossed his arms in mock offense before returning his attention to Darius. “Sorry, I’m still getting used to all the different types of shifters and scents. You just make me think of a lion. I guess when I meet anyone in town, I automatically assume they’re a lycan. I get that you’re human though. Until a few days ago so was I.”

“No problem. So your alpha allows humans to be turned? I’m kind of surprised by that.”

“Well, in my case it was because I’m the mate to this one.” Ethan shoulder-bumped Aiden.

“If you want a tour of the town, I’d be happy to take you guys around. A buddy of mine’s in training to be a hunter and would probably be up for coming along.” Tyler offered.

They nodded to each other. “Sounds good.”

As Tyler ran over to Connor, Aiden decided to be Aiden. “It can’t be easy being the new guys in town. Let us know when you’re free. We can hang out, and get to know you guys.”

Connor was already asking the two hunters questions as they headed out to show the newcomers the sights of Silver Pines.

******

The day of Aiden’s nineteenth birthday had arrived. Ethan, Casey, and Trevor worked with Alex and Nathan to put together a party at their farm. Casey arrived early with a cake Mary baked and frosted. He and Trevor helped Alex and Nathan with decorations inside the barn they used for special events.

By noon, the Tucker family, along with Craig and Marsha Jacobs, made their way to the farm. None had been there before, and marveled at its beauty. The younger Tucker boys were excited being close to horses for the first time. They were giggling balls of joy, as a few in the paddock nibbled on carrots and sliced apples out of their hands.

Aiden’s friends began arriving about an hour before anyone expected Ethan to get the birthday boy to the farm. Tyler and Connor invited the two new hunters, saying it would be a good way to meet people. Darius was not overly comfortable crashing the party; Cody was happy to go and reminded his colleague the wolf did say he wanted to hang out with them. Anthony and Jonas, along with John and Jackie Stockdale, came at the insistence of Ethan, who would not take no or any excuse. Forty-odd people showed up.

The party was supposed to be held that night at the pack hall, so Aiden acted like nothing was up when Ethan asked him if they could go riding. Getting to the farm and walking into the barn searching for the owners, everyone yelled, “Surprise!”

Aiden was all smiles, and pretended he was truly surprised, knowing it would make his mate happy. He didn’t want to let on he could read Ethan, and pick up on his excited scent.

Finally, Ethan crossed his arms, giving a mock glare. “Alright, Big Bad. You knew, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I picked up on it, but it was still a surprise seeing all this. What matters is you and everyone else gave me a great party. Thank you, Pup. This is the best birthday I’ve had since I have you.” He leaned in to whisper in his mate’s ear. “I guess we’ll save riding things for tonight.” Ethan blushed as his pulse quickened.

The group embarrassed Aiden by singing him “Happy Birthday.” Most everyone approached him, congratulating him on his special day.

Rafe and Craig got everyone’s attention as Craig readied to speak. “For anyone who missed the announcement last week, Aiden and Ethan are planning on getting married, as well as having just become mated. This is going to be a birthday present as well as an early wedding present to you both.”

Rafe took over. “Since you two are now mated, there are some things Mary and I probably shouldn’t hear, if you happen to bring our son home for the night. All four of us want to give you this little gift.”

Mary handed Aiden a small box with a simple ribbon tied around it. He looked at it with curiosity before opening it to find a set of keys lying on a soft bed of cotton. He held them up with a puzzled expression on his face.

Before he could ask any questions, Rafe spoke up. “Aiden, seeing as you’re mated to and going to be marrying our son, we want you to be able to start your lives together without having to figure where to live. For my part, I also want to say thank you for bringing me a new son and an incredible worker. With the assistance of your dad, those keys unlock the door to your new home. A house I can say your mate put a lot of hard work into. And since it is the first house he helped to build, it seemed doubly appropriate you both should have it.”

Aiden wrapped an arm around his dad and Rafe, giving them a big hug. Tears filled his eyes as he held the men tight. He moved on to Mary and Marsha, kissing them on the cheek and whispering, “Thank you.”

Ethan ran over and practically jumped into Rafe’s arms, “Thanks, Dad,” giving him a huge hug before moving on, “Thank you, Mom.” He was more restrained giving Craig and Marsha their hugs.

Cody stood back with Connor and Tyler, happy he came to the party. It was cool seeing it held at the business of a non-wolf, and how everyone included them in the festivities. He also met a lot of friendly and welcoming people.

Darius, like Cody, was happy he was convinced to come along. He saw Ethan standing back, watching Aiden talk to his father, and decided to speak to him. When he moved to approach the smaller man, Casey placed himself between the two, giving Darius a cautious look.

“I just wanted to speak to your charge for a moment if I may, young enforcer.”

“For a human you seem to quickly pick up the subtleties of a wolf pack.”

“I would hope so. I’ve worked for several. I know not everyone’s accepting of differences. Is your apparent dislike for me due to being human or just non-wolf?”

Casey was taken aback by the question. “I’m not prejudiced against humans or any other species.”

“So, something more specific to me then? I can tell I make you somewhat nervous.”

“You don’t make me nervous. I don’t trust you. There’s something about you that my wolf says not to trust.”

“It’s always good to listen to one’s animal side. Especially the more primal instincts of the beast within.” Darius leaned so his mouth was beside the young enforcer’s ear. “That feeling is because you and your wolf know I’ll be on top if you get me into bed.” He stepped back and looked down. “That tent in your shorts tells me I’m right. Your nervousness tells me I’ll be the first to have you that way.”

The auburn haired lycan crossed his arms as his chest puffed out. He was trying to come up with a pithy retort when he felt small hands try to push him aside.

“Come on Big Guy, you can stand down from protecting for a minute, and let the new guy talk to me. I could see he was headed for me when you blocked him. We are at a party. People are supposed to socialize. If you were hitting on him, sorry for cock-blocking, but I’ll put a good word in for you.” Ethan shooed his brother away. “Go stand over there and practice being intimidating on that post. He’s not going to do anything to me.”

Casey nodded and stepped away, but kept a watchful eye on them.

“He’s a good protector. Must be very close to you or your mate.”

“Yeah, Casey and Trevor are Aiden’s best friends. They’ve spent their whole lives together. How do you like it here so far?

“It’s nice. The area is beautiful, and the people seem friendly.”

“Definitely. When I first came here as a human, most everyone welcomed me to the pack. A few people had a problem with me, but in general it didn’t matter what I was. I think you’ll find that’s the case for you if you decide to let people know about you.” Ethan’s sly grin made denials all but worthless.

“How did you know I wasn’t human?”

“Just a feeling really. Something about your looks said lion to me, which is right, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I’m a lion. My kind learned to hide our lycanthropy from most any other shifter as protection from being hunted down. Very few can detect our true scent, so I get curious when a newly turned wolf can identify me on sight.”

“I’m really not sure how I knew, just that I did. When I first met the owners of the farm, they said I seem to be perceptive to the type of lycan someone is. I’m sorry for saying it in front of the others. I didn’t realize at the time it was a secret. Other than my mate, I won’t tell anyone. And I know he won’t say anything. If you decide to share with others, it’s your information to share.” Ethan thought for a moment about when Darius had said. “So, if you’re a lion from a group that was hunted down, does that mean you are a sol…? Solar…? What did they call it?”

“Yes, I’m solaris. Yet again, I’m puzzled that you even know of us.”

“Not long after I came here, the pack elders told me the stories of how lycan’s were believed to have been created, and the war between the Lunaris and the Solaris. It would be cool if you were able to come to my first change on the next full moon. I’d love to be able to see and run with all the different types of shifters who live in the area in their animal form. The owners of this farm will be there in their tiger and bear forms. Not that I’m trying to pressure you or anything.” Ethan laughed.

“I’d be honored if you decide to include me. One’s first shift’s a very special time, usually reserved for family and the closest of friends. However, I wouldn’t be able to shift. Being solaris, the full moon’s one of the few times I can’t transform into my lion.”

Aiden walked over about that time, and noticed Casey’s crossed-arms stance. “I see Casey’s making sure you act honorably around my mate.” He joked. “It’s good to see you here. Thanks for coming to the party.”

“His devotion to his duties is admirable. I’d guess he sees himself as the enforcer in your own group.” Darius held out his hand to Aiden. “Happy birthday. I could hardly turn down such a gracious offer being so new here. Though Tyler and Connor weren’t going to take a no. Thank you for allowing me to be here and crash the party.”

“Thank you. Yeah, they already told me they weren’t going to accept anything but yes from you and Cody. Casey’s father’s enforcer for our alpha, and he sees himself as my enforcer, so yes. Plus, you were talking to his brother.” He tilted his head towards Ethan.

“So as not to be rude and ask too many questions at one time, I’ll save asking about a human being the brother to a wolf for another time. As your mate indicated he’d let only you know this, I’ll tell you myself, though I prefer keeping this information private for now. I’m a panthera leo solaris.”

“Wow. From what we’re taught growing up, it was rumored the solaris were extinct, or at least very few in numbers. When the elders tell the stories of our history, one in particular loves stories of the Egyptian gods, and the creation of our various species. He always speaks of the solaris with reverence for what your kind had to endure at the claws of us wolves. He taught us respect for all lycan. If Ethan gave his word, you have mine as well that we won’t say anything.”

They talked a little more before rejoining the party, happily enjoying a new friendship and the company of good people.

John and Jackie complimented Nathan and Alex on the wonderful party.

“Those are both great guys, so we were flattered when we were asked to have the party here.” Nathan’s deep voice was filled with pride.

Jackie raised her hands, pointing around the barn. “You’ve made this a wonderful entertainment venue as well as the regular business. You both add a lot to the community.”

“Thank you, Ma’am.” Alex beamed at the Luna’s praise.

“Call me Jackie, please.”

John placed an arm around his mate as he addressed the men. “Alex, Nathan, I feel we owe you an enormous apology. You’ve been living here for the last ten years. You bought a failing farm, and worked hard to build up this business, and improve the community for lycan and humans alike. You’re active at all the local festivals, and give a lot back without asking for anything in return. I see the donations you make to pack and human charities around the county. In all that time, we failed to think to ask if you would like to participate in pack functions. It couldn’t have been easy living around so many lycan, and being kept on the outside like the humans are. For that, we’re sorry.”

Jackie reached out to take Nathan and Alex’s hands. “We would like to extend an invitation for you both to join the pack, if you so choose. We have meetings for the pack every weekend at the Silver Pine’s community hall. We understand that’s probably a busy day for you, but feel free to join us anytime you like.”

Having a silent conversation with Nathan and receiving a nod, Alex replied for them. “We’d be honored, Alpha, Luna.”

Shaking hands, the four returned to the party.

******

The sheriff’s department modified their communications equipment throughout the territory after encountering the feral with the mysterious device on it. No one knew if another would show up, until an alarm sounded. The signal from another mysterious GPS tracker was picked up crossing the border. The dispatch commander called the sheriff. “Sir, we have another one.. Hunters report they’re in pursuit of a feral lunis.”