Running with the Pack - 38. Chapter 38

Turning towards their friends and family, the newlyweds’ cheeks blushed from their extended and heated kiss. The guests cheered, clapped, and whistled after the judge presented the couple. Ethan tried to contain his excitement as snowflakes formed in the air around him. They doubled in numbers as his mate leaned in for one more kiss, causing additional cheers and catcalls from their friends.

Aiden dipped his head in respect to the pack elder and extended his hand. “Judge Vale, thank you so much for doing this for us. We don’t have a date yet, but we hope you’ll officiate when we have our second wedding in the spring. We want to be able to share that one with the pack.”

“I was honored you asked me. Of course I’ll be available in the spring. One of the greatest joys this old wolf gets is to marry the young men and women I’ve watched since they were pups.”

Trevor pulled his best friend into a one-armed hug. “I thought it was awesome watching when you realized you’d found your mate and each time I came home to see your relationship building. Being part of your wedding is even better. Congratulations, my friend.” He then wrapped his arm around Ethan, giving him a bro hug too. “I never imagined when we met you that this day would happen. Not that I didn’t think it was possible… I don’t know… I’m so happy for you both and the happiness you bring to us all. I hope I’m as lucky in finding my mate.”

“If you hadn’t asked me to come back to town with you, this, my life, none of it would be possible. Thank you!”

“Bro, I just watched it. I was part of it, and I still can’t believe you’re married. You better take care of my brother, or you’ll have the entire Tucker clan chasing down and kicking your ass. No matter if you’re an alpha or not.” Casey joked as he hugged each of his friends.

Cody grinned from ear to ear as he offered his hand to the couple. “Guys, I can’t say thank you enough for allowing me to be part of this. Nothing short of this would have gotten me to wear this uniform again.” He tugged at the tight collar of the Marine Corps tunic.

“Wedding day or not, I’ve gotta say you guys both look sexy as hell in your uniforms.” Aiden joked. “I guess now I know how he feels when I wear my sheriff’s dress uniform.”

“I was thinking it but was also trying to behave for once, so I’m happy he said it.” Ethan laughed.

“It’s an honor to have been chosen to stand with you.” Darius saluted them before pulling each into a tight embrace.

Alex stepped up with a professional looking camera. “Okay, guys. Before anything else, it’s picture time. Judge Vale, would you mind being in the first one with the guys?”

As the pictures progressed there were some of the newlyweds alone between the flowers, others with each member of the wedding party, followed by a group shot. Alex called the parents for separate family shots and one with both sides, before dragging the groomsmen back. At Casey’s request, he took a few of him with Cody and Darius and several individual ones. At Ethan’s suggestion, there were a few of the original trio, with Aiden standing between his two best friends.

After the pictures were done, Nathan guided the two over to the table with their wedding cake. In front of it was a heart-shaped glass tube. He indicated for them to put the roses they exchanged in it. The glass stems crossed in the middle of the heart.

Alex was still taking pictures of the guests as they congratulated the couple.

Craig and Marsha approached with the two strangers Aiden had seen earlier. “I’d like you to meet Marsha’s parents. This is Adam and Elizabeth Carver.”

Aiden’s eyes widened in recognition. “Alpha Carver, Ma’am, it’s an honor to finally meet you and to have you here with us. I’m sorry I haven’t visited your pack yet.”

Ethan’s eyes also got rather big when he heard his husband use the man’s title. “Alpha Carver and Missus Carver, thank you for coming.”

“Okay, gentlemen, I may be an alpha, but we’re your Dad’s in-laws which makes me your step-grandfather. We’re family first and foremost while here, so Adam and Liz will do just fine.”

“It’ll take some getting used to, but I’ll do my best, sir.” Aiden extended his hand to the man.

Nathan had been setting out food and when it was ready, got everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, please help yourselves.”

While everyone got their plates, the four groomsmen gathered for a coin toss. Ethan’s side won, so one of his would give the first toast. The second toss decided it would be Cody, who had hoped Darius would win. The third toss went to Trevor.

Trevor and Cody took their seats beside the grooms flanked by Casey and Darius as the guests dug into the food Nathan had prepared. When it seemed like the appropriate time, Cody stood and tapped his Champagne glass. “Given there are four groomsmen for this wedding, we had a couple coin tosses to decide which side would go first and then who from each side would be making a toast. It appears I lost, so I’m up first.” This caused general laughter. He turned to face his friends as he raised his glass. “Ethan and Aiden, I’ve only known you guys for a few months, having met you the day Darius and I moved to this territory to take jobs for the pack. If it hadn’t been for turning the corner at the same time and ending on the ground from literally running into you, our friendship might not have started. Being a stranger who isn’t a wolf, coming into a new territory and not knowing anyone can be a little overwhelming. You greeted us with kindness and friendship, continually included us in runs and barbeques, and made us feel welcome. I couldn’t have hoped to become friends with two more wonderful guys if I searched to the far reaches of this world and beyond. In the same compassion I see you show others, all I can say is I wish you both the best. May you always have beautiful forests to run through, a gentle breeze in your face, and a bountiful hunt. Everyone should be as fortunate as you to find their true love and the mate to their very soul. To Ethan and Aiden!”

Everyone raised their glass.

Trevor stood next. “Aiden, you’ve been one of my two best friends for as long as I can remember. You’ve always been there for anyone in need and someone I can always look up to with pride. It’s been a true joy each time I come home from school to watch your relationship with Ethan grow and watching you grow with it. I know you were afraid you had missed out on your chance to hold your mate when you returned from your camping trip all those months ago. Fortunately, that nose of yours wouldn’t give up, and you tracked him down. Ethan, for someone who was alone when we found you, not familiar with our world, and not sure if you had a place anywhere, it’s been my greatest pleasure to see you tame the heart of my friend. It’s also been an honor to be able to call you my friend. Just as you make Aiden happy by being a part of his life, you make the rest of us happy by being a part of our lives. I couldn’t imagine a world now without you in it since between you both, it’s a much brighter world. I offer this toast to the happy grooms, may the light within your souls always shine and fill each other with happiness.”

Craig and Rafe rose and flipped a coin like the others had done. After shaking hands, Rafe sat to let Craig do the honors. “We figured we’d do it the same way the groomsmen did. Since our boys—and I don’t care how old you both get, you’ll always be our boys— will be going through this again in the spring, Rafe and I decided we would spare you the father speeches today. Both of us felt if we were going to embarrass our sons, it would be much more fun to do it in front of a large crowd. Not that we wouldn’t have fun doing it before all those present today, so I will just say how very proud we are of you both.”

“I’ll keep this short so everyone can get back to enjoying the reception.” John Stockdale was the last one to share his thoughts. “As Alpha, it is always a privilege to see someone like Aiden grow up in your pack. Even more so when he goes off in search of someone he had only briefly met and doesn’t yet understand why he wants to find him again. Throwing out preconceptions about himself and accepting what nature felt was right. Ethan, who was fearful and justifiably mistrusting when he arrived, was able to open his heart to his mate, a new family, and the rest of the pack. Jackie and I are honored to have you with us.”

Once the speeches were over, Nathan waved the grooms over to the cake. Holding the knife together, they sliced through it, and picked up a bite-sized chunk each. They hooked an arm around the other and stuffed their mate’s mouth. It was comical watching them try to not get it all over their face, but they mostly succeeded, and their tuxes came out unscathed.

At everyone’s insistence, it was finally time for the first dance. The music began as Ethan and Aiden took each other’s hands and moved to “The Prayer”. They traded off several times, each taking the lead as they glided around the floor. Without realizing it, Ethan’s eyes began glowing as moisture in the air formed snowflakes around them. Not one flake hit the floor; the never-ending supply was a beautiful display. They danced in the air around the pair, reflecting the lights in a magical display. Once they finished, the snow dissipated as their guests clapped. Ethan and Aiden winked at each other as they walked to their fathers. Both men were a little nervous at first but soon got into dancing. Partway through the song, the mothers stepped in and tapped their mates on the shoulder so they could have their turn with the grooms. Others took to the floor too. The grooms danced several times together as well as with most of their friends.

Around seven o’clock, the guests began saying their goodnights. The younger couple went over to Alex and Nathan. Instead of his customary handshake with the older men, Aiden pulled them both into a hug. “Thank you so much for today. Everything was perfect.”

When his mate was done, Ethan embraced each of the men and kissed them on the cheek.

As one final surprise, when the newlyweds were ready to leave, Alex and Nathan came around the front of the barn in a sleigh pulled by a two-horse team. It was covered in twinkling lights, and the sleigh bells sounded beautiful. Aiden and Ethan climbed in and spread the blanket over themselves. Even on the cold, snowy night, they were warm enough as they were taken on a wonderful ride through the forest to their home.

******

Craig, Marsha, and her parents decided to spend the night at the Stockdale’s house. It afforded them a chance to catch up and gave the newlyweds some privacy.

Ethan gently ran the back of his fingers along his big bad’s strong chin and up the cheek. With delicate movements, they slowly removed the other’s tux jacket, before taking time to kiss. Next was the vest, followed by their bow ties. After each article of clothing they removed, another kiss was shared while always maintaining eye contact. Aiden kneeled first to untie his pup’s shoes. Ethan took great pleasure in slowly removing his mate’s belt. When he lowered Aiden’s pants, he was rewarded with the sight of his big bad wolf standing in a new jock he had never seen before. It accentuated his bulge in all the right ways yet the back was open to show off the butt perfectly. Aiden in return removed his pup’s pants to likewise find underwear he had never seen before. Ethan wore a sexy little web thong.

“I know I’ve never seen those before.” A sexy smirk spread across Ethan’s face.

“I had Casey order them for me as a surprise. I’ve never seen those either.”

“Cody ordered these for me.”

“Apparently they both like Andrew Christian underwear. We’ll have to remember to thank them and maybe model for the guys.” Aiden absentmindedly licked his lips at the sight before him. “I’m definitely buying you more of those to wear.”

Even though they both knew the other’s body as well as their own, it was a night to take everything slow and enjoy each touch, taste, and sensation. They traded off several times, repeatedly making love as if it were the first time; savoring each instance as if it might be the last. At Ethan’s begging, Aiden’s alpha wolf made an appearance for two rounds. On the second, the white alpha wolf joined his black-furred partner. Early in the morning, they fell asleep in each other’s arms, fully sated and ready to begin the rest of their lives together.

******

When morning arrived, Aiden was the first to go downstairs. In the kitchen he found a note.

“Everything for breakfast is all ready to go for you and can be found in the fridge.”

He began heating things up as Ethan made his way down. Their friends obviously knew a hearty meal would be needed to regain their energy after the previous night.

As they finished, there was a knock at the kitchen door. Aiden gave the guys a strange look. “Since when do you knock? You know the door’s always open for you.”

“Hey, it’s the morning after your wedding. We figured we’d give you a little warning just in case you were making non-standard use of the kitchen table.” Casey wiggled his eyebrows.

“Since when would that stop you from walking in?” Ethan giggled. “I wondered why there were drool marks on the window.”

Casey shrugged. “I can’t help it if you two don’t close your blinds. It’s better than watching porn. I’ll take care of the dishes while you guys pack for two or three days out of town.”

“I didn’t clear any time off from work with the department. We figured we’d do the honeymoon thing in the spring when the weather’s nicer.”

“Nope, it’s already taken care of with Dad and the sheriff. Should be a message on your phone from them.”

Aiden checked his phone and sure enough, there was one from Rafe and one from the sheriff confirming what Casey said.

“I guess we’re packing, though I’m not sure where we’re going.” He grabbed Ethan’s hand and headed for the bedroom.

“We’ve got that covered. I’d just say to pack something to stay warm since it is winter. You only need to get in the truck. Darius and I will take care of the driving. Casey will stay here to look after things.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow in suspicion. “Anything else we need to know?”

“Yeah, bring along the underwear Casey and I picked out for you guys.” Cody smiled.

An hour later, the four were on the road heading north. In a little under three hours, they pulled into Niagara Falls, New York. Cody steered them into their hotel while Darius hopped out to handle check in.

Aiden stretched in the back seat. “So, how long has this little trip been planned?”

“A day or two after you guys finally set the date. I know it’s cold out, but this is your honeymoon. Whatever you guys want to do is fine. No matter if it’s just staying in your room the entire time or going sightseeing. Dari and I only have one request. If you leave your room, let us know and we’ll go with you at a respectable distance so you guys have some privacy. It is your honeymoon after all.”

Aiden and Ethan shared a silent stare and were pretty sure they knew what the other was thinking.

Darius met them as they walked into the lobby of the resort and handed out key cards. “We’ll be in the next room.”

As the four headed to the rooms, Aiden shared what he and Ethan had already thought. “If we want privacy, we’ll hang the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door, otherwise unless you think it’s best for security, there’s no need to hang back for any sightseeing. We definitely want to go see the falls.”

“Fair enough.” Darius was in professional bodyguard mode. “Since we’re out of the territory and we have no idea if anyone is trailing or keeping tabs on you yet, we’ll stick close unless one or both of us needs a better field of vision. Someplace like this, you may be our closest friends, but right now you’re our protectees first.”

Ethan nodded.

“I understand and will do my best to listen when needed.” As a sheriff’s deputy as well as a strong young wolf, Aiden did not like having a protection detail, but he would respect it since it was his alpha’s orders. Not to mention because these were his friends watching over him and his mate.

Once settled in their rooms, all four went to grab something to eat at the Hard Rock Café before heading to The Haunted House of Wax. The rest of the afternoon they spent walking through a few of the shops. Darius suggested a nice restaurant to have dinner in, and everyone decided to make it an early night. They planned to hike along the river the following day and find good places to view the American and Canadian falls.

Just as they reached the door to the rooms, Ethan grinned at their two protectors. “If you guys want some private time to see the sights, let us know and we can find something to do in the room. I don’t want you guys to think you have to keep an eye on us and not have any time for yourself.”

“We appreciate that, but we’re tagging along on this trip for security.” Darius caught Aiden’s eye so they both understood each other’s position.

Cody bumped fists with the honeymooners. “It’s fun we got to come along but ultimately this is work. Making private time for us to go see the sights wouldn’t be right.”

Aiden opened the door to their room. “Thank you, guys. We’ll stay in the room ’til morning. Want to say meet for breakfast at eight thirty?”

“Sounds good. See you in the morning.”

******

Overcast skies made it difficult to tell a new day was beginning. The forecast predicted little chance of snow, but without the sunshine making it though the clouds, it would be lucky if temperatures reached the projected high of twenty degrees. Darius knocked on the door to see if their friends still wanted to go to breakfast. The group settled on eating in the hotel’s restaurant.

Leaving the truck behind, they walked the short distance to the Niagara River. They followed Old Falls Street to the state park on their way to the Niagara Falls Observation Tower.

Ethan finally realized something. “I don’t hear the waterfall. I don’t even hear the river. I’m not sure what I expected, but I figured there would be a loud roar.”

“With how unusually cold it’s been the last few weeks, there’s a good chance the falls and river are partially frozen. Thank you, Polar Vortex.” Darius pulled up the weather app on his phone and pointed to the single digit temperature. “Focus on the sounds around you. The movement of water is there, but it is far quieter than most days.”

With his eyes closed, Ethan moved his head around, picking up what he had not before. “I do hear it. I didn’t even realize I was feeling it. The moisture in the air, ice nearby, and water flowing like blood through a vein.”

“Your mind expected a lot of noise so it didn’t listen to the quiet.” Darius patted him on the back. “You do well in your wolf, but you still need to learn how to work with your enhanced senses when in this body and put them to use. We take it for granted since we grew up with them.”

At the tower, they made their way to the end of the observation deck. Upstream from the falls, the river was mostly frozen over with water only running down the center. The straight line of the American Falls was less dramatic than the bigger Horseshoe Falls but no less impressive. The normally raging wall of water had turned into beautiful ice formations.

“It may be cold here, but this is beautiful. We’ll have to come back when the river’s flowing more.” Aiden rubbed his hands together for warmth.

“I guess it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to burst into flames to keep us all warm, would it?” The devious smile on Ethan’s face indicated he was thinking about doing just that.

“Figured you’d like the cold and ice since you went Mister Freeze before.” Aiden put on his gloves and reached out for his pup’s hand. “And you do make a tasty creamsicle.”

They spent time at the top taking pictures before riding the elevator to the bottom of the gorge. There were a few ice-covered trails open, which allowed them to get closer to the frozen wall of water of the American Falls. The natural warmth of lycan wolves and coyotes allowed them to remain in the frigid gorge longer than a human could. The group finally returned to the top since Darius was more susceptible to the cold.

Their path took them along the upper American Falls towards Goat Island Road and across the bridge to Green Island. It offered another beautiful view of the mostly frozen rapids leading to the drop-off. Continuing to follow the road onto Goat Island, they arrived at the Nikola Tesla Memorial. Each had their picture taken with the statue of the famous inventor before reaching their destination at Terrapin Point overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Steam rose from the ice that bordered the water flowing down the center of the river. Almost the entire surface of the great waterfall was frozen solid. Less than a quarter of the U-shaped formation remained in liquid form. It was an impressive and exceptionally rare sight; something as powerful as the falls turned almost completely motionless.

“I wonder what it would look like completely frozen.”

“Don’t you do it, Pup.” Aiden smirked as he gave his mate a swat on the butt.

“Oh, I liked that.” Ethan blushed as his friends chuckled. “Save that for when we’re back in the room and I’m naked.” He closed his eyes as he reached out with his senses. There was so much water in frozen and liquid form and he felt it all. “I won’t change how it’s moving. It’s doing what it needs to.”

Heading a little ways downstream between the two sets of falls, they took more pictures of the frozen wonder. It had been a thrilling day, but after a couple miles of walking and several hours in the bitter cold, they were ready to go inside to warm up.

They decided to grab sometime light to eat, rest up for a while, and drive out to Goat Island at night to see the light show on the falls.

The illumination display was impressive, and they could only imagine what it would look like in warm weather. Seeing rainbows hitting the ice, even Ethan did not mind the cold.

On the short drive back to the hotel Aiden made a suggestion to the group. “How about we head home tomorrow. This made for a great honeymoon, but we’ll do it up right in the spring.”

Cody nodded. “You’re the boss. Besides, that will have us home before we have to deal with New Year’s Eve traffic”

Once in the hotel room, Aiden ran hot water in the Jacuzzi tub. He settled into the warmth of the bubbling water to relax and pulled Ethan against his chest. The two soaked as heat returned to their bodies from the freezing night air. A teasing foreplay began and as the water cooled, they moved to the bed where they made love long into the night.

******

The first in a series of major snowstorms was expected to hit Silver Pines making it a cold and miserable New Year’s Eve. It was not weather anyone wanted to be out driving in, even for the short distance to Parker. Instead, Nathan and Alex offered to host a party in their barn. People delivered supplies to the farm leading up to the gathering. Everything from food and drinks, to wood for the fireplace, and extra fuel for the generator if needed. They also dropped off bags containing clothes they could wear at the party. By road it was just a far as going to Parker, but through the forest it was a nice, short run. Guests would leave their cars at home, show up in animal form, and change when they arrived.

A young lycan learning to DJ set up his equipment at one end of the barn. His dad brought a second generator to keep the music playing if things went dark. They checked to see if their hosts needed anything before saying they would be back the following day before the party started.

The snow was falling hard by late morning on December 31st and showed no signs of letting up. The news stations advised everyone to stay off the roads. Aiden and all the other deputies were sent home before it got too bad. They were on-call in case of an emergency, but even they would have a difficult time getting around without resorting to four paws.

By early evening, most of the roads were impassable with a foot or more of snow having already fallen. The snowplows were having a hard time keeping up, and only major roads were being cleared. The region settled in for the blizzard.

Alex had the fireplace roaring, making the barn nice and warm. The generators were gassed up and ready if the power happened to go out. Nathan set food out and finished putting up the last few decorations.

About eight o’clock, the first guests showed up, and the DJ started to play his music. In the reverse of a coatroom, wolves would come in, grab their bag, and change into their party clothes. One of the first guests set out a tip jar near the door with a note on it.

“Please donate to help support Alex and Nathan for giving us this wonderful party.”

Most everyone who came in dropped five or ten dollars in the jar. Nathan did not notice it until late into the night and never found out who put it there. By the time the party was in full swing, there were around seventy people in the large space. Several of the lunis stayed in their wolf and put on something like sweats or shorts. Since it wasn’t a full moon, their size was only slightly larger than their human form.

Ethan and Aiden had a ball hanging out with their friends and dancing with several of them. The pair joyfully went around chatting with others they did not seem to get to talk to as much as they would like. They grabbed Nathan and Alex several times to drag them out amongst the throngs of gyrating bodies as the music played. Casey, Cody, and Darius danced together several times as well as in couples and spent time with their friends. About ten thirty, John and Jackie surprised everyone with their arrival. Just as the alpha pair walked in, the DJ began playing “Hungry Like The Wolf” much to everyone’s joy.

When the song finished, the DJ stopped the music for a moment. “I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight for this totally awesome New Year’s Eve Bash. But mostly I want to thank our hosts, Alex and Nathan, since without them we’d all be sitting home with nothing to do but watch the blizzard. This next song is dedicated to you guys from all of us.”

Cheers and clapping filled the barn as Alex took Nathan’s hand and walked him to the center of the floor. The music slowed as the DJ played a romantic song for the couple. They were focused on each other’s eyes as they took turns leading. Everyone watched as this dance was strictly for their hosts. When the song ended, they bowed as those gathered clapped.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our hosts, Nathan and Alex.”

A couple more songs played before the DJ spoke again. “Our wonderful hosts wanted to dedicate this next song to the newlyweds here. So to Ethan and Aiden, here’s new single from an up-and-coming artist with an incredible voice, Cody Xeru with “Here We Go.”

People began dancing again, and the music would go from a fast beat to something slow for the couples to enjoy. There was a mix of everything from Infernal to ABBA and from Freemasons to Candy Apple Blue.

As midnight neared, noise makers, confetti, and other items were handed out. When the five minute warning came, everyone prepared. The last ten seconds, the group called out as each one passed until a cheer went up right at midnight. People kissed, blew horns, and threw confetti as they welcomed in the New Year.

Around one in the morning, the party started to die down. Before too many people left, the DJ picked up his microphone one last time. “I want to say thank you one last time to our gracious hosts, Nathan and Alex, for throwing this party and for giving me the opportunity to DJ for you all. To our alpha and luna, you honor us with your presence. Have a wonderful night, you’ve been a great crowd.” He was about to go back to the last of his music when he thought to add one more thing. “Maybe with some encouragement from you all, we can get Alex and Nathan to host another party for Valentine’s Day.”

People went into the changing room to strip and put their clothes back in bags. A quick shift into their wolf, and they were ready for the run home. They would come back after the blizzard to retrieve everything.

The DJ finally shut his equipment down. “Thank you so much for letting me do this. I had a lot of fun. Dad will bring me back after the roads are plowed to pick up my gear.”

Alex placed his hand on the teen’s shoulder. “You did good. If your dad approves, we’d like to list you as a recommended DJ for any events that book the barn.”

The boy beamed with excitement at the prospect. The guys helped him move the equipment to a side room to secure it for the night.

When there were about ten people left, those remaining began cleaning the barn.

“You don’t need to be doing that. We’ll take care of it in the morning.” Nathan tried to shoo people away from their task. Alex was grateful for the help as he went about dousing the fire.

He was met with crossed arms and shaking heads. “Sorry, but you guys did a lot of work to prepare for this. The least we can do is clean up. Just show us how to lock up when we leave. You guys can go to bed while we finish up.”

“Thank you. No need to lock up tonight. It’s not like anyone but wolves will be out in this weather. We’ll help so it goes faster.”

With the cleaning finished, the last guest left. Nathan grinned like a young cub; the big burly bear of a man had tears of joy in his eyes.

Alex kissed him and whispered, “I love you, Teddy Bear.”

******

“Sir, I’ve had people monitoring the Montreal drop site as well as the Mont-Saint-Hilaire address we were able to trace back to him. There has been no movement and no sign of him at either location. It is possible he was killed when the coalition destroyed the town. We’ll never know how many bodies are buried in the complex.”

“With the warning we gave him, he should have had enough time to get out. Until there’s a body, I don’t plan on assuming he’s dead. Perhaps we shouldn’t have warned him and let the packs kill him.”

“You do realize since there’s never been a face-to-face meeting, identifying him is next to impossible. He was warned to avoid the risk of him being captured. The last thing we needed was him making a deal with someone to try and save his own fur.”

“The last thing we need is not recovering our losses. Some of the individuals and groups who invested or that haven’t been paid yet for merchandise are getting a little edgy and wanting their money. It most definitely isn’t coming out of my pocket. At least if we get him, there is someone to place the blame on.”

“Sir, I’ve kept you protected and made sure no trails lead back to you or the others from the time you brought me into this job.”

“And your pockets have been well lined as a result, along with being able to sample some of the merchandise before buyers were found. Has your investigation into those mystery wolves turned up anything?”

“The only possible explanation for what was reported is that some of the Canadian-blend drug made it into the air system and caused hallucinations. The informant had tested positive for exposure to it. Unless you’ve ever seen a wolf with abilities even remotely like what was described.”

“I suppose a lunis fighting with a bladed weapon and some type of armor could account for the hallucinations if the drug was present. A flame thrower would explain some of it as well. It would still be nice to know which pack’s training its fighters to use such tactics. It’s unnatural for a wolf to fight that way, even if it was effective.”

“Four of the packs are too tight-knit for us to get an informant into. They are too loyal.”

“What’s the world coming to when you can’t easily buy someone off?”

The line went dead soon after.

The Council Security Director set his phone down. ”If you think I’d tell you if I found an exceptionally powerful wolf, you’re as stupid as you were for trusting that French Canadian mutt.”

******

“Hello?”

“Aiden, I trust you and your mate had a good Christmas and New Year’s?”

“Both were great, especially since we were married the day after Christmas.”

“Congratulations on that. If I’d known I would have sent you a gift. It seems as times passes, not as many young wolves actually get married. Even when they find their mate early in life.”

“We wanted our commitment to each other to be on every level, including the legal union. Given how many weeks it’s been, I wasn’t quite sure if I’d be hearing from you again.”

“I’ve been traveling around and taking in the sights. Plus, I prefer to be cautious as to not put you, myself, or others in any unneeded risk by calling too often.”

“I suspect you’re using a burn phone to avoid being traced. Although if someone for whatever reason was tracking my phone for calls, they would be trying to pinpoint where you’re calling from now. Or at least figure out the area of the nearest cell tower.”

“Quite right, but you don’t survive as long as I have by being sloppy or not having some kind of insurance policy.”

“I’m sure the Galactica will always have a trick up its sleeve to survive. The Pegasus may show up to render assistance if the situation calls for it and the intelligence is good, but just know that it won’t sacrifice itself for the survival of the venerable Battlestar.”

“Most definitely not, nor should that ever happen, especially when you’re a newlywed.”

“I bet it’s driving your associates, or I suppose now your former associates, mad not being able to locate you or even confirm if you’re alive. I’ll admit there’s an ounce of pleasure in that thought.”

“They are searching far and near for any sign I’m still alive. They will most likely keep their moves very subtle for now so they don’t expose themselves prematurely and alert me to my fate.”

“At some point, their hand’s going to be forced and they will have to act, hopefully when they aren’t prepared for it.”

“Possibly, and I suspect that will happen when they realize a new player has a seat at the table. A player who can see far more than most and can raise the stakes higher than they like. Question is, will they bluff or fold?”

“Judging from my stop watch, our time on this call is up since in about ten seconds any potential back trace on your phone would be complete.”

“You are indeed correct, so I will bid you good night, and I’ll try to not go so long before contacting you again. Take care, Aiden.”

******

Aiden rushed out of the sheriff’s station as soon as his shift was over and headed to the pack’s office.

The Alpha’s personal assistant greeted him. “Hi Aiden. What can I do for you?”

“Heather, is he in?”

“One moment.” She picked up the phone. “Alpha, Aiden Jacobs is here to see you.” When she hung up the phone, she pointed towards the hallway. “You can go back, he said the door’s open.”

Aiden still knocked.

“Good to see you.” John offered a seat to the young man. “I’m glad you came by. This box arrived for you this afternoon.”

Aiden picked up the small box and inspected the shipping label, which had no useful information on it. Opening it and looking inside he found the badge he wore on the night he was abducted along with a note.

“Deputy Jacobs. I wanted to make sure this was returned to its rightful owner. You obviously worked hard to earn this. I’m sorry I didn’t get it back to you sooner. JP”

”This is an interesting relationship you’ve developed with your former captor. It says something important about his respect for you that he would return an item of authority most criminals would keep as a trophy.” John leaned back in his chair. “I know you came over for a reason. I’m sorry for the distraction. What was it you needed?”

“Alpha, I think I figured out the code he gave me.”