Waking up slowly, sandy saw how close they was sleeping together. He never let anyone get this close to him before and begin to move away when she seem to stir. He waited a bit before she seem to fall asleep again. He move more til he left a sizeable space between them. He didn't want to wake her as he got up to catch breakfast for them both. It something that at least his wolf and himself was in agreement about. "Protect pack." That is what his wolf kept saying in his head, over and over. Sniffing around, he smelt a new wolf nearby. He ran from their den, looking for signs of the wolf. He smelt this scent before though. Seems to belong to one of the wolves that ron ran into. Or maybe one of their pack that decided to investigate his scent markings. His ear twitch as a bright red wolf, with her left ear tip missing came out of the nearby bushes in front of him. He stares at this wolf, noting that she seem to be the same species as the ones ron ran into.
"The name is Lisa, Beta of the eastern pack. Former wolves of the eastern decidous forests. My alpha wants to meet with you and your pack." Sandy sat down at the sound of her voice. Was expecting her to sound old but she sounded so young. She sat down, putting her tail neatly besides her, looking at him expectantly. Was he supposed to respond in the same way? Is this a werewolf summons that all werewolves know?
"Hi lisa, beta of the eastern pack. My name is sandy...bitten werewolf of this forest. Don't have a pack. It is just me and my friend zamas, who is sleeping. What time does your alpha want to meet?" His ear swivel to the sound of zamas waking up. He noticed lisa ear perk up as well to the word bitten. Guess they don't run into many werewolves that was the victim of biting. Lisa gave a wolfish smirk as she nodded at him. "Meet us tonight at midnight.I will send an escort to your den. Her name is sally. Goodbye for now." Sandy nodded back as he head back to zamas. Wonder what do the alpha wanted with their small pack as she called it. He saw zamas yawning before popping up as if she been shocked.
"Sandy! My mom! She probably worried sick. I didn't even call her. Quick, how do I shift back?" He lift up a paw so she can calm down. "Get your human form in your mind, and then focus on it." He closed his eyes and slowly shift back to human. He bit his lip to keep the groans in as he knows how scary it must be to watch. He open his eyes to see her watching him. As soon as he was done, he went to the bags that held their clothes. Seems like steve help them out by hanging the bags on a tree branch. Throwing the bag near her, he finished dressing, wincing as he heard her painful groans. He grin as he turn around, knowing that she be finished getting dressed as well.
"It does get a lot easier the more you shift. Which is why mine goes a lot faster than yours. But it does drain you of so much energy." He said softly as he saw her panting and gasping for breath. He sat down and patted the grass so she can sit and get her energy back. She does so and lean against him. The first shift is always the hardest and he hate that his friend has to go through it. But at least she is alive, in a way. After resting for a bit, he start to get up, holding out a hand to help her up. Smiling at her, he pat her back in comfort as they begin to walk. "So what should I prepared for?" She asked him, staring at him with such force that he look at her in bewilderment. "Changes in temper, strength, and thinking of small animals as prey. So stay away from your cat. I felt more anger the hungrier I gotten so keep yourself well fed and eat tons of meat. Have to be medium rare, bloody in the middle or raw as well done just makes you throw up. Trust me on that. Say bye to well done pork chops and steak. It's all about keeping the beast inside satisfied so you don't attack people. That about it" They made it to the bus stop, and while waiting he noticed that there was werewolves waiting as well. They gave them a nod while trying not to stare. Sandy just watch zamas react to others. Every time she smelt a werewolf, she look at him, just to make sure that he noticed too.
Zamas call out for her mom as she open the door of her house. Her mom was glaring as they walked into the living room. Sandy gave zamas a comforting pat as he went to the phone and stood near it. Whatever her mom reaction is, he couldn't let her call the cops or hospital or whatever. He hoped that he doesn't look noticeable while standing here. He also hope that zamas wasn't in too big of trouble. Just cuz they was adults doesn't mean that their parents no longer mattered. He knew how close zamas was to her mom and hope that her mom wouldn't be too scared. She did tell him that she was just going to be honest which to him seem like a bad idea but he would support her. He was hoping it was going to go smooth, though right now it seems her mom was beyond listening. She had her arms crossed and tapping her foot. Not saying a word, just glaring.
"Mom I can explain. I'm a werewolf. Now don't freak out. Just watch." He watch her mom as she begin to shift. Well that one way of breaking the news. He usually try to break the news easy but she always is blunt and to the point. This was going to take a while. Since she only shift twice, it going to take at least an hour or so. At least it did for him when he shift after the full moon shift. He saw her mom looking at him with a roll of her eyes before she noticed that zamas face was becoming furry. He nodded at her as she watch with her mouth opening and closing like she want to say something but can't get the words out. He went to sit beside her and pat her hand. Poor kat, her daughter being a werewolf and having to deal with all that. Though he smells her scents, which was curious,a bit of fear and shock all together. She look at him as zamas body contort to her wolf form, with her ears growing and going on top of her head. Checking the time, he saw that it did indeed took at least an hour since they came in at eight and it was close to nine. After she was done, she sat down with her tail wagging a bit. Her clothes was torn and in pieces on the floor. She begin to bark at her mom who finches as she does so.
"She saying told you mom. Not lying. So I need to be out all night but no worries as sandy is there. He's a werewolf too. Bigger than me but there are few things you need to know. need meat. a lot of meat. Also need more clothes. Kinda forgot that shifting torn them up. Are we ok?" He translated while kat look at zamas and sandy. He smelt her getting control of her fear, breathing deeply to calm down. She then got up and kneel in front of zamas. petting her she grin.
"No matter what, you always have my love. Guess werewolves exist and need to get used to that. I'm surprised that both of you are werewolves. But it does explain why you been more quiet than usual sandy. Yes I noticed. And I'm guessing you didn't bite zamas either. Cuz you wouldn't do that to her. So guess that you been bitten by another werewolf too. I'm sorry that these things happened but glad that you both can look out for each other. Just know that I will be on the lookout for hunters since I'm sure they exist if werewolves do." She hug zamas and wave sandy over so she can include him in the hug as well. He smile as she hug him, realizing how rare hugs are for him. Zamas did a small whine when the hug went a bit too long, and as her mom released them, she ran to her room. He did a small chuckle, when kat show a small hurt expression.
"Guess she is going to shift back. It is nice being in wolf form but shifting does cost a ton of energy. Do you have any meat? We are a bit hungry despite the deer we brought down together last night." He said softly as he went to sit on the couch. "Oh yes I do. Guess I need to learn how to cook a whole lot of meat now. Can werewolves eat anything else?" She went to the kitchen and start to cook some pork chops.
"Don't cook it too much. We like our meat raw or medium rare. We can eat well done but it doesn't sit right with us. In us, we have wolf spirits I guess and they speak to us in our minds. It confusing I know and I'm also new to all of this.Guess we be learning together." He went to the kitchen, sitting in the chair, watching the pork chops cook. "Meat good. For us?" He nodded his head as his wolf voice his concerns. Zamas came out fully dressed and grin as she smelt the meat. She sat down as kat begin to place the meat in front of them. "Medium rare. It what sandy told me." She sat down with them as they begin to eat.
"Now while I understand that you guys will be out there somewhere, please be careful and watch out for each other. I will begin to track the full moon nights so no need to tell me when you are going to be gone all night. Tonight is one such night and thank you for letting me know. Love you." She clean the plates as they wave bye and went outside. Sitting on the steps, he noticed that zamas look kinda sad. Ok he knows exactly what to do here. Ask her what is wrong. He open his mouth but she spoke before he can say anything.
"Mom is right. We need to be very careful. I got a bad feeling about this meeting. Also this voice in my head just won't go away and keep looking at you for protection. Know how weird that is? Just being close to you calms it. This is confusing me on levels that I'm not used to. How did you get used to it?"
Protection? Her wolf spirit in her is looking at him for protection?! That the worst thing she can do. He isn't the one who can protect. he is basically useless. He try but nearly got himself killed and she got bit so no. He is a failure. Could barely make any friends and people say that the easiest thing to do. Failed at everything so he knows he can't protect or do anything right. Ok he got to tell her that. She must know by now to never relied on him for anything. He is 24 and his life is worthless. He looks sideway at her, took a deep breath to speak but she cut him off again.
"I know what you are going to say. Me as protection? Trust me, you can't relied on me for anything good. Sandy, you are not as horrible as you think. Besides that just what my wolf thinks but I'm sure that just pack mentality. Your wolf is dominant and mine is submissive. Just letting you know how my wolf feels. We can separate the wolf from us right?"
"Yea. I mean I guess. Know what you gave me an idea! I think it is time for you to meet ron. He's the one teaching me everything. Then you don't have to depend on me. Which is great. Never depend on me for anything. I'm useless in anything. Unless it how to kill. Did you know people can only survive up to 4 days without water? Guess water is more important than I thought. I do study a lot of violent things. Anyway we should go." He quickly got up and start to walk towards the bridge that leads them to the forest. He hope that he distract her enough for her not to keep talking. He stop as he saw three construction workers standing in their way, blocking their path to the forest. They didn't look like they was blocking it, the way they was causally standing there, looking down at the building they was working on but instinct told him that they was waiting for them. Zamas noticed and start to growl in her throat. He pat her arm to calm her as they continue to walk. Yup, these three is werewolves and they was staring them down. He even smelt the one who he ran into before. They nodded at each other and begin to follow them, one worker was in front while the other two was behind. He bared his teeth in a smile as they was led to the building under the bridge. It is an abandoned warehouse that was surrounded by workers. They all stop and stared as they was led through the door to the back room. Looking around, he saw that it had open spaces, with no furniture. There was doorways but no chairs or table with a small elevator in the corner. This place was a lot bigger than what the outside led him to believe. Looking closely at the three escorting them, he saw that all three was muscular and had black hair. Was this pack nothing but black wolves? Damn that is terrifying, thinking of these wolves attacking at night. Unable to see anything cuz of their fur with only their eyes glowing.
"So what do we call you? Or do you go by harry, curly and moe?" Sandy snap out of his head when he heard zamas snarky tone. He chuckle as the guys look confused.
" My name is Chris. The one behind us is Edgar and.." Before chris can finish, the one beside him shook his head. He saw zamas looking at him with a raised eyebrow. He sighs as they stop in front of the back elevator.
"Alpha wants to speak to you both. Don't speak til Alex speaks to you. show him the respect he deserve. We leave you here. He likes to meet others alone." They open the door and usher them into it. they gave a small smirk as the elevator doors closed. Zamas and sandy look at each other as the elevator started going down.
"So what do you think this alex guy look like?" She asks as he went to the back wall and lean against it. "Must be so beefy. Did you see how many werewolves we passed? Count at least ten outside and couldn't spot the ones inside. Too many scents. I'm expecting a bodybuilder type. Or it could be like jet li type. Small yet deadly. But know what is funny? That ever since we shift...turn...whatever you call it, we are walking into this new world."
"I know what you mean. Like we stumble into this huge secret society. We never would have noticed if we wasn't a werewolf. They can be doctors, our neighbors, anyone. I never did thank you. For trying to save me from that other werewolf. "
"Anytime. After all it was a chance to fight. Never fought anyone in wolf form. So different than humans. No matter what I will always have your back.." He grin as he pat zamas on the back. She gave him a small grin when the doors opened and they heard a loud growl coming down the hallway. Without thinking he pull her behind him as he faced the hallway, tense and ready for trouble. He walk out, sniffing and looking around when he heard a grunt and a loud thud like a body landed on the ground. For once he felt connected to his wolf, as he can feel the wolf underneath his skin. Without a sound he walk til he saw a light on in the room at the far end of the hallway. Peeking in, he saw two guys wrestling and fighting. Zamas peek in as well and grab his arm when the smaller of the two slam the other one to the ground.They was both wearing only shorts and sweating a lot. Which told him that they been fighting for a while. The beefier guy had long black hair that was falling down his back. He was the one growling as he charge the smaller guy. Alex! that was dirty, he growled as he charge at the guy. Sandy eyes widened as he pull back before another thud sounded.
"Oh no he's hot." He whisper softly. Zamas gave him a shoulder punch as she cover her mouth to stop from laughing. They listened as three slaps on the ground sounded. Guess they was done, he thought as he straightened up and walk in. He noticed zamas walking on his right side as they watch alex helping the other guy up. Alex pat the guy on the back as he shuffle off towards the elevator, picking up a towel on a nearby bench that was against the wall. He glared at them as he passed by, lifting up one corner of his mouth in a snarl. Sandy kept his eyes on him til his back turn. Looking at alex he saw him grabbing a water bottle and the other towel on the opposite bench.
"So did you enjoy the show?" His voice was smooth, with a bit of a flirty tone to it. He ran a hand through his short black spiky hair, sighing loud as he toss the towel around his neck. His back was to them, and that was when he realize just how powerful alex is. He turn his back on them, not even looking back to make sure they don't attack. He moves with the grace of a tiger, and his build was that of a runner. Sandy heard a little growl and was surprise that that it came from zamas. And She is the one without trust issues. Looking at her, he saw that her eyes was yellow and understood that it was her wolf that mistrust him. He place a comforting hand on her shoulder, walking a bit til he was between them, knowing his wolf also has strength inside. He felt her hand on his lower back, bringing him deep comfort. He felt like he was doing an important job. Was this the pack bond that ron told him about? He was a wall that alex need to break down to get at her, no matter how much power he has compared to them.
"Does this work for you? Unbalancing the dominants with your alpha aura filling this fighting arena? Not going to work on me, I stood up to bullies before." He sneer as alex turn around with a smirk. So it was true, he thought to himself. He watch as alex toss the towel to the bench and walk towards them, stopping close enough that he can feel the air from his nostrils. Suddenly he felt an invisible power surrounding them, like someone just increased the gravity of the planet. Why didn't books say anything about this?! He can feel zamas struggling to keep standing, trying her best to not submit, which he feels can be very bad if she does.
Bow Down Pup! Submit to your new alpha!" This was alex wolf voice, screaming in their minds. Hearing zamas wolf whine loudly, like someone kick her, made him straighten up. When did he kneel on the ground? He heard zamas knee hit the ground and it made him snarl. She was his! His wolf roar as his own aura clash with his. Seeing alex eyes widened in shock made him grin as he stare straight into his eyes. This is what ron was talking about. He is now one with his wolf and no one can command him. Zamas may be submissive but she had the strongest will he ever seen and know that with him blocking alex command, she can stand up. Feeling her hand on his shoulder, and hearing her snarl made him so satisfied as alex sky blue eyes turn yellow.
We are not yours to control. Stand down alpha. Now! His wolf sent that to alex, making him take a step back out of surprise. Alex gave a smirk as his aura slowly went down, his eyes returning back to normal. He slowly close his eyes, showing sandy that he only stop cuz he felt like it. That he didn't win but stood on his own, impressing him. Breathing deeply, sandy call his wolf back in his mind, that the dominance fight was over. A loud slap sounded and he look at zamas in shock. She was glaring as alex raised one eyebrow, letting her know that slapping him did nothing.
"Little spitfire you got there pup. Are you sure you don't want to give her to me? She can be so much fun in my pack." Alex voice had amusement in it, as if he was holding back from laughing.
"Fuck you! No one owns me!" Zamas snarl at him.
Sandy wrap his arms around her, calming her down as he place his head on her shoulder, showing alex that she is his. His eyes flash yellow before he slowly let her go, stepping in front of her.
"Easy pup. I'm just kidding. Let us fight. physically I mean. Got extra shorts in the locker room. still in the package. Go change. I won't touch her. Promise."
He wink as sandy glare at him as he went to the room on the side of the arena. He hears zamas talking to alex as he gets dressed.
"So why do you want to fight him? what exactly is the point?" She asks.
"Because darling, you don't know a person til you fight them." he says in a flirty tone.
"Name is zamas. And let be clear, I don't like you. she growls.
"Zamas. Nice name. And you don't need to front with me. Can smell the attraction you have. But I will play along for now."
Walking out, he saw her eyes yellow as alex look calm. Seems he love to tease others. He only had on shorts like alex does, giving his clothes and glasses to zamas to hold. Maybe he can turn the tables on him. He gave a wink to zamas as she went to the bench to watch. He saw her confusion as alex lead the way to the ring. It was a middle size ring, with chalk lines showing the boundaries.
"Anything goes. Hope you can deal with broken bones." Alex gave a cruel grin as he faced him.
"As long as you don't get butthurt if I get a few good licks in." He gave a grin of his own as a bell ring. He knows deep down that he wasn't going to win. Who knows how long this guy been fighting. If he can beat that big guy, then he doesn't stand a chance.
Sandy watch him start to circle and wait for an opening, knowing from seeing the ending of his first fight that he was going to be tricky. He charge at him, throwing a punch with his left hand, seeing which way he favors, left or right. Alex grin, and caught his punch. Eyes widening as he got flip onto his back, gasping in pain as he twist his arm,nearly breaking it til he punch him with his other hand. Alex let him go to dodge his punch and went to the other side, waiting for him to get up. He can feel that old anger boiling up inside as he got up. No he won't lose his temper, not in front of zamas. He don't want to see that fear in her eyes, not like that day in elementary school. Looking at alex, he saw his expression of confusion as he stood up. Shaking out his arm to make sure it still works, he charge at him again. He saw alex set his feet down, bracing for his impact. Grinning wide, he aim a kick to his chest, knowing he was going to catch it. Alex did caught it, then begin to swing but he kick with his other foot, hitting his face hard. Alex let him go and touch his face where a line of blood appeared. This is why he doesn't cut his toenails. Alex eyes flash yellow as he growl. Seems he a bit short tempered, he thought as alex begin to throw punches and kicks. He dodges a bit but alex was throwing them with such speed and force that the ones that did hit was going to leave bruises. Growling loud, he manage to catch one and shove him away. He kneel, holding his injured sides that was beginning to throb. Before he can move, he felt a punch on the side of his face, making him fall on his back. He managed to grab the foot that was aiming for his face, and twist it to hear a small crack. Growling alex drop on top of him and wrap his arms around him. Before he can react, alex managed to grab his right arm and break it, rolling off and away from him. The pain was so intense that he nearly black out right there.
"Guess that is the end of the match. You did well pup. No one ever made me bleed or break a bone. Not since I was a pup." Alex was panting hard as he went to the other bench and sat down. He slowly stood up. He isn't going to show weakness. Not in front of him. Giving a small pained smile, He nodded as he went to the bench zamas was sitting on. She handed him his glasses, and clothes, being careful of his arm. Her eyes were wide with worry as she help him put on his shirt. He noticed the glare she flash alex while he got dressed.
"It was fun fighting with you. Anytime you want to spar, find me in the forest. Or better yet, call me. Something tells me you got my number. Seeing how you knew who we are. " Sandy sat down and stare across at alex, seeing him twisting his foot back to normal. He twist his own arm, knowing it couldn't heal if it wasn't straight.
"Smart pup. Know every werewolf in my territory, even those who are new and work at stop and shop. How does that work by the way? working with meats. knowing that you can eat them and never get caught. You know you should quit. There are others who aren't going to look kindly on you two working there. Secret might get out that way." Alex look at them both, his eyes flashing as zamas begin to get up. Sandy place his left hand on her shoulder to stop her before she can say anything.
"Let just go." Zamas muttered as he stood up. Nodding at alex, he walk to the elevator, trying hard not to pant or groan in pain. He even straighten up and manage to walk normal, til the doors closed. He went to the back wall and collapse. He never felt such pain as this. If he was human, he would been on the verge of dying. Feeling a gentle hand on his shoulder, he look up at zamas and grin.
"That asshole! Is this what dominant wolves are all like? Or at least alphas? Boy can't wait to meet the alpha and see the violence at the meeting." She snarl as he groan a bit as he stood back up.
"Sorry for that show of possessive back there. Didn't know how else to get him to lay off you. Look on the bright side, got a few licks in. And he respects us now. So we won't have problems with his pack. Need to..not show weakness til we are back on the bridge." He move away from zamas, giving her space as the doors open. No matter the pain, he must show that he is strong. No weaknesses. He saw eyes on him as he walk towards the bridge. Zamas hand was on his back, again giving him strength somehow. Ok now he got questions for ron when they meet him. Did they have a pack bond now? does touch equal strength now? He was so deep in thought that they reach the forest without him noticing. They even made it to the meadow, and zamas took her hand off his back. The pain came rushing back and he fell to his knees. He whine in pain as he begin to shift. Guess his wolf know that shifting will fix the injuries faster as he struggle to take his clothes off.
"Shifting now?! damnit sandy." Zamas muttered as she help with his shoes and pants. She managed to take them off just as the legs begin to grow and his claws pop out of his feet. He finished and zamas slowly took his t shirt from his wolf head as she look him over. She begin to laugh as he headbutt her in a friendly way. He wag his tail as he begin to lick her face. She playfully shove him away as she begin to collect his clothes.
"We so need to have bags all the time if we can shift without warning. Though I guess it a way to recover as your arm isn't broken anymore. Bet you didn't mean to shift either but hey it works. Hold on and let me place these in that tree hole." He did the classic dog sit and watch zamas put everything in the hole. Before she can turn back around, he pounce on her, knocking her on the ground. Jumping off he bark and ran back and forth.
"Come on zamas. play, we need to play now. So much energy. Woo!" He bark at her as he ran past her. He saw her look a bit confused before shrugging and getting undressed. She shift and stretch before jumping on him. "Ha. Got you back!" She crowed with delight before jumping off. He chuckles as he shook the dirt off and stare her down with a wolfish grin. He don't know why he is in a playful mood but he loves it. He never felt so carefree before. Is this what happiness feels like? Or was it the fact that he stood up to an alpha and got away with respect?
"Aww how sweet. You guys are so adorable together." said a voice from above them. He knew that voice. Of course ron would be around and in a tree. Zamas look up and growled. He look up and saw him sitting on a tree branch. Walking to zamas side, he held up a paw to let her know it was ok.
"Hey ron. Want you to meet my best friend zamas. And before you ask, no I didn't bite her. I saved her from being a rogue dinner." His tail was wagging as ron jump down. He stood in front of zamas and grin at her.
"No worries. I know you didn't bite her. She a different type of wolf than you. Besides you wouldn't bite a friend. You have become one with your wolf, I can tell. No wonder you are so playful. Anyway are you going to the meeting? Seems luke want to meet the wolves of the forest. Surely you been invited as you use this forest as a shifting place. And you put down scent boundaries. Little by little you are becoming like us. Less human. May I talk to zamas alone?" Ron was walking back and forth as he was talking. Sandy put a paw on his head. Following ron movement was making him dizzy. He nodded as he walk away to find something to eat.
"So zamas. Any questions for me? I been teaching sandy for a while. Before you ask any let me knock out the common ones. Yes there are a lot of werewolves out there. Yes there are different types. The wolf who bit you must be a grey wolf type. Probably that wolf that I chased off of him during that night. No wonder sandy fought him. Yes I saved him from jason. That your attacker name, and no he has no control over you." Ron sat down in front of her, waiting for her questions.
"What is up with sandy? He never been so playful like this. And thank you for saving his life. He is my best friend and I would have missed him. Also can I join in the lessons? Seeing how we are both new." She sat down as well.
"Of course you can join. I would be happy to have you. You do seem eager to learn. Sandy...well his wolf is happy. Seems his wolf takes you as his mate. Before you run off to tell sandy, remember it his wolf who takes you. Human half has a lot of catching up to do. At the meeting, just be yourself. Sandy told them that you was bitten so all eyes would be on you. Been a long time since a bitten one join. They rarely survive the shifting, usually it a big bloody mess. The fact that you two did is unheard of. A dominant and a submissive." He shook his head as he got up. His ears perk up as he heard sandy returning, and his nose twitch at the birds he was carrying.
"Hey guys! caught lunch." His voice was muffled by the prey in his mouth. He drop the three birds he was carrying as he saw ron and zamas coming towards him. Wagging his tail, he gave ron a bird and share the other two with zamas. After he finished eating, they ran to the river to clean up.
"Sometimes I forget that being a werewolf isn't all fighting and violence. It can be peaceful.Like now. nice to relax." Sandy said as he drink some water. He look at both ron and zamas beside him and gave a wolfish grin. Zamas wag her tail while ron return his grin.
"As nice as this is, I'm going to go. You know where to find me if you need me. I will be at the meeting though. See you two there. And it was nice meeting you zamas." Ron nodded at them before jumping into a tree and running along the branches.
"He is nice yet so mysterious. Reminded me of guldo." zamas sat down as she watches ron leaving.
"Guldo? That online friend of yours that went to the con with you when I couldn't get out of work. I remember you was talking about her every time you mention an anime that you both saw. How is she mysterious? You told me she worked in a bar and her online name is guldobean." He lay down and start rolling around on the grass.
"That is why she is so mysterious. I met her sure but she told me that she only goes by guldo cuz she forgot her real name. We do text back and forth...sandy! I just remembered that she is working today and at a bar near me. " Her ears perk up as she look at him. He stop rolling and look back at her with a head tilt. Wagging his tail slowly, he stood up and gave her a friendly head butt to her side before starting to run back to where their clothes were. He look back to see her catching up and running beside him. He relishes running with her beside him, their motion so in sync, that to his ears he can only hear his pawsteps. He look at her out of the side of his eye and saw the way her muscles move under her fur. He shook his head, what was he even thinking, she is his best friend and deserve someone better. That idea always slip in his head at the worst moments. He felt her fur brush his side and felt his wolf self smile. It just the pack bond, he thought to himself as he slowed down and stop at the tree. He reach up and grab his clothes from the hole using his paws. Looking over at zamas, he saw her expression of amazement and chuckle.
"We are werewolves. Our front paws does work like hands, though I guess I forgot to mention that. I will go behind that bush while you shift and get ready. Winter is so going to be hell when it comes." He said with a shake of his head as he went to shift back. He waited til he heard her shifting noises stop and got dressed before stepping out of the bushes. Zamas look at him with a grin as they begin to go to the nearby bus stop. Instead of the bus he usually get on, zamas told him to get on the one heading into town, so he just follow her since it seem she knows where the bar was. He hates bars and anything to do with alcohol. Growing up with an alcoholic mother made sure of it. He always thought that if you need alcohol to have fun than you are probably not dealing with deep issues. He was staring out the window, his expression somber when zamas tap on his shoulder.
"Penny for your thoughts?" she smiled at him knowing how corny that sounded. He couldn't help but laugh as she push the stop button. They got off with zamas leading the way. "Was thinking on my childhood." He walk besides her, looking at the ground. "There was happy times. I love my mom and she did teach me what not to do as you know. So what is the name of this bar?" He look at her as they passed a couple of werewolves who nodded at them. After nodding back, she patted his shoulder to comfort him.
" You won't believe me when I tell you but the name of the bar...is Silver Moon. It just opened and already seem to be the spot for everything apparently. There is meetups, trivia nights and game nights. For board games instead of just sports. Been open for at least four weeks and the owner is very friendly too. Not that way but he makes sure nothing happens there. Don't know how he did it but guldo seem to love working there. Besides it is daylight and well trouble rarely happens during the day." She stop walking to cross the street. Sandy followed while wondering if the owner was a werewolf as well. Maybe that is how he kept the troublemakers out. After all people will realize something isn't right when they feel the hair raised on their necks. The place just open and is already a hot spot? Yea something isn't right here. Sure it is Brighton and there not a lot of bars for the college kids to go to but for a new one to get this popular so fast. Or maybe he just being his usual paranoid self. Looking up he saw that they was standing in front of it. The sign had a neon silver moon on it, which wasn't lit up of course. The building itself look like an apartment building with two floors. Well it at least look impressive and like it belongs here. Zamas went in first and he had to stop himself from reaching out to hold her back. why did it have to be a bar. Breathing deeply, he went in and look around. There wasn't a lot of people, some was sitting at the bar but others was at tables. There was a dance floor and stairs leading upstairs at the back. This place didn't seem so bad. Smelt horrible though, with the alcohol, piss and vomit. Never going to be here again til owner uses a ton of bleach. He saw zamas in a corner nearly vomiting herself. He goes to her, whispering to her to breathe through her mouth. He saw the bartender eyeing him out of the corner of his eyes and held up a thumbs up, letting him know that he wasn't going to hurt her. After she got control of herself, she went to sit at the bar and he sat next to her, growling a bit at the guy eyeing her. The guy eyes widened and left his seat, going to the other side as far as he could from them.
"So what can I get you guys? Name is Nil. Is medium rare steaks ok? I know the signs of others and something tells me you are here for a reason. Did Alex send you? I'm up on my payments." The bartender said as he clean a glass.
Sandy and zamas exchanged a look as he replied. "We aren't part of alex pack and you are a human. Anyway we are here to talk to guldo. Zamas said she is here today."
"Tell her zamas is here. Nevermind, I see her. Hey Guldo!" Zamas Exclaimed as a blonde haired woman in her thirties was serving a table with mixed company. She look up as she heard her name and gave a small wave as she came towards them. He noticed that she was about average weight and height but couldn't get her scent while in the bar.
"Zamas! Didn't know you was coming in today. How you been? And who is your cute friend?" She said with a light accent that he couldn't placed. Though he realize that she was asian due to her face features. His wolf perk up, noting that she was the same as them but didn't say anything due to zamas and her having a lively conversation. He couldn't get a word in as zamas answered her and look to the bartender to order a glass of water. nil handed him his water while rolling his eyes at the conversation subject. Sandy listened and heard something about an anime he never heard of before clearing his throat.
"Hey guys, why not take this conversation outside? So we can hear each other better." Sandy said as he finish his water and got up. Zamas nodded and guldo told nil that she was taking her break.Nil just wave her away as he continue serving drinks. They went out the door and sandy took a long inhale of the fresh air. How do werewolves stand being in that place? Looking at guldo in the sunlight, he got her scent and knew she was a werewolf. There was that scent of fur under the human skin that only they can smell. Zamas look at guldo with wide eyes as she smelt the scent. Guldo nodded at them both, before zamas ask her to call her later as she walk back in the bar. She look at sandy and sigh.
"She is one of us? She hid it well. Is there anyone else that is one of us?" She said after a moment. He didn't know what to say but gave a sideway hug to comfort her.
"Hey let go to our job. We haven't talk to dallas yet and maybe he is working today. Since he was the only one we haven't talk to. Yea come on. let go." He said as he walk back the way they came. Looking at zamas as they stood outside the store, he saw that he did manage to distract her and bring her spirits up. Hate seeing her being down about something that she couldn't have known. Walking in, he saw julie glance at them and grin wide. He smelt her scent and realize that she was anxious about something. Probably a bad customer as that happen a lot here. Good thing the boss banned those type of customers and always got their back. Not many stores do that which is why he loves working here. It was a bit busy so they couldn't talk to julie like they did before. Looking out the window, he tap zamas on the shoulder when he saw dallas. Dallas was doing carriages and was on the way back with a long train of them. He was a bit taller than sandy and had short curly black hair. He was wearing the uniform but had a long sleeve white shirt on under the t shirt.
"Hey Dal! Hard at work I see." He call out to him as they walk towards him.
"San! Z! Heard what happened to the both of you. Looking well for wolf food." He responded as he fist bump them both. Wiping his forehead of the sweat, he look them over.
"Dallas you looking good yourself. How was your vacation?" Zamas asked.
"Well it was a week of getting enough sleep and playing games. Oh speaking of the wolves, Julie was telling me that she was hearing howls at night. She does live close to here so be careful you two. I know how you guys love to walk on those trails. Oops got to go. boss watching, talk to ya later. It was nice to talk to ya." He hurry out the door to collect more when they heard a throat clearing next to them.
"Hey guys you know the rules. No need to distract your coworkers. Nice to see you." Sandy look next to him and saw Steve, their front end manager when ariel wasn't working. He nodded at them as julie signal for help.
"Hey sandy. Going to grab some meat. Maybe talk with julie. She seems anxious and you know i might get some news about what happened." Zamas nodded at him as she walk away.
"I will be waiting outside." He gave a small wave as he walk towards the doors past julie. She gave a small wave as he walk passed and out the door. Julie usually say hi, not just wave but it is busy. Plus she was helping someone so he just shrug and sat down on a bench. Today is such a trip, he thought to himself. He met an alpha, connect with his wolf, found a werewolf bar, met guldo and is just now relaxing. He closed his eyes when someone nudge his foot. Ugh what was it now? Can he just exist without anyone bothering him? Opening his left eye, he saw a skinny kid looking down at him. He sighs as he open both and wait for the kid to speak. One sniff told him all he needed to know. He was one of them and looking over the kid shoulder, he saw a car full of weres looking at him. They seem to all be teens so he wasn't expecting what was said.
"My friends know you work here, and want you to quit so the secret won't come out. Our kind and theirs don't mix. If you don't, you won't like what going to happen. This is the message from our father." he said in a whisper.
"Does alex know you are claiming to be his enforcers? You should run along before he finds out.Tell your father that I don't respond well to threats." He flash his eyes as the kid stumble back out of fear. He ran to the car and they sped off when zamas walked out.
"Whoa what was that about?" she ask with a raised eyebrow.
"Teen weres thinking they can threaten me. Alex wasn't lying when he said we should quit our jobs. We should head back to the forest. It going to take a while before the meeting so I was thinking we can get some hunting practice in. Oh did you talk to julie? what did she say?"
"Strangest thing is she doesn't look me in the eyes. We talk about rude customers but it became too busy to get anything out of her. She did seem to relax when I left so I was thinking maybe she knows. Don't know how she would know but the way she is acting suggests it. Anyway we need to go. I didn't get meat cuz we are working on hunting right? I did get bags though. " She held up the reuseable bags that the store sells for a dollar.
"Yea we are going to practice hunting, and scent identification. Good idea on the bags. Do hate shaking out dirt from my clothes and looking for my phone. I usually shift at home and sharon open the window. Come back during the morning or not til full moon is done. Tomorrow is the last night. So my sis isn't expecting me home til the day after tomorrow. Or morning." He got up, gave a small nod at her as they begin walking back to the forest. Looking at zamas, he saw that she was deep in thought. Her head was down, looking at the ground as if she can find money if she look hard enough. Is this how he looks most of the time? No wonder zamas need to tap him on the shoulder or do something to get his attention. How is he going to teach her though? He isn't a teacher or can give good clear instructions. All he can do is try his best. He can do this by smelling along with her. At least she didn't need to go through anything alone, not like he did. Waking up in the forest, not knowing if he was ever going to shift back to human. He shudder a bit as he remembered.
"Zamas. Ready? we are here. hello?" He wave a hand in front of her face to snap her out of her thoughts. She shook her head as she focus on him.
"Sorry but I was thinking on my first shift. Since you say we are doing scent identification, I was thinking on what scents I know other than deer." She chuckles a bit as she gave him a bag. He begin to undress and put his clothes in the bag. After shifting, he saw that zamas was ready. He went to her and faced her.
"Ok close your eyes. Stay still. What do you smell, hear, and feel? Use your senses. Listen to your wolf self." Sitting down, he watch her ears perk up and her nose twitching. Her fur was smooth, her posture was straight. He might be in the way so he walk til he was beside her.
"I smell you of course. Deer, the bird we ate with ron. Something furry. Also anxious and seems to be on trees. Ugh something stinks. Is that a skunk? I hear your pawsteps and feel you beside me. Something walking a bit slow and now it hopping fast. So I'm thinking that was a rabbit. The sound of teeth. It is biting something hard." She open her eyes and look at him.
"You got the skunk right. And the rabbit. The teeth would be a squirrel eating a nut. Look up and see if you can spot it." He watch as she start to look for it.
"Use your other senses. Listen to your wolf, she already found it. Afterward we should hunt with you leading the way." He waited til she breathe deeply and focus on her wolf side. After a minute, she look right at the squirrel. He wag his tail as she gave a wolfish grin to him. With a nod, he wait til she begin to sniff around for a prey scent. She begin to follow with him behind her, stopping often to make sure she was on track. Soon they came upon a squirrel that was on the ground. She stop and point her nose to the other side so he knew where she wanted him. As he went to the side, he smelt another wolf. He growl as an auburn wolf appears with a black tail tip. Zamas caught the squirrel when she saw him. The wolf tail was tuck under his body as he lower his body and head.
"Hello. Who are you?" Zamas ask as she put down the squirrel. He sat down as sandy stop growling since the wolf had submitted to him.
"R....Riley. I'm sorry for intruding but lisa, my aunt told us of two bitten werewolves. I was curious so I snuck out to see you against luke wishes. He told the pack to leave you guys alone til tonight. But no one cared for me since I'm just the omega." Riley whimper as he raise his head a bit to see them looking down at him.
Sandy nose him to check him over. All he knew about omegas is that they are the bottom of the pack. They are the last to eat and clean dens. He see how he is eyeing zamas squirrel so he nod at zamas to let him have it. She also look worried at him as she toss the squirrel and he begin to chow down on it. Sandy sat down as riley finish eating, wagging his tail as he look at them.
"Sandy is my name. That is zamas. Nice to meet a wolf that don't want to hurt us. Are you ok? You seem hungry." He sat in front of him, tilting his head as riley grin at him. He saw that riley does look normal but he seem too grateful for a whole squirrel. Riley look around and stood up.
"Nice to meet you both. Thanks for the squirrel. Better go before they miss me." He said as he begin to back away. Sandy watches him go and shakes his head.
He begin to walk back to their meadow with zamas besides him. Their fur brush against each other as they sat down. He lay down and gave a yawn.
"Quite a day wasn't it? I'm going to take a nap." He curl into a ball and put his tail on his nose. He watch zamas sit down, staring in the direction of where riley was standing. He fell asleep after a while since the sun was so nice and warm. After a few hours, he smelt steve nearby which woke him up. He felt zamas next to him, sleeping as well. Opening his eyes, he saw steve standing behind the scent lines, in front of the bush where lisa come out of. He paw at zamas to wake her up as well. She quickly got up, growling a bit.
"Sorry to wake you two but I'm here for the meeting. I assumed you got the invite as well.Told me to meet her here so they don't have to spread too thin to get everyone." He said in a sheepish tone.
"It ok. Had a busy day so we decide to rest a bit." sandy said as he shook off the dirt. Zamas went to steve, wagging her tail a bit. She greeted him as she sat and scratch her side using her back paw.
"You guys suck at noticing others. What else can you expect from meat lovers and bitten ones. Bunch of weaklings." A low growl sounded as a dark brown wolf with a stripe along the back and a black right front paw comes out from behind steve. Steve jump and back away as she sat down where he was sitting. Her yellow eyes shown nothing but disdain as she look them over. Sandy exchanged a look with both steve and zamas before speaking.
"Hi. you must be Sally. You already know who we are, so lead the way please." He said kindly with a smile. She roll her eyes, scoff at him and begin to head back the way she came. He stretch a bit as the others already follow behind her. Catching up, he noticed that they was heading to the eastern side of the forest. He only been through this side once or twice since ron been ambushed by the pack. Since that night, he stop coming here. Plus they put up scent boundaries and even he knows never to go in another wolf territory. Sally lead them through the meadows, hiking trails and across the river. Soon they stop in front of bushes which hid their dens. A light brown wolf with darker brown markings on his paws was guarding the entrance. He growled as they approach.
"Sally. This is the doctor and two bitten ones?" His voice was a bit deep due to his growling. She nodded at him, and he move aside to let them in.
He show the wolf a bit of his teeth as he walk passed him. The area is huge, with a log across the middle clearing. There was bushes around the edges, which he scent riley under one. He was busy pulling out bones and cleaning out the dens. Sally stop them, telling them to wait right there as she goes to riley and snap at his back paws. He growl quietly at how she treated him. Riley got out from under the bush with the bones in his mouth. Looking at them, his eyes widened as he quickly left their camp to throw away the bones. Pawsteps sounded and he watch as tom entered with a familiar white wolf. No way, it can't be. This was the one who bit him. He sat down so suddenly that zamas look at him with concern. The white wolf had a black spiky mohawk with a black tail tip. He glance over at him but there was no recognition in his eyes. Of course he wouldn't know him. Everyone kept saying how rare it was for humans to survive the first night of shifting. He can get through this. Just pretend that he knows no one here except ron, zamas and steve. While he was busy staring at his maker, other wolves came out of the bushes around the camp. Ron was following lisa and the wolf who bit zamas. Jason was his name. Didn't know he lived in these woods. He nose zamas cheek to get her attention, to show her jason. Zamas look confused a moment before recognizing him. She didn't make a sound since she didn't know how the others would react. Riley came back with a brown wolf following him. Behind the brown wolf, there was a blonde wolf with auburn stripes and the other blonde wolf that ambushed ron. The one with the silver stripe on his back. Ok so that one belonged to the pack, which means the one with stripes didn't.
The brown one went to the log and climb on top of it. He gave a small howl and his pack joined him on the log. Except for riley who just stood behind the others. Looking around he counted four other wolves besides him,steve and zamas. Maybe the others have packs and they was just representing their pack. He felt so tense but at least he wasn't alone. The others look up at the brown wolf, their ears and tail twitching, waiting for him to speak. Now he wondering what going to happen next.
End of chapter 4