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Orphan Ch. 01

By: Vjax



Authors Note: While the main characters last name is Dane it does not take place in the same universe as Dragon Clans, I just like the last name.

Chapter 1

"God damn it Dane, get back to work!"

Alexander Dane looked over his shoulder giving his boss a weary look. Taking a deep breath he gazed north over the open plain one last time before turning and walking back to the job site.

'Job site.' Alexander scoffed in his head as he made his way toward the construction site. It was little more than ditch digging, clearing out drainage canals so they would be ready for the spring rains that were only a few short weeks away.

Texas had not been the best of choices, but Alexander had no where to go after the medical discharge from the army had cut his intended future off at the knees. Well, knee to be exact.

Alexander rubbed the ever present ache in his left knee before grabbing a shovel and jumping down into the hole. Although it was only the end of March the temperature was in the mid nineties under the noon sun and once again Alexander pondered just how he had gotten here.

Growing up an orphan wasn't easy.

Those who grow up with a family, hell even a single parent don't really realize the gift they are given. A sense of camaraderie, of history, of belonging to something that preceded you and will remain after you pass from the world.

Being dropped off as an infant in front of the Sisters of Mercy in the dead of night during a Boston winter is not an auspicious beginning.

Alexander planted the shovel in the muck at his feet as the heat got to be too much. Stripping off his sweat soaked shirt he wiped his face with it before throwing it out of the hole. His wide back and shoulders stretched, the muscles pulling taut as he turned back to his labor and his musing of the past.

The sisters had been kind for the most part. Growing up in the orphanage was not bad, it just wasn't that good. Three square meals a day, a roof over your head and other kids always around to play with had its advantages. However, as with any social group there were always cliques that formed. Some were merely social, others drew those who liked to prey on others, who enjoyed the petty taunts and jibes that carry the deep cruelness that only children can conjure.

"Are you sure your not a girl Alexander, or should I call you Alexandra?"

Alexander sighed, the choice to let his hair grow long may not have been the best for a fourteen year old boy who, after spending his life lining up to find a family, had finally given up hope of ever being chosen. He was resigned to the understanding that no one wanted him. It was a hard conclusion to come to but life had made it perfectly clear that he was alone. It was best to simply allow that to be the case and endure another four years here before trying to find his own way in the world.

"I don't really give a shit what you call me Steven." Alexander stood from the bench where he had been reading, his well worn copy of The Odyssey falling to the ground. At 5'8' Alexander was one of the tallest kids at the orphanage. Few got in his way as his height was proportional to his size. He was always quiet and didn't get in any trouble, after looking at him most everyone decided it was best to leave him be.

Steven was new, in a few days after his mother was arrested on drug charges. Smaller than Alexander by almost three inches the other kids were surprised that he had called Alexander out.

Steven took a step closer to Alexander, figuring that while he was big the long hair and book he always had his nose buried in made him easy pickings.

"Whats a matter Alexandra, your panties all in a bunch now." Steven said with a smirk as he pushed Alexander back toward the bench.

Had he been watching, he might have seen his error in judgment. However, as he was looking around at the gathered kids preparing to gloat over how Alexandra fell over like a felled tree Steven didn't know what hit him.

Alexander had seen the other boys movement as if in slow motion, knew that he intended to push him. It was a simple thing to adjust his stance and weight, letting the other boy connect but feeling no ill effects and definitely not falling down.

Steven went from smirking at the kids surrounding them to looking up at Alexander standing over him, a calm look on his face as the throbbing ache began in Steven's jaw where Alexanders fist had left its impression

"I suggest, that you leave me alone Steven."

The words were spoken with icy detachment, Steven couldn't decide whether he really wanted him to leave him alone or not. There was a wild gleam in Alexanders eyes that seemed to be urging Steven to get up and try pushing him around again. Either way Steven decided in that moment that there were most definitely easier and smaller prey to be had.

Alexander shook his head, clearing the fog of memory as the boss came up.

"Alright ladies that's it, stow your gear in the equipment shed and pick up your checks. Be back here at 6am on Monday."

Alexander, a little slower than the rest of the crew, crawled out of the hole stretching his back and squatting down to loosen his knee. A brilliant sunset off to the west pulled at Alexanders attention before his boss clouded the moment.

"You'll need to step it up Dane, you're slowing down the job and while I don't want to I may have to let you go, if you can't keep up."

The snide way in which Bill made the comment just rolled off Alexanders back, he had seen enough pompous, arrogant, self important assholes to know they weren't worth the trouble.

"No problem Bill, I'll be sure to step it up on Monday." Alexander said in a quiet tone as he walked to the tool shed, handing in his work belt and shovel in exchange for another measly pay check.

Straddling the seat of one of the few things that gave him pleasure he brought the 57 XL Sporster to life, pausing a moment to enjoy its gentle rumble at idle as he waited for Bill to round the corner of the tool shed. When he did Alexander put the spurs to her, the rumble building quickly into a howling menace as mud and gravel were thrown behind him as the bike fishtailed off the site for the last time. Bill would definitely need a new work shirt to cover his beer belly come Monday. Once again Alexander was moving on, to where or to what he did not know.

-vVv-

Alexander would not miss the ratty studio apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. Packing his few possessions into his duffel and saddle bags he once again pondered just how he got here.

While the orphanage was not all bad, and most people left him to his own devices, the one thing that always bothered him, that would always show up on his evaluations, was his desire to be anywhere but there. So many times the police would bring him back after he found another way to escape the walled confines of the downtown orphanage.

"Where did you find him this time?"

Sister Margaret was one of the kinder nuns, she had been at the orphanage when Alexander was found, he held a special place in her heart so the question was not asked with any ire.

Sgt. Thompson smiled at the old nun as Alexander stood at his side looking at the ground. Over the past years the boy had continued to grow, now at almost eighteen he stood taller than the man at his side. At 6'4' Alexander was large though he carried himself with an almost animal like grace, passing through the world as if he owned it.

"It was the waterfront this time, reading on one of the abandon piers."

This was not the first time Sgt. Thompson and Alexander had met under such circumstances.

"I'll take him, I guess. Thank you as always Sargent, see you next time I'm sure." She said with a laugh as she followed Alexander back into the orphanage.

Alexander was about to turn toward the dormitory when the good sister stopped him.

"Come to my office Alexander."

Her words were not harsh as she turned up the stairs. Alexander sighed and followed. "Time for another lecture." He said under his breath as he took the stairs two at a time.

"What was it this time Alexander, the full moon coming, problems at school?" She asked the question absently as she took off her wimple and sat behind her desk.

Leaning against the door frame Alexander looked at her, she had a kind face, was one of the few people he had known his whole life and had some affection for, although he never showed it.

"Nothing particular, just needed some space."

It was his standard answer when asked why he found it necessary to be seemingly anyplace other than where he was suppose to be.

The truth was simply too hard to explain.

He didn't really have a good answer so this had become his standard litany.

Alexander had always needed to roam. Wandering the many city parks, the waterfront, once a long bus ride out to Worcester to simply walk in the forest, all felt more comfortable to him than the gated confines of the orphanage. It just felt right to be moving, to be out in the world trying to be part of it, the bars on the dormitory windows were his bane, he felt like a caged animal staring out through them as life moved by outside.

Sister Margaret regarded him for a moment then changed the subject, knowing that she would get no more answers from him on this topic.

"Your birthday is coming up soon, have you thought of what you'll do when you're free of us?"

The closer it got to June 5th the more worried she had become for the quiet young man who, aside from his many safaris, had always been one of the better of her charges.

Aside from that one incident four years ago where he had put a boy in his place many of the nuns feared that Alexander was just too self-contained, too gentle for the real world.

Alexander walked into the office and sat down, understanding that this was an actual conversation not one of the required reprimands.

"I'll graduate three days before my birthday sister, I've thought a lot about leaving here over the years, no offense." He said the last with a slight smile. "An Army recruiter came to the high school a few months ago, I took the ASVAB tests, it seems there are several places I may fit there. They offer college benefits, travel, something different." Alexanders words trailed off.

"The military is a noble pursuit Alexander, but are you sure such a...constricting lifestyle is for you. We both know well being told where to be does not sit well with you." She was honestly concerned over this choice. Loitering in the park is one thing when your at the orphanage, going AWOL from the military however would carry grave consequences.

Alexander had the same concerns. He had been open with the recruiter about them. After basic training it would be very similar to a normal job. Normal hours, come and go from the base as you like, but with the knowledge that there were meals and a bed waiting for him that he didn't need to worry about.

"I've thought it over Sister. With no family, no money for college and no idea what I would study if I went, it seems like the best option out there."

Alexander didn't tell her that it was the chance to travel that really sealed the deal. Staying in Boston, finding some job, being trapped in the city was the last thing he could deal with. The military, though not a perfect choice, did offer him the opportunity to get away, to see some of the world and hopefully find his place in it.

Alexander looked at his packed duffel bag on the raggedy bed, the conversation with Sister Margaret seemed like a lifetime ago not the five years that had past. With a sigh he picked up a dog eared copy of The Odyssey hoping once again that Homer would help him find peace enough so his sleep would be blessedly dreamless, it was a slim hope but hope none-the-less.

-vVv-

The dreams had come as they most often did. It is hard to run from yourself, too often the past has a way of creeping in when you least expect it, finding the cracks in your armor and replaying the moments most painful with vivid clarity.

The images flashed by fast but each held the full weight of the moment, each re-experienced as if it were happening whole and complete, only to slip away and be replaced by another.

Watching the army barber in the mirror, clippers hot from a days long service, the heat of it almost unbearable on his scalp as his long golden blond hair fell away like late summer wheat to the scythe. It was cathartic, his hair had become something that defined him, as the army was want to point out they did not want defined individuals; they wanted blanks to train as they saw fit. Alexander wanted that too, wanted to reinvent himself into someone...whole.

Graduation day, the families of his comrades surrounding them, the congratulations, the tears, the well wishes. The overwhelming emptiness of standing on the parade field watching as he always had the lives and interactions of others.

A full bird colonel, his aid standing rigidly at attention behind him, telling Alexander that wasting his god given physical prowess on intelligence analysis was never going to happen, that he was by birth a killer and the Army would see that destiny fulfilled.

Chaotic flashes of blood and pain, fear and exhaustion as the army made good on the colonels promise. His body taking on the shape they wanted, becoming the tool they wanted, as his soul shrunk smaller within him to escape the seeming truth that their training made apparent.

A hundred battles fought, in arid deserts, in primordial jungles, in quiet forests and sweltering city streets. Lives taken, souls given up to whatever god they prayed to, or to no god at all.

The shattering leaden truth as searing metal met flesh and bone. His knee crumpling from the white hot pain of its passing. Tasting the blood soaked mud forced past his lips as his body was no longer able to win the battle with gravity. The helpless feeling of the blessed abyss beyond the pain as he was loaded onto the evac chopper.

"Your career is over son, your country will be forever grateful for your sacrifice."

Alexander woke with a start, a thin sheen of sweat covering his body, sheets sticking to him like a shroud. His blond hair, streaked with auburn highlights like a sunset, lay matted to his head.

Six cities in six months since his discharge and still the memories came in his dreams.

No labor was hard enough, no day long enough to keep the ghosts of his past at bay. The moonlight lit his silhouette as his shoulders slumped, unbidden tears falling like a summer rain down his cheeks as he held his head in his hands.

'Is this all there is, is this all there will ever be?'

His unspoken lament sent out to the universe, a desperate plea from a wounded soul.

Shaking off his dreams Alexander stood, running his fingers through his hair before rubbing the ache in his knee. While beaten down he was not beaten, he would once again get up and try, keep the small flame of hope that burned in his soul to belong, to find his place in the world, alive, fueling his burning need to belong.

Turning on the light he grabbed the map, it had been the same since he was discharged, a glance at a map, a name that jumped out at him and he was off. There was no rhyme or reason behind the choices, simply chance. It felt right for some inexcplicable reason as Alexanders eyes wandered over the map, drawn north to finally land on Red Lodge.

'Sooner or later it will be the right choice.' Alexander thought to himself as he stepped away from the table to shower and hit the road, hope flaming high within him that this place would be the one to at least stand a chance of becoming home.

-vVv-

Alexander enjoyed being on the road. His hair, now grown out held tight under a black bandana, the wind buffeting against his body, the unknown around every corner.

He had seen the world as he wanted to. Not everyplace lived up to the expectation, but more often than not they were more than he imagined, more than he could have ever dreamed.

In the moments between doing his duty and putting his training to the test he would simply be in the world, be present for it, take in the inherent magic that most people were too busy, too blind or too reticent to see.

He had hoped a place would capture his soul, send an unheralded message that this was home, where he belonged. None ever had and just as the lines waiting for a family to choose him had jaded that hope, so too did the ever increasing line of places and people behind him held no hold on his heart.

Leaving Borger, TX was not something to lament. As was his habit it was a random choice, big enough to have jobs available, small enough that he could keep to himself.

As he passed over the Texas/Oklahoma border he realized that as he had jumped around the country since his discharge he had stayed shorter and shorter amounts of time in his chosen towns.

The restlessness in his soul seemed to be getting worse, harder to contain.

'Why?'

His simple question, thought as the open plains of Oklahoma gave way to the growing hills of Colorado had been plaguing him more and more. Why the wander lust, what was he searching for? He had all but given up on his hope for a family many years before, with his career cut short he was at loose ends, drifting, hoping to find something to grab onto, but having no clear idea as to what it was.

By the second day the slow rolling hills had become the dominant feature, breaking the passing scenery into glimpses at the crest and trough of each earthen wave he traversed.

Colorado had passed in a blur as he let the hum of the tires and the beautiful scenery soothe his questing mind.

He had made good time through Wyoming, stopping here and there to sketch a vista that was unique and caught his passions. The further north he traveled the more settled he became. It was the first time he had ventured into the Rockies, was unprepared for their allure, the gentle pull of their ancient countenance.

Day four dawned cool and clear. The sun rising over mountains in the distance, the Rockies whispered their siren song from the horizon. He had found a small overlook to camp at the night before just outside of Cody, WY. It had been his habit to simply pull over at some out of the way spot and sleep under the stars. It had been so for as long as he could remember.

Even back at the orphanage many a morning the sisters found him sound asleep on the roof. No matter how many times or types of locks they used, he always seemed to find his way to sleep under the open sky, the stars and moon his only companions.

Alexander stood in his jeans looking out over the sunrise. It had been a cool night camped out at the small park along the winding back road through the mountains. He figured he would make it to Red Lodge, Montana today if traffic and the universe were amenable. A small blaze of hope that this place would hold what he was searching for.

"Beautiful morning."

The sound of the mans voice from near by caught Alexander completely off guard. He couldn't remember the last time anyone had been able to approach him so closely without his knowledge.

He turned warily.

"It is that." Alexander said quietly as he looked the man over.

The older man was tall, nearly 6'2", just under Alexanders own height. Hints of gray at his temples and close cropped hair gave him an air of authority. The badge pinned to his shirt and the Beretta at his hip completed the picture.

"You just passing through son?"

The question was asked lightly, with a neutral tone meant not to convey any hint as to what the right answer would be. It was not the question that made Alexander stiffen, it was the easy familiar tone he used the affectation "son" with.

Alexander knew it was common, but each time he was confronted with it, always the lasting echo of...son... was accompanied by pain.


Orphan Ch. 01



And what are you gonna do about it bitch?" the heavily muscular man with no shirt and the crew's captain asks as he withdraws his two sheathed swords.

"This," Celaeno Alcyone says slamming her sword into the deck and pulling out a pistol. She points it at the man's head that she has on his knees and before he has a chance to object Celaeno pulls the trigger. He falls back to the deck. The crew stops what they are doing and begins reaching for their own weapons. Celaeno grabs her second pistol and fires rapidly into the captain and first two crew members she sees holding their own pistols. She slides the guns away, back into their respective holsters and then pulls her sword free. "Let any man that wishes to face me do so now!" Celaeno yells. "Your captain is dead and I aim to take over this ship. You can join him if you like or you can serve me and live."

Most of the crew looks to each other not really sure how serious she is or if she would be able to take them all on. A group of five men step forward ending the debate. The remaining four of the crew lower their weapons and form a semi-circle around those men and Celaeno. The ship isn't too large being a Hydin Shipyards Stingray Corvette named Old Blue, but there is definitely enough room to do battle. The ship with its maneuverability, speed, weaponry and cargo space, which is currently nearly empty, is favored by sky pirates for a reason after all.

She knows that if these men lose the rest of the crew, what few there are, are hers and if they win—well she isn't about to let that happen. "Very well," she says. "I'll send you to your deaths then."

The five men spread around her thinking an all around attack would end the battle quickly. The first comes in at her back with a thrust. Celaeno spins around with the tip of her sword pointed toward the ground effectively blocking the attack. Using the momentum of the turn, she continues and blocks the next attack to her now exposed back and blocks the attack in the same manner. She lets the men stay on the offensive blocking each of their attacks in turn. She is putting on a show for the crew to demonstrate her prowess and allowing the men attacking to believe that they have the upper hand.

After some time Celaeno turns from defense to offense. Playtime is now over. The next sword to come at her, she locks blades with giving the pirate a false sense of attack. She takes a step in toward the man and produced a pistol and shoots him through the chest. Without missing a beat Celaeno turns and fires at the approaching man to her immediate right. He faces a fate similar to the first. He drops his sword and stumbles back falling into the arms of waiting crewmen and dead before his body is lowered to the deck.

The remaining three men stop their approach and step back slightly. They already know that using a pistol could increase the chance of blowing a hole through the hull and sending the ship down toward the ground. As much as each man wants to use their own pistols, they realize the danger and grip their swords even tighter. Once again they split apart and one of them faces her while the other two approaches from opposite sides.

"You stupid bitch," the one facing Celaeno says. "You think you're so smart? We'll see how smart you are when we send you out the airlock to the city below."

"Then what are you waiting for?" Celaeno mocks sliding her pistol away and gesturing from them to attack her.

The man looks to the other two and gives them a wink and then attacks. Celaeno waits until the last possible moment then steps back as the two men at her sides thrust in. She drops her sword and grabs both men's wrists and pulls them together; their swords stabbing through each other. Now with his prey unarmed, the man feels certain she would fall quickly enough. But before he can take two steps, Celaeno whips out an object from behind her back, which quickly unfolds into a compound bow. A split second later she is releasing a metal tipped arrow that slams with such force into the man's head that it slings it backward along with the rest of his body to the deck.

Celaeno bends over to reclaim her sword and looks around at the crew. "Is there anyone else that wishes to challenge me?"

As an answer, the crew drops their weapons to the deck in surrender. They are smart enough to know when to attack and when not to. "Good," she says smiling. "Get rid of these bodies and set a course for New Paris."

Once the bodies are dumped from the airlock and the corvette set on course, Celaeno returns to the cargo bay to inspect the few crates sitting in the near empty cargo bay. There isn't much as far as goods go that can be used to gain some fast cash. New Paris is only a stepping stone for her real destination and though she has assets there, getting them could prove to be hard about now.

The Divortium has tightened the noose around her and here lately it has made things rather difficult for Celaeno. Now is one of those times and she barely made it out of Ireland. If not for this sky pirate ship leaving port when it did, she'd probably be in an interrogation cell right now. As it stands, she is safe or at least as safe as she can get.

"What are you doing there love?"

Celaeno recognizes the voice right away as the ship's first mate. He was one of the four scared shitless crew that stayed back and watched their comrades get slaughtered.

With a slight smile, completely hidden from the filthy man, Celaeno says, "It is not the crew's position to as their captain of her actions nor is it any of their business."

The man stops for a brief moment and all the she can hear is his heavy breathing. Even though Celaeno only has the two pistols at her side with her hands just within reach of them and her back turned to him, she knows he is clearly running different scenarios through his head.

To help him along and get it over with Celaeno crosses her arms across her chest and says, "If you plan to use that knife, I suggest you do it. Otherwise you can take your lowlife piece of shit ass back to the command deck and take worry about something else than my business."

The gruffly looking sky pirate, who is easily twice her size, grunts as he leaps forward and strikes out. Celaeno spins to allow the knife blade to harmlessly slide past her. She brings up her right hand, grabbing the man by the wrist then her left elbow to strike at his, effectively snapping his arm. The knife is instantly released by the sky pirate and clatters to the deck. With near lighting speed, Celaeno whips out her sword and spins to cut through his leg at the knee, dropping him to the ground. She continues with the momentum turning it into a spin, lashing out for the man's head, but instead misses by mere inches as he ducks down. 

As his arm hangs limp at his side, the sky pirate pulls his word free with his off hand and swings upward attack that Celaeno has to jump backward to avoid. Her back slams against the wall. Celaeno's rebound sends her back toward him and their blades clash tightly together, putting them in a standstill. "I am stronger than you, even with my off hand," the sky pirate saying with a rancid breath.

"You only wish asshole," Celaeno replies driving her knee up into his groin. The impact almost doubles him over leaving him vulnerable and she doesn't waste any time. 

But the sky pirate isn't as slow as Celaeno hopes. As she reaches down to withdraw a pistol he pivots using his strength to force her blade to the side and ram his blade into her left shoulder, pinning her to the wall. She winces from the pain as he smiles. Then as quickly, Celaeno returns the smile before firing three shots into the man's chest, sending him backward and onto the deck.

"Well, at least I only have to worry about three now," she says to herself as she pulls the sword free from her shoulder.

As she slides toward the deck, she uses her sword to brace herself from doing so. The last thing she needs right now is the remaining crew rushing down to see what transpired and believe they could attack while weakened. Quickly, she slides away her pistol and takes the first step toward the cargo bay entrance, aiming to cut off any of the other's entrances.

Celaeno pulls the knife across the throat of the final crewmen, spilling his blood over the deck just as the landing deck situated just five hundred yards east of and half a mile above the Eiffel Tower is coming into view. She releases her grip of the man, dropping his body onto the deck. She looks out of the viewport and the landing deck looks like any other, but something nags at her in the back of her mind. Celaeno shrugs off the feeling and settles into the navigator's chair.

The winds over New Paris aren't troublesome and without much effort she settles the craft on the platform with a smooth thump. If she is lucky, she can sell the ship in a matter of hours and pick up something else. The only trouble is finding a way to dispose of the bodies.

It wasn't too hard of a choice, whether to keep the remaining crew alive or not. Considering at some point they may realize just who she was, if they didn't already, would make things harder for her. Besides, if she let them live then she wouldn't have a means to get funds unless she withdrew from whatever assets she has in New Paris. But then of course that would send up red flags and she would be right back at square one.

Once the ship settles, Celaeno flips switches and pushes buttons, powering down the corvette. She takes a deep breath before lifting herself from the chair. She still has a ways to go to get to Egypt and meet with her contact. After that, a whole new leg of her journey was going to begin. Fighting against the Divortium is not the easiest task in the world, especially when they control it all and that is in the literal sense.

She takes one more look through the viewport at New Paris. The last time she was here was a couple years after the city was bombed. Much of what she had as far as assets were concerned were lost and what she did have left she had to relocate. Luckily the banks still had records of money, so she hadn't lost any. Of course she never used her real name for such transactions and all her accounts all over the world are still open, but there never is any telling just which of those names the Divortium know of and if they are monitoring them. Normally something so trivial would be just that, but in the heat of things recently, she can't take any chances.

Her eyes catch the Eiffel tower, a gleaming monument that has miraculously survived all this time and somehow through the bombing of the city all those years ago. All those years ago seem like a lifetime for Celaeno. It was a different time and she was a different person then. 

"What changed?" she says aloud in the silence of the cockpit.

It could have been the war or it could have been a change in the Divortium. It very well could have been something else, any number of things. Nonetheless, her life changed and unless she fulfills her job, nothing is going to change. Celaeno lets a small smile spread across her face as she turns to exit the cockpit. When this is all over, things will be different. It won't be the same as before but it won't be the same either.

She strides through the ship quickly, having no need to secure anything. Everything she needs is already on her persons or in her head. The faster she sold the ship, secured a new one and left New Paris the better.

Not soon enough.

When she reaches the door she places her hand just over the door and ramp release when that unsettling feeling comes back over her. She shakes her head while making a mental note that of all the weapons she has are well within their normal places for easy accessibility.

With a deep breath, Celaeno presses the button and the door quickly slides up out of view and the ramp drops with a hiss. Except for the usual crew running about on the landing platform, everything looks normal and nothing out of place. She lets out the breath and proceeds down the ramp.

Must just be the nerves.

Immediately Celaeno spots the terminal for and air taxi down to the surface. She presses the exterior release to close the ship back up. Before making the landing, Celaeno reprogrammed the passcode and override so that only she would be able to access the ship.

She stays alert as she steps away from the corvette and begins trekking across the expanse of the platform toward the terminal. Celaeno is always on guard, only dropping her guard when she sleeps, but even then she is at the ready with some form of a weapon at her disposal. It is what has kept her alive this long and there isn't any reason to change that habit now.

She is about half way across when suddenly a Divortium Troop Transport comes into view over the edge of the landing platform. Celaeno, in an instant, turns to sprint back toward her ship when an identical ship appears on the opposite side.

"Son of a bitch," she mutters under her breath as she draws both pistols in anticipation for a showdown.

The doors on either ship swing up, giving view to each ship's interior bay. Immediately Celaeno knows who has the upper hand, not that she'd figure any less, especially with her status and the value of her head on a platter.

From inside pour out soldiers dressed in black tactical uniforms and identically black helmets, carrying assault rifles and combat knives at both the left leg and shoulder. Their weapons are enough to rival hers, but still Celaeno is pretty confident she could take them all out and still survive. Maybe not unscathed, but alive.

Then come out the Miska Assault Mech T-160s. Two from each ship. Both are mounted with T-160 Gatling guns, no doubt with armor piercing rounds. Inside they carry a highly trained trooper and on the outside a pair of arms able to carry an additional assault rifle or two. These ones are without the rifles, but not doubt can handle anything she can throw at them. Well, almost anything. She has taken out a few with her sword in the past.

As Celaeno drops into a low crouch, ready to spring into action, her adrenaline is raised even more when she sees Renus Brish. He is dressed in a similar fashion as the troops, but whereas they have matching helmets, his face is hidden behind one that looks like a skull. Armed with a larger two handed sword, one that rivals her own, and a multitude of knives, he stands out notoriously from the rest.

With a gravelly voice he says, "Celaeno Alcyone, you have a warrant on your head. Drop your weapons and surrender yourself. I will not ask twice."

The Divortium is a lot more serious about bringing her in than she thought, especially if they are sending in one of the Ternion, the best of the best. But what intrigues her more is how they knew she would be coming to New Paris and when. It's no coincidence, especially with the Divortium.

Celaeno grins momentarily before changing her expression to a neutral one. "I suppose if I resist, you won't hesitate to command these fine troopers to open fire upon me."

Renus Brish lets out an equally gravelly laugh. Any facial expressions he is displaying are well hidden beneath the helmet that looks just like a skull. Abruptly, he cuts the laughter and glares harshly at Celaeno. "As much as I would enjoy seeing you cut down, I am under strict orders to bring you in alive. Now drop your weapons and surrender yourself."

Celaeno smirks. "I thought you said you weren't going to ask twice. But technically you weren't asking were you?"

If she is going to die here or be captured, why not have a little fun?

Renus holds up his right hand and flicks his wrist. In response, a small group of the Divortium's Immortals steps forward. Celaeno remembers seeing schematics of these guys, but never thought she would have the opportunity to see the project happen. Inside she laughs to herself. It is a hell of a way to do so.

Each of the Immortals look the same showing no difference or any way to tell any two apart. Their suits look very mechanical yet very flexible and durable like a ninja's clothing. If she recalls correctly, the schematics showed an organic element integrated into them. Donning their heads are faceless masks with two red coverings over their eyes that more than likely offered a degree of visual choices throughout the light spectrum and possibly more. And of course, each carried only a single katana, meaning that each was highly trained and more than likely enhanced by their suits.

The Divortium is serious, very serious, about bringing her down. At least they wanted her alive. Well, that may not quite be a good thing.

Celaeno shrugs and says nonchalantly, "Well if you insist on taking me in, I am not going to make it easy on you."

She slides her pistols back into her holsters at her sides and reaches behind to withdraw her sword.

Renus lets out a sigh. "I expected no less from you Orphan."

The name brings a smile to Celaeno's face. "You boys at the Divortium are still calling me that?"

Renus clutches his own sword a little tighter and then simply says, "Take her."

They rush Celaeno quickly and she matches their pace with unparallel speed, bringing her sword up across the first attacker's chest, nearly cleaving him in half. Before the blood can splatter across the ground, her sword and body are swinging around to deflect an incoming blow. Her sword glances off the attacker's and with a quickly turn of her wrists, brings her weapon back around and across his throat.

Celaeno ducks beneath a horizontal strike then dives and rolls over another. She is on her feet before either attacker can turn around. Before she can even attempt to finish off either attacker Celaeno is met by a third that manages to catch her off slightly off guard. He maneuvers his blade toward her wrist, but Celaeno manages to get her arm out of the sword's path as not to lose it at the wrist. But the maneuver doesn't come without a cost. Instead of the attacker's blade taking her hand, his blade strikes the hilt of Celaeno's sword and jars it lose. It clatters to the deck leaving her temporarily defenseless.

The Immortal doesn't miss a beat and quickly lunges at her, driving his blade straight at her midsection. Celaeno spins to the outside, allowing the sword to completely miss while grabbing her attacker's wrist and violently twisting it back in toward him. Bones snap audibly and the sword instead drives deep into his gut. By the time his body hits the deck Celaeno has out compound bow out and firing arrows in quick succession into the two previous attackers, dropping both of them to the deck as well.

"I hope you have something better to offer," she says spinning around, with an arrow at the ready, toward Renus.

The man, however, is not there. Instead she faces the mass of soldiers still gathered and immobile with their weapons trained on her. A moment later something slams into Celaeno's back that sends her reeling forward. She releases her grip on the bow in order to compensate for the fall as the deck comes rushing at her. With her hands free, she uses the momentum to carry her body forward into a roll. At the last moment she twists, turning her body around with both pistols out and aimed at the spot she, just a moment ago, occupied and fires. 

Renus is already in the process of rushing her when the bullets rocket toward him. Without breaking momentum he waves two swords back and forth in front of him and deflects every bullet. As he reaches Celaeno he uses skill and speed to slap the broad side of each sword against her wrists, forces her grip to release on the weapons before spinning to drive his foot into her chest with a side kick.

The blow knocks Celaeno hard. The air in her lungs is immediately released into the air and she is on her back before her mind can process her body falling. It all happens so fast that she does not have time to think about ensuring her head doesn't bounce of the platform beneath her.




Orphan Ch. 01



Celaeno isn't sure just how long she was out, but when she opens her eyes, she is shocked to see her sword sticking out of the platform between her legs and Renus standing over her. He glares down at her through that skull shaped mask and his sword at the ready.

"Sitting around on your ass now?" he asks as he peers down at her.

Celaeno smirks at him. As if on cue, Renus steps backward and Celaeno twirls her legs up, using momentum to lift her body up and around from the deck and onto her feet. Her sword is in her hand and she is in a defensive stance.

Figuring that she has had enough time to gather herself, Renus bears down on her. Celaeno brings her sword up getting it above her head just in time. The force of the blow pushes her down to one knee. She has to use her free hand to push from the back of the blade to hold against the weight of the Ternion member's sword.

Celaeno grunts under the strain. "You slimy bastard," she bites out.

Suddenly she drops her body and rolls out from underneath the sword and up to her feet. Almost immediately Celaeno has to bring her sword up for another block. Renus moves faster than she would normally expect.

"Give it up," he says. "You won't leave here alive otherwise."

He swings high, then low, then high again. Each strike is blocked by her, but none give her an opening to counter with.

"I'm giving up that easily," Celaeno informs him.

Renus comes in with an overhead strike forcing Celaeno to block and lock their swords. "You surrender now and I promise I'll go a little easier on the torture later."

"Yeah right," she gasps through gritted teeth beneath him.

Renus releases one hand from the hilt of his sword and throws a left hook punch to the side of Celaeno's head. The blow jars her and for a brief moment she sees stars. The impact is enough to cause her to stumble to the left and in doing so she loses her balance and falls. She loses grip of her sword in the process, leaving her vulnerable once again.

Two of Renus Brish's Immortals rush over and grab Celaeno, lifting her up to her feet. Then locking her arms behind her back they hold her steady as Renus Brish stalks over to her. She struggles against their grip unsuccessfully. 

Renus strokes the side of her face. "You have been a hard prize to track down. Too bad I can't have you to myself. Something I can have to play with when I want to." He gives her the most sinister grin she has ever seen.

"Put her in the holding cell. I want her in maximum restraints."

Renus turns and begins his way in front of them toward a Hydin Shipyards Vulture. The transport ship is considerably smaller than Old Blue, but larger than the Divortium's fighter craft. Next to the cockpit it is mounted with rocket launchers, no doubt packed with a heavy ordinance and the entire craft sits on skids.

Celaeno rages as she is filled up with fury. She fights against the hold of her two captors uselessly. They are almost to the boarding ramp when she kicks out against the back knee of the one to her right. Once his grip goes slack, Celaeno throws a chop into the other's throat.

The Immortal instantly drops to his knees, gripping his throat. Celaeno grabs the back of his head and drives her knee into his face. Blood splatters from his now broken nose as he flies backward off the ramp. The first Immortal attempts to throw a punch at her but Celaeno is quicker and drops down below and jabs her fist into his side. She can feel ribs crack after the repeated strike. Then with her free hand she runs the edge of her knife across his throat, spilling even more blood across the landing ramp.

Spotting her sword she slides the knife away and runs to retrieve it. She is stopped short as the Miska Assault Mechs begin firing just short of her. Renus is the first back down the ramp followed in tow by two more Immortals.

"Hold your fire!" he yells. Then to the two Immortals at his side he instructs, "Stop her."

Celaeno wastes no time in letting either Immortal gain the upper hand on her or distance between them. She launches herself toward them, sword held high in an offensive strike. The first of the two Immortals adjusts and goes down to his back bringing his sword up and around in an arc effectively parrying Celaeno's sword. She lands on top of the Immortal, but he continues the momentum and using his legs throws her backward off. He continues the roll until he is back on his feet.

Celaeno is successful enough to twist midair and land on her feet as well and right in front of the second one. She steps back with her right foot and brings her sword up level, its tip pointing at the Immortal. The Immortal comes with an overhead strike and Celaeno drops, spins the sword back and around and slices across his belly and spilling his insides.

As she spins around to meet her first attacker, she is tackled by him. Pain is replaced with anger and she once again slams onto the platform's deck. She brings up her knee, slamming it into his gut. The Immortal backs off just enough for Celaeno to maneuver. She throws a punch knocking her attacker's head back then drives an elbow to his throat.

The Immortal drops his sword and reaches up grabbing his neck. Celaeno grins and hooks her legs around his and with a little leverage, throws his body from hers. Quickly, she springs to her feet and twirls her sword before slamming it into the Immortal's chest. Within seconds his chest falls still and his body goes limp.

With a bound, Renus leaps from inside the ship, sword in hand and lands bearing down upon Celaeno. The force of his blow when blocked by her is enough to send her to the platform deck. Celaeno uses the momentum to carry her into a backward roll and up to her feet. She then launches himself at the Ternion member.

Celaeno's first strike comes high. Renus blocks it easily, but Celaeno turns her blade at the last second causing it to slide off and down at Renus' legs. The commander jumps into the air to avoid losing his legs and swings his sword at his opponent's head. Celaeno ducks and rolls a few steps away.

"Pretty fast," Renus remarks, "but you're still no match for me."

"We shall see."

Celaeno thrusts in at the commander's chest but pulls short as Renus brings his sword around to parry. She then spins bringing her sword around horizontally at Renus' neck. The man easily ducks and counters by sweeping Celaeno's legs out from under her. Celaeno lands with a thud and has to quickly roll to the side as Renus' sword stabs where she just lay. Celaeno is surprised with Renus' agility, but not unexpected. She gets to her feet and blocks a strike aimed for her midsection.

With each strike Renus throws, Celaeno easily deflects. The trouble is not in deflecting but each time the swords clang against one another, Renus' barely makes impact before moving to the next strike. Weariness begins to creep into her muscles and her breaths come on heavier and heavier. Celaeno stops her mind from drifting to listening to what her body is telling her and puts it back into the fight. In doing so she finds renewed strength and energy.

When the next strike comes from Renus, Celaeno simply sidesteps him. She doesn't get the effect she would have liked of Renus stumbling forward from over striking. Instead, Renus with his quick and semi-light strikes is able to compensate, but Celaeno is still quicker.

Or so she thinks.

Celaeno brings her sword in an arc, but as if sensing the maneuver, Renus throws out his right hand catching Celaeno's wrist. His massive hand wraps around and it nearly feels like he is crushing her bones. Celaeno reaches from behind and pulls a combat knife out and swings it around, but Renus is focused and ready. He easily blocks the strike and then brings his own sword around striking Celaeno's hand with the side of his sword. The blow sends her sword scattering across the deck.

"As I said," Renus grins, "you are no match for me."

With that, he slings her by the wrist. She flies through the air and lands roughly into a sideways roll. She lets momentum and gravity take their course as she focuses on placing a small sticky device to the hilt of her sword. Then her body is flying over the edge of the platform.

"Sir!" one of his troopers says rushing up to him. "She just went over."

Renus glances over his shoulder in the direction that he sent Celaeno and says, "If she's alive then secure her. If not, then at least one problem has been solved."

Renus doesn't like the idea of her being dead. Alive if possible was the order, dead if necessary. He is a perfectionist and would rather her be alive, but if not, he completed his job.

Several of the troopers rush to the edge with their assault rifles pointed over the side and down. There they find Celaeno hanging one handed on a small handhold. Her sword is nowhere in sight.

Several hours after the incident on the New Paris platform took place and cleaned up by local authorities a Mishka Shipyards Lotus Corvette named Jericho lands. Its shape resembles that of a sword hilt. Built for both luxury and cargo carrying, it has two large loading ramps in the front as well as a larger one in the back. To aid in docking it also features to hatches atop.

For defense is has a large array of weaponry hidden from view and all very illegal for a ship of its size and stature as well as for any non military ship for that matter.

Slowly a landing ramp just in front of the cockpit lowers with a hiss. Unlike Celaeno's landing, there are several ships on the platform, but none of the other crews or service technicians pay attention to the new arrival of the craft nor do they when a large, post war, War Golem steps out, followed closely by a tall man.

The War Golem, Tanttan, once served in the war before the Divortium rose to power. He, like many others like him, was the main driving force in the war. Soldiers were still used but more so for special ops and infiltration while the War Golems fought each other on the battlefield. The majority of the War Golems were dismantled after the war, but a few including Tanttan were salvaged or misplaced.

Tanttan stands on two legs that do not even look like they could support such a massive machine. His main body is almost oval with one oversized right arm and a much smaller left. When looking at the arms, neither look like they belong nor that one has been replaced with an arm that doesn't belong to the model. To a person that has never seen a War Golem, this would be their first thought, but a veteran like Sage Veris, than tall man standing behind Tanttan, it is perfectly normal.

"Anything?" he asks the War Golem.

Tanttan swivels around once more, scanning the entire platform before replying with, "Zzzt...Celaeno was here and...Zzzt...there was a battle of a kind."

"I mean, is it clear," the man corrects.

"Of course...Zzzt...the Divortium soldiers are long gone."

Sage steps out from behind the giant machine and instantly the wind kicks up and blows against his blue robes and equally blue hair. The wind doesn't bother him. Even if it was cold enough to chill a person to the bone, it wouldn't matter to him. Trained by the Dranon monks, Sage can survive nearly any type of environment and still perform his skills learned from the monks.

Unlike his counterparts, however, Sage carries only three swords. He has no use for any other type of weaponry, not with his skills at Tetrakinesis. He left the order, or rather suspended his time with his fellow monks when Celaeno had asked for help and none of the order wished to provide aid. Many of his fellow monks rebuked him for leaving with her. Much of it was because the order wished to stay out of the conflict waging with the Divortium while a part was because he fell in love with her.

"Where's the beacon at?" he asks without looking back toward the War Golem. Instead his eyes are scanning the other ships, crews and workers.

"Zzzt...Exactly thirty two point zero one five meters...Zzzt...six degrees to your right," Tanttan answers.

Sage comes to a dead stop and turns to the giant machine. "Come on. How many times have I asked you to give me a straight answer?"

"I did...Zzzt...Brother Veris," the War Golem replies.

Frustration can be seen on Sage's face. Not only is it from the directions, but the Brother part. Tanttan had a sense of humor, if one could call it that, for a machine, especially a war machine. And he only called Sage that when Sage was being, in what Tanttan considered, callous.

"What have I asked—"

"Just over...Zzzt... the edge that way Sage," the war machine interrupts while pointing.

Sage drops his expression and turns away from Tanttan. There is no point of arguing with the machine. He tried it before and instead of learning from it the first time he tried again and again and again until finally Sage saw the light so to speak and just gave up.

Quickly Sage paces over to the edge, cursing himself for having fallen into the War Golem's trick and letting his guard down. Almost immediately he senses the sword stuck beneath the platform. He thinks about using his ability to just liquefy the platform decking and raising the sword through, but quickly disregards it in light of actually grabbing the attention of those on the platform.

Instead, Sage swings over the edge, using the same handhold Celaeno did and pulls the sword free. With equal agility, he swings himself back up and over the edge.

"This is hers alright," he says examining the sword and detaching the small, almost untraceable homing beacon.

"Further scans...Zzzt...reveal that the battle and capture of Celaeno took place no more than...Zzzt...sixteen hours ago."

"Are you sure she was captured?" Sage asks almost impulsively.

"Do you...Zzzt...lack my abilities?" the giant machine quips.

Sage grins. "For all we know she fell off the side and is somewhere down on the city streets dead," he says grimly.

"I...Zzzt...already checked New Paris' morgue and hospital...Zzzt...records. Nothing indicates anyone of her...Zzzt...description."

"So the Divortium has her then."

"It appears...Zzzt...so," Tanttan answers.

"Well, how the hell do you know that?" Sage asks incredulously.

"Simple," Tanttan answers, "the...warrant for Celaeno's capture...Zzzt...has been lifted."

"And the closest holding facility is Rome," Sage mutters.

"There is...Zzzt...a ninety-six percent chance that...Zzzt...is where she was taken."

"And the other four percent?"

"Doesn't matter," Tanttan answers. "Rurik Garrison...Zzzt...is going to be there."



Orphan Ch. 01



Alexander responded as he moved slowly over to his open duffel to retrieve a shirt.

"Yes sir, just heading up north and needed a place to bed down for the night, I was just getting up and around to get back on the road."

John Sims had noted the scars on the mans back as he watched him before he spoke. A few bullet holes and knife wounds, from the ragged look of it, the scar of burn bandaged in the field across his left shoulder.

He had seen the scars continue along the front when the young man had turned around. 

A long slim scar, raised and red from a knife blade starting from his collar bone that angled across and down to his waist to disappear at the line of his jeans.

An exit wound from a bullet shot from behind.

The obvious limp as he moved slowly to his duffel.

Jim was surprised to see the young man shirtless when he came upon him while doing his usual circuit of the area. Early April was still damn cold at this elevation. Looking over his gear John didn't see a sleeping bag, only a well worn army blanket. While curious, he chose not to comment on it, he didn't sense anything different about the man and felt it best not to push. Keeping his voice friendly he continued with the vague pleasantries.

"A good place to stop, wouldn't want to wreck that beauty of yours." He said motioning to the Harley.

His tone was jovial, calm by choice. Whoever this young man was he had obviously seen his share of trouble. And trouble usually followed those with which it had such an obvious connection.

Alexander merely nodded as he pulled the shirt down over his chest, noting the officer had not moved since he had first turned around. He relaxed a little, not sensing anything openly threatening about him as he pulled his boots on.

"There's a nice little diner about four miles down the road, if you're lookin for breakfast you won't find any better in the whole state."

Jim relaxed as the man sat down to lace his boots.

'Army issue.' Jim thought. The boots, the duffel, all clues to the young mans recent past.

"I just might stop in, lunch yesterday was my last meal. I was too tired to find something last night. I hope me crashing here was not a problem."

"None at all, much rather have you crash here than around a tree up the road." The officer said with a smile.

Jim paused as Alexander stood again, stretching his arms over his head before running long fingers through hair.

"Where you headed up north? If you don't mind me asking."

Alexander was not surprised by the question. More times than he cared to remember over the last six months someone had asked him something similar. Often times it was given as a challenge, one that Alexander never rose too. This one didn't have that feel, it had, surprisingly, the inflection of honest interest.

As he gathered up his saddle bags and walked to his bike he answered.

"Red Lodge, just north of the state line."

Jim was surprised by the response, Red Lodge was not usually on anyone's itinerary, hell he knew people that lived within a day of the place that had never even heard of it.

"Pretty country up there, a nice quiet place, you got friends or family from up that way?"

Alexander pulled a clean bandana from his duffel before closing it and tying it on the back of the bike.

"Nope, just saw it on a map and decided it would be my next stop."

Alexander was becoming a little suspicious, his body tensing just a bit as his senses heightened, waiting to see what question was coming next.

Jim took it all in and decided that whatever this man had been through and he was drawn to Red Lodge so be it.

Jim took a step forward and extended his hand.

"You have a safe trip then, if you do stop at the diner try the country omelet it will get you through a day on the road, no doubt about it."

Alexander took the offered hand, gave it a firm shake and let go. Relief coursing through him as the opportunity for a confrontation passed.

"Thanks, I'll do that. You have a good day officer."

Alexander started the Harley, letting it calm to a steady burbling idle before nodding to the officer and heading off down the road.

Jim stood watching as he drove away, something tickling the back of his mind, a feeling of deja-vu coming over him as he watched the young man ride away. Shaking it off he decided to have lunch at the diner, Millie would most assuredly remember if the young man had taken him up on his advice.

-vVv-

On the outskirts of Custer National Park, Red Lodge, Montana was off the beaten track to be sure.

Boasting an interesting if not particularly inspiring history, it was a quintessential small western town.

Founded in 1884, coal and then gold drew people to this small outpost in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. A mix of northern European, Asian and local Crow Indians had given the small town a unique mix of people and traditions.

Jenabel Benton loved her town with a passion not usually seen in twenty year old women, but then Red Lodge was home to so much of her history it was only natural that the place would hold special meaning for her and the rest of her family.

Her great great grandfather Ezra had been the first post master in town, served as mayor, councilman and sheriff. As the years and generations passed, Red Lodge grew and shrank as all small towns do. People were born, lived and died within her, held her secrets, added to them and passied them down to those that came after.

Many left, the allure and history of the town and surrounding mountains lost to them. Most of the graduating members of Red Lodge High couldn't leave town quickly enough. Wanting to see the world they said. Jenabel scoffed at the notion.

She had seen some of the world, left her hometown for college, seen and done things outside the confines of this little corner of the world. It left her with a bitter taste in her mouth and a yearning to be where she knew she belonged.

Graduating from MSU with honors, Jenabel's business degree would be put to good use in her families holdings. During her years away she had made a point to travel, to take every opportunity to see what the world had to offer. From symposiums on emerging business trends in China that let her stand on the great wall to a six week internship with Barclay's Bank in London providing an opportunity to do all the touristy stops that she greatly enjoyed. Jenabel was not a sheltered mountain flower.

Of all the places she had seen though, none gave the simple yet deep feeling of home that came as she walked down Broadway, the main street of her home town.

"Jenabel."

She recognized her fathers voice immediately.

Turning she watched as he strode up to her. As always he was in a rush, it came with his position but she wished on more than one occasion that he could simply slow down and take life a bit easier.

"Daddy." She said, reaching up to hug is thick neck.

The years had been kind to her father, a big man, standing over 6'2" he had a commanding presence. Close cropped gray hair covered his head. She had often imagined what he would look like with longer hair, she thought it would have softened his features. 'It's probably why he keeps it cut short,' she mused.

Yes, with his broad shoulders, button down western shirt and ever present black Stetson, Carl Benton was a force to be reckoned with.

"Where you heading baby girl?" Carl asked as he wound his arm around her waist and walked down the street with her in tow.

"I was just gonna grab a quick sandwich at Meg's before heading over to the mine."

While mining as a big industry had died out decades ago, the Benton family had kept its hand in it over the years with steady results. The operation was small but that was what made it profitable. A good amount of coal came out of the ground each year with little impact on the mountains the family and community so loved.

More revenue came in from the gold mine but the family made sure very few people had that knowledge. No need for folks to know all their business, and with the size of their family it was pivotal to keeping them in the black.

"I'm heading into Bearcreek, you want to ride along?"

It was odd for her father to seek her out for a quick trip to the neighboring town and she as much as told him so.

"Why would you need me? I've got the quarterly reports to get to the accountant and we have the new earth mover being delivered today; I should be there to check it over before we accept it."

Carl Benton smiled down at his daughter. She was a tenacious little thing, just like her mother. His own mother would be so proud of her granddaughter, all spit and vinegar and not afraid of anything.

"Brad is at the mine, he is more than capable of looking over the new machine. And as for the reports, fuck the accountants they can wait a day or two or three."

Jenabel shook her head wearily. By the tone of his voice her father would not take no for answer. She was curious about his motives but knew it was pointless to ask. He would get around to telling her what was on him mind when he was good and ready, not a moment sooner.

"Well let me get a sandwich to go then, God knows you won't want to stop to eat after your appointment." She said the last with easy humor, none would take her father for a man who loitered over such inconsequential things as food.

"I'll meet you in the truck." He said over his shoulder while grabbing his cellphone to make a call.

Jenabel shook her head and smiled as she stepped into the small restaurant, she would need to be quick, nothing put her father in a mood quicker than being kept waiting.

The proverbial other shoe dropped on the way home.

"Thomas Bouchard called me this morning."

Jenabel's expression darkened instantly but she held her tongue.

With a glance to his right Carl was not surprised to find a storm brewing in his daughters swirling brown and gold flecked eyes.

With a small smile he continued.

"Thomas thought it might be a good idea, now that your home from college to stay, to put a small party together, sort of a welcome home kind of thing. Let everyone know your back for good, give you a chance to catch up with old friends."

Her fathers tone was hopeful. She saw right through him.

One of the few bad things about being part of a unique and historied family was that it burdened those in it with the weight of tradition. Every generation it seemed that some how some way a Bouchard and a Benton had married. The families had always been close. Both families had settled in the area at the same time about 100 miles apart. Over the generations a close bond was forged between them.

While Jenabel treasured most of her heritage, this was one she vehemently felt was ready for the scrap heap, and was not shy in giving her opinions on.

"Oh that's real sweet daddy that you and Mr. Bouchard are so concerned about my "old friends" being sure to know I'm back home. It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that Mr. Bouchard's son is wanting to sniff around and see if I have an interest in continuing the tradition now could it?"

Carl didn't know whether to be mad or pleased with his youngest daughter as he looked into her eyes, trying to define exactly how far she was willing to push this.

The momentary distraction was at the most inopportune moment, as most such distractions are.

The doe jumped up onto the road in the same instant that Carl's attention was on his daughter. The flash out of the corner of his eye provided that something was in the road. He swerved on instinct.

Anywhere else on Brophy Road and things would have been fine. But the doe chose the hairpin switch back at the top of the rise.

The Suburbans tires squealed trying to maintain their grip on the road, they almost made it but as they were already turning the momentum was just too great.

Carl's ears were assaulted by the screams of his daughter and gut rending howl of steel being bent and torn as the truck tumbled end over end down into the ravine.

The noise ended as quickly as it had begun.

Small things registered.

The tick of the now dead engine as the fluids drained to the top of the motor.

Thick fumes of leaking gasoline assaulting his nose.

Quiet whimpers from beside him.

Carl's hand reached out, gently shaking his daughters leg. A louder, tortured groan the only reply.

The roof of the Suburban had caved in when they finally came to rest on it. The seat belts locking them in as they dangled only a few inches from the shattered ceiling, the release levers just out of reach.

Carl took long deep breaths, trying maintain control. He needed to stay present, couldn't let the wildness that threatened to overtake him do so. If he lost it, gave into the feral fear growing in the center of his chest they would only be worse off.

The fumes were getting stronger, Carl was running out of time and options, he needed a miracle, not for him as much as his baby girl.

"Daddy?"

Jenabel's voice was thick with pain.

"I'm here baby, it's gonna be okay, you just relax, I'll get us out of this."

She was calmed by his words, but knew it wouldn't be that simple.

"I can't move my arm, its wedged between me and door, it hurts and...there's a lot of blood."

Carl closed his eyes.

"Hold on baby, just hold on."

-vVv-

The closer Alexander came to Red Lodge, the more anxious he became.

It was always the same when arriving someplace new. What were the people like, would they be accepting or find him simply unacceptable. Alexander kept to himself by nature. In some of the places he had been that was the norm, people keeping their own council and their business their own. In others it was expected of new comers to be almost immediately forth coming with who they were and what their intentions were.

As Alexander didn't know the answer to those things himself, it was impossible to share them with others which had led to more than a few harsh words spoken of and to him.

He had been heading west on Hwy 308 for most of the past hour. A quick stop to stretch and fill the bike up in Bearcreek was the only stop he had made since having breakfast at the small diner the officer had recommended.

He had been right, the omelet was one of the best things he had ever tasted, too bad they were now four hours south of his chosen new home.

'Hell might be worth a ride every now and again.'

Alexander thought as he noticed the side road leading off north west from the 308's almost due west path.

He slowed the bike to a crawl as he came even with the road, trying to decide if he should indulge his desire to wander once again or just stay on course.

"Fuck it."

The words were lost in the noise of the Harley's engine revving loudly as he turned onto the smaller side road, accelerating fast as the road wound it's way among the deep ravines that surrounded it.

Alexander grinned as he saw the hairpin turn coming up, his body tensing, getting ready to pit himself and his ride against the forces of gravity and physics. Just before the turn he noticed the dark black streaks on the highway. Saw the shattered glass along the edge toward the ravine.

Locking the brakes he skidded to a stop.

Dropping the kickstand and jumping off the still running motorcycle he ran to the edge.

There, about a hundred feet down was a Suburban on its roof.

"Dammit." Alexander said as he pealed off his jacket and navigated his way to the crushed vehicle. He had seen these types of crashes before, the outcome was rarely good.

The doors were wedged closed in the impact, he could smell the gasoline that was leaking from the wreck, hear the metal groan as it strained to maintain what little integrity it had left.

Bending down Alexander looked through the 1/3 of the window still open to see a man hanging from the seat belt.

"Hold on, I'll get you out."

Kneeling down Alexander put his jacket on the jagged metal edge of the crumpled window. Setting his legs tight against the wreckage he pulled with all his strength.

The metal screamed at this newest stress, fighting against the strain Alexander was placing on it. He felt it give just a little, it groaned under the force but held tight.

"Never mind me, save Jenabel."

Alexander heard the words but wouldn't give up, it wasn't in his nature.

Eyes closing Alexander felt the familiar pressure build. It rushed to the fore faster than ever before which startled Alexander. He had never tried to purposely find the strength, doing so now it seemed a battle of wills, as if to access the power he had to wrench it from another's control.

The first time it came to him was in Afghanistan, coming to him unbidden in a moment of great need.

His first two missions had gone well, in and out, targets neutralized and back to base without so much as a scratch. This time was different.

His squad had been ambushed just before reaching the target. Three died in the initial RPG hit which brought down a good portion of the cliff wall they were traversing. Only he and Peterson were left, exchanging fire with the insurgents on the other side of the small canyon.

"Leave me Dane, get out now, we won't be able to hold them off, my legs are broken, get your ass out of here!"

His Lieutenant screamed at him over the din of the incoming rounds.

Peterson's legs were crushed under a large boulder that had been dislodged during the initial explosion.

"Fuck that...sir."

Alexander was damned if he would leave the man behind.

Slinging his rifle he put his back to the rock, pulling with all his strength the rock wouldn't move an inch.

"I told you, get the fuck out of here, call in an air strike, take these cocksucker out Dane!"

Alexander ignored the LT, continuing to struggle against the unmoving rock, his hope starting to wane that he would be able to rescue his fallen commander.

At the point Alexander was about to give in, he felt a strange feral energy well up within him. It was nothing like he had ever experienced before.

One moment he was struggling against the rock, the weight simply too overwhelming for his own strength to match. And then he became infused with something more. Like a wave cresting and the power crashing through him the rock moved. The initial shock almost made Alexander lose his hold. Tightening his grip, arms and shoulders flexing taut under the strain the boulder moved smoothly, unpinning the LT's legs.

"Come on, we've got move!"

Alexander shouted as he slung his wounded commander over his shoulder making their escape.

It had happened on and off over the years when the situation was dire and Alexander felt the most helpless.

Now, for the first time he willed it to come over him, needing that feral power to save the people in the Suburban.

The door screeched under the strain and came loose, the car rocking under the sudden release.

Sliding the small stiletto out of his boot, the sun glinting off the blade, Alexander cut the seat belt as the man slumped into his arms.

Alexander dragged the near unconscious man up the side of the ravine as far as he could in case the car exploded.

"Jenabel...Jena..."

The man lost his battle with consciousness as Alexander turned to sprint back to the wreck.

The other side of the vehicle was in worse shape, only a few inches of the window remained open from the crushing blows it had taken rolling down the hill.

Peering in, Alexander saw a dark cascade of flowing black hair, a young woman's face veiled by blood and bruises as her body hung limp, caught in mid-fall by the seat belt.

With a primal growl Alexander grabbed the sill, hands cut to shreds by the jagged metal and glass. He didn't notice as he focused on the door, seeing it in his minds eye ripped from its hinges so he could get to the trapped woman beyond.




Orphan Ch. 01



His desire was rewarded with a guttural ripping sound as the door gave up it's short fight against his strength.

The woman fell into his arms as he tore the seat belt from its foundation, he cradled her gently, seeing the odd angle at which her arm was bent, understanding immediately it was a bad break.

"Hold on, everything will be fine."

A flash of emerald green eyes, a moment of wonder and then she was unconscious again as he hustled his way up the hillside, putting as much distance between them and the wreck as possible.

He had just made the point where the man lay when the fuel ignited.

Falling to his knees, Alexander curled his big body around the woman in his arms, his only desire to keep her safe from any more harm as the heat and debris from the explosion slammed into him, an unrelenting wall of pain and sound.

As his strength finally ebbed and unconsciousness beckoned with it's soothing sirens call Alexander thought that if this was his time it would be an honorable end.



Orphan Ch. 02



Alexander struggled up from the dark floating surrender of sweet unconsciousness. Images flashed through his mind as he fought back the sirens call to simply continue floating in the comforting black nothingness.

Stumbling down the embankment.

The feeling of helplessness.

Stones biting into his knees as he wrestled with the unyielding door.

Finally pulling forth the strength.

The taught pull of muscle against steel.

A whispered "Jenabel...save Jenabel."

Hands deeply gouged by glass and metal.

Flashes of emerald green shrouded by ebony silk marred crimson...

Alexander jerked awake. His body tightening on reflex, bringing forth a moan of pain as the battering his body took began to register. So overwhelming was it that his vision narrowed, unconsciousness offering sweet solace from the pain but Alexander would have none of that.

"Where the hell am I?" Alexander asked the empty room in a hoarse voice.

Grabbing the small water pitcher by the bed he drank deeply, the cool liquid soothing his throat and bringing him one step closer to full awareness.

He remembered the road, the skid marks, the overturned Suburban. Knew that he had gotten the man out, went back for Jenabel. Looking down at his hands, he was surprised to see that while still livid and painful, the deep scores from the twisted metal and glass were well on there way to being healed.

Alexander stood on unsteady legs, his back alternating between sharp pains and dull aches as he rose and stretched. The hospital gown only covered to mid thigh because of his tall frame, the back open to the air. He could feel the pull of a few large bandages across his wide shoulders.

The room was standard hospital issue, if a little small by military standards which surprised him. Anything run by the government was probably smaller than you would find in civilian life. Walking over to the window his knee let it be known that his current actions were not appreciated. Rubbing his sore knee he looked out the window onto the darkened street beyond.

"Must be well after midnight." He noted his voice was still scratchy even speaking softly.

The moon, a few days past full, was low in the western sky. The street was quiet, deep darkness fought against the wavering pool of light under the only street lamp.

'They must have brought me here after the wreck.'

His thoughts were slowly returning to normal, sharpening with each passing moment as his system fought against the remaining sedative in his system.

He felt stiff and grimy. Limping over to the small closet he found his duffel bag neatly stored inside.

Wallet, keys, the smooth stone from the head of the Indus River in Tibet all set together. He palmed the stone for a moment. As always it grounded him, brought him back to the moment he found it on the river bank just before all hell broke lose. Had he not been bending down to pick it up the sniper's bullet would have surely killed him. Since that day it had been on or with him at all times, a personal talisman imbued with a special energy. "I'll need to find a way to wear this." He said to himself with a relieved sigh as he grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before making his way into the small bathroom.

The fluorescent light was harsh and it took a moment for his eyes to adjust. The mirror reflected a pale, wild looking mess. Alexander gave himself a rueful smile. 'Well I've looked worse in the aftermath.' His thoughts didn't dwell on the past; he was more focused on the here and now. Shrugging off the gown he twisted, bringing a grimace to his face as he surveyed his back. Remembering the explosion and covering Jenabel's body with his he worried about the damage. Pulling off the bandages, the tape pulling hard at his skin he prepared for the worst.

As with his hands it was not as bad as he thought. Alexander would have a few more scars as a remembrance of the moment. An especially livid one now traveled up his back diagonally from his left ass cheek to his right shoulder. Alexander couldn't help but chuckle, with this addition his back would now have a virtual twin to the knife scar from the African he had surprised in Malabo. 'He was almost fast enough,' Alexander thought with a grin as he stepped into the shower.

The hot water felt good, his muscles slowly releasing their tension under the almost unbearable heat from the strong spray. Washing quickly Alexander was feeling better and also feeling restless. His experiences in hospitals had taught him one thing, the less you were there, the better.

Alexander dressed quickly. Pulling his small wad of cash from the lining of his duffel, he divided it in two, leaving half on the bed before returning the remainder to its spot and closing up his bag. It wasn't in him to owe people, he hoped the money would be enough to cover their help but he was loath to stay any longer.

Hefting the duffel over his shoulder he found the corridor empty as he moved quickly and quietly toward the exit sign that glowed welcomingly in the shadowed hallway. 

The cool air hit him like a physical blow. The small hospital had been warm; Alexander wasn't ready for the chill held in the deep end of night. Setting his bag down he pulled out his leather jacket. It was a little worse for wear, a few new holes along the back from the broken window. 'It's a lot like me, well worn.' Alexander thought as a smile found his lips upon seeing his Harley in the parking lot.

Amy stirred on the small cot as the low growl of a motorcycle burst to life. Immediately alert she headed out to the small ward, 'it can only be Mr. Dane.' Her thoughts were confirmed when she entered his room, everything was gone aside from a small pile of bills on the pillow. "I better call Mr. Benton," she muttered to herself as she headed for the phone.

-vVv-

"Benton."

It was a weary Carl Benton that answered the phone. Gazing at the clock through bleary eyes, he was surprised to see it was a little after 3 in the morning. It had been a long couple of days since the accident and this was to be his first good nights rest.

Shaking off the last remnants of sleep, Carl became increasingly perturbed and worried. Phone calls at this hour rarely brought good news. His wife Sophie looked up at him with sleepy, questioning eyes.

"This better be important." His words were a little harsher than he meant them to be and he saw a glimmering reproach in his wife's eyes.

"Sorry to disturb you Mr. Benton."

Carl recognized Amy's voice and sat up in bed turning on the small bedside light.

"What happened to him Amy?"

Carl knew the only reason she would be calling was if something happened to Mr. Dane.

"He's gone sir, packed up his things, left $400.00 on the bed and headed out on his motorcycle."

Carl shook his head at the news.

"Thanks for calling Amy and don't worry. I'm not surprised he left, I'm sure he'll be fine. Get some rest and I'll talk with Doc in the morning. Oh, and Amy, put the money in an envelope with Mr. Dane's name on it, leave it at the front desk."

Carl hung up the phone and walked to the window. The moon was low in the sky. He looked out into the inky blackness, as if he could search out the young man simply by willing himself to do so.

"What happened?" Sophie was out of bed, stepping lightly across the room to wrap her husband in a warm embrace.

"Mr. Dane woke up, decided to run." 

She held him closer, a soft kiss placed on his shoulder.

"He won't go far."

Her tone was soothing and it had the effect it always did.

Turning to his wife, Carl scooped her up in his arms. He always took her breath away, sparked by the passion reflected in his eyes.

Carl pulled her close, losing himself in her soft strength. "Don't worry my love; you'll have your chance to repay the debt you owe."

"You know me too well Sophie, but it's not just that. There's something about him that just doesn't fit. Doc says his wounds are healing fast, he doesn't know what to make of it."

"I had the sheriff run a background check. He's an orphan, raised by nuns in Boston. Did five years in the military, wounded in action, a lot of what he did came up classified. I was there when they brought him in after the crash; he has scars everywhere Sophie. For someone so young it seems he has been through so much, all without a family, without anyone to look after him"

She hushed him with a gentle kiss. She could see the worry on his face, the tightness around his eyes.

"People find Red Lodge for all kinds of reasons my love, you know that. Perhaps this is where he is meant to be. Maybe he was just here to save my heart from the torment of losing you. Either way, life will go on."

Her words relaxed him further, helped him to release the questions swirling around in his head. "You're everything to me Sophie, I don't know what I would do or who I would be without you and everything we have built here."

A smile passed over her lips as she turned in his arms, snuggling back into his warm, strong embrace as she spooned against him, reveling in the simple comfort of being enfolded by him.

"We'll find him with the sunrise, til then rest with me. I have a feeling he won't go far."

Carl agreed with his wife. As he let sleep play at the edges of his consciousness he felt that they had not seen the last of Alexander Dane and that this was a good thing.

-vVv-

Jenabel woke with a start. She had been dreaming but the details of it eluded her. She lay under the covers for a moment, enjoying the sensual feel of the soft body warmed sheets against her skin.

Stretching as she got out of bed Jenabel threw open the curtains to be greeted by an unobstructed view of the mountains. It was another thing she loved about living here. Wherever you looked the mountains were there. Some found them imposing, others who had seen them every day of their lives took little notice. Jenabel always found their solid forms grounding, timeless.

Her parents had given Jenabel her own home in the compound as a graduation gift. It was a bit removed from the rest of the residences that dotted the grounds. Near the back of the compound it provided Jenabel with a good amount of privacy and unhindered views of the mountains she loved.

The memory of the dream troubled her as she stepped into the shower. It irritated her that it was just beyond her reach, that she couldn't recall what had been vivid enough to pull her out of a deep sleep.

The hot water felt good as she languidly soaped her body. She was mostly recovered from the accident. Her arm was still an interesting mixture of blacks and blues and yellows, but the pain had diminished to tolerable levels quickly and had disappeared altogether this morning.

Thoughts of the accident brought her attention back to the one person she hadn't been able to get out of her head these last days.

"Alexander Dane." She spoke the name aloud, enjoying the way it sounded before being lost to the noise of the falling water as soon as she whispered it. But it lingered with her, just as he did.

She had gone to see him the evening it happened. Her arm was in a sling but the pain was already starting to subside when she walked into the dimly lit room to find her father standing by his bed.

"Will he be okay?"

There was a good amount of worry in Jenabel's tone as her father turned to look at her.

Her long ebony hair was wet, hanging limp across her shoulders, the scrubs hiding the young woman's gentle curves. The sling on her arm gave him pause, he knew she would heal but seeing her hurt brought forth a number of emotions, none of them good.

"Yes Jenabel, he'll be fine. His back was torn up from debris thrown out by the explosion, but he will recover."

Jenabel walked to the bedside. The doctor had placed him on his side to give his back time to heal. Her fingers played gently through his dirty blond hair.

"He saved us daddy. Who is he? I don't recognize him?"

Carl wrapped his daughter in a protective hug as he ushered her out of Alexander's room.

In the hallway they sat and Carl told her what he had learned.

"His name is Alexander Dane. He was in the military for about five years, was wounded and discharged. He's twenty-three, an orphan and as far as I can tell has just been roaming for the past six months since his discharge."

What Carl didn't tell her was that most of his military records were sealed and marked classified. Or that he had several different addresses since he was discharged.

The young man was an enigma. His wounds were healing fast but there was no simple explanation for it. And his leg, the pins that held it together. The doctor had told Carl that the man must be in varying degrees of constant pain from the injury. It didn't make sense that he would heal fast from one type of injury but not another. He kept his questions to himself as he looked at his daughter, the pressure of the day clear on her face.

"Come on, let's get you home, Mr. Dane isn't going anywhere soon and before he does we'll both have the opportunity to thank him properly."

Carl coaxed his daughter away from the man's hospital room door and out to his waiting truck where Jenabel's mother quickly took charge of her youngest daughter.

She had been back to the hospital early the next morning, Alexander still hadn't awoken.

"Why hasn't he woken up yet?"

Doc Reasnor reviewed the chart for a moment before answering.

"It's normal in cases like this Jenabel. He expended a huge amount of energy getting you and your father out of the wreck and up the embankment and then sustained a fair amount of injuries. While they are not life threatening the combination could keep him asleep for a day or two."

The doctor had already talked with Carl that morning and given him an update. He was a bit surprised when Jenabel had showed up not fifteen minutes later.

"I'll sit with him if you don't mind." There was very little question in her tone and that made the old doctor grin.

"That's fine Jenabel. You give a yell if you need anything."

Alone with the sleeping man in the light of day she could get a better sense of who her savior was. Her father had given Jenabel the file her uncle, the police chief, had given him. She looked through it while she sat by his bedside, but there was nothing more than what her father had told her the night before.

'What must it be like to grow up without a family.' she thought to herself. She had no frame of reference, the very idea of her family not being there for her caused a shudder to crawl up her spine.

Standing next to the bed her fingers were drawn to his hair. Straight and dirty blond it looked scoured, like the windward side of one of the mountains. His size made the comparison that much more apt.

Light eye brows under a strong forehead.

High, proud cheek bones.

A lean aquiline nose.

Perfectly proportioned lips.

His chin like granite with a small dimple in the middle.

His body was covered by a light blanket. Jenabel fought off the desire to lift it, to continue her perusal of her knight in shinning armor.

She reached for the small pitcher next to the bedside and pulled out a small sliver of ice. His lips looked dry and cracked.

She played the ice gently over his lips, smiling as the moisture lingered on them, soaked in and brought out their warmer more vivid color. He shifted under the blanket, his lips parting just a little as he sought out the moisture. As she ran the ice over his lips, a few drops slowly going down his throat her other hand moved to his hair. Moving it softly away from his eyes, she saw the fresh scar near his hair line. It was long, about three inches, but looked days old, not hours.

"Good morning pumpkin."

Her father's voice startled her. She pulled her hands away and the ice cube dropped to the floor.

"Any signs of life from our mysterious friend yet?" The question was asked with a good amount of humor. It was rare that Jenabel was startled by anyone.

"Not yet." Her response was terse as she turned back to Alexander.

Carl smiled at his youngest, knowing that this young man could be in for a good measure of trouble if he stayed in town. Jenabel was not one to be denied and he recognized the feral look in his daughter's eye when he had startled her.

His recognition of what she was feeling gave him pause. Mr. Dane was an outsider. There could be serious complications if Jenabel felt the pull to be with him. He shook off his momentary concern, knowing it was pointless to worry about what might never happen.

"His motorcycle just got here." The keys only dangled in his fingers a moment before Jenabel had snatched them up on her way out the door.

Her arm was still aching from the previous day's incident so she grudgingly accepted her fathers help as they brought Alexander's things inside.

"He doesn't have much." Jenabel's tone was sad, as if she couldn't understand how someone could have so very little to call their own.

'How could someone's whole life be contained in one duffel and a saddle bag?' Her thoughts were confused by the reality that the man lying in the bed, who had put himself in harms way selflessly just yesterday, had so little for himself. His was obviously a kind and giving spirit. How could such a man have nothing or no one to call his own.

Carl watched his daughters internal questioning as it passed over her features, her brow knotting at the reality of someone having so little.

"Lots of people have less Jenabel, you know that. You've seen for yourself the depth of need many people live with." Carl knew that his daughter had not just done the touristy things on her many trips abroad. She had a thirst to seek out the truth and that often led her to the darker places of the cities and countries she had visited.

Carl understood that his daughter was feeling this young man's perceived lack as a personal problem rather than an overriding social issue. It brought a small smile to his face, wondering how long it would take her to understand what she was feeling. He was torn between being happy that, after so many years focused on the family she may finally have a chance to find someone for herself, but worried by what the ramifications could be.

Alexander was an outsider, very different from Jenabel in much deeper ways than simply being an orphan. Carl knew if this was a mere infatuation, a dalliance, then the issues would be minor, if not then..."

"I'm going over to the mine for a few hours; call me if he wakes up." Carl hugged Jenabel lightly, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead before leaving her alone with the unconscious man.

Jenabel lasted a whole ten minutes before her burning curiosity won the internal moral struggle against just taking a small peek at his things.

"He looks so...sad..." Jenabel whispered to the quiet room as she pulled out his driver's license.

His hair was much shorter and he was paler in the picture than he was now. His eyes captured her. Even in the small picture they were a mesmerizing deep azure blue, the color of the ocean far beyond the sight of shore, holding a depth of mystery that seemingly none could comprehend.

Jenabel's finger slipped lightly over his picture once before moving on to the other items. There was not much, a few dollars, his military ID. In that photo the uniform gave him a dashing look, it didn't seem to reflect who he really was.

"That's a strange thought, how would I have any idea who he really was?" Her question echoed in the room as she carefully placed the contents of the wallet back as she had found them and moved on to the saddle bags.

She was surprised to find several books, all classics: The Odyssey, The Iliad, Plato's Republic.

'Interesting choices for a military man.'

Her thoughts were drawn once again to how little there was. Aside from the books there was one of the tiny mp3 players. She resisted the impulse to play some to see what music he enjoyed. On the other side were a few small tools, a towel, toothbrush and paste, nothing surprising or shocking.




Orphan Ch. 02



Celaeno hangs forward motionless with her hands tied and stretched behind her back to a post and naked. She has several bruises covering various parts of her body, except thankfully, her face. That most likely will change especially once Rurik Garrison, leader of the Divortium, arrives.

Her abuser so far has only been a woman named Avyanna Maykov. Celaeno knows her all too well. Her and her sister Valentina. Celaeno went to through the Divortium Fleet Officer training program with the sisters. She didn't at the time care for either of the two and after today's abuse that hasn't changed in the least.

Celaeno is surprised by the strength of Avyanna Maykov. For such a lithe woman, she can sure pack a punch. Of course Fleet Officer training isn't just about command but being able to fight. It is what makes the Divortium so hard to fight, or in some cases, rebel against. Given a change of situation Celaeno wouldn't be in such a mess. Neither of the sisters was ever able to beat her in a fair fight.

Celaeno shakes her head at the thought. Then another enters: Why start now?

So she hangs suspended, aching and waiting. The torture she received was mild in comparison to what Rurik Garrison most likely has in store for her. The questioning that came with the beating was also most likely just a means to justify the beating. Of course Avyanna's hatred and malice would have been enough and Celaeno would have accepted it. Hell, if the situations were reversed, she might just have done the same.

Time moves slowly and the only thing the young woman has to give a small amount of comfort is the slight stream of light that filters in from a tiny skylight in the ceiling. It isn't much, not even enough to provide her with viewing anything other than her own nude form covered in bruises.

With what feels like eternity, the only door that she knows of finally opens, casting an even larger and brighter light into the room. The light is so intense that she has to quickly slam her eyes shut. It is probably done on purpose so that she can't get a view of anything that might provide her an advantage. The Divortium are certainly not taking any chances with her.

Once the light fades and the room is cast back into its natural gloominess, Celaeno opens her eyes. They quickly readjust to the semi-darkness and starting before her in both a mixture of light and shadow is a man. A man that she has known since day one of her training: Rurik Garrison.

The man responsible for ending the Great War and building the empire that brought all nations together as one is and has always been surrounded by mystery. With a dark complexion, shaved hair and long goatee, he gives off a menacing look. The air of confidence and power only add to that. And of course his regal dress let's all know just how wealthy and powerful he is.

Even though she has known him since her days of training, Celaeno and of course every other candidate and officer knows little of and about him. That kind of knowledge or lack of makes the rumor mills work overtime.

Before the war there is no record of his birth, parents or anything of any or little consequence. Because of his ears, there is the rumor that at least one of his parents was a Dranon. Because the Maykov sisters are his two highest ranking officers, they must be his daughters. And there are many others. Whatever the case may be in any of them are irrelevant. Celaeno's only goal is to bring the man to his knees before either running him through with a sword or splattering his brains all over creation.

Just seeing the pompous man standing before her makes her blood boil. The beating she received is forgotten. In fact the resulting pain seems to have even disappeared. Celaeno manages to gather enough saliva and probably even a little bit of blood, considering the taste of copper in her mouth, together and spit it at the man's feet.

The majority of it misses, but a portion does land on the toe of his boots. Rurik frowns, no doubt disturbed at such filth touching him. He is definitely one for not having a speck of anything on his uniform. He, of course, expects no less from his officers.

"Now is that really necessary?" he asks in a deep baritone voice that seems to resonate throughout the room.

Celaeno lifts her head up and tries to make eye contact with the man while putting on the best face of arrogance that she can manage. "Too bad I don't have the spit to try it again," she spats.

Rurik grunts and steps forward. He raises his hand and throws it across Celaeno's face. The sting ripples into her cheek bone and she knows there certainly will be a bruise. In fact, she can already feel it forming.

"Still the arrogant little bitch aren't you?"

Celaeno remains silent but looks at him, not showing any sign of weakness or hurt and simply smiles. Of course, this only enrages Rurik and he backhands her again, this time harder and across her jaw.

"I'll whip that little smirk off you face," he grunts.

The pain stings even worse than the first time and Celaeno tries hard to keep from letting it show. She grits her teeth together briefly, biting back cry and pain before looking up again and smiling. This time, however, a trickle of blood comes out from the corner of her mouth.

Rurik raises his hand to strike her again and then just as quickly lowers it and steps around behind her. "You were an outstanding officer, but you always did have a problem with authority."

Celaeno suppresses a laugh. "I still do."

Rurik doesn't hold back and laughs at the remark. "You most certainly do."

"So," Celaeno asks in the most sarcastic way she can possibly, "what kind of torture am I to endure today?"

Rurik laughs again, but this time it is more sadistic. "I know you are not going to talk. At least not right away. And any torture we give you will only strengthen your resolve. No, I plan to weaken that resolve first."

Celaeno hears a click before a sudden jolt begins to turn her, the pole she is chained to and the floor around in a circle until she is facing Rurik once more. Then without a prompt or signal from the man, the door opens, bathing light into the room. Sitting before her is a rack with eye bolts on it and beneath it. Shadows dance behind her and chains clang until she feels a release. But before Celaeno has an opportunity to move on her own free will, she is forcible flung forward and over the rack. The chains pull tight as they are attached to the eye bolts.

When the task is done, the unseen owners of the shadows leave, closing the door behind. Once again the room is bathed in near total darkness. Then with another click Celaeno can hear a sound from above like stone on stone grinding. She tries to turn to look, but her current position doesn't allow for much movement. Moments later, however, she is bathed in light. Celaeno begins to struggle against the chains, the wooden rack and the floor, but all her efforts prove fruitless.

"Your pathetic attempts will get you know where," Rurik coos in an unnatural tone. "Just look around—he laughs—what little you can and see for yourself."

Celaeno does just that. She pauses in her struggles and peers around with her limited movement of vision until her eyes settle on a mirror sitting directly in front of her. It is placed in a way the she doesn't have to use any effort to view it except to lay comfortably and look forward.

"I'm going to kill you slowly," Celaeno threathens.

"Come now my dear," Rurik says smiling at her in full view of the mirror. "Surely you are no stranger to something like this. I can even guarantee that you are going to enjoy this."

Without another word Rurik steps closer and starts to run his hands slowly up her body, sliding them up her side and over her shoulders, squeezing ever so slightly as if giving her a light massage. Celaeno struggles, but Rurik continues as if she wasn't. His hands move forward until they land onto her breasts. With one in each hand he squeezes firmly her two firm mounds of porcelain white flesh, each topped by a small pink nipple. 

Despite her current situation, Celaeno cannot help but to softly hiss from the pleasure. Softly Rurik runs his fingers up her pussy, just inside her outer lips. She gives a soft hiss so he probes deeper, sliding his fingers along her inner lips. Then he pushes two fingers softly into her. Celaeno gives a sharp gasp as he pushes his fingers inside her. Her pussy is already wet and her juices soak his fingers betraying her. He pushes them as deep into her as he can then pulls them out to slide the tips along the roof of her pussy. Celaeno gives a deeper groan of pleasure then gasps again as he pushes his fingers back into her hard.

She fights the urge to give any signs of pleasure as she fights her against her body to keep it from enjoying the sensations. Rurik knows Celaeno is enjoying it as well as fighting it and both thoughts cause his cock to harden. He begins to fuck her pussy with his fingers, sliding them in and out rapidly causing her warm and wet pussy tightens around them.

Then suddenly he breaks away, leaving Celaeno to gasp as she suddenly feels emptiness. She wants regret to come filling in to replace the emptiness, but instead it is desire that does so. Rurik drops to his knees and buries his face between her legs. Slowly, he runs his tongue along her lips and then uses his fingers to part them. He takes a moment to savor the way the soft petals of her lips around the deep pink depths of her pussy look. Then he lowers his face down to taste her, pushing his tongue deeply into her.

Celaeno's juices instantly flow over his tongue and he savors it, licking deeply at her and pushing his tongue as far into her as he can. She moans and gasps with deep sounds of pleasure coming from low in her throat as he probes her depths with his tongue followed by the licks of his tongue over the roof of her pussy.

She slowly realizes over the overwhelming pleasure that she cannot do anything about what is happening except to enjoy and savor the moment. Her revenge will come, at a later time, but it will come. With this, she relaxes both visibly and mentally and lets all the exotic feeling flood into her.

Rurik notices the change and slowly runs his tongue up her pussy toward her clit and with a soft flick of his tongue he exposes the hard bud of her clit and begins to softly flick the tip of his tongue over it. Celaeno gives a sharp gasp of pleasure. Rurik smiles to himself just before moving his tongue faster and harder over her clit, flicking it repeatedly and licking all around it.

It is a bit unexpected with her sudden change, but it doesn't bother him in the least. Focusing totally on her clit, he licks it hard, running his tongue over it. He brings Celaeno to the edge of her orgasm only to slow down and hold her here for a few seconds. Her cries become almost desperate as she strives to tip over the edge. Then when he feels he has held her long enough, he pushes two fingers hard into her pussy. At the same time he gives her clit a rapid series of hard flicks with his tongue. It is the trigger she needs.

She screams as he feels her body explode into orgasm. Her breathing comes in sharp gasps and she cries out in a shrill voice. He rapidly thrusts his fingers in and out of her while licking her clit all over to add to her pleasure. Rurik quickly sheds his clothing, letting it fall into a heap at his feet. His hard cock bounces in the air and he takes it with one hand, gripping the large vein filled flesh and guides it to Celaeno's entrance.

He gives a gasp of pleasure as her pussy lips draw back his uncircumcised flesh as his cockhead begins to slide inward. Her pussy tightly grips his cock as it slips onto him. He thrusts hard into her suddenly and her eyes widen. Rurik moans at the feel of her warm pussy opening to him. Pulling out, he thrusts deeply into her, burying him totally inside her before thrusting in and out, hard and fast, burying his massively thick cock totally in her body each time. Celaeno moans loudly with each thrust. He reaches down around her neck and lifts her toward him to her limit while still thrusting hard into her, fucking her as deeply as possible.

Celaeno's pussy feels so tight around him and warm and wet. He thrusts hard into her, repeatedly pounding himself into her body. Her pussy opens up to him taking him into it with each thrust. Her moans of pleasure grow deeper and harder and she eventually starts to push down toward him with each thrust, grinding her ass into his pelvis, taking him even deeper into her body as much as her restrictions will allow.

With a hard thrust it becomes harder and harder for him and within few thrust into her, he releases his cum inside her. Celaeno gives a deep hiss of pleasure and clings tight to the wooden rack. She squeezes her pussy around his cock milking him for all she can and only when he has totally finished pumping does she release her grip letting him slide out.

A devilish grim appears on Rurik's face. He is in no way done with Celaeno, not after waiting this long to have her. He reaches down to rub at her pussy and Celaeno moans as he runs his fingers along her flesh to feel his cum slowly drip out of her. Taking his huge uncut cock back into his hand, Rurik pulls back his flesh and runs his cockhead up and down her slit before plunging back into her cum filled pussy. 

Celaeno lets out a long shuddering sigh. Once Rurik is buried deep inside, he starts off slow this time. Then slowly his movements increase, growing faster and harder. With her face tightened with pleasure and her eyes tightly closed and her mouth open gasping deeply, Rurik slides his hands down to her hips, wrapping them around her and pulls at them as he thrusts into her harder and harder. Celaeno gasps and her eyes shoot wide apart.

He rams even further into her body, feeling the way her body jolts with each thrust. Celaeno's moans grow louder. "Oh fuck yes," she gasps. "I'm cumming, I'm cumming!" 

Her body explodes in a torrent of both hers and his cum. Rurik grips her tightly as he continues to relentlessly fuck her, slamming in with all his strength. Celaeno cries out with each hard thrust. He rams into her as her second orgasm makes her pussy tighten around him. The sensation slams into him and he buries his cock deep into her pussy as he explodes inside her, pumping his cum into her. She cries out in pleasure, riding her own orgasm even as she feels his cumming inside her.

Just as Rurik is pulling out, the alarms begin to sound out. He stiffens for a quick moment before stepping away to gather his clothing. The door to the room springs open revealing a Divortium trooper that announces the prison being under attack.

Rurik grunts and says, "Secure the prisoner and have my ship prepared for lift off."

The trooper nods and stands aside at attention. Rurik is just as quick to dress as he was to undress and Celaeno can't help but smile to herself as she watches him in the mirror.

"I enjoyed it, but that still doesn't mean that I'm not going to kill you."

Rurik, clearly irritated by the words and her resolve, replies, "Keep that as your dying wish then. You and your friends will burn with the rest of this prison." He turns to look at the trooper and says, "I want it all burned to the ground."

Without waiting for the trooper to reply, Rurik Garrison slips out the door and out of sight. The trooper behind his faceless black mask strolls into the room behind Celaeno.

Sage and Tanttan are met by a squad of Divortium troopers the moment they exit the Jericho. Their hands go instantly to the sky and the bag Sage is carrying falls to the ground as the team effectively has them covered with two in the front and two behind. 

"Hi there," Sage says smiling. "Guess you're going to tell us we don't need to be here."

The leader of the group steps forward, distinguishing him from the rest. "On the ground or we won't hesitate to shoot. And you, you power down or something."

"Alright, alright," Sage says still smiling. He starts to drop down but as his knee touches the ground he draws out a sword with his right hand and lets it fly. His left hand follows suit toward the second trooper. Both swords land in the chests of both, dropping them dead before their bodies hit the ground.

Tanttan gets the drop on the remaining two before they have time to react. His first strike lands with a giant fist to the top of the closest trooper, decimating the helmet and skull beneath. Before the last trooper can react, a jet of flame shoots from the War Golem's opposite arm, igniting the trooper and leaving him as a charred piece of flesh and armor.

Sage quickly pulls free both his swords from the two dead troopers and grabs up the bag before waving on the giant machine. "Come on before the alarm is raised."

"Zzzt...too late for that...Zzzt," Tanttan replies just as alarms begin to sound.

"Stealth was going to be something we needed." 

"Too late...Zzzt...for that too," the War Golem replies.

Sage casts a sinister glance. "Just be lucky I don't dismantle you."

"I think the...Zzzt...mistress would have a problem with that."

Sage shrugs. "You're probably right, but I can probably get myself out of trouble on that."

Sage and Tanttan speed from corridor to corridor managing to avoid the Divortium troopers that rush through by Sage sticking to the shadows and Tanttan using his camouflage light-bending device. The tech for the War Golems was essential once they were used for special operations work. Virtually invisible to the human eye, they were able to slip into enemy compounds and wreck havoc before soldiers could get it together and put up a fight. Many times bases and compounds were completely taken over before the regular soldiers arrived. 

Suddenly they come up to a check point. Sage holds up a hand, giving the War Golem the signal to stop and wait. He breaks off into a run, drawing two swords out. His footfalls echo down the corridor drawing the troopers' attention. They raise their rifles, taking aim. Sage, who is running a straight line, suddenly veers to the right and leaps to the wall. His feet carry him across the length of the wall in a run. If the troopers are surprised they don't show it. The rifles come up following him and firing. The bullets miss, crashing into the wall behind where he was just at. Both his swords come down. The first cleaves the closest trooper diagonally in two, the other straight through his forehead.

The entire scene takes just a couple seconds. Tanttan is just shaking his head when another trooper whips around the corner, his rifle coming to bear on Sage. The War Golem starts to bring out an assault cannon hidden in his shoulder when Sage drops into a low crouch and begins to glow. In a flash he slams his fist into the floor. The ground ripples, throwing the trooper off balance. He sprays the ceiling with bullets as he struggles to regain his footing. Then the floor forms into a large spike that shoots straight up into the air and through the troopers back, impaling him in place.

"Zzzt...show off," Tanttan remarks as he strolls up next to the Dranon monk.

"I thought I could have used a little more flare myself," Sage remarks before jumping to his feet and once again takes the lead.

The corridor eventually brings them into a large open room presumably a recreation area for the prison's prisoners and her is an entire squad waiting for them. 

Sage looks over to Tanttan just as he is pulling out his swords. He locks eyes with the war machine and winks. "Let's dance."

"You don't...Zzzt...have to tell me twice."

Sage leaps straight into the fray. His first two strikes cut through the faceplates of two troopers and into their face. A group of three focuses their attack toward the giant war machine, but Tanttan is the faster and opens up on them with the shoulder mounted assault cannon, mowing them down in a haze of cannon fire.




Orphan Ch. 02



A metal projectile tears past Sage. He catches sight of the War Golem with an arm plate open pointed in his direction then he spins around to see a trooper grabbing his throat as he falls to the ground. Blood spurts through his fingers and Sage knows it will only be minutes before the man loses consciousness.

Tanttan satisfied continues with the foray of troopers filtering in from different corridors. Sage, after taking out several more troopers with ease, suddenly feels an arm wrap around his throat followed by the point of a knife. "Hold still or find your throat cut." The man's voice comes across with anger and authority. "Now drop them."

Sage does as instructed then balls his hands into fists. He rams his elbow into the trooper's gut using his abilities in Tetrakinesis to amplify his strength and impact through the tough armor. The impact causes the man to exhale forcibly and loosen his grip around Sage's neck. Sage grabs the trooper's arm and throws his hip into the other's and with a quick thrust, the trooper flips through the air and onto his back. Sage is already coming down with his third sword into the man's chest before the trooper has time to register what has just happened.

Tanttan doesn't see Sage in trouble. He is busy putting a three shot burst into the chest of another of the troopers. Just as soon as the trooper drops, he sees a trooper with a rocket launcher step out from his blind spot.

"Fuck!" the war machine says to himself using the human expression as if he were human.

Before he can maneuver out of the way, the rocket has already been launched and slams into him throwing him sideways. Tanttan's systems reboot, leaving him to wonder just how long he has been out. Once his visuals are back up online, he scans the room. Much of it is covered in debris and a fire is raging. In fact, upon tapping into the prison's mainframe, he learns that a fire has begun to rage through the entire complex. He pushes himself back up to his feet and continues to scan the area looking for Sage. Once spotted, the War Golem slips over to Sage's fallen form.

"Vital signs are...Zzzt...functioning. Are you...Zzzt...alright?"

Sage shakes his head to clear his vision. He can feel a headache forming and tries to push the thought of it away. "Yeah, I fine," he answers a moment later. "I managed to get a shield up in time. You?"

"I have need for...Zzzt...repair but otherwise undam...undam...umdamaged."

"I'd say," Sage says as the machine helps him to his feet. "I say we get Celaeno and get the fuck out of here."

"I couldn't agree...Zzzt...more."

With the prison completely engulfed in flames and the ceiling practically falling on them, Sage and the War Golem, Tanttan, race through it corridors. They pass countless cell doors both open and closed—most of the closed doors still held prisoners. Sage would like to help them out, but considering the time they have left or lack of time, he has no other choice but to forget them. Looking at the War Golem ahead of him, he almost wishes he had a lack of emotion like the machine.

Tanttan is loyal to both Sage and Celaeno a little more than any other machine. The War Golems were built to be loyal to the extent that one could perceive it as love because of their unwavering loyalty and willingness to sacrifice themselves to save their human counterpart. At least that was the plan, but giving the machine artificial intelligence changed all that.

After the Great War the Divortium rose up above all others and no longer needed the machines. Whether out of a fear of this or a planned objective, the War Golems rose up in a rebellion, disregarding and overwriting their previous programming. It's rumored the Divortium knew this would happen because of their quick action against the machines, but most likely it was just the brute power Rurik Garrison held under him.

Regardless of the how or why, every war machine was destroyed. A few survived sure, but none of them were operational. When Celaeno found Tanttan he was in the same state and it took Sage countless hours and days to get the big machine operational. From what he could tell, the machines were probably controlled by a large super computer and the mystery behind the Divortium's victory lied in a flick of a switch, so to speak.

They now had a ally on their side and a powerful one at that. Of course once the Divortium found out they had a War Golem in their possession, it only added more prices on their heads to the ones they already had. But having the big and nearly indestructible machine also keeps many bounty hunters away. There are still those foolish enough to come after them, but they are few and far between.

"How much farther Tanttan?" Sage yells over the roar of the flames, screams of the burning prisoners and the yells of those wanting freedom.

"Celaeno's tracking...Zzzt...device puts her just around the next...Zzzt...turn," the War Golem answers unaffected by their sprint through the complex.

As the two spring around the corner, weapons drawn and at the ready, they find Celaeno still naked and a couple troopers. She has a chain attached to her wrist and around a trooper's neck and he appears to not be moving.

"Took you two long enough to get here," Celaeno says smiling as she releases the chain, letting the trooper's lifeless corpse drop to the floor. "Another few minutes and I would have been running through the streets of New Paris naked and looking like a crazy woman."

"Sage...Zzzt...can be slow for a human," Tanttan says mechanically.

While Sage frowns, Celaeno looks up at the giant war machine not sure if that was a joke or something else.

"That's humor...Zzzt," the War Golem answering the unasked question.

"We've brought you some goodies," Sage says holding up the bag. 

Celaeno steps up and takes it from him. "This place is coming down fast. We need a quick and efficient escape route out of here."

"Already on...Zzzt...it."

She reaches into the bag and pulls free a sword and two pistols and then an outfit and looks up at Sage. "Kind of cutting my short on supplies aren't you?"

Sage merely grins at her. His eyes are unwavering as he looks straight into hers. There is no need for him to gawk over her athletic body. Not only is he her guardian, but her lover as well—at least by means of when she gives herself to him.

"Short timing, considering," he answers as he sweeps his hand through the air. "Besides, you are quite efficient with even the littlest of things."

A grin creases Celaeno's face. "Tanttan, get us out of here."

The War Golem grunts an affirmative and steps past Celaeno and Sage and immediately begins hammering his oversized fist into the wall. After several clashes, the wall gives, crumbling to his feet. Before them is a hole not only large enough for a human to walk through, but one big enough for a war machine.

"Two more walls...Zzzt...and we'll be out of here," Tanttan says.

"Clear path to the ship?" Sage questions.

"Negative," the War Golem answers. "In fact...Zzzt...we will most likely run into...Zzzt...trouble along the way."

"That," Celaeno, dressed in a black tank top, worn out khakis and boots, says as she slides her pistols away at her sides, "will not be a problem."



Orphan Ch. 02



She was about to move on to his duffel when he shifted behind her giving a small moan before settling back into sleep.

She was startled so badly that she hastily put everything back where it went, putting his wallet and keys on top of his two bags. She lingered over the smooth stone. It stood out with the books as something meaningful to him. She rubbed it between her palms, feeling her own warmth transmitted to the once cool stone. She lost herself in this tactile connection with something important to the man that lay helpless in the bed before her.

Soon enough the nurse opened the door breaking her out of the trance like state touching the stone had put her in. Placing it next to his wallet and keys she closed the closet door quickly.

'Out of sight out of mind.' She thought settling in with her laptop to work on the quarterly reports.

The remainder of the day had passed uneventfully.

Alexander stirred now and again. She had whetted his lips several more times with fresh ice. The nurse would come in and change out his IV, take his vitals and do the other things that kept him comfortable. But aside from those distractions her desire to see his eyes in person went unfulfilled.

"Still here I see."

Her father's warm voice filled the room.

"Yes, he has stirred some but still hasn't woken."

Carl didn't miss the wistful tone in her voice.

Walking over to the bedside he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Let's go, your mother has dinner just about ready, you know how she is if we're late."

This brought a tired smile to Jenabel's face as she rose, taking one last long look at her sleeping knight before heading home with her father.

Dinner with her parents was a quick affair, images of Alexander kept her distracted and she retired to her bed quickly after the meal was over.

Jenabel was dressed and out the door quickly after her shower. Having replayed yesterday's events again she was anxious to get to the hospital and check up on Alexander.

"Jenabel!"

Her mother's voice washed over the compound and brought a smile to Jenabel's lips.

"I can never seem to get past her in the mornings." Jenabel said to herself as she changed direction to her parent's house.

Placed in the center of the compound it was the largest structure there. Her parents lived on the top floor. The second story housed offices and the first a communal dining area, large kitchen and gathering space. It was the heart of the compound. No matter the time or day you could always find someone watching movies, shooting pool or working on a project.

"Good morning Mom."

Jenabel's affection for her mother was evident in her gentle tone and fierce hug.

"And to you, where are you off to so early?"

Jenabel was not known as a morning person so seeing her awake, dressed and moving with purpose so soon after the sunrise was a rare thing to witness.

Sophie knew the answer to the question before she asked but wanted to hear her youngest daughter's response. She was not disappointed when she noted the gentle blush of red cross her cheeks before she answered.

"I thought I would check on Alexander before heading over to the mine to catch up on some paperwork."

Sophie noted that her youngest daughter didn't meet her eyes as she responded, looking for all the world like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

Sophie didn't think her next statement would go over well but she might as well save her daughter the trip.

"Mr. Dane woke up early this morning and left the hospital. No one is sure where he is."

Jenabel's eyes locked with her mothers.

"What do you mean?"

Sophie was surprised by the change in her daughter. Where a moment ago stood a lighthearted girl, now there stood a strong woman whose tone and bearing were equal parts anger and concern.

"He's...gone, Jenabel."

-vVv-

Alexander woke for the second time that morning to be greeted by the sun rising between tall peaks to the west.

Shading his eyes he stood slowly, his knee complaining about the hard surface and cool morning air.

Walking over to the small stream next to his campsite he splashed the ice cold snow melt on his face and chest. The shocking sensation finally loosened sleep's last hold.

He had intended to leave town, believing it best not to start off in a new place with such a strange introduction. He hated being thought of as a hero for doing things that any sane person would. It had happened more times than he cared to think about during his military service.

Often the term was used with derision, as if he was doing his job solely to attain the title, when, in truth it was the last thing he wanted.

Leaving had been his intention; however his actions seemed to override them as he had driven east away from Red Lodge. The need to stay quickly became overtly demanding. Finally giving in he had turned around, found a small clearing near the road and settled in for a few hours sleep.

"Now what?" He asked the trees bending down over the water to brush his teeth.

"Perhaps breakfast would be a good start?"

For the second time in as many days someone had gotten close enough to truly startle him. It was something Alexander had no intention of fostering.

Calming his natural tendency to become aggressive he slowly turned toward the voice.

Carl Benton watched the young man with a smile on his face. He had been on his way to town when he caught a glint of metal from the woods. Pulling over he quickly found Alexander's make shift campsite.

"Good morning, I didn't mean to trespass. If I am?"

Alexander's words were cautious and questioning. He didn't know what to make of the man before him or his intentions.

He was big, almost as tall as Alexander and just as broad across the shoulders. He had gray close cropped hair that still showed the dark streaks that belied its younger ebony shade. Holding himself in an easy stance, a black cowboy hat on his head, Alexander didn't feel anything threatening from the man. If anything he seemed pleased to have found Alexander.

Alexander relaxed a bit as the man spoke.

"Good morning to you, and thank you for your help two days ago. If you hadn't come by Jenabel and myself would have surely had a much tougher time of it. All this land is mine, so you don't ever have to worry about trespassing here."

The man's open smile and genuine nature caught Alexander off guard. Before he knew what he was doing he had crossed the distance between them to take the offered hand.

"Carl Benton, it's a pleasure to finally meet you upright and conscious Mr. Dane."

Alexander went rigid as he grasped Carl Benton's hand. Thinking on it later the best comparison he could come up with was grabbing electrified steel, but the sensation was not painful or even fear provoking. It contained a level of deep comfort coupled with an overwhelming strength that Alexander had never experienced before.

As the handshake ended, Alexander felt a deep internal shift take place, he couldn't put the feeling into words or even cohesive thought. He merely accepted it had happened and wondered what its significance may be.

Alexander took an instant liking to the older man in a way that was totally outside of his experience. Looking directly in the older mans eyes he paused a moment, trying to reign in his convoluted emotions before responding.

"Please, call me Alexander, I have no idea who Mr. Dane was but I am sure that it isn't me." He grinned as he said this last part.

Carl was as shocked as Alexander at the reaction the handshake had elicited. While Carl knew what it meant, it also opened up a multitude of questions that he would have to act quickly to answer if he hoped to help the young man in front of him.

Pulling himself together, Carl stepped back a few paces and regarded Alexander, seeing him in new light.

"Alexander it is then. Why don't you gather your things and follow me in to town. We can swing into the diner and grab some breakfast while we figure out how I can start to repay you for the service you did me and my family.

Carl did not miss how Alexander stiffened at his statement.

'What the hell has this man been through?' Carl questioned to himself.

"You don't owe me anything Mr. Benton. I only did what anyone else would have."

Carl was shocked by the anger behind the young mans words. It took him a moment to respond, trying to figure out what would have the most positive impact on Mr. Dane.

"That you believe that says a great deal about your character, however, it isn't really your place to say what I may or may not owe you. Whether or not anyone else would have...or could have done what you did is a moot point. You saved my daughters life and for that I do owe you a debt. One that I am most happy to owe."

Alexander watched Mr. Benton as he pulled on his boots and fished out a clean t-shirt. Finally, with a brief nod more to himself than to Mr. Benton he acknowledged the man's statement.

"That's fair sir, I didn't mean to tell you how to feel, it's just..." words failed Alexander to express what he was feeling.

Carl Benton smiled.

"Good, now that we have gotten that out of the way lets eat. I don't know about you but if I don't get breakfast, soon the local deer and elk better start watching their backs."

Carl's easy nature put Alexander at ease. Packing up his few things he started his Harley, intrigued by this man's easy but commanding presence. He didn't think he had ever encountered anyone so confident simply being who they were.

-vVv-

Sophie Benton watched her daughter pace around her kitchen. She was like a caged animal trying to find a way out. With the full knowledge there was no escaping the truth of her powerlessness.

"Why would he just leave?"

It was the third time Jenabel had asked the question.

"There are a thousand different reasons why people do things Jenabel. If he turns up, then you can ask him."

Jenabel turned a withering stare on her mother.

"If he turns up? He damn well better turn up if he knows what's good for him."

Sophie had never seen her daughter in such a state over anyone.

There had been those in the compound and friends at school that had tried to get close to Jenabel, all of them she kept at arms length. To see her daughters almost feral reaction to the news about Mr. Dane's departure brought out more questions than answers.

She was going to answer her daughter when her phone chimed softly on the table. Both she and Jenabel looked at it for a moment before Sophie picked it up to check the text message.

The broad smile that crossed her face had her daughter scowling at her.

"What is it? The only one you ever get texts from is Daddy."

Sophie cocked her head and raised an eyebrow at her daughter's impudent tone. Jenabel knew that look and softened immediately.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what is wrong with me," she said slumping into the chair across from her mother.

'Oh I have a pretty good idea my girl, but it's not for me to guess.'

Her train of thought was broken by the beseeching look in her daughter's eye. With a smile and a sigh she told Jenabel.

"Your father found him camped out on the side of the road about four miles from here. He is taking him to breakfast at the diner."

Jenabel's face glowed with happiness as she stood quickly heading toward the door.

"Not so fast young lady. He asked that you stay away for awhile, he wants some time to get to know him, see what his plans are before you go bursting in on him."

Jenabel whirled around; the look on her face was stony. It softened under her mothers glare.

"I don't understand why I'm acting this way."

Her tone was forlorn. She was torn between going to find Alexander and following her father's simple request.

"Why is this so hard? I've never felt anything like this before"

Sophie wrapped Jenabel in a warm hug, understanding her confusion but also realizing that for whatever reason Jenabel was trying to deny what was so obviously the truth.

"Do you really need me to answer that question Jenabel?"

She stiffened in her mothers arms, as she smiled and hugged her tighter.

"You mean you think..."

Jenabel's words tapered off as she finally acknowledged what she knew in her very soul to be true. But there was a problem, and it was, as far as she knew an insurmountable one.

She looked at her mother, eyes filled with terror.

"Shhhh, it will be alright little one. We answer the call; it is all we can do. It's our nature to do so. We need to have all the facts, lets not make assumptions. Get to know him, let your father do some more digging, and don't jump to conclusions."

Her words did little to soften Jenabel's quickly escalating feelings. She couldn't seem to complete a full sentence.

"But if he isn't,"

"There is no way,"

"You know what it means for me..."

Sophie pulled her daughter closer, her terror and pain being transmitted through their bond. She did everything she could to calm her child.

"Trust that you don't know the outcome yet Jenabel. While the world may be a cruel and unyielding mistress at times, she is not without magic. Rarely does she open a door that does not lead us to exactly where we need to be.

-vVv-

Breakfast had started off tense, neither man wanting to say the wrong thing and upset the other. It was Carl who finally broke the impasse.

"We won't get far staring at the table top and not saying anything." His easy smile allowed Alexander to relax a little.

"How did you come to pick Red Lodge as a destination?"

Alexander wasn't surprised by the question. He had been expecting it.

From their reception in town it was evident that Mr. Benton was someone important. Everyone they ran into knew him and greeted him by name, the older people with his first name and a handshake, the younger with Mr. Benton and a deferential nod. To Carl's credit, Alexander noted that he answered them all, knowing their names, asking about family or business or some other small detail of the persons life that made it known he had a true interest in their lives.

It was only once they were seated in the booth near the back of the diner that people stopped greeting the man.

"I picked it randomly from a map." Alexander stated honestly before providing a quick recap of his military service, discharge and subsequent wanderings.

All of Alexander's statements rang true to the information the sheriff had provided him. 

Alexander hadn't mentioned family or friends. Carl knew the reason but was interested to see what Alexander's response would be. As Carl finished his breakfast he decided he would push a little for more answers.

"So, what about family, friends, where do your people come from?"

Alexander stiffened at the question, Carl felt instantly bad for bringing up what was obviously a painful subject but he needed the answers before deciding what the best way to proceed was.

"I have none Mr. Benton. I was left on the doorstep of an orphanage when I was about two days old. Just my name on the note pinned to the box I was in, asking that the nuns take care of me."

"As for friends, I had a few men that I served with who I would call such, some are dead and some are half way around the world still in the thick of the fight. I've always found life easier on my own. Satisfied to carry the failures and successes of life my own shoulders."

Alexander went quiet as he finished his breakfast, leaving Carl not much more informed than when he started.

He could see the tension asking about his family had caused in Alexander.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. It's one of the benefits and pitfalls of living in a small town I'm afraid. Everyone knows everyone else, and not just on the cursory. We live and work together, most of us are born, live and die right here. It's our way to simply ask what's on our minds, like a big loose family."

Alexander twitched at the word.

'So lonely.' Carl thought as Millie brought the check.

"Everything good?"

Alexander nodded as Carl replied.

"It was very good as always, thank you Millie."

"So what are your plans Alexander, what can I do to start to repay the debt I owe you?"

Alexander sighed; he knew that Mr. Benton would not be deterred. Standing straight and looking him in the eye he answered.

"I could use a job and if you could steer me toward a small apartment that would be very helpful. I don't want you to go out of your way, but I'm a hard worker, nothing is beneath me. I move a little slower than I used to because of my knee but I really would like to find something meaningful to do. I won't let you down."

Carl placed his hand on Alexander's shoulder.

"Oh I think we can find something you might like to try and I know just the place for you to lay your head at night while you figure out what suits you best."

"Let's sort out your roof before we see what might spark an interest for work?"

Carl said it as a question but Alexander decided quickly that it really wasn't one.

"Follow me, we'll get you sorted out and your things secured then we'll see about gainful employment."

Alexander stopped him as he was turning around heading for his truck.

"Since I will be staying in town awhile, I would like to go by the hospital and settle up my bill. I left some money but I doubt it was enough to cover the expenses."

Carl smiled at him.

"No need Alexander, the clinic is free. We can swing by there on the way and pick up what you left."

Alexander was surprised, for a small town it was a very well equipped clinic.

"How can the town afford to offer that?"

Carl looked at him, his face taking on a serious cast.

"We take care of our own Alexander."

With that Carl was walking toward his truck pulling out his cell phone. Alexander watched him for a moment, surprised by the determination Mr. Benton displayed while talking of taking care of "their own".

'What must it be like to be part of a place like this?' Alexander wondered as he started the motorcycle and followed the fast disappearing bumper on Mr. Benton's Suburban.

-vVv-

"That's good news."

"I'll be sure to let her know."

"I love you too."

Jenabel watched her mother as she spoke softly to her father on the phone.

It had been several hours since he had let them know he had found Alexander.

Jenabel was nearly climbing the walls.

"Well?"

Her exasperated tone made Sophie smile.

"He's decided to stay in town for awhile. Your father is going to rent him the old Smithson place for now on a month to month basis. They are headed there now to get Alexander settled then they will be going to the mine. Seems Alexander is looking for work and Carl is going to help him find something."

Sophie couldn't help the grin that crossed her lips as she watched her daughter relax for the first time in hours.

"The Smithson place is less than three miles away." There was a happy, secretive lilt to her voice which her mother knew well. Jenabel didn't have a deceptive bone in her body. Whenever she tried to keep something hidden, be it a secret or an emotion it shone through in her actions and words.

"Now young lady, don't you go rushing over there to see him. I know you want to, and yes before you correct me, I know it is more than just a want."

"But you have to remember who we are. You have to take this slow. Let your father get to know him, figure out why you would be drawn to someone like him. We have to know more before it gets to be too much for you. And the rest of us for that matter"

Her mother wrapped her arms around her waist as she looked out the window toward the mountains.

"The only thing for it may be for him to leave, it's not a solution we want but it may be the only way. I know what you're thinking but that is the truth of it, your survival might depend on it."




Orphan Ch. 02



Jenabel relaxed in her mothers arms, she knew she was right, but the notion just wouldn't take hold in her heart.

"It will work out mother, it has too."

Sophie appreciated her daughter's display of hope. She wondered if the truth of the next few weeks would provide that her hope was well placed.

*

Edited By: mikothebaby



Orphan Ch. 03



Alexander sat on the back porch of the small house Carl had rented him. It had only been a week ago but, it seemed much longer.

Dusk was just settling in. The glass-like surface of the lake behind the house reflected the many hues of umber, orange, violet and purple that were just beginning to color the sky, now that the sun had passed beyond the mountains to the west.

Only one week and he felt more at home in Red Lodge than he had anywhere else. There was something about the place that simply seemed to fit. This elicited dual responses in Alexander.

On one hand feeling at peace with a place was so different that it was almost uncomfortable. Always in the back of his mind he found himself wondering when things would change. On the other side it was so calming to feel himself finally fit into a place and with those that lived there, that he couldn't help but to simply accept it.

The small sign everyone passed as they entered the town which read "Speed Limit 15 mph. Enforced by Curses and Dirty Looks" summed up the general down to earth nature of all those he had come in contact with. None were a better example of that than Carl Benton.

That first afternoon, after Carl had gotten him settled at the house, he had taken Alexander over to Benton Mining & Milling.

"I don't want to work underground." Alexander looked dubiously at the gaping maw of the mine entrance. While not claustrophobic the idea of spending his days under the earth was unsettling at best.

Carl Benton laughed as he planted a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"Not to worry Alexander, I'm not looking to put you in the ground just yet."

They walked across the yard toward what appeared to be the mine office. The temperature on the site was cool, the shadow of the mountain looming over them ensured it. Gaining his bearings Alexander realized that this close to the jagged peaks there would only be sun 'til midday.

"Brad!" Mr. Benton's voice boomed across the yard as he waved at the driver of a loader.

The machine shut down. Out of the cab dropped a younger version of the man standing at Alexander's side. About 6'2", dark brown hair and brown eyes the man was strongly built with a wide chest and a lean hungry look. His easy smile and wave at the older man eased some of Alexander's tension.

"Dad." Brad said with a smile as he eyed Alexander.

"Brad, I'd like you to meet Alexander Dane. The young man who helped Jenabel and I out of that little spill we took the other day. I've set him up at the Smithson place and he's looking for gainful employment. I was sure we could find something to pique his interest."

Brad's smile faded, replaced with a serious look that traveled from his face through his entire body as he extended his hand to Alexander.

"It's a pleasure Alexander. Thank you for saving Dad and my sister. We are all in your debt for your selflessness."

Alexander noted the pressure of the handshake, it was firm and dry, filled with confidence and just the hint of a challenge in the pressure used. Not so much as to cause pain, but enough to measure the beginnings of a man's tolerance. Alexander returned the pressure in kind which garnered a small smile from Brad as they broke contact.

"I only did what anyone would have. Besides, your father has been kind enough to help me find a place and perhaps a job."

Brad was not surprised by his father's generosity.

"We'd be lucky to have you as a neighbor, be sure to let me know if I can do anything to help you settle in." Brad said to Alexander before turning to his father.

"Looks like we may have some trespassers on the east face. I found a few trees spiked this morning. We'll need to do a survey of parcel fifteen before the cutters move in week after next."

Carl Benton's expression turned hard.

"Spikers again, you would think that these "activists" who are so computer savvy would take the time to review our quarterly reports. Hell we have gotten five star environmental ratings from all of the major environmental groups."

Carl Benton and Benton Industries, which included the mining and milling divisions, had always been a leader on the environmental front. Their love of the land they lived and worked on was almost as deep as that which they felt for their family. Just the idea that they would do anything to permanently harm it always sent him into a rage that was never easy to control.

Brad knew this news would not be well received and tried to deflect his fathers growing anger.

"We have two weeks 'til the crews will get to the parcel. It's more than enough time to get someone out there and get the trees cleared. We'll also increase the security sweeps through the area. It's a problem, but not a major one."

Carl Benton eyed his oldest son warily for a moment before letting the rage slip away.

"You're right Brad, it just...gets under my skin when people don't look at the all facts and go off half cocked."

Brad took a breath, glad that his father had tamed his rage.

Turning to Alexander, Carl had a thoughtful look on his face.

"That might be just the thing to start you off with Alexander." Carl noted the somewhat confused look on his face and laughed. "Sorry, I guess we should explain."

Brad took up the explanation, knowing that his father's anger would undoubtedly become stoked again if he was the one to enlighten Alexander.

"Environmental activists feel that chopping down trees is a sin. Every few years a new group pops up and they target smaller operations such as ours."

"The large, corporate run sites hire full time security, which have little tolerance for their activities, so they pick on smaller operations. What you get are a few of these folks who come out to plots that are about to be cut and hammer large iron spikes into the tree bases. The cutters come through, cut into the wood and the chain saws hit the spikes. It pretty much destroys the saw and nine times out of ten severely injures the cutter."

Carl interjected. "A few years ago we had a man killed because of their foolishness. We cut the smallest amount of trees possible, we plant three for every one we cut, hell we take better care of our mountain than God himself would."

Alexander could see that Carl was amazingly passionate about the land and took great pride in being its steward. Seeing the pleading look on Brad's face, he tried to move the conversation away from the danger that came with these spikers and onto more neutral ground.

"So you need someone to walk around the woods, check the trees, remove any spikes and persuade anyone found placing new ones that it is not the best use of their time or energy if they wish to maintain their health?"

Alexander said this last with a wicked look in his eye, one that Carl noted and truly appreciated.

Taking a deep breath, running his fingers through his hair Carl once again got his anger under control.

"Yes Alexander, that's the gist of it. This would be an excellent place to start you off. It gives you an opportunity to get to know the area, find your way around and see all the different things that we do with the goal of finding you a permanent spot."

Carl placed his hand on Alexander's shoulder and was surprised that he didn't pull away. Such casual physical contact usually produced at least a flinch. It only took him a moment to decide.

"I think that sounds like a good idea."

Smiles bloomed on both Carl's and Brad's faces.

"Excellent! Being Friday most of the operations are closed or run light shifts over the weekend, why don't you meet me here tomorrow morning, I'll take you up to parcel 15, show you around some and you can get started on Monday morning."

Before he realized it, Carl's easy, familiar tone had Alexander walking in step with the older man and his son as they made their way back to his motorcycle.

"Go get settled in. You know your way back to town, pick up whatever you may need and I'll see you in the morning."

Alexander turned to Carl Benton before getting on his bike.

"Thank you for this, for everything, I..."

Alexander's words tapered off, he was not used to feeling genuine gratitude. It had been so long since anyone had elicited it.

Carl saw the confusion in the younger mans heart.

"Don't even think about it. Get your bearings, set up house. We'll talk more tomorrow and get you started."

With that Carl turned toward the office building, leaving Brad with Alexander.

"Here is my card. All of my numbers are on there. If you need anything or have any questions, just give me a call. Our place is only a few miles from the old Smithson property."

Alexander took the card. Brad noticed the rather lost look on his face. It took him only a moment to figure out what was troubling him. He went to grab his forearm, a gesture of easy friendship then noticed the way Alexander stiffened a bit when he figured out what he was about to do and didn't.

"Hold on a second." Brad said as he sprinted toward the office.

Alexander looked around the yard, everything was neat and tidy, everything in its place. The operation looked more military than civilian. He was used to the worst of such places. Over the last six months he had seen enough job sites to know that most people just didn't care, it was obvious the Benton's did.

He watched Brad approach with a box in his hand.

"Take this. It's one of the company satellite phones." Alexander was about to protest when Brad cut him off. "None of that. Dad would have given you one anyway because you'll be out fairly far checking the parcel. Plus it's company policy in case someone runs into trouble."

Alexander looked at the box for a moment longer before grudgingly taking it from Brad's outstretched hand.

"Thank you."

Alexander's words were just above a whisper. Brad would have to talk with his father and see what was the story with Alexander.

"No worries, the number and instructions are in the box along with the charger and such. Give a call if you need anything and welcome aboard."

Again, Alexander was struck by the easy acceptance and friendly attitude everyone seemed to have in this strange place.

With a nod he started the Harley and made his way back toward town.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly, a few trips into town for linens, the basic pots and pans. There was no television and Alexander was fine with that, preferring his books and the vistas provided by the forest and mountains over the monotonous drivel he usually found on television.

Saturday was spent with Mr. Benton.

They met at the yard just before dawn.

"You'll need proper transportation to get up to the parcel."

Carl said with a smile as he handed Alexander the keys to one of the company jeeps. Seeing the scowl on Alexander's face he laughed.

"Don't worry you don't have to drive it all the time, just pick it up here in the morning and leave it in the afternoons when your done."

Alexander accepted the keys with a nod.

They traveled for almost an hour up small winding logging roads to the plot of forest Alexander would be surveying. They crested a rise and the morning sun blazed ahead of them. As his eyes adjusted, he looked down the gentle slope as Carl stepped from the Jeep.

"Parcel fifteen." Carl said with an expansive wave of his arm.

It was beautiful, about a hundred acres of forest lay below them on the gently sloping edge of the highland.

"From here down to the creek at the bottom of the ravine and across to where the north peak starts to rise to the left."

Alexander followed Carl's directions as he looked over the parcel, seeing nothing he found beyond his ability to handle.

"I've worked in all types of terrain, this shouldn't be a problem." Alexander was pleased it wasn't too rocky, the forest was relatively clear here, not a lot of ground clutter.

Carl noted the detached way that Alexander looked over the land, assessing hiding places, finding the high ground. He viewed it from a warrior's perspective.

"Let's see if we can find a spiked tree so you'll know what to look for."

They made their way slowly down the slope at an easy pace. About half way down Carl stopped.

"God dammit!" His voice echoed through the trees.

Alexander stopped. As he turned his attention to the tree Mr. Benton was looking at he saw the reason for the man's ire.

About two feet up from the base of the tree large spikes had been driven into it at odd angels, it looked violent, more of an assault than simply chopping the tree down.

"This is what you're looking for." The disdain in Carl's voice could not be missed.

They worked for about ten minutes with small crowbars, dislodging the spikes and making the tree safe. They spent the next hour or so making their way down to the small creek that was the boundary of the parcel then headed back up to the Jeep. Once he knew what to look for Alexander had found three more spiked trees during their hike.

Carl's mood was subdued as Alexander drove cautiously back down the logging trail toward the main yard.

"Any concerns about the next week?"

Carl's question was short, as if he had other things on his mind. Alexander surmised that with the depth of feeling Carl Benton had for the land, this morning had not been easy on him. Alexander considered the question for a few minutes before answering.

"What should I do if I happen to run into one of them?"

Alexander noted the feral glimmer in Carl's eyes before is vanished, replaced by a more stoic look.

"Detain them and call the sheriff. His number is programmed into all our phones. We'll let the law take care of it."

Alexander looked at Carl out of the corner of his eye, a small smile coming to his lips.

"You don't sound like that would be your preferred option Carl."

The statement brought a broad smile to Carl's face.

"You're right, my preference would be to handle it much more personally but those days are gone. It's best to do the right thing and let the sheriff earn his pay."

Alexander nodded and the rest of the trip passed in companionable silence.

On the short ride back to his house Alexander was amazed at how quickly the town was growing on him.

Almost from the start Alexander had fallen in love with the area.

The town itself was small but everyone seemed to be genuinely nice. They were always quick with a polite answer, open to questions and seemed to hold no suspicion at all toward him. This surprised him the most. Over the last six months he had always seemed to engender suspicion in the people he met. He didn't know why, it just seemed that once in his presence folks became...wary.

That was not the case here. To a person, he was met with friendly easy acceptance. It was something he could get use to.

He spent Sunday alone. Setting up his house, unpacking his things, not that this took a long time, but Alexander was methodical in these small actions. He found himself putting things away where they went instead of simply unpacking 'til it was time to pack them again. A subtle, but powerful shift for someone who had never felt tied to one place. He felt comfortable for the first time and it was sometimes a struggle to simply allow that feeling to take hold.

The week passed quickly.

Alexander was up before dawn every morning. Neighbors, those he had met and those he hadn't became accustomed to the sound of his motorcycle roaring up the road toward the yard in the early dawn hours.

Alexander was at the parcel just as the sun broke the horizon every day. He enjoyed that moment, seeing the world reborn by the suns light. As the week had passed he noted more and more that something seemed to be missing in that moment, though what it was eluded him.

By Thursday morning he was almost done. Finding the spikes had quickly become second nature. Alexander's natural hyper awareness seemed to be getting keener, more focused, the more time he spent out in the forest. Also, his knee seemed to be bothering him less and less as well, a fact which Alexander was grateful for, but did pique his curiosity.

His thoughts stilled as he stopped abruptly. Something was not right, for an instant he had a "there is a disturbance in the force" moment.

Crouching low he moved slowly from tree to tree, voices came to him as he moved closer to the people in the forest below him.

"Most of them are gone! God damn it, they're scheduled to start cutting next week! We don't have the time to redo them all."

The man's voice was not low. A deaf man could hear him. Alexander shook his head in disgust.

'People just don't think, if the spikes are gone do they think fairies did it?'

Alexander's thoughts were calm as he moved closer hearing another male voice.

"Well we will do what we can today. If they have swept the area then the cutters won't be paying attention. We should definitely hurt at least one this way. It may be a good thing."

Alexander went cold. He had seen pain and suffering, had faced people with the intention to do harm, to kill. A feral wrath bubbled up inside him. It shocked Alexander and he paused, taking deep breaths. It surprised him that his emotions were so wild, it was out of character. His training kicked in and he found his calm center almost immediately. But the sudden burst of power that had flowed through him at the thought of showing these two just what hurt could be caused him to shudder before moving closer.

They came into view as he peered around the base of one of the larger trees.

Younger than he, the two men stood next to each other. Their clothes showed little use, probably recently bought for the excursion into the wilds to combat the foul loggers. Alexander shook his head in derision.

"Let's do some random trees, a few here, a few in the middle and then a few more up at the top of the ridge."

They were both on the small side, their pasty white skin showed more of a pull to the indoors than out.

"Give me that spike, let's get this done."

Alexander had seen and heard enough. Dropping his backpack silently to the ground, he crouched, waiting for the moment to put an end to these boys time in his woods.

As the hammer swung back the young man had an instant to realize he couldn't bring it back down before unconsciousness took him.

His companion gaped as Alexander stood to his full height, the man's friend slumped at his feet.

"Hey, what the fuck are you..."

The words died on his lips as a knife found its way to his throat faster than he thought possible.

"I suggest," Alexander whispered, "that you stay quiet and be very still."

Hanging out in coffee houses and going to environmental rallies the young man had never experienced true menace.

Being faced with it now, up close and in person he found his desire to save these trees greatly diminished.

It was two hours later that the sheriff and Carl Benton showed up. They found Alexander reading a book down wind of the two men who were, in a comic irony that was not lost on anyone, zip tied together at the wrists, hugging a tree.

The sheriff turned up his nose at the smell coming off the two men.

He cocked a questioning eye at Alexander.

Alexander, putting his book down and standing looked at the sheriff and Mr. Benton a moment before answering the unasked question with a shrug.

"There are scary things in the forest, these two ran into one." Alexander said in a cold tone as he gestured to the two bound men. "The experience seems to have caused them to lose control of themselves."

The sheriff nodded, Carl Benton laughed long and hard.

His good humor slipped a little as his attention was drawn toward the forest, a motion, the sense of a presence shielding itself. He reached out with consciousness and found a familiar energy. He looked in the direction it came from, noted the motion of the leaves going against the wind and sighed before turning his attention back to Alexander.




Orphan Ch. 03



"Celaeno Alcyone, as I live and breathe!" Daniel Castourus says as he treads down the steps of his two story estate in New Paris. "It has been a long time since you were here in the city."

He is dressed in a very nice and very expensive business suit. Celaeno can't recall a time she ever saw the man in anything else. Things haven't changed in all these years except for the hair.

"It looks like those grays have finally taken over," she says picking up her stride toward to man before wrapping her arms around his neck for a hug.

"Please don't remind me," he chuckles hugging her back. "You're still as youthful as ever."

When they part she frowns for the briefest of moments and then quickly hides it behind a smile. "I may not see an old age if the Divortium keep it up at me."

"Yes, I heard rumors of your capture. But here you are."

"Yes, here I am," Celaeno says. She hesitates for a moment, allowing Daniel to proceed ahead of her.

As the words begin to form in her mouth, he turns around and says, "And you are here to ask for help rather than just a social call." Celaeno nods. "Well, help, social call or whatever, we need to get you and your friend here inside before the Divortium pick you up on satellite. Lord knows that War Golem you have there," he says pointing in Tanttan's direction, "sticks out like a sore thumb."

With Tanttan standing guard at the door, Sage and Celaeno sit with Daniel in the living room. The room is more like a library than a living room, however. Daniel Castourus is a business man, but a literary man in his off time, hence the vast collection of books collecting dust on the many bookshelves encircling the room.

"When I heard you had been captured, I felt I had failed your father," Daniel says as he rolls around the amber liquid in his glass. "Then the fire broke out and reports that many of the prisoners didn't escape drove that failure home even more. I immediately used my network to grab whatever information I could, but there was nothing about you."

"I guess the Divortium are really keeping this one close to the vest," Celaeno says with a smirk.

"Of course there are reports of a rogue Dranon and derelict War Golem attacking the city, but no nothing about Celaeno."

"A rogue Dranon?" Sage asks arching his left eyebrow. "I guess they wish to not upset what little peace they have with the monks."

The older man takes a sip and nearly chokes on a laugh he tries to suppress. "Peace? Those bastards running the show blamed the aftermath of the war on the Dranon, then force most off planet before allowing a few to remain on a tiny sliver of land. What peace is there in that?"

"Or honor," Celaeno quickly adds. "Regardless of that, why would they want to keep me under wraps?"

Daniel laughs, this time not holding anything back as he promptly sets his empty glass on the table. "Why my girl, you're Orphan!"

Celaeno snorts at the comment. She throws herself back into the plush couch and folds her arms across her chest. "Orphan."

"Well, it does suit you," Sage remarks.

"Right it does," Daniel adds. "You girl are an inspiration to those rebels. Your father would be proud of what you have accomplished."

Celaeno's anger shows through clearly to both men. "And what have I accomplished?" She is immediately up on her feet, stomping across the expanse of the large room. "The Divortium still holds the reigns over the people. Too many of those people are being killed. I've got bounty hunters and the goddamn Ternion after me. And for what? Some little bit of fucking inspiration. And what the fuck is it with calling me Orphan?"

Sage doesn't flinch at the outrage. His demeanor remains cool and keen, totally opposite of his companion and sometimes lover. Daniel on the other hand is up on his feet as well, trying vainly to calm her.

"Well besides the fact you are an orphan, many others are as well. The fact alone that you defy a government that everyone objects but will do nothing about inspires them," the older man answers both questions at once. 

Celaeno's outrage only falters a little, but her pacing does stop and she stares at the fire glowing brightly in the fireplace. "And what if I don't want to do this anymore?" she asks. "What if I just want to leave it all behind and just disappear?"

"You can't," Daniel says.

"And why not?"

"Because you would be admitting defeat and the Celaeno I know never quits," Sage says still unmoving. "Besides, you'd worry too much about me and Tanttan to let us go running off to fight the Divortium alone."

A smile creeps up onto Celaeno's face and she evens giggles a little. "You're absolutely right. You two would probably get lost without me there to guide you."

"Now that's the spirit," Daniel says while wrapping his arm around Celaeno's shoulders. He pulls her in tight for a quick hug. "Now let's have a drink and tell me about your companions here. And you three are staying for the night. I'll help you leave in the morning, but only after you get some rest." Daniel guides her back to the couch before tottering off to fetch another round of drinks. Celaeno greedily gulps hers down, while Sage's sits next to his previously untouched one.

"There isn't much to tell," she says.

"I resent that you know," Sage quips.

Celaeno smiles again. "Sage Veris here is a Dranon monk sworn to protect me and Tanttan, well though he is big and kind of stands out, is an old War Golem we found a couple years back."

"Veris you say?" the older man asks. "Are you by chance related to the war hero monk Luraith Veris?"

It is Sage's turn to chuckle. "Yes, that war hero is my sister."

"Hmm, I'm quite surprised she isn't involved in this little venture of yours."

"She is actually the Champion of the Loteu," Sage replies.

"Not Patron?"

"No."

"That is a position that she no doubt should have received after the Great War," Sage says as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. "She nearly single-handedly made the peace negotiations happen."

"But it was Sasilis Lonnirl that saved both you and Celaeno's father and prevented an all out war with the Dranon," Sage counters.

"I still believe your sister should have taken the position," Daniel protests. "Regardless of Sasilis' accomplishments, Luraith's cast a shadow over them."

"Yes, my sister does have the advantage over the Patron Sasilis," Sage agrees with a nod.

"Then why does she not hold the position?"

"Luraith has never been one to sit in one place for too long," Sage explains. "I am honestly surprised she has remained Champion this long."

"She does not stay in the Dranon Outlands?"

"Hardly ever," Celaeno butts in. "She has helped us a bit and she has been causing her own bit of trouble."

"The rebellion?" Daniel questions. "I can see her doing many things, but leading a group against a government she helped build is ludicrous."

"I was her inspiration," Celaeno says. "I was offered the position, but I didn't want the responsibility."

"I see so much of your father in you. He disliked having to have the responsibility of so many, the blood of so many on his hands," Daniel says almost in a whisper. "And when it came time to fight against the Dranon, he refused and died as the result."

"So you know who killed my father?"

Daniel shakes his head slowly as sadness creeps over his face. "I wasn't there to see it. I only bore witness after, but rumor was that it wasn't the Divortium but a member of the Dranon."

"Whoa, wait a second," Sage says suddenly springing up from the couch. "Why would the Dranon want to kill Dinarus Alcyone?"

"I do not know," Daniel says softly. All of his earlier enthusiasm seems to have left over the talk of his old friend. "I do not know what the Dranon think or why they do things they do. But I do suspect that his lover may hold that answer."

"Lover?" Celaeno manages to ask just before Sage.

Daniel Castourus breaks a smile for the first time since the turn in the group's conversation. "Did you not know?" Both Celaeno and Sage immediately shake their heads. "Long after the Great War started and your mother was killed, Dinarus found comfort in a woman. I assure you child that it was long after the passing of your mother."

"Who was it?" Celaeno asks impatiently, not really concerned about the length of time.

"Sasilis."

Sage picks Celaeno up and carries her to the bed. She pulls him on top of her, sliding Sage out of his robes as she does so. Sage rolls onto his back. Celaeno gets up and stands at the foot of the bed. She puts her right foot up on the end of the bed and pulls her boot off and lets it drop to the floor with a thump. She repeats the display with the other boot. She smiles and slowly unzips the khakis she wears. 

Celaeno has to do a little wiggling to get out of them. She turns so that Sage can watch her ass as she bends to lower the pants to the floor and then stands at the end of the bed in just her black tank top. She reaches for the bottom of it and Sage quickly says, "That stays on for now. I like the way it looks on you." 

Sage pulls her to him and kisses her, putting his hands on her ass. Celaeno reaches into his robes and grabs his cock. She slowly strokes him for a few minutes as he massages her ass. She gently cups his balls with one hand and grasps his cock with her other. Celaeno then puts her mouth over his cock and begins to swirl her tongue around it as she bobs up and down. She switches between going slow and then speeding up just before it gets to be something less than perfect. Then, she slows back down before she makes Sage cum in her mouth. 

She pulls off of his cock and smiles. Celaeno straddles Sage and begins to rub her pussy lips slowly up and down his hard cock. That moves Sage to action. He grabs her ass and rolls her quickly to her back. Celaeno throws open her thighs to reveal her bare pussy and Sage buries his face in her sweet pussy. He sucks at her lips and kisses her clit. He slides down and begins to tongue her opening. She fingers her clit from above as he stays low. 

When his tongue grows tired, he slides a finger into her, then crosses another over it and begins going in and out at a nice steady pace. Sage kneels over her to watch her get more and more excited. He moves to the side a bit so he can massage her breasts through her black tank top. Celaeno moans softly and when Sage stretches down to kiss her, she grabs the back of his neck and takes his tongue into her mouth. 

"I'm gonna cum. Watch me cum for you." She keeps going for another minute or so and Sage pulls his fingers from her and watches as she works toward her finish. Celaeno grabs his hand at the very end and presses it beneath hers. She keeps her rubbing motions, but lets his hand be the thing that she actually touches against her pussy. She cums with a series of quiet little moans and then sighs and looks up at him, "Thanks for the help, but I really need a good fucking." 

Sage runs his thumb up the length of her slit to help open her up. Every time she has given herself to him, Sage has loved rubbing her bare, slick pussy. He rubs her clit just a little with his thumb and Celaeno reaches toward it with her hips. That provides a very nice angle and Sage pushes into her.

He begins to slide into her with long, slow strokes before picking up the speed a little. Then Sage let himself go. He draws as far as he can without slipping out and drives back in until their hips meet. He does it over and over again and is soon sweating from the exertion. Celaeno times her responses perfectly and makes the most of everything he does. She shifts herself in just the right ways to maximize their pleasure. Her breasts bounce under her black tank top they never got around to removing. Each time Sage thrusts into her naked pussy, Celaeno's full breasts bounce up and down. 

"So fucking hot and wet!" Sage groans with lust and desire.

Sage watches her breasts bounce beneath the tank top. He hammers her until he is close to the very edge. Then he pulls out as he begins to erupt. The first string catches the top edge of her bare pussy, but the next several shoot across her body, leaving a trail up to the neckline of her tank top. Sage is still in the throes of a very hard fuck and he puts his big hands up onto her breasts and kneads them. Celaeno bucks against his thigh, rubbing herself there and moaning as he works her breasts. Sage finally slows as he regains his senses. 

"Take off that shirt," Sage says. He wants more of her gorgeous body. He needs it.

Celaeno does so and lets her breasts fall free. She has big areolas with bright pink nipples. They are very erect and Sage just has to roll them around between his lips and tongue for a while. Celaeno slips her hand down to her pussy and in no time is moaning softly. 

"I want you back in me," she says dreamily. Then she forces Sage onto his back and jumps on top of him. She smiles and strokes his cock a few times to make sure he is fully erect. Certain that he is ready, she mounts him, facing toward his feet with her hands on his knees.

Celaeno begins to ride him with a simple up and down motion at first, but after a while she begins to snake her body and Sage finds that she can create incredible sensations with minimal movement. She is going slowly again. She has the best sense of when to do this. She keeps up her slow slithering movements for a nice long time and soon Sage loses his ability to keep still. He begins driving up into her. She leans forward and holds herself steady against his knees. Sage has to keep a hand on top of her ass to keep her from flying off. As his grip on her begins to settle, he finds that his other hand can't behave. He uses the thumb and finger of that hand to split her ass cheeks apart and slips the thumb from his top hand down to her little asshole and begins to play at it.

"You know how much I love it in my ass," she says almost energized at the idea.

Celaeno quickly pops off of his cock and slides forward slightly. She lines his cock up with her asshole as Sage props himself up on his hands so he can watch her sit on his cock and let it slide slowly into her ass. She grunts as she works her way down onto him. Then she circles a bit to work Sage deeper. Celaeno stops every few seconds to let body get used to fitting him into her incredibly tight ass.

"I need a little help," she says. "Push it in all the way."

Sage gives it a good thrust and she nearly yells as her breath catches in her throat. Celaeno leans back onto him as his hands wrap around her lithe form. He then begins to fuck her ass fast and hard. Celaeno's ass is tight from every angle and squeezes Sage's cock nicely. He keeps going as hard as he can.

"Fuck, I'm going to cum!" Sage groans.

Celaeno doesn't miss a beat as she grunts back, "Cum in my ass!" 

Sage unleashes in her ass, letting go of his hold and taking her hips to hold her down as he cums deep inside of her firm little ass. Once his pumping stops, she slides off and crawls onto all fours to let Sage watch his cum drip out of her tiny hole.

The crashing of windows and doors wakes Celaeno and Sage up. It is still dark outside with the moon as the room's only light source as it drifts in through the window. At first Celaeno can only think she dreamed the noise, but seeing Sage had awakened too, she knows differently. Was little bit of tranquility left is shattered along with shard of glass from the window.

Celaeno is out of bed and on her feet just as the Divortium troopers touch the floor. Naked, her lithe form rushes the soldier. She throws a steady fist into the man's solar plexus then an elbow into the back of his head. Before the trooper even hits the floor another comes through the window to take his place.

Celaeno is fast to turn her attention to him. She drop low and comes up underneath, catching an arm and hooking his groin to send him flying up and over. The trooper hits the floor hard, though his armor absorbs the impact. Before he can roll up to his feet, however, Celaeno is bringing a chair down onto his helmeted face. The force of the blow is enough to knock him unconscious.

"Get the door!" she yells as she races over to scoop up her clothes. By the time Sage has the door swung open Celaeno has on her clothes and is running toward the hall beyond. "We've got to regroup with Tanttan," she says sliding past the Dranon monk.

The hall is still untouched but the sound of battle is carried through the empty halls. Turning toward the sound, Celaeno pulls out a knife and runs in that direction. Sage is right on her heels, sword in hand until a familiar voice calls out his name.

He turns to see a familiar figure stepping through the doorway. The moonlight cascades off his skull mask and in contrast to his dark clothing make him look menacing. "Hello again Sage Veris," he says in an almost low whisper.

"Renus Brish," Sage says. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon."

"I'm sure you didn't. You're friend didn't either."

"She's real lucky I found her before any of the other Ternion," Renus says with a laugh.

"Yeah, real lucky," Sage mocks. He draws up his sword in a defensive as Renus pulls his free.

Meanwhile, Celaeno rushes to the top of the stairs. Below on the second floor a group of Divortium troopers are rushing into the mansion. She grips her knife and jumps to the banister, taking it downward. It isn't until she is nearly at the bottom does one of the troopers notice her.

Celaeno throws the knife into the trooper's chest and as she clears the staircase, she drives her knees into him, taking him to the ground. Using the momentum, she rolls off the trooper, taking the knife with her.

Celaeno rolls off into a kneeling stance and slings the knife into another oncoming trooper. This time, the blade hits through the trooper's mask, slinging his head back. She springs to her feet, catching the arm of the next just as he pulls the trigger of his assault rifle. The shots go wild, catching another trooper before she snaps his arm and flips him over to his back. Grabbing his knife, Celaeno quickly stabs it through his chest and then stands and spins to drive it up through the bottom of the next attacker's jaw.

Without losing momentum, Celaeno spins, pulling the knife free and blocks an incoming strike of a tech ninja's sword. The knife slides down the backside of the sword and then smoothly across his throat. Celaeno spins, grabbing hold of an available knife from the tech ninja and as she comes out of her spin, she sends both knives through the air. The first blade strikes another unfortunate trooper in the chest, knocking him down. The other, the tech ninja is able to maneuver and hits him in the shoulder.

Celaeno grins and rushes the soldier with determination. At the last possible second she leaps over the horizontal sword swipe, landing with her knee on either side of the ninja's head. Her suddenly weight and momentum knock him off guard and to the ground backward and by the time his back hits, Celaeno has his neck snapped. She quickly gathers up the sword from the ninja's loosened grip and rolls to her feet.

She uses the newly acquired sword to cut through an assault rifle and then across the legs of her next incoming attacker. As he heads for the ground, Celaeno spins, throwing her arm outward with the sword in through the head of the next trooper while pulling a knife free of the first. She pulls the sword free, letting the trooper fall and whips the knife around over the falling trooper's head and into the next oncoming attacker. This trooper catches the blade in his chest and joins his comrades on the ground.

The room falls silent, if only briefly. The sound of creaking wood and boots suddenly invades the silence. Celaeno spins with the sword drawn up defensively just in time to see Renus Brish coming down the stairs and dragging Sage by the back of his robes. By the time Renus' foot touches the floor, he sends Sage's unconscious form sliding across the expanse.




Orphan Ch. 03



"My, my," Renus says with a hint of a chuckle in his voice. "Someone has been busy here."

"You son of a bitch," Celaeno curses.

Behind the skull mask Renus smiles, almost wishing he didn't wear it just so she could see him. "I have been called many things, but never that with such enthusiasm. Do you plan to kill me now?"

Celaeno looks at her partner and tries not to show any emotion, but Sage's unconscious form helps her emotions betray her. She can feel it on her face and she feels instantly angry because of it and because of whatever Renus has done to put Sage in this position. 

"I will gut you like a fucking pig!" she spats.

"Now that's the spirit."

Celaeno growls and leaps at the elite soldier. As her sword comes down at his head, Renus brings up his arm and deflects it. The blade harmlessly skips off his forearm while he brings his other hand around, hammering the side of Celaeno's head. The blow starts to send her toward the ground but at the last possible second Renus' deflecting arm shoots out and catches her by the wrist. Then with a simple twist, he rolls her wrist around and up, forcing Celaeno to release her grip on the sword.

He sends her to the floor and looks down upon her. "You are going to have to do much better than that if you wish to defeat me. Your monk friend here had a hard time in trying and I'm not sure if you are any more skilled than he is."

"Mock me if you wish," Celaeno says as she pulls free a knife from one of the fallen troopers. "But I will do as I said I would." With that, Celaeno gets to her feet and into a fighting stance.

Renus smiles once again behind the mask as he pulls free a knife of his own. "So you wish to play," she mocks waving his knife through the air. "Then by all means, let's play."

This time it is Renus that initiates the attack. He throws out a short jab which Celaeno quickly deflects before stepping back. Renus does it again, drawing out the same result. This goes on a couple more times before he switches it up, taking the fight to a higher level.

Celaeno stays on pace with him, their knives clanging, the only sound in the room. Then the first blood is drawn as Renus' blade cuts smoothly across Celaeno's left arm. The cut isn't deep, but it is enough to drop her confidence a little and a little is all Renus needs to gain a larger gap over her.

The larger man presses his attack, striking high and low, crisscrossing and sweeping the blade diagonally high then low and then back again. What block Celaeno is able to make pale in comparison to those that she cannot and has to dodge to avoid being cut or worse.

Then a stab of pain cuts through her wrist and the knife is suddenly lost. By the time it clatters to the floor, Celaeno sees the small trace of blood. The cut isn't deep and it certainly won't cause her to bleed out, but it hurts. Generally, it's the smallest cuts that hurt the most. The next thing she feels is the wall against her back and the edge of Renus' knife pressed tightly against her throat.

"It's a shame I have to bring you in alive," Renus growls. His face is almost pressed against hers and if not for the mask she would be able to feel his hot breath n her face. "You're real lucky he wants you alive."

This time Celaeno doesn't show emotion. She is prepared for this, for death if it must come, but only if death comes for her. Just as she is about to pit in his face movement out of the corner of her eye catches her attention.

"Get your...Zzzt...hands off her...Zzzt."

Renus turns his head to see the giant War Golem standing not ten feet away, wondering just how the oversized war relic managed to get as close as he did in the first place without stirring up noise. He presses the knife a little tighter against Celaeno's throat and says, "And if I don't?"

"I was...Zzzt...hoping you'd say...Zzzt...that," Tanttan replies.

From out of the War Golem's forearm fires a net. Though not completely effective in wrapping Renus up, it does force him from Celaeno. He is slung across the room by the weighted ends on the net as Celaeno falls to the floor. Before the elite soldier can stand, Tanttan fires a small, self-contained missile. The explosion that follows is loud and bright as it sends debris in all directions. Celaeno has to cover her face to avoid any damage and by the time she uncovers, the entire wall is in a large pile where Renus was just standing.

"Is that bastard dead?" she asks without looking toward the War Golem.

"Zzzt...probably not...however, we do need to...leave."

"What about Daniel?" she asks, feeling guilty for forgetting about him.

"Sir Castourus is waiting...Zzzt...for us at the escape...Zzzt...tunnel," Tanttan answers as he scoops Celaeno up into his large arms.

"Tunnel?"

The war machine nods and turns to pick up Sage. Then without looking back, he throws the unconscious man over his shoulder and proceeds down the hall. "We need to go before...Zzzt...the Divortium arrives. ETA is in three minutes."

"Then what are we waiting for?"



Orphan Ch. 03



"I think you earned tomorrow off my friend." Carl said smiling as he motioned for Alexander to follow him back up to the vehicles. Leaving the sheriff to deal with the two would-be saviors of the forest

Alexander couldn't help but smile at the memory as the sunset grew more vivid. He felt good that he had protected this place even if only in a very small way.

Standing he stripped down and headed for the lake. He had been swimming every evening. He found it soothed his knee.

'Perhaps the cold water and exercise were responsible for its apparent mending over the past week.' Alexander thought before diving into the deep ice cold water. While the water was just above freezing, he had found it didn't bother him and the exercise it provided felt restorative. He began long hard overhand strokes enjoying how the activity stretched and soothed his muscles.

After half an hour it was almost dark as Alexander finally left the lake. Steam rose from his skin as water ran in fast rivulets down his body, following the path etched by his chiseled muscles. He shook his head like a dog, a halo of water forming around his shoulders for a moment before falling away.

Alexander tensed, standing perfectly still.

He felt eyes on him, his senses registering the subtle attention.

Looking slowly 180 degrees he didn't see anyone or anything, the air was perfectly still.

A scent washed over him, enveloping him in a heady cocoon of deep earthy musk that registered instantly as feminine set his nerves on fire.

Then a motion at the edge of the darkening forest pulled his attention. It was only there for an instant, an ebony flash against the black background of deepening night, a sparkle of emerald green before the still void enveloped the space it had occupied.

Alexander stood motionless for a long time. Eyes closed he allowed the moment to become seared into his psyche.

Eyes on him, judging him, evaluating him.

That scent, its headiness a physical thing that would not leave his senses.

The motion, so fast, black against black, the emerald flash from their depths.

Emerald eyes.

Eyes he had seen for an instant, eyes colored by pain, brightened by hope, seen through an ebony and crimson veil of silk.

-vVv-

"Parcel 15 you say?"

Carl could see the gleam in Jenabel's eyes. 'Nothing good could come of this.' Carl thought.

"Now Jenabel, you leave him alone for now, let the boy get his bearings before you go spinning them again."

Carl's tone was playful. He knew that Jenabel would do as she wished and anything he might say would be undoubtedly cast aside in favor of her own will.

Jenabel scowled good naturally at her father. He meant well, and deep down she knew he was right. She would stay away from Alexander, for a little while anyway.

Of course the definition of staying away from someone was a fluid thing, with many, many shades of gray.

Two days later Sophie stood at the picture window looking out over the darkened compound. Dawn was still an hour or so away. Carl came up behind her wrapping his warm arms around her naked abdomen.

"Something interesting out there?"

His voice was still tinged with sleep but held a playful tone.

"Just wait for it, you'll see."

Her voice was quiet as she pushed back against her husband's warm hard form.

A moment later headlights popped on cutting a garish path through the still deep darkness that enveloped the compound. A jeep moved slowly through the compound and out the entrance gate, disappearing into the night.

"This is the second morning in a row." Sophie said with a wistful sigh.

Both Carl and Sophie were concerned about Jenabel and the pull she felt toward Alexander.

Carl held his wife a little closer.

"Doc got the DNA results back late yesterday. They didn't show an active gene."

A tear silently slid down Sophie's cheek to be caught and gently wiped away by Carl's finger.

"He'll have to leave you know, or she will. It won't work. You know that Carl."

He turned her to him, pulling her close, losing himself in her scent and warmth.

"It may be nothing, a simple infatuation. We all had them and perhaps it will work itself out."

Carl's words had a flat tone; there was no belief or faith behind them.

He felt his wife's warm tears land on his chest. He wished he had the power to change the inevitable. Would that he could spare his daughter and Alexander the coming pain, but he had no idea how that could be.

He held his wife there in the dark, shared her pain for their youngest and hoped against hope that the universe would not be this cruel.

Jenabel had been able to hold out 'til Tuesday before the desire to see Alexander became too much to bare.

She had been in early the last two days, hoping to catch a glimpse of him as he picked up the jeep and headed to parcel 15. Her efforts were rewarded with only the shortest of views. He showed up too early, it was still dark when he arrived. The rumbling of his motorcycle foretold his approach, a brief flash of blond hair as he opened the door to the jeep, but that was it. It left her more frustrated and finally came to a head on day two of her vigil.

"I'm going to leave a little early."

She said this over her shoulder to Brad as she disappeared through the office door.

Brad smiled knowingly, he was surprised she had lasted this long.

It was obvious that Jenabel had it bad for Alexander. He admired his sister's fortitude at lasting this long.

The trip to parcel 15 had taken Jenabel a little time. It was almost three in the afternoon before she made it to the site.

She was surprised that it took her almost another half hour before finding the object of her search.

He was standing by the creek taking a drink from the clear water that passed swiftly at his feet. She watched him intently, taking in the set of his back, the way he favored his bad knee. She had yet to see his eyes in person and was bound and determined to rectify that situation.

Alexander stretched his hands over his head, swiveled at the hips to loosen his muscles as Jenabel found a secluded spot to watch him. She was vexed when he turned away from her, moving down the creek bed in the opposite direction.

"Shit!"

She had been too loud.

Alexander stopped short, his big body tensing and seemingly compacting in on itself. She watched the play of muscle as his body slowly turned three hundred and sixty degrees, searching for the errant noise.

Jenabel's breath stilled.

After what seemed an eternity Alexander resumed his path.

'I'll have to be way more careful.' She thought moving off at a slow pace, trying to maneuver in front of her prey.

By the time Alexander started the jeep two hours later Jenabel was fit to be tied.

All afternoon she had played cat and mouse with Alexander. His senses were amazing; the slightest disturbance brought his full focus. She had played a similar game with those in the compound when she was young. Jenabel had always been the best. No one could beat her in her element and here this stranger was foiling her efforts at every turn.

Wednesday afternoon went much the same way. She stalked, he outmaneuvered, and she cursed and started again.

Thursday she was bound and determined his eyes would not elude her. She was at the parcel well before dawn situated near where he always parked his jeep. Today she would gain her prize.

He showed up just before dawn. She was surprised when he exited the car and simply sat on a large flat rock at the top of the rise. Her question was answered when, with the sun breaking the horizon his face was bathed in golden sunshine and she saw the easy happy smile that spread across his strong face as the warm rays found him. She held back a curse as his eyes remained closed through his personal greeting to the morning.

In a flash he rose, slung his pack over his shoulder and strode away from her, another opportunity lost.

Jenabel was so focused on Alexander that she was startled when he tensed, dropped into a low crouch and slid a long knife from its sheath in his boot.

She was instantly alert, searching for whatever had caused Alexander to react in such a way.

After a quick change of direction, Jenabel found the object of Alexander's focus, two men in the forest. They would be none to happy to encounter Alexander.

Jenabel watched as he stalked them. The quick precise motions, the lethal intent and malice were palpable forces emanating from him. She didn't know how the two hapless men couldn't sense it. She watched spellbound as he took them, knocking the first out, and an instant later standing close to the other man, his knife laid across his throat.

'Magnificent.'

The word slipped into her consciousness, it was the perfect description of the predator she had just watched. He was so confident, so comfortable with the lethal motions and actions which defined him. And yet the books came back to her memory, the smooth stone which she was sure was on him. The other side of the coin, the deep thinker, the lost soul.

She couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips as she watched Alexander secure the men to the tree. Luckily he was focused enough on his task that he didn't notice. When her father arrived she was not so lucky. She felt him brush against her consciousness, felt the gentle reproach as he fixed his gaze on her position. She felt bad for only a moment before sending him a starkly obstinate barb before melting back into the trees.

"He's taking the day off tomorrow."

Her father said with a grin at dinner that evening.

Jenabel scowled at him.

"Maybe you'll be able to get some work done without the afternoon excursions?"

Carl's good natured ribbing of his daughter had everyone at the table smiling. Well almost everyone.

Jenabel stood up, glared at the assembled and abruptly left the house.

Turning, Carl was met with a disapproving glare from his wife.

Rolling his eyes he spoke as Sophie and Brad continued their meal.

"I made a few phone calls today, it's as we feared. There really is nothing we can do."

Sophie had hoped some of the others would have more information or know something that could turn the tide in their daughters favor.

"Did you call Dimitri?" He led the oldest of their groups, if anyone would know a solution he would be the one.

Carl sighed.

"There has never been a successful mating of our kind and theirs. I'm afraid it is...impossible."

Once again tears fell from his wife's eyes.

His son looked forlornly at the place Jenabel had occupied.

Jenabel was in for heartbreak. It broke his own knowing there was nothing he could do to prevent it.

The three of them sat there, each lost in their own thoughts, their own grief for the loss Jenabel was going to have to face.

Brad was the first to leave.

"She's strong, she'll get over this. It won't be easy, but we'll be here for her and we'll help her through it."

Carl was proud of his sons vehement championing of his sister. He knew that she would need all of their love and support if this ended as he believed it must.

Soon after Brad left Carl and Sophie retired for the night.

The sliver of the moon was visible through the high window that looked out from their bedroom onto the compound.

Sophie whispered in her husband's ear as he held her close. She needed his touch, his warmth, the feel of his pulse beating in time with hers.

"I can't imagine what I would do if I was in her place."

Carl caressed his mates back, feeling everything she did, adding it to his own worry for their youngest.

"Brad has it right my love. We will be there for her, all of us will. We will lend her our strength, help her through this trial. She's strong, like her mother."

Sophie's lips sought Carl's. They came together softly, teasingly, gently nudging against each other. She felt Carl's need hardened against her belly, knew that it reflected her own.

They came together as he rolled on top of her, his cock slipping easily into her warm depths. After so many decades it always felt like the first time. He was overwhelmed by her silky wet heat.

He tasted Sophie's tears as his lips traced over her cheeks.

"She will never know this Carl. Never know the sweet completion, the passionate joining of true mates."

"Shhhh...My love." He whispered endearments close to her ear as they fell into a steady slow rhythm. There was no rush to completion, no yearning for that ultimate release. Here, in the deep dark they simply became one, moving together as one animal, joined by love, by passion, by an ancient incomprehensible power they could simply lose themselves within.

Long hours later they lay together, the moon had disappeared from their view. Now only the bright stars lit their sweat slicked bodies as they held onto each other, both nurturing secret but unfathomable hopes that the truth Jenabel would face could be changed.

They drifted to sleep with that hope finding purchase in their hearts.

The night had passed fitfully for Jenabel. Sleep would not come and in the early morning she gave up the fight. Dressing quickly she headed for the yard, hoping that losing herself in work would help her find some focus.

Her hope had not survived to see the light of day.

Friday found Jenabel's restlessness only enhanced, she couldn't keep her thoughts focused, always they returned to Alexander. Her father finally spoke up after she yelled once again at someone who asked her a simple question.

"Jenabel!"

She knew that tone and was in no mood.

"Father!" She snapped back.

They stared at each other for a long moment before Jenabel looked away.

"I'm sorry."

The dejected tone in his daughter's voice had Carl out of his chair and around the desk in a flash, enfolding his daughter in a tight hug.

"You've got to let this go Jenabel, it's driving you insane."

She pulled back from his embrace. Hard eyes leveled with his.

"Let this go?" Her voice was a low hiss.

Carl took a step back shaking his head.

"There is no way it can work Jenabel, he's not like us. You know that it cannot be. I checked. I made every call I could think of. Your mother and I know what you're feeling, what the pull means. It will be the most difficult thing you ever do, but you have to let him go."

Though it pained Carl greatly, what he said next was his only option.

"When Alexander comes in on Monday I'm going to tell him to leave Red Lodge."

The air stilled as the words soaked in.

"You...you can't do that Daddy, you just can't, I don't know...how will I....no...."

He closed the distance between them and wrapped her up in his arms once again.

"It's the only way Jenabel, you know that."

Carl felt the subtle shift in his daughter, knew that he had crossed the line of her endurance. He released her, slowly backing away, putting the desk between them.

"He has no where to go father, nothing and no one. You Will Not Make Him Leave."

Her gaze was stony, emerald eyes now swirling with golden flecks of fire, breath coming in short bursting pants. 

"What is the other option Jenabel, do I lose my daughter to save a stranger? How long can you fight your own nature, how long can resist the pull. When he dies in your arms how will you live with it Jenabel, for that is certainly the outcome if he doesn't leave."

Carl's tone was strong but comforting as he tried to help his daughter back from the brink.

"I am stronger than you think father, I can control myself. You have to give me a chance, Alexander leaving is Not An Option."

Having made her point she began to calm.

"I have the will Daddy, please don't do this." Her whispered plea tore at Carl's heart.

"We'll give it some time, see how it goes, but you have to know Jenabel, I won't put everyone at risk for this, I can't. If you can't let him go I will do whatever is necessary to protect you and everyone else."

Carl's tone would brook no argument. Jenabel's look foretold of a storm on the horizon should Carl attempt to get Alexander to leave.

The air was filled with tension as the two squared off in a silent battle of wills before Jenabel turned stiffly and left, slamming the door to the office behind her so hard that pictures were dislodged from the walls.

Jenabel was filled with fury as she ran through the forest. She took one look at her car and threw the keys toward it as she sprinted off into the woods. Her thoughts were chaotic as she wove her way through the trees to the lake.

'He has no right!'

'Tell him to leave, you'll tell him nothing father.'

'Let him go...how...how do let go of your heart and soul....'

She broke at this point, the weight of it all crashing down on her.

Jenabel fell to the forest floor, her body quaking as the tumultuous emotions washed over her in waves.

Rage

Despair

Hopelessness

Pain

Love

This final took hold of her, shielded her from the rest as they battered against her soul.

"I love him." Her whispered words hung in the still air.

She had said the words before. Had imagined what the words would mean when they were backed by the feeling which elicited them.

She had no frame of reference for how small her belief of what the word meant was when compared to the earth-shattering truth of its presence.

He was her warm wind on a cool day.

The air her heart needed to continue to beat.

A safe harbor at which she could anchor her life and soul.

"Alexander." His name came out as a plaintive cry as her fingers dug into the cool fallow earth beneath her. She clung to it as if it were him, as if by imbuing enough of her need and want and desire into the earth he would suddenly appear to take away her pain.

Jenabel lay there for a long time, the sky dimming as another day gave up its hold to the growing tendrils of night.

Finally she stood, knowing that this was not to be, knowing that she would not, could not be parted from him. Even if they never spoke, never touched, never found a way to join as they should, she would protect him, help him find his home. Jenabel would take what small pleasure and solace that she could in helping to heal his obviously damaged soul.

With strength in her strides she ran on again, running to him, running to make sure that he was truly real and not a wraith given form in a nightmare, but a true and physical thing surely meant...for her.

The forest was quiet as she made her way along the edge of the lake toward Alexander's home.

'Home.' The thought that he may consider it home brought a smile to her face. She had made it a point not to come here over the past days, not trusting herself to see him in an unguarded moment.

On the mountain was safe, he was focused on doing the job. It was part of him but only a part. She had been afraid of seeing him here, afraid that finding him with his defenses down would be too overwhelming for her.

Jenabel's fears were not unfounded.

The sun was setting as she rounded the final bend and made her way into the forest which ringed the small home. She couldn't decide whether her heart rate was so high from fear or desire, or if there was truly a difference for her now.

He was there, sitting on the back porch watching the sun as it disappeared beyond the mountains. Alexander was shirtless, a pair of faded jeans his only clothing.

Jenabel's breath caught as she remembered the last time she saw him. The black and blue bruises on his shoulders, the cut at his scalp and the bandaged hands that had pulled her from the wreckage.

Now what was hidden by the blanket she had been too chicken to move was exposed. She saw the scars, large and livid running across his chest and abdomen. The way his muscles seemed etched onto his frame, placed in perfect symmetry across his broad chest down his hard abdomen. She was startled when he rose swiftly.




Orphan Ch. 03



'No No No...'

Her thoughts tumbled as she watched mesmerized as he undid the buttons on his jeans in one swift pull and drew them down his legs stepping out of them.

He stood there motionless for a moment, eyes raised to the sky, taking in the amazing red and orange hues as the sun fought its last battle of the day, its dying salvo of color and fire.

His legs were just like the rest of him, perfectly proportioned, strong, lean and lithe. She tried to stop but couldn't and her eyes found his center, it hung long and thick between his legs. It took every ounce of will power for Jenabel to suppress the moan that came unbidden to her lips as her own core pulsed with a wanting need the likes of which she had never known.

He moved then, and again she was lost to him.

The way his muscles tensed and flexed.

Sparse hair on his chest turning golden for a moment as the sunset caught them at just the right angle.

His manhood swaying as he walked confidently, but with slight limp, toward the lake.

The vivid white scar at his knee brought tears to her eyes.

He dove into the flat dark waters. Agile and effortless in motion, Jenabel wondered just what mysteries, what pleasures, what depths this man held.

Jenabel watched impatiently, a hint of worry coming to her as he didn't immediately surface. She let out a relieved gasp as he finally broke the smooth plane of the lake almost thirty feet from where he started and began to swim with purpose.

As the light dimmed more and more, as the darkness began to blanket the lake she simply watched him move, watched the water be split asunder by his passing, enjoyed this simple moment of watching Alexander Dane.

As the night began its final push against the sun's hold Alexander emerged from the water. Again Jenabel found her self control pushed to its limits.

Water rolled down his skin which was now giving off a slight bit of steam. His own heat no match for the cool spring air. She stifled a laugh as he shook his hair like an eager puppy after his first swim. Her heart ached as his hand moved to massage his knee, wanting nothing more in that moment than for her hand to be the one soothing the aches of his body, his heart, his soul.

She stilled as his naked body coiled out of reflex as he sensed something.

Watched as his body flexed in an almost feral manner. Like an animal alerted to danger and ready to react.

Jenabel couldn't move as his eyes scanned the tree line.

She couldn't breathe as his body tensed further when he raised his head slightly, seemingly scenting the air.

Her own body went rigid as she saw the beginnings of his arousal become evident.

She moved fast, bolting back into the woods, away from him, away from what could never be. Jenabel's soul howled a lament as she raced away from the one person in the entire world who was well and truly...hers.

*

Edited by: Mikothebaby



Orphan Ch. 04



Jenabel had spent all day Saturday sequestering herself in her small house on the compound. She had found that knowing the truth was one thing, accepting it was quite another.

The day passed with Jenabel swinging between every emotion on the scale as well as a few she had no definition for. From wracking sobs, lamenting the life she would never have, to brilliant bright laughter when she allowed herself to be lost in the memories of Alexander. The day had been the worst of her life.

Jenabel was emotionally drained Sunday morning as she entered her parent's house. Still tired and not looking where she was going she ran right into a large wide chest. Jumping back and looking up Jenabel's face clouded instantly.

"Mr. Bouchard." It came out as an acknowledgment, it was plain she was surprised and more than a little unnerved at finding him in her parents home.

"Jenabel, it's good to see you, sorry I can't stay. We'll get a chance to visit next weekend."

Jenabel didn't like the small smile on Mr. Bouchard's lips as he hastily left the house. After the day she had yesterday, Jenabel was in no mood for her father's games as she walked into the kitchen.

"Good morning sleepy head." Sophie greeted her daughter with a tight lingering hug. Jenabel appreciated it. She had felt very alone yesterday trying to come to grips with her feelings for Alexander, trying to accept the truth that they would not be able to be together.

"Good morning Mom."

As Jenabel's eyes opened they met her fathers and she scowled. Releasing her grip on her mother she faced him.

"Mr. Bouchard? Really Daddy, do you really think now is the time for your machinations toward keeping up the tradition?"

Carl Benton frowned. His daughter looked drawn, tired. He had never seen her so weary. He understood her frustration, but also knew that it was best to move on. No matter what Jenabel proclaimed, it was going to be an uphill battle to fight the pull she felt for Alexander. Her best hope lay in finding another to replace him.

Carl Benton's demeanor turned hard.

"You are the one making this choice Jenabel. This isn't easy on any of us. Do you think your mother and I, your brothers and all the rest don't feel the pain you're in, don't understand just how deeply staying away from Alexander is hurting you?"

Carl softened his tone as he approached his daughter.

"We want you to be happy Jenabel. We want you to be able to find peace. The one way to do that is to find someone else, to allow that another can fill the space in your heart and soul that Alexander never can."

He pulled her into his arms. The feeling of her warm tears soaking through his shirt broke his heart but there was nothing for it. All he could do was hold her and let her tears flow.

"Shhh baby, it will be alright, one way or the other we will get through this."

Jenabel looked up into her fathers eyes; she noted the true sorrow held in their depths.

"I know Dad." She said the words but had real doubts about their truth. The thought of her need for Alexander dimming and of someone else holding the strings of her heart and soul filled her with a deep dread.

Trying to lighten the mood as they all sat down Carl addressed them both. "I spoke with Cross this morning, he's going to take a few days off and come up for the party."

This brightened both the women.

David "Cross" Benton was the middle child. A few years older than Jenabel, Cross had just finished up his Masters degree at State. In June he would move to San Francisco to begin work on his doctorate. They would all miss his easy humor and gentle demeanor.

"It will be good to see him." Jenabel conceded. If she had to suffer through her fathers attempts at match making at least Cross would be there to lighten the mood.

Sophie agreed. "He never has time to come home these days, which will only get worse once he moves out to the coast."

Sophie's middle child had a pranking streak a mile wide, if there was trouble to be found you could be sure Cross was right in the middle of it. Its how he got his nickname as his mother was fond of saying that he was her cross to bear so often when he was growing up.

Carl nodded, he loved his middle son. Cross was very different from his siblings, but those differences were what made everyone who met him better for the meeting. 

Sophie and Brad were happiest here at home, working for the betterment of the town and the family. Cross was the one who had the wander lust of the clan. When he was young Cross was always getting lost out on the mountain. When his father asked why he roamed so far a field Cross's answer was simple. "Because she's out there somewhere."

Carl shook off his thoughts of Cross. While they got along well they had never really connected. The most he could hope for was that his middle child would find happiness.

Turning back to the ladies he changed the subject to the party.

"Saturday is the new moon, a good time for fresh starts and new beginnings."

Jenabel and Sophie just rolled their eyes at his hopeful tone.

The topics through breakfast ranged far a field, from what was going on at the mine this week to who in the compound was expecting children and when the births would happen.

The easy conversation and proximity to her folks did a lot to help Jenabel's turbulent emotions. After breakfast Jenabel left to get a jump on the company financial statements leaving Carl and Sophie sitting alone at the large kitchen table.

"You can't push her like this Carl, it's just cruel."

Sophie was none to happy to find Thomas Bouchard sitting with her husband having coffee that morning. Carl looked at his wife, knew that she was feeling the pain of their youngest but strongly believed what he was doing was for the best.

"Sophie, Jenabel wouldn't let me send him away. She wants to keep him close, take care of him if she can. While I understand this, I also know that she has chosen the hardest path possible in this situation. I'm only trying to ease her pain some by offering other options."

Sophie looked at her husband; saw the pain in his eyes. She knew that he was probably right but couldn't fully support his reasoning.

"It's too soon Carl, let her find some balance first, let her get a better understanding of what is pulling her toward Alexander, of how to deal with it."

Carl shook his head as he looked away from his wife and stood. He could never bear to see pain in her beautiful eyes.

"Is it better to let her continue like this Sophie? Better to let time pass, let the pull become part of her heart and soul. I don't want her to understand and grow accustomed to the pain. Better if now, at the beginning of it, she tries to move on. The longer it takes the harder and harder it will be for her to see anyone else as his equal."

"It has to be this way Sophie, there is nothing else for it. I promised Jenabel that I wouldn't send Alexander away, and I will honor that promise, for now. But I am going to send him to the west face. He'll be gone about two weeks, long enough for Jenabel to have some space. And hopefully with the party this weekend she will find some small hope that another can fill the void Alexander will inevitably leave."

Sophie looked at her husband's wide strong back as he stood at the sink. She could see the tension in his shoulders, the slight bend they had. He was carrying the weight of this and she knew it wasn't easy on him. Yet, she still firmly believed that he was wrong.

"Have you told Alexander that he'll be away for two weeks?" Sophie said as she stood, wrapping her arms around her husband from behind.

"I'll call him today and tell him to meet me at the yard early tomorrow. I've already had Brad load up the jeep with everything he will need."

Sophie could hear the trepidation in Carl's voice as he spoke of Alexander. There was sorrow there which surprised her.

"You care for the young man?" Sophie was surprised to feel this through their bond.

Carl turned to his wife and wrapped her in his arms.

"Of course I care for him, Jenabel loves him, and he is her mate. That they can't be together is a cruel joke of the universe. I'll do everything I can to help Jenabel, she is my blood. But there is something about Alexander. His strength, his easy way, how he cradles his pain so close, never letting others see it. I felt the connection with him too Sophie. I was sure he was one of us from the instant I saw him."

Carl released his wife taking a step back.

"But Doc's test confirmed that he isn't one of us, can never be so. I'll do what I can for him Sophie, but Jenabel's happiness has to come first."

'He takes on so much.' Sophie thought as she gently palmed his cheek. "Call Alexander, tell him he is going to the west face." Carl nodded to his wife as he pulled out his cell phone.

-vVv-

Alexander had been restless all day Saturday. Nothing could hold his attention but he couldn't put his finger on the cause. 

Alexander was always relatively neat. Years spent sharing rooms with others had ingrained in him the need for everything to have a place and for those things to occupy those places. His years in the military only deepened this habit.

The morning was spent squaring away his quarters. The natural stone floors got a good mopping, the laundry was done. Windows were cleaned and the kitchen brought under control.

A few hours were spent in town getting the lay of the land and stocking up on a few days worth of provisions. It was another habit that he would have to break, but it just wasn't in him to get a week's worth of food. While his likes were varied he always knew that today may be the day to leave and he abhorred waste. This lesson was learned when it became apparent Stockton, his first stop after the military, went south and he had to juggle four boxes of food on the Harley to the local homeless shelter.

He appreciated good food and enjoyed the art of cooking so there were spices and herbs to buy. Fresh fruits and vegetables along with lots of red meat.

While Alexander enjoyed the occasional chicken, pork or fish, he had always favored beef and had perfected quite a few dishes that would impress even the most accomplished chef.

After finding a few new books at the local second hand bookstore he wiled away the afternoon on the porch reading, losing himself in the stories of other peoples lives.

Alexander was pleased at his progress for the day but was keenly aware of the undercurrent of uneasiness that was a constant companion through out.

That evening, his sleep was uneasy. Dreams assailed him.

Images of the wreck came to him unbidden. 

Hauling Carl's substantial weight away from the crash.

The smell of gasoline permeating the air.

Feeling the gentle rise and fall of Jenabel's chest against his as he shielded her.

A whirling maelstrom of heat and sound.

Soft gentle fingers entwining with his.

The images came haphazardly and left Alexander twisted in his light sheet fighting for freedom from their bondage.

Alexander finally gave up before dawn. He sat on the edge of the bed, the darkness only just now being tinged with gray streaks from the coming dawn. Emerald specters haunted him from the drawing shadows.

Shaking off the demons of sleep Alexander stretched and walked naked to the kitchen. He started a pot of coffee before taking care of his morning necessities.

The morning was cool, steam rose off the lake as he sat on the porch palming a hot cup of coffee.

"If this is what time off is like I need to ask Carl for longer hours." Alexander's words were spoken to no one and brought a small smile to his face.

He had enjoyed his week on the mountain. It felt good to be out in the world again, not being shackled to a set schedule in the same place. He hoped there would be more opportunities like it.

After a quick swim and a light breakfast he dressed in jeans, pulling a t-shirt over his head before lacing his hiking boots. The lazy day in the house yesterday had convinced him that loitering was not his strong suit.

Before he stepped out the door his cell phone rang.

"Alexander Dane."

"Good morning Alexander, this is Carl."

"Good morning Mr. Benton."

Carl smiled at the man's inability to just call him Carl.

"I've been looking over what's coming up in the next few weeks. How would you feel about being out and about for close to 14 days? The next big parcel is on the west face, about three hours from the yard, you would need to stay out there 'til the survey is complete, and traveling daily just won't work."

Alexander smiled, two weeks in the woods sounded like just what he needed.

"That sounds good Mr. Benton."

"Excellent, I'll...." Sophie was waving at him from the door of his office. "One second Alexander."

Carl placed his hand over the phone.

"What?"

Carl's look was bewildered. That look always wanted to make Sophie giggle.

"I'll take him out tomorrow. It's a good opportunity for me to meet him. He has had quite an effect on you and Jenabel. Brad has nothing but good things to say as well. It's time I formed my own opinion."

With a shrug and a nod Carl agreed.

"Sorry about that, I'll have a nice older lady named Sophie meet you at the yard tomorrow at 5 am, she'll take you out to the site."

Carl ducked the pillow that Sophie threw at him.

"I'll be ready and thanks again Mr. Benton."

"Don't mention it Alexander, be sure to bring your phone, there is a small shelter up on the parcel, the generator should be full so you can keep it charged. Have a good time out there and be careful. I'll see you when you get back."

Carl smiled at Sophie as he hung up.

"That's what you get for interrupting my phone call."

He was met with a good natured scowl as she left him to his business. Sophie was looking forward to meeting Mr. Dane in person.

The phone call delayed Alexander's wanderings in the forest a few hours as he packed his duffel for the extended stay away from home.

Home.

He caught himself as the thought manifested. It came so easy to him, he couldn't remember another time where a place ever felt that way. The thought gave him pause as he looked around the small house. He noticed the small things he had acquired in his short time in Red Lodge. 

Like the small bookshelf that held more than just his three standard books. A piece of gray shale hung on the wall by a leather cord. Upon it a white wolf howled at a full moon. He had found it in one of the small stores in town on Main Street and it had called to him.

His bed was covered by a hand made quilt from the antique store, the sales lady had said she was glad to be rid of it and gave it to him at half price.

"Home." The word echoed around the room, but it did not sound hollow to Alexander's ears. That one powerful word fit this place just right.

The morning started off with clear crystal blue skies, but by noon roiling gray clouds had cascaded over the tops of the mountains and blanked the forest in a muted pall. Alexander didn't mind, he barely noticed. More and more these days he found himself becoming lost in the experience of these woods.

The sites and sounds and smells of it were one thing. Alexander was trained to pick up on those. But this wood, on this mountain did more than just nudge at his highly tuned senses. He felt stronger than he had over the last six months since coming here. While he still limped, it seemed to decrease with each passing day. And that seemed to accelerate the more time he spent under the quickly greening canopy of the forest.

But more-so than just his physical senses, he seemed to be attuning to the natural undercurrent of the place as well. Alexander could feel the energy of the forest here. The way the animals moved through her, the way the forest responded to their passing and his.

He had been in forests and jungles, deserts and mountains during his service, often for weeks or even months at a time. This place was different; it seemed that with every footprint he left in this place, its twin was left upon him by the mountain. Changing him, marking him, making him...more.

A twig snapped off to his right and broke his reverie. Alexander's breathing stilled, muscles tensed. Closing his eyes he found the stillness within him and then pushed out from himself, seeking what didn't belong.

The scent of oranges came to him. A rustle of leaves to the right. Subtle shifts in how the animals moved.

Alexander sensed no malice from whomever he had stumbled upon, or had stumbled upon him. He got the definite impression of...youth.

"Hello?"

Alexander's voice was gentle but it carried well in the breezeless wood. He heard the subtle shuffle of leaves.

"I'm sorry if I've trespassed, I'm new to the area and just learning my way around."

Alexander hoped that a conciliatory stance would diffuse any unwanted tension.

He was surprised to hear a girl's voice respond.

"Trespass, you can't trespass in the woods, they're everyone's."

A young blond girl, Alexander figured she was about ten years old, stepped from behind a tree about forty feet to his right.

'A child?' His thoughts were questioning. 'I really am slipping if a child can get this close to me.'

He regarded the young girl with what he hoped was a gentle look. Long, wild blond hair, jeans, dirty sneakers and a thick wool sweater that had seen better days.

"Are you lost?" Alexander asked, not sure that someone so young would be allowed out this far in the forest.

"Lost?" The girl laughed deep and long after repeating the word with an incredulous tone. "I was about to ask you the same thing stranger."

Alexander could see the young girl tense a bit, her eyes darting around 180 degrees, looking for escape routes.

"I'm sorry, I've been rude. My name is Alexander Dane. I just moved to town and got a job with Benton Mining."

Alexander noted that she relaxed after hearing his name and who he worked for.

"I'm Willow; it's nice to meet you Mr. Dane."

Alexander smiled.

"It's nice to meet you too Willow, and please call me Alexander."

Willow looked at him with a cockeyed gaze. Her tone was once again hesitant. "We don't usually call adults by their first names; it doesn't show the proper respect."

Alexander understood this all too well. His days in the orphanage and military were filled with "Sirs and Maams, Mr.'s and Mrs.'s'

"Well Willow, I am a firm believer that respect is earned no matter what your age. And if you call me Mr. Dane it will make me feel amazingly old and we wouldn't want that."

Willow smiled at his easy manner and flashing blue eyes.

"Fair enough Alexander. What are you doing this far out?"

Willow moved closer to him but still well out of arms reach. 'Smart kid.' He thought with a smile.

"Just going for a hike, as I said I'm new to the area. I've found myself drawn to the mountains and forests of the area and I wanted to become more familiar with them."

Willow looked him over again. He was big, bigger than any of the men at the compound, even a little taller than Uncle Carl.

'He must be a new member.' She thought to herself. After another moment she decided that Alexander was someone she could trust. She didn't know exactly why, even with others of her own kind she was not quick to trust. But there was something comforting and safe about Alexander.

"Would you like to see my favorite place on the mountain?" Willows tone was filled with the hope of a child wanting to share something important as well as one who was going to share a secret.

Alexander smiled. "I would love to see your favorite place Willow."

And with that she closed the distance, slipped her small hand into his and led him deeper into the woods. Willow was an inquisitive child. As they walked she asked Alexander all manner of questions, who he was, where he grew up and then...




Orphan Ch. 04



"Where are your parents Alexander? Are they here or coming soon?"

Alexander was surprised by the question, it was asked with the innocence of someone who took for granted that families stayed close to each other.

"I don't know who my parents are, I'm an orphan."

Willow stopped and looked up at him. The surprise was evident on her face. She knew what an orphan was. Thinking that her new friend was one made her sad. Willow had no frame of reference to respond so she did what came naturally. She hugged the big mans leg tightly then continued walking.

Alexander marveled at the child's empathy.

"Shhhh, we're almost there."

Willows voice was quiet, almost reverent as they stepped through the thick wood into a large clearing. Alexander was speechless at what they found.

They stood on the edge of a large circular clearing. The forest was thick on all sides effectively shielding the glade from anyone who didn't know exactly where it was. The size of the clearing was impressive; Alexander placed it at nearly two hundred feet across and from what he could see it was a nearly perfect circle.

But the size and shape were not what caused his breath to catch and his heart beat begin to rise. Ringing the clearing were 29 rough hewn granite slabs. Their size was impressive as Alexander placed their height at about twenty feet. They were not the rectangular constructs like those found in Great Britain. These were more free form, some lumpy and wide others thin almost reed like. He was amazed by their sheer number and the exacting nature with which they were placed.

"What is this place Willow?" Alexander's tone was hushed almost reverent, as he slowly walked around the outside of the glade. For some reason he felt that stepping within the ring would not be proper.

Willow had no such qualms as she scampered in and around the monoliths.

"This is where we come to honor those that came before, where we pledge ourselves to each other, where we celebrate the future."

Her tone was almost giddy.

Alexander watched the carefree way she enjoyed the world. Alexander had never felt that open and easy in his own skin. However, while watching this child simply be, a kernel of hope grew that he may someday find the secret she seemed to have naturally.

"Twenty-Nine of them?" His words were a whisper, a question to himself, but Willow had heard him even though she was almost thirty feet away.

"Of course there's twenty-nine, one for each day of the moons cycle. The P...."

"Willow!"

Her words were cut off as Brad strode into the glade. It was obvious that he was not happy to find them there. Willow's eyes dropped to the ground. Alexander noted that her shoulders were shaking, she was scared.

"I'm sorry Be..."

Again Brad cut her off. But his tone was gentle.

"It's alright Willow, I was just surprised to find you and Alexander here is all." He crossed the remaining distance between them and pulled her into a tight hug. Alexander saw that Willow instantly relaxed.

While he hugged her Brad reached out to her mind. He found her frightened that she may have upset him.

'Hush little one it's fine, I am not upset with you. He is not one of us though; you should not have brought him here.'

Brad had been surprised to find two sets of tracks heading toward the clearing. It was his normal routine to run on Sundays. Checking the perimeter of their lands and making sure everything was as it should be.

Willow looked up at him, surprised by what he had said. Her thoughts were tumultuous as she sent back to him.

'Of course he is one of us, what do you mean?'

Something shifted in the air that caught both their attention. Turning they watched as Alexander laid a tentative hand on one of the monoliths.

His fingers traced the outline of a crescent moon chiseled into the hard cool stone. Alexander felt a subtle shift, as if his body were hit by a low level shock. It wasn't painful merely noticeable and it passed quickly. Brad reached out his senses to Alexander, hoping against hope that his father had been wrong. He found simply Alexander as he had been before so he still was. Human.

"Best we be getting back. Dad is sending you to the west face for a few days I hear?"

Brad's words broke Alexander's concentration. He looked over at the other man, giving Willow a small smile.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. It gets a bit boring sitting at the house wondering what to do with myself."

Alexander's tone was easy as they walked away from the glade. He felt an uncommon sense of peace that was just one of a number of new feelings he had had since coming to Red Lodge. At this point he was getting use to the almost daily mysteries this place held.

"You should come to the compound Alexander, there is always something going on, I'm sure everyone would be happy to meet you." Willows statement earned her a weary stare from Brad. She was un-deterred.

"It's only about a two miles from your house." Willow stopped talking abruptly as Brad's gaze turned hard and he slipped back into her mind.

'Stop now Willow, he really can't come to the compound. I sensed him, he isn't one of us, my father had tests run, and he is just human.'

Willow shook her head as they made their way back home, her final thoughts to Brad left him wondering.

'I don't care what you say, in his soul he is just like us.'

-vVv-

Jenabel spent the rest of the day at her house. She was none to pleased with her father throwing this stupid party. She distracted herself with work, looking over the quarterly reports, logging in the status of ongoing projects and new acquisitions.

While she accomplished a great deal, it did little to assuage her warring emotions.

Looking out the window she noticed the waning moon through the window. It was beautiful, just cresting the top of the mountains. The beauty failed to move Jenabel this evening. It was just another reminder of how different she was from Alexander.

The cool night air shocked Jenabel as she left her house. Her feelings of restlessness grew now that she was out under the inky blanket of night. She wandered aimlessly, making a point not to walk in the direction of the Alexander's place.

Jenabel started when she came across Willow sitting by the small stream that wound its way through the compound.

"Do your parents know you're still out Willow?"

Her tone was gentle; Jenabel knew the pull the quiet places of night held. She didn't fault the child for stealing a few moments of magic under the stars. Willow smiled up at Jenabel.

"They know. For awhile they worried, but now that I'm almost eleven they let me stay out a bit later."

Jenabel sat down next to Willow. She touched her mind and was surprised to see an image of Alexander there. Willow felt Jenabel's gentle prod, was surprised when she felt the older woman's pain at what she found.

"You know Alexander? He is really nice but he seems so lonely. Brad says he isn't like us, but I don't believe it."

Jenabel's breath caught as the girls words.

"What do you mean Willow?"

Her question was tentative, filled with emotion.

Willow shrugged. "I don't know. There is something about him that feels familiar, deep down here." She said holding her small hand over her chest.

"I wish that were true Willow." Jenabel's voice broke as she said it while giving the young girl a hug before walking quickly away.

She didn't know how much more she could take. She wanted to find balance but with every moment that passed it seemed less and less likely that she would be able to.

Tears sparkled in the moonlight as they ran down her cheeks. Everyone in the compound felt her pain, all of them worried for her. Two miles away Alexander bolted upright in bed, in a flash he was standing on the porch, eyes trained north. Something had woken him, something pulled at him, what it was he didn't know. Only that there was pain and he had an overwhelming desire to see its hold loosened from whomever was feeling it.

-vVv-

Sophie was up well before dawn. Slipping out of bed she smiled as Carl reached for her, uttering an unhappy groan at finding only the warm space she had left in the bed before falling back into a deep sleep. She moved through her morning necessities quickly. Sophie was anxious to be on her way and meet Mr. Dane.

Jenabel's pain was obvious to everyone. More than a few of the others in the compound had commented on it. Sophie could only give them vague responses as she herself had no answers.

Sighing she jumped in her jeep and headed to the yard. Sophie didn't know if she was happy or dreading the coming morning, but she knew it was time she met the young man who had caused such uproar in her family's life.

Alexander parked the Harley in the garage and transferred his duffel to the jeep. He took a few moments to look over the contents.

"Brad did a good job." He said to himself.

With a quick review Alexander knew that there were enough provisions for over two weeks. He wouldn't be eating filet and lobster, but there was more than enough for one person.

"Wonder if their trying to get rid of me." Alexander laughed as he closed the rear hatch.

"Oh I don't think you have to worry about anyone getting rid of you anytime soon."

Alexander turned quickly, his body tense. Once again someone had gotten to close.

'How do they all do it?' He questioned himself.

Standing close, within arms reach Alexander faced what he felt was probably one of the most beautiful women he had ever encountered. She had long brown hair, blazing hazel eyes, high classic cheek bones and a strong healthy body. It was obvious she was older but her true age eluded him. He stared just a bit too long.

Sophie smiled and laid a hand on his arm. "I appreciate the unspoken compliment Alexander but we really should be going. I'm Sophie Benton, Carl's wife and Jenabel and Brad's mother."

Sophie, whose hand was still on his arm, noticed how he unknowingly flinched when she said Jenabel's name.

She broke the contact and stepped back. "Carl had other matters to attend to this morning so I volunteered to give you a ride up to the west face. Shall we go?"

Alexander felt immediately at ease with Sophie Benton. Such was not usually the case with women. Alexander had always been somewhat at a loss where women were concerned. He attracted their attention, not by choice but seemingly just being who he was. The problems came once that attention became too focused. He had no frame of reference for what to do when they wanted to do more than just look at him.

This had only increased his loneliness over the years. More than once Alexander joked with those in his unit that instead of the military he should have joined a monastery. The three hour ride passed in a flash. Sophie had gently prodded him to open up and he had done just that. As they climbed up into the mountains leaving Red Lodge behind Sophie learned more and more about this enigmatic young man.

He told her of his time in the orphanage, learning to be solitary and self-contained. Also of his joining the military, being thrust into a life that was really not of his choosing, but one which he excelled in. And of his constant search for something, someplace that was his.

She was surprised to learn that while in the military he had gotten a masters degree in history with a minor in literature.

"Why were you drawn to those subjects Alexander?"

They were getting close to the site; Sophie was surprised to find that she did not want the ride to end. Alexander was very different from the young men who grew up in the area.

'Perhaps that's just what Jenabel needed...' Her thoughts broke off as Alexander answered.

"History always seemed to me a road map, a guide book on what works in life and what doesn't. With the way I grew up, having some type of guide was really appealing. As for the literature...well..."

Sophie placed her hand on his arm, she could feel the sorrow coming off him in waves and she needed to do something to comfort him. Alexander looked over at her when she touched him. The feel of her touch was soft, gentle, reassuring, more things that he had no frame of reference for. He smiled and continued.

"I found hope in the books. All those years of being alone it was always easy to escape to a good book. In them were friends, families, adventures, but what drew me the most were the stories of simple lives lived by simple people who needed each other." 

Sophie nodded at his answer. She understood him much better now, knew that the connection Jenabel felt with him was real. They complimented each other, or would if everyone would just calm down and let them actually meet.

As they pulled up to the small cabin where Alexander would be staying she made her decision. The universe would not be this capricious, would not cause such pain. She would put her faith in Luna and let the chips fall where they may.

"Alexander, I'll be coming back up to get you on Friday."

Alexander was going to argue that Carl said it would take almost two weeks. Sophie shushed his coming complaint with a smile and a wave of her hand.

"None of that now. I'll bring you back up next Monday."

She fixed her eyes with his before continuing.

"We're having a sort of welcome home party for my daughter Jenabel on Saturday. I think it best that you be there. It will be a good opportunity for you too meet most of the people in town and in our family. I'm sure Jenabel would like to thank you in person for saving her life."

Sophie smiled as she saw the small glint in Alexander's eyes at the mention of Jenabel.

Alexander was torn; he had spent the last two days trying not to think of Jenabel. He had only seen her the one time, only seen the flash of her emerald eyes for an instant. But she was always in his thoughts. He had wanted to approach Brad or Carl a hundred times to ask about her, make sure she was recovering well from the broken arm suffered in the wreck.

Alexander's dreams were filled with her. The way her face had calmed when she saw him through the shattered window. How it felt to hold her against him as he scrambled up the ravine trying to get away from the crumpled suburban. The memory of knowing if he died protecting her when the blast came that it would be a good way to go.

There was something compelling about her, something that would not let go of his focus. He thought for only a moment about Sophie's offer before answering with a tone that held surprising resolve.

"I would like that very much Sophie; I am looking forward to meeting your daughter."

Sophie smiled as Alexander got out of the jeep. The party would be very interesting indeed.

They made quick work of transferring the gear to the cabin. In less than half an hour it was time for Sophie to head back. Alexander was looking over the surveys of the area, getting his bearings and making sure there were no other answers he needed before she left.

He turned to find Sophie watching him. Alexander was surprised by the feelings of empathy that came from her. He had always been intuitive, able to read peoples intentions as well as the emotions behind them. While this sense was honed on the more violent end of the spectrum, it worked for all emotions.

"Thank you for bringing me up here and the invitation to the party. I'll get as much done as possible this week, if you need to take money out of my next check for the extra trip just do it, I won't mind."

Sophie had watched him carefully while they unloaded the jeep. His economy of motion, the precision he completed whatever task he was working on. Half way through he had stripped off his shirt. She cataloged the scars, not sure where some of them had come from. 'Carl will know.' She thought.

"You're very welcome Alexander, there's no need for you to pay gas money, I think we can write the extra trip off without a worry." She was smiling, teasing him in a gentle manner.

She got a lopsided grin for her efforts.

"I'll be back about 3pm on Friday, the party is Saturday afternoon so you'll have some time to rest and get settled before hand."

The urge to hug the young man came as a surprise to Sophie but she didn't fight it. She felt him stiffen slightly but it passed quickly and he returned it in full force.

"Be safe Alexander, I'll see you Friday." She said as she started the jeep and pulled away from the small cabin. Alexander watched her go, still analyzing the easy feeling of comfort he had received from her unexpected hug.

He took a long walk that evening, getting the lay of the land, outlining a plan of attack for the survey. After his initial inspection of the parcel he was surprised they wanted it surveyed.

Its location was remote in the best of terms. The area was pristine. A wide, fast moving creek meandered down the south boundary. To the north, the mountain rose almost two thousand feet and the west bordered Custer National Forest. Unless spikers came in from the park it was highly unlikely that anyone would be this far out on the mountain.

It mattered little to Alexander. He was here to do the job. If Carl felt it needed to be surveyed then that's what he would do.

The days passed quickly. Alexander moved fluidly through the terrain at a speed which surprised him. His senses continued to heighten as well. He found himself avoiding animals as not to startle them, simply knowing where they would be based on the small clues the forest provided. Each day he woke earlier, stayed out later. His stamina was improving almost exponentially, the limp which had plagued him for more than a year was almost entirely forgotten.

It was Thursday, mid-day and Alexander was done with three quarters of the survey. Sitting by the creek with only the forest to focus on his thoughts wandered once again to Jenabel.

'I wonder what she is doing.'

Such thoughts had come unbidden consistently over the last days. When he wasn't focused on the survey his thoughts invariably returned to the mysterious young woman he had saved. The pull he felt to get to know her, be close to her, protect her had grown with each passing day. His nights were filled with dreams.

Dreams of the forest.

Of a soft voice invading the dark cloak of unconsciousness.

Images of the moon against a star filled cosmos.

The subtle touch of cool fingertips on his lips.

Scents that stirred his passion.

Alexander's unfocused eyes registered movement across the fast moving creek.

He stilled, not wanting to surprise whatever may be sharing the forest with him that morning. From the thick copse of trees he saw the brush tremble as something passed behind it. Alexander could sense the animal behind it. Could hear its heart beat. Feel the gentle tremor of soft footfalls on the dry forest floor.

He wasn't surprised when the wolf stepped from the trees into the open space on the other side of the creek. Over the past few days he had seen brief glimpses of brown fur moving through the trees, a blur of russet that flashed out behind a pine tree for an instant.

Alexander was a warrior; he had met and defeated threats to his life for five years. He knew the feel and intent of malice. The wolf or wolves were not aggressive. They never strayed near his small cabin. Never seemed to pay him much attention at all and when they did notice him it seemed more out of curiosity than anything else.

In truth he was pleased for their on again off again companionship. While being alone in the middle of no where held no fear for him, it was nice to acknowledge another living being now and again.

The wolf across the creek stood perfectly still. Amber colored eyes fixed on Alexander. He knew better than to meet those eyes straight on as it could be interpreted as a challenge.

He watched it out of the corner of his eye. Noting that it was probably young, it was not large for a wolf, maybe seventy-five pounds. Lean and lithe he got the impression this one was female. Light brown with golden blond streaks running through her coat she was a beautiful little wolf. He laughed as she laid down, her muzzle resting on her paws as she watched him.




Orphan Ch. 04



They stayed like that for more than ten minutes. Alexander watching her, the young wolf's stare fixed on him. Finally he decided it was time for his break to be over. Standing slowly he stretched. With a deliberate motion he picked up his pack and slung it over his shoulder.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you; I have to get back to work."

His voice carried on the clear mountain air as he started off down the hill to the last section of the parcel that bordered the creek. The wolf stayed where it was, not moving when he rose, but never taking its eyes off him.

As an afterthought Alexander reached into his pack and grabbed a large piece of jerky. With a gentle toss he threw it over the creek toward the wolf.

"Here you go little one, something to tide you over till your next rabbit."

The wolf moved like lightning, crossing twenty feet in the blink of an eye to catch the piece of dried meat before it touched the ground. She ate it in one quick bite, tongue lolling out as she seemed to grin at him. The look gave Alexander a good laugh as he turned back to his work.

Throughout the rest of the day the blonde wolf paced him, never coming too close, but always within sight. She would run around him in wide circles, jump and yip at him when he wasn't looking at her.

'Just like a woman.' He thought smiling.

The sun was starting to drop toward the mountains as he made his way back to his cabin. The wolf looked at him then at the sun. Giving a long howl she flashed away into the woods heading east at a fast pace.

"Goodbye Blondie." Alexander yelled after her. The fading howl he received in response gave him pause for a moment. "What a strange day." Alexander found that he talked to himself quite a bit when he was out in the forest, he didn't know if he should be concerned or not.

Alexander had fashioned a make shift hammock and slung it between two trees. He found that as always, sleeping under the stars was what allowed him to rest easiest. Only a bare sliver of the moon hung low in the western sky after dusk. As he drifted to sleep a distant howl echoing through the mountains reached him. Alexander found comfort in its tone.

He was done with the survey by noon and packed by one. The morning had found him anxious; a sense of unknown impending clouded his emotions. He knew not what was coming but was sure that something was. Alexander heard the jeep almost fifteen minutes before it pulled in. After a week in the forest it was too easy to pick out the sound.

Sophie pulled up to the cabin just as Alexander walked out. He waved as she turned off the jeep and stepped out.

"Hello Alexander." Sophie smiled at the sight of him. Dressed in jeans, his blond hair was wet, falling across his shoulders. His broad chest and well defined muscles rippled as he hefted his large duffel

"Good afternoon Mrs. Benton. Did you have a good trip up?"

Sophie nodded as she walked to the pile of gear and helped load up.

"Is this everything Alexander?" Sophie questioned as they stowed the last of the gear.

Alexander smiled at her.

"It is. I finished the survey this morning. I think Mr. Benton will be pleased with the results. It seems it has been a long time since this area was cleared, he should get good numbers and leave almost double the amount standing as would be the norm."

Alexander had spent his time wisely. He picked up on what type and size of trees they were looking for, understood their desire to leave as many mid-age trees as possible to rejuvenate the plot once they moved on.

"While I did the survey I marked the ones for the cutters, I'm sure Mr. Benton will want to check the site himself but I think I got pretty close."

Sophie was surprised. The survey itself should have taken at a minimum ten days. Marking from the survey the trees to be culled another three.

"You did thirteen days of work in four and half?" She couldn't keep the doubt out of her voice.

Alexander smiled.

"I kind of got into a groove; if the sun was up I was in the forest." Alexander said this as he pulled the survey from his backpack.

"Come on, I'll show you."

An hour later, as they drove back toward Red Lodge Sophie was convinced that Alexander Dane was something more than human.

"You did a wonderful job Alexander, Carl will be very pleased, surprised, but pleased."

Alexander watched the forest through the window.

"I'm glad, I like Red Lodge. It feels more like a home everyday. Perhaps he'll be at the yard when we get back and I can go over it with him."

Sophie was quick to respond.

"No!...I mean, with the party tomorrow the yard closed down early. I'm sure that Monday will be soon enough to go over it. Best you head home and relax tonight."

Sophie hadn't told anyone that she invited Alexander to the party. It was a gamble but Jenabel's and Alexander's happiness was worth the risk.

"That's probably true."

"I did have a question. Do you see many wolves around Red Lodge?"

He didn't notice Sophie's fingers twist tightly around the steering wheel.

Alexander continued.

"I saw one up at the parcel. The first few days she stayed out of sight but yesterday she came close. Beautiful little thing, young I would say as she seemed to have very little fear of me. Blondie kept me company most of the afternoon. It was amazing having something so wild so close and without any malice."

Sophie tried to keep the strain out of her voice.

"Blondie?"

Alexander laughed.

"Yeah that's my nickname for her; she has a beautiful light brown coat with these amazing blonde highlights running through it."

Sophie was quiet for a few minutes, composing herself before she answered.

"Yes, there are packs here and there across the mountain. One ranges close to Red Lodge but we never have any issues with them. They were here first of course."

Sophie's joke was meant to lighten the mood, hers more than Alexander's as he seemed to be oblivious to her mounting tension. He glanced at her briefly before turning his attention back to the passing scenery and responding.

"I think I may have had one by my place last Friday evening. I could have sworn I saw a just a flash of movement and brilliant green eyes just as night fell. But it was quick, could have been just my imagination." 

They made the rest of the trip back to Red Lodge in companionable silence.

The yard was dark when they arrived, only the small weekend crew was in the mine so the grounds were deserted.

"I'd like to get everything unloaded and put away before I head home if that's alright Mrs. Benton. Why don't you head out, I'm sure you have a lot to do before the party tomorrow."

Sophie watched him set to work unloading the gear from the jeep, placing it out on the floor to be looked over before going back on the shelves that lined the large storage garage.

"I'll leave you to it then Alexander, excellent work on the survey, I'm sure Carl will be pleased with how much you got done in such a short time."

Sophie turned to leave then paused.

"The party starts at 2pm, we're just up the road from you, look for the first right turn as you head west from your place. Dress casually, it's a big barbeque really, no need for anything more than jeans and such."

Alexander laughed.

"That's good, as jeans and such are about all I have."

She was struck once again by his easy nature, the gentleness at his core. He reminded her of Carl in that way.

"I'll see you tomorrow then Alexander, have a good evening and get some rest, you earned it."

In her thoughts Sophie replaced earned with need as she climbed into her own jeep. She didn't know what the next day would bring but she was sure that both Alexander and Jenabel would not be the same, for better or worse, come this time tomorrow.

*

Edited by Mikothebaby 



Orphan Ch. 05



Just a quick thank you for all the comments on this story, I'm very pleased that everyone is enjoying it. I really appreciate the support. V

*

The storm broke loose at midnight.

The sound of hard heavy rain on the metal roof of the house roused Alexander from a dead sleep. The week in the mountains had been good but tiring. After getting home from the yard and taking a quick shower he had fallen almost instantly asleep. Now the pounding rain beating out a cadence on the roof had him staring at the offending ceiling.

Thunder boomed, echoing off the mountains and shaking the house to its foundations. Alexander felt his pulse increase. It had always been this way. He loved the fury and power of such storms, the unassailable nature of their force. Alexander took comfort from such things, feeling that it provided a stark reminder that there were things in the world that could not be controlled, that were far stronger than anything wrought by man.

He remembered many a night spent on the orphanage roof when he would stand in the face of a Nor'easter. The biting wind and icy rain wrapped his body in its power. Much to the chagrin of the nuns when they inevitably found him in the morning.

Alexander arose, the darkened room momentarily illuminated by a flash of lightning arcing down from the heavens to strike nearby, the sonic crash came almost immediately after. Alexander smiled in the darkness as his eyes tried to readjust following the blinding flash.

"Mother nature's putting on a good show tonight."

As he stepped out onto the porch his words were drowned out by another wave of sound from thunder further up in the mountains.

The trees swayed violently in the coursing wind that came with the storm. The night was pure dark, whitecaps roiled in the lake like specters when the lightning illuminated their ivory dance. Alexander was soaking wet in an instant. He didn't care; he reveled in being so close to so much primal power. It made his blood pulse faster through his veins, his muscles flex involuntarily as the cool hard rain ricocheted off his taut body.

He stood there for a long time, eyes closed, arms out as Mother Nature proved once again what true power and fury were. Alexander felt a part of her, seemed to pull power and purpose from standing within the whirlwind of her display.

With a smile Alexander gave the storm a brief nod of appreciation, a small thank you for allowing him to be a spectator at her dance. Turning to the door he paused when, between the thunder and rain and wind, another sound found its way to his ear.

Alexander's body tensed as he turned back to face the storm. Senses heightened he closed his eyes knowing that they would do him no good searching for the sound he heard. Seconds ticked by in time with his heartbeat as his ears strained to cut through the noises of the storm...

The creak of the ancient trees as they bent against the winds fury.

Rain pounding against the earth in a background roar.

Thunder bellowing through the mountains, seeming to gain tenor and pitch as its vibrations jarred his bones.

Alexander became calmer, tuned out more and more of the tumult.

And then it was there, a small sound amongst giants, a plaintive whimper behind the whirling fury of the storm. Alexander's eyes snapped open as he streaked into the storms gaping maw intent on finding the source of the whimper.

-vVv-

Jenabel rose so quickly from her bed that she fell right off with a hard drop to the floor.

"God damn it!" She cried rubbing her aching hip. The earth-shattering crash that roused her sounded as though a train had decided to make a run through her house.

She looked around dazed for a moment, her place on the floor skewing her perspective for a moment before full consciousness found her. A storm raged outside her window but that was not what had pulled her from sleeps sweet embrace. She was born and raised in these mountains, had long ago tuned out their various rumblings. No, the unnatural sound of something way too large meeting the earth was what roused her from sleep and dreams of Alexander.

"Alexander."

The name slipped past her lips in whisper. It did not bring the longing ache that it usually did when she indulged herself to hear her voice give name to that which should be hers. This time it brought comfort, in the way a favorite blanket does in the deep end of night when the monsters of our imagination crawl forth from our psyche.

Pulling on her robe Jenabel hurried to the door. Opening it the rain slashed in and she was surprised when Brad bolted through it. She slammed it after him, cutting off the downpour and the howl of the gale.

"What is it?" Jenabel's voice was tense, thick with emotion. She knew something must be wrong if Brad was already darkening her door at this hour - in this storm. She glanced over him quickly and her apprehension only grew. He was dirty, in the minute or so he had run between his home and Jenabel's, mud had caked his jeans and rain slicker. Jenabel noted the high intensity flash lights they used at the mine in his hand.

Brad took deep breaths, trying to fill his lungs with oxygen and calm his frenetic heartbeat before answering.

"The Halston's house had a tree come down right through the middle of it."

Jenabel nodded as she dashed for her room. Retuning quickly she was dressed much as Brad was.

"Let's go." Jenabel's voice was strong but as they made their way out into the storm she thought of the Halston's and tears flooded her eyes. The Halston's were one of the first families to join the Benton's in the wilderness. Their strength and easy ways would be greatly missed. Jenabel's sorrow turned quickly to fear as her eyes met Brads.

They sprinted across the compound to join the others who had gathered, her father was just about to enter the wreckage when he saw Jenabel and Brad.

"Jenabel, you shouldn't be here."

She knew her father meant well but it did make her weary how often he tried to protect her. Grabbing the light out of Brad's hand she looked at her father for a moment before running into the mangled house.

The roof was completely destroyed. Floor joists from the upstairs hung down at odd angles as Jenabel picked her way through the damage. The Halstons, John and Karen and their three kids, Missy, John Jr. and Amy would most assuredly have been home. Jenabel, seeing the destruction first hand felt hope slipping away.

"I'm sure they are alright Jenabel."

Brad's voice comforted her as they made their way around the ancient oak which had chosen this night to finally give up its long battle with gravity. A low moan could be heard to their right. Jenabel and Brad made there way toward it.

"There!" Jenabel cried as she saw a hand move weakly from under some debris.

Brad moved quickly, clearing away the sodden sheet rock to uncover Karen and John Sr. They were moving, eyes open but they looked to be in shock. Jenabel couldn't blame them. It looked as thought the tree had pushed their bed from the second floor to the first floor, paying little attention to the wood and stone that separated the two.

"Let's get them over to the infirmary."

Carl Benton directed his neighbors to Karen and John as Jenabel moved deeper into the wrecked house. Behind a door knocked off its hinges and around tree branches the size of telephone poles, they made their way further into the house until they finally heard a small cry.

"Over here!"

Brad moved a piece of a half fallen wall to find both Missy and John Jr. huddled together.

"It's okay now; we'll get you out of here." The kids nodded and calmed somewhat at seeing Brad and then Jenabel.

"Let me have Missy." Jenabel said as she reached for the girl.

Brad handed her up to Jenabel then grabbed John Jr. Together they made their way out of the ruined husk.

"Where's Amy?" Missy asked Jenabel as they cleared the debris.

"I don't know honey we'll find her. Don't you worry."

Missy tried to be brave but the tears overwhelmed her as Jenabel handed the girl over to one of the others that had come to help.

"Get her over to the infirmary with her folks."

The man wrapped Missy in a blanket and hurried off.

"We have to find Amy!" Jenabel yelled over the storm. She was about to run back into the shattered house but her father grabbed her before she could move.

"She's not in there Jenabel, she must have gotten scared and run away." She knew her father was right, she hadn't sensed anyone else in the home.

Brad and Carl saw the blood drain out of Jenabel's face as the truth of what happened to Amy began to sink in. After a moment her shoulders squared and her eyes took on a steely gleam.

"Well let's go, the middle of this storm is no place for a three year old girl to be alone." Jenabel's words were quick and cutting; Brad and her father understood why.

When Jenabel had been four she got lost in the woods around the compound during a very similar storm. It raged for two days. With all the wind and rain they couldn't track her and had to wait 'til the storm broke. She had spent thirty hours out in the forest alone before her father and brothers finally found her. Brad and Jenabel moved out into the storm, their only thoughts on finding the child, neither very hopeful that it would be an easy task.

-vVv-

The storm fought Alexander every step of the way as he moved with purpose toward the sound. Wind whipped branches left deep, livid scratches against his bare chest and back. The unrelenting rain blurred his vision and burned his eyes. With only brief pauses where he would allow the storm to quiet in his consciousness to ensure his bearing was true, he made his way closer and closer to the sorrowful whimpering that had cut through the storms rage to find his ears.

Alexander came to a halt before a felled tree. It was an old giant that had finally given up its deep hold in the earth. He was surprised that this beast hitting the ground hadn't woken him. Searching through the littered branches and debris the whimpering grew quite loud as whatever it was noted his arrival.

Alexander moved methodically around the fallen tree, searching every inch of space he could until finally, moving a tangled mat of branches he found the source of the whimpering.

The wolf pup stared up at him in obvious pain and fear, one of the larger branches of the tree had trapped its leg effectively immobilizing it. With a strong jerk accompanied by a loud crack Alexander snapped the large branch from the rest of the tree and threw it into the still howling storm. As soon as it was free of the branch, the pup moved fast, trying to run away. Unfortunately its back leg buckled under the strain and the pup tumbled to the ground with loud yip.

"Easy there little guy, I won't hurt you."

Alexander's words cut through the surrounding din; the young wolf focused on him, its wild fear noticeable for a moment before it gave a small sigh and went limp. Alexander quickly but gently picked the wolf up, shielding it in his arms against the rain he made his way back to the house.

"I'm glad I turned the house lights on little one or neither of us would get dry tonight."

Alexander's words were soothing and he felt the animal push closer to the warmth of his body. This brought a weary grin to his lips as he made his way up on the porch and pushed through his half open door. Placing the soaked little animal on his bed Alexander retrieved two towels and dried himself off. Hooking the towel around his waist he turned his attention to the young wolf. It was looking around but didn't seem nearly as frightened as it had.

"Let's get you dried off, okay? You look like a drowned rat." Alexander said with a smile as he bundled the small wolf into the other large fluffy towel and began to gently dry it. He noted the small yip the wolf made when he dried its back right leg.

"Looks like you got banged up a little there, let's have a peek."

Alexander turned the wolf on its back and looked over what he found to be her back legs. The left one looked fine. The right one however showed a deep gouge that was slowly oozing blood.

"Ouch, that can't feel good, don't worry honey we'll get you fixed up." Alexander crossed the room and retrieved his well equipped first aid kit.

"This is going to sting some." Alexander laughed at himself for talking to the pup as if it were a child. He put a gentle restraining hand on her belly before pouring a good portion of hydrogen peroxide into her wound. He felt bad when she yelped but there was nothing for it.

"Shhh, the worst is over now little one." His words were soft and gentle as he carefully wrapped her leg in gauze. She watched him with curious eyes, her little body still quivering now and again.

"There we go, you should be good as new in a few days."

Alexander gently rubbed her belly with the towel. Finished drying he watched as she curled up into a tight ball and fell asleep. As the storm raged outside Alexander thought she had the right idea. Pulling on a pair of boxers he turned out the lights and slid back into bed, his young charge wrapped in a dry blanket at his side.

-vVv-

"The storms too strong Jenabel, we have to go in, we'll start the search again as soon as the storm clears." Carl yelled.

Carl Benton understood his daughter's single minded focus on finding the lost child but the storm was getting worse, putting her and the rest of the searchers in jeopardy.

"But we can't stop looking." Jenabel yelled over the wind.

"We have no choice. I can't put so many at risk. She probably found a dry spot and curled up there to wait out the storm. Don't worry we'll find her Jenabel, but we have to wait 'til this storm lets up."

Even through the blinding rain Carl could see the tears in his daughter's eyes as she finally nodded her agreement. He wrapped her in a strong hug and led her and the rest of the searchers back to his house. The house was warm as Sophie passed out towels to everyone. They all looked harried after nearly two hours out in the storm searching for Amy.

"Where's Cross? I thought he was coming up yesterday; he's the best tracker we have. He should be out there trying to find her!"

Sophie noted the almost manic tone of Jenabel's voice.

"He called about eight o' clock; he won't be able to come up. He was running out the door to catch a flight to San Diego, something about a new grad student that he had to put in her place."

Sophie knew Jenabel would not appreciate her brother's absence.

"Damn him, everything and everyone is always more important to him than us." Jenabel's words were cold and filled with ire.

"Now Jenabel, Cross lives his own life, makes his own choices. He is the same as you in that."

Carl's words were brusque and Jenabel felt the weight of them. Hugging her father tight her words were a whisper.

"I know Daddy, I'm sorry, it's just I'm so worried."

Carl pulled her tighter against him.

"We all are Jenabel, she'll be alright, you'll see."

She wasn't at all confident in her fathers words as she went to one of the guest rooms to get a few hours sleep before the search resumed.

-vVv-

The storm blew itself out just before dawn. In the space of five minutes the wind went from a blowing maelstrom to a gentle breeze. The rain stopped as the clouds slowly began to disperse in the face of the coming dawn. Alexander was awakened by a wet tongue on his forehead. Cracking one eye open, he looked up into the playful eyes of the wolf pup.

"Time to get up is it?" Alexander laughed as he gently pushed the pup away and sat up in bed.

The world was quiet.

"The storm passed eh?" He asked the now tail wagging wolf as he stood up and opened the door.

"What a mess."

Trees and branches littered the yard. The lake was a maze of floating debris.

"Guess I know what I'll be doing this morning." The pup growled good naturedly at him as he turned from the open door to look at her.

"We'll need to figure out what to do with you of course. You must be hungry, Blondie seemed to like the jerky, let's see if you're the same."

Rummaging through his cabinets he found the bag of home made deer jerky he had gotten on his last trip to the store. Tearing a piece into smaller bits he laid them on the bed by the wolf. He watched her as she nosed the pieces for a minute before giving a little bark and digging in.

She was a pretty little thing, dark brown fur the color of chocolate with white socks and belly. One ear drooping while the other stayed up, then they would switch. Alexander laughed as he watched her wrestle with the strips of dried meat.

Not having any better ideas he grabbed his phone and dialed Brad's number. While it rang, it never connected up or went to voice mail. The wolf had finished its breakfast and was limping around in tight circles on the bed giving Alexander a baleful stare.

"Okay, okay, I get it, sorry." Alexander picked the pup up and gently put it on the ground. She made a beeline for the still open door.

"I know how she feels." He said as he stepped into the bathroom to take care of his morning necessities.

Finishing up and dressing in jeans and t-shirt Alexander grabbed himself a piece of the jerky before going out to the porch looking for the young wolf. He found her wrestling a downed branch at the bottom of the stairs.

"Well you seem to be on the mend there Honey. What say you and I go see if Sophie has an idea of what to do with you and how to get you home?"

Alexander stepped back in the house to grab his shoes, not noticing that the little wolf stilled as he mentioned Sophie's name or that its tail began to wag in earnest.

Not for the first time Alexander questioned the viability of only having the Harley for transportation. Grabbing a clean towel he picked up the wolf and wrapped it up. Zipping his jacket half way up he slid the pup inside where she would be relatively safe for the short trip to the Benton's place.

The wolf, tongue lolling happily out of its mouth peaked out of Alexander's jacket as he kick started the bike to life.

"Hold on Honey, it will be a quick ride." His words were lost in the growling howl of the Harley's engine as he pulled away from his house.

-vVv-

"Jenabel, wake up honey, the storms broken."

Jenabel sat up with a start.

Sophie stood over her daughter, a cup of coffee in her hand.

"How long was I asleep?"

Jenabel asked sitting up and taking the coffee from her mother.

"About three hours, the storm let up about twenty minutes ago. It's almost dawn. Your father and Brad are putting together search groups now. We'll be leaving in ten minutes."

Jenabel nodded to her mother as she finished the coffee in three gulps, wincing as the hot liquid landed heavily in her empty stomach.

"I'll be ready in five." Jenabel said as she made her way to the bathroom.

Fifteen people milled about in front of the Benton home. All of them looked tired but had a fire in their eyes. One of their own was missing and they were bound and determined to find her.

Jenabel stepped onto the porch and stretched. Her mind was already whirling trying to think where Amy would have wound up after the accident. She saw the Halston's sitting on the porch. Walking over to them she bent down and gave Karen a gentle hug. Karen's right arm was in a sling; John had a cast on his left leg.

"Don't worry, we'll find her." Jenabel's whispered words elicited a mere nod from Karen, the stress of the previous night still weighed heavily on the frightened mother. Jenabel gave John's shoulder a reassuring squeeze as she turned her attention back to her father.

"You four go with Brad, search to the west toward the mountain. My group will head south. Sophie you go east and check the lake perimeter." Carl paused, seeing Jenabel on the porch he gave her a quick nod before continuing. "The rest of you head north with Jenabel, work from the compound out in a clockwise circle, Amy has to be somewhere, now lets go find her."




Orphan Ch. 05



Carl's tone was hard, he took his responsibility as leader seriously, having one of his own, and especially a child in harms way just wouldn't do. The groups split up, all of them keyed up as they readied themselves for the hunt. The sound of an engine cut through the morning stillness, all of them tensed at the sound.

Jenabel's head turned in the direction of the low rumble that rose in volume as the seconds ticked by. She knew that sound, it was Alexander and he seemed to be coming their way.

"I thought he was on the east face for another week?" Jenabel's question was aimed at her father.

"He is, we're not supposed to pick him up till..." Carl's response trailed off as he turned an accusing eye to his wife.

Sophie was having none of it.

"You can just stop looking at me like that Carl Benton, yes I went and got Alexander yesterday afternoon, I invited him to the party."

Carl's anger spiked, even though she was his wife he didn't take kindly to his decisions being questioned. Having them totally dismissed stoked his growing fury. Jenabel cut in before her parents could really get going.

"This doesn't matter right now, we have to find Amy. Dad, Brad you take your groups and get going. My group and Mom's go as well, we will catch up as soon as we can."

Jenabel's body hummed with emotion. Her overriding fear for Amy was now balanced by the impending arrival of her mate who she hadn't seen in over a week.

Carl, Brad and the other groups headed out. Carl gave Sophie a withering glare before doing so.

"Why don't you stay here Jenabel, I'll go see what has Alexander showing up eight hours earlier than expected and ruining my surprise." Sophie was undaunted by her husbands growling, she knew deep down that her decision was the right one.

"But I..." Jenabel's words trailed off as her own emotions warred within her.

Sophie understood her daughter's tumultuous emotions.

"I know Jenabel, you want to see him but you don't know what will happen. Just stay here."

Sophie walked fast toward the entrance, her own thoughts just as muddled as her daughters.

'Maybe this wasn't the best idea.' She thought to herself as she heard the big motorcycle draw ever closer.

Alexander was surprised when he turned down the road which Sophie had indicated led to their home. She had told him on the drive back from the east face that, along with her home, there were several others. As he navigated the small winding road questions blossomed in his mind as he caught subtle details along the way.

Small cleared areas on high ground. 

The occasional well camouflaged surveillance camera in the trees.

How the roadsides had been cleared to make sure there were no places one could hide a car.

Alexander slowed his progress as the little wolf started to squirm.

"Easy there girl, we're almost there, Mrs. Benton will know what to do with you."

The pup stared up at him for a moment and then retreated inside his jacket with a small yip.

"She's not that scary." Alexander said with a smile.

Coming out of the final long turn he was greeted by a sturdy wall that ran north and south out of sight from the gated entrance. It looked ornamental. But to Alexander's trained eye he understood it was anything but. The wall was nearly nine feet high. Security lights were mounted unobtrusively every twenty or so feet around its top. The gate itself, while beautiful and well wrought looked, upon closer examination, to be sturdy enough to stop a speeding truck.

'Interesting', was Alexander's only thought before the gate slid back into the wall.

"I guess they heard us coming little one."

Alexander drove through the gate, stopping just inside. He had no need to continue following the large winding driveway further as Sophie Benton was waiting for him. Shutting off the bike and kicking down the stand, Alexander gently swung off and stood before Sophie.

"Good morning Mrs. Benton, I am sorry to intrude so early."

Alexander's tone was tentative. He could sense that Mrs. Benton was on edge, he was sure it was his presence that was fueling the chaotic emotions he felt from the woman. Sophie smiled and relaxed, the smile was one of relief, which Alexander found odd. 

"You're not intruding at all Alexander, what can I do for you this morning, is everything alright?"

It took a good amount of control for Sophie to maintain her cool facade. Alexander relaxed some while reaching into his jacket.

"Well, I found this little lady out in the storm last night; her leg was pretty banged up. I thought you might have an idea of what to do to get her back with the pack you mentioned roamed this area."

Alexander said this as he pulled the pup from his jacket. He cradled her in his arms as he spoke. Sophie's smile widened as she crossed the few steps between.

"Oh Alexander." Her voice was rich with emotion. She had to struggle to not hug the life out of him. Instead she gave his arm a comforting squeeze.

"Yes, the pups do get separated from their pack from time to time. We can look out for her, let her mend then get her back where she belongs."

Sophie gently took the pup from Alexander's arms. She was greeted with slobbery wolf kisses on her cheeks. Alexander smiled at the pups antics.

"I heard her whimpering during the storm, she got pinned underneath a fallen tree, I found her and got the bleeding stopped. I tried Brad this morning but couldn't get him so I was hoping you would know what to do." Alexander patted the pup tenderly as he related the story.

Sophie smiled at him, reaching up to gently cup his cheek.

"You most definitely saved her Alexander, thank you so much."

Alexander was a little surprised by the strength of her emotions but chocked it up to the Benton's love of the mountains and everything that lived within them.

"Well, I'm glad that you can take care of her and get her back where she belongs." Alexander said as he walked back to his Harley. "I have a good amount to clean up after last nights storm, if the invitation is still open I'll see you this afternoon?"

Sophie picked up his hesitation about the invitation.

"Of course it is still open. I'm looking forward to having you meet everyone. I think you'll really enjoy yourself. After all the work you did this week, you earned it." Sophie noticed that his big body un-tensed.

"I'm looking forward to it." Alexander paused as he straddled the Harley. The wind shifted and a familiar scent caught his attention. Sophie watched as Alexander's eyes closed involuntarily as his head turned in the direction of her house.

Alexander shook his head to clear it. As soon as the scent found him the wind shifted again and it was gone. Returning his attention to Sophie he kick started the motorcycle.

"I'll see you at two then." He said with a thankful smile before turning the bike and heading out of the compound.

Sophie stood at the gate watching Alexander's retreating form until he disappeared around the bend. She turned to find Jenabel standing behind her. Sophie noted the flush on her youngest child's cheeks and the feral smile that graced her beautiful face. Sophie shook her head and laughed at the absurdity of the situation. Jenabel had found her mate, there was no denying it.

"Here, take her over to the infirmary and have Doc check her out. I'll go catch up with your father and the others."

Her mother's words broke her from the longing stare she gave the road which Alexander had disappeared down.

"You invited him to the party?" There was so much hope in Jenabel's voice that Sophie could do nothing but pull her into a gentle hug, the wolf pup cradled between them.

"He's your mate Jenabel. Whatever else happens, however it works out; that is the truth of it. If you fight the call you'll live a life of misery, I can't let that happen. Now get out of here, we have a ton to do before this afternoon."

Jenabel kissed her mothers cheek before running off with the pup in her arms.

-vVv-

Alexander couldn't get the scent out of his head as he manhandled the large branches that had been brought down by the storm. On the ride home from the Benton's he had remembered when the scent had found him before.

The deep musky feminine scent had set his blood to fire that night at his place just a week ago. Though this time it was different, it was deeper. It had the essences of clove and the subtle nuance of spring rain. These coupled with the erotic feral and oh so feminine musk had Alexander grinding his teeth as he worked.

There was nothing in his experience to relate it too, nothing in his past that even came close to eliciting the powerful emotions of need and want that this did, and now he couldn't break its hold on his attention.

"Fuck!"

Alexander was none too pleased when his errant thoughts led to the large branch he was carrying slipping from his grasp.

'What the fuck.' Alexander chided himself as he picked the branch up and muscled it over to the ever growing pile at the side of the house. Seeing the Benton's compound, the hurt wolf, the scent, all of it had his thoughts whirling. A quiet chuff behind him caused all of these thoughts to fly from his mind. His big body tensed as he slowly turned around.

Sitting just inside the clearing behind his house, Blondie lay on her belly with her snout on her paws watching him. Alexander relaxed, a smile crossing his lips.

"I didn't expect to see you again; you're kind of far from home aren't you?"

The young wolf chuffed again, as if responding to his question. Alexander found it curious that a young wolf would range so close to civilization.

"I didn't expect to see you again Blondie." He didn't know why he found himself talking to animals so often these days. It was a good thing he was going to the party this afternoon. Being around people seemed like a good idea considering his current penchant for talking to himself, or whatever breathing thing happened to be in close proximity.

Alexander walked into the house and retrieved the bag of jerky. Pulling out two large pieces he stepped back out onto the porch, only to find the young wolf now sitting expectantly at the bottom of the porch stairs. Alexander tensed once again. While he appreciated the animal's beauty and seemingly tame ways, he was not a fool. A wild animal was just that, wild.

He took a hesitant step backwards and the wolf chuffed again as it lay down and then surprisingly rolled over. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as she watched him. Alexander couldn't help but smile. Wild or not she was the friendliest damn thing he had ever met.

He walked forward slowly and sat on the top step. About four feet separated the two as they regarded each other. The wolf flipped over but stayed on her belly. Alexander couldn't resist the smile that came to his lips.

"You're trouble, I can tell." He said with a happy tone as he tossed the wolf a piece of the jerky. As before on the mountain, she moved fast, catching the morsel in her mouth, downing it with one gulp.

"Not very lady like are you?" He laughed at her quiet growl. "I'd swear you could understand me."

Stepping off the porch, Alexander went back to work. It was almost noon and he still had about an hours worth of work to get done which would leave him time to shower and change before going to the Benton's. Alexander picked up another branch and dragged it to the pile.

"I may have found one of your pack mates last night. You really shouldn't let the young ones out alone you know."

He could have sworn the wolf scowled at him but brushed it off as his imagination.

The hour passed quickly as Alexander squared away the last of the debris, the young wolf staying close the whole time. Sitting back down on the steps, the wolf walked slowly toward him.

"I'm going in Blondie, I appreciate the company but I have a party to get to."

The wolf barked at him and moved closer.

"Ah, you're looking for that other piece of jerky aren't you?"

Alexander pulled it off the railing and offered it to the wolf. He didn't throw it, simply held it in his hand, waiting to see what she would do. The wolf gave him a look that almost seemed as if she was raising her eye brows at him, well if she had eye brows that is. She walked slowly forward and gently took the piece of meat from his fingers. She didn't move away as she ate this piece more slowly than the first.

"See isn't it better when you savor it." Alexander laughed as the wolf looked mortified.

"I never knew wolves could be this expressive, you're an amazing young lady to be sure. Well, thanks for keeping me company Blondie I've got to get moving."

Alexander was surprised when, as he stood, the wolf moved closer to him, running her head gently against his thigh. With a tentative touch he reached down and scratched behind her ears. They stood that way for a moment, and then she was off, running in a few tight circles and yipping happily before bolting off into the woods.

"Could this day get any stranger?"

Alexander's question hung in the air as he turned and went in the house to get ready.

Should the universe had deigned to answer his question, the gentle spring breeze would have most assuredly whispered...yes.

-vVv-

"You had no right to go behind my back Sophie!"

Carl was, to say the least, upset with his wife.

That she had invited Alexander to the party was bad enough, but it hurt him to his core that his mate would keep something like this from him. Sophie felt the pain emanating off her husband as he paced around their bedroom. In all the years they had been together, neither of them had ever kept anything from the other, until now.

She walked behind him where he stood looking out over the compound from their window and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It was wrong of me to keep you in the dark and for that I apologize." Her tone shifted from conciliatory to a stronger timbre. "However, I'm not sorry I invited him Carl, he's meant to be with Jenabel. There is no fighting it. You and she, all of us will just have to see where this path leads. You know it Carl; you feel the pull to him just as we all do. Hell Willow is so convinced she stood up to Brad when he told her to drop it."

This surprised Carl. He turned and pulled his wife into his arms.

"What do you mean? With Brad's position, she knows better than to question him." The group's hierarchy was clearly defined, to have a child argue with Brad was unfathomable.

"Last weekend Willow found Alexander in the woods, she thought he was a new member, she took him to the glänta. Brad found them there, caught her just before she was going to say things she shouldn't to an outsider. When Brad told her he wasn't one of us she basically scoffed at him."

Carl had to smile at that; he could imagine young Willow giving Brad a dressing down. While it was no where close to appropriate it was most definitely amusing. Sophie's tone dropped low again as she looked up into his eyes, her hand gently cupping his cheek.

"I am sorry my love. Jenabel is in so much pain. I can't believe the universe would be this cruel. I have to have hope that there is a way they can be together."

Carl gave his wife a gentle smile as he bent to tenderly kiss her soft lips. He could never stay angry with her for long, but this had hurt him to his very core. Through their bond he let her feel his pain at her not trusting him. In return he felt the true remorse she had for not trusting him with what she thought was best for their daughter.

Pulling away from him, he saw the tears in her eyes. He brushed them away with his thumb.

"I love you. If Jenabel and Alexander are meant to be as you believe, I'll move heaven and earth to see that it's done."

Sophie smiled at her husband, her love for him was boundless, the joy she received from being his mate and having him as hers was what drove her to help Jenabel. Determined that she and Alexander could know the completeness, the joy, the safety of what having a mate truly means.

"And I love you Carl, always and forever. Now let's go, I have to make sure everything is ready for this damn party. And you have to figure out how you are going to handle Mr. Bouchard and Jason when they get here."

Carl scowled at the thought of the two men who were undoubtedly on their way. Thomas Bouchard had been pushing his son Jason toward Jenabel since almost the day they were born. While the tradition of a Bouchard and a Benton wedding once every generation was long standing, he had never felt quite right about leading Jenabel in that direction. He always assumed that if it was to be, then they would feel the attraction and that would be that.

With Alexander capturing Jenabel's heart, that was never going to happen. Carl doubted that Thomas or Jason would be too pleased with this turn of events.

'Ah well, there is nothing else for it, they'll both just have to get used to it.' Carl thought as he made his way down stairs. The party would be starting in less than an hour and there were still a few details to work out. 

'If there's time, a conversation with Willow is in order as well.' Carl smiled once again at the thought of the girl standing up to Brad as he headed off to take care of his honey do list.

-vVv-

As was always the case with such get togethers, people started showing up early. By one-thirty the party was in full swing with folks from the compound mingling easily with people from town and Jenabel's friends.

The ages ranged from toddlers to senior citizens and every age in between.

Sophie and Carl moved easily through the crowd. They had known most of these people for more decades than either of them cared to count. All of them they greeted by name, passed a moment to ask about family and business before moving on to the next person.

While they seemed the perfect host and hostess, both had anxiety levels that were well beyond tolerance. Jenabel had been like a cat on a hot tin roof since Alexander's surprise arrival that morning. Now she sat pensively on the sidelines, holding herself back, watching the gate with growing uncertainty.

Carl was on the other side of the grounds, talking with a few of the workers at the mine when he noticed Thomas and Jason Bouchard making there way toward Jenabel where she was perched on the front porch railing.

'This isn't good.' He thought to himself as he excused himself from the men and began to hurry toward the house. Sophie heard Carl in her mind.

'The Bouchard's are here, they're heading toward Jenabel, see if you can head them off.' Sophie looked around, it only took her a moment to find Jenabel then locate the Bouchard's who were moving in her direction.

At the same time one of the company jeeps pulled through the gate and parked. Alexander, after checking the weather forecast and finding more rain in the offing he decided to run by the yard and borrow a jeep for the day in case the rain decided to let loose before the party was over.

Stepping out of the Jeep he smiled at the generally happy vibe that permeated the place. Families and friends were spread out all over the compound. A large barbecue had been set up with what looked like more than twenty picnic tables surrounding it. The compound itself had the feeling of a small subdivision. Houses lined small lanes that radiated out from the central circular entrance drive. A large three story house dominated the main area.

"Probably the Benton's home." Alexander said to himself.

He was surprised to get a response.

"It is the Alp...Benton's home. Hello Alexander."

Alexander recognized the voice as he turned to find Willow smiling up at him.

"Good afternoon Miss Willow, it is nice to see you again."

Willow giggled at his use of Miss before her name.

"I was surprised when you...when I found out that you were coming Alexander. Here, let me show you around." And with that Willow slipped her small hand into his and proceeded to give him the fifty dollar tour.




Orphan Ch. 05



Brad watched as Willow walked away with Alexander. His father had told him the whole story. He was hopeful that his mother's belief that Alexander and Jenabel could be together was true. The last thing he wanted was for her to get hurt. Since it seemed Alexander was her mate then it was his duty to watch out for them both. As Willow and Alexander passed out of site he saw both his mother and father moving quickly toward their house.

Following their eyes he saw Jenabel. What he saw next had him moving toward her with purpose.

"Why Jenabel, so good to see you again."

Jenabel tensed at the man's easy words and familiar tone. Thomas Bouchard was not one of her favorite people. She had never been able to put words to why she didn't like him, only that there was something that always seemed disconcerting about him.

"Good afternoon Mr. Bouchard." She said, turning to face the man before adding. "And hello to you as well Jason." She was going to seriously consider causing her father some serious harm.

Jason Bouchard was much like his father only a younger version. Dark brown hair and eyes with a tall wide build, he thought far too much of himself. Raised by his father to be his heir apparent, Jason had a combination of ego and carelessness that she found barely tolerable.

Jason eyed her like he always did, with a slight smirk on his thin lips and a leer in his eye.

"It's good to see you Jenabel. It's been a long time, too long."

Thomas supported his son's response.

"You're so right Jason. It has been far too long since the two of you had a chance to catch up. Now seems as good a time as any, I'll just go off and find your folks Jenabel."

Thomas gave his son a barely noticeable nod before moving off down the steps to intercept the Benton's.

"Let's take a walk."

Jason's tone surprised Jenabel as she raised an eye to him. It sounded more like an order than a request. She was having none of it.

"I'm fine right here Jason, if you have something to say just say it." Her tone was harsh. This surprised Jason, they had known each other for years and he had never known her to be anything but cordial. He knew she didn't really like him but that had little to do with his family's goals. Her like or dislike was unimportant and unnecessary. He looked her over like a hungry animal perusing his next meal. Jenabel just shook her head, basically dismissing the egotistical ass while she resumed her vigil for Alexander's arrival.

"What happened here Willow?"

They had navigated almost the entire compound and Alexander was impressed. The design had subtle military cues that would be missed by most people. The central hub design, the small straight streets radiating off from the center. Ancillary buildings like garages and work sheds placed on the outer perimeter near the compound wall limiting the amount of cover anyone would have trying to get at the center. He doubted anyone else noted these things. They screamed at him and he found it more and more interesting that the Benton's maintained such a secure home base.

Alexander's question was about the house before them. Its roof was caved in, a giant swath of the house just gone.

"A tree fell during last night's storm, it took them all morning to get it cut up and hauled away. We thought we might have to cancel the party but it all turned out okay."

Alexander looked at the damage with a critical eye.

"Was there anyone in there when it happened?"

"Oh yes, that's the Halstons house, everyone was in bed asleep. The parents were pretty banged up but the kids were okay. It took awhile to find Amy but then you already..."

Alexander noted the pregnant pause as Willow, now for the third time, stopped herself in mid sentence.

"I already know...what Willow."

She could feel Brad trying to get into her head. It was all so stupid, first Brad chastised her at the glänta and then this morning Mr. Benton made it perfectly clear that NOTHING was to be said to Alexander that may expose them.

With a sigh she answered him.

"What I meant to say was that since the party still happened, you already knew that everything probably worked out alright."

He raised an eyebrow high as he regarded the girl.

'She is hiding something.' He thought but decided not to push.

"I'm glad they are alright. Last nights storm was pretty wicked, I'm not surprised a few trees were brought down."

Willow was glad he chose to move on.

"Come on Alexander wait till you see the boar they have on the spit, you must be hungry after all of that work you did this morning." Willow didn't even realize that she had said too much and kept on walking even as Alexander stopped in his tracks. While Willow's statement about how he spent his morning was puzzling, it was something else that grabbed his full attention, caused him to stop and his body to go rigid.

As they had passed beyond a house heading toward the center of the small compound the wind had hit him. On it was the heady scent of clove and spring rains...

Willow stopped when she discovered Alexander was no longer following her. Looking back she saw him standing with his eyes closed, chin slightly lifted into the cool spring breeze. She scented the air as well, a goofy grin crossing her lips as she shook her head and mentally rung her hands together.

'Oh boy, this ought to be good.' She thought as she waited for the fireworks to begin.

Jason didn't like how Jenabel dismissed him so easily. No one had dared do anything like that in years.

'Time to teach her just who she is dealing with.'

His thoughts were cruel as his hand reached out to grab her arm.

Away from the porch in the crowd, another Bouchard was pushing his luck.

"Thomas we can talk about this later. Please get out of my way."

Carl's patience with Thomas Bouchard was quickly running out. He had intercepted him as he was heading toward Jenabel. Now it seemed he was intent on keeping him away.

"Now just one minute Benton, we need to clarify a few things."

'Need to give Jason a chance to turn on the charm and let Jenabel know what's good for her.'

Thomas' thoughts mirrored those of his son. A marriage between Jason and Jenabel was just what his family needed to finally get what was coming to them.

"Ow, Jason, god damn it let me go."

Jenabel was surprised when Jason's hand coiled around her bicep and tightened down hard.

"I don't think so Jenabel, it's about time you learned your place. Our families have been linked for generations, now it's our turn." Jason's eyes burned with a feral glee that made Jenabel's blood run cold. She could feel his intentions through the touch and they sickened her. She tried to break free from his grip but found he was too strong. She was about to scream when, across the compound she caught a flash of electric blue and a blur of blond hair.

Alexander's eyes flew open as the nuance of the scent that he found so compelling changed. It took on an acrid dark tone that set his blood to boiling. He found her in an instant, took another to acknowledge the dead man holding her. And then his soul took control of his body as he blazed into motion.

The power which coursed through his body was ten fold what it had been before. He felt whole for the first time. The power that had come in brief flashes when he most needed it through his life flared brightly and became part of him down to his marrow. He was caught in a rushing flood of energy and emotion as his need to protect what was his infused him with feral might.

Those that lived in the compound tensed and hushed.

All of them knew that one of their kind, a stranger to them, now walked amongst them. None understood how that could be. The tension only mounted as this newcomer, infused with hungering wrath moved like lightening through them toward its goal.

Carl turned in time to watch Alexander sprint across the distance that separated him from Jenabel with unerring accuracy, processing what was happening in that instance.

"Willow was right." His words found his wife's ear, who had just then moved to his side.

She too followed the blond fury that was Alexander as he wove his way through the crowd toward his goal. Alexander's true essence slammed into Jenabel with the force of a raging tsunami. Her legs buckled as she was enveloped by the deep warm scent of amber warmed by a desert wind.

He was of them.

He was one of them.

He was Were.

In the next instant Jenabel was shielded from Jason behind a wall of hard flesh. She could feel the fury rolling off him as he stood between her and Jason. The hand that had a moment ago been wrapped around her arm now held high above their heads bent backwards at a ninety degree angle. She and everyone within twenty feet heard the sharp snap as the wrist bones broke.

"Touch her again...please."

Alexander's words hissed out of his mouth thick with derision and malice. His eyes were trained on the man before him. Jason cried out and took a step back as he cradled his now useless hand. The blond man in front of him was huge, nearly six foot six and broad across the chest. His blue eyes burned with lethal desire.

Jason was a strong beta, his father's number two. He knew a challenge when he saw it. Even with his broken wrist, he wouldn't let this nobody stand between himself and what he was due.

"I'll touch that bitc..."

Jason never got the chance to finish his statement. Alexander's hand flashed out in a blur, catching Jason by the throat. In the next instant Alexander lifted him off the ground and threw him ten feet away. Once again those close by heard a sickening crunch when Jason brutally landed on the pavement.

Alexander turned to Jenabel, moved close to her. She could feel the heat of his body as his breath heated the skin at her throat. His whisper was gentle, full of longing and need.

"Stay here...Jenabel"

Her name from his lips was soft and sensual. it stirred Jenabel to her core as she looked into his endlessly deep blue eyes for an instant, and then he was gone, leaping over the balcony railing to land standing over the still prone Jason.

His heavy motorcycle boot found a none to gentle resting place on Jason's throat.

"Touch her again."

"Speak to her again."

"Think of her again."

"And I will be the very last thing you see as death takes you."

None who heard the quiet, icy words that Alexander said had any doubt at all that it was one of the truest statements they had ever heard.

A stunned Carl Benton had watched the scene unfold, understood as the rest of them did that Alexander was one of them. In the passing of a heartbeat, when faced with his mate being in danger Alexander's wolf had come fully forward.

It happened with their children all the time. But never this late in life, always by puberty did the wolf assert itself. And the children were blessed with time and knowledge. They knew what they were, knew that within them lived something magical, something that made them different. 

That it only manifested for Alexander now, this late in his life explained why the DNA tests came back negative. It was a recessive gene, never activated. He would need to call Dmitri; he needed to figure how this was possible.

The truth of it was incontrovertible. The speed, the power, the need to protect his mate. The none too subtle scent of him screamed Were. But a Were who was untrained? Didn't know what he was? Had never...changed?

Sophie had moved to Carl's side, she along with everyone else was speechless at the display of raw power she had just witnessed as Alexander and his wolf became one for the first time.

"Today is the new moon isn't it?"

It took a moment for Carl's question to break through the ongoing drama playing out before her.

"Yes, today's the new moon." She answered, wondering why this came up in this moment.

"He only has fourteen days Sophie. Fourteen days to come to grips with and accept what he is or the change will surely..."

Sophie finished her husband's sentence. Her voice catching with it, saying "...kill him."

*

Glänta: Swedish for Glade or Clearing

Edited By: Mikothebaby



Orphan Ch. 06



Thanks for all the great feedback, I'm glad that everyone is enjoying the story.



A red haze clouded Alexander's vision. Looking down at the man who had dared lay hands on his Jenabel. That he had brought her fear only deepened the crimson shroud of rage that hung heavily over Alexander. He saw everything about his prey, the minute details that allowed Alexander to see the fear he now instilled in the dead man below him.

The sheen of sweat across his brow.

How the veins at his temples and neck bulged from the frantic beating of his heart.

Tension causing his body to flex uncontrollably.

The cloying scent of fear that hung heavily on his skin.

Alexander was the judge, the jury and the glorious executioner of this fool. The mere thought of extinguishing this mans life caused a primal joy to course through his body as his heel pressed inexorably down on the man's throat.

"He's going to kill him Carl, you have to stop him."

Sophie's words brought Carl back from his own feral precipice. He wanted the man's blood almost as badly as Alexander but he knew it was not what was best for Alexander or his pack.

Looking around quickly Carl nodded to Brad finding that he had already started moving everyone over to the food and that the band had started playing again. While those that lived in Red Lodge knew there was something...unique about the Benton's and those that lived on the compound, that difference was nothing they advertised. It was pure luck that Alexander hadn't shifted in his rage.

Out of the corner of his eye Carl saw Thomas Bouchard start to move toward Alexander and Jason.

Carl's hand flashed out, grabbing Thomas by the arm.

"Don't Thomas, let me talk to Alexander, if you go over there now your son is as good as dead."

Thomas shot Carl a baleful stare.

"Get your hands off me Benton. That dog has no right to look at my son let alone touch him. I'm going to teach him a little respect."

Carl's grip on Thomas' arm tightened.

"He's a trained killer Thomas; if you get close he'll kill Jason then you. You'll let me handle this if you want to leave this compound alive."

Thomas paused, what little sense he had finally took hold. He gave Carl a stern nod as Carl released him. Walking slowly, Carl approached Alexander.

Feeling for his connection with the younger man he found it stronger than it had been but surprisingly still not a full Alpha bond.

Taking a deep breath Carl moved into Alexander's line of sight. He noted how the other man stiffened, how his eyes narrowed.

"Alexander you need to calm down. Release Jason and he will leave the compound. He'll never be allowed anywhere near Jenabel again. Your instincts were correct and you did the right thing protecting Jenabel now you need to let him go. Jenabel is safe."

Alexander glared at Carl, his boot ratcheting down on Jason's neck. His voice was a cold whisper.

"He touched her, he hurt her. Now I'm going to hurt him."

Alexander's eyes glowed with a golden fire. Carl knew he would have to act quickly, that Alexander's wolf was almost totally in control. If he shifted now with no knowledge of who or what he was, Alexander would be lost to the wolf within him.

Carl frantically sent his thoughts to Jenabel.

'You have to try to calm him Jenabel, he isn't responding to my command, he is beyond reason.'

Jenabel had been watching the scene play out. The truth of Alexander being one of them had shaken her to her very core. It left her breathless and her own wolf close to the surface. Her mate was stunning to watch. Fluid power and fury that would never let anything or anyone harm her. She had watched in stunned silence as he stood over Jason, a part of her reveling in the strength of her mate in his need to protect her. But now it was her turn to protect him, he couldn't shift now. She would lose him forever if he did.

Jenabel walked slowly toward Alexander. The closer she got the more he affected her.

The sight of his muscles tense, coiled, ready to unleash their power in her defense.

His warm amber scent growing stronger with each step.

And finally his depthless blue eyes, now swirling with golden fire found hers and she stopped in her tracks.

She felt his stare, understood fully and completely as their eyes met that behind the growling fury of a wolf protecting his mate was the man she loved. She could sense the shifting turmoil in him as he struggled to wrest control of himself from something he knew nothing of, to finding the fear of that unknown, the man crying out for someone to help him.

Jenabel walked right up to him. His eyes flashing rage for a moment before subsiding to a more balanced look. Her hand reached out to him, her fingers lighting gently on his shoulder.

With her proximity to the man beneath his boot Alexander's stare shifted down to his captive, the balanced look slipping quickly back to a more feral glare.

"Alexander, look at me."

Her soft tone had him locking eyes with her again. His features softened as he stared into their depths, their color shifting between brilliant emerald and dark jade. Alexander's eyes roamed over her taking in her dark ebony hair, high elegant cheek bones, and the swell of her breast under the flannel shirt she wore. His breathing became less ragged as he allowed her reassuring presence to calm him.

With a short step he released Jason who stayed still on the ground. Never had fear found Jason, now it held its own jagged spot in his soul. Thomas Bouchard moved quickly, grabbing his son and dragging him to their car.

"Mark me Benton, this won't go unchallenged. No one treats my family this way. There will be a reckoning on this and it will be coming soon!"

Carl watched as Thomas pulled his still dazed son into the Hummer and sped out of the gate.

Brad and the rest of the pack had done a good job of clearing the crowd, making sure that everyone was otherwise occupied so as not to witness the drama playing out in front of the Alpha's house.

"Jenabel?"

Alexander's voice was a whisper. As Jason had been pulled away by his father, Alexander's focus had been on Jenabel. Now as the roaring fury ebbed, an overwhelming confusion crashed in on him.

Breaking his eyes away from Jenabel he looked around.  Mr. & Mrs. Benton were watching him closely, Brad was leaning against the porch a small smile on his lips. Willow was bouncing on her tip toes a wide happy grin on her face.

"I told you so." She said to Brad which earned her a good natured scowl.

Alexander's voice was tremulous as he looked to the elder Benton's.

"I'm...I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me, please accept my apologies'. I never behave that way. But when he grabbed Jenabel, when I sensed her fear, I just couldn't..."

His hand reached out slowly, trembling fingers caressing Jenabel's cheek softly. The touch elicited a small sigh and a smile from Jenabel.

Alexander felt the energy wash from his body, the tension of the last five minutes burning through all of his reserves. The touch on Jenabel's cheek soothed him more and he gave up his hold on the rage completely.

Jenabel saw his eyes flutter, knew what was coming as she moved to him.

"Brad, Daddy!!!"

They were at her side in an instant, each taking an arm as Alexander slumped between them.

"Damn! He's heavy." Brad grunted, good naturedly as he hefted the big man between himself and his father.

"Let's get him inside." Carl's tone was resigned. This turn of events would mean some changes for the pack. He would have to call Dmitri as well. Carl only hoped Dmitri would be able to give him some guidance on what had transpired.

"Take him to the guest room Jenabel used last night." Sophie called from behind as she wrapped her daughter in a strong loving hug.

"Did you see him Mom, he was so fast so strong so..." Jenabel's words trailed off as she got a wistful look in her eye that had Sophie rolling her eyes before turning serious.

"Yes Jenabel I saw. I saw a young man who has no idea who or what he is almost shifting for the first and last time. I saw him almost kill another man because he had no control over his nature. I saw Alexander turn totally away from being the man I have come to know and embrace unthinking rage. I know you're happy Jenabel, and I am happy for you that Alexander is one of us. But you have to look at the truth of it Jenabel. How would you feel if today, after living your life as a normal human, your wolf suddenly surged forward and took control? How would you process being a stranger in your own body? Of sharing your heart and soul on such an intimate level with half of yourself you never knew existed?"

Sophie watched as understanding played over her daughter's features. Jenabel began to shake uncontrollably. Sophie pulled her tighter, feeling the warm sting of her daughter's tears dampening her shoulder.

"How can it be Mom? How could he go his whole life and only now..." Jenabel paused, raised frightened eyes to her mothers as the full import of what had happened and what would or could happen slammed into her consciousness.

"He only has until the full moon Mother, only two weeks to learn what we spend years learning and coming to grips with. No one can be that strong, that self aware, that allowing. I'm going to lose him."

Jenabel's sobs were drowned out by the cracking slap that Sophie delivered to her daughter's cheek.

"Jenabel Benton! How dare you question your mate? Finding your mate is not the end of some fairy tale, it is the beginning of your life as an adult. It means putting aside those foolish notions of perfect glowing love and embracing that being mated, that finding true love is the beginning of a partnership. A union of bodies and minds and souls that will carry you down through the years come good times and bad. 

Grow up Jenabel, your mate needs you. He needs you more in this moment and the days to come, more than any mate has ever needed the other. We are by nature a dangerous people Jenabel, our lives, until very, very recently, were fraught with all manner of dangers both from our own kind and outsiders. These dangers are nothing compared to what your mate will confront before the next full moon. You have claimed him as your mate. By his actions he has claimed you.  Stand up and be the mate he has to have to survive."

Sophie's words were brutal. Not in a hateful or angry way but in the way of all such truths when spoken aloud.

Jenabel stood stunned for a moment. Her mother's words taking time to sink in, to become part of her.

'She's right.' Jenabel scoffed at herself. 'You're so caught up in the fairy tale that you're missing the truth, the actual depth of meaning, the very foundation of what finding your mate is.'

Jenabel stood straighter and squared her shoulders, a steely determination glittering in her eyes as she regarded her mother. She felt a subtle shift within herself, she looked at her mother for the first time as an equal, a woman who would fight and die for her mate just as she would.

Jenabel pulled her mother into a fierce hug.

"Thank you, Mother. Thank you, for kicking my ass when I needed it. Alexander will meet the challenges to come. I'll make damn sure of that."

Sophie was pleased to hear the conviction of honesty ring clear in her daughter's voice.

"Then perhaps we should go in, best that you are close by when Alexander awakens. He will undoubtedly have many questions. Your father and brother and I will help as much as we can, but most of this journey will be yours and Alexander's to take."

Jenabel nodded to her mother as they turned and walked into the house and into her destiny.

-vVv-

Alexander laid still, his breathing regulated, body relaxed. He gave the outward appearance of being deeply asleep. Such was not the case. He had been awake for almost an hour but after the events of the afternoon he simply needed to process what happened. To try to get a handle on what overtook him and drove him to protect Jenabel in the way he had.

Everyone knows rage. Alexander had felt it often during his service. But this was different, an order of magnitude different.

'I wanted to kill him. No, that's not true; it doesn't even come close to what I wanted. I wanted his blood. I wanted to end his life in the most violent and painful way possible.'

Alexander had killed many times. It was not a positive or negative thing for him. He did his duty, trusting that those who pointed him toward an enemy were right in their labeling them so.

This was very different. Everything in him, everything that made him who he was had screamed for that mans death for eliciting fear from his Jenabel.

'His.'

The thought shook him to his very core. Alexander had never considered anyone his before. Never even came close. Whether due to his upbringing, his lack of family or his basic lack of social skills Alexander had lead a solitary life.

In the military he had comrades, men and women who he placed his trust in and who in return trusted deeply in him. It never went beyond that for Alexander. While those on his team would often find comfort in the arms of others, or bond emotionally with the members of the team, such was not the case for Alexander.

'This place has changed me. Brought out thoughts and feelings that I thought were long buried. Now those long buried or totally unknown emotions throw me from one end of a wild spectrum to the other seemingly at their own will.'

Alexander's tension began to rise. He felt out of control, which was something he vowed would never happen to him again after the orphanage. While the sisters had not been cruel or abusive, the knowledge that he was under their control, without the ability to exercise his free will had been a daily struggle. He could feel himself being drawn inexorably toward a black hole of doubt and fear. His mind whirled as his seemingly ordered existence began to inexorably spiral out of control.

It was a touch that kept him from falling. A hand lay gently in the center of his chest over his heart. The heat of it seared through the shirt to warm the skin beneath. He tried his best to maintain his charade but it was not to be.

"You've been awake for almost an hour Alexander. Open your eyes."

He knew it was Jenabel. While he had only heard her voice once, he found the sweet sound of it was burned into him. Her touch affected him even more. Once again it was like what he always imagined truly coming home would feel like back when he dared to dream of having one. The subtle scent of clove that quickly enveloped him caused him to take a deep breath, to simply allow it to wash over him. There was no hint of the acrid dark taint that had caused him to lose control earlier, now it was simply Jenabel, his Jenabel.

His eyes opened and found hers. She sat perched on the corner of the bed next him. Her eyes reflected worry, Alexander found that was unacceptable.

Reaching out his hand he brushed a stray lock of her hair away from her face.

"You don't even know me Jenabel, I should not cause you any worry at all."

Jenabel could not contain her laugh.

She had watched him sleep for several hours. The urge to crawl into bed with him, to be close to him, to offer him some kind of comfort had been nearly unbearable. But from what she knew of Alexander she thought it best to simply be there when he awoke. 

Jenabel was surprised when he finally did awaken but hung onto the charade of sleep. She could see the warring emotions playing across his features even though he fought valiantly to hide them.

The way his jaw would tense slightly when something hurtful found purchase in his mind. How his lips would allow a small smile when a pleasant thought, hopefully of her, dislodged it.

She knew he was struggling with had happened this morning. She was bound and determined he would not run from it. He couldn't. In a perfect world she would have months, years even to allow him to come to understand and accept who and what he was.

But nothing was perfect and they didn't have the time. She made the decision, sitting there watching him sleep and then battle his unknown demons alone that the only way she could save him was by telling him everything and letting the chips fall where they may.

Sliding her hand up to his face, allowing her fingers to gently play through his hair she smiled as she spoke.

"I don't know you? Hmmmm, okay let me run a list by you. Then you can tell me I don't know you."

"You grew up in an orphanage in Boston, joined the military as soon as you turned eighteen, you're highly decorated, wounded in action which brought about your discharge about six months ago. You've been wandering since then. You saved my life, my father's life, almost killing yourself in the process. My parents and brother adore you. You made a point of avoiding me prior to today. You like to sleep under the stars, naked if you can." Jenabel smiled at his blush as she continued. "You have never felt like you had a home until you came here. And finally, seeing me being hurt by Jason, you did the only natural thing possible. You defended your mate to the best of your ability."

Jenabel watched as Alexander listened to her. Saw the acceptance of what she said, at least until the last statement.

"I don't know what you mean by "mate" Jenabel."

His words were hushed, his hand had never strayed from her hair, and he moved it between his fingertips with the reverence of a monk honoring his daily prayer beads.

Jenabel could resist him no longer, she had to try and gain his acceptance quickly before his logical mind slammed down tight on what he had to know and feel was the truth.

She bent slightly, saw his body stiffen as she brought her lips within an inch of his, their eyes locked on one another's. "Are you sure Alexander? Are you really sure you don't know what I mean by...mate?" Her voice caressed him as he felt her breath on his lips. He saw the swirling tempest of emotion in her eyes as she closed the remaining distance between them and their lips met.

It was more than either of them anticipated and both quickly became lost within the soft, sensual and oh so powerful joining.

For Alexander it was a pinnacle of emotion that he never believed was meant for him. He could feel the power and meaning behind the simple physical touch of their lips, processed how warm she was next to him. Understood in the way a heart beats without any conscious thought, that there was simply no other person on the planet who could illicit such desire, need, want and devotion than the perfect beauty he was currently joined with. With all this contained within just a singular kiss, such depths, such power, what would living a life with this miraculous woman hold?

Jenabel, in that instant, understood what tens of thousands of her kind had down through the centuries. That one day you would meet your other half, that they would speak to your soul and fill you with a joy unbounded. She felt the kiss deepen as his tongue tentatively tasted her lips, and then reveled in the tears of joy that slipped down her cheeks on to his as their tongues began their first sensual dual. She knew in that instant, to the very center of her soul that she would do anything to ensure his safety and protect his love for her.

It was a test of will for Jenabel to break the kiss, to pull away; but she knew it had to be so. There was more to tell him, more to make him understand and time was short. Reaching out her hand to him she beckoned him to rise.

"Come with me Alexander, there is so much I need to tell you, so much you have to know. I need for you to think on that kiss when your intellect balks at the truths I will share with you, the truth of you and me. The mysteries I have to reveal to you lay within it. Please trust me."




Orphan Ch. 06



Alexander could hear the worry in her voice. He didn't understand why she would be so concerned. In the midst of their first kiss he accepted that she was his and he was hers down to his very marrow. She could tell him anything and it would make no difference at all. As long as he could be with her Alexander would move heaven and earth, scatter his beliefs to the wind if it meant keeping her at his side.

He took her hand and rose, reveling in the simple but sensual context of their fingers twining together.

"The sun is going down, let's take a walk Alexander."

He could see that indecision clouded her eyes. His thumb caressed her temple as his fingers slipped into her hair. "Don't worry Jenabel, whatever it is I have already accepted it. I don't know what this all is, what the feelings I have for you mean, but I will be here, be...yours for as long as you will have me."

His words brought more tears to her eyes which were quickly wiped away by his gentle finger.

"I know you will Alexander, I know it here." She moved her fingertips over her heart.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

Jenabel opened the door. They walked down the short hall to find her parents and Brad in the large communal room. Sophie moved surprisingly quickly, wrapping Alexander in a powerful hug.

"Thank you for defending my daughter Alexander, I don't know what we would have done if..." Her whispered words trailed off as she clung to him. He felt her relief, her love for her daughter and her love for...him." He was struck hard with the knowing of it. He held onto her just as tightly and another new depth of emotion was revealed to him.

'Is this what it feels like to love and be loved by a mother, to have this kind of simple but intense level of acceptance?'

Sophie could feel Alexander's questions as she held him tightly. She wept silent tears that such a man should be so alone in the world.

'That ends now.' She thought as she released him, patting his shoulder gently before returning to Carl's side.

Carl looked over Alexander with a critical eye. He could see the stress of the day as well as the increasing stress of new emotions weighing heavily on him.

"Alexander, take a deep breath son, there is nothing for you to worry about. All of us are here for you now. I know today has been a whirlwind. Please trust me when I say it is absolutely okay for you to feel overwhelmed, anyone in your position would."

Alexander looked at Carl. He saw a strong father, a strong leader, he wanted to trust him but Alexander's own deeply rooted instincts made it difficult for him to simply accept and trust the Benton's.

"What position am I in Mr. Benton? So many things have happened in the last few hours most of which I have no frame of reference for." Alexander stood straighter, his shoulders leveling as he continued.

"Your daughter is my mate Mr. Benton. I don't have the first clue as to what that means." His gaze shifted to Jenabel as he continued, his voice dropping low. "My feelings for her are beyond anything I ever imagined I would have." Turning his attention back to Carl and Sophie, Alexander met their steady gaze.

"But I can't put a name to them. I have no experience to tie them to a definition. Sophie, you have been nothing but kind to me from the moment we met. I instantly felt safe in your presence. I haven't felt safe with anyone...ever. Now it seems I am part of something that is inexplicable, and that by being a part of it, my life has changed without my having any say in it."

Alexander turned to Jenabel.

"You and I have just met Jenabel. The first conversation we ever had just ended two minutes ago. You mean more to me in this moment than anyone ever has. I know you have an explanation. And I want to hear it. You should know that it won't make any difference. I'll do anything in my power to be near you. I find I have no choice in the matter. That doesn't necessarily bother me. However, it is very, very different from anything else I have ever experienced. I need some time alone, to process all that has happened, put it in perspective before I hear what you have to say."

He could see the sadness bloom bright in her eyes. It tore at him that he was the cause and he pulled her into his arms. His whispered words to her said against her warm soft neck were strong.

"You didn't hear me Jenabel; you only heard I need to be alone. I said I would do anything to be with you, to stay with you, and I will, but this is all so very new for me, please understand it is not a rejection at all it is simply who I am, how I need to process all that has happened."

Her hands clutched at his back as she nodded into his shoulder. He could feel her warm tears falling, soaking through his shirt and he thought his heart would surely break.

She pulled away from him, a brave smile on her beautiful lips.

"Come back when you are ready Alexander, I will be waiting."

With a gentle squeeze of her hand he walked out into the coming night, his own head and heart the battle ground where he would face his fears as he always had...alone. Or so he thought.

-vVv-

Willow followed Alexander as he walked away from the Alpha's house.

It had been a wild afternoon. She was quite pleased about being right that Alexander was one of them. She didn't understand how everyone hadn't known it. But there was no denying it now.

'I wonder where he is going.'

Alexander didn't walk toward the lone jeep that still sat parked from earlier in the day. He kept an easy pace as he walked toward the lake in the deepening shadows.

The lake surface glowed like polished onyx under the stars reflected in its surface. Alexander sat on a fallen log staring out at the lake attempting to calm his mind and find his center. He needed to start the process of assimilating the new thoughts and feelings that had come to him in a seeming avalanche today.

Just as his mind began to calm, his senses opened up and he smiled shaking his head.

"Good evening Miss Willow."

She stepped from the forest edge with a guilty smile on her face.

"If you want to be alone I can leave, it's just, I thought..."

Her sentence trailed off while Alexander quietly stared at her, a weary smile on his lips.

The silence stretched out between them. Alexander was cautiously relaxed. His thoughts were on Jenabel, of how nervous she had been, how worried about whatever it was she had to tell him. It was one of the reasons he left. Alexander hoped to give Jenabel some time to calm down about whatever else it was she needed to tell him. Perhaps Willow could provide an out for Jenabel and more information for himself. He decided to take the chance.

"What are we Willow?"

She was stunned by the question. She was sure that the Alpha would have told him. For once she allowed caution to curb her tongue, to a point at least.

"The Alpha didn't tell you?"

Alexander smiled at the incredulous look on her face even as he wondered at her choice of title for Mr. Benton.

"I know that they want to tell me but have some concerns, maybe if you told me that would be better for everyone?"

Willow wasn't sure. She liked Alexander, was glad that everyone else finally accepted him as one of there own. But how could he not know what they were, it just seemed stupid.

"Are you trying to trick me Alexander?" Once again Willow's straightforward nature had Alexander smiling. He could do nothing but answer her honestly.

"I believe I am Miss Willow. I know that Jenabel and the others want to tell me, need to tell me it seems, but there is something holding them back. I thought it might be easier to take the decision out of their hands.  It wasn't a fair thing to ask of you and I'm sorry."

Willow regarded him for a long moment, trying to make up her mind. She moved close to him, so only he would be able to hear her whispered question. "Are you sure Alexander?"

The world paused, even the winds seemed to take a deep breath and hold it awaiting the answer. Alexander teetered on the edge for the instant, trying to be sure if this was a leap he truly wanted to make.

'I have no choice if I am ever to be with Jenabel.' His thoughts solidified with his intent.

"Yes Willow, I'm sure. What are we?"

She pulled back from him with a wide grin on her face. "Sheesh Alexander, we're Weres.



She said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Alexander smiled widely at the young girl, his hand ruffling her hair.

"You got me good with that one Willow." He was impressed with her near perfect delivery; only the smile at the end gave her away.

Willow shook her head and smiled, then shifted into her wolf.

Alexander was slammed by so many things in that moment. It would be years later and when the crystal perfection of this memory would find him; there would still be new details that had eluded him.

One instant Willow was standing before him, a small smirk on her lips.

The next Blondie stood before him, tail wagging.

It had happened in a heartbeat. In the time it takes for a thought to travel the neural pathways of the brain. But it was such a full and complete instant that Alexander experienced it as if were in time lapse, each micro change coming slowly followed by the next in succession until the young girl who had stood before him was gone. Replaced by this amazing young wolf.

'The movies have it so fucking wrong.' Alexander's thoughts were surprisingly calm considering what he had just witnessed. It was not the violent, bone snapping agony that was normally portrayed. It was a shift so quick, so complete that the only word that came close to describing it was beautiful.

She chuffed at him, breaking him from his reverie. Willow walked over to him, giving him a long wet lick on his face. This totally unexpected action was just what Alexander needed. He laughed, hands sliding into Willows soft fur as he hugged her to him. He smelled the faint scent of orange blossoms under her naturally musky scent.

He pulled back from her, looking her in the eye. She was there, the playful spirit, the intelligence, the easy childhood joy; all of it lay in her amber eyes. It was Willow and she was a werewolf.

The next thought that came crashing into his head was. 'This is what...We...are?

Alexander's body began to shake uncontrollably, the emotion that roiled though his body was a combination of disbelief, wonder, fear and joy.

"It can't be, it can't be." Alexander's words were a whisper as he tried to find a balance with this new and in the end, irrefutable truth. Willow moved close to him, laying her head on his lap. His hand moved to her on reflex, gently digging into her soft hair as he wrestled with his new reality.

Jenabel was on her way back to her house when she felt Alexander's fear wash over her. She was moving fast in an instant, reaching out with her senses trying to pinpoint where he was. He was still close, but he was in turmoil. As soon as one emotion hit her another would take its place.

She angled toward the lake as Willow's soft voice entered her consciousness.

'We're at the lakeside Jenabel, I didn't know, he wanted to know what we are and I...'

Willow's voice in her head was scared.

'It's okay Willow, don't worry, I'll be there in a second.'

Jenabel came crashing through the brush to find Alexander sitting on a log, Willow sitting next to him. His hand was slowly stroking Willow's fur as he stared fixedly into her eyes.

Jenabel knelt down next to the pair, her hand going to Alexander's neck. His eyes shifted to hers.

"You too? Your family, everyone who lives here?"

His voice was thick with emotion, his eyes pleading, but she couldn't sense whether he was pleading for the answer to be yes or no. There was nothing but the truth to tell.

Jenabel pulled close to him, keeping her eyes locked with his as their foreheads touched. "Yes Alexander, all of us here are Were."

His eyes closed, his reality fundamentally shifting from a world where things made sense, were grounded in foundational beliefs, to one where magic was common, where those who stood next to us could be something much, much more than they appeared.

'I should be freaking out, I should be running as fast and as far as I can. ' Alexander knew this was the logical action to take. Any normal person, when confronted with something so...indescribable would be. 'Normal, when have I ever once thought of myself associated with that term. I've longed for that title, this is why it eluded me, I find myself truly not normal...at all.'

When his eyes opened Jenabel could see that a tenuous acceptance had occurred and she let out the breath she had been inadvertently holding.

She was surprised by his next request.

"Show me Jenabel, show me your wolf?"

Jenabel could hear the uncertainty in his voice, that his hold on reality was stretched thin.

"Do you think now is the time Alexander, wouldn't it be best to wait, let you assimilate what you already know and have seen. Let me answer some of the thousands of questions you must have?"

Alexander shook his head.

"Your wolf is what draws you too me isn't it, it's the...wolf inside me that draws me to you, isn't that right? It feels right."

Jenabel's voice quavered. It killed her to see Alexander so lost, so unsure of himself.

"Yes Alexander, our wolves are drawn to each other. It is how our kind finds their mates. Are you sure you want to do this now? You've gone through so much already today."

Alexander pulled Jenabel close, his lips finding hers. All the tension, all the worry, all the warring emotions fled instantly at the touch. The kiss was long, an intimate exploring, a sharing of strength, an acknowledgment of his acceptance of her and who she and apparently he, was.

Jenabel was shocked by his action. She had dreamed of moments like this, of being in Alexander's arms feeling his lips on hers. While their first kiss in her room had been magical, this one was different, deeper. Jenabel could sense his need, feel the passion for her that burned within him through the bond they already shared, that continued to grow and deepen as every moment the kiss lasted.

A chuff from Willow broke the kiss.

They sat staring at each other for a moment, lost in the lingering impression the kiss had left on both of them.

Jenabel pulled away from him and stood.

Alexander watched, wonder in his eyes that this amazing woman with her sparkling green eyes and raven hair was his, his mate, the other half of his soul.

And then the magic he had witnessed just moments before manifested once again. And once again it took his breath away.

Where an instant before stood the tall beautiful woman that now held his heart and soul had been, sat a statuesque wolf quietly watching him. Her coat was black as night, it shimmered in the pale light of the stars. But her eyes... her eyes were the same only deeper, wilder. They glimmered like emeralds as they stared at him.

"It was you that night at the house. You were watching me."

Jenabel lowered her head a bit; Alexander thought that she would be blushing.

Standing, he walked over to her. She looked up at him; he saw wariness in her eyes.

Kneeling in front of her his hand went to her, curling into her soft ebony fur. He laughed as she licked his face.

"This is part of who and what you are Jenabel, I accept that. I don't know how or why but it feels right seeing you like this. It speaks to a part of me that I never knew existed."

"How do you do it Jenabel? How do you...change?"

She was surprised by the question. She didn't think he would so easily embrace who or what they and he are. Jenabel looked at him for a long moment. Sensing him in her wolf form was something very different than when she was human.

She picked up on the heat of his body. How it emanated from his heart.

The scent of him was deeper, richer in this form. It told a story of who he was, the trials of his life, the balance he was trying to maintain.

Jenabel saw, in minute detail, all of his physical reactions. His muscles flexing as he slowly stroked her. How the vein in his neck pulsed slowly in cadence with his heartbeat, the curl of his lips as he physically enjoyed touching her.

She shook her head and licked his face again. She found she enjoyed the taste of him as much as his looks. Then she gingerly picked up the shorts and shirt that had fallen from her body during her change in her teeth and scampered off into the woods.

Alexander gave Willow a curious look at her sudden departure, but then realized that if she picked up her clothes then she must turn back to human naked. The thought sent blood rushing away from his brain.

In a moment Jenabel was back. Regarding her long legs, full breasts encased in the tight T shirt and her hair falling sensuously over one of her eyes did nothing to alleviate the lack of blood in his head.

Jenabel came up short as his scent hit her, altered now by his arousal she had to fight back a moan and the urge to go to him.

"Now stop that Alexander, you asked me a question. It is probably one of the most important questions that you have ever asked. There are things you have to be told, things I had hoped to tell you over the next few days but now that you know the biggest secret you might as well know it all. Calm down or I won't be able to tell you what you need to know. Also, don't forget we have company." She said this last with a smile and a nod toward Willow.

Alexander was surprised at her words. He hadn't realized the full effect she was having on him and felt badly for his behavior.

"I'm sorry Jenabel, I didn't, I wasn't, I..." Alexander's words trailed off as Jenabel got a stern look on her face and walked to him, stopping close as she took his head in both her hands, locking eyes with his.

"Never apologize for wanting me Alexander, you should want me, I'm yours. If it were possible I would send Willow home and show you just how badly I mirror your want. But it's not possible right now. There are things you have to know, questions that you need answers to and trials you have to prepare for. But never ever doubt that your wanting me is something that I cherish." Giving Alexander a light tender kiss to seal her words with a deed, Jenabel turned to Willow.

"Grab your clothes and shift. You started this so you can help in the explanation."

Willow looked at Jenabel, she seemed unsure if Jenabel was upset with her. Jenabel gave the girl a small smile.

"It's okay Willow, I'm not mad at you, he asked, you answered. I would expect you to do nothing else. Go change, it seems this very long day still has some life in it."

Turning back to Alexander she smiled to find he had been watching her intently while she spoke with Willow.

"Come on, let's go find a place to sit, this may take awhile." She took his hand leading him back toward the compound. They chose a picnic table that was still out from the party. Willow followed close behind them.

Now that Alexander was faced with the fact that life held such unknown magic his questions came fast and furious.

Jenabel was not surprised as they sat down that the first question he asked was one of concern for Willow.

"Willow, should you have been out so far when you came to see me the other day? You were a very long way from home."

Sophie had told Jenabel that Willow had gone to the east face to watch Alexander. She had, in fact done much more than watch.

Willow had a slightly chagrined look on her face as she answered.

"No, until our first moon change we are forbidden to range farther than the glänta. But I was just so curious about you and Brad said you weren't like us and I just new he was wrong so I..." Jenabel placed a hand on Willow's shoulder to calm her.

"It's alright Willow; we know you were just curious, you knew the truth when none of us would believe it. How about if I explain, you have to remember Alexander knows nothing of our ways and customs.




Orphan Ch. 06



Willow relaxed a bit and nodded as Jenabel turned to Alexander.

"As Willow said, the young ones are kept close to home until their first moon change. The moon change is the first time a person's wolf is called by the moon to shift, to take over dominance from the human soul it shares its body, life and soul with. This usually happens around puberty for most of us. Before that time we can shift, like Willow and young Amy, who you saved last night."

Alexander, in the deluge of information had almost forgotten about the young wolf pup. "She's..."

Jenabel smiled. "Yes, she is one of us, when the tree came down she shifted on instinct to get away from the danger. Being so young it took awhile for her to calm down enough to switch back."

Willow interjected.

"It's hard sometimes; the change will come on us really easily and really randomly. It's why we aren't supposed to stray far from home. If I had shifted back to human form so far away from home and not been able to shift back to wolf it could have been very bad."

Alexander got the feeling that Willow had gotten a lecture on this subject in the not to distant past.

Jenabel smiled at Willow then continued.

"As we grow up we gain more and more control over balancing our wolves with our human side. We teach the children to hone that balance, to be able to call forth parts of their wolf or human as needed depending on the situation. This leads up to the first moon change. As I said, it normally comes with the onset of puberty, some are quicker than others, for others it happens in their late teens. It's tied to our inner balance, our desire for the change and most importantly, when our wolves, without our choice come forward on their own."

Jenabel let her last statement sink in. Watching Alexander as he processed and then understood what she had said and what it meant for him.

"You mean like it did today with me. My wolf recognized that its mate was in danger and took control, not just making itself known but guiding my actions and giving me its strength."

Alexander paused, his mind digging into the subtleties of what he was hearing, trying to extrapolate the outcomes.

His eyes locked with Jenabel's, she saw understanding there as well as fear. She took his hand in hers before continuing.

"That's right Alexander. Today, for the first time your wolf pushed the human side of your soul aside and asserted itself to protect me. I want you to understand, our wolves are part of us, and there is no true separation between them. Just as one cannot deny the other, we never look at ourselves as two different beings. We are simply more than normal humans, our blood and bodies harbor magic."

Jenabel noted the nervous movement Willow made as she told this, she knew that while young, Willow understood the danger Alexander was in. She sent soothing emotions to the young girl before continuing.

"In fourteen days the full moon will rise, Alexander. When it does your wolf will seek to fully integrate with you. Now normally this is nothing but a joyous event for us as we welcome another full member into the pack."

Alexander cut her off.

"But normally, people have waited and looked forward to that moment their whole lives. They have had years to come to terms with what and who they are. They have an intimate knowledge of their wolf which they gained from being the dominate side of who they are as a whole. I would think allowing the wolf to gain dominance in that situation would be a wondrous thing, allowing them to become fully who they are."

Jenabel saw the fear bloom strong and deep in Alexander. Watched as Willow moved to him and sat on his lap hugging his neck.

"It won't be like that for me, will it, Jenabel?" His voice was a whisper as he looked directly into her green eyes, found the fear that lay close to the surface of them. "I basically have two weeks to find the balance that you and your kind have had years and years to understand and learn about, all the while knowing from birth what they are. You're afraid I won't be able to do it aren't you? There is something you're not telling me."

Willow clutched him tighter as Jenabel nodded; not wanting to say what he had to be told.

"We will all do everything we can to help you Alexander, but yes, there is a real danger to you in the change."

"We spend our childhoods becoming comfortable with and understanding the side of us that is the wolf. It is a level of self trust that allows us to step back in that first change, allows us to give the wolf our full trust."

"Your whole life the human part has been firmly in control. Our fear is that once acknowledged, once brought forth, the wolf that you are could take that control. This could leave the human part of your soul powerless against it."

"We could lose the human part of you to your wolf...forever."

Alexander felt Willow's tears falling on his shoulder; saw the pain and fear in Jenabel's eyes as her hand clutched his.

Alexander got a crooked smile on his face before responding.

"You two don't know me very well. I understand that you're concerned, hell I'm concerned. But I also know that there has never been a challenge I haven't met. Do I know my wolf side? No. But does that mean it is a stranger to me, not at all. As I look back over my life it has always been there. Subtle to be sure, never anything like you have described to me, but now, with my perspective shifted so greatly I know it has always been there guiding me, helping when it could."

"Today is not the first time I have felt this part of me. Many times through my life this unknown strength has come to the fore, helped me when I was helpless, it lent me its power when I was powerless. I didn't know what it was. I never understood why I could unerringly read peoples emotions, pull forth an untapped strength when all seemed lost, been pulled to the night sky and the open places of the earth. Now I know this was always my wolf guiding me, offering what solace and help it could without the knowledge of what it was either."

"What I think you may have missed is the frustration my wolf must have endured for the past twenty-three years. Never acknowledged, never let out, and never freed to learn itself as well as the half of him that is human. You look on your childhoods as training your human selves to accept and trust the wolf. From the wolf's perspective you are teaching it that it can trust its human half, be safe with its guidance and knowledge. You learn the balance but it is both of your aspects that learn this not just your human half."

Jenabel listened to his calm words, understanding what he was implying but it did nothing to ease her fear, it caused it to grow even more.

"But Alexander, if that is the case, it makes this change all the more dangerous. Our wolves operate on a very different level than we do. It is primal for them. They are, in the truest sense of the word, wild. They revel in their wildness, and in doing so share that magic with us. We balance them, give them a deeper sense of love and belonging and honor."

Alexander cupped Jenabel's cheek with his palm, his thumb wiping away the tears that were now falling from her eyes.

"It will be alright Jenabel, my wolf trusts me. I have to believe that and over the next two weeks I'll do everything I can to learn to trust him. There is nothing else we can do but allow what is to come to happen, to place our action and intentions, our hope that the outcome will be something magical."

Alexander stood, cradling Willow in his arms.

"Where do we need to take this one?" He said motioning to the yawning girl that curled tighter into his embrace.

Smiling Jenabel said. "Follow me."

It was a short walk to Willow's house. Alexander placed her gently on her feet. She looked up at him with a weary but happy smile on her face. The tears she had shed now gone.

"I think Jenabel and the rest are just too worried Alexander, I think you are going to do great."

Alexander hugged her tightly.

"Thank you for the vote of confidence Miss Willow, with a guide like you how could I not?"

She smiled at him again as she scampered into the house leaving Alexander and Jenabel standing close.

Alexander reached out his hand taking hers.

"It's late and it's been a very long day." He moved closer to Jenabel as he said it.

Moving some stray hairs that had fallen across his eye she smiled at him, her pulse already starting to race at his touch.

"I don't want you to go Alexander, stay with me, rest with me. We can't..."

Her words were cut off as Alexander closed the remaining inches between them. His arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her to him, his lips teasing over hers as their eyes closed. Their lips met as their bodies molded to each others, liquid heat surged to Jenabel's core as her thoughts were consumed by Alexander.

His body felt so right next to hers. The way his arms wrapped around her possessively, holding her, as if she would disappear if he let go. His fingers gently flexing at her back as their tongues danced sensuously.

Alexander couldn't process all of the sensations that being this close to Jenabel brought forth, her body heat warring against his own heat for dominance. The feel of her fingers coiled in his hair keeping his lips merged with hers. How her curves molded to him instinctively as if they were born to be locked together like this forever.

It was one of the most difficult things Alexander ever did to disentangle himself from Jenabel. Stepping back he ran his fingers through his hair trying to get himself under control.

He found it impossible to look her in the eye. He held her hand tightly; maintaining some contact with her but gaining enough space so he could try to clear his thoughts.

Jenabel was surprised that he pulled away, but also grateful that he had the strength to do so. She wanted him like nothing else she ever experienced. She was consumed by her need for him but had regained her control. There was so much more for him to know, things she had to tell him before they could truly be joined body, heart and soul as mates.

"Jenabel, I..." Alexander's voice was whisper.

"I've never, I mean, I know what you may expect but I..."

Jenabel heard and felt Alexander's uncertainty as he stood before her, his thumb lightly caressing her palm as he tried to say what was on his mind. She wasn't sure but she thought she might have an idea as to why he was suddenly acting so vulnerable.

Jenabel moved close to him, her hand moving to his neck as she looked into his eyes. She could see he was tense, feel it through the touch.

"Alexander, you were right, it has been a very long day. Come with me, rest with me, the morning will bring what it will. Tonight I just need you to hold me, to feel my heart beat with yours. It will be alright. No matter what Alexander, always I will be at your side. We will get through the trials to come. Learn together what the meanings of passion and love and commitment truly are."

Her words soothed him, his warring emotions calmed by her gentle touch and words. Alexander entwined his fingers with hers as she led him...home.



Edited by: Mikothebaby



Orphan Ch. 07



Alexander stirred; sleep falling away from him gently as he became more and more lucid.

'No dreams.'

The import of his first thought of the day struck him fully. It had been years since dreams, more like nightmares, had not roused him at least once during the night. In his contentment, he pulled the warm body in his arms closer, the gentle murmur of its owner bringing a small smile to his lips.

As reflexive action processed in his mind, Alexander stiffened. He had never awoken with someone in his arms, never felt the comfort of another body that shared his warmth and space in the first moments of the day.

Yesterday crashed back into his consciousness. The party, the fight, Willow, wolves and his mate.

His eyes opened. In the gray light that suffused the room, heralding the coming of the dawn Alexander found his chest covered by black tousled hair.

'Jenabel.' Just thinking her name brought a smile to his lips. He closed his eyes, reveling in the feeling of her closeness, the feel of her skin on his. How her arm curled possessively around him, the way her leg was thrown over both of his, locking him to her.

They had both, upon returning to Jenabel's home last night nearly collapsed in the bed. Jenabel in her red bra and panties, Alexander in his tight black boxer briefs.

His briefs this morning were tighter than normal as Jenabel's thigh had found its resting place atop his manhood which was now straining for release.

Alexander let out a small groan as he carefully slid from beneath Jenabel. She stirred briefly, a soft moan coming from her lips as she curled up in the warm spot that he vacated.

He stood looking down at her. Amazed that such a unique and magical woman could possibly be his. No matter how hard he tried to rationalize what he had learned about her and apparently himself the day before, Alexander could do nothing but accept that he was hers, body and soul for as long as she wished.

Alexander stepped lightly from the room, gathering up his clothes and dressing quickly down stairs. After his aborted attempt to find some time alone last night, and the new revelations that found him because of the interruption, it was important that he take what time he could to maintain his own balance with everything that had happened.

Walking slowly through the compound, he saw several other people up and around in the pre-dawn. They all nodded or gave a small wave and a smile as he passed them. Alexander found it strange to be among such a close-nit community. While it was strange it was also comforting, filling a void within him that he had long ago chose to ignore, believing it would never be filled.

"Good morning Alexander." Sophie Benton's strong but kind voice brought Alexander to a stop as he turned to find her watching him with raised eyebrows holding a steaming cup of coffee.

"Not trying to escape my daughter's clutches are you?" Her tone was playful but Alexander picked up just a hint of worry as well.

"Good morning Sophie, and no, the last thing in the world I would ever want is to escape from Jenabel. It was a very long day yesterday. I do need to change clothes and take some time to process things. Would you tell Jenabel where I am and that I'll be back around one?"

Sophie took a sip of her coffee as she listened to Alexander. She could see the powerful feelings he had for her daughter whenever he said her name. 'The universe couldn't have chosen a better mate for Jenabel.' Sophie mused to herself before putting her hand on his shoulder and answering.

"She won't be happy that you're gone when she wakes up. However, she can be a real pain in the morning, so having you not there will only mildly add to her normal angst." Sophie's genuine open smile had Alexander pulling her into a tight hug.

"She's amazing Sophie, in so many ways. I've never, I never thought, it's all just so..."

Sophie laughed and pushed him away.

"Go home, take a shower, change, and do whatever it is you need to do to finish a coherent sentence. I'll let Jenabel know you'll be back this afternoon."

Alexander smiled sheepishly at her before walking toward the company jeep.

Sophie watched as Alexander walked away. So much had changed in only a few weeks and the changes showed no signs of stopping. As Alexander's borrowed jeep pulled out of the compound Sophie walked back to her house to find Carl at his desk.

"Are you going to call Dmitri?"

Carl looked up at his wife, as always a smile coming to his lips as his eyes roved over her supple curves. His perusal of her earned him an eye roll as she watched him.

"Yes, Alexander will need to learn so much in the next thirteen days, I'm going to ask Dmitri for suggestions on what should we focus on to give him the best chance during his first moon change."

Sophie nodded her head as she walked to him. She gave him a gentle kiss before leaving him to start her own day.

Picking up the phone Carl anxiously dialed the number. It was answered on the second ring.

"Good morning Carl, I'm surprised to hear from you again so soon."

"Good morning Dmitri. Sorry to bother you but there have been some new developments regarding the young man we spoke of last week. I was hoping that you might be able to give me some help with the best way to proceed."

Dmitri Vorotaev liked Carl Benton. They had been friends for longer than either of them would care to mention. It was odd that Carl would be seeking his advice twice in just over a week.

As one of three Elder Alphas, Dmitri provided guidance when needed to over forty packs throughout the world. Of his charges, Carl was the one who had needed the least help over the years. He was a strong and wise Alpha, rarely needing anything more than a friendly ear to bend from time to time.

Dmitri walked over to his desk, sifting through the files he finally found the one Carl had forwarded to him last week.

"So something new has come up with this Alexander Dane?"

Dmitri glanced over the file again, military records, a few pictures, the DNA results. Shaking his head, he wondered what other help could be needed.

"Yes, it's about Alexander. He is Jenabel's mate. Yesterday his wolf surfaced for the first time, he almost shifted. The full moon is only 13 days away. He had no idea 'til yesterday Dmitri...he only has a handful of days before his first moon change."

Dmitri stared at the man's picture for long moments before responding.

"The DNA tests? They are conclusive Carl, it can't be."

Carl had already anticipated this question, hell he asked himself the same thing. A quick call to the Doc had provided the likely reason why the DNA had turned up negative.

"It must have been latent Dmitri. As I told you he was an orphan, he must have been abandoned by his parents, though I have never heard of such a thing. Without being around others of his kind his wolf lay mostly dormant with none of his own kind to teach him, to bring it forth as we do with all of our young."

Dmitri was incredulous.

"An orphan Were Carl? Who in their right mind would do something so cruel? Not to mention how dangerous such a thing would be for all of our kind. If he had been discovered, changed when he was young in the middle of the orphanage, the ramifications..."

Dmitri fell silent, as the many what ifs over loaded his mind. Carl brought him back to the present problem.

"Yes Dmitri, I understand all that, but my main concern is for Alexander. What should we focus on in the next days? What will give him the best chance of surviving and finding the balance he must have during the first change?"

Dmitri calmed himself, taking a few deep breaths before answering.

"You're right Carl, I'm sorry it's just so inconceivable. But yes, Alexander's survival must be our first concern. As for the rest, that will wait until you and your pack get him safely through the change."

Dmitri caught the underlying worry in Carl's voice and quickly replayed the conversation in his head.

"Jenabel's mate, your daughter?"

"Yes Dmitri, my Jenabel. If he can't make the change, if he goes feral and we have to..."

Dmitri cut him off.

"Nonsense, anyone who could finally find their way into Jenabel's heart has it within them to do what must be done. We will help him Carl, lay your fears aside and we will do everything we can to ensure it."

Dmitri looked out the large picture window that provided a startling vista of northern Urals that rose before him. It calmed him, looking out over the vastness of the mountains helped him find his center and resolve.

"Teach him our history Carl. Don't go into great detail but hit the major points, who we are, where we came from, our origins and our laws. I'll call the other elders, we will provide all the help we can, try to give you a direction to take his training to maximize his chances. Don't worry, we'll see young Alexander through this, I'll be damned if my godchild will lose her mate before she truly has him."

Carl smiled as Dmitri's accent became thick as it often did when his ire was up.

"Thank you my old friend, I can never begin to thank you enough for..."

Dmitri once again cut Carl off.

"Enough, we both have things to do, I'll be in touch soon. And I better get an invitation."

This last Dmitri said with his normal good humor causing Carl to laugh, appreciating his friend's constant ability to make him feel better.

"Of course Dmitri, as if Sophie or Jenabel would allow such a slight." Then as an afterthought Carl mentioned the Bouchard's. "It was Jason Bouchard that brought this on Dmitri, he was being a little to...physical with Jenabel and Alexander was having none of it. He responded to his mate being in harms way just as any of us would."

Dmitri was not surprised by this. He knew of the "tradition" that existed between the two packs, thought it foolish but as long as they were okay with it who was he to judge.

"I will mention it to Elder Connors just so he is aware of the impending problem. He may be able to head off trouble before it starts. I'll talk with you soon Carl."

Dmitri hung up the phone and stood regarding the mountains, watching as a storm moved slowly up the valley toward his home.

"An orphan; who could have, who would dare..." His words trailed off as he turned back to his desk, there were things to do, the answer to his questions about who could do such a thing would have to wait...but not for long.

-vVv-

Sunlight warmed Jenabel's arm as she fought to retain the bliss of sleep. 'Just a few more minutes.' She was too comfortable, wrapped in the heady comfort of the warm bed, the sultry scent of amber lulling her senses in a sensuous fog. Her hand slid out, searching for the source of the alluring musk that at once gave her deep comfort and set her passions to burning.

Jenabel's hand found only the cool sheet beyond her own warm spot, the scent a lingering reminder of her mate. Eyes snapping open she quickly perused the room, finding it empty.

"Gone." The word was said with a forlorn tone as her head fell back to the pillow.

Jenabel replayed the previous day in her mind. Alexander's acceptance of the truth regarding who and what he was came surprisingly easy. Just the thought of him brought a smile to her face. He had fallen asleep quickly last night. The same was not true for Jenabel.

After spending her life knowing that somewhere out there her mate moved through his days, each one bringing him one step closer to her she had been in no hurry to let sleep take her.

Jenabel had watched him last night. The slow rise and fall of his chest as sleep washed away the trials of the day. Her fingertips gently traced the scars that bore testament to a life filled with mortal danger. She laid her head on his chest, listened to his heart beat slowly, its cadence acting as a lullaby as she slowly drifted to sleep curled around him.

Jenabel's eyes closed as she lay there, the morning sun heating her body but that heat paled in comparison to the fiery warmth brought forth in her when her thoughts strayed to how he had kissed her last night. It was passion and love and want and feral desire all rolled up into one perfect and un-nameable emotion. Jenabel's hands slid over the sheets as she licked her lips.

She had waited so long. So many times she ached for the physical contact of her mate, the one who would complete her. She longed to revel in the shared discovery of such intimacy and passion with the other half of her heart and soul.

While it was common for the unmated of her kind to find sexual release fairly freely, for Jenabel it had never been that easy. Oh she had tried; the desire to explore the depths of that release burned strong and deep for her. There had been a few attempts. A few boys and men who kindled a spark, who made her body react, but in the end they were irresolute wraiths, fumbling gropes, a few stolen kisses that left her empty.

Now she had found him, found her one true match. He would teach her, show her the heights of passion that she so yearned to explore.

Jenabel's thighs rubbed together, the silk of her panties playing softly over her delicate center. She felt the wetness pooling there. Visions of Alexander's blond hair between her legs, his soft but insistent tongue tasting her, his fingers opening her, and stretching her ran through her mind. A soft moan escaped her lips as her need for him rose, threatening to consume her as her hand slid teasingly over her abdomen. She wondered if this same touch from Alexander would burn, leaving a scorched trail on her body as he caressed her. Jenabel's fingertips had just delved beneath the waistband of her panties, intent on easing the need that clawed at her, when an incessant knocking began down stairs.

'No no no...' Jenabel's need would have to wait even longer it seemed.

Grabbing her robe she took the stairs two at a time, intent on killing whoever was at the door.

"What!" Jenabel's voice carried as she swung the door open only to find her mother standing there with a grin on her lips.

Jenabel sighed and walked back into the house leaving the door open.

"And good morning to you too." Sophie was well accustomed to the morning Jenabel. She knew this morning her daughter would be in rare form.

"I brought you some coffee." Setting the large mug in front of her daughter as they both sat at the small kitchen table.

"Alexander will be back in a few hours. He needed a little time to himself this morning. He was up and gone before dawn."

Jenabel just glared at her mother while she took a long sip of the coffee. Sophie shook her head and smiled.

"Okay, okay, I know you're in a horrible mood." Sophie's eyes took on a wistful cast as she continued. "I'm the same way when your father is away. Waking up alone just isn't any way to start the day."

Jenabel rolled her eyes, the corners of her lips curling just a bit as the coffee began to cut through her natural morning angst.

"You should warn Alexander you know, wouldn't want him running scared the first time he wakes up with you doing your morning banshee impersonation." Sophie laughed as she said it. Jenabel's morning affliction was common knowledge at the compound. Most everyone avoided her if possible until at least an hour after she showed her head.

Jenabel shook her head at her mother and took another long drink of the coffee. She noted it was after 10am.

"Has Daddy talked to Dmitri?" Now that her earlier desires had been squelched and her brain was starting to fire on all cylinders, the pressing needs of the next handful of days came crashing down on her.

"Yes, he spoke with him this morning. Dmitri is going to contact the other elders, get their opinions, and then help your father come up with a plan. He said in the meantime the best place to start is teaching him our history, who and what we are, what the rules of our kind entail, etc."

Standing, Jenabel took her now empty cup to the sink.

"It's too bad Cross isn't here. He knows our history better than anyone."

Jenabel saw the dark cloud that crossed her mother's features.

She lifted her eyebrows questioningly.

Sophie shook her head and pulled out her cell phone. Pulling up the messages she cued the last one from Cross which he left late last night and slid the phone across the table to Jenabel.

Jenabel listened to her brother's message and could only shake her head and smile.

"Hey Mom, its Cross, looks like I'll be out of touch for about six weeks. They had an adviser drop out at the last minute from a research study up in Canada and I'm the only one that can fill in. Tell Jenabel I'm sorry I missed her party and I'll see you guys when I get back. Love you."

Jenabel closed the phone and handed it back to her mother.

"He's following his own path Mom. You can't hold it against him. Brad and I, we love being here, its home. You know how Cross is, he believes that his answers lay out in the wide world, that his mate is searching for him and it's up to him to find her." 

"Yes, I know, it's just that boy..." Sophie stood and hugged Jenabel tightly. They all missed Cross but understood that he had to do as he was moved to.

Sophie released Jenabel and walked to the door.

"Come over once you're put together. I'll make you some breakfast and after you can pace a rut in my patio floor waiting for Alexander."

Sophie's laugh lingered as she closed the door behind her.

"Alexander." The word escaped Jenabel's lips as a wistful sigh. After waiting so long to find him not having him close now that he knew and accepted her weighed on Jenabel's mood as she walked up the stairs, wishing he was here, wanting him in ways she couldn't define.

-vVv-

Alexander walked slowly around the stones at the glance. It was peaceful, the sky a pure crystal blue, a soft breeze blowing in from the north. The place itself seemed filled to bursting with an unknown energy. It gave Alexander the sense of being on the deck of a large ship, the power of the engines far below providing the smallest vibration which traveled up from those dark depths to be transmitted to everyone aboard.

Seating himself on the ground beyond the circle, he found himself once again missing Jenabel.

"This won't work anymore." Alexander said to the wind.

He had always sought solitude when life became tumultuous. He found in those still, quiet places he could focus his thoughts, find the path he needed to follow. It seemed that his tried and true method of steadying his course had now lost its ability to provide that inner clarity.

"I'm not who I was yesterday. Hell I'm not who I was before the moment I found her."

Alexander's words held no sorrow, for at the core of that truth, of the fundamental changes in who and what he was, lay Jenabel. He would never lament the loss of anything that had passed before now that she was his. He couldn't get over how deeply and quickly she had become so very important to him. There had been people in his life whom he cared for, would have died for if need be. But the all consuming depth of his need for Jenabel made every other such connection he had felt in his life pale in comparison.

Alexander stood, accepting that who he was now didn't require solitude. The man he was and would be now required his mate.

With a last lingering look at the glance he truly grasped that it would be here, in two weeks, where he would possibly face his biggest trial. The knowing of it only galvanized him. He was determined not to fail, not to lose his one chance at truly belonging.

A twig breaking in the distance stilled Alexander as he made his way back to his home. Reaching out with his senses he looked for what had made the disturbance. Aside from a few squirrels and the odd bird there was nothing that seemed out of the ordinary. Stepping forward he sensed them too late.




Orphan Ch. 07



Searing pain coursed through his back as sharp fangs dug deeply into his shoulder. More pain came from his leg where another beast latched onto his thigh.

Alexander fell to the ground under the onslaught. Now that the surprise had worn off his mind cleared as he focused on the attack. Both wolves had released him; they circled around him, watching him, seemingly taunting him. He tried to stand, found that he could but feigned that he could not. His left shoulder burned, the powerful jaws of the muddy brown wolf had dislocated it and his arm hung useless at his side.

As he watched the gray wolf stop in front of him the icy tendrils of its thoughts found their way into his mind.

'You should have thought twice before attacking our Beta you stupid dog, and all over some stupid bitch.'

Another voice seemingly as young as the first agreed.

'It's not a good idea to mess with the Bouchard's, now I guess you'll have to learn that lesson the hard way.'

Alexander feigned fear when his true emotion was one of pure fury.

The attack on himself, this was of no consequence, he had long experience dealing with physical pain, had already pushed it to the back of his mind and moved on from it.

'Bitch.'

The word hung in his consciousness, its many connotations whirling through his head causing his thoughts to fly just as fast and chaotic.

'How dare they? HOW DARE THEY?'

'She's MY BITCH.'

Images flashed through his mind.

Jenabel holding a child with azure blue eyes and raven black hair.

Of Jenabel on her knees moaning Alexander's name during his son's conception crashed through his mind.

And then the world, seen through the red haze of his rage stilled and everything came into focus. Jason had not wanted to harm Jenabel, he wanted Jenabel, wanted to claim her, wanted to mate with her.

His fury curled in on itself; becoming a tight ball of flaming ire that as the instant ended blossomed into righteous action.

The wolves tensed as they felt a subtle shift in their prey.

Watched as the blue eyes that a moment ago had held obvious fear clouded over to form dark ember flaked pools as the man before them blurred into action.

When the two wolves had attacked him, all of them had tumbled off the path into the dense trees. Alexander's first action was to leap up and over the gray wolf slamming his shoulder full force into the tree behind it. The speed of his movement coupled with the sickening crunch of setting his shoulder back into place stunned the two wolves. When they focused again Alexander stood before them, blood dripping from his shoulder and leg but seemingly not hampering his ability to impersonate walking vengeance.

The gray wolf moved first, darting in fast looking to take Alexander's legs out. With a deft motion Alexander side stepped, gauging correctly that the stupid fuck had come full speed never expecting him to not be there as he ran right by him and kept on going.

Alexander turned on the brown wolf, which bared his teeth and leapt high in the air, jaws aiming for Alexander's throat. Ducking quickly, the wolf sailed above him. As it did Alexander rose fast, hands up and extended. When they met the fur of the canine's soft underbelly his fingers coiled into the flesh, causing the wolf to howl as Alexander pivoted, using the wolf's own momentum to hurl it into the trees.

Spinning around Alexander's hands flashed toward the gray wolf who had turned and was now almost upon him. The animal's dank hot breath flowed over Alexander's face as he held the wolf's jaws just inches from his neck. Muscles flexed and burned, he could feel the wolf digging in its hind paws, its own muscles slowly overpowering the force of Alexander's. The wolf's eyes gleamed, sensing the battle was soon to be over, that his Beta would be avenged.

-vVv-

The plate fell from Jenabel's hand as her motion toward the sink abruptly ceased. It splintered into brilliant white shards upon smashing into the hard stone floor.

"Alexander..."

Her voice was hushed, filled with fear, something was wrong, something was terribly wrong.

Carl Benton practically ran into the kitchen where Sophie was just rising to go to her daughter.

"Where is he Jenabel, where is he?"

Carl had felt the shocking burst of fear at the same moment Jenabel had, he knew it could only be coming from one person since he couldn't track the source. Had any full pack member been in any kind of danger he would have immediately been able to pinpoint where they were. As it was he just knew someone was in great danger and that someone was Alexander.

Jenabel burst into a run before her mother could reach her. "He's between the Glance and his house on the other side of the lake, he's hurt!" Jenabel yelled over her shoulder as she ran from the house. She shifted in mid-air landing on the ground beyond her parent's patio and immediately breaking into a full run. Carl was hot on her heals.

'The feeling has changed Jenabel, he's not afraid anymore.' Her father's words in her head cut through the fear that coursed through her. She reached out; searching for the tenuous link she had with Alexander. Her father was right. The fear was gone, replaced now by rage, fury so powerful so feral that she was sure he had shifted.

'He's shifted; it's the only thing that makes sense given the strength of the emotions rolling out from him like the incessant power of a runaway freight train.'

'Calm down Jenabel, we'll be there soon. Alexander will be okay.'

-vVv-

Alexander's fingers flexed in the hot fur of the wolf's neck, its snapping jaws inched closer and closer to his face as he struggled to find the strength to end this. At the thought of needing strength Alexander felt a stirring in his mind the incessant pacing of something wanting to be released to be given control.

Alexander shuddered at the thought as he fought with the wolf. Jenabel's words came back to him about going rogue, the possibility of losing himself to the other half of his nature.

'Find the balance.'

That was the other thought, the other part of what Jenabel had said. That he had to find a way to trust and balance his nature.

'I can't shift, I don't know how.'

The gray wolf's front paws dug into Alexander's chest causing deep gouges that soon had his chest colored bright crimson as the pain bloomed large causing him to lose a little more ground.

In his minds eye he found an image of a blond wolf. Large and stately, its fur almost a golden color, it paced slowly back and forth, watching him. There was no hint of danger from the animal, the animal that seemed so familiar.

Alexander's consciousness moved closer to the wolf, noted that it was the largest wolf he had ever seen, probably double the size of the one currently trying to disembowel or behead him. The closer he got the more clarity the beast gained. A full powerful chest. His back straight and symmetrical. Thick legs flexing involuntarily as he paced slowly back and forth.

Alexander's grip tightened further on the wolfs neck, his fingers and hands finding new strength, his arms bulging with renewed force as the animals incremental motion toward his face ceased.

The blonde wolf in his vision curled its lips in a snarl, its ivory white fangs glistening in its massive jaws as it raised its head to the heavens.

The wolf in his grip yelped as the pressure from Alexander's fingers began to cut off its air supply. Opening himself briefly to Alexander, he found waves of unrepentant rage roiling off him. An instant ago this dog who dared touch his Beta had been all but beaten. Now, fear found the wolf as the constricting fingers pulled tighter at his neck.

In his head, Alexander's wolf released a riotous howl, its tone and volume deafening and at the same time empowering. It was a roar of strength, of rage, of unstoppable force and it infused Alexander with all of its attributes.

Alexander's roar echoed through the forest and across the mirror-like surface of the lake. Birds leapt to the sky away from it, the small animals of the forest hid from its tone. Were's within its range stopped in their tracks, turning as one toward the primal howl of blood lust.

The gray wolf's neck bulged against the cloying hands at its throat. It jerked around helplessly trying to free itself from the man's grasp but it was a losing battle. In the next instant the vertebrae in its neck gave up the fight against the unrelenting pressure as they were crushed by the onslaught. The gray wolf went limp in Alexander's hands, but he didn't release the now lifeless body from his grasp. Instead he rose, turning slowly and striding purposefully toward the other wolf who was slowly slouching away from the scene.

It stood still, locked by the ebony and amber eyes of the man before him, holding his pack-mate as if he weighed nothing. He was covered in blood, eyes blazing, seething with a blood need that could, it seemed, only be satiated by more blood, namely his. 

Alexander's icy voice made the breath catch in the wolf's throat.

"Tell Jason or his father or whomever else has an issue with me, that I'm here, that if they come, death will find them. Jenabel is mine. Do you hear me, MINE!!!?" His declaration cut through the still air; once again all those that heard it were shocked by its power, the fury and truth contained within it.

Jenabel and her father had just come upon the scene as he issued his howling declaration. It sent a tsunami of need through Jenabel's body as her soul knew that his declaration, the depth of it, was for her, all for her.

Carl shifted, standing tall and moving slowly toward Alexander.

Alexander heard the steps and turned, body tensing ready to exact whatever punishment was required to another who would think to harm Jenabel. He relaxed at seeing Carl, a sense of calm washing over him. There was no new threat at his back.

The brown wolf flashed off into the trees. Alexander's fury spiked for a moment the desire to chase the other wolf down and exact his retribution flared for an instant. He did not follow, instead dropping the limp corpse of the wolf at his feet. Alexander's body began to tremble and he fell to one knee. In his mind he saw the large blond wolf turn slowly and walk away into the midst of his subconscious. 

Alexander's breathing became ragged as his eyes regained their normal arctic blue hue. Unconsciousness threatened to overwhelm him although he fought it with every ounce of strength he had left. Alexander had seen Jenabel shift and race toward him, the look on her face, one of need, of pride, and of desire. He so wanted to hold her, to tell her what he needed to. But he lost his battle against the crushing fatigue and pitched forward into her waiting arms as the sweet abyss took him.

-vVv-

Alexander was once again in Jenabel's bed upstairs. She sat around her small kitchen table with her family, her mind reviewing the events of the morning.

Her brother had come to Alexander's after a quick call to the compound. Between Brad and Carl they had gotten him back to the compound. Her father had suggested letting him recover in his own home, but Jenabel refused. She wanted him home, with her and the safety of the pack close at hand.

Alexander stirred in his sleep as her father gently opened the door and motioned her out.

Her mother and Brad were sitting around her small kitchen table; all of them had looks of concern.

"He'll be fine, why are you all looking so down?" Jenabel asked, curious as to why they would be looking so pensive.

While Jenabel was scared when she first felt the fear coming from Alexander, that immediately morphed into anger. She raged at the thought someone would dare attack her mate. Then her feelings shifted once again as he came into view. He stood there victorious, body tensed, with his dead foe still in his grasp howling out for all the world to here that she was his.

Jenabel felt waves of awe and raw desire pull at her heart and soul. He was strong, strong enough to master the change, strong enough to be her mate, to sire and protect their children. She cradled him as his body went slack in his arms, tears, both of joy and sorrow mixing with streaked red blood that seemed to cover his body.

As her father and brother carried Alexander back toward his house and the waiting jeep, Jenabel was struck by another important issue.

The ramifications of an attack on one of their own, on their lands were vast, she couldn't help being proud of how Alexander had handled the attack. Under their laws he was challenged and he won. Even though the challenge was not given formally, to have two attackers ambush him on pack lands, there could be no question.

Carl watched his daughter as they now sat in the kitchen, saw the emotions play over her features as she replayed the day's events.

"This could cause a war Jenabel. I'm not saying Alexander was wrong, he did what he had to but the Bouchard's have thrown down the proverbial gauntlet and we have to respond."

Jenabel looked at her father and felt his tension. The Pack was at risk. Being the Alpha he was; there could be no other response than to take this attack as an act of war.

Brad stood, pacing around the room, his wolf wanting to prowl, lusting for the hunt.

"We can take the Bouchard's. It won't even be a contest. Let me take the Beta's we'll show them what a mistake they made coming to our home and harming one of our own."

Jenabel gave her brother a grateful smile for standing up so for her and Alexander. Carl stood as well, facing his children.

"He isn't technically one of our own yet Brad and you know that." Carl saw the anger that colored Jenabel's face as he said it but he continued. "It's the truth. He hasn't changed, hasn't been welcomed by the pack. Did they trespass on our land? Absolutely. Did they attack someone who at a minimum was under our protection? Yes. But can we view it as an actual challenge under our laws?"

Jenabel was having none of it.

"If they had attacked Willow or Amy, both of whom haven't been formally brought into the pack and haven't had their first moon change, would you be saying any of this?" Her voice was becoming a bit manic as she vented her growing anger at her father.

A voice from behind her silenced them all.

"No he wouldn't Jenabel and you know that. They are children of your pack; they're very different than I am."

Alexander walked slowly into the room, his eyes never leaving Jenabel's as he took her in his arms.

Jenabel's breath caught in her throat as he embraced her, the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her, the heat and scent of him being so close both exhilarating and comforting. He lingered a moment, drawing out the connection, she could almost feel him drawing strength from her before releasing her to face the others.

"I don't want you to go to war on my behalf Mr. Benton. I don't know your ways or customs but there has to be something I can do to put an end to this before it escalates and anyone else has to die."

Carl watched as Jenabel squared her shoulders, standing next to her mate, amazed as he watched the bond between them grow before his very eyes.

"Yesterday you challenged Jason Bouchard, Alexander. You didn't know that was what you were doing; you acted instinctually to protect Jenabel, as any of us would."

"If you were Pack, if you and Jenabel had been fully mated, Jason would have been challenging you through his actions. Since this is not the case and you attacked Jason, by our laws you issued the challenge and then didn't kill him."

Alexander was incredulous.

"So the issue is I didn't kill that fool yesterday?"

Carl shook his head, understanding the young man's belief that they may all be completely crazy.

"Let's do this. You all relax awhile, I have a few phone calls to make, some things to check on. Everyone come to our house for dinner. After, we'll give you a crash course in the history of our kind, our laws and some other things you need to know. Once you have the full picture it will be easier for us to decide on what the best course of action is."

Alexander relaxed some. He trusted Carl Benton and knew there was so much he didn't understand, he couldn't make snap judgments. If his years in the military had taught him anything, it was that Intel was what won battles, not brute strength or foolish heroics.

"Alright Mr. Benton, I'm sorry about jumping to conclusions. But I want you to understand, no matter what your laws may say, I won't allow anyone to be put in harms way because of my actions."

Carl shook his head and gave Alexander a weary smile.

"Son, you're Pack, whether you've been formally accepted or not. We take care of our own. Relax, we'll explain everything this evening then make the decision as to what is the best action to take."

Brad and his parents departed leaving Alexander and Jenabel standing close, silently looking out the window at the mountains.

They both felt the heat that traveled the bare inches between their arms. There was a tension between them, like two magnets pulling to reverse their polarities so they would be pulled together.

It was Alexander that broke the impasse.

"Would it be alright if I took a shower?" His voice was soft and unsure.

Jenabel looked up into his deep blue eyes, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder.

Her father had taken off the tattered remains of his shirt and cut away the leg of his jeans where he had been bitten when they brought him to her home. She had gently washed his wounds, noting that they were already healing up at the time. Now they were no more than livid red lines that would disappear altogether by the dawn.

"Yes, of course. I...I packed you a bag when we were at your house, it's on the floor in the bedroom, and there are fresh towels in the bathroom..." The shy tone of her voice and the way she dropped her eyes from his surprised him.

Alexander's fingers touched her chin gently, bringing her eyes back up to his.

"I'll just be a few minutes then how about I cook you some lunch. I don't know about you but I'm starving."

Jenabel heard immediate verification of his statement as Alexander's stomach rumbled and she laughed.

"Go take a shower, and I will take you up on the offer to cook, I'm not very handy around a stove."

Alexander heard the tentative tone of her voice and smiled, moving close to her.

"I guess it's a good thing that I am then." He finished the comment with a gentle brush of his lips across hers before turning and striding up the stairs two at a time.

Jenabel leaned against the counter, the strength to stand almost too much to muster as having Alexander so close caused her emotions to once again swirl out of control.

'We have to complete the mating soon. I won't be able to resist him much longer.' The thought made her smile as she ran her fingers through her long black hair. The man was a menace when it came to her keeping her desires under control.

Alexander pulled a clean pair of jeans and white button down shirt out of the bag he found in Jenabel's room. He rummaged around and found socks and a pair of boxer briefs as well. 'I'm glad she thought of this.' Alexander mused as he walked into the bathroom. His current attire of one legged jeans would not do.

It was obviously a woman's space he found himself in. The floors were a light sand tile with darker browns in the shower. On the counter were the things you would expect to find, makeup, a blow dryer, the various sundries that women everywhere keep in such spots. It was a new landscape for Alexander.

Having never lived or spent any real time with a woman, every small detail was something new for Alexander to explore. In his world there was soap and shampoo, toothpaste and brush, with some deodorant thrown in for good measure. As he waited for the water to warm he stripped out of his clothes, looking at himself in the mirror he was surprised to find the damage from his battle with the wolves almost completely healed. "I guess being part wolf has its good points." He said to his reflection in the quickly fogging mirror. Then he stepped into the shower.




Orphan Ch. 07



The hot water felt so good on his skin that he stood there stoically for almost five minutes before finally searching for soap. There was no bar of soap to be found, looking through the various bottles and tubes he found an unscented body wash. He was thankful for it too as he sure as hell didn't want to smell of summer lilacs. Alexander scrubbed his body vigorously with his hands, he had seen the soft loofah that Jenabel must use but didn't feel it right to get blood and dirt all over it. His eyes lingered on it a moment, his mind seeing Jenabel in this same shower, and the loofah gliding softly over her soft skin. Shaking off his errant thoughts he finished washing his body and shampooed his hair, once again losing himself in the heady embrace of the warm water as he rinsed.

Jenabel banging on the door broke him from his solitude.

"What are you doing in there? Hurry up, I'm hungry."

While it was true she was hungry, thoughts of Alexander behind the door under the warm spray of her shower were making it hard for Jenabel to think of anything other than throwing caution to the wind and joining him.

"Sorry, I'll be out in a minute." Alexander turned off the taps and stepped out, smiling at Jenabel's impatience. He dried quickly and dressed, leaving the socks off and his shirt open.

Opening the door he found the room empty, he was surprised to find that he was disappointed, that he had expected her to be there and on finding her gone felt her absence keenly.

Jenabel sat at the table in the kitchen trying to get her emotions under control.

'I'll have to talk with mom this evening see what I can do to keep myself under control.'

Her thoughts were tumultuous. Her wolf prowled very near the surface and was being very insistent about staying close to their mate, of completing the mating. Being around Alexander made her wolf restless and hard to control. But when he wasn't there it was worse, it left a hole in her heart that nothing but the sight of him could fill.

She smiled as Alexander came down the stairs, and then gently bit her bottom lip as he stood near her. 'How can anyone look that amazing after almost dying a few hours ago?'

The jeans she had packed for him were tight in all the right places. She could see the subtle outline of his calf and thigh muscles.

'The bastard couldn't button his shirt?' She silently cursed.

The white shirt brought out the stark contrast of his sun tanned skin, the jeans hung low on his hips highlighting the sensuous curve of the chiseled V below his abs. The shirt, even open was tight across his shoulders and arms. His damp hair hung in a haphazard tangle that brought his bangs down just enough to shade his glistening blue eyes as he watched her.

They stayed like that for a moment, both looking at the other. Then, with a lopsided grin Alexander walked to the refrigerator.

"Okay, let's see what we have to work with."

As Jenabel watched him pull things out of the fridge, place them on the island near the sink she was amazed at the focus he displayed for such a simple act.

When he was finished raiding her refrigerator, a carton of eggs, fresh basil, an onion, some mushrooms and a yellow pepper lay upon the counter. While Jenabel was not a great cook, she did like salad's and usually kept the ingredients in the house.

"You're not a vegetarian are you?" Alexander hadn't found any protein aside from the eggs.

His question had Jenabel laughing so hard that it brought tears to her eyes. She saw the grumpy look on his face but had to wait a moment, letting her laughter subside a bit before answering him.

"I'm part wolf Alexander; I don't think you'll find a vegetarian or a vegan anywhere within two hundred miles of here.

Alexander grinned sheepishly, understanding why she had found his question amusing. He still had so much to learn, so much to adapt to. He couldn't do it all now so he simply focused on making omelets.

Jenabel watched as the knife in his hand almost blurred chopping the vegetables into fine small bits only to be immediately put into a hot pan which already had butter bubbling within. The hiss died quickly and just as quickly the aroma of the searing veggies had Jenabel's stomach growling.

He cracked eggs with one hand, whisking the mixture with a little milk before pouring it into another pan. His concentration was singular; it gave Jenabel the opportunity to openly admire his skill and the care he put into to the job. Cheese sprinkled sparingly over the cooking eggs, the gentle twitch of his wrist that he used to flip the omelet effortlessly before ladling half of the veggies into the center and deftly halving it with a spatula. After a moment the perfectly cooked omelet slid to rest onto the plate which he passed to her.

Alexander smiled and looked at her with expectant eyes. She smiled and took a bite.

The texture was almost a sensual thing, the flavors mingled perfectly so that while a single flavor couldn't be picked out, the combination created something wholly new, something unique.

"It's so good." She mumbled with a full mouth.

Alexander laughed at her bad manners and appreciated that she enjoyed it. "It's the size of the cut, the smaller the pieces the better the flavors merge." She could hear the happiness in his voice as he turned and repeated the process. Jenabel was done eating before Alexander's ever hit the plate.

They sat in companionable silence as he ate, then he surprised her again by grabbing their plates and spending five minutes washing and putting away everything he had used.

When he finished he turned to her, his eyes watching her from under his unruly bangs.

"We have a few hours before going to your parent's house, would you walk with me Jenabel? Tell me of your life, your wants and dreams and hopes. I have no experience with the kind of want and need I have for you. In any one moment you make me feel alive and nervous and loved and needed. This is all so new to me. I want; I need to know you, to answer the questions I'm sure you have for me. This morning it was unimaginably hard for me to leave you. I have always been a solitary person, finding balance and direction in my solitude. I find I'm not that person anymore, this morning all I could think of was you, of how I wished you were with me, of how I wanted..."

His monolog broke off and Jenabel went to him, her hands cupping his cheeks as she looked into his eyes. She could see it all there, all of his want and need and fear. A lifetime of loneliness and the hope that his walk along the paths of life would no longer be one traveled alone.

Jenabel kissed him gently, lingering but a moment before pulling away and taking his hand. "Come, I'll tell you everything you want to know. I'm yours Alexander and I always will be. I want the same thing as you, to know you better than anyone, to simply be with you, to touch your body, mind and soul as you touch mine. This is the essence of what finding your mate is. It's becoming whole for the first time in your life in a way that makes anything before or after pale in comparison.

They walked away from Jenabel's house and into the deep shaded woods hand in hand. Their conversation flowed easily, easier than either of them had ever experienced before.

"What was it like growing up in the orphanage?" The thought of not having family, the pack around her was so alien to her that it was the first question she asked.

"It was lonely, but it wasn't bad. The sisters treated us well, most of the nuns were kind, the others just indifferent. They did their jobs and followed their calling. I didn't make trouble although I did have a bad habit of breaking out as often as I could. I didn't like the confinement, didn't like being cooped up. I wasn't really running away, I never had the intention of not going back. But many times I just needed out."

Jenabel understood.

"That would be your wolf's doing. They can't stand to be caged in any way. They have to be able to roam, to feel the sun and see the moon. The wind and the rain and the stars call to them. I'm surprised that the confining feel of the orphanage didn't bring out your wolf full force. You must have a very strong will."

Alexander thought on this, wondered about his youth and why his wolf never made itself known.

"Perhaps the true trigger is being around your own kind. Here you nurture and teach the children both their human and wolf aspects. For me, I was always just the quiet kid you didn't want to mess with." He related the story about the new kid calling him Alexandra and the result. This had her once again laughing to the point of tears.

"I would have loved to have seen the look on his face." She said as she got herself under control.

Alexander smiled and squeezed her hand.

"It had the desired effect, after that no one bothered me, which was what I wanted."

He told of his time in the military of the fear and death and peaceful perfect moments. She told him of her childhood, of growing up with Brad and Cross and the pack. She tried to convey the depth of feeling they and this place held for her.

They walked and talked for hours; the subjects ranging from the mundane of their favorite foods to the fears we all have which lurk in the dark recess of our minds rearing their heads in the deep end of night.

Alexander and Jenabel learned of each other over those hours, learned as much through the gentle touches and caresses that they both gave and received as they did through the words and thoughts they shared.

As they neared the compound proper Jenabel pulled up short and sat on a large rock that looked down at the lake a hundred yards below.

"What is it?" Alexander was surprised by Jenabel's seeming reticence to say something. He had never experienced an afternoon like the one he just shared with her. Never felt the overwhelming freedom to simply be himself, with no walls up, no barrier between the truth of who he was and the amazing woman at his side.

Jenabel bit her bottom lip as she looked into his eyes briefly then looked away toward the lake.

"What about lovers Alexander? Surely there must have been lots of women over the years that caught your fancy."

It hurt her to ask the question but she had to know, for some reason she simply needed to have the answer to this question even as it scared her to ask it. She knew he was her mate, knew that he would never leave her for another, it was unheard of. But her own lack of experience colored her emotions, making her ask the question.

Alexander looked at the ground, his own fears on this particular subject coming to the fore. However, seeing the forlorn look in her eyes as she glanced at him, feeling the question and worry that lay in her whispered tone, washed all of his own misgivings away in a wave of need to give her everything she wanted, and answer anything that she asked.

He didn't think she would be cruel in this, she hadn't been in anything before, but it was a supposed personal weakness that he had to face and share with her regardless.

Lifting her chin and brushing away the stray hairs which fell to shroud her eyes he answered her.

"Only one woman has ever caught my fancy as you put it Jenabel, there has been and will always be only...you."

Jenabel heard the words, her eyebrows dropped into a disappointed scowl.

Alexander read her emotions; she was not good at hiding them in the first place. He smiled at her, moved closer, his lips brushed over hers. It was a gentle tentative touch, giving just the briefest of physical sensations but it transmitted his emotions forcefully. She felt his body tremble almost imperceptibly as his lips came near the shell of her ear, his warm breath playing over her neck.

"You are the only one Jenabel, the only woman I have ever loved, the only one I ever shall. My heart, my soul, everything that can exist between us, I have never and will never share with anyone but you..."

The honesty of it rang clear in her mind. She felt it in his words, his touch, and his heartbeat. He was hers; she would be his first, his only.

Her hands pushed him away from her neck, her eyes blazed with unbound passion as she lost herself in the clear depthless pools of his eyes for the barest moment. And then she was kissing him, her need manifesting as she joined with him, shared and showed her consuming want of him.

Breaking the kiss she pulled him close, the pulse at his neck beating out a ragged rhythm against her own.

Her words came out broken, the emotion she felt almost too much to actually form them but she needed him to know this instant what her own truths were.

"I love you Alexander, and the same is true for me, you will be my one, my only, we will share and learn everything...together."

*

Edited by:

Mikothebaby 



Orphan Ch. 08



Jason Bouchard stared at the dead wolf lying at his feet. Mitch had been a good Beta, strong if a little headstrong. Jason shifted his gaze to Charlie who had a shell-shocked glaze in his eyes. Charlie had gone back for Mitch after their aborted attempt at retribution. Thomas shook his head as he looked at his dead pack member.

"Damn fools." His words were tight, clipped. He didn't like losing a pack member, especially not like this.

"What the hell were you two thinking Charlie? You go onto another packs land, attack someone who may or may not be a pack member. Then, two against one you fuck it up and one of my pack gets killed." Thomas was incredulous. While his pack was a wild and wooly bunch, they knew better than to do something this moronic.

"The Benton pack is not to be trifled with. You know that! Jason and I will take care of them. God Damn it, now you've just made it worse. We're lucky they haven't already showed up wanting blood." Thomas ran his hands through his hair. It had been a hell of day yesterday only to be topped off with this nightmare today.

"I'm sorry Alpha, we just thought, I mean with them challenging Jason the way they did that they needed to be taught a lesson. Mitch and I figured...well... you know...we could help with that."

Thomas looked to Jason who still had his eyes locked on the dead wolf.

"Jason."

The younger Bouchard looked up into his father's eyes. Thomas could see that Jason's wolf was close to the surface, that after yesterday's debacle his son was on the ragged edge. Mitch had been a friend. One of the Betas that was closest to Jason. His loss, coupled with the disgrace yesterday could prove too much for his son to bear.

Jason regarded his father as the war within him took place. Yesterday he had been put in a position of helplessness the likes of which he had never known. He hated the feeling. It was alien to both of his aspects. Jason's wolf roared for release, to go and exact its own retribution on the blond headed dog who had caused him to lose so much honor in front of the Benton's.

The opposite was true for Jason's human aspect. Jason's logic dictated staying as far away from the Benton's as possible. He had no love of the fear he was exposed to yesterday. The thought of it finding him again made his skin crawl.

As he stood there, body trembling from the emotional war being fought in his head and heart he closed his eyes. In his minds eye he saw his wolf come for him. Instead of fighting it, he bared his neck, in that instant giving up the balance, giving up all control to the wolf within him. As Jason's human half was devoured by the large brown wolf, it howled in his mind, reveling in the fact that it was now free. Free to do what must be done, free to exact its revenge. And most importantly, free to claim that black haired bitch as its own.

Thomas watched Jason, saw him struggle with his emotions, thought he understood the man's turmoil. He knew it would take Jason some time to come to grips with what he experienced yesterday but he had faith that Jason would come through it and be stronger for it.

He was half right.

Jason's eyes opened to slits and he regarded his father. Contempt and loathing built with each passing moment. The tension grew between the two men. Jason noted how his father's stance stiffened, his body transmitting his emotions. It was fear, fear of his own son as the glimmer of recognition shown in his eye.

In the next instant Jason had shifted and was hurtling toward his startled sire.

'Rogue.' The word hung in Thomas Bouchard's mind for a moment, its full depth not understood until that instant, watching the humanity fall away from his son's eyes, replaced by something feral and bloodthirsty.

The Rogue knew he could take this pathetic excuse for an Alpha. He was old and already feared him. The battle was half won already. He misread that fear.

Thomas had felt fear for his son, not for himself. For as the rogue flashed forward Thomas knew what he had to do.

The older man shifted before Jason got to him. The rogue sailed over him to land hard on his side, off balance after missing the man's chest.

Thomas reached out with his thoughts, hoping beyond hope that he may still be able to reach his son.

'Jason, JASON! Stop this, gain control son; don't let the wolf consume you!'

His thoughts encountered the rogue's. They couldn't be deemed thoughts really, more a jumble of feral emotions and imagery.

Jason lying on his back, the blond dog's boot at his throat.

The coiling fear wrapping around his soul.

Utter disdain for his cowardice.

Pure malice toward his once father and Alpha.

Thomas moved fast, dodging the Rogue's snapping jaws and latching onto him by the scruff of the neck.

The Rogue howled as the Alphas canines sank deeply into the thick muscles at his neck. Trying to subdue him, trying to kill him.

Thomas's emotions were a tormented maelstrom. He was sure he could reach Jason, pull him back over the precipice he seemed to have toppled over.

Jason was slightly larger than Thomas. Even with the feral strength provided by giving up total control to his wolf, Thomas had a lifetime of experience proving himself as Alpha. It made all the difference.

While the rogue tried to use brute strength to overpower the Alpha he left himself open to attack and the wiser Thomas struck swiftly. Shifting his weight, using the rogue's own strength against it he threw him off balance bringing him to his back with the Alpha's fangs closing tightly around his neck.

Thomas pleaded with his son to relent.

'Jason! JASON! YEILD! You can get through this! Come back to us!' Thomas's voice in the rogue's mind was pleading, desperate.'

'You yield old man, your time is past, our pack is dying, this is all your fault, you weak fool.'

The rogue's hind legs tore into Thomas's chest and soft underbelly. He felt the pain course through him as the rogue struggled for survival, still believing it could win.

Hope fell away from Thomas in that instant. His son was gone, lost to the feral beast that had utterly consumed him.

Thomas's jaws closed, fangs biting deeply into the rogue's neck, his blood filling Thomas's mouth with the coppery taste of his life essence. The rogue struggled, a deafening howl of pain issuing from it as he thrashed under the Alpha's fatal bite. As Thomas stood there, the body of his son still twitching in his grasp, their struggle ended as quickly as it had begun.

A deathly stillness settled over the scene. No animals moved, the wind seemed to pause as Thomas stood over the dead rogue, his dead son.

Releasing his hold on his fallen progeny, Thomas raised his head to the heavens as he shifted. Kneeling there in the dirt, covered in his only son's blood, Thomas screamed at the world. A long, broken, desperate cry that held sorrow and remorse for his fallen son, desperation at his loss and fury at being the one to end the life of his only heir.

Charlie watched his Alpha, heard the man's soul shatter as he screamed over his dead son's body. Felt his Alpha's pain as his hands curled into Jason's fur and he buried his face within his blood-mated coat.

"How could we have come to this?" Charlie's words were a broken whisper that cut through the silence.

Thomas stood slowly, his eyes seemingly not wanting to focus on a world without his son. Finally, they found Charlie; the gaze froze the young man where he stood. The depthless black orbs that regarded him were totally foreign. They elicited a deep foreboding in the young man as his Alpha's stare drew out.

Thomas looked at the weakling before him, he was filled with contempt.

'Pitiful.' Thomas's thoughts were cold, distant. He fought the desire to rip the man's head from his body and end his useless existence. There would be time enough for that. For now he needed this fool and all the rest.

Charlie watched his Alpha pull back from the brink, the gray of his eyes taking hold from the blackness that had been there a moment before. He breathed a sigh of relief.

"Call the pack together Charlie. This evening we will mourn the death of my son, the death of our pack's future. Come the dawn we shall mourn no longer. Tomorrow we shall plan how to right the wrongs that have been done to us. To take what is ours, and exact a full measure of revenge against those that have harmed us."

His Alpha's words were icy. They caused Charlie to shiver out of reflex. The Alpha noticed this and his stance softened once again.

"Go Charlie, it will be alright, the pack will overcome this loss and we shall be stronger for it."

Charlie nodded once and ran off to tell the pack of what had occurred, what was to be done. He couldn't shake his sense of dread however. The Alpha was obviously heartbroken.

'Could he too have...' Charlie shook the thought off remembering all of the times that the Alpha had protected them, guided them. 'The Alpha will see us through this.' This thought strengthened Charlie for what had to be done. He only hoped it was enough.

Standing in the waning light of the day Thomas Bouchard stared one last time at his beloved son's broken and bloodied body. The pain of this toppled the scales of grief that Thomas had lived with for so long. Images of his greatest losses flashed through his mind.

The emptiness left in his soul when his beloved Sonja was taken from him all those years ago, of the heart wrenching betrayal and abandonment of his sister Faith. All of the mistakes and trials of his long life became just too much to bear.

With a resigned sigh the soul of Thomas Bouchard drifted away. His final emotions those of hope, the hope of seeing his beautiful Mate again. The hope of apologizing to his son for all the mistakes he made raising him alone.

The hope of finding Faith, of telling her that here at the end, all the malice all the anger all the darkness they had shared fell away and he now only wished to find...peace.

The wind picked up as the Rogue Alpha rolled his shoulders and twisted his neck. Adjusting to his new singular place as within his body now that Thomas had given up the last vestiges of himself. It was an odd moment for the Rogue Alpha, after a lifetime of balance with his human half being alone within his own thoughts was a new experience.

Rage burned through reason and caring until there was nothing left but the smoldering need for blood, for mayhem...for vengeance.

-vVv-

Alexander and Jenabel were greeted by half the pack as they stepped into the Alpha's home.

"It seems dinner will be crowded." Jenabel whispered to Alexander.

He smiled tentatively and pulled her a little closer.

"Ah, just in time." Sophie pulled them both into a quick hug before ushering them to seats at the table.

Alexander was quiet during dinner. It reminded him of the mess hall when he was in the military, noisy, full of laughter and overlapping conversations. He watched Carl as he made a point to talk with everyone, both adults and children.

'It's obvious he cares so much about these people. How does it not become a burden?'

Alexander understood what it meant to lead, to be responsible for the well being of those in your care. But his experience was limited to the battlefield. This was an entirely different thing. Carl took a personal interest in everyone in his pack. Cared for them, helped to guide them and watched over them.

He leaned close to Jenabel, his lips a few inches away from her ear. The feeling of his warm breath on her neck made had her breath catching.

"How does one become an Alpha? Is it passed down father to son, is there a vote of some kind?" As an afterthought he added. "Are there female Alphas?"

Jenabel turned and smiled at Alexander. One of the things he would need to learn was that whispering was fairly pointless in a room full of Weres. The table had gotten quiet, aside from a hushed giggle from Willow.

Carl, seeing Jenabel's quick nod to him provided the answer.

"Alexander, who is Alpha of a pack, is not decided by a vote. The title can be given from a father to a son, or a daughter for that matter. It can also be conferred to someone not of the Alpha's blood. This happens, but rarely. In the last hundred or so years only one or two have been elevated to Alpha that were not of the same bloodline. Pack hierarchy is well defined. Alphas lead their packs. Yes, an Alpha can be male or female, though male Alphas out number females by about five to one."

"The next rank is Beta. They are the ones who, in the past, were the soldiers and protectors of the pack. This has also changed in the past century. You will find many Betas are accountants, business managers and attorneys, who through such position still work to protect the pack. Omegas are the general population of the pack and in the end they are the backbone of any long standing pack. While these ranks have existed since our earliest histories, depending upon the pack, there is very little separation between them."

"As you can see, I don't insulate myself from anyone. For me the pack as a whole is my charge. Everyone has their own jobs to do but none is more important than another. "

Alexander couldn't help but smile at the obvious pride Carl had for his pack. He loved them, they were as much a part of his life as his family and he would move heaven and earth for any of them no matter their station.

"So the transition from one Alpha to another is by decree or by a blood bond only?"

Alexander felt he was missing something so pushed the question.

Brad answered for his father.

"The pack looks for a strong Alpha. One who can manage the needs of the pack, ensure its safety and prosperity. Anyone can challenge the Alpha to single combat. If they win they become Alpha. In the past this fight was to the death, in some, well many, packs it still is. Here it is not required, either may submit. However, it is up to the victor to decide if mercy is to be given."

The others at the table were quiet; each seemed lost in their own memories on this subject. It was Willow who broke the silence.

"How, many times have you been challenged Alpha?"

Willow's parents rolled their eyes at their precocious daughter's question. It was something they all knew about but rarely discussed and hardly ever with the children.

Carl gave Willow a smile to soothe her. He picked up on her anxiousness at her parents' and the other's sudden tension.

"It's okay Willow. Alexander probably would have asked if you hadn't. I've been challenged four times over the last sixty years. I became Alpha when I was thirty years old. Some Alphas are much younger, others much older when they take on the title and the responsibility. I took it on when my father passed away." Carl paused as he felt Sophie's hand take his.

"Of the four challenges three were to the death. The fourth, he was young and a newer member of the pack. There is no honor in killing someone who can learn from their mistakes." Carl's body was tense, the challenges he had faced were some of the most painful moments of his life. But it was important that Alexander know as much as possible about their life and this was integral to who they were.

Alexander watched the older man for a time, seeing the strain of being Alpha pass across his face. 'So much responsibility, so much riding on every decision.' Alexander wondered how anyone could willingly take on such a burden.

As quickly as the tension came it passed. Carl smiled and gave Sophie's hand a thankful squeeze.

"There are trials in everyone's life, be they human or Were. We get through them, grow and become stronger in doing so.

The rest of the dinner passed with a jovial air. The members of the pack felt energized by Alexander's presence. They had all witnessed his defense of Jenabel; all understood it for precisely what it was. One of their own finding their mate was a joyful thing. That it was the Alpha's daughter only heightened the excitement.

People left slowly after dinner was over. Some lingered to talk with Carl and Sophie. Others introduced themselves to Alexander, gauging the soon-to-be newest member of their pack. All of them went away with the sense that his addition would add much to their collective futures.

Willow stopped and gave Alexander a lingering hug before bounding out the door, her parents shaking their heads at the young girls enthusiasm.

"I think someone has a crush on you Alexander." Jenabel's statement was playful as she watched Willow scamper out the door. Alexander smiled down at his mate becoming lost for a moment in her emerald eyes.

"What about you Jenabel, do you have a crush on me too?" His eyes were hungry as he whispered the words to her. She found her body moving closer to his, needing to feel him against her.

They were interrupted by her mother.

"Alexander, this is Karen and John Halston, Amy's parents."

Alexander turned to Sophie and was immediately wrapped in Karen's arms.

"Thank you. Thank you so much for rescuing Amy, I don't know what we would have done if..." John gently pulled his wife away from Alexander with a smile.

"Sorry about that, it's been a very eventful few days. I'm John, and we would both like to thank you for what you did for Amy. She is fully recovered and none the worse for wear." As he said this, a small girl peeked between her parent's legs.

Alexander bent down, as he did so the girl jumped into his arms.

"Thank you Axander." They all smiled at the missing letters of his name.

"It was my pleasure Miss Amy."

He stood and shook John's hand as the three of them made their way home.

"More fans it seems." Jenabel seemed to take great delight in teasing him this evening. And in more ways than one.

Alexander was going to respond but Carl interrupted.

"Let's go into the den. There is a lot to cover and we might as well get to it."

Carl led the way as Alexander and Jenabel followed, their hands intertwined.

The five of them sat around the small room, a fire gently smoldered in the fireplace. Jenabel and Alexander sat in a plush leather love seat. Her legs flung over his as her head rested on his shoulder. Alexander's fingers played gently in her hair.

Carl seated himself next to Sophie. He noted the happy grin on her face as she watched their daughter.

Brad leaned up against his father's desk watching them all.

Taking a moment to look at his daughter, Carl could see the obvious joy she took in simply being close to her mate. He knew how she felt but also knew the dangers and decided to start Alexander's education on that subject.

As Carl started, Alexander gave the man all his attention. No matter how distracting Jenabel could be, he needed as much information as possible to ensure he could keep her.

"One of the driving forces of our kind is to find our mates. Each of us is born with the inherent knowledge that somewhere out there is the match to our own soul."

"Not all of us find mates. Some spend their lives in the search to no avail. Others come together as pups and spend their entire lives together. What usually happens is that between the ages of twenty-five and fifty mates are drawn to each other."

Carl paused to take his wife's hand before continuing.

"I found Sophie almost thirty years ago when I was just shy of sixty years old. Karen and John Halston's parents were neighbors, the two of them became inseparable from the time they could crawl out the door and find the other."

"Once or twice a year, packs will invite neighboring packs to events so that the members can be exposed to as many potential mates as possible."

Alexander noted the sad shadow that fell across Jenabel's face. She saw his look and smiled.

"It's nothing Alexander. My brother Cross, he's been actively searching for his mate since his first moon change at fourteen. He has always believed that he would have to find her, that she needed him in some inexplicable way. It has meant we rarely see him. Even when he was young he would disappear, then in a day or two, Dad would get a call that he was at another pack."




Orphan Ch. 08



Alexander pulled her close. He understood what Cross must feel now that he felt as he did for Jenabel. Carl picked up the conversation again.

"So yes, finding our mate is right up there with protecting our children and our pack, it is a defining force in our lives. Once we find our mates, we are pulled to complete the bonding with them, usually during the next full moon. We share a part of ourselves and accept a part of our mate."

"What you're feeling now is the pull to complete the mating. However, it is not quite that straight forward for the two of you."

Carl watched as Jenabel curled closer to Alexander.

"As you are not fully Were yet, if you and Jenabel tried to complete the mating bond it could possibly kill you. With your Were gene being latent for so many years we just don't know what the outcome would be."

Alexander interjected.

"So it's not like the movies, you don't bite a human and they become Were?" Alexander still didn't understand fully what Carl was trying to tell him.

"No Alexander, a person can't be 'turned' into a Were. You are either born Were or not. Matings of the type our wolves require of us are deadly to humans. We all believed that Jenabel was feeling the mating pull toward you but this is something that could not have been if you were human, as we had believed."

Jenabel buried her head in Alexander's shoulder remembering the pain of believing he would never be hers. Alexander pulled her closer, feeling her whirling emotions.

"But luckily that wasn't the case." Carl smiled as he said this, very grateful that Jenabel still had the opportunity to claim her mate.

"However, until you complete your first moon change, become fully balanced with your wolf, there is still a danger that if you tried to complete the mating bond it could kill you. So, until that happens, you and Jenabel need to..."

Carl's words trailed off, he wasn't usually embarrassed about such subjects but seeing as it was Jenabel his fatherly instincts won out over his Alpha traits.

Jenabel whispered softly against Alexander's neck, completing her father's statement.

"We can't...join Alexander. We have to fight the urge. If I claimed you accidentally, which, considering how badly I want you is a very real possibility, you could die. So we have to be very careful of how far we let our...urges go."

Alexander could feel if not see the heat of her blush against his skin.

"I understand." Alexander's statement came out a bit too harsh. Everyone in the room understood why. Fighting the need to complete the mating would have been struggle for any of them.

Alexander shook off the erotic images of him and Jenabel that had been flashing through his mind due to the topic. He still had a thousand questions and little time to ask them. One kept coming up from that deep dark place in our psyche that always questioned his own self worth.

"Do you have any idea why one of your kind would abandon a child to a human orphanage?"

Carl was not surprised by the question. Dmitri had focused on this part of Alexander's history and its ramifications as well.

"To my knowledge it has never happened before. I can only guess that whoever your parents were, they felt you were in mortal danger and believed the orphanage the only safe place for you."

"Our children are treasured Alexander. We, as a race are very small in the grand scheme of things. Children are the greatest of gifts as each and every one of them is quite literally part of the future of our kind. It is...inconceivable that someone would take the risk of leaving a Were child with humans, let alone consigning them to be wards of the state."

"Our laws are very strict regarding such things. We have to keep our existence a secret. If it were to come out, especially now with the level of technology and communication that exists today, that Weres existed we would most assuredly be hunted, caged and studied. This is something none of our kind would ever be able to survive."

Sophie, with a squeeze on Carl's hand broke into the discussion.

"I would have to believe that it was your mother's decision Alexander. I have thought a great deal about this, trying to understand how any of us would put one of our cubs, and our people in such jeopardy. The only thing that makes sense is that your mother was separated from her mate, that she herself was in some kind of danger and this was the only option open to her. I know that it may be hard for you to see past the abandonment, but speaking as a mother I can only assume that a scenario such as this led to her leaving you."

Tears were running down Sophie's cheeks as she said this. The emotion of it, the utter desperation a mother would have to have to leave her child this way was too much for her to contain. Carl wrapped his wife in a strong hug, feeling her sorrow, for both Alexander and his mother, through their bond.

The room was quiet for time as everyone got their emotions under control. Once everyone seemed calmer Alexander kept the questions coming.

"Yesterday you said that there was a danger I could go "rogue" without having the proper balance when I shift. From everything I've heard that seems to go against this balance. It almost makes it sound like my wolf aspect is dangerous or even...evil." This had bothered Alexander. Being with Jenabel and Willow in their wolf forms, neither had struck him as anything but amazing, pure, if wild, manifestations of the two humans that he knew.

Carl was once again surprised at how much depth Alexander gleaned from the smallest of comments.

"Our wolves are reflections of ourselves and vise versa. If someone is honorable, good, then those traits are carried by our wolves as well. We have but one soul Alexander. I am Carl Benton, Alpha of this pack no matter what form you see. My Mate, my Family, my Pack, all of them, that's what I live for. That never changes."

"When I mentioned going rogue yesterday, it was in the context of your wolf not wanting to relinquish control once it had it. Our kind go rogue, give into the basest of our feral emotions for many reasons. In your case it would be simply a lack of understanding. For others, fear, pain, desperation, loss, all of these emotions can push our human spirit to give up our share of the burden completely. When this happens the wolf takes over. Depending on the reasons for our human soul giving up, the rogue that is left may simply shift into a wolf and disappear into the forest. However, if some great tragedy or loss is the cause, the purely feral nature of our wolves may be uncontrollable. In cases such as this, sadly, we usually have no choice other than to put the rogue out of its misery."

Alexander could understand this. He had seen it in combat a few times. A soldier would see just too much death, too much savagery, be exposed to the depths humanity can sink to and be unable to cope. They would retreat so far into themselves that there was no possibility of finding or wanting to find, their way back.

Jenabel hugged him close. "That won't happen to you Alexander. I know it won't. You're strong and we'll teach you everything you need to know." Her words were forceful, spoken with a conviction that Alexander took great comfort in.

Looking up from Jenabel's eyes he saw the other three were watching them with smiles on their faces. Alexander could feel the blush start to rise on his cheeks. It was so different for him being around people who actually cared about him. That wanted him to be happy and would help in anyway they could to ensure it. He wanted nothing more in this moment than to be here with Jenabel, her family, and the pack forever. He still had a long way to go before that would be possible, starting with one important detail.

"How do you shift? This morning I saw a...vision, a large blondish brown wolf. It seemed to know me, to lend me its strength. I reached out for it but he would not come to me. He seemed wary. While I could feel his power, knew that it was my wolf aspect that gave me the ability to defend myself, he still seemed hesitant."

The four Weres were surprised by this revelation. It took cubs years to be able to actually see their wolves in their minds, to attain that level of connection.

Brad broke into a wide grin before answering him.

"This is excellent news Alexander. When we shift we...call forth our wolf. We move toward them, they move toward us. We meet in the middle and join. When this happens in our minds the physical shift happens. It usually takes the cubs a long time to get to the point where they can actually see their wolves in their minds eye. Willow has only recently been able to find the balance and will the change. For the younger ones they have little control, like Amy when the tree destroyed the house. It was pure instinct that, sensing her fear, her wolf came forward to help and she shifted. That you did it naturally means you are farther along than any of us dared to hope."

Alexander thought about this, pulled up the memory in his mind, replayed it. In doing so he inadvertently called forth his wolf.

One moment he was within the memory, the next he felt his consciousness shift to the present as his reality shifted.

He stood in a meadow, the boundary of which was shrouded in mist. He could feel the earth beneath his feet, the gentle caress of a warm spring wind. Out of the mist came his wolf, its fur catching the light causing it to burn golden as it reflected the rays. It strode purposefully forward stopping twenty feet away from Alexander who stood still watching the proud animal's advance. They stayed that way for what seemed to Alexander hours, simply learning the others form. With a small chuff the wolf moved closer and Alexander was compelled to do so as well. With each step he felt more of the wolf.

The coiled power of its muscles as they tensed and released with each step.

How its fur shifted in the breeze and in doing so changed its color from blond to gold and then a light brown. As they paused a mere foot apart he could feel the beasts lungs filling with air, could discern numerous scents on the wind.

Alexander's hand reached out across the gap.

His wolf sat perfectly still, a look of curiosity in its blue eyes.

The touch was tentative, his palm behind the wolf's ear. The fur was soft and warm under his fingers. At the contact Alexander felt a gentle pull toward the wolf but he fought it, maintaining the contact but not letting it go further. Closing his eyes he found a vision of himself as seen through the wolf's eyes.

He was naked, his muscles and scars in bold relief. The colors of the meadow around them were more vibrant, deeper. Everything contained a depth of detail unlike anything he had ever seen. No picture, no movie, no vista he had seen through his many travels held as much glorious richness as this simple glade seen through a wolf's eyes.

Alexander pulled his hand away. The wolf chuffed once and turned slowly walking back into the mist.

"Alexander, ALEXANDER!"

He blinked a few times, looking around the room. Sophie, Carl and Brad were standing over him; Jenabel cradled him in her arms.

"What, what happened?"

Brad got a wry smile on his face.

"You saw your wolf again didn't you?"

Alexander nodded, pulling himself and Jenabel up as he stretched and turned to her.

"It was amazing, I could see through its eye, the detail, the depth, the beauty of it. Jenabel it was..."

Jenabel smiled and hugged him close. "Yes I know Alexander. It makes you want to cry sometimes how they view the world." He sank into her embrace, seeming to feel her for the first time. He could scent so much more on her skin now, the headiness of her sensual natural clove but also the soap over top of it, the detergent used to wash the clothes, the lush scent of her smoldering arousal and need for him.

"I hate to break this up." Carl said with a shake of his head. "But we have more to cover and it's getting late. Why don't you two go for a walk or better yet a run and burn off some energy then come back and we'll finish up. Hopefully Dmitri will have some feedback for me tomorrow and we can start your formal training."

Jenabel smiled and nodded to her father. Taking Alexander's hand she led him out of the room toward the back door of the house.

"He's going to make the change just fine." Brad said to his parents.

"That he can see his wolf, touch him, has the ability to pick up on its senses is a big, big hurdle to be sure. There is still more he has to learn and there is a vast difference in sharing with your wolf and merging with your wolf. This gives me a great deal of hope that the change will not be as dangerous as we thought."

Sophie hugged Carl as she watched Alexander and Jenabel walk off into the night. While she knew there were many more trials to come, that he had overcome this major one so easily helped Sophie to know that her daughter would hopefully, finally have her mate.

-vVv-

Alexander and Jenabel walked through the woods around the perimeter of the compound. They were quiet, each lost in their own thoughts, which, not entirely surprisingly, mirrored the others.

Alexander slowly ran his thumb over the top of Jenabel's hand. He was caught up in the myriad sensations that such a simple touch provided.

The smooth texture of her skin against his.

How he could pause over her pulse and feel it beat in time with his own.

Her fingers flexing each time his thumb caressed the hardness of her knuckle.

Having her so close, her scent mingled with his, becoming something new. Sweeter and deeper and overtly sensual in the blending.

As Alexander's thumb moved along a mere inch of her skin, Jenabel's thoughts were aimed in a similar direction and, though she was loath to do so; she slipped her hand from his and stopped.

Alexander took one step and then turned, surprised by the break in their connection.

"We...we have to talk Alexander, I know my father went over it but we have to talk."

She was obviously flustered. Alexander wanted to cross the small distance between them but thought better of it as he watched Jenabel run her hands through her hair and sigh deeply.

"We have to set some ground rules Alexander or it is going to be a very long and frustrating twelve days until the full moon. I want you; it's obvious you want me." She had a hard time keeping her eyes from wandering to the large bulge in his tight jeans.

"And we will indulge those wants Alexander. God knows how we'll be able to stop once we start. But until then we need to tread carefully. I can't, I won't be responsible for something going wrong. I'm strong Alexander, but my wolf can only take so much temptation. It is only the fact that she knows the wait is short that is keeping her at bay and I don't want to hurt you in a careless moment."

Alexander heard the pain and indecision in her voice. He thought of what staying away from her was doing to him. He couldn't imagine what it was like for her, having as close a bond with her wolf as she did.

He was about to take a step away from her when he froze in place. His intention to step away from his mate when she was in pain had triggered something primal within him. He could only guess that it was his own wolf responding to the mating pull.

Instead of stepping away he closed the distance between them and took her in his arms. His lips were insistent and her resistance only lasted an instant before, with a moan, her lips parted to accept his rampant tongue.

Alexander pulled her to the ground, his lips never leaving hers as their tongues dueled. His hands roamed possessively over her body with not a care given to modesty. Alexander's touch held none of the timidity he had displayed previously with Jenabel. His touch was sure and confident.

One of his palms came to rest on her breast, his fingers digging gently into her warm, receptive flesh. Jenabel moaned, caught up in the raucous fury of their combined need. Her wolf howled longingly as their mate mauled them, dominated them, and took them.

Alexander was on fire, out of control, his only desire to make Jenabel understand that she was his. He was confused by his wolf's need but also understood his wolf may know better than he what Jenabel needed in this moment.

His hand released her breast and slid down her stomach, tracing the faint line of her muscles as it slipped into her jeans. Jenabel moaned into his mouth, struggling a bit trying to regain control of the situation. Alexander merely growled as his fingers touched her hot center, feeling the damp need that resided there only en-flamed him more.

Jenabel felt his fingertips run over her heated sex, then he was cupping her fully, the heat of his hand burning through the light silk of her panties. Her hips rose to meet his hand, loving the way he seemed to posses her with such a simple action.

"You. Are. Mine Jenabel." His words were harsh, strained as he pushed her panties aside and his fingers played roughly over her core. "I understand what you mean, I know that we can't do that which we both desire. But never doubt you..." He left no doubt as to what he was referring to as his rough finger slid into her up to the first knuckle, gently bumping into her maidenhead. "...are mine, denying yourself to me is not an option for either side of my nature."

His finger entering her, his choked, whispered words burned through her and she clung to him, her hips writhing against his hand as he pushed her over the edge and her orgasm crashed through her.

Jenabel's breath came in short gasps, as with a final lingering touch Alexander removed his hand from her panties. She could see his eyes were clouded with desire. But behind that there was a question, him questioning himself for his actions. She pulled him close, feeling his own need pressing into her. "It was perfect Alexander, don't beat yourself up. You didn't hurt me. Far from it, that was exactly what I needed."

Alexander pulled away from her, his fingers gently pushing away the dark strands of her hair that had falling in her eyes. "Was it...was it what your wolf needed Jenabel? It was me that did this but my wolf was here, exerting some control. It was us but it was more than us as well."

He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts. He didn't think she understood what he meant.

"Alexander it was perfect, it was exactly what my wolf, and apparently yours, needed." Her voice dropped to sensual purr as her lips came close to his ear, her breath on his skin causing his body to shudder. "What about your needs Alexander, how can we deal with those..." her voice trailed off as her hand wormed between them coming to rest on his hardness.

His breath came out in a burst at her touch, just as he was about to kiss her...

"Jenabel! Alexander! Lets go it's getting late." Sophie's voice cut through the clear night air bringing them both up with a start.

"Later." Jenabel whispered in his ear as she smoothed her disheveled clothing and then took him by the hand leading him back to her parents home.

Alexander's emotion were warring within him, part of him knew that it was best that they had been interrupted. The other and most assuredly stronger part of him was damn sure it was the worst interruption he had ever encountered and prayed it would not often be repeated.

-vVv-

Sophie cocked an eyebrow at Jenabel as she and Alexander mounted the front porch stairs. The blush, along with lingering scents that clung to them both told Sophie all she needed to know.

She shook her head lightheartedly.

"Why don't you two...wash up some...before we get started again." Sophie almost laughed at the hand in the cookie jar looks she got from the pair as they passed into the house, heads hung.

"They'll be here in a minute."

Carl looked at the small smile on Sophie's lips and pulled her into a strong hug. He could feel through their bond her happiness for Jenabel as well as her concern.




Orphan Ch. 08



Once they were all back Carl picked up the conversation.

"I think our history can wait, there is a lot of it; and you will need to know it Alexander. But I think there are a few other things you need to know first."

"We've gone over the pack hierarchy. Now, for our rules. Understand, each pack has their own set of rules that they live by and there are a few that every Were must abide by."

"As a race, we all protect the secret of our heritage, even if it means our own death for the reasons I told you earlier. If it becomes known that a Were is in a position to break those rules, through their own designs or by fate, we will act as a people to ensure that doesn't happen."

"Murder, theft, all the other common human laws are also followed by most packs. There is a large distinction on the point of murder. Our way is more...savage for lack of a better term. We are equal parts human and predator, we kill when in our wolf forms, but never humans unless it is to protect our lives and the secret of our kind. There have been wars between packs in the past. Currently in Europe there are six packs embroiled in a very active war for territory. It is in our nature to secure the boarders of our lands. Should another pack try and infringe on those boarders it can quickly lead to violence."

Alexander stopped Carl there.

"So the Bouchard's actions today could be considered an act of war?"

Alexander was at once surprised and not at the thought of the attack this morning could be the cause of a major conflict. He understood how important territory was for some but still had misgivings about himself being the cause of trouble for the pack.

"In the past most definitely, a hundred, hell fifty years ago we would have already been in the middle of it. Today and under these circumstances we try to keep Were conflicts to a minimum. They create too much of an opportunity for our nature to be revealed to the human population."

Alexander was listening intently, trying not only to retain the information but also pick up the subtle nuances that could be contained within them. Jenabel, sitting on his lap gently rotated her hips causing his erection to jump at the contact. She turned to him, giving him a big grin before allowing her attention to go back to her father. For that instant Alexander saw a flash of Jenabel in the woods this morning as she had shifted from her wolf to human form. Her gloriously naked curves covered in a light sheen of sweat..."

"Alexander?"

Carl's clipped tone brought him back from his reverie.

"Sorry, so...what about within the pack? I can guess that at least for you, murder, theft, hurting a child and such would be strictly against the rules."

Carl nodded.

"Yes, we don't have the same need as humans to dictate every little action as good or bad. It is mostly unheard of that a Were would hurt their mate or any pack member. For a child to be hurt is unthinkable. We expect everyone to respect the others of the pack and they expect that respect in return."

"Sounds straight forward, it's too bad human society can't seem to grasp that simple concept." Another question had been bothering Alexander and this seemed a good place to ask.

"This morning, when I killed the Were who attacked me, he didn't change back to his human form."

Carl shook his head.

"No, that's Hollywood BS. If we are killed we retain whatever form we were in when we died. You've seen Willow and Jenabel shift. It is a fundamental change in our nature. One is not more or less dominant. If you die a wolf you'll be burned a wolf."

"Burned?" Alexander questioned.

"Yes our funeral rites date back to our earliest histories. Upon our deaths our bodies, no matter the form are burned during the ritual of passage where we celebrate the person's life and send them on to whatever is after this."

Alexander understood and approved. No mourning, no sense of loss, only the good things remembered.

"I think that's enough for this evening." Sophie said as she stood and stretched her hands to ceiling.

"I agree, lets all get a good nights sleep. Tomorrow Brad and some of the Betas will run through our training session with you. Afterward he will show you the defenses around the compound. With the Bouchard's riled up any suggestions you may have about enhancing them would be most appreciated. Tomorrow afternoon one of the teachers has volunteered to give you a down and dirty on our overall history. By then I hope to have talked with Dmitri and we can go from there." Carl was wrapping his wife in his arms, placing gentle kisses on her bare shoulder.

"Who is Dmitri? You've mentioned him twice this evening." Alexander fought the gentle pull on his hand from Jenabel's as he asked.

Carl looked at Alexander. It was easy to forget with his quiet way that he was incredibly sharp and rarely missed anything.

"Dmitri is an Elder Alpha. A Were's lifespan is about double that of a normal human, roughly 160 to 200 years."

Alexander interrupted.

"That explains why you're around ninety years old", remembering Carl's chronology from earlier.

"Yes that's about right. Sophie is..." He was interrupted by his wife's elbow in his belly.

"...aging very well thank you very much." Sophie finished his statement with a sly smile.

Alexander turned to Jenabel the question obvious in his eye.

"Don't worry, I'm just what I look like, twenty-two, Brad is twenty-seven and Cross twenty-five. Our aging doesn't start to slow down until our late twenties or early thirties." Jenabel saw Alexander relax at her explanation.

Carl was patient with the interruptions.

"Getting back to your question, there are a few of us who live beyond 200. Those that reach that milestone become Elder Alphas. Whether they were Alphas or not in their first 200 years makes no difference. An Elder Alpha will be given a number of packs to look over, to be a mentor for their leaders. In this way we don't lose the wisdom that more times than not, comes with such a long life."

"Dmitri is our Elder Alpha, he is about 290 years old, currently the oldest Were alive. There are two others and between the three of them they oversee the formal packs across the globe."

Carl could see more questions forming in Alexander's mind but cut him off.

"Tomorrow Alexander, it's late and tomorrow will be another long day. We'll pick it up in the morning."

"Thank you, all of you for your help and patience, I don't know what I would do if..."

Sophie hugged him close.

"Don't thank us Alexander, there is no need. You're pack. You're family." She smiled at him as she released him and followed Carl to bed.

Brad clapped him on the back.

"I'll see you in the morning just after breakfast, 6:30, Jenabel can show you where."

He gave his sister a quick hug before heading out himself.

Jenabel's fingers intertwined with his.

"Come on Alexander, let's go home."

Her soft whispered words and the look of hunger in her eyes left Alexander's only option to follow her. He could think of nothing he wanted to do more. At least for now.

-vVv-

Flames reached for the heavens as the pyre burned bright and hot in the middle of the forest.

The pack stood stoically, watching the flames consume their Alpha's son. All of them felt the loss. Many of them wondered what now would become of the pack. Their Alpha wasn't old but he wasn't young either. At 152 and childless he would have to appoint his successor. None of the Betas stood out as a likely candidate.

While the group itself was subdued, there was an undercurrent of discordant energy they all felt.

Their Alpha stood motionless before the pyre. It had been over an hour since he laid his son upon it and sparked the conflagration which quickly consumed the body.

Finally the Rogue Alpha turned, scanning the crowd with dark hooded eyes.

"Today we have lost a valuable member of the pack, the future leader of the pack. We also lost Mitch, one of our Betas, who will soon join my son in the afterlife." He paused turning back to the fire before continuing.

"These horrible losses can be laid at the feet of the Benton Pack. For years they have treated us badly. Looked down on us, thrown us scraps from their table."

"That ends now." The Rogue's voice had turned icy. Those close enough to see his eyes in the firelight caught their breath at the black pools that stared back at them.

"We will avenge our fallen. We will make the Benton's suffer as we have."

Turning to the pack surrounding him the Rogue took them all in, saw the weak, the unsure, and picked out the ones who had some steel in their backbones and fire in their eyes.

They would be his fodder, the ones who would clear a path for him so that his bloody vengeance could be wrought.

His voice rose in the night, battling and overcoming the shrieks of the fire that seared the ashes of his son. One chilling word howled out into the night, echoed from the mountains multiplying its power.

"Vengeance."

-vVv-

Alexander watched the closed bathroom door as he sat on Jenabel's bed. Images of her beneath him in the forest battled for his attention. He imagined her in the shower and then shook it away, feeling bad at the thought and not understanding why.

'She's mine, there's no reason I shouldn't think about her. The way her body feels under my hands. The taste of her on my lips. How her scent lingers on my skin.'

His thoughts were brought back to the moment as Jenabel stepped out of the bathroom. Her long black hair was still damp; a light purple silk robe did little to hide her curves.

They stared at each other. Alexander's eyes traveled over her body. He could see the way her calf muscles flexed as she shifted her weight from one leg to the other. Pictured his fingers wrapped around them, sliding over them toward..."

"Ready for bed?" Jenabel's question was a whisper, filled with want but also with a healthy dose of hesitancy.

Alexander felt himself calm. Could feel his wolf's protective nature come to the fore and merge with his own.

Alexander stood, stepped close to Jenabel and wrapped her in his arms. He could feel Jenabel trembling next to him.

"Come to bed Jenabel, rest with me. Let me hold you. Let me enjoy the feeling of your arms around me."

Alexander felt her hesitancy fall away. They slid between the cool sheets, wrapped themselves in one another's embrace and let the world, for at least this night slip away.



Edited By:
Mikothebaby



Orphan Ch. 09



Chapter 9

Alexander watched as Brad, three other men and two women sparred in a clearing not too far from the Alpha's house.

He had woken before Jenabel. Fighting the desire to stay ensconced in the warm bed with her, he had risen quietly and dressed in a pair of sweat pants and a T-shirt. The sun was just beginning to break the horizon as he walked up the steps to the Bentons' home.

"Good morning Alexander." Sophie's quiet good morning came as a shock. Once again he had been taken by surprise.

"Does being exceedingly quiet go with being Were? I've been startled more in the last few weeks than the rest of my life put together."

Sophie grinned at his playfully spoken lament.

"We do tend to be light of foot and can sit very still." She rose from the rocking chair at the edge of the large patio. Walking to him she gave him a quick hug before moving past him.

"Hungry? Breakfast is just about ready. Brad should be here any time. He can take you over to the sparring field."

"Breakfast sounds great. What time does Jenabel usually wake up?"

Alexander's question had Sophie laughing. "Normally whenever she damn well feels like it. But that's not strange among our kind. We can be quite enamored with the night and that tends to lead to either late or very grumpy mornings."

Sophie was just putting out platters of eggs, bacon and hash browns as Brad came into the kitchen.

"Morning Mom, morning Alexander. Let me guess Jenabel's still asleep?" His tone was light as he gave his mother a quick hug before grabbing a plate and sitting down.

Alexander watched as Brad and Sophie interacted so easily. It was a glimpse of something he never had, a strong emotional bond with someone who simply accepted him for who and now what he was. He was envious of Brad for a moment, but the feeling quickly shifted to hope that he too would perhaps have the chance of having such for himself someday.

Finishing up, Brad stood and kissed his Mother lightly on the cheek. "Thanks for breakfast." Turning to Alexander he smiled. "Come on, let's introduce you to our version of training." Alexander noted the gleam in Brad's eye as he said this.

"I'm looking forward to it." Alexander's response was cool and garnered a small laugh from Sophie as the two men headed for the sparring area.

Alexander had been watching now for about ten minutes. It was obvious the four men and two women had done this for years. Their moves were practiced, well timed almost choreographed.

They went through basic fighting stances, punches, kicks and throws. To watch them move was impressive. All of them were obviously incredibly fit. As he watched he felt his wolf stir.

This was not the first time he had felt the restless, primal energy course through his body. While in the Army it always happened before an operation. He had always just assumed it was nerves and adrenaline; his body preparing itself for the violence his mind knew was to come.

But now, having the barest understanding of what he was, Alexander understood that it was more than just nerves. He felt his body flex involuntarily, had to fight down the urge to stand up and pace. It was his wolf anticipating a coming battle, knowing that it would be needed he was asserting himself in small ways, readying himself to lend Alexander his strength.

Brad looked over to Alexander. He noted the serene look on his face, the way his eyes were closed, face turned to the rising sun. His body language belied the look on his face, Brad could see Alexander's big body tensing and relaxing, muscles shifting under his tight t-shirt.

'And he didn't know he was a Were?' Brad joked with himself. He had come quickly to like Alexander. Now that it was proven he was a Were he didn't know how he could have missed it. 'I'll have to listen to Willow more often.' He thought with a private laugh.

"Alexander, care to give it a go?"

Brad was interested to see how Alexander would do in a fight. While this was a very controlled setting, it would at least give him something to gauge Alexander by and hopefully provide a course of action where his training should focus.

Alexander didn't answer. Merely stood and stripped off his T-shirt and walked to the middle of the clearing.

Brad took a moment to briefly introduce the others.

"Everyone, this is Alexander, Jenabel's mate and soon to be pack member."

As Betas, they had been informed of Alexander, his unique situation and that he was to be joined to Jenabel. While they accepted their Alpha's word, it did not mean that all of them would be blindly accepting. Being Betas, it was their job to protect the pack. All of them understood that Alexander Dane, through circumstance more than desire, had increased the need to keep the pack safe. Each would have to make his or her own determination about the newcomer.

"Alexander, these five are the Betas entrusted with the packs' security here at the compound." Making small gestures as he named them Alexander took each in as Brad introduced them.

"You have Lisa." A tall blond with crisp angular features that reminded him of Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2. 

"These three are Jonathon, Damon and Reg."

'They could be brothers.' Alexander mussed. All had strong builds, were well muscled and had light brown hair.

Alexander's eyes shifted to the last of the group as Brad introduced her.

"And Sara rounds out the Betas that are tasked with directly protecting the compound." Sara was the odd one of the group. Shorter at barely five foot five inches she had red hair and hazel eyes that glimmered each time the sun hit them correctly. She had been the one Alexander focused on as he had watched the six spar. Sara was well toned and moved a bit more fluidly that the others. Her size belied her strength and speed. He had the impression the others didn't quite appreciate all that she was capable of.

"Thank you for allowing me to join you, I have a lot to learn and I really appreciate the help." They could all sense the sincerity in his words and it helped to dampen down their wariness.

"Sara, why don't pair up with Alexander and show him what you've got."

Sara nodded but Alexander interrupted.

"If you wouldn't mind, I would prefer to spar with Damon or Reg first." He turned to Sara. "Please don't take offense, it's just that I think I'll have a much easier time with one of them than with you."

Sara wanted to be angry, both at Brad for picking her first and then for Alexander for requesting another partner. But when she looked in his eyes as he explained, she saw and heard nothing but honesty in his explanation.

'Maybe he's got some brains to go along with his brawn.' Sara thought as she gave a small nod and smiled.

It hadn't taken Alexander long while watching the six to place the Betas in order of ability. He had chosen to start at the bottom and work his way up. From the looks on Damon and Reg's faces he didn't think they appreciated being asked to be first.

"Fair enough; Damon why don't you start?"

Alexander had gotten a good feel for all of them while he had watched their earlier sparring. The four men were very good if predictable. They were all fast, had good balance and their training seemed well rounded. He saw aspects of several martial arts, kick boxing and street fighting all enhanced by their Were heritage.

Damon walked in a slow circle around Alexander. He was taller than all of them, even Brad, and had a long reach. 'I'll need to get inside quickly.' Damon's thoughts crystallized to action as he moved fast, looking to wrap Alexander up and grapple with him, using his own strengths to counter Alexander's.

Alexander saw the movement telegraphed long before the motion started. Damon's body flexed, his center of gravity adjusted lower. Alexander sensed more than saw Damon's wolf come closer to the surface.

He had seen it in all of them. It was a serious tell they would have to work on. The only one who hid the tell was Sara, which was why she was last on his list.

Damon's quick and aggressive motion ended an instant after it began with him lying on the ground behind a once again still Alexander.

"Dammit!" Damon had been sure his strength and speed would have been enough to catch the other man off guard.

The scene was repeated three times before Brad stepped in.

"Okay Damon, let's give Reg a chance."

Damon moved to the edge of the clearing, unsure whether to be upset or impressed with Alexander's ability.

Reg had watched the bouts with Damon intently.

'He's all about balance and control, have to stay away from him, surprise him from different angles. He'll have a bit harder time with me than he did Damon.' Reg was confident, now that he had seen Alexander in action, that he could take him.

Alexander watched Reg walk to the center of the clearing. He was leaner than Damon and much much faster. Alexander noted the glimmer in his eye, understood that Reg thought he had Alexander figured out.

Once again Alexander watched as Reg's wolf came to the fore an instant before he launched into a whirling kick intended to catch Alexander across the chin.

An instant later Reg was looking up at Alexander standing over him, his ankle firmly in the other man's grasp.

"I didn't even see you move." Reg's comment earned him a slight grin and shrug from Alexander.

It continued that way as every one of the Betas found themselves on their backs or stomachs or sides looking over or up at Alexander's calm face. Even Brad, the last aside from Sara was not immune. After finding himself on his back after Alexander threw him about three feet he finally laughed and gave in.

"Damn Alexander, I think we all thought...well...it seems we all have a few things to learn. We were expecting to teach you a few things but I doubt that will be necessary. Hell quite the opposite."

Alexander smiled and offered Brad a hand.

"It won't actually take much. All of you have the strength and reflexes to be absolutely deadly. I think the biggest issue is complacency. I'm sure you all have been sparring together for years. You know each other too well and are too comfortable with your own strengths and the others weaknesses. It won't take long for you to get those habits under control. It's a simple shift of attention more than any required skills."

"A lot of this was your preconceived notions. You didn't see me as a threat and that was your biggest mistake. You never know who you may be facing in a fight. What you and your parents and Jenabel are trying to teach me is balance with my wolf. You rely a great deal on your wolves and there is no reason you shouldn't. However, it does give you tunnel vision, stops you from seeing all the options."

Alexander turned to Sara.

"Shall we?"

She was shocked by what she had seen. Alexander had read each and every one of them perfectly. There was no doubt he was a superior fighter to all of them. She didn't think there was much point.

"Oh, I think I learned enough for one day Alexander." She tried to blow him off. The steely stare that Alexander shot Sara let her know immediately that her answer was not what he expected or wanted to hear.

"I think, we should dance anyway."

Alexander's tone was dry but held a subtle undercurrent of respect that surprised her.

She walked to the center of the clearing and faced him.

Sara hadn't been the most aggressive of the six as he had watched earlier. The others played on their own strengths, telegraphed their intentions and knew their opponents weaknesses too well. All except Sara. While the others had taken their lumps during all the different combinations, Sara was the only one who didn't take one hit. The really surprising part was that none of the others seemed to notice.

Alexander had seen fighters like her before. They were the quiet ones, the unassuming ones. The ones you never saw coming until you were staring up at them from the ground or you felt their knife slip between your ribs.

Sara and Alexander circled each other in the center of the clearing.

Alexander noted Sara's easy almost lazy stance. She didn't move in on him, didn't press the attack while all the others had. She waited for him and he was pleased by this. So often when you pressed the attack it left you at a disadvantage.

Alexander came in low and fast, his leg flashing out to sweep her legs out from under her. Sara was having none of it. In a move so fast Alexander barely had time to register it she jumped up and over his outstretched leg and landed a punch on his exposed right shoulder. He was expecting it, had wanted to see if she could be drawn in by his supposed vulnerability. Continuing the spin he was crouched right in front of Sara as his hand shot forward and up, his fingertips touching her sternum just enough so that the contact registered.

Sara's calm exterior broke at the touch.

"Don't you dare pull your punches! If you can hit me then you better damn well do it because I sure as hell will hit you!" Sara's verbal slap down echoed through the forest.

To prove her point Sara's left foot was suddenly making harsh contact with Alexander's chin.

Alexander could feel his wolf surge forward, coming closer to the surface with each passing second. As he rose to face Sara once again she looked into his eyes. The brilliant blue was still there but now golden flecks seemed to swirl within their depths.

Alexander breathed deeply. He calmed the surging force within him, contained it and allowed the power to come to him in a measured way that kept his balance intact.

Sara moved first this time. With a feint to her left, she pivoted and dashed around behind him to the right. Her fists made contact with his lower back. 'That should get his attention.' Her thoughts were focused. She had watched him take apart the other five, even besting Brad who rarely had trouble sparring with any of the pack members. Alexander's style was so different that she knew if she had any chance at all it would be necessary to take him by surprise.

Sara had hesitated a moment after the strike to his back, her expectation was that he would go to his knees at least and then she would strike his neck. Her hesitation cost her as instead of falling, Alexander's big body twisted with the lithe and subtle strength of a dancer as he planted both fists squarely to her abdomen sending her falling to the ground four feet away.

She was up in an instant and running fast at her adversary. It had been years since anyone put her on her back. Alexander saw her coming, acknowledged the wild look in her eye. He had succeeded in doing what he wanted, pushing her over the edge so her wolf tipped the balance.

Sara's leap was perfectly timed. Alexander just stood there watching her as she flew toward him, a curled fist behind her back waiting for just the right moment to transfer the energy of her forward motion to the punch she intended for his jaw.

In a flash of understanding she watched him drop to the ground below her, she knew he had her.

Alexander bent at the knees, dropping instantly to a crouch. As Sara's body flew over him he rose up just as fast, arms wrapping around her waist. With a quick pivot he used her momentum against her and brought her to the ground hard.

Sara had the breath knocked out of her as her back made painful contact with the ground, her lungs contracted as she fought to refill them. She looked up into Alexander's eyes which had returned to their pristine blue, she noted the small curl of his lip.

"Very, very good Sara. You're the best of them all." His voice was just above a whisper as the praise was for her ears alone.

He stood then offering her his hand. She took it, finally starting to get some oxygen back into her system. He turned, showing her his back as he walked toward the others closer to the edge of the clearing.

'I am the best of them all, now I'll prove it.' Sara had appreciated his praise but her wolf would not let the fury at being bested go so easily.

Her body coiled, tensing for her next attack. 'Never turn your back on an enemy.' She smirked to herself.

As she moved forward, her wolf coming almost to the fore she reveled in the power that suffused her body, enhancing her, making her capable of taking Alexander down.

Alexander noted the small changes in Brad and the others as he walked toward them, the five of them tensing almost at the same moment. The way their eyes focused behind him. He reached out with his senses and felt the building energy behind him and understood that Sara had not learned her lesson. He spun almost too quickly, his reflexes enhanced by his wolf surging forward to meet the threat.

One moment Sara was almost upon him, a look of shock just beginning to glimmer in her eye as she realized that once again Alexander had read her intention. In the next an ebony blur of snarling fury was streaking between the two of them, sights set on Sara.

-vVv-

Jenabel stretched languidly under the warm sheets, her body uncurling from slumber. Her hands slid over the sheet to her sides, searching for the warm hard body of her Mate. They were met with only cool sheets.

Squinting her eyes against the sun streaming into the window, Jenabel looked around the room only to find it empty.

"Damn early risers." She said to herself as she closed her eyes and pulled a pillow over her head.

Sleep had not come quickly last night as she lay next to Alexander. Jenabel had curled her body around his as he slept, enjoying the feel of his heat and hard muscles against her naked skin. She never realized, never dreamed that finding her Mate, being so close to him would elicit such strong feelings. All of the pack's young were taught what it was to find their mates. That it would be the most overwhelming, all-encompassing experience of their lives.  But the deep truth of it was nothing like the explanations. She breathed easier, felt lighter, understood belonging now in a way that is unfathomable without the experience of it.

She had drifted to sleep clutching Alexander tightly, a small part of her still afraid that he was merely a specter that could vanish at any moment.

Waking up with him gone caused a gentle ache in her heart.

"We'll need to discuss this whole I'm up at the crack of dawn business." Jenabel laughed to herself as she pulled herself from the warm confines of the bed to search for Alexander.

After a quick shower Jenabel was walking across the compound toward her parent's house when she felt her mother in her mind.

'He's not here. Try the sparring grounds, he and Brad left about a half hour ago.' Sophie's voice was light in Jenabel's head.

'I'm going to have to talk to that man about the proper time to leave my bed.' Jenabel's tone was not quite as jovial as her mothers.

'It won't help I'm afraid, I tried to have that discussion with your father and it did no good. Trust me Jenabel, you'll get used to waking up before your Mate, the rewards can be most...pleasurable.'

Jenabel blushed at her mothers' innuendo. Even so, the images that it evoked caused Jenabel to quicken her steps, the need to find Alexander becoming more intense with each passing moment.

She came to the edge of the clearing just as Alexander pitched Brad over his shoulder, Jenabel's brother hitting the ground about three feet away from him. She stopped at the border of the clearing. Still hidden in the trees she watched and listened.

"Damn Alexander, I think we all thought...well...it seems we all have a few things to learn. We were expecting to teach you a few things but I doubt that will be necessary. Hell quite the opposite."

Brads voice was playful. While he was destined to be Alpha he had a much gentler nature than her father. Jenabel smiled as Alexander offered Brad his hand and pulled him to his feet.

Jenabel followed the conversation between Brad and Alexander but she was only slightly interested. As was always the case now Jenabel focused on Alexander. His stance was easy and relaxed, he felt comfortable in their company, was in his element really. Her eyes roamed over his muscular form, he was magnificent. Alexander had stripped off his shirt to spar with the Betas. His body was covered with a light sheen of sweat, tendrils of steam were rising off his body as his own heat battled the cool morning air. Her eyes followed the angular planes of his muscles as she noted with a twinge of sorrow the deep scars that crisscrossed his chest and back. She was about to go to him when Alexander turned and addressed Sara.




Orphan Ch. 09



"Shall we?"

Jenabel was surprised. She assumed Brad would be the last Alexander would spar with.

Jenabel's wolf stirred as Sara and Alexander circled each other. Brad had told her that Sara was probably the pack's most dangerous fighter. She never let herself get out of control, kept her wolf balanced almost perfectly. It was rare that anyone touched her let alone beat her.

Jenabel winced as Sara landed a punch to Alexander's shoulder, her wolf pushing a bit harder at the sight. She smiled as Alexander landed a touch to Sara's abdomen an instant later, understanding that he had left the opening on purpose.

Jenabel could hear the anger in Sara's voice after his touch which had no power behind it.

"Don't you dare pull your punches! If you can hit me then you better damn well do it because I sure as hell will hit you!"

Jenabel's body tensed as Sara kicked out, hitting Alexander squarely on the chin. Her wolf howling at the attack on her Mate. She paced as Sara swung around behind Alexander, striking him in the lower back. Jenabel started to move forward but Alexander twisted incredibly fast and landed a punishing strike to Sara's abdomen that sent her flying to the ground.

She calmed some as Alexander extended his hand and helped her up. Alexander started walking toward Brad and the others, turning his back on Sara.

Jenabel didn't know when she had started to run. She understood that Sara was going to attack Alexander. Her logical mind knew that Alexander would be fine. Her wolf however, was not one for the vagaries of logic when she perceived that her Mate was in danger.

In an instant she shifted, paws digging savagely into the earth as she flashed toward the threat to Alexander.

'No bitch is going to touch him.' That thought pushed every other to the side as she fixed her gaze on Sara and launched toward her. Jenabel's intention of killing the woman roiling off of her like the heat of blast furnace.

Alexander had only an instant to react.

He felt the air pushing against him as Jenabel pushed it before her.

Saw the terror flare in Sara's eyes as she realized what was about to happen.

Was almost overpowered by the feelings of rage coming from his Mate as his own wolf translated the emotions on the fly.

Alexander stepped forward, placing himself between Jenabel and Sara and braced for the impact.

Jenabel was nearly upon Sara when her vision was blocked by Alexander's body as he stepped between the wolf and the woman.

His sidestep was nearly too late, Jenabel's front claws making contact with his exposed chest before he was able to wrap her in his arms and bring her to the ground.

Jenabel was stunned by the impact. In a panic her wolf began to struggle against Alexander's arms which held her in an iron grip and his body which lay heavily upon her keeping her pinned to the ground.

Alexander's intent was to stop Jenabel from hurting Sara. He knew it was the woman's nature not to back down in a fight. Had she been successful in the attack it would have been his fault not hers. That hadn't been what was going to happen. After the tell from the others that she was coming for him in their looks and stances he was quite capable of fending her off. And then Jenabel had shown up. Her wolf seemed none too pleased with the idea of Sara attacking him from behind. So he had stopped her, knowing that if she hurt Sara she would regret it.

Now, with Jenabel snarling and writhing beneath him, fighting him, all those thoughts flew from his mind.

Alexander felt the power surge forward and suffuse his body with its need to subdue the wolf beneath him.

Brad ran to them, helping Sara up from where she had fallen.

"Alexander!" Brad yelled as he watched the two struggling on the ground.

He drew in a breath when the Alexander's eyes met his own and saw that they had turned an inky shade of black.

"Jenabel! JENABEL! Stop struggling, Alexander's wolf..." Brad's words died on his lips as the shift happened.

One minute Alexander was struggling to keep the strong wolf under him controlled. The next a massive blondish brown wolf was taking his sisters neck between its powerful jaws.

Jenabel howled as fangs found their way to her neck. She didn't understand; her Mate was just a moment before restraining her...

Jenabel stilled instantly. Understanding washing over her as the scent and power and fury of the large male above her took hold.

'He's shifted...oh God, what have I done!' Her thoughts were frantic, hoping against hope that somehow she could turn this around.

Alexander calmed as Jenabel calmed beneath him. His grip on her neck lightened and then he released her as he staggered away almost falling. This wasn't right, this wasn't who he was. But it was. This was part of him, had always been so. It was only now that he fully realized it, fully comprehended what, until this moment, had been merely a thought, a casual acceptance of a piece of unknown magic that inhabited the world. No this was so far beyond the thought of being a Were. It was the actuality of it given form and life and depthless nuance. He was human. He was wolf. He was Were.

His hindquarters landed heavily on the ground as his big body began to shake. Ears pinned down on his head a wild look in his eyes.

'Mom, Dad you better get over to the sparring grounds quickly...Alexander has shifted.' Brad's words struck Sophie like a hammer. She could feel his tension and concern in every syllable. She was out the door and sprinting across the compound before the words had faded in her head.

Carl was at the mine, he felt as if a weight dropped onto his chest when Brad's statement reached him. He ran for his Tahoe, it would be quicker than shifting and trying to find them. He only hoped he wouldn't be too late.

Alexander looked around at the people before him. He pulled on his human half, trying to process the world and people he knew while looking through the eyes of a wolf.

Everything had a stark clarity to it that was missing from his human sight. It was as if every instant was a photograph with perfect lighting, perfect composition and perfect color. He watched entranced as Brad and the others stood watching him. He could see the smallest shifts in their stances, noted the small changes in muscle tension which came just before a thoughtful motion.

He closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the fundamental difference viewing the world now held.

In his mind, he saw his wolf again. They were standing together now with no distance separating them. He felt the wolf's lungs filling with air as his hand lay on its back. It was an odd sensation of being joined with something so wild in nature but also amazingly calm, almost stoic at the same time.

'Alexander?'

He heard his name in his head, understood that it was not vocalized. He kept his eyes closed as this new experience washed over him. It was Jenabel; her voice was different but maintained the subtle nuance of the tone he knew her voice carried. 

'Jenabel?'

She felt the question in her head, it was him, he was still there, still maintained some control.

'Alexander, I'm so sorry, I got caught up in...I shouldn't have.'

'Jenabel, you thought I was in danger, it was an automatic response. How can I, how can we...'

'It's part of the change Alexander, we can talk with each other this way when we shift. You have to try and shift back Alexander, do you think you can?'

The words in his head were filled with remorse and fear. Jenabel was afraid he would be stuck this way.

'Jenabel, it's so...amazing, I want to experience more. It's all so new, so wondrous, I don't want to let go.'

Jenabel understood. It was this way for most of the young ones when they shifted for the first time. They became entranced with the newness of experiencing their world through the wolf. Sometimes it was days before they finally shifted back. She couldn't let Alexander have that luxury.

'I know you don't Alexander but you need to for now. That you shifted so easily and maintained your internal balance is a good thing, something that needed to happen before the next full moon. But you still need training, need to have a better understanding of what it entails, what your limits are and what you need to be wary of. Please Alexander.'

Alexander opened his eyes. Jenabel was standing in front of him still in her wolf form. He just looked at her, awe struck by what he saw. Her black coat seemed to shimmer in the morning light. He watched the muscles tense beneath her fur, was mesmerized as drops of morning dew gently rolled off her sleek coat. But it was more than just seeing her physical form. She seemed to radiate an emerald aura that infused her wolf body with an unknowable mystery that intrigued and fired his senses.

Alexander stood on four shaky legs and crossed the small distance between them.

'You are beautiful Jenabel. The form doesn't matter at all. Seeing you like this through these eyes...I didn't understand, I didn't have any idea how deep the magic of our kind truly is.'

Jenabel rubbed her head against his. She could feel his love and need and want for her through their ever-growing bond. She was captivated by his sheer size. Never had she encountered a wolf as large and powerful as Alexander. Even her father and brother would be dwarfed by him. She had an overpowering need to run from him, to begin the chase that would lead to him being hers forever. She actually pulled back a few steps from him. Jenabel's green eyes flashed a need that she didn't want to control. He was hers and she needed him to claim her in the most overpowering and encompassing way.

Sophie came into the clearing at a dead run and pulled up short next to Brad taking in the scene as Alexander and Jenabel stood close together. She could see her daughter's body tensing, flexing, getting ready to run.

"Don't Jenabel!" Sophie yelled as she slowly approached the two wolves.

Jenabel turned her head to look at her mother through squinted eyes, a soft growl emanating from her chest.

"I know Jenabel, I know. But you can't my girl, soon but not yet, not today."

The growl faded into a whine as Jenabel began to regain some control over her wolf.

Sophie turned to Alexander.

"Jesus you're a big wolf." Her tone was light. She had meant the statement to be in her head but her mouth had other plans. It was a problem that had more than once embarrassed her and Carl.

Sophie knelt down in front of Alexander, her hand coming out slowly toward him.

Alexander sniffed her hand then moved so that it lay on his head. He delighted in the physical contact, so different than a simple touch in human form. He felt the heat of her palm, the emotion behind the touch, the scent of her. It was the most amazing touch he had ever felt.

"Alexander, you need to change back now. Close your eyes. Find your wolf and step back from him."

Alexander did as she asked. He looked down at the wolf at his side. He only felt contentment from his wolf, no fear, no concern about the break in contact. Slowly he raised his hand from the wolf's back and took a step away. He noted the wolf begin to walk away a few steps as well.

His body began to tingle, like millions of gentle static sparks coursing through his body. 

When they passed he slowly opened his eyes.

Jenabel was still in her wolf form, her eyes intent on him as he stood.

Looking around he smiled sheepishly at everyone who was focused on him.

"Sorry about that, it just kind of...happened."

Brad and the other males took an almost imperceptible step back as he stood. The women seemed rooted to their spots.

Alexander stood in the morning sunlight everyone noting how his body had changed. 

The muscles were just a bit more defined. He looked more sculpted than before.

For Alexander's part he felt amazing, better than he ever had. Motion to his left caught his attention as Jenabel shifted back to her human form. He caught the moment of magic and it made him smile.

She stood looking at him, her eyes locked on him in an amazed stare. He began to feel somewhat embarrassed when he noted all of them were staring at him.

"What?"

As he asked the question he looked down at himself and realized he was naked. 'Of course you're naked you fool, you just turned into a wolf.' He moved to cover himself but Jenabel was at his side, taking his hand.

"Nudity is common among us Alexander. You have nothing to be embarrassed about but..." Her hand traced over his chest which was smooth and taut under her fingertips.

"Your scars Alexander, they're gone."

Alexander looked down at where her fingers traced the lines of his muscles. She was right, a lifetime of physical reminders of the dangers he had faced and overcome were gone. No scar, no blemish remained of them.

His own hand went to his knee as he lifted his foot from the ground. There was no pain, no ache, not a sign of the injury that had nearly left him crippled.

Instinctively he pulled Jenabel into his arms, wanting to share his happiness at this turn of events. It was not just that he was healed. It was deeper than that and had everything to do with the woman in his arms. There would be nothing to impede him from protecting her. Nothing that would slow him in her defense. For this he thanked the wolf which prowled inside him, honoring the gift he had given both to his human half and his mate.

Jenabel was nearly overwhelmed when Alexander pulled her into his arms. His sun-warmed body radiated a heat which seared her and threatened to overwhelm her. Luckily her mother knew as soon as Alexander had grabbed her, what the consequences may be. Laying a gentle hand on Alexander's shoulder she separated the two.

Jenabel took four wobbling steps away from him as her mother got his attention.

"Very good Alexander, and thank you for listening to me. It's a wonderful step that you have shifted for the first time but there is still much work to do." Sophie's words were strong, meant to cut through the haze that she saw in Alexander's eyes. Her tone had the desired effect as he seemed to shake off the glazed look in his eyes.

"Brad, do you have spares here?"

Sophie's question broke the tension that had permeated the glade.

Brad turned and nearly sprinted to a pile of clothes. He grabbed Alexander's shirt and a spare for Jenabel as well as two spare set of sweat pants then walked back to his mother and Alexander.

Alexander gave Brad a thankful smile as he took the clothes and got dressed. Jenabel repeated the process with the clothes Brad handed her.

"Well that was about as interesting of a morning training as I can remember." Brad joked as he turned to the others motioning for them to head out.

Brad saw that Alexander was about to speak and stopped him with a raised hand.

"No apologies Alexander. You took us apart fair and square. I'll be having a word or three with Sara but no harm no foul. I'm glad you were able to shift back so easily, this gives us something to work on tomorrow."

Not for the first time Alexander thought the man's easy ways coupled with his obvious strength and care for those around him would make him a good Alpha once his father decided to step down.

Brad followed the others out of the clearing leaving Sophie, Alexander and a distracted Jenabel alone.

Sophie noted her daughter's tense stance and decided it was time for a little mother daughter time.

"Alexander why don't you head back to the house and get cleaned up. Willow's mother, Beth is a teacher here on the compound. She will be helping you learn our history this afternoon. I'll be back to the house and fix you some lunch beforehand."

Alexander had picked up on Jenabel's anxiousness but didn't know the cause. He wanted to go to her, wrap her in his arms and take away whatever was bothering her. However, Sophie's tone indicated that perhaps it was best to follow her direction.

He did step over to Jenabel and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before heading off for Jenabel's home.

While she watched Alexander tenderly kiss Jenabel she contacted Car.

'Everything is fine. Alexander shifted back, he's an amazing young man. Jenabel needs me, I'll find you when we're done.' Jenabel sent a powerful wave of love to her Carl across their bond before letting the connection fade to the background.

Once Alexander was gone Jenabel broke down into tears as her mother hugged her close.

"I shifted and attacked Sara, I caused Alexander to shift. He could have been trapped in his wolf form, I came within a hairs breath of mating with him. What's happening to me Mother?"

"The emotions you're feeling are a fundamental part of what makes us Were. Down through the ages all mated pairs have shared the frenetic feelings that you have. It would be easier to hold back the tide than try and stop the natural progression of the mating. I know it's hard but you also can't question yourself when such things happen. It is the nature of the pull to be nearly overwhelming, it ensures the continuance of our kind."

"This is harder for you as there is so much Alexander doesn't understand and still needs to learn. You have to be patient with him but also my love you have to be patient with yourself as well. It will all work out Jenabel, I promise. He shifted today. He is a strong wolf just as he is a strong man, I couldn't have hoped for a better Mate for you. I also believe it is time that all of us stop underestimating him. He is Were, untrained and untried, but at each step of this process his wolf has helped him. His human side has been more than strong enough to help maintain the balance."

Jenabel wiped her tears and stood straighter, running her fingers through her long black hair.

"He was...pretty magnificent wasn't he?" Jenabel's husky tone caused Sophie to laugh and shake her head as she steered her daughter away from the clearing.

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up. From the looks of him Alexander could eat us out of house and home, I'll need you to help me with lunch."

Jenabel hugged her mother as they made their way back to the Alpha's home, the tension of the last hour finally melting away.

-vVv-

Alexander walked into the Alpha's home to be greeted by quiet cacophony coming from the large meeting area to the rear. As he was going to investigate Sophie appeared at his side.

"That's your class waiting for you." She said with a smile. "Come and eat first, Jenabel is taking a shower and will be done shortly.

Alexander followed Sophie into the large kitchen and found a seat at the table. A platter with roast beef sandwiches, along with various raw vegetables was laid out buffet style. Grabbing a plate he took two sandwiches and some of the rabbit food before turning his attention back to Sophie.

"Is Jenabel alright? She seemed really upset at the clearing." Alexander's words were soft but Sophie picked up his hesitancy.

She sat beside him, placing her hand over his.

"Jenabel is fine Alexander. She was feeling badly about how she reacted today. Her whole life Jenabel has been the most focused and self-contained of all my kids. Brad is the outgoing and gregarious one, always there when someone needs a hand, happy to help whenever needed. Cross is well...Cross. He's been on a mission since his first moon change. He saw something, had a vision regarding his future mate and it has consumed him almost to the exclusion of everything else. Jenabel is the balance between the two. She is wickedly intelligent but balances that with a gentle and kind spirit. However, she has never really had anyone she was truly close with. Even growing up, while she had friends and many acquaintances she never had a close girlfriend or confidant."

"Her need for you, the loss of control that need elicits within her has Jenabel a bit off balance these days. But it's nothing you've done, nothing you can control. It's something she will have to find some control over for the next ten days. Beyond that it will hopefully not be an issue any more." Sophie said this last with a smirk that made Alexander blush.




Orphan Ch. 09



Alexander thought it best to eat instead of pushing the matter further.

As he was finishing Jenabel came into the room. Dressed in a pair of tight black jeans and white camisole top Alexander's breath was once again taken away by her natural beauty as he watched her towel her hair dry.

Jenabel felt his eyes on her, enjoyed the hunger she found in his stare.

She felt better after talking with her mother. It would not be easy waiting 'til the next full moon but she could do it. She was strong enough to contain her and her wolf's urges until they could safely join with Alexander forever.

"Okay Alexander let's go, you have a history lesson to attend."

Alexander grinned at Sophie's motherly tone as he let her pull him from the chair and out of the room.

In the large common room they were greeted by Willow and her mother, Beth, along with several other children including Amy, who was the first to notice him.

"Axander!" Amy squealed as she ran to him and hugged onto his leg.

Alexander smiled and reached down. Picking her up he threw her a foot over his head and then caught her, much to her delight.

"Hello Amy." Alexander greeted her as he gave her a quick hug before placing her pack on her own feet.

Beth was the next to say hello.

"Good afternoon Alexander, we have a lot to cover. Shall we get started?"

"Absolutely, I'm all yours." Alexander said as he sat on the couch. Jenabel sat on his left and before Sophie could join them Willow had claimed the spot to his right.

"Hello Alexander." Willow's greeting was soft almost shy. Alexander was having none of it.

"That's all I get Miss Willow, a simple hello. I think not."

Before he even finished his statement he had his fingers tickling Willow's ribs and plaintive wails and laughter taking the place of her affected coyness.

"Alright you two that's enough. Everyone settle down and find a seat." Beth's admonishment was gentle but Alexander knew better than to push his luck with a teacher primed for a lecture. He placed his arm loosely over Willow's shoulder and entwined his fingers in Jenabel's on his other side.

Jenabel smiled as Amy crawled up onto Alexander's lap, not surprised in the least that she would seek what she considered the best seat in the house.

Once everyone had settled down Beth began.

"Now there is a great deal of history for Weres in general and even more detailed histories of Packs. I'll start with our overall history and go from there. If I'm moving too quickly or you have a question feel free to interrupt.

Our recorded history truly begins around the time of Christ. This was the first time our history, myths and legends were transcribed. Were culture predates all organized religions. As far as we have been able to trace back through the first writings and other sources, Were culture began more than twelve thousand years ago.

Within many, if not most, early groupings of individuals into tribes a Shaman was normally the spiritual leader of the group. Shaman of the time communed with the spirits, healed through the spirit realm and called on spirits for all types of aid that the tribe might require. In many cases the spirits called were earth spirits represented by animals.

All across the globe, from Asia and India, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and as far north as the North Pole and Siberia these early Shaman invoked and communed with the spirits of nature.

In times of great danger or great need the Shaman themselves would take within them the animal spirits to protect, shepherd or guide the tribes. Depending on the area of the world and what the dominant animal was, the Shaman would turn into one of what we have come to call the prime spirits. They include wolves, bears, lions, tigers, hyenas and jaguars. We have never heard of nor seen evidence of a Were from a reptilian animal spirit.

As time passed the Shaman began to teach members of their tribes how to commune with and accept animal spirits to inhabit their bodies for a time. This was necessary due to the fact that the world was becoming more and more populated with each new generation. Where once a tribe may have been eight to ten members and would meet a like number in another tribe, they began to grow in size as the centuries and then millennium passed. The Shaman found that they alone were no longer enough to protect their tribes, so they pulled a small cadre of young men and women from the tribe and taught them the secrets of the animal spirits.

Time passed and the world moved forward. Man became the dominant species on the planet. Civilizations formed and thrived and fell as is the nature of all things. Through all of this those early groups of spirit warriors continued. They continued to be taught how to commune with the spirits, how to take on the aspect of their tribes chosen totem animal and continued to protect their homes and their people.

However, with the passage of time the shamanistic traditions began to die out. But something had fundamentally changed over the course of eight thousand years. Natural spirit warriors were being born and we became self-perpetuating. Even as the ancient ways died out and were lost in winds of time, our kind continued and flourished."

At this point Alexander interrupted.

"So theoretically, there is a way for a normal human to become Were. I understand that the knowledge has been lost but there is a way, no matter how remote, that a human could be changed?"

Beth thought about the question. It was not surprising that Alexander would pick this out of what she had just told to focus on. He didn't have the same perspective as she did, as any of them had. They were raised knowing that today there was no way for a human to become Were. But for Alexander, spending his whole life up until two weeks ago as human, he saw the possibility where they only saw the impossibility.

"Yes, theoretically, there is a way, but that knowledge has been lost for at least five thousand years Alexander. If there was a record of the process I highly doubt, given the time frame it was available, that any record of it could have survived. Also, up until that time most such things were passed down verbally, another reason it is doubtful anyone today could find or duplicate the process."

Alexander could think of several points where Beth's statement didn't seem quite right, but he let the subject drop for now. There was more important information he needed, this one could wait.

"Of course, I was just clarifying. Please continue."

Beth took a drink and then continued.

"As the years passed our kind became more and more insulated from the rest of humanity. As civilizations grew, as knowledge became more and more advanced, we found that it was growing impossible to live among normal society, particularly in cities. We tried to maintain our positions as protectors and guides but humanities Gods changed. More often than not when we shared what we were it was met with fear, anger and violence.

So, we turned within. Our communities, towns and enclaves pulled farther and farther away from those of normal humans. Roughly two thousand years ago the strongest packs came together to forge economic, social and protection treaties with other packs. They came up with laws our kind would follow and tried to put into place traditions that would keep our race strong and growing. At the time this was mainly done with packs from Europe and the Middle East. As time passed and more were-kind were found they were given the opportunity to join the gathering, increasing our diversity as well as their own security and growth.

As humans explored the world and found new lands so too did our kind follow, learning that our shamanistic roots in the distant past were shared by people on every continent. From South America to Alaska to Australia and the Far East as humanity expanded and met new cultures so did we.

We have always been a relatively peaceful people, content to care for our own, craft our lives around duty to our packs and families, ensuring that our kind continues and that our children inherit a better world than the one which we found.

However, being part human and part predator, Weres are also fiercely protective of their own and their territory. For a very long time the scarcity of our kind did a good job at precluding territorial conflicts between Weres. With the coming of the middle ages that all changed.

As human settlements expanded many of our kind found their ancestral homes encroached upon. Many simply pulled further away from human expansion, others tried to reintegrate with humans. Both had dire consequences. The packs that pulled away often found themselves now in competition for territories with other Were packs which lead to the Pack Wars. The ones who tried to integrate were once again met with fear and derision. The modern Were mythos that humanity has today was born during this time.

Decades passed and many smaller packs were either destroyed or taken in by larger and stronger packs. We became more and more insulated from humanity as all of our attempts to integrate failed. It was a very difficult and dark period in our history. We, just as mankind, were forced to come to grips with our own failings and flaws.

Finally, around the middle of the eighteenth century we began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The packs met again, reaffirmed our laws and traditions, enacted the old treaties and formalized territories as well as how disputes would be handled. It took almost fifty years but in the end we created the foundation for modern Were culture.

Of course coming to grips with and finding a balance with our own kind was only the start. Our leaders realized that while we would have to keep our nature a secret from pure humans, it was also vital that Weres begin to integrate with them if we had any chance to continue and thrive.

So that is what we did. Slowly at first, we formed new enclaves encompassing a mixture of humans and Weres. The humans were not told our secret but they benefited from their associations with us. It is how places like Red Lodge came into being.

We are a mixture of northern European and local native Weres along with the descendants of settlers from all across the globe. We have learned the balance and do everything we can to maintain it, for just as we gain from humanities advances, so too do the humans that live and work with us gain from ours."

Alexander sat quietly, a look of deep thought on his face for many moments after Beth finished her history. It was amazing, a parallel species developing alongside that of regular humans. He had so many questions that he struggled to find a place to start.

"How many packs are there?"

Beth smiled, not surprised that this was his first question.

"There are currently just over nine hundred acknowledged Were packs across the globe. The average size of a pack today is roughly a hundred members. Some are bigger, some smaller but this average allows for our population to gradually increase with each passing generation. Aside from the packs we believe there are also upward of five thousand solitary Weres who live within normal human society choosing not to live within a pack hierarchy."

'Ninety thousand Weres.'

The thought brought a smile to Alexander's lips, knowing that there was such a profound quantity of such an ancient magic still out there walking the earth provided him with an intense of calm and belonging.

Several hours had passed and while Alexander had questions he also needed time to process all of the new information.

Alexander's voice was quiet and thoughtful as he spoke to Beth.

"Thank you so much for the history, it is...amazing to say the least. It's getting late and it seems most of our audience is ready to stretch their legs." There was a smile on his lips as he gestured to the gathered kids.

Glancing around at the gathered children she could see, by the fidgeting and general restlessness that Alexander was correct. She had gotten caught up in the telling of the history to Alexander and had gone on much longer than she normally would have with the children.

"Alright, lecture's over. Get out of here and go run around you pups."

Almost as one the children bolted for the door at Beth's pronouncement.

Beth came over to Alexander and gave him a gentle hug.

"I know you'll have a thousand questions just come find me and I'll be glad to answer as many as I can."

Once again Alexander was shaken by the easy acceptance he found with everyone he met.

"I'll do that Beth, and thank you again. It helps to know where I came from and fills in some of the blanks as to what the future may hold."

Beth smiled as she corralled Willow and made her way home.

Alexander looked over to find Jenabel talking with her parents as she motioned him over to them.

Carl placed a strong hand on his shoulder.

"Congratulations on your first shift Alexander. You caused quite a stir there for a few minutes. I'm glad everything worked out well."

"It was an interesting experience, of that you can be sure Carl and thank you, I feel one step closer to being wholly...me."

Sophie pulled her husband away from Alexander and Jenabel.

"Why don't you two go stretch your legs, dinner will be ready in about an hour."

Jenabel was more than happy to agree. As she grabbed Alexander's hand and pulled him toward the door.

Sophie and Carl smiled at the happy look the young couple shared as they left the house, both of them more confident than ever that everything would work out for the best. Only days before they had worried what would become of the love that the two so obviously shared, now they were more comfortable and trusting that Alexander would face his first moon change successfully and their daughter would be able to find true happiness.

-vVv-

Half a world away Dmitri was bent over a stack of documents from the late nineteen eighties.

The fact that Alexander had been abandoned was being pressed by the other Elders. Even if they hadn't, Dmitri would be driven to find out just who Alexander Dane's parents were. To abandon a cub was unthinkable. To place one in the care of humans was the worst kind of neglect.

It was imperative that he track down Alexander's lineage. It was a mystery that could not be allowed to go unsolved.



Edited By: Mikothebaby



Orphan Ch. 10



Errant flakes of snow landed against his skin, each eliciting a plaintive cry that seemed to be echoed back as the frenetic motion continued to bounce him about in whatever he was being carried in.

His eyes couldn't focus correctly, they processed only a repetitive cycle of diffuse orange blurs interspersed with utter blackness.

There was no cognizant thought only base emotional stimuli.

A tremulous movement that had a familiar but erratic cadence. The jarring at his back when gravity and inertia met only to be replaced by the instant of floating as the cycle repeated.

Surrounded in an envelope of blinding cold that was only disrupted when something colder still scalded his skin then melted against his waning heat.

As the wavering motion continued he was jostled to the side, his arm scraping against something rough and cold. When the motion reversed there was something soft and warm on his other side.

There was no frame of reference for the scene or the emotions it elicited. Alexander couldn't raise his head, couldn't find the strength to lift himself up. Fear unlike any he had ever known assaulted him.

Then just as he thought that the erratic motion, the cold, the fear would never end everything seemed to freeze. A moment in time captured with a singular clarity.

A face wavered into view, his eyes could find no focus, he wanted to reach out to this specter to unravel whatever mystery they might hold, but it was beyond his power to do so. He heard himself cry out to the image before him.

Alexander understood the feeling on his forehead, the wet heat of it, its gentleness, its hope to impart deep emotion and affection.

There were whispered words that were ripped away from his ears before ever reaching them by the howling wind buffeting him.

The face pulled away.

The motion stopped.

A blinding light seared his eyes forcing them closed as he wailed into the storm knowing only that he had lost something, something precious, something irreplaceable.

-vVv-

Alexander woke convulsing from the shock of an unknown creeping terror. His body was covered in sweat, his hair matted to his scalp; his lungs struggled to fill with oxygen.

Jenabel was holding him tightly, her strong arms encasing him protectively.

"Alexander, ALEXANDER! What is it? What's wrong?"

She could feel him tremble in her embrace and had to ease her grip on him to allow him to breathe.

Jenabel had awoken only an instant before he did. They had been sleeping soundly. After his history lesson they had walked and talked long into the night. Having one of those amazing conversations that flow so naturally between kindred spirits. They shared their hopes and dreams and fears. They had stayed pointedly away from their desires.

Together they had wrapped themselves in each other and fallen asleep encased in the warmth of Jenabel's bed and their ever-growing feelings for each other.

Alexander pulled from Jenabel's embrace and stood. She watched as he paced around the room like a caged animal, chest rising and falling, body tense as he tried to reign in his emotions.

"It was a dream Jenabel, a nightmare and yet something more than either of those. I've never felt anything like it before Jenabel and I've had my share of nightmares. Terrors from my past that find their way up through my subconscious to wrap their icy fingers around my throat. But this, this was something totally alien to me. It was me, a moment in my life that I have no memory of. How can that be Jenabel? How can that be?"

The emotional drain of the dream vision hit him like an avalanche; he slumped to the floor under the weight of it.

In a flash Jenabel was out of the bed and at his side. Once again enfolding him in her arms as his body quaked from the strain.

"Shhhh, Alexander, it's alright, it's alright. We'll figure it out together."

They sat on the floor for a long time, Jenabel soothing her Mate, trying to understand what could take such an emotional toll on him.

It came out haltingly over the next half an hour. The images, the feelings, all of the emotions he felt; re-living a moment of his life that until now he had no memory of.

Jenabel had a good idea of what he experienced but wanted to wait on the explanation until she had a chance to talk with her mother.

With Alexander now much calmer she looked at the clock finding that it was only 3:20am.

"Come with me Alexander." She stood holding out her hand.

His hand trembled slightly as he took it and stood.

"Let's get you in the shower and then back to bed, it's too early to get up, even for you."

Alexander smiled at her gentle but playful tone.

He looked at her in the wan moonlight that came through the window. His breath caught as his eyes roamed over her toned body half shrouded in shadow. Alexander closed the distance between them, their bodies touching from toe to chest. Their proximity was tenuous, a gentle whisper across their skin. The merging of their heat, more than the physical touch of the other.

"Will you join me?"

The husky quality in Alexander's voice belied a deeper need within him. He needed her close, needed her next to him. She was, in this moment, his anchor to the real world, keeping him firmly in the now instead of being washed away on the emotional tide that still threatened to overwhelm him.

With a smile Jenabel turned and headed for the bathroom. Her answer obvious in the gentle sway of her hips and the sparkle in her eye.

Jenabel stood in the darkened bathroom, her hand under the strong spray of the shower waiting for the hot water. She felt Alexander enter the room behind her.

Since his shift yesterday morning she found her bond with Alexander attuning more and more. Feeling his turmoil and struggle through the bond was what had awakened her. Now she could sense his approach through the gray dark.

Alexander stood close behind Jenabel. The last hour had been unlike anything he had experienced before. The vision had an otherworldly feel to it, as if he was experiencing it; but through a body and with an emotional context that was utterly foreign to him. He also knew it was more than a mere vision or dream. The emotions were too strong, to well formed, too...his.

Jenabel had been the one thing that saved him from slipping into an emotional whirlpool of doubt and insecurity. It had been the first time anyone had been there for him. The first time another person simply gave themselves over to his comfort and well-being.

Hot tears fell on Jenabel's shoulder an instant before Alexander's lips began to play softly over her neck. His touch was electric. The feel of his kisses as they traveled from her shoulder, up her neck to just under her ear had her body tensing with desire. The tears that left a trail in concert with his lips only added to her need to comfort him, to hold him, to be his.

Jenabel was becoming lost in the sensations Alexander was eliciting from her. His hands found her hips as they gently slid over her skin wrapping her in his powerful embrace. He pulled her to him. She felt his cock hot and hard against her. A moan escaped her lips as his kisses turned into gentle bites at the nape of her neck.

Jenabel froze in Alexander's arms. He could feel the tension course through her body. Alexander knew intuitively that his actions were the cause. He pulled away from her, feeling the absence of her acutely.

"I'm sorry, Jenabel." The words were torn from his throat as if their voicing caused him the utmost pain.

Jenabel whirled on him and grabbed him in her arms.

"Don't be sorry Alexander...it's just that..."

Standing naked in each other's arms was not the place to have this conversation.

"Come on." Dragging him into the shower she knew that they would not be able to simply linger as she had wished. Jenabel needed to tell him about the mating process and what was involved before they had any more near misses.

Alexander was grateful that Jenabel didn't seem upset with him although she had gone from openly needing him and enjoying his touch to strictly business as she handed him the soap.

"Wash."

He watched as she picked up another bar of soap and economically lathered and rinsed her body then left the shower.

Alexander followed her example and soon they were both sitting on her bed once again, this time wrapped in towels, their fingers intertwined.

"I'm not upset with you Alexander, far from it. But there are some things we still haven't covered about Weres, specifically the mating process. We obviously need to go over them and I don't think that this is a conversation that can wait.

"You were biting my neck Alexander. That act is something that we never do lightly. Were mating has two parts. Just as we have a dual nature so to do both of our aspects have their own mating rituals.

"For our human selves to merge, become mated, we will...make love, as we both reach...completion you will bite my neck, I will bite yours, our blood, our essence will mix, merge and we will become one.

"In the bathroom when you...I thought that you might...biting, even playfully is not something that our kind takes lightly. It is the symbol of our mating bond, throughout our lives together it will be a physical reminder of how our hearts and spirits are joined. I want to mate with you right now Alexander. The desire burns me to my core, I want you so badly. But we have to wait, in ten days, well nine now, when you have your first Moon Change, then we will mate Alexander, become as close to one being as two can be. Until then we have to be...careful."

Alexander's thumb gently caressed Jenabel's cheek before sliding into and wrapping itself in her hair. He pulled her too him, their lips meeting in a gentle soul kiss that once started took minutes to complete.

He finally broke the kiss leaning his forehead against hers.

"I wanted to bite you Jenabel, was going to. If you had waited a second longer I would have. I'm sorry, I didn't know, didn't understand what was driving me to do it."

A single finger found its way to his lips, stilling him.

"I told you already; never apologize for wanting me Alexander. After your first shift yesterday it is not surprising that more and more of your Were heritage will assert itself."

He kissed her again softly before pulling away from her and taking her hands again.

"What about the Were part of the mating, what's involved?"

Jenabel was quiet for a time; Alexander simply held her hands, running small circles in her palms with his thumbs. He saw her head shake in the darkness as she gripped his hands more tightly stopping his motion.

"Sorry, the small things, the little touches, your habit of caressing me unknowingly, it can be rather...distracting."

He smiled at the sarcasm evident in her voice.

"For the mating to be complete, we will shift. You will have to earn me. You'll have to catch me, have to...dominate me. If you can I'll submit, we'll mate in our wolf forms. At the moment of completion you'll bite my neck in that form as well. Only then will the Mate-Bond be complete."

Alexander's pulse began to race at her words. He closed his eyes to find his wolf pacing, he could see his breath turning to steam in the cool air, felt the wolf's desire to chase and prove himself to his Mate.

Alexander gave into the wolf's desires, if only a little. His hands moved quickly to Jenabel's shoulders, in an instant she was on her back on the bed, his big body covering hers. Only their towels separated their bodies as the passion and intensity between them spiked.

Her breath caught as she felt his lips near her ear.

"Don't think for a moment that I won't catch you Jenabel. You will submit to me. You are mine."

His whispered words brought her own wolf to the surface. She was prowling close, filled with an urgent need to run. To have Alexander make good on his bold words.

Jenabel's hands pushed at Alexander's chest. Looking in his eyes she found a feral fire that burned with an encompassing longing. She knew her own eyes reflected the same to him.

"Alexander, please...it's so hard...already...to try and stop."

He ground his hardness into her, she felt his erection press between them.

"Yes Jenabel it is so very...hard...already."

With a smoldering kiss that lasted but an instant Alexander pushed away from her and stood, running his fingers through his hair.

"How are we going to make it 'til the Moon Change Jenabel?"

She was glad to hear his more playful inflection.

"We'll manage. To start let's try to get some more sleep."

She rolled her eyes at the feral grin that gleamed out at her from the shadows.

"I'll be under the covers; you mister, will be on top of them."

Jenabel laughed at his hushed whine as he complied, pulling her body against his as they snuggled in to get a few more hours sleep.

Jenabel's final thoughts before sleep took her were mirrored by Alexander.

'The next days can't pass quickly enough.'

-vVv-

Alexander wasn't the only one in the compound having issues with night terrors. 

While Alexander had been wrestling with his own visions from his unknown past. Sophie was confronted with something far worse, visions of the present she could not intervene in.

Sophie watched an indistinct shape running fast through an unknown forest. The night was an inky cloak thrown over the world blotting out everything but the lone wolf's mad dash between the trees.

She felt an untenable fear rolling off the wolf in waves. It was as if the devil himself were hot on his heels.

'Why can't I see who it is?'

Her thoughts were in a whirl.

'Who is this wolf? Why am I seeing this?'

The wolf flashed right, stumbled, regained it's footing and continued its headlong rush through the darkened wood.

Sounds came through to her. Shouts, calls, whistles. The barking of dogs and then a gunshot and another.

The wolf picked up its pace.

'Is someone is hunting him!'

The realization had Sophie growling in her own head.

Up and over a group of boulders then down the other side, not losing an ounce of speed the wolf moved like lightning over the terrain.

'He's nimble as a fox this one.'

On and on the chase went winding its way over the mountainous landscape.

Sophie struggled to gain her bearings, trying to get an idea of where this was taking place. It didn't feel familiar, it certainly wasn't anywhere on pack lands.

'But then why am I seeing this?'

As Alpha Bitch she was in tune with her pack. She, just as much as Carl, was responsible for their well-being. There were only a few pack members who were outside of their boundaries.

'What is going on?'

Sophie's anger and worry were rising with each passing second. There was something familiar about this wolf, something she couldn't place without a good look. It was something in the way he ran, his surefooted stride the power and focus of his flight that brought forth a sense of knowing and with it a deepening dread.

The chase ended as quickly as it began.

One minute the wolf was streaking along the edge of a shallow, rocky ravine, the next a single gunshot rang out, echoing through the night.

The wolf's plaintive yelp followed close behind the report.

She watched the tumbling form of fur and blood whose momentum carried it another fifty feet before it teetered and fell beyond sight down into the ravine.

The vision began to fade.

"No. NO!" She struggled to maintain the vision even though there was no way to do so.

In the last instant of the vision, before it slipped beyond her grasp she saw one final image.

A glimpse of motion, a person dashing out from the trees, a cascade of flowing white hair the color of snow under a full moon.

A moment's hesitation.

And then they vanished over the side of the ravine in the same place as the wounded wolf.

"Sophie...Sophie. Wake Up!"

Sophie sat up in the bed, her eyes battling to focus on the bedroom and Carl beside her.

"What is it Sophie? You were growling then screaming in your sleep."

Sophie burst into tears, the pain and fear of the scene grabbing her, holding her so tightly that she feared she would never escape it.

"Someone's in trouble Carl. One of our own is lost! Wounded! I don't know where, don't know why or who but...oh God Carl what are we going to do?"

Carl cradled Sophie in his arms. He rocked her gently as she dealt with the pain such visions of the present often brought when she was powerless...to stop the events they held.

-vVv-

"Good morning everyone."

Brad was in a good mood, he had spent the night entertaining Lisa, both of them had awoken with smiles on their faces after a several raucous rounds of lovemaking. Sex among the unmated of the Pack was commonplace. Everyone was always looking for their mates; however, that search did not preclude having some fun along the way.

His good mood was dampened upon entering his parent's kitchen to find them looking weary and troubled. He was immediately on the defensive.

"What's wrong? Did something happen with Alexander?"

Carl appreciated the ease with which Brad had accepted Alexander. Many would have viewed him as a threat, someone that would test their place in the pack hierarchy. Brad had merely welcomed him to the family with no preconceptions or worry about where he would fall in the pack.

"Alexander's fine as far as I know. Jenabel called early wanting to talk with your mother but she didn't say anything was wrong. Your mother had a vision last night, something about one of the pack being in danger, hurt maybe lost."

Brad knew his mother and father both were always keyed into things that were going on with others in the pack, this was especially so if the members were stressed or in danger. It went along with the job of Alpha.

"Any idea who or where?"

The thought of one of their own being in trouble brought out his own burgeoning Alpha. He was always the first to offer help or support whenever a pack member was in need.

"No, the vision was not specific. Your mother and I have been calling all of the pack members not on our lands for the past hour. Most of them have checked in, only four are still to be accounted for."

Brad could sense that Carl was reluctant to speak further as so prompted his father with one simple word. "And?"

"Cross is one of the four."

Brad immediately tensed.

"Did you call the college? Call his SAT phone?"

"No and of course."

"Remember he's finishing out his doctorate in San Francisco, he was called away early to fill in on a field study in Canada. He left a message with your mother but never gave us any contact information for his new department. He was supposed to call us back when he got in and got settled but never did. We sent Sara down to his place to see if she could find anything. And you know how he is with that damn phone, we'd be lucky to catch him with a full charge the day he left."

Brad considered what his father had told him before responding. "I'm sure Cross is fine, we'll get to the bottom of this."

The phone rang and Sophie was up and out of her chair like a shot. She gave Brad and Carl a negative shake of her head then continued to talk.

Carl changed the subject.

"So are you going to work with Alexander today? With his shift yesterday, you can start getting him accustomed to his wolf form. Have him shift several times...get his paws under him so to speak."

Brad was a little surprised by his father's question.

"Actually no, I hadn't planned on working with Alexander today, I figured with the growing bond between Jenabel and Alexander that she would probably handle that."

Sophie hung up the phone and returned to the table.

"Isabel is fine, still doing well at college in Florida."

Carl noted Sophie's tension, was going to say something when she turned her attention to Brad.




Orphan Ch. 10



"It's best if Alexander and Jenabel limit the amount of time they are alone in their wolf aspects for the next nine days Brad. She can obviously be part of the training. As you said the bond they share will help Alexander a great deal as he takes his first steps as a wolf. However, you should be there too, I would think Willow as well, if she is available. That girl seems quite fond of Alexander."

Brad laughed.

"Fond? Oh I think she has a major crush on Mr. Dane. It may not be nice to keep her close to him."

Sophie scoffed.

"Willow and Alexander share their own type of bond Brad. Yes Willow has some adolescent attachment to him. But it is more than that, she is sensitive to him. She knew he was Were before we did. There's no harm in her tagging along and I think she will be a help."

Brad shrugged his shoulders, once his mother made up her mind about something there was no point in arguing.

"Alright then, since I'm obviously not getting breakfast here today." He said with a smile. "I'll run into town, grab something to eat and be back in a few hours. Ask Jenabel if around eleven would be good and we can see if we can't help her mate figure out walking on four legs."

Sophie shook her head as her oldest left the room.

"He'll make a good Alpha when the time comes."

Sophie could hear the pride in her husband's voice. Heard it whenever he talked about any of their kids.

"That's a long time off Carl. You're still stuck with the job."

Carl pulled her up from her seat, hugged then soundly kissed her.

"I've got a few things to review at the mine. I'll be home for lunch. I'll keep trying to contact the wayward pack members. Don't worry Sophie we'll find everyone and make sure they're okay."

With a gentle kiss Carl pulled away and walked out the door.

'I wish I could be as sure as you are my love.' The vision of the previous night would simply not give up its hold on her heart.

As Carl started the Suburban his phone rang. Looking at the caller ID he smiled and answered.

"Good morning Dmitri."

"Good morning Carl, is everything going alright with your newest pack member?"

Dmitri had uncovered several leads going through the archives, he was becoming more and more intrigued with Carl's latest charge.

Carl laughed before answering.

"Oh, you could say that. He had his first shift yesterday. Jenabel thought someone was going to attack him so she shifted and went for the other woman's throat. Alexander stopped her but as he was restraining her the change just happened."

Dmitri was surprised.

"And he was able to maintain the balance, shift back?"

"Yes. It took Sophie a few minutes to get him calmed down but he shifted back just fine. They'll be working on getting him more comfortable with his wolf aspect today."

"I'm glad it worked out well Carl, it seems he's taking all this in stride, adapting quickly?"

"Sophie and I were worried the first few days, but each time he learns or experiences something new he absorbs it like a sponge. We're all more concerned than he is, I think."

Dmitri changed the direction of the conversation. He was more than a little anxious to meet the young man but had other, more pressing things to take care of first.

"The reason for my call is to let you know I'm heading your way in a few days, maybe a week maybe a little later. I've got a few leads on who Alexander's parents might be but I'll need to follow them up on the ground. I'm leaving for Boston this afternoon. After I finish I wanted to come out, see you and the family and meet our newest Were."

Carl was pleased Dmitri had made progress on finding out who Alexander's parents were. Having his friend and mentor here for Alexander's first Moon Change was an added bonus.

"You just let me know when to pick you up at the airport. Is there anything you need me to do on my end?"

"No my friend, I think I have everything I need. Hopefully when I see you I'll have the answers all of us, especially Alexander need."

-vVv-

Several hours early Jenabel had awakened. For the longest time she simply watched Alexander sleep.

At rest his features lost the nearly constant tension that he maintained while awake. It was like looking at another part of his soul seeing him like this. When the cares and struggles and trials of his past were allowed to slip away and he could simply be still.

She had finally crawled out of bed, thrown on some clothes and made coffee. Sitting at her small kitchen table watching as the gray dawn spread over the landscape she called her mother.

"Good morning Mom."

"Hello Jenabel, is everything alright?"

Jenabel noticed the tension in her mother's voice.

"Everything is alright here, Alexander's still asleep if you can believe it. Are you all right, you don't sound good?"

It was rare when her mother was anything but upbeat and happy.

"I'm fine, just a lot on my mind this morning. I had a dream, more of a vision last night. It has me worried about the pack members who aren't at the compound. I'll be trying to reach all of them this morning."

"What was the dream?"

Jenabel knew that her mother occasionally had visions about the pack. Usually they were good things, pregnancies, births and such. There were a few times however that her mother's visions took on darker themes. From her tone of voice the latter was probably the case now.

"It was the strangest vision I've ever had Jenabel. I watched a wolf running for its life, being chased through some unknown wood. He was shot, fell into a ravine. It could only be one of the pack since that is who I am attuned to, but I didn't know who it was. I just couldn't see clearly enough to identify them."

"Do you want me to come over and help make the calls? I can be dressed and ready in a few minutes."

Jenabel was worried. It was unheard of for her kind to be hunted. The fact that Weres' had a human's intelligence coupled with the innate survival instincts of their wolves made it nearly impossible to capture or kill one of their kind.

"No, your father is here and has already started with some of the pack members on the east coast. I'm sure it will be fine Jenabel. Now, how are you and Alexander?"

"Alexander and I are...frustrated mother, but that will probably be the case for the next nine days until his first moon change. I explained to Alexander last night, well a few hours ago really, what is entailed in a Were mating. He took it well, just as he has everything else."

Sophie smiled as Jenabel's voice softened as she talked about Alexander.

"I'm sure you two will be fine. I know it's not easy but I trust you both to keep your urges in check, at least to a point. From the looks of you two after the break yesterday, I would think you are at least taking the edge off for each other."

Sophie nearly laughed as she could almost hear Jenabel blush over the phone after her statement.

"Alexander has...helped me yes."

"And you have, I'm sure, reciprocated."

The phone line was quiet.

"Jenabel?"

"I don't...I don't know if I can control myself mother. I want to...help him, but my need it's...God, he almost bit me last night Mom."

"What!"

"Calm down, he was pulled to do so but I stopped him. It's how we got into the discussion about the intricacies of Were mating in the first place. I didn't want to stop him Mom, I wanted that bite so very badly. I know he is frustrated but I'm just so afraid that we'll go too far."

Sophie understood her daughter's reticence. Fighting the mating pull, even for a few weeks would not be something that any of their kind would want to do. Couple that with a virgin's pent up need and Jenabel's position only got more frustrating.

The other side of the coin however was Alexander and his needs. Whether they were fully mated or not, the idea of not giving each other all they could, within reason, struck Sophie as an alien concept. She couldn't imagine denying Carl and could never in a million years imagine him denying her. It was time to give her daughter a wakeup call.

"Perhaps Sara would volunteer to distract Alexander until his moon change if you're not strong enough to maintain your balance and offer Alexander, what he gives to you freely."

Jenabel was silent, holding back her wolf's fury at her mother's words. It took every ounce of her control not to shift and destroy the phone between her powerful jaws.

Sophie shook her head on the other end of the line, sure that her statement would have the desired effect.

Jenabel's words were harsh when they came, almost guttural as she slowly reigned in her wolf.

"Perhaps, Mother. You have made your point and don't ever...ever say anything like that again."

"I thought that might get your attention. Now was there something else? I need to start making phone calls."

Jenabel sighed at her mother's obvious attempt to shift her perspective. It was not the first time or the last that she would do such to get Jenabel to see reason.

"I'll take your advice under advisement about mine and Alexander's need to "help" each other. But I did have something else. I think Alexander experienced a cub memory last night."

Now it was Sophie's turn to be silent as the ramifications of what he might have seen could have on the young man who would soon be her son.

"Is he alright Jenabel?"

"It was touch and go for a little while. He experienced it as a dream but he knows it was more than that. From the sounds of it, the memory was just after he was born possibly of his being dropped off at the orphanage."

"Did he see any detail? Get any clue as to who his parents may be?"

"Unfortunately no."

Jenabel recounted what Alexander had told her he had experienced.

"I agree with you Jenabel, it was a cub memory. You'll need to explain it to him, help him to see it for what it was. It is not surprising that he found the images discordant. He was torn between wanting to believe it a dream and his soul knowing that it was much more. Be gentle in the explanation Jenabel. Wait, do you want me to..."

Jenabel cut her off.

"No. I'll take care of it Mother; it's my place to help him through these things."

Sophie smiled at her daughter's resolve.

"I understand and agree Jenabel. I'm sorry for what I said earlier about Sara I just wanted you to..."

Jenabel's voice softened.

"I know Mother. It's okay and you were right in telling me what I needed to hear. You could have tried a more tactful delivery but I understand how you can be."

It was good to hear the playfulness from her daughter.

"I'm off, need to make those calls. I'll let you know when I've heard something."

"Be sure you do. Alexander and I will be over in a little while."

Jenabel stood and hung up the phone. 

Her mother's jibe about Sara made her feel badly. Alexander must be in a worse state than she. It was time to remedy that situation.

Walking through the door to her room, Jenabel found Alexander still asleep. As she had banished him to above the covers earlier, he was sprawled diagonally across the bed, the towel which had been fastened around his waist fallen away in the night.

She watched him as he continued to sleep. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, the way his body would infinitesimally tense and relax as whatever wandered through his sleeping consciousness momentarily interrupted his rest.

In his sleep he had hardened. His manhood rose at an angle up toward his belly button. It twitched as she admired him.

She wanted to go to him, wanted to provide him with the release he had so wantonly given her the previous day. More so, she wanted to claim him, if only in a small way, to move them closer to being fully given and taken by the other.

He stirred as her light step caused a board to creek under her weight.

Alexander's eyes opened slowly. Once again he was momentarily disoriented. His hands slid over the bed covers searching for Jenabel but found empty sheets.

As his eyes roamed the room he found Jenabel standing at the edge of the bed looking at him. He broke into a wide smile.

"Good morning. You were up before me? Was there a fire, flood or earthquake I missed?"

'God he's so fucking handsome.'

Alexander's hair was bed groomed but it took nothing away from his allure. His unruly bangs hung down, hooding his eyes and gave him a rumpled but sensual look.

"Very funny."

Her voice was playful but Alexander noted her eyes reflected anything but humor. She had a hungry look that made him think of her wolf. Following her stare he finally realized he was naked.

He stood quickly, grabbing the towel from the floor to cover his arousal.

Jenabel smiled wickedly as she noted the blush that bloomed on his cheeks.

"Sorry."

While she believed his statement for the most part, there was another, deeper inflection that gave her the distinct impression that he wasn't sorry at all, that he was more than happy to have her looking at him like a rare steak.

"Let me get dressed and I can make you some breakfast."

Alexander started to move around the bed, making for the bathroom. He was met by Jenabel's firm hands as she pushed him back down on the bed.

"Breakfast can wait Alexander. There's something else I think we should deal with first."

Her voice was husky and sensual as she straddled Alexander's naked hips.

"Jenabel, you said we shouldn't...what are you doing...?"

She shut him up with her lips covering his.

Alexander's arms automatically wrapped around her and pulled her tight to his body. The way his hips inadvertently hunched up as he did so, grinding his hardness against her drenched core caused her to moan at the contact. She was quickly losing control and knew she knew it was dangerous to let that happen.

Pushing against his chest she had him flat on his back in a second. Her kisses became more controlled, more sensual as their tongues dueled. She ground herself into him for a moment, reveling in the feeling of his hard heat against her own wet inferno. Slowly she shifted off of his hips to his side as her hand reached out and grasped his cock which elicited a long slow moan that brought a smile to her lips.

Bending close she asked him.

"Does that feel good Alexander? Do you like the feel of my fingers on you? God knows I loved the feel of yours on me yesterday."

"It feels...I can't... shouldn't we stop...Jenabel...I thought..."

She again silenced him with her lips as her hand began stroking him.

"I want you to feel the pleasure you gave me Alexander. We can't mate but we don't have to go through the next nine days without giving to each other Alexander. I want this, want it so badly I can't see straight."

Her hand moved faster as his member began to leak warm fluid from its tip. He throbbed under her touch and she felt a newfound connection to him with each of his ever-growing moans, groans and gasps.

Jenabel was providing for her Mate, giving him pleasure and release, enjoying a form of union with another that she had never experienced. She felt powerful and reverent all at the same time.

She was so caught up in her own actions that she barely noticed when Alexander, in one deft move shredded the small silk shorts she had put on when she got out of bed.

"Alexander, no this is for you. You don't have to..."

The words died on her lips as he pulled her around and placed her knees on either side of his head.

"You're mine Jenabel, I thought we covered that. You're mine and I want you."

His voice had a feral quality that had her quivering above him even before he made contact with her pussy.

Jenabel's hand moved faster on his cock, she felt it quiver and flex of it's own volition.

'What will this feel like inside of me when he claims me, takes me, makes me his?'

Her mind was clouded with visions of him atop her, she atop him, riding him while looking into his eyes as he took her.

She was brought back to the present as his fingers pulled her lips apart. She stilled not knowing what was coming next. She let out a startled moan as his tongue slipped inside her, tasting her, taking her essence as he penetrated her.

Alexander's tongue was soft but insistent as it searched her depths. Her hand began moving in time with his ravaging of her pussy, her eyes hooded as the sensations washed over her. She reveled in his taking of her, the way his fingers pulled her open so he could reach the hidden corners of her need. How Alexander ground his chin into the top of her womanhood. The intense pressure causing her clit to sing as she hunched down wanting as much contact as she could get.

When his tongue slipped from between her lips and clamped down hard on her clit she couldn't hold back the rising gale of passion and lust that overtook her like a rushing tsunami.

Never had she felt such completion, such an utter and encompassing connection with someone else. His tongue and fingers claiming her, the rough scratch of his unshaven cheeks against her thighs, the way his palms lay heavy and meaningful on the cheeks of her ass.

Everyplace that they touched was like a million volts of electricity arching across the connection, heightening and lengthening and deepening her orgasm.

Her hand curled tightly around his cock, she stroked the very tip hard and fast rotating her hand as she did so.

Jenabel heard his long loud moan. Felt his entire body tense at the moment of his release.

She fought her own desire to close her eyes and ride out her orgasm with his. Jenabel wanted to see his completion. Watch and memorize, make this moment in time as complete as possible as she shared with Alexander this first of so many passionate moments.

His member throbbed and expanded once again. She saw the head flare. Glanced down as his abdominal muscles flexed tightly, enhancing their definition. And then it was upon him. Ropes of scalding white seed erupted from him, it landed on her chest, enhancing and amping up her own ongoing orgasm.

The overpowering visual had Jenabel imagining what it would feel like when this happened within her. The very thought made Jenabel swoon as she continued to watch the third then fourth long stream come forth from him. She continued to stroke him, wanting all that he had to give, reveling in the pleasure she was both giving and receiving.

With a final primal moan Alexander once again buried his tongue inside her, clutching her to him as he rode out his orgasm.

His last few contractions subsided, his seed oozed from the hard tip of him as she finally released him. Spinning deftly, she lay across his body, luxuriating in the feel of their shared pleasure, their shared heat, the promise of a life spent with thousands of such moments.

Alexander wrapped Jenabel in his arms, pulled her down and found her lips.

The kiss was gentle, sensuous, giving. The kind of kiss that speaks of the depth and breadth and longing that only soul mates can share.

"I love you Jenabel. Not because of what we just did. Not because the feel of you makes me complete. Not because you are the most amazing woman I have ever known. I love you Jenabel, with all that I have been, all that I am and all I ever will be because you are mine and I, I am blissfully and willingly yours...forever."

Tears sprung to Jenabel's eyes as she shut her overtly romantic man's mouth with her own.

They lay there as the morning sun heated their bodies, enjoying a perfect and beautiful moment of union.

As the euphoria from their first shared intimate exchange began to subside Jenabel slipped off Alexander's chest to lay by his side. Her fingers traced the lines of his muscular chest and abdomen while she watched his eyes roam over her body. His perusal of her threatened to ignite her passion once again.

"Alexander, we need to talk about your dream last night."

She watched as his body tensed at the statement, noting his emotions were still very raw.




Orphan Ch. 10



"I know it rattled you Alexander, but there is a reason why. It's another part of being Were."

Alexander had thought that it probably wasn't a coincidence that he had the dream less than twenty-four hours after his first shift. He felt his tension build and did his best to calm himself, waiting for Jenabel to explain.

"Wolves have long memories. Their brains function very differently than ours. Part of that is the length and clarity of memory. They never have to process the amount of information that we do. Most of their memory is based on survival and innate skill. That being the case a wolfs memory begins at almost the instant of birth. Imprinting on their mother, their siblings, their pack mates. They need to have that kind of recall to ensure their safety, to define friend from foe.

"In Weres, that manifests as cub memories. All of us have them to a certain degree. Some can pull forth the first several years of their lives with crystal clarity. Others only have access to specific moments of great happiness, great sorrow or, as in your case, great fear that they remember."

Alexander was quiet as he processed the information. Viewing the dream from this perspective unlocked the truth of it.

"It was when my parents, my...mother, abandoned me at the orphanage. I remember her silhouette, her looking down at me just before she left me. It was that moment that I relived.

"She was running Jenabel, running fast through the night, carrying me, trying to...I don't know, I just don't know."

Jenabel laid her head on his chest wrapping her arms around him. She could feel the indecision, the uncertainty and fear he was feeling through their bond.

"It's alright Alexander, we'll figure it out. The closer you get with your wolf the more integrated you become. You'll find more and more depth and clarity for such memories. Just know Alexander that you'll not be alone through this or anything else ever again. I'll always be here at your side, in your heart and soul. My family, the whole pack, all of us will be here Alexander."

Alexander pulled Jenabel tight to his chest letting her love and want and need of him provide a balm for his erratic emotions. As they held each other, floating in that restful fugue state that can only be found in the arms of someone you love, Alexander let the questions of the past slip away. Wanting only in this moment to love and be loved by Jenabel.

They lingered there for about a half an hour until finally Jenabel pushed herself up and away from Alexander's side.

"It's time we got moving. I'm going to jump in the shower. You stay!" Jenabel's voice was playful as she bounded away from his grasping hands and disappeared into the bathroom.

Alexander lay in bed, listening to the sound of Jenabel humming in the shower with a contented smile on his face.

Closing his eyes he found his wolf pacing close to him in the glade. Alexander smiled. He knew how his wolf felt. Since he shifted yesterday he was quickly becoming more and more in tune with his wolf aspect. Realizing only now that everything he did or experienced was also viewed and experienced through the wolf's eyes and senses.

His time with Jenabel had brought his wolf very close the surface.

The scent of her as she hovered over his mouth had elicited a growl of need from his wolf.

Her taste, spicy and hot, caused his body to flex uncontrollably as the wolf howled his want.

Having her body writhing above his, their skin touching in such an intimate and complete way had brought forth visions of his wolf mounting Jenabel's. Of his jaws closing around the scruff of her neck, the sounds of her needy whines filling his ears and broadcasting her own need to be taken by him.

"It's all yours Alexa..."

Jenabel's breath caught in her throat as she stepped from the bathroom only to find Alexander still naked on the bed, his body tense, his erection once again throbbing hard between his legs.

It wasn't his body or his cock that stopped the words mid-sentence. It was the look in his eyes. Those amazing, piercing, depthless blue eyes now swirled with an amber fire. Golden flecks moved within those deep azure pools.

'What the hell is going on?'

Even as the thought came to Jenabel she knew the answer. His wolf was close to the surface. Whatever Alexander had been day dreaming of it had drawn out his wolf in a most powerful way. She was sure that his own thoughts had been reflecting her own, replaying their earlier intimacy, projecting how much farther and deeper that intimacy could and would go.

Jenabel's knees weakened as his feral stare pinned her and the deep growling sound emanating from his chest caused her pulse to race.

'Jesus, he's going to be a fucking handful.'

She smiled at the thought and added.

'Well, more than a handful actually.'

Jenabel shook her head and closed her eyes trying to regain her composure and tamp down her own skyrocketing libido.

"Stop it Alexander, find your balance."

She said this as she turned grabbing a pair of jeans and a sweater before retreating to the bathroom.

The harsh edge to her words had Alexander shaking his head and casting a baleful stare at his wolf who merely regarded him with a tiresome look.

Alexander stood up and ran his fingers through his hair. Taking a few deep breaths he calmed himself. Closing his eyes he regarded his wolf.

'See what happened there, she slapped us down hard buddy. You need to keep yourself under a bit more control.'

Alexander's wolf was having none of it, giving him a gruff growl the large wolf turned and walked away. His body language suggesting that he could not suffer such a fool any longer.

Alexander smiled at the image of his wolf as he walked to the door of the bathroom, his fingers finding purchase over the doorframe on the trim. He was still naked as he watched Jenabel pull the sweater over her head.

"I'm sorry Jenabel, I didn't...no, that's not right. I definitely did mean the look I was giving you. I want you, you know it, and God knows that I know it. I feel it in every molecule of my being. You told me not to apologize for wanting you. From now on be warned...I won't."

He flashed her a wide grin as he closed the distance between them, placing a searing kiss on her lips and stepped into the shower.

Jenabel, on wobbly legs, left the bathroom. She had to fight the urge, once again, to strip down and join Alexander in the shower to make sure he understood exactly how dangerous kisses like that could be. Calling on a good portion of self-control she wrangled in her galloping libido and grabbed the phone. 

"Hi Mom, Alexander and I will be over in a few minutes. Thanks for this morning, what you said, you were totally right about Alexander and I needing to...well you know." 

Sophie laughed on the other end of the line.

"You would think Brad, Cross and yourself would finally get it through your thick skulls that I'm always right."

"Any word from the pack members you were looking for?"

Sophie's tone darkened.

"We've heard from all but three, one of them being Cross."

Jenabel's anxiety went up a notch but quickly calmed.

"Cross is fine Mom, I'd know if he wasn't and I don't feel any kind of anxiety from him. Don't worry they'll all be fine."

Sophie was not surprised by Jenabel's comment. Cross and her youngest had always shared a deeper connection than most siblings. Sophie allowed herself to relax some.

"Alright, you've pretty much used up the morning. Come over to the house, Brad should be back in a little while. We think Alexander should work on shifting and getting used to his wolf. Brad will come along, Willow as well."

Jenabel experienced a momentary frisson of worry at the thought of Alexander and herself both in wolf form. Having Brad and Willow along eased her concerns.

"We'll be right over, Alexander is just getting out of the shower. See you in five minutes."

Jenabel hung up the phone just as she registered Alexander standing behind her. His lips caressed her neck gently as she leaned back into him. He turned her, pulling her up to him and kissed her deeply. "I missed you Jenabel." Jenabel nearly swooned at the fiery look in his eye. Slapping his bare chest playfully she pulled away from him.

"Get dressed, we're going over to Mom and Dad's to meet up with Brad and Willow. We'll be working on introducing you more fully to your wolf today."

Alexander felt his wolf begin to pace again within him, it seemed more than pleased with this turn of events. Alexander mirrored that emotion, feeling his heart start to race at the thought of once again allowing his wolf to run free.

-vVv-

The Rogue Alpha stood looking out the window at the rising sun as an Omega entered the room.

"Alpha, the Beta's have left for the Benton pack. It should take the Beta group less than two hours to get there. We expect them to return here a little after dark as you ordered."

The Rogue Alpha nodded and dismissed the Omega.

"It's well past time those arrogant fools realized that you don't take from a Bouchard without...consequences."

*

My thanks to Mikothebaby for her editing skills and Tanja for her beta reading insights.