8 comments/ 13758 views/ 20 favorites Behind the Lines of the Were War By: partwolf June 2021, Wyoming mountains Five years into the Were War and his pack was losing. Derek Johnson leaned back into the chair of his office in the caverns and ran his fingers through his black hair. He read the message again... the attack on the airfield had failed, and all members of the assault team had been lost. He didn't really need the paper, he had felt through his Alpha bond each of the twelve deaths as they occurred, their presence suddenly gone leaving only a hollow emptiness in his soul. One more bond remained, but it was in agony as the torture continued, begging for death that would not come. He sent his love and comfort down the bond, knowing that Alex would gladly die to protect the pack, but he was helpless to stop it. It was a feeling he getting used to, the tears and the anger slipped away a little quicker each time as his soul hardened further. Looking back, he couldn't believe how the fortune of the Johnson Pack had changed. When the Were War started, his pack numbered over five hundred, prosperous and happy with thousands of acres of land backing onto to national parks and forests. He was 21, third son of respected Alphas in the western states and his whole life was before him. His parents and his two older brothers were killed in the first bombing, and so the mantle of Alpha fell to him and his new mate Amanda. Derek never expected to have to take on such responsibility so soon, he always thought that his parents had a hundred years ahead of them during which he could learn at their side, and his older brother Dave was being groomed for the job. He felt the loss of his parents at the same time the rest of his pack shifted their alpha bond to him. They needed him, despite his own grief, so he buried it deep in his soul and moved on. He had Alpha blood but never wanted all the responsibility that came with his calling. He wanted to curl up with his grief, but the Pack came first. Always the Pack. Amanda calmed him down and helped him through those dark days, urging him forward as they evacuated their former home for the mountain hide. She was his rock. She was his life. The attacks had continued, and new births had stopped. Their wolves knew they were at war and the females stopped going into heat, it was too dangerous to be laden with child. Things didn't get better, either. The military had discovered that werewolves in human form could be detected using UV light to see the retinas that didn't change back to fully human form. What had been meant to give them a vision advantage became their downfall. Very quickly it was too dangerous to venture into town, as there was a "shoot on sight" order for weres. The people had been so panicked that you didn't even see big dogs around if they weren't leashed. Now the Pack numbered barely a hundred, most of those children and widows. The years had been hard on his warriors. So many good people gone, and those that were left had nowhere near the skills or fighting ability of those already lost. He was now sending young teens into desperate battle for their own survival. The failed attack was a desperation move to stop the air patrols that kept them pinned down. "I'm sorry, Alpha." Before he could respond, the searing pain of another lost bond rent his soul as Alex was finally succumbed to the torture. The tears fell freely as he focused on the painting on the wall. It was of his family on the day of his mating, all smiles and promise of a life together in their eyes. It seemed like forever since then, and there was no promise anymore. Only survival mattered. He looked around the rest of his 'office' in a small room off the main cave they had taken refuge in. It was a far cry from the wealth and stature of the manor that used to house the main Pack. The manor had been a massive structure of lodgepole pine and glass, with twenty bedrooms and a huge communal dining hall. It had been the center of Pack life, housing the Alphas and their family, the Betas and administrative functions. Without warning, dozens of fighters and bombers attacked at dawn. There wasn't enough time for the families to make it outside. It had collapsed on itself shortly after the first 500 pound bombs had slammed into it as the sun rose on that August day. What the explosions didn't take, the fires did. Only a handful of survivors, and not much had been recovered from the building. If it wasn't for the fireproof safe in his father's office, they would have lost everything. The safe under the rubble contained the Pack archives, birth records and computers detailing the Pack investments. Without the cash, the Pack wouldn't have been able to take advantage of the enemy's lack of organization to escape and fortify the caves they were now in. His parents had been wise to have a fallback plan, the cave structure was well hidden and extensive, and had been kept stocked with enough food and supplies to last them for a year. As Next Alpha, it all became his responsibility. Seventy two of his Pack were killed that day, including most of the command structure. Another fourteen chose not to go on, their mates had been killed and with no pups to anchor them they lost themselves in their grief. The entire pack felt their sorrow and tried to offer comfort, but it was too much. Their only comfort would be to join their mates in death, knowing they would have a chance to be together in their next lives. They shifted to wolf form and howled their loss before leaping over cliffs to their deaths. If Amanda hadn't been in heat, and if they hadn't gone out to that remote cabin in the next valley for their first attempt at having pups, they would have been killed in the dining hall just like everyone else. The only other survivor from his family was his younger sister Renee, who was sleeping over at a friend's cabin away from the main compound. There hadn't been time to do anything but grab and go what they could. Before the fires were out, his scouts reported a column of troops and armor approaching from a few miles away. He ordered his pack to shift and run, up into the mountains and away from the smoking ruin of his home. He didn't look back, they had to make the hiding place by morning. The guilt ate at him as he led the Pack away; guilt that he survived, guilt that his family hadn't protected their Pack, and guilt that their dead remained where they had fallen. He knew that without the bodies being consumed by flame, their souls would not be released to return again. As soon as they were out of sight, he asked for volunteers to stay behind for pyre detail. The funeral detail would have to hide for three days, watching as the soldiers dug through the ruins in search of any more clues as to their whereabouts. Eventually they left and the dead were piled and cremated. The pack could smell the smoke from the pyre from three mountains away as they howled their grief to the moon. Tears ran from his face, but tears didn't help him with the war. The Were War was never something the werewolves could win once their existence was known. There were too few of them, and they were too isolated from each other and lacked the trust needed to band together into an effective fighting force. There had been too many border disputes and raids in their own history to trust the other packs. The Pack structures did not encourage cooperation. As individual Packs they were strong, but they were outnumbered and lacked the technological edge of a modern military. The government strategy was unimaginative but effective. Isolate the population, decapitate the leadership, then use search and destroy tactics to drive them into extinction. August 2016, Casper, Wyoming Death was coming to Casper North Middle School. Joe Donnelly was impressive in wolf form as he loped out of the woods towards the open gym doors. Standing four feet tall at the shoulders and over 200 pounds, he dwarfed the gray wolves occasionally seen in the area. His black coat shimmered in the sunlight, and his eyes glowed yellow. Humanity had left them; the events of the past day had turned him feral, abandoning his Pack and his home with revenge on his mind. His mate had been attacked by Betas of the Casper Pack while on patrol near the border of their lands. She had sent him desperate messages as she was raped and killed. The people responsible had been allowed to live because their Alpha accepted that she was on their land. His grief and his outrage overcame him at this. Nothing would stop him from taking down the Alpha of the Casper pack, who was the principal of this school, along with any of his sons who got in his way. The screams started just as he entered the gymnasium where the sixth graders were playing Dodgeball. Joe caught a whiff of the Alpha's scent and tore across the gym, scattering children and teachers along the way. Several were bitten or scratched, though they were not targets they were in the way and that was enough. The school lockdown alarm was sounded as Joe entered the hallway, but it was too late to save the eleven students killed and 23 wounded in the four minutes the attack was going on. Joe was killed, but not by police. Principal Johnson and two of his sons, along with two teachers and two other students in the Pack, shifted into wolf form and tore Joe to shreds. The Alpha was seriously wounded, and his beta shifted back and carried him to their truck. They were all on their way to their Pack healer before the police even arrived. The video was a national sensation. The school had an advanced security system that had caught not only the attack, but the seven werewolves already in the school as they shifted into wolf form and back. There were dozens of witnesses. In a few minutes, the secrecy that Weres had used to protect their existence was shattered. The dead Were was analyzed and autopsied, having remained in the wolf form at death; shifting forms is something only a living being can do. If that wasn't bad enough, within hours the injured went through forced turns. Were saliva and scratches carry the virus that creates new Were. If the virus is introduced willingly and associated with joy or ecstasy, the turn is calm and welcomed. If the person is in fear or stress, they fight the wolf nature as it comes forward and the new wolf fights and subdues their human nature, becoming a raging animal with no mercy or retraint. Since no one knew what werewolves were, they did not know that the injured required sedation and isolation. There were so many humans injured that rampaging Weres shut down every hospital within 200 miles, and one in Denver that received an airlifted patient. Cameras and news reports showed the agony of the first shift in gory detail, and the former children and adults who suddenly found themselves with a new and very angry animal nature. It made zombie movies look like a relaxing afternoon. It took two days, a full police mobilization and the National Guard to contain the rampages. Lacking a pack or help, the newly formed Weres rampaged until they were put down, and anyone hurt by them would change. It was finally treated like a deadly epidemic, anyone who was bitten or scratched was immediately executed. Anything that even LOOKED life a wolf was immediately shot, and suspicion of being a Were was enough for mobs or police to attack entire families. Entire communities were decimated. Alpha Johnson and his pack were the first casualties of the Were War. They would not be the last. The humans feared the wolves and wanted them exterminated. It did not matter that they had been friends and coworkers and family just a week before. August 2021 The war was now a desperate bid for survival for his pack. They used intelligence, sniper teams and small unit attacks to keep the military uncomfortable and maintain some freedom of movement. It wasn't a classic insurgency- they didn't have the support of the population- but you do what you can. THEY were considered the invading force, even though Weres had lived since before the founding of the state and they used to be respected members of the community. Weres who entered the military tended to gravitate towards Special Forces, Scout Snipers, SEALs and Rangers. Their strength and stamina was well above human averages, and their enhanced senses gave them an huge advantage in battle. If you ever heard a story about a guy running point on a patrol who saw, heard or sensed something wrong that saved his unit, it probably was a Were. They served with distinction in every war since the United States was founded. In small units, a group of Were was a formidable force. Oh, and the stories about heroic K-9 patrol members? It's a lot easier to train a young Were to find explosives than a dog, especially with their handler being Were as well. After the war started, the few veterans left in the Pack had trained everyone on small unit tactics, marksmanship and camouflage. It just didn't help you win against overwhelming air power and artillery. The Army avoided direct contact with Were units, knowing that their losses would be high and direct contact risked forced turnings. They preferred the modern war from remote drone piloting sites, locating and blasting suspected Were into oblivion in between sips of their Starbucks. Pack members who did not flee for their pack lands had been turned in by neighbors and 'friends' out of fear or greed for reward. They all learned to avoid human contact, avoid being out in groups of more than two, and to always think about how to fool the eyes in the sky. The military had declared the whole area a no-go for humans, so any heat signatures of human or wolves were assumed hostile and engaged without warning. Drones were a constant of life now, and the most effective counter was to hide behind thick forest canopies, caves and rocks. He looked up when the smell of cherry and lilac wafted across the room. He had been so deep in thought he hadn't heard her approach, another sign of just how tired he was. Amanda walked behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck as she nuzzled into the mating bite scar on his right shoulder. He instantly hardened as her devious tongue traced the scars her teeth had left behind, proclaiming he was mated to all other females. Her shoulder length black hair fell across the side of his face as she nibbled on his ear, then whispered to him, "I want you. But I want a five minute head start." His mood instantly changed, as he felt the love through his mate bond push aside the pain and sadness. She knew that what he needed was to chase and conquer, to lose himself into his wolf and his mate and forget the pain for an hour. He nodded as she walked back in front of his desk and reached for the tie around her neck that kept her simple dress in place. Starting straight into his eyes, she slowly pulled the bow out and let it the dress pool on the floor as she held his gaze. No one but her could hold eye contact without it being considered a challenge. His eyes broke contact first, not able to resist the candlelight dancing across her ample breasts as her hands. He licked his lips as she slowly drifted her hands down her flat stomach to a visibly aroused sex. Her scent filled the room, filled his head and stoked his libido. She had his attention. She was five foot ten of perfection to him. She was built like an athlete, with the grace of a dancer. Her breasts still stood proud and her dark nipples poked out a half inch as she twisted them between her fingers. Her smooth stomach barely hid the muscles behind it, and her wide hips swelled out from them. She turned slowly, her hips gently swaying as she walked to the curtain that separated the room from the main hall. Pulling the curtain slightly, she looked back and said, "That is, if you are still strong enough to take me," and smoothly changing to a large black wolf she ran out the door. You don't run from a wolf, and you certainly don't challenge the Alpha without a response. Within seconds Derek was on his feet and his clothes went flying before he changed into his own wolf. As an Alpha heir, he had always been bigger than other pack members and he was huge compared to a normal wolf. White fur and muscle, two hundred and forty pounds of it, paced back and forth in his office looking at the wall clock. The change into wolf form was quick and smooth, but as Scotty used to say, "You can't change the laws of physics." Werewolves were able to manipulate their form, but could not create or destroy mass. His mate was 140 pound in her human form, and the same in here Were form. Muscle became muscle, fat remained fat, bones shifted but remained the same overall. If you were fat in human form, you would be a fat wolf. It just didn't happen too often, wolf metabolisms were too high and they were too active in the mountains for that. Of course, not everything stayed the same size. His erection was impressive in human form, but in wolf form it was downright scary as it swung beneath his belly. The wolf wanted the same thing his human half did, to plow into his mate while she howled her pleasure. Amanda hadn't tried to run on him in months, since it was dangerous to be outside. She knew his wolf loved to track and show his fitness to lead the Pack and be her mate. She wanted five minutes to run ahead, she would get five minutes. Then he would chase her down and he would spend the rest of the night reminding her of his love for her, pinning her under him while he pounded that sweet cunt into submission. He could sense her excitement through the mate bond. She actually thought she might get away from him this time. Foolish woman. He had never lost a challenge. Wolf Base B, in the mountains above Cheyenne Renee lay awake in her hide, trying to ignore the sounds coming from the tent next door. Jerry and Ann were enjoying each other after another long day of patrol and surveillance. They tried to be quiet, but the grunts and moans of their mating were unavoidable. Like all new mates, their appetite for sex was off the charts and they had been at it for hours with no signs of stopping. They had found each other when Ann was reassigned to their squad as the medic just before they deployed. Sex among werewolves was common and open, so it wasn't that she was bothered by it, but she couldn't help wishing it was her. As the younger sister and only remaining family member of the Alpha, she was more important than most eighteen year old Were. Renee and Derek shared a strong family bond but rarely saw each other in person. Renee was now Next Alpha, the pack went to her if anything happened to Derek and Amanda. After the war started, he had decided that it was too risky for the pack to have them together where one attack could take them both out. A pack without an Alpha was unstable and would not last long, war or not. She was sent out with the warriors to learn to fight when she was thirteen and she was good at it. Now she ran a deep cover surveillance squad in the mountains above the air base. Her team was only ten members, but they were good at what they did. You had to be to survive deep inside enemy lines. Their current deployment had been out for five months, occasionally harassing and attacking soft spots while providing warning of aircraft sorties. She had been in command of the team for the last year. The protectiveness didn't stop with just where she was or who was around her. She was still a virgin, and those males in the pack were under an Alpha order to leave her intact. The tradition of virginal Alpha bitch mating seemed so useless to her, she didn't even know if there was another Alpha out there for her to be mated to. They hadn't had contact with another pack in over two years. In any case, the casual sex most growing Weres had was out of the question, and even the women were hesitant. The only thing that she did know was that her mate wasn't among the males left in her pack. The smell of her mate had come into her dreams last year. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 02 "Revenge is a dish best served cold." - Khan Wolf Base B The flash from the back side of the mountain lit up the sky and shocked them into action. The concussion didn't arrive for another few minutes, and by then the mushroom cloud was rising into the sky. Four of the team fell to the ground right after the flash lit up the night sky like noontime, shifting to wolf form and howling their loss into the sky. Their mates and young were back in the caves and were now gone. Red, Joe, Mike and Billy would be useless for a few moments until the shock wore off. "What the hell was that" yelled Renee at her second, Andy, as they dove for cover in the command trench. "It could have been a small nuke, but I can't see them using one on their own soil, so I bet it was a MOAB." "MOAB?" "Mother of All Bombs. It was designed back during the first Gulf War to take out underground command bunkers and storage facilities. It's the largest conventional bomb ever made. It's so big you have to use a..." He smacked the wall in frustration. "It's delivered by cargo plane, it's too big to drop from a bomber or fighter." "Fuck... they went after our caves." Renee shuddered at the thought of what just happened. A cry of "Jet coming from the East" got heads back in the game. They could see the single aircraft approaching supersonic at low altitude, it was an F-15E Strike Eagle. Renee jumped up on the nearby log and yelled, "The bastards are going after the survivors! Doug, Jerry- use the Stinger, shoot it right down his throat as it passes over. Everybody else, gear up and hide out until he passes. MOVE!" Eagle 31 out of Cheyenne Air National Guard Base Captain Gary Johnson's heart rate was elevated as he approached the northern Rocky Mountain area. The plan so far had gone perfectly, the massive bomb had been delivered within a hundred yards of the cave entrance and drone video showed massive devastation in the area. He and six other F-15E Strike Eagles were the next wave- going in fast and low, using their Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and laser guided bombs to find and eliminate any survivors. The intel they had did not disclose if there were any escape routes or other entrances to the cave system they had identified. The job was a rush. Competition to get the Eagle was fierce, starting at the Air Force Academy and continuing through flight school, but he always got what he wanted. There was nothing in the world like doing MACH 1.2 just a few hundred feet off the top of the mountains. It was an adrenaline rush of major proportions. They could only do it in remote deserts and Were exclusion zones, and it scared the crap out of any living thing in the forests below. His concentration was fully on the navigation and terrain avoidance portions of his Heads Up Display. Low altitude flight was dangerous, and the Were were known to have .50 cal machine guns, so speed was safety. His focus was so strong on the maneuvers needed to avoid the next two mountains that he didn't notice the FLIR indications of a dozen or so spots of heat just below the top of the next foothill. The missile DID get his attention as it launched at 10 o'clock low. He had less than two seconds to impact, and a second of that was wasted as he recognized that it was too late to do anything. His right engine exploded as he tried to bank away, and just before the jet rolled into the mountainside he pulled the eject lever and was launched into the night sky. He was knocked out before he cleared the fireball. "I got you you bastard!!" Doug shouted as the plane exploded over him. Debris scattered on the mountainside as the fuselage slammed into the hillside just to their north. Multiple fires started as the squad gathered whatever equipment they could carry. Everyone knew that the crash would bring all kinds of attention from planes, drones and troops. They needed to bug out quick. "Chute!" Andy pointed to the pilot just before his parachute caught in the trees just a hundred yards below their position. A shout of "Medic up!" sent Ann over to check Joe. He was trapped below a thick branch, and it took three of them to free him. His leg was obviously broken, and she quickly applied a field splint and got Red to take him in a fireman's carry back to the rest of the squad. Renee called everyone to form on her as they worked their way down to the chute. A captured pilot opened up all kinds of possibilities. Two minutes later they had the pilot cut down, still unconscious. "Is he alive?" Renee asked. Ann quickly checked him over, finding no major injuries, but his pupils were not reactive indicating a concussion. "Strip him. He probably has homing devices on him." Another minute later and he was lying on the ground in his compression shorts. "Boss, what do you want to do with him," asked Andy. "We've only got fifteen minutes or so before the rescue team shows up with all their air cover, maybe less for any other jets they have up there." Renee thought about just killing him, but the intelligence and propaganda value of a pilot was too much to give up so easily. "Tie him up and put him on the field stretcher, we'll carry him out of here. If we get lucky we'll make the dense woods on the back side of this pass before the rescue helicopters make it." Jerry took off for his tent, it doubled as the medic shack and their only stretcher was there. "OK, everyone check each other for shrapnel and shout out if you are injured. Ann, how is Joe?" "Broken left femur. I've got it splinted, but it's bleeding internally and moving him is a bad idea. Jerry and I can hide him and wait this out. I'll do what I can to make him comfortable, but without surgery he still might not make it until morning." "No!" Joe lifted his head up and looked in Renee's eyes. "You're not risking two more people for me. My cubs and mate are gone. I have nothing left to go back for. You guys take off and I'll give you a little time to escape, and maybe I can get a little payback." Renee thought about it, and a plan came to mind, but they had to hurry. 155th Air Force Pararescue Wing, Cheyenne Air National Guard Base "GO GO GO! Aircraft down!" Capt. Jay (JJ) Jennings did final checks for rollout of his HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter as his crew sprung into action. His bird was the lead of two "Ready 5" helicopters, able to take off within five minutes of notification of a downed pilot or medevac. The base was closest to the Were territory, so they had two helicopters ready anytime there were pilots in the air or troops in the exclusion zone. Saluting the ground crew, he released the brakes while pushing the collective lever down to send max power to the engines. "Pedro 155, ready for departure." Immediately Capt. Robinson in the second helo followed with "Pedro 162, ready for departure." The tower immediately responded with clearance to 10,000 feet heading 260 and they were off. Each helicopter was designed and manned for one purpose- to get people out while under enemy fire. The two pilots commanded a crewmaster, two door gunners and two pararescue men. These pararescumen were elite, highly trained warriors capable of securing a landing zone under fire. They also were flight medics with advanced training and equipment. The Pedro's mission was to get people out, stabilized and into a field hospital within the "Golden Hour" after injury when the chances of survival are highest. The pilots were updated on the emergency beacon location as they climbed to altitude. Both the pilot and the ejection seat had a radio beacon that activated with the ejection seat deployment. The satellite showed the pilot wasn't too far away, and not too deep into enemy territory; they had been through worse in the early days. The door gunners test fired their weapons and the medics prepped blood and IV's while the crewmaster tested the door winch. Ten minutes later, Capt. Jennings pointed at the fires from the wreckage were in sight and announced they had a visual on the beacon from the ejection seat. Pedro 162 was the backup on this mission, so it circled the crash area at altitude while Pedro 155 headed for the beacon. A flare shot up from the dense trees just before they arrived, and soon 155 was hovering over the downed pilot. The canopy was too dense for landing, so they lowered the penetrator down through the trees. The penetrator was a weighted fold-out seat designed to drop through brush and trees. It wasn't the most comfortable way to ride, but it had been proven effective in Vietnam. They watched as the pilot crawled over to the penetrator and opened the arms to sit around it. "Looks like he injured his leg, he isn't putting weight on it." A minute later he was in the helicopter and was being laid back on the stretcher. No one recognized the satchel charge clipped to his flight gear in time, and they couldn't stop his hand from reaching the pull cord. "You fuckers can burn in hell for what you did to my family..." Pedro 155 exploded in midair. Pedro 162 immediately called for assistance but did not approach as it didn't know what had taken out the other helicopter. No one was looking on the back side of the mount as the squad made its escape. It would be a week before the bodies were recovered and DNA results could show that Captain Johnson's body wasn't Captain Johnson. Woods west of Pack Cave Derek and Anna shifted back to human form as they pushed the branches off them and looked around. Rising unsteadily, they resorted back to mental communication as their ears were still ringing from the sound of the explosion. After verifying his mate was not injured, Derek started sifting through the pack bonds to see who was gone. He quickly figured it would be faster to count those who were left. His once proud pack was down to thirty three. Checking in with each, he verified they were OK and directed them to return to him as soon as possible. The realization of the loss crushed them both. No one in the caves or surrounding area was still alive. He could still feel the two squads out on patrol and the squad who was scouting out a new area for a base camp, but no one else. He shifted back, jumped on the nearest rock and let out a mournful howl, joined in his loss by Anna's howl. No one answered. They loped off to the top of the mountain to see what was left. Mountains east of the Pack Cave The fog was slow to lift from Capt. Gary Johnson's mind, so it took him a while to figure out what was going on. His head throbbed and his eyeballs felt like they were popping out of his head. He couldn't see a thing, but he could feel the blindfold on his eyes. He felt he was moving, he could hear the footsteps, it felt like a stretcher. He started doing inventory with his toes and worked his way up. Everything else seemed OK but his arms and legs were tied to the stretcher along with a couple ropes around his waist. It kept him from moving, but also kept him from sliding off as he was carried roughly across the uneven terrain. Fucked. That's what he was. Well and truly fucked. He'd been captured, something no pilot ever wanted, but he was captured by people who were going to be royally pissed off at what had just happened. People whose families had been killed. Sure, he'd taken SERE training, the Air Force had mandatory Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training since Vietnam. All that evasion training didn't help now. "Water! Please, water! Put me down!" A female voice told them to take cover under an outcropping, and dispatched three to set up a perimeter. He was roughly set down on the rock. His stretcher bearers were grumbling about the interruption, they wanted to toss him over the nearest cliff. The Alpha wanted this guy for questioning and that was the only reason he hadn't been torn to shreds already. "I'll give you a good watering." He heard a zipper going down. "MIKE!" The female voice again. "You are to care for the prisoner until relieved. Show some fucking discipline before I beat it into you." Mike lowered his head and pointed his dick downhill instead. Meanwhile, the other guy had pulled a canteen out of his pack and was pouring a little water into his mouth. "Billy, keep an eye on him. We've got forty miles ahead of us before we start thinking about revenge." "Yes Renee." "Ten minute break and then we continue on." OK, so it's Billy up front and Mike in back. Renee must be in charge. Keep focusing, if you get out of this Intel will want to know everything. He could hear a couple other people moving around. Maybe six or seven all together. That was it; Renee had sent her second in command Andy, along with Jerry's brother James and cousin Doug to scout ahead in wolf form. Renee was left with Jerry and team medic Ann, Red, Mike and Billy. The last three had all lost mates in the cave attack, plus Mike lost his 13 yr old son Matt and daughter Amanda. Having Mike and Billy on stretcher detail was a calculated risk, she was hoping the need for retribution would hold off any suicidal thoughts until they got back to the rest of the Pack. They needed everyone alert and on the job to make it back. Now that the sun was up, the infrared on the drones and aircraft didn't work so they could move faster. You still had to plan your movements to keep under cover and not draw a Hellfire missile on top of you, and they were slower in human form. They needed to carry the gear and the prisoner, so it might take a few days. So far, so good... she could tell from the explosion and aircraft traffic behind them that Joe had done his pack proud. There was no indication their retreat had been spotted. They had been in a fast march or jog for the last four hours and it was getting to her. She took a long drink, ate a few pieces of dried meat, then got everyone up and moving again. She wanted to make ten more miles by nightfall. Hilltop Hide above the Pack Caves Derek and Renee had dug in below a fallen log in view of the valley and caves that used to be their home. They could hear the Predator drones circling above with their sensitive wolf hearing, and they stayed in wolf form through the day and the next night, monitoring the area and sleeping in shifts in case any survivors made it back to the area. The advance team from Renee's squad had arrived just before moonrise and took up a position on the other side of the valley. So far there was no indication of survivors. The trees and vegetation were pretty much wiped clean within five hundred yards of the cave, and were blown flat all the way up the hills. The cave entrance and a few of the passages had collapsed under the incredible pressure and heat of the explosion. Nothing could survive, and nothing was left to bury. It was as if those seventy one members of those family had never existed. Derek used his bond to get the updates on Renee's progress. She had done well with the pilot capture, that was about the only positive thing out of all this. They needed to find out how much the military knew about them, and how they knew it. The bomb was too close to the cave entrance to be chance, and you wouldn't use something that big unless you knew it was a deep cave system. They would get their intel from him and then they would get their revenge. Derek wasn't worried about Geneva Conventions or POW rules; why give quarter to an enemy who denied your very humanity, and killed your people on sight? His wolf agreed; if he could make the people who did this die a thousand deaths beneath his teeth it still wouldn't be enough. The next morning, the military damage assessment team arrived. Derek and his four pack mates stayed well hidden while the squad moved through the valley. The damage was pretty easy to assess since everything was gone, and they soon left. Derek directed the remainder of his pack to the newly discovered cave ten miles to the north, then he and the others left the old caves behind at nightfall, moving in pairs and by different routes in case they were spotted. When they arrived, Renee's squad was there and the pilot was hanging from his arms by chains set into the rock, and guarded by two men. He was alive, he was bruised and scratched but no major damage. He was gagged and blindfolded since it would keep him off balance until the interrogation could start. The interrogation didn't take too long. The pilot admitted he was on a mission to attack survivors, and it wasn't the first time he had attacked. He didn't know where the intel came from, and Derek could sense he wasn't lying. If he thought confession would gain him mercy, he was wrong. If he thought he was going to be traded, he wasn't aware that the only Were in captivity had just been tortured to death a few days earlier. Derek and his pack wanted blood, and blood they would get. The punishment Derek had in mind harked back to the days of the British Navy. When someone needed to be made an example of, they would use "Flogging Around the Fleet." If you had 21 lashes coming and there were ten ships in the fleet, they would tie you to the mast of the ship and lash you twice in front of the crew. Then you would be taken to the next ship for your next two, and so on, until in the end every sailor witnessed you receive your punishment. In this case, the pilot would stay in place while all the surviving family members and pack rotated through their their chance to get up close and personal with their revenge. Derek gathered them all in the main cavern and laid down the rules. The pack members would go in reverse rank order, beginning with the Omegas and ending with him. Each adult (or oldest surviving child of the family) was allowed one bite or slash, but nothing fatal. In between, the pack healer or medic would lick the wound to slow the bleeding and ensure he was conscious enough to feel the next attack. It wouldn't do for him to succumb before everyone had their chance. Twenty had already had their turn by the time Renee was at the front of the line. Captain Johnson wasn't looking so good by now. Bite wounds and long claw furrows covered his body. A Beta who lost her two pups and mother had swiped diagonally across his groin, slicing open his scrotum and cutting a gouge out of the end of his dick before ending on his hip. Nobody was willing to lick that closed, so there had been a slight delay while that got stitched up. Seeing the wounds already there, Renee changed her plan for how her revenge would go. She doffed her T-shirt and shorts and walked naked up to within a few feet of him, hiding the bottle of rubbing alcohol behind her back with her left arm. "Ooh, you are such a good looking man! I bet all the women at the Officer's Club wish they could sleep with you." Gary couldn't believe that the voice he heard, the commander of the group that captured him, belonged to this absolute knockout of a woman. His bloodshot eyes took in her ample breasts, her taut stomach and the movement of her hand over her mons. His mind ignored the pain as the lust came forward, she was PERFECT. "I'm going to have to remember this for later tonight," she said as she moved a finger slowly between her folds. Her exhibition had the desired effect. His cock started to harden, despite the wounds, and this caused him to scream in pain and she hadn't even touched him yet. He kept screaming as she licked her juices off her finger and twisted her nipples, and his growing erection stretched the stitches and scabs beyond their limits. No matter what he did, the image of her naked and aroused before him wouldn't leave his mind. "Oh, I'm sorry, did that hurt? I do believe you tore something open. Please, let me help. I wouldn't want you to get... infected." With an evil smile, she brought her left hand out front and saw the flash of fear in his eyes as he recognized what it was. He strained mightily against the chains but was unable to move out of the way as she squeezed the bottle and sprayed the contents over his torso. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 02 The interesting thing about rubbing alcohol is that it really doesn't burn. It fools the nerves by changing the setpoint for their heat alarm, making the nerves behave as if you are burning even though the temperature is the same. Without touching him, she set every cut, every puncture, every scrape on fire. His scream reverberated through the cavern as she approached his side. Leaning close to his ear after he stopped struggling and collapsed onto the chains, she pressed her body against his as she whispered, "Don't worry, it's almost over. Only one more person before the Alpha kills you. I just wanted you to know you... are..." and then she breathed in. "MINE!!" Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 03 “Love hurts, love scars Love wounds, and marks Any heart, not tough Nor strong enough To take a lot of pain Take a lot of pain Love is like a cloud Holds a lot of rain Love hurts Love hurts” Nazareth - Love Hurts Lyrics Capt. Gary Johnson was the center of attention, but he was blissfully unconscious to the mayhem around him. He hung limply from the chains, his torn body still oozing blood from each of the wounds that had been inflicted on his six foot two frame. He had heard the word "MINE." Then he was grabbed around the neck and more wounds tore open and the scream wouldn't come. His body shut down and everything went black, giving him a temporary escape from the torment. It certainly wasn't the normal reaction to someone finding their mate. For a werewolf, especially a young one, to find that one person in the world who completes them in every way is a cause for celebration. There were many who went their whole lives without finding that one. If that person is an Alpha or Alpha heir, it is good fortune for the pack and the party would go on for a week! It was a good thing the mated pair wasn't needed at the party in their honor, as they usually had their own celebration going on. Some ran off into the forest together, some were carried her off to their room and some new mates just tore their clothes off and went at it right there. The unstoppable lust unleashed by the scent of their mate could take weeks to sate. Recognition and lust were first as they were part of the wolf, then the human side of love and trust would develop and strengthen over time. One thing was certain, Luna didn't make mistakes when she designated each half. There was no divorce in the pack; there was no need for it. A mating was for life. The depth of the connection and the knowledge that there was only one mate out there for them made the loss of a mate such a devastating event. Pair bonds were the foundation of Pack health, as only mated pairs could reproduce. This was Luna's way of preventing inbreeding and keeping a healthy bloodline. A female would only go into heat after her body was triggered by the mating bite. Mates were what every were was seeking from the time they first dreamed of their scent. If it was not in their pack, they would search for that someone elsewhere. Before the war, it was common for young men to travel to other packs to visit relatives and learn new skills, but behind the visit was always the hope that their one would be there. Matings across packs helped to develop alliances and reduce conflict, especially when the wolves involved were high in rank. It was not common for a mate to be found in a human, and that had its own risks. The wolf then had to build love before they could divulge their nature and get permission to turn their mate. If the person did not agree to be turned, the human might be killed to protect the secret of the pack. At the moment, the Pack was roiling with conflicting emotions. Joy at one of their Alpha family finding her mate. Shock that the man they were torturing and killing in revenge for the attacks on their families was that man. Confusion at what this meant for their Pack. About a dozen wolves had shifted and surrounded the prisoner, snarling and growling as they advanced. Renee had shifted into a white wolf with black socks and one black ear, and was pacing side to side in front of her mate, her eyes glowing as her wolf came forward to defend what was hers. The rest of the pack had broken into groups, afraid to move as they watched the event unfold. "STOP." The Alpha command rolled over the pack, and everyone either froze or sat down. The sudden quiet made the continued growling and pacing of Renee even more obvious. Derek and Amanda walked toward Renee, and the warning glare Derek gave had no effect. Renee faced them both, hackles up and growling. Derek stopped; the next few seconds were key in whether a pack member died today. Renee was effectively challenging him for the Alpha position by disregarding his command and staring him down. He really didn't want to kill his younger sister today, but if she attacked him he would have no choice. Battles for the Alpha position were almost always to the death, and he outweighed her by a hundred pounds and was a more experienced fighter. He knew this really wasn't about him, she was confused about her mate and he was in danger, so he waited it out. He continued to glare at her, hoping that she would come to her senses and back down. Ten, twenty seconds, now a minute, and the standoff continued. Finally, there was a moan from behind her as Gary moved his arm. The sound of her mate in pain broke her trance and she realized suddenly what she was doing. She immediately lowered her eyes, then rolled over and bared her stomach to her older brother. Derek walked over and grasped her throat, reasserting his dominance, then released it. "Change back and talk to me." She shifted back to human form and grabbed on to his leg. "I'm so sorry Derek," she sobbed, "I didn't know what to do and my wolf wouldn't listen to me. I'm so scared right now..." Amanda approached and drew her up into her arms to comfort her. "Please, Alpha, please don't kill my mate!" She broke down in tears again as Amanda hugged her close. Derek didn't know what to do, but he knew he had to defuse the situation before the pack tore itself apart. "We cannot continue with the man in this state. Andy, Doug, take him down." As the two approached, Renee started to panic and her eyes turned golden as her wolf pushed forward. "Renee, CALM! Go to him and I'll get Doc to help him." Quickly Renee went behind him and carefully supported him under his arms as the two men unlocked the manacles. She slowly lowered him to the ground as Amanda rolled up a shirt to put under his head. Renee cupped his face and stroked his hair as she sat on her knees at his head. As Doc approached, she shifted to wolf form and started to lick at the wounds to clean them and help them heal. Meanwhile, Doc was giving him a head to toe check. "Alpha, he's been pushed beyond the breaking point. I can stitch him up, but I can't get him conscious again with the drugs I have available to me." Derek nodded. "OK, do what you can to stop the bleeding and keep him alive for now." Renee's wolf head snapped up to look at him and she started growling deep in her chest. Doc shook his head. "We have a bigger problem than that. He was first bitten over an hour ago. He's going to go through a forced change sometime in the next three hours, and his body is in no shape to do that. He probably won't survive the change." Renee started to howl her grief. "IF he does survive, he's going to come out of that change in a rage. I don't know how many of us it will take to put him down once the change is on him, or what damage he will do. You know that the more trauma there is when the person is bit, the tougher the change is. I can't think of anything tougher than what he's gone through today." "Well, Doc, what do you suggest we do? "Give him a clean death. Now. It will save him more suffering and we don't risk any of our people with his change." Renee had heard enough. She shifted back to human form and leaped over her mate, tackling Doc to the ground. "YOU STAY AWAY FROM HIM!" She started to choke him as he grabbed at her arms, but she was young and strong and her wolf was still very close, and he was an old man. It took four men to pull her off. "I WILL KILL ANYONE WHO TRIES TO HARM MY MATE!" Derek had enough of his sister's outbursts. "Take her to the pit and leave her there, keep two of you on guard." The men lifted her up, each taking a limb as she struggled and cursed, and walked deeper into the cave with her. Near the back they had discovered a cavern which was was twenty feet deep and about forty feet across. The wall had caved in, leaving a pile of rock at the entrance that was still twelve feet short of the main cave above. The men bound her in rope and lowered her down, tossing a knife after her so she could cut herself free. It was a crude but effective jail cell. She tried to climb out but couldn't get a handhold on the sheer wall. Enraged, she changed to wolf form and leaped against the wall half a dozen times, each time falling painfully to the rock below, before she shifted back and glared at them. Two walked back to the main group while another two took up station in the main cave to watch over her. Her screams and promises of retribution reverberated through the caves as she railed against them all. She was nothing if not creative in her threats. They weren't sure some of them were physically possible. Still, no one held her behavior against her, especially those who had been mated. They knew what a wolf would do when their mate was in danger. Derek had been agonizing over the next step while he listened to his younger sister and heir curse his name. The decision he needed to make would affect the entire pack, so he decided after things calmed down he would put it to a vote. Doc was still stitching up the prisoner's wounds, with Ann's help. He had continued because Derek said to keep his alive for now, and not doing anything was to condemn him to a slow, bleeding death. The Alpha hadn't taken his advice to end it all quickly, but he understood why. Derek dismissed the rest of the pack to get back to work while he sat and watched Doc work. He needed his own mate to guide him through the minefield he faced, so he guided Amanda back to the anteroom they had made into their bedroom and sat down heavily on the matted grass that served as their bed. Amanda had been feeling the conflict and anguish through their mate bond ever since Renee's announcement. Days like today she dreaded the responsibility of their Alpha pairing, there was no 'good' decision they could make. She lay naked next to her mate and pulled him gently to her breast while she stroked his hair and he cried gently on her skin. Alphas don't cry, but mates do, and in the privacy of their den he could be himself. "I can't do it. I can't do this to Renee and I can't change my mind in front of the Pack. I already pronounced his sentence." "I know what that man was going to do when we shot him down. I know what his side has done in the war. Your sentence was just, and you gave everyone a chance to get their own personal chance. You could not have known that your sister would find her mate in him, and you can't change what has already been done." "You heard Renee. I know she dreamed of her mate, and I also know that with the war and the destruction of packs in this area that she thought she would never have the chance at being mated and having pups. It hasn't been easy for her to be growing up in this war, and to see her chance at happiness being pulled away from her is tearing us apart." "Derek, if you kill her mate, best case is she hates you forever and leaves the pack. Without the support of the pack, she won't last a week before she kills herself or is taken out by the enemy. Even though she has not physically mated with him, in her mind she already has. You know that to be true, she would never defy you in front of the Pack if it wasn't to protect her mate from you." "That is another thing I have to deal with publicly, no matter what happens with him." "Yes, but not now. Is there really a hurry to do anything at this time? Renee is removed from the rest of the pack and will not be able to interfere with your decision. Only you and I were left to take the turn on his punishment. There was never a timeframe on it, in fact you said he had to be conscious and aware of what was going on before the sentence could continue. He's not recovered enough for our turn yet, so we defer any decision until he is." Derek lifted his head and rested it on his hand while he gazed down at his woman. Luna had truly blessed him with a partner who was so wise, who saw things so clearly. Amanda continued, "We know that he will turn soon, and Doc already said he probably won't survive the change. You couldn't stop that if you wanted to. So, let it happen. If he dies, then you have kept the sentence you proclaimed and Renee can't blame you for his death, after all she was the last one to injure him. If he lives, he still has to make it past the rages, and if he can't then you won't be blamed for having to put him down. If he lives, then you can decide the best way forward, but you will have time for emotions to settle and to make a deliberate decision." Now that she explained it, it was all so obvious to Derek. His eyes expressed his love, respect and more than a hint of lust for his beautiful mate who had so quickly helped him find the way forward. "So we wait, then." She nodded, her voice caught in her throat as her wolf responded to the predatory gleam in his eyes as he raked her body. "My love, you are amazing. I don't know how I would do any of this without you by my side." She reached up to cup his strong jaw while shifting her hips slightly towards him. The smell of her arousal rose up between them; she always wanted him, always knew just what he needed, and right now he needed her. "Allow me, my dear, to express my appreciation properly. I don't think this body has been worshiped for the wonder that it is for at least a few days. I can't neglect my responsibilities now, can I?" Amanda giggled as he started to kiss her from her forehead, down her thin nose until he started to plunder her lips and mouth with his tongue. His hand continued down from her chin and across her shoulder, then gently tickled down the inside of her arm as she started to squirm under his attentions. The kiss deepened as he rolled over her, supporting himself on his elbows and knees as he moved both hands to the sides of her breasts, cupping them and rotating his thumbs around her rapidly stiffening nipples. She groaned in loss as he slid down her body, but that was replaced with a sharp intake of breath as his mouth found her right nipple. She reached up to grasp his growing erection, but he grabbed her right hand and pulled it over her head, where it was soon joined by her left hand. "Interlock your hands and keep them there." Amanda did as instructed and lay back, knowing that his wolf needed to show its dominance again. Her wolf so loved being dominated by him! Both of her nipples were now hypersensitive due to the alternating pinching and sucking as he worked from one to the other and back. The smell of her arousal now filled the room, and as his hands moved slowly down to her hips, she rolled them up towards his chest. He didn't take the hint, instead his hands caressed her stomach and thighs as he kissed the line down her firm stomach and then across her hips. He skillfully avoided the one area she wanted his attention at, ignoring her attempts to move it under his mouth, and it was driving her crazy with desire. She trembled when he finally touched her wet slit with the tip of his tongue, softly running from top to bottom and back up. Her hips were bucking against the forearm he held them down with as the sweet torture continued. Using his thumb to rub her swollen clit, he used a forefinger to plunge into her depths and caress her inner walls. She gasped when he took a moistened finger and started to circle her back door. Amanda was rapidly losing control, and when he bit down on her clit while simultaneously a finger in her ass, she went off like a rocket ship. He grinned at her as her body locked up and her back arched off the mat. She spasmed and twitched as the orgasm did its work, and when she brought her hands down to push his head away, he just grabbed them and pinned them to her side. He shook his head slowly while telling her with his bond, "I'm not done with you yet." He started to slowly insert and remove the digit in her ass while using his other hand to spread her lips for his tongue. He allowed his tongue to shift, first licking her clean from the bottom up before plunging it into her and flicking it around against her g-spot. His wolven tongue was far longer, thicker and more talented than his human one, and he put that to good use. Her orgasm came quick and hard on the heels of her first one, and since her arms were pinned she could only squeeze his head and arch backwards as the sensation washed over her. Derek stroked her thighs and eased her back to the mat as the tremors finally subsided. He was kissing back up her body to continue his sweet torture when Doc's voice came through the bond. "Alpha, we need you out here. The change is starting." Derek reluctantly got up, wiped his face and dressed. Amanda was still out of breath, so he told her he would leave the bond open to her while she rested. When her returned to the main chamber, many pack members had not departed but there were still a number of interested parties waiting to see what would happen. Doc looked up from his patient and reported, "He's stable now but still out. I've managed to patch up the major injuries and I've given him two pints of blood already. His fever just spiked, I need to know what you want to do with him before the change occurs." Derek motioned for four men and sent one back to get some rope and blankets. "Pick him up and follow me." The men rolled him onto a stretcher before he was lifted up. The Alpha led them back into the cave before stopping at the pit to gaze down on Renee. She had been pacing back and forth and glared back up at him. "Renee, I've made a decision." She charged the wall again shouting "YOU BASTARD I'LL KILL YOU!" Derek waited impassively for her to stop before continuing. "His sentence has been suspended. He has been patched up, but the shift will be upon him soon. For the safety of the pack, that change will happen in the same pit you now stand. The only way he leaves the pit is if he can gain balance with his wolf and come to accept what he now is. When you come out, we'll deal with your insubordination. You can come out now and leave him there, or you can stay there and help him through it." She considered for a moment only, she wanted her mate. There was no way she would abandon him during this most dangerous time, and both of them knew it. "Give him to me then." The men tied the rope around the prisoner and carefully lowered him into Renee's waiting arms. She carried him to a flat and slightly elevated spot in the corner of the pit and gently laid him down on his back. She then returned to get the blankets and food that was lowered back down. Looking up at Derek, the tears were still in her eyes but the determination showed through. "Thank you, Alpha, for giving him a chance. I apologize for my behavior and will accept the consequences of my actions." "Let's see what happens in the next few days first. The guards will remain up here, if you need anything you may ask them. If you request it, they will pull you out of there but they will not let you back down. May Luna's grace be upon you both... I love you." Derek turned back and left the two of them to work it out. Renee asked for some towels and a bucket of water to clean him up while she waited. She rolled him over on his side and cleaned his back before placing him on a blanket. His fever was way up, and he was sweating profusely despite the cool air in the cave. She gently cleaned away the dried blood and grime, then shifted into her wolf form and started licking his wounds to stimulate the healing. There was very little time left, but she would do anything she could. As the change accelerated, he started to twitch body parts at random. She tore a towel lengthwise and placed the center between his teeth, tying it loosely behind his head. It would stop him from biting his tongue when the pain really started. She did not have long to wait. It started with some loud pops, then he started to convulse. His eyes shot open, but quickly turned bloodshot and golden. His screams echoed through the chamber as his body started to realign. His chest deepened and narrowed, his hips shrank and his legs started to reshape. Brown fur started to sprout on his skin, and it started to move as the muscles and bones underneath rearranged. His face lengthened and narrowed, as his nose and mouth moved forward and his eyes got closer together. The screams stopped, only because his throat had changed and could no longer make that noise. A deep growl took its place. Blood started to erupt from skin that was stretched beyond limits, soaking the blankets and spraying her body as she caressed his face. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 03 The transformation was over in about a minute, leaving a large brown wolf behind. He tried to roll onto his feet, but soon lay back in exhaustion and closed his eyes. Renee was thrilled that he survived the trauma of his first transformation, but distressed by all the damage her mate had sustained. She quickly changed to wolf form and started to lick his wounds closed again. She ignored the blood that coated her white fur as she worked. She was happy that she had a mate, and looking over his form she knew he would be a strong mate and protector of their pups. Since he continued to sleep, she shifted back to human form and asked for some more water, blankets and towels. Putting the soiled laundry in the basket, she made a new bed platform and scooted her mate onto it. He was starting to twitch again, so she shifted back to wolf form and curled up around his head. She figured that the scent of her mate would calm him and help when he woke up. She caught the scent of her Alpha approaching with others, and she rose up to stand protectively over her mate. She relaxed when Derek smiled and said, "Good, Renee, he made it through the shift. I'd like to have Doc come down and see how he is doing." Renee started to growl, remembering how Doc had advised that he be killed. "You should know Doc worked hard to keep him alive, and now that he is Pack he wants to give him the best chance to make it through this. You should trust him." Renee lowered her head and responded using the bond. "I will allow it." Doc was lowered into the pit and spent a few minutes checking out the unconscious wolf. "Alpha, I recommend that he be kept heavily sedated for a few days. That will allow him to heal without the rages causing more damage." Derek looked at Renee and they both nodded. "Next Alpha, please understand that he will be in and out of consciousness during this time, but you need to keep him as calm as possible and keep him from hurting himself. I will come by every eight hours to check on him, but contact the guards or the Alpha if something else comes up." With that, he gave her mate an injection and walked back over to the rope. "You should get him used to your scent, his wolf will recognize you and that will calm him. He's a fine looking wolf, Luna has chosen well." Renee laid her wolf down beside him, curling around the areas that weren't wounded and observing the healing that had already started in the others. She thought about the long life they could have together and the many pups he would give her. She couldn't wait to take him out to the woods and show him the joy of running with the pack. Burying her nose in his neck, she drank in his smell and quickly fell into a contented sleep. For the next three days, Derek and other pack members would come by to observe how things were going. Most of the time Gary was out of it, but there was an hour or two before the next shot during which he would be able to listen to what was going on around him. During these times, Renee would cradle her wolf's head in her lap while she fed him bits of meat. She would stroke his fur as she explained what was happening. She told him that the bites during his punishment had turned him into a werewolf. She told him about how they believed there were two parts to every human, the rational side and the animal side. Both were always there, but in humans the animal side is repressed and ignored. The bite of the werewolf releases the animal side and brings it forward to share consciousness with the human side. She slowly explained that the wolf in him was not an invader, and that it was always part of him and wanted to help him. She talked of how the two sides would communicate in his mind, and how one or the other would always have precedence in his mind. With the wolf in control of his mind, his body would follow, and that is why he changed to wolf form. She taught him that within his own mind, he could look and see him and his wolf and the balance they had. When one came forward, the other receded. She reassured him that he would heal up, that his wounds were not life threatening and were quickly healing, since were healing rates were much faster than human. She talked to him about the mating pull- how each wolf had one person who was made to complete them, and how they recognized each other by smell. She told him about how sorry she was to have hurt him, and how she would never hurt him again now that she knew who he was. She told him about how much she looked forward to completing the mating, and how it would happen. She confessed to being a little scared about it, since they had to bite each other on the neck while making love in human form, and she was still a virgin. She told him to rest and recover so they could mate, and that once they had mated they would be linked together in their minds. Renee couldn't wait until she could share her thoughts, emotions and desires with him directly. When he started to move around, Doc was notified and he would come down and give him another shot, after which he would lapse back into a deep sleep. Every few hours she gently move his limbs and roll him from one side to keep him from getting too sore. Then she would shift back to wolf form and lick his wounds before settling around him, sleeping nose to tail with her love. Three days later, Doc said it was time to let him wake up. "His wounds are nearly healed. He's had some time to get past the initial shock, but he still could come out in a rage. We won't know until he's fully awake. I'd keep everyone else away." He told Renee she should leave as well but she refused, since Derek had told her before that he would not let her back if she came out. In any case, she wasn't going to leave her mate to face this alone. Torches were lit to make it easier to see what was going on, and to be handy in case they needed to drive him back. Fire was one of the few things even a feral wolf was afraid of. It took an hour, but Gary started to wake up. He had gotten used to the scents in the pit, and his wolf vision clearly showed him what was around him. He looked down at his paws and his fur, moving each of his limbs and noting with satisfaction that he could move without much pain. Rolling onto his stomach, he pushed himself shakily up to his knees. A white wolf with black socks crawled towards him on her belly; he recognized her scent from the past few days. She licked at his muzzle and rubbed up against him as he swayed on his paws. Renee was beyond happy, it was going so well! She looked up at her mate with pride beaming in her eyes. The Alpha was able to use his bond to speak to his newest pack member. "Now I want you to try and shift back. Close your eyes, and think of yourself in human form. Imagine the feel of the rock beneath your feet, and let your wolf recede while you come forward." It took a while, but with some pops and pain he began to change. Renee changed with him. Gary looked down and saw his hands and feet again. He felt like he was finally free, his human side had been repressed by the wolf for so long he didn't think he thought it might be lost. It was then he looked up and his human side recognized the woman at his side. She was the one who had tortured him! Immediately his right fist shot out and broke her jaw, knocking her to the ground. She reached for her cheek and looked up in shock. He leaped on top of her, his strong hands at her throat as he squeezed the life out of her. "Die, bitch! I hope you burn in hell!" Her eyes went from fear to resignation as she struggled to breathe but the anger in his eyes never changed. She wouldn't fight her mate, she couldn't ever hurt him. She was still looking up, silently pleading for him to stop, when he lifted then slammed her head against the rock and it all went black. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 04 It was the smell of her blood that gave him pause. That smell brought the beast forward with a violent change. Seconds later, a large brown wolf stood over Renee's limp body, whining and licking at her face. When she didn't respond, he sat back and let out a mournful howl before laying down beside her. He pushed he head to the side with his nose and started licking the cut on the back of her head. His mate was hurt, and the beast had not been fast enough to stop it. Derek and Amanda had come running as soon as they felt Renee's distress. Without hesitation, Derek lowered himself into the pit and walked over to the pair. Gary's wolf recognized his Alpha and exposed his neck in submission as he whined. "I need to get Doc in here to look at her, he will not hurt her." Gary nodded and continued to lick at her head and face as he waited. Her neck was obviously bruised and she was starting to have trouble breathing. Her distress made Gary even more distraught; Derek knew that he had to get him out of the way. Using the bond, he looked in Gary's amber eyes and said, "I need you to shift back to your human form and come over here with me." "I can't, he hurt her, I have to protect her from him." "You can't protect her from yourself. You need both your human and wolf sides to come to terms with what is going on here. Where is your human side now?" "I forced him back and locked him away deep in our mind. He can't hurt her now." "Is that what you did after your first shift?" "Yes, the human was scared and wouldn't share. I isolated him until you told me I needed to let him out. I can't take that chance again." "Gary, do you trust me?" "I don't know." "Do you trust that as Alpha I have the best interests of my pack in mind at all times?" "Yes." "Let Doc take care of your mate and let me help you. Shift back to human form. You are going to have to learn to share, and you have to let your human side see what is going on with the wolf side." Doc had reached Renee and was placing her neck in a brace. The swelling on her neck was causing her to wheeze, and so Ann unwrapped an intubation tube and handed it to Doc. Once they had it in place, it held her airway open and her color soon returned. They started to strap her into a stretcher. "Alpha, I have to take her back for monitoring. I can't assess her head injury in this place, and if she needs help with breathing I'd rather be back in my clinic with the rest of my supplies." Gary sat back and howled his grief again as his injured mate was raised out of the pit and taken away. "Your human side can't hurt her now. Shift and let me talk to him." A few moments passed before Gary lay in human form again. He looked around frantically, recognizing Derek and not seeing Renee. He wondered why he was still alive after all he had done. "What is going on? Who are you?" "My name is Derek, I'm the Alpha of the Medicine Bow Pack. You are here because you are now a werewolf like us." Gary pondered this for a moment. "I remember being bitten, I remember that woman hitting me with the alcohol. After that I don't remember much. Where is she? I hurt her, didn't I?" "Yes, Renee is with the doctor right now. She will recover, but it may take a few days. You nearly killed her." "I tried to... but then I couldn't. It's like I knew I was making a mistake but didn't know why. Then everything went black again." "My sister is strong, she will pull through this trial." Gary went ashen at this, after everything he had done he had followed it up by attacking the Alphas sister. Maybe they were just resting him up for the next round of torture? He could see he was in a pit, and there were some people looking down at them. Derek reached out his hand and placed it on his shoulder. "Do not worry, you are family now." Gary was even more shocked, how could he be family after what he had done? "How much do you know about werewolves?" "Not that much. This war started my senior year at the Air Force Academy. We watched the coverage, the base was on lockdown. The next day they had officers come down the ranks and shine lights into our eyes. There were a few pulled out of our ranks, we never saw them again. One was a friend of mine, I never suspected a thing. We were told they were werewolves who had infiltrated our ranks. It didn't take long after that before the shoot on sight orders came out. We knew was that they could pass as humans, were incredibly dangerous, and if one got to you and you survived, you would become a monster yourself. I saw the tapes in the hospitals, and I understood what was at stake." "Then you know that you have that kind of power inside you, but you also know that we can be friends. I have seen and talked to your wolf, we were able to keep him sedated until the worst of it was past. My question is how much YOU know about your wolf." "Nothing. I have gaps in my memory, and then it's just fleeting images. Like when I saw the blood on her head, I saw an image of her naked and hugging me, and I couldn't understand it. I know somehow she is important to me, but why?" "You need to understand that for a werewolf, there are two forms in our mind. Our human which you are used to, and our wolf form. The wolf is driven by instinct, not conscious thought. It is fiercely protective and strong. It's driven to mate, to reproduce and to function within the Pack. Wolves mate for life, and the wolf is the one that recognizes their mate by smell. The wolf knows that there is one out there who completes them, who they are meant to spend their life with, and is the only one they can have children with. The scent of their mate comes to them in a dream when they are sexually mature, and it is the hope of every one of us to find that mate and make them ours. My sister, Renee, is your mate. She got close enough to get your scent and claimed you while you were still chained up." Gary laid back and closed his eyes. He remembered how aroused he was by her that day, how beautiful she was, and then he started crying as he realized how badly he had hurt her. He didn't understand before why she didn't even try to fight him when he was choking her, only now he realized that she couldn't hurt him. "Your wolf has already accepted her as your mate, even though the actual mating hasn't occurred yet. You survived because of her. Your mate was with you the whole time, never leaving your side. Her smell and touch kept the anger away until your body could heal and your wolf could accept the change. You owe your life to her." Gary knew this to be true. "I want you to relax and close your eyes. Weres are able to communicate mind to mind with their Alpha and their mate. I want to show you some things you missed." Using his bond, he then projected to him the events after he had passed out; how Renee had protected him, cared for him, and healed him. The tears ran freely as he watched; when he first saw her he thought she was perfect, but she was more than that, she was magnificent. His heart ached with the stirrings of love as he saw her holding him. "Now I want you to look inside your mind for your wolf. He is there with you, he will always be with you, but you have to find a balance between your human and your beast nature. Think of it as a sliding scale, on one end fully human and the other fully beast. One or the other is primary, but you have to share. What both of you have been doing has been to lock the other up and keep it from interacting. This will only lead to madness and destruction." "But can I let him win?" "It's not about winning, you can't win against yourself. It's about sharing your mind, each side respecting what the other can provide. You only go to the extremes when you have to, say in battle you give yourself fully to the wolf side, when doing intellectual activities you go to the human side. Your body then follows your mind, when the wolf comes forward your body does the same. Just understand that it is fluid; it's not an on/off switch, it's more like a left/right balance on your stereo. Moving back and forth is easy once you establish trust between the two parts, and your mind can control when that happens." Gary considered this; he was afraid of his wolf and what his wolf might do. Then again, his wolf had seen what his human side had done. Laying back on the mat, he searched his mind for the place he had locked his wolf. He found him in a cage in a dark room, pacing and snarling. He saw his human form approach and unlock the cage, holding out his hand for the wolf to sniff. Tentatively his wolf came forward, hackles still up, but he could sense the sadness in his eyes as he sat down before him. He hugged his wolf and in his mind tore down the cage that kept him trapped. "We will have to share. I'm sorry about what I did, I hope you can trust me." His wolf rubbed his muzzle against his cheek and showed him their mate's joy when he came out of his drug-induced sleep. "Yes, my wolf, we will have to share our mate too!" Gary changed over to his wolf form, but this time it was different. He immediately noticed how sharp and bright his vision was, and the smells of the place exploded in his nose. He realized that he was now seeing the world through his wolf, who chuffed and moved around happily. The voice in his head came back. "If you are ready to leave, I'd like to take you to her." He immediately changed back, but this time he could feel the wolf side in his consciousness. Sharing was different, but interesting. He could feel the urging of his wolf to go to her. "Alpha, if you would permit, my wolf and I would like to see our mate." Derek smiled broadly and called for ropes to be lowered. Gary left the pit for the first time in four days and walked back out the cave towards the sleeping areas in the front. His heart broke when he saw Renee in the bed, tube sticking out of her mouth and Ann watching by his bedside. Ann smiled as they came in. "Alpha, she is stable and breathing well, but she has not regained consciousness yet." Gary fell to his knees beside her, sobbing as he moved the hair off her face and caressed her cheek. The guilt crashed upon him; how would she ever forgive him for what he did? Could he forgive her for torturing him? He traced the scars on his arms and chest as he looked down on her. Forgive? He already had. He had known she was special from the first time he saw her. She was his MATE and he vowed at that instant to protect and love her for the rest of his days as his wolf agreed. He held her hand and whispered into her ear, "My love, come back to me. My wolf and I want to be with you forever." He felt her squeeze his hand and a huge smile broke from his face. "Sleep, my love, we will never leave you." He stretched out on the bed alongside her and fell asleep listening to her heartbeat. Air Operations Command Center, Cheyenne Air National Guard Base General Thaddeus Martin's day had just gone to shit. The Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware had been charged with identifying the remains from Pedro 155. The rescue helicopter had mysteriously exploded and all crew were lost shortly after recovering Air Force Capt. Gary Johnson from the forest below. Except it wasn't Capt. Johnson, as the flash message in his hand revealed. They didn't know who he was, but the DNA tests showed WHAT he was. The body parts they recovered were of a werewolf. Capt. Johnson's status was just changed from Killed in Action (KIA) to Missing in Action (MIA). His squadron commander and chaplain were on their way to his parent's house in Denver. Now Gen. Martin had a downed pilot, presumed captured by werewolves and deep behind enemy lines. Every aircraft they had was pressed into service to begin a low altitude search centered on the crash location. Army personnel were being deployed to start a ground search. The biggest rescue mission since the Gulf War was gearing up in south central Wyoming. He rescinded the shoot on sight order, requiring visual verification of targets prior to engaging. He couldn't take the chance of killing his own man. Medicine Bow Pack Cave When Derek returned to the main pack area, he found Amanda there along with the rest of the pack. The mood was restless; packs did not like internal conflict, they upset the natural order of things. Gary had brought nothing but conflict since he arrived. "Amanda, what is the mood here?" "Most of the pack is angry, both that he wasn't killed and then that he attacked Renee. They can't understand how he could reject his mate." "He hasn't. He just has some issues to work through with his wolf." Derek called a pack meeting, and in a few minutes the remaining members of his small pack were surrounding him except Renee and Gary. He filled everyone in on what had been happening with Gary's change, his difficulty adjusting to the duality of his Were nature, and Renee's recovery. "Gary and Renee will mate after she is well enough. I will not interfere with a mating that Luna has ordained." There was some muttering among the pack, as to many Gary was still responsible in part for the loss of their families and the war thus far. No one openly challenged his decision, but it was clear some did not agree. Things had just started to settle down when Mike stepped forward. He had lost his mate during the bombing and was having a difficult time adjusting. The one shot he had at causing Gary pain hadn't eased his own. Looking up at his Alpha pair, he snarled, "I challenge Gary for his right to mate Renee, as allowed by Pack law for the mating of an Alpha or Next Alpha." An excited ripple went through the crowd as those still wanting revenge saw what could happen. Challenges of the Alpha or heir were allowed because the leaders of the Pack needed to be the strongest, most able leaders. A person mating the Next Alpha would immediately become second in command of the Pack, and Gary was determined to ensure it wouldn't be a man who was responsible for so much damage. A challenge was a rare thing in Were life, usually taking place only when the Alpha was weak or displayed poor leadership. Derek sighed, knowing that he couldn't stop the challenge. "Gary just became aware of his wolf nature in the last few days, and has no experience in fighting. It would be unfair to allow a challenge until he is more prepared." "Fair? You talk of fairness to me about a man who has admitted to bombing women and children in our Pack from the comfort of his airplane? Fairness is a concept I find to be a luxury at this time. He is a wolf now, he must live as one. I will make sure that life is a short and painful one." Derek pulled Amanda to his side. "Very well, I will convey the challenge to him and explain what is involved. The challenge will take place at sunrise tomorrow morning." Seeing the opportunity, two more stepped forward. Red and Billy. Both had lost their mates. "Alpha, if Gary survives, we also challenge him for the right to mate the Next Alpha." Derek saw how this was going, but could not stop it. "Red, you will have the next challenge followed by Billy. Doc must ensure Gary is recovered before your challenges, though." It was pretty clear to Derek now that a part of the pack would never be able to accept Gary as a leader. He also would now have to deal with Renee and what she would do with multiple challenges to her mating. He didn't need this right now. Pedro 155 Crash Site The Army had taken over the crash site. Troops from the 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Armored Combat Team, 1st battalion 5th Cavalry- known as the Black Knights- had been airlifted in by helicopter over the course of the morning. Now that this was a search and rescue operation, they needed clues as to what they were facing and where he may have been taken. Once they started looking, they quickly found the abandoned bunkers and equipment that the Were squad had left behind. The empty tube from the Stinger missile explained the loss of the F-15E. They also found Gary's helmet, gloves and some other equipment near where is parachute had been cut down and rolled up. The clothes and beds abandoned were the real boon; the company had brought along several military working dog teams who were trained in tracking. The dogs didn't like the smell of the were, but they were trained and experienced in this. It would be difficult to track after the week had elapsed, but it might be their best chance. The dogs worked the edges of the site until they alerted to a path heading west through a pass. The dog teams led three squads of infantry through the woods as helicopters and fixed wing aircraft searched ahead of them. All available Predator drones had been diverted to the area, continually scanning in both visual and infrared ranges. There was no higher military priority right now- they would find him and kill those who had taken him. Every man in the command was outraged that the Weres would attack a rescue helo, the pain from the memorial ceremony still fresh in their minds. Medicine Bow Pack Cave Emily was the young omega designated to bring the food to Gary as he waited for Renee to wake up. She didn't like the assignment but it was her job and she would do it to the best of her ability. She walked into the cave room serving as the clinic and nervously stood waiting to be acknowledged. It took a while; Gary's attention was fully on his mate as she twitched and groaned in that area somewhere between asleep and awake. The swelling in her throat had gone down and the breathing tube had been removed. He was stroking her hair and whispering into her ear. After a minute, he turned his head and noticed her. "Sir, I have brought you some dinner. There is some stew and some fresh bread." He nodded at the table on the other side of the bed, and she placed it there while he went back to talking in his mate's ear. "Sir... you really should eat. You will need your strength in the morning." Emily was a romantic, she loved that Renee had found her mate. She didn't understand why Gary had hurt her, but now he was the kind of mate she dreamed she would find. He was young and strong and handsome. He had been punished enough. She hadn't been able to watch him be tortured. The stew was excellent, and he was glad she had brought a large bowl. He was just washing down the rest of the bread when Derek and Amanda walked in. Amanda looked nervous and Derek was masking his emotions. They both walked to Renee, touching her face and whispering their love, before they took a seat on the edge of the bed. Whatever they wanted to talk about must not be good. "Gary," began Derek, "we have to talk about a few things regarding your entry to the Pack." Gary nodded, he was sure his arrival had caused all kinds of problems for his Alpha. "Normally, a male suitor to a female from our pack would take that female back to his own pack. You don't have a pack, so mating with one of our women would normally be enough for the pack to agree to have you join them." "Sorry Alpha, but we have a bond, I thought the Alpha can only bond with those of his pack?" "That is the case, and I have accepted you, but by our laws the pack must vote. If you lose the vote you will have to leave and the Alpha bond will be broken. That isn't the immediate problem, the real problem is that you are here and not mated yet and a number of members are upset that I haven't had you killed. Three of them have challenged you for your right to mate with her." "But she is my mate, how can another take her away?" "It is Pack law. Not all matings have been what we call 'true' matings, there are some that are done for power and status. When you mate with her, you gain her status and you would be second in command of the Pack and become Alpha if anything happened to me. Our law states that you may be challenged to prove your are capable of being that leader. Three pack members have challenged you today." Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 04 "Challenged how?" "Single combat in wolf form. At dawn tomorrow you will meet your first challenger in the challenge circle. Challenges are to death or submission." Gary sat back and considered this for a moment. "There's more to this, isn't there?" Derek was starting to respect the insight Gary had, he had picked up on his hesitation. "Yes, all three men lost their mates in the bombing of our former caves. None have shown a desire to move up within the Pack hierarchy, but they won't pass up the chance to tear you apart. They have the right to challenge. Maybe this will help you understand their motivation." Derek used his bond to show Gary the images of Pack life, showing their mates and families, the tearful goodbyes as the men left on patrol. Then he showed them his memory of the MOAB exploding, the power and pain of the lost bonds, and the devastation left behind. Gary did not blame them for wanting him dead. He would want the same in their position. "Couldn't I just leave?" "If you did, the Pack would hunt you down and tear you apart. You've hurt the Pack and you would be under no one's protection. You are only alive now because I gave you protection in consideration for my sister." "So to live and have her, I need to fight and win. How do I fight in wolf form when I've barely been a wolf?" "Remember how I said the wolf side of you is instinct? Part of that is how to fight and survive. You will need to trust your wolf to do that for you." A moan interrupted their talk. They all looked over at the bed, Renee's eyes were open and they were staring at Gary. "Love... you must win. I can't live without you." She shifted her eyes to her brother. "Derek, please help him prepare. For me." With that, she closed her eyes and settled back into sleep. Amanda went over and lay down next to Renee. "Come on then." Derek walked out and Gary followed him back to the pit. They didn't have much time. Ten miles west of crash site Tracking had been difficult, but the dog teams had been able to find enough. They were barking around the rocks below an overhang; protected from the rain, the smell of the dried urine was easy for the dogs to pick up. From the footprints, the were had been here, and now they knew roughly which direction they were headed. The search grid shifted a little north and more troops were landed in the mountains to continue the search on foot. An entire battalion of infantry and aviation assets was now in the hunt with more coming. The mountains were being surrounded with soldiers and they were closing in. If he was alive, they would find him. As the patrols bedded down for the night, the drones and aircraft kept up their search. Nothing more had been seen by morning, so they would continue their push west. Medicine Bow Pack Cave The wolves on sentry duty had detected the drones shortly after midnight and had returned inside the cave where the infrared sensors could not pick them up. There had not been a time since then when at least one aircraft was not overhead. The challenge would not take place outside. Derek and Gary had sparred in wolf form for most of the night, pausing only to eat, drink or for Derek to critique what he was doing. Derek was impressed; Gary was in remarkably good shape for what he had gone through, was strong and had excellent reflexes. The physical characteristics and mental toughness he had developed as a pilot helped him stay calm and in control during their sparring. He was able to keep his human side in the game for offense while allowing his wolf to control his reactions and defense. With more training, he would be an excellent fighter. Derek had been updated through the night on the increased air activity, and during a rest period mentioned it to Gary. "Alpha, can your men describe how the planes are flying?" He checked using the bond, then replied "The drones are flying east-west and the aircraft north-south. It sounds like the aircraft are getting closer with each run." "Derek, that's a standard search pattern, they are looking for something. Is there any way they could have tracked your pack to these caves?" "I doubt it, we've been here for days and we have kept the pack hidden for that time. We haven't seen aircraft around since Renee's patrol took out that helicopter." Gary's shock was evident in his face, and it increased as Derek relayed the events that took place after his capture. "Alpha, by now they have figured out that I wasn't on that helicopter. They are looking for ME. Everything they have will be put into this search. They won't stop until they find me and kill you all." It was time. The two men climbed out of the pit and walked forward to meet the pack at the combat circle. Cheyenne Air National Guard Base, Main Gate Linda Remington moved the long red curl behind her ear as she nervously waited for the live feed to start. The news that Capt. Johnson had been captured had shaken the close-knit community of military and civilian alike. She had a more personal reason; during his junior and senior year at the Air Force Academy, she had been his girlfriend. They had broken up after he left for pilot training, the separation was just too much and her budding TV career was too demanding, but they had remained on good terms and she often wondered if losing him had been a mistake. She was inconsolable after seeing the news of his shootdown, and had come to town for his funeral when his status was suddenly changed. Her station manager at KUSA in Denver had called and she agreed to cover the story once the news crew had arrived. So far, she had covered one news conference. She gave her update from the gate, stopping momentarily as a pair of fighter jets screamed overhead going west. Combat Circle, Medicine Bow Pack Cave The pack had roughly divided into two sides as the Alpha and Gary approached the circle. Behind Mike were a number of men and younger women, almost all of whom who had lost family in the last attack. The rest parted as Gary came naked into the circle; both he and Mike turned to face their Alpha as he addressed the pack. "Mike has challenged Gary for the right to mate with our Next Alpha, Renee. This challenge will be to death or submission at the choice of the victor. Do either of you have anything to say before we start?" Mike shook his head no as he paced back and forth. Gary chose to address the Pack. "This has been a difficult time for me, one that has challenged what I believed and changed me. It is not an excuse, but until recently I didn't recognize any of you as being human. I looked at you like I would an animal carrying a deadly disease, something that must be wiped out so the rest of us could be safe. I used that belief to justify killing not just those fighting us, but your women and children. For that I am truly sorry, and I will understand if you cannot forgive me. I would just like you to know that I am no longer that person who could do these things. Your Alpha has shown me the other side of my actions, and your Next Alpha has shown me a love I don't deserve and couldn't possibly earn. I know that if I die today it will be still not be enough of a punishment for what I have done to you all." The silence went on for a time, broken only by sniffles and quiet crying. Mike had had enough, he shifted and attacked. His wolf was gray with a single black tip on his ear, and once Gary shifted he saw that he was slightly larger. The first charge was straight at him, a confidence born of underestimation. Gary easily sidestepped the attack and sliced open his right leg with his lower teeth as he darted in. Before Mike could spin around, he had jumped back. Mike ignored the pain on his leg, but was enraged he couldn't even get first blood. His next attack was for Gary's front legs, but Gary was able to jump up out of the way. Twisting his body, he raked his back with his claws before jumping away again. The fight continued like the brawler vs. boxer match that it was, with Gary using his speed and reflexes to frustrate and counterattack the brute force Mike tried to use. Soon Mike was panting heavily and bleeding from dozens of wounds while Gary was still untouched. Desperation led to a clumsy attack, and the leading shoulder met only air as Gary dropped below the attack and Mike went rolling. Gary was on his feet and attacking instantly, his jaws gripping Mike's neck and cutting off his air. The coppery taste of blood was in his mouth and his eyes shone amber as his wolf nature took over. Mike struggled and tried to claw him off, but Gary kept his weight on him and watched Mike's eyes start to glaze over. That was when his human side came forward again. Shifting back into human form, Mikes blood still on his face and torso, he let go and sat up. "I find no honor in taking the life of my pack mate. I wish only to return to my mate." He was tossed a towel to clean up as he walked out of the ring, while Doc and Ann tended to the gravely wounded wolf he left on the ground. Red and Billy approached him as he walked away. "My name is Red, my mate Milly was killed in the caves. I want you to know that I heard your words and accepted your apology. This pack has had enough death, I would like to be able to move on. I am withdrawing my challenge." "Thank you Red, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope we can be friends at some point." Billy nodded and said, "You fought well and are a worthy mate for Renee. I care more for her happiness now than my loss. I also withdraw my challenge. You are free to mate." Gary grinned and hugged them both, relief on his face as they all let go of their burdens and moved on. Gary returned to Renee's side, she was awake and so relieved to see him. Her brother had refused to open his bond so she could see the challenge. Her stomach was in knots until he appeared again. He dropped by her side. "It's over, my love. Mike is still alive, and Red and Billy withdrew their challenges. We can be together as soon as you can have me." He lifted the blanket, slid in next to her and they fell asleep with her face on his chest and smiles on their faces. Emily tried to be quiet as she came in with their lunch a few hours later, but Gary's wolf was on edge and he opened his eyes as soon as he came in. She didn't even blush as he rolled over and the sheet exposed his obvious arousal, sex for weres was an open thing. She did think that Renee was going to be a very happy woman. She set the meal down next to the bed and backed out quietly. The disturbance was enough to wake Renee, and her mouth began to water as the smell of the venison reached her. Gary slowly and tenderly fed her lunch as he filled her in on what she had missed. His apology for hurting her didn't even get out of his mouth before she grabbed him and pulled their lips together. He had already been forgiven. The tender moment was interrupted by an alarm howl. Paratroopers were being dropped into the next valley, hundreds of them. Their time had run out. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 05 "Breathe, breathe in the air. Don't be afraid to care. Leave but don't leave me. Look around and choose your own ground. Long you live and high you fly And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry And all you touch and all you see Is all your life will ever be." Pink Floyd, "Breathe" The Alpha command thundered through the bond. "All Betas and above meet in the main cavern immediately. All others begin packing for evacuation." Gary looked at Renee who was gingerly getting up. "Come on," she said, "You're second in command now that you're my mate." Pulling on a loose dress, she led him from the bed she had been recovering on. Gary asked, "Honey, are you sure you are up for this?" "You should know the enemy doesn't care if you are up for it or not, you just have to deal with it." It was weird considering that he was now hoping they could evade the same people he was in league with just a week ago, but much had changed, including him. He was now stronger, had better eyesight and smell, healed faster and could change into a powerful wolf at will. He had a Pack he belonged to and an Alpha who was wise and a good friend to him. Most importantly, he now had a woman he would spend the rest of his life with. She was quick to pick up on his arousal as he undressed her with his eyes. "No time for that, let's go." Hand in hand, they walked out to meet the other leaders. They joined Derek, Amanda, her squad second in command Andy, and two other squad leaders, Rich and Barry, in a small circle near the entrance to the cave complex. Derek updated everyone on the scout's reports; the paratroopers were still consolidating their camp in the next valley. Aircraft patrols were constant. When Gary questioned if the pattern of the flights was changing, Derek asked him to explain what he was looking for. "Right now, the flights are long and in one direction, parallel lines. That kind of search pattern indicates they really have no idea where their objective is. If they had a starting point, they would be doing circular or square flights expanding outwards. The question is, what are they looking for?" Amanda looked at him and realized they were looking for him. "Gary, one of my men put your uniform on and took out the rescue helicopter that came for you. I bet they finally figured out that you are missing." Gary gave a deep sigh. "They won't stop until they find me or my body. We haven't lost a pilot yet... I mean they haven't... fuck. It's not like I can just let them rescue me, they'll shoot me as soon as they figure out you changed me. Then they will level this whole mountain because you did." Derek considered this for a moment. "There is one advantage, I don't think they will shoot so fast if they think you might be a prisoner." "No, and they won't carpet bomb you back to the stone age either. Although, looking around this cave you're halfway there!" The men and women laughed a little, something that the last five years had missed. "The real problem is that they will have the whole area under continuous surveillance using every asset at their disposal. Satellites, drones, aircraft. If they haven't found you yet, they are probably using the paratroopers as scouts- they will dig in on mountaintops and use nightvision scopes and binoculars to search, plus they can send patrols to look at anything that doesn't look right. If they spot a cave entrance, they'll be all over it." Amanda looked worriedly at him, then asked, "So should we abandon this cave and move farther in?" Gary shook his head. "I don't think it would do any good. They are going to surround this whole mountain range and shake it until I fall out, and kill anything else they find. It would be impossible to get the whole pack out of here under this kind of surveillance, and when they find you the whole might of the US military will descend upon you." "What about if we go out in small groups?" "More of you might get out, but they would make pretty short work of you. If a quarter of the Pack made it to safety it would be a good day. They would just see if I was with you, and if not they would kill you. It would be a turkey shoot." Derek thought about this a little more. "Well, we could hole up here and wait it out. We have enough food to last a few weeks. If we used the loose rock in the cave and pile it in the entrance, sealing ourselves in, we could disguise the cave entrance without exposing ourselves to the aircraft above." After some discussion, this plan was adopted. Derek sent the new plan to the entire Pack, and people started to gather stones and bring them to the front of the cave where one of the elders supervised making it look like a rockfall. Gary brought up the biggest problem with the plan, though. "You can hide for a while, but they will keep looking until they find me. The only way to give you a real chance is for me to lead them away from here. I have to make a break for it, then draw them in to me. Do you have any of the equipment I had when I was captured?" Andy left for a minute and came back with a bag. "We kept a few things, but we took all the batteries out so they couldn't be tracked." He handed the bag to Gary who pulled a few things out. A cheap flip cellphone, some flares, and then his face lit up. "Ah, my Prick-7!! Perfect!" There were a few raised eyebrows, so he explained. "It's my AN/PRQ-7A Combat Survivor Evader Locator Hand-Held Radio. It's a walkie talkie on steroids- over the horizon, secure satellite, voice and text message and integral GPS. When I turn this on, everyone will know exactly where I am." Thinking about it, he said, "So, I figure I go ten or fifteen miles due east, then turn it on to draw their attention. Head northwest another 10-20 miles and then another signal. That will lead them away from here and make them think you are off to the southeast. I need to go in wolf form, though- how do you carry stuff that way?" Andy showed how the bag had a couple straps that could be used to attach it to a wolf's back. "Put in on loose enough it stays on during the change, or have someone put it on you in wolf form." "I'll do that for you," said Renee. "I just found you, there's no way I'm letting you leave without me." "Honey, I need you to be safe. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you." "I couldn't either, that is why I'm going with you. I also know these woods and have been surviving out here for years. I can show you how to evade the patrols and aircraft. We need to be together if you are going to make it." Derek hated sending them out, but he also knew that both of them were right- as long as Gary was there they were all in danger. "What will you do if you can get away from them?" "I have to find a way to stop this. I have a few ideas, I just need to find someone in my old life who can help. Come on, Renee, we need to get ready. Derek, we'll leave in 30 minutes, that will give you time to fill in most of the entrance and give us a good run before sundown." Renee looked up at him. "Why wait thirty minutes? We could leave now." The predatory glare he gave her shivered her to her now wet core. "Because I'm not leaving this cave until I'm properly mated to you. Back to bed, love, I have something for you!" They quickly stole away as everyone else snickered, in all the stress of war they all understood the draw of the mating. Renee practically ran back to their room but a wolf loves a chase, so Gary was close on her heels. As soon as she reached their alcove her dress went flying and she leaped into his arms just as he got his jeans pushed down his legs. "No time for you to undress, I need you NOW" she whispered as she ground her wet sex onto his already hard member. "I wanted to make this perfect for you but this will have to do," he whispered back. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she pulled herself up and positioned herself, reaching down with one hand to grab his long shaft and guide it into her. He devoured her moan with his lips as she sank down onto him, pausing just a moment as her barrier was torn aside. Slowly she took more and more of him as he drove her passion ever higher by grasping her breast with his right hand and flicking his thumb across her erect nipple. She paused to adjust to the invasion, but soon the pain was gone and the pleasure remained. The sensation sent heat surging down to her clit, which was erect and sensitive as she started to lift off and sink down again. Gary walked forward until her back was against the cave wall, and grasping her firm ass with both hands he took over the thrusting. It was hard, fast and desperate, a long awaited completion they both needed. Renee was crying with joy as her senses were overwhelmed by the first time making love. She leaned back in his arms against the wall as he attacked her breasts with his lips, sucking like a man possessed as she screamed her approval. He pounded up into her, and she ignored the pain and the soreness and focused only on the smell, taste and feel of her mate as they approached the moment her wolf was waiting for. Her eyes started to roll back in her head as the pleasure built to a peak. She leaned her head back, exposing her neck and bringing his wolf forward. The wolf knew exactly what to do, and as his teeth slightly elongated he focused on the area between her neck and shoulder, licking it in anticipation. She screamed as her orgasm hit, screaming again as he bit down hard on the junction. The coppery taste of her blood sent him over the edge, and with a loud grunt and a final thrust he emptied his balls deep inside her. Her wolf recovered enough to see his head back, and without hesitation she surged forward and clamped his shoulder under her jaws as his blood filled her mouth. Finally stilled, they gently licked each others mating bites closed, and she wrapped her arms around his neck while he continued to cup her fine ass. "Holy shit." Gary smiled, "I love you." Renee said, "I love you so much," but without saying it. Their mate bond had opened, now they could speak directly into each others minds in human or wolf form. The bond had voice, but it was so much more. They could share emotions, sensations, thoughts and images directly between them. Gary could feel her inner muscles caressing his erection, but he could also feel how her canal was stroked by his cock. Sex before was amazing, but this was well beyond that, he could feel both sides and knew exactly what she was thinking and feeling with the bond open. Gary had to stop and just revel in the feeling of connection he had, and Renee was breathless with the completion of the mating she had dreamed of. A few minutes later, his cock had slipped out and he gently set his mate back on her feet. He would have loved to have set her down and ravished her again and again, but there was a threat to the Pack and they needed to leave. They gathered their equipment, some light clothes and some dried food in their packs and walked out to the entrance of the cave. The pack had made a rockfall at the entrance, leaving just a small opening at the top. Derek put one hand on his sister's shoulder and the other on Gary's. "We put a couple rocks just outside, we need you to cover the opening and make it look natural. Then get out of here as quickly as possible. Do you have a plan beyond drawing them away?" Gary smiled. "I do, but I'll need some help. We'll see if it works. We will keep in touch with the bond, you guys lay low until this blows over. I want a place to come back to in a few weeks." Renee hugged her brother and Alpha, then they both hugged Amanda. No one said it, but they knew it might be the last time any of them saw each other. The last five years had seen no lack of tragedy, but they were intent on surviving as a Pack and sometimes hard choices were made. That was why Derek was letting them go on what was probably a suicide mission, it was their best chance at evading the troops and the Pack always came first. There were handshakes and hugs all around as they made their way to the exit, but no tears and no goodbyes. Then they were outside, the new rocks were in place and the cave entrance was dark. More rocks were brought in to further seal it, and bear urine was splashed along the top in case the troops brought dogs with them. The Pack retreated to the far end of the cave to wait and hope. Air Operations Command Center, Cheyenne Air National Guard Base General Thaddeus Martin was leaning back in his chair, watching the icons on the projected map that showed the location of the ten thousand troops and over a hundred aircraft now involved in the search and rescue operation. Every road down to the most overgrown logging trail leaving the mountain area was covered by at least a platoon of infantry. Every ten square miles there was an Airborne or Ranger unit doing surveillance and sweeps. Enough manned aircraft, drones and satellites were in the area that forward air control was one of the biggest headaches, there was only so much room to fly. If a mouse farted in that area, one of his assets would detect it. There was no way to hide. His greatest fear was that Capt. Johnson had been spirited out of the area before they knew he was missing. The weres were smart, they would know they would be coming for them so they either dug in or bugged out. He really hoped it was the first option because then he had a chance. The media coverage didn't help. Most of the war had gone on below the radar, very few losses on their side and no cameras on the other side so people didn't care. That all changed when a good looking young pilot was shot down. He avoided most of the coverage, but the press conferences each day were packed. He didn't have much to tell them, just to promise his parents and the country that every asset at their disposal was being put to use. 10 miles East of Pack Cave "I think this is a good spot, my love" said Gary over the bond. The two were running through the forested lower mountains at high speed. In any other time, the joy and freedom of the run would have led to some hot mated pair sex, but he pushed that thought back. Renee did too, but her emotions betrayed her arousal. They had come to a thick wooded area above a narrow, rocky ravine with a small stream at the bottom. There was no good landing spot nearby and plenty of hiding places. "I'm going to change. We need to head north to northwest next, so find a good hide up that way while I set this up." As Renee picked her way up the mountain, Gary in human form pulled his AN/PRC-7 radio out and inserted the battery in the compartment. Turning it on, he radioed in. "Mayday, Mayday, this is Eagle 31 escaping and evading, Eagle 31..." and then he tossed the radio into the ravine. It didn't matter if it broke, as soon as he turned it on the satellite would lock on to his location. He put on his pack, turned into wolf form and tore up the mountain where Renee was already moving quickly along a hidden trail. They had to get out of there quickly because Hell was soon to follow. Air Operations Command Center, Cheyenne Air National Guard Base "UPDATE!" The operations center went quiet as the satellite communication operator yelled out. "CONTACT EAGLE 31 NORTH SIDE MUDDY MOUNTAIN!" Soon the location was highlighted on the map projection. All flights in the air were diverted to the area, and three companies of infantry were loaded up and sent on the way. "Finally," Thaddeus thought, "we can bring him home." 13 Miles Northeast Pack Cave Renee and Gary were making the best time they could given the terrain and the aircraft screaming overhead. They used their hearing to detect the jets and took cover under heavy brush or fallen trees when they approached, before taking off again. It was tough going but they soon left the heavy air traffic behind as they put the miles behind them. As they ran, they used the bond to tell stories and get to know each other better. It was hard to believe that their love could be that strong in so short a time, but they both felt it. The sun was starting to set as they started looking for a place to bed down for the night. A large pine that had fallen over in a storm left behind a good spot, the root ball providing cover uphill and they gathered branches and piled them over the base to make a small tent. It was just the kind of thing you needed to keep the prying infrared eyes in the skies from seeing you. Renee pulled him under, leaving their packs to cover the entrance, and shifted into wolf form. He quickly followed suit, rubbing his muzzle against hers, the ache of his legs from the run quickly forgotten as another feeling took over. He sniffed down her back and legs to her tail. As a man he could never understand why dogs sniffed each other's butts. It was nasty, right? The wolf nose did not find it so. The scent of her was complex and overpowering at the same time; he could sense her fear, her excitement and mostly her arousal. His tongue snuck out to taste her sex, the taste exploded on his tongue and set his arousal at peak. He started lapping at it like a starving man with a near empty jar of peanut butter, intent on getting every last bit out. Renee was quivering as he attacked her sex, but she was able to reach back under him and licked at his now very aroused shaft. She paid particular attention to the deep scar left behind from his torture, cleaning the dust and grime off the entire length as she basked in his musky flavor. Neither could wait too long, so she stretched her front legs forward and wiggled her butt in the air. He got the hint. Moving around behind her, he moved up over her back and pulled forward with his front legs against her haunches. She moved her tail to the side and he slammed home into her wet depth. They both growled and moaned with the sensations coursing through their minds. She was so wet, so tight, so perfect, and his cock was long and wide and hit all of her places just right. It wasn't gentle, it was a fucking so full of passion and need that it couldn't last too long. He pistoned in and out of her, the orgasm building quickly as she buried her head between her legs and held on for her life. The knot formed on his penis and he pushed it home, she yelped at the invasion but quickly the new sensations made her forget the pain. His hips were flying in and out as he built to his climax. She shuddered and broke beneath him when he grasped her neck with his jaws and jackhammered her into oblivion. As he filled her womb with his love, he licked her neck and sent his love through the bond. Both were spent, he carefully laid their joined bodies on the grass and they fell asleep quickly, still tied together. Horse Creek, Wyoming- Northwest of Cheyenne Linda Remington had set up base at the Horse Creek Diner along with her cameraman Tony and technician Len. Their TV van was parked outside. She had quickly grown tired of the air base coverage, so she talked her producer into letting her do some reports from the field. Horse Creek was one of the towns with roads leading into the mountainous search area, and it was a good place to get the human interest stories. Finishing breakfast, they set out for the hills. They knew they would not get to pass into the Prohibited Zone, but reports were that the Army had a small camp near the entrance and that was good enough for now. It was closer to her friend, wherever he was. Overnight Den, wilderness Renee started to wake up, stretching and moving her legs and neck against the fur of her mate. She was pleasantly sore and incredibly happy. Despite the circumstances, just being together was the best time of her life. She licked at his muzzle and snuggled in against his neck while he began to stir. "I'll never get tired of waking up to this," he said through the bond. "I can feel your soreness, and we have a lot to do this morning, so maybe we should get up and get going." He changed to human form and pulled some dried meat out of their backpack, tenderly feeding her as she looked up at his naked body. She sent him an image of her impaled on his raging cock, but he didn't rise to the bait. "Come on love, we need to start a distraction here and be miles away before they arrive." She sat up, remaining in wolf form, and he attached her backpack. Reaching into his backpack, he transferred the rest of their stuff into hers except the flare gun he kept in his hand. "Head due east, love, I will catch up with you in a few minutes." She took off through the forested hillside towards the rising sun. He waited five minutes, then looking away fired the flare into the air. He immediately shifted and took off like a shot after his mate. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 05 It didn't take long for the first aircraft to arrive, since there were several on station above the search area from his last radio transmission. It was only because they could run so fast, putting two miles in from the flare site before the helicopter started circling overhead, that they went unseen. They would search in concentric circles from that site, and they were lucky that none flew directly over them as they sprinted through the trees. They were twenty miles away before they stopped at a stream to drink. They were getting close to the edge of the forest. They could smell the diesel smoke from the Army generators and vehicles in the next valley. They worked their way to the ridgeline and worked their way carefully around the troops on patrol. It took two hours of careful movement to leave the small Army camp on Fisher Canyon Road behind them. There was a machine shed up ahead as they followed the trees along the South Fork of Horse Creek. Slipping inside, they changed back to human form and dressed in jeans and T-shirts. He stashed their backpack behind some junk in the corner, keeping only the flip cellphone. Looking around, they found a half dozen bicycles and they selected the best two. From here on out, they would try to blend in their human forms and hope no one recognized him. The scruffy beard would help, he decided. Making their way east on the side of the road, they waited until he could get cellphone reception and placed the call. He could only hope this plan would work. Horse Creek Diner Linda didn't recognize the cellphone number, and it was on her personal phone. She thought about letting it go to message, but nothing was going on. "Hello, this is Linda." "Linda... I need you not to show any reaction if you are not alone. This is Gary Johnson, and I need your help." She struggled to keep her emotions back as she recognized his voice. "Just a minute..." She told her coworkers she needed some privacy and walked out of the diner and around the corner. "Gary?? My God, are you OK? Where are you?" "I'm fine, but I can't be found by the military right now. I need your help getting away from the search zone. Are you anywhere near Cheyenne?" "I'm at Horse Creek. Why can't you be found by them? You were shot down, everyone is looking for you!" "I'm not what I once was. They will kill me if I am taken. Please, you can trust me, I need your help and I'll tell you everything. You'll have an exclusive interview with me and my wife." "Wife??" "I'll explain later." She agreed to pick him up in the TV van, meeting by the side of the road. "We will be waiting in the woods behind where the bicycles are laid on the side of the road. Just stop and we'll jump in." Her producer was thrilled with the news and the exclusive, they started teasing "breaking information" as Linda and her team were driving there. They were promised that as soon as Gary was in sight, they would be going live. Their lives would never be the same. Air Operations Command Center, Cheyenne Air National Guard Base It had now been 14 hours since the first contact. The initial elation had long passed; they now had to consider that the enemy was using his equipment to distract them from their real location. It was also quite probable that Capt. Johnson was dead. It had been too long and no contact had been made seeking a deal for his release. They were moving troops in rapidly, but there was no sign of life in either the radio or flare areas. Those weres were cold, evil bastards. They all hoped he was OK, but suspected he had suffered a long and painful death. Fisher Canyon Road Renee looked up at him as he peered over the bush, watching the road for troops. They were fairly well camouflaged and there was an hour to kill. She knew how to use it. Crawling over to him, she locked eyes with him as she lowered his fly and drew his large cock out. Licking the tip, she smiled and said, "Hey, it's a long wait. I need to find some way to amuse myself." Keeping watch became very difficult after fifteen minutes, something about being able to stand up. They traded positions until Renee couldn't stand either. Finally, they saw the KUSA satellite van coming slowly along. When it stopped on the side of the road, they made a break for it and were quickly hidden inside. The driver turned around and started the long trip back to the studios in Denver. Gary was impatient to get started on the interview, the longer they delayed the more danger his Pack members were in. "Can we do a remote satellite feed from somewhere out of the way, where the military will have a tough time seeing us?" Len said he knew a place a few miles away, the road hugged the edge of a canyon and there was a logging trail that led down to the bottom, plenty of cover to set up. Linda called her producer and set up a live feed in 15 minutes. The teaser was pretty straightforward: "Capt. Johnson found, exclusive interview next!" The networks were begging to be let in on the biggest story of the year. Ten minutes later, the van was parked, the satellite uplink established, and Gary and Renee were sitting on a log with Jennifer in between them. They had set up the shot to just show Gary and Linda, saving Renee for the point in the story she was required. "This is Linda Remington, coming to you live from an undisclosed location in Wyoming with missing Air Force pilot Gary Anderson. Gary, first of all, welcome back, there are so many people who are glad to see you safe and sound." "Thank you Linda. I want to say I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in the search to find me, and I'm honored to have this chance to speak directly to the nation about the events of the past week or so. It has been a very difficult time for me." "Can you take us back to the start of this all and tell us what happened?" "Sure. As you know, I was assigned as an F-15E pilot engaged in combat operations for what we call the Were War. We were trying to wipe out a Pack that was hiding in the mountains west of Cheyenne. And when I mean wipe out, I mean just that. Our rules of engagement were clear, if you find it, kill it. It didn't matter if the Werewolf was armed, if it was a woman or a child, anything in that exclusion zone was fair game. I'd taken out a few on previous missions, but this one was different. We had captured a Were in an attempted raid on an airfield, and we were able to get enough intel from him to identify the location of the cave complex where they were hiding." "How did you find it?" "We tortured him to death to get it. Alex held out as long as he could, I hear. They told me about him later." "So then what?" "We developed an attack plan to take them all out. The first strike used what we call the Mother of All Bombs, it's the biggest bomb we have that isn't nuclear, and it creates total devastation for hundreds of yards around. We originally built it to take out Saddam's bunkers, but it works well against caves. My flight was to follow immediately after the MOAB and take out any stragglers or rescuers. I was shot down as I crossed into the zone, hit by a missile and I barely had time to react before I was bailing out. I blacked out on ejection." "So who found you?" At this point the camera widened to show Renee, who responded, "My squad did. My name is Renee, I am the younger sister of the Medicine Bow Pack Alpha and second in command of the Pack. At the time, I was commanding a squad conducting surveillance and harassment operations at the east boundary of the exclusion zone. We had a single missile and we used it. His parachute landed near our position and we were able to capture him before the rescue helicopter arrived." "This was the rescue helicopter that was lost, wasn't it?" "Yes, because one of our squad sacrificed himself to allow us to escape. Joe had lost his wife and child in the MOAB attack, and was seriously injured. He volunteered to get dressed in the pilot uniform, and blew up the helicopter when he was raised up. He was a brave fighter, and he wasn't the only one who lost his family that day. Weres can communicate and sense their mates even at distance, so when the bomb exploded three of us immediately knew that their wives or families were gone. Our Pack lost over a hundred people in the attack, most of them women and young children. There was a lot of anger." "So then what?" Renee continued. "We tied him up and carried him back to our new hiding place, meeting up with what remained of our pack. Five years ago we had over five hundred members, strong families and respected members of the community. We had human friends, neighbors, employees and employers. Our pack traces its roots in this area back hundreds of years, and yet overnight we were hunted, forced to leave behind our homes, and killed for something we didn't do and couldn't change. Now we number fewer than fifty. Yes, we fight for our own survival, and we were angry that our families were killed in such a manner. It isn't an excuse for what came next, but it is our way. We hung him up and let every member of the pack get a slash or bite in on him, intent on killing him in revenge. He suffered greatly for what his country was doing to us." Gary picked it up then. "I don't hold it against them, I would have done the same thing, and it's not like we weren't torturing their guys. It was almost over when Renee's turn came. I was looking forward to death by then, only to be saved by her." Renee smiled. "We believe that there is one person meant for us to spend our lives with, a soul mate if you will, and our wolf part of our consciousness recognizes this person by scent. In the middle of all this, I found my mate." Gary smiled and reached out to hold her hand. "It wasn't easy, but I found mine as well. I just had to get through the changes. That was tough, but they kept me sedated through the rages and Renee helped me to adjust to my wolf. Now I can't imagine being without her." Back on Fischer Canyon Road Melissa Johnson was returning home and the morning had not gone well. Her two sons were being a handful. Three year old Jacob was in his carseat behind her, and nine month old Alex was on the passenger side. Both were crying. She looked back at her baby and then when she looked forward again there was a mule deer in the road right ahead of her. She swerved to avoid it but lost control and hit the guardrail. The minivan's side screamed against the rail for a few seconds before toppling over the steep embankment. It started sliding and rolling down the seventy degree slope. She was too scared to scream until it came to rest precariously near a cliff. Everyone involved with Gary's interview stopped as the sound of the accident rang through the canyon. Were hearing could pick out the cries of the children, and they couldn't ignore it. Gary stood up and yelled, "Call 911 and meet us back on the road!" He and Renee immediately shifted to their wolf forms, shredding their clothes in the process, and took off to assist. Linda pulled our her cellphone to get help while the cameraman kept rolling. They lost the satellite uplink as they tore our of the clearing and back to the main road. Gary and Renee quickly made their way to the minivan, four paw drive being the fastest means of travel on the uneven ground. They shifted back as they got to the site of the van, which was upside down, and they could smell gasoline dripping. "Mommy, they're naked!" At least the older boy was unhurt, he was staring out the broken window at the two huge wolves that had turned into people. The baby was still crying; Renee crawled in and checked him out and he seemed OK. Mom was having a little more trouble, she couldn't feel her left foot which was trapped under the dashboard, and she had some cuts on her face from the windshield. Gary finished his assessment and looked up to the road where the news van had just pulled up and gone live with coverage again. The direct route was steep and full of loose rock, it would be very difficult to climb, but as wolves they could pick their way. He used the bond to fill in Renee on the plan. She got out and changed to wolf form. "Ma'am, my name is Gary, we're going to get you all out of here. My mate will take your kids back to the road while I work on getting you free. It's all going to be work out." Melissa didn't argue, she was frantic about her kids. She could hear the sirens approaching and nodded her head. Gary took Jacob out of his car seat, asking him, "Would you like to take a ride on a wolf? It's lots of fun." Jacob nodded his head, and he was put on Renee's back. "Just keep your legs tight around her, lean forward and grab onto her fur in front. She will take care of you." Once he was in place, he returned to the car and removed the crying baby from the carseat. "I guess we go wolf style on this one!" He held the baby under her jaws so she could get a good grip on his thick onesie, dangling him face down. "Go." Renee slowly and carefully began picking her way back up to the road as the boy started chanting, "Go wolfie, go wolfie, faster, faster!!" Returning to the driver's side, he tried to free her ankle without success. The smell of gasoline was getting stronger, he didn't have much time. Looking through her diaper bag he found a bottle of baby oil; he squirted this around and behind her ankle. Just as the flames started, he worked it loose and opened her seatbelt, lowering her to the ground. "We have to get out of here. Can you climb on top of me so I can get you out?" "I guess I have to!" He changed to his huge brown wolf and she rolled onto his back, favoring her left ankle. She wrapped her arms around his thick neck and squeezed his back end with her calves as he got up and started walking. It took them five minutes to make their way up. By the time they made it, an ambulance and four Sheriff's cars were waiting. When he reached the road, Renee was sitting by the guardrail, wrapped in a blanket with a baby in her arms and a little boy in her lap. "Mommy!" The EMT's had already cleared the kids, so they helped Melissa over to a gurney and strapped her in. Jacob was holding her hand as she looked over to see her baby safe with with Renee, and she was finally able to relax. Gary was just shifting back to human form when the HUMVEE arrived. Seeing the werewolf, two soldiers with M-4's opened fire. Gary spun to protect his mate but was struck a dozen times or more before the Sheriff's order of "CEASE FIRE" was heard. Two deputies moved between Gary and the troops, guns drawn, in a Mexican standoff until the rifles were lowered. Gary was bleeding heavily and collapsed into Renee's arms, driving both of them to the ground. "I love you" was all he sent before he died, his blood covering her face and body and she cried and rocked him in her arm, still holding the crying baby in the other. All of it was broadcast live to the entire nation. The Medicine Bow pack found out when the Alpha bond was lost and Renee's pain and grief came through. Derek and Amanda held each other, crying as he passed the news to the rest of the pack. Howls of grief sounded through the closed off cave. US Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs, CO Renee had plenty of time to reflect back on the two weeks since her mate's death as she sat in the chapel; she had remained at his side as he lay in state and while the mourners came in to fill up the church. His death had been the needed catalyst for change. Public outrage over Gary's execution quickly turned the public opinion against the war. Renee had been interviewed, interrogated, and negotiated with until the President had no choice but to declare a cease fire and try to find a way out of the mess. Renee had helped them pick up Derek, and they were able to locate three other surviving Alphas for the peace talks. It didn't even take a full afternoon to work it out, they all just wanted to stop the killing and find a way forward. Weres were recognized as citizens again, and the kill order rescinded. Amnesty was granted for both sides. The Weres agreed that forced turnings would be punishable by death, as it already was under pack law. They further agreed to assist with any forced or accidental turnings; the protocol of sedation followed by counseling would prove to be effective. Voluntary turnings were allowed only after receiving permission from an Alpha and a local Judge, and only for those over 18. Weres were free to live again, this time in the open. As for Gary, the military quickly got past the whole "consorting with the enemy" thing. He was a hero as a pilot, he was a hero in his death, and he would be put to rest as a hero. His funeral service was being broadcast live by every network, it was the biggest civilian funeral since Chris Kyle. The chapel was packed with members of his flight, Air Force brass and civilian VIP's, classmates from the Academy, friends and family. Seated among the family were Linda Remington, Melissa Johnson and her children, Derek and Amanda and most of their remaining pack. The other packs in the area had also sent representatives in respect for Renee's loss and his key role in ending the war. The ceremony was beautiful to watch, with military tradition on full display. He was eulogized by his squadron commander, the Secretary of the Air Force, and his Alpha before Renee took the podium. She was dressed in a long black dress and lifted her veil as she took the microphone in hand and addressed the nation. "Gary was the most courageous man I have ever met. He lived his life with honor, and died in service of others. My mate lies here today today not because of hatred, but because of fear and ignorance. Fear of the unknown, and ignorance of the truth. He had both; when we captured him he feared us for the stories he had been told and was ignorant of our nature and our culture. I loved his ability to look at the other side objectively, to see the error of his ways, and to change his very nature in response. He did not carry guilt or revenge with him, he forgave those who did him wrong and asked for forgiveness for what he had done. That is why I met with the soldiers who killed my mate, so I could forgive them and we could move on. I will never forget the courage and honor of the deputies who put their own lives at risk that day. Forgiveness. That is the heart of the agreement we have to end the war. For too long, Weres had relied on secrecy to protect them, but now we depend on openness. We have invited camera crews in to see our homes, our families, and the places and people we left behind. What we have both found is that there is no reason for us to live in fear of each other. We are like you, but different, and that is OK." She paused to wipe her tears. "Most of you know that wolves mate for life. I was lucky enough to find my mate at a young age, and though our time was short, we truly loved a lifetime. I will miss him every day." She paused and moved her right hand over her belly. "Our child will grow up in a different world, a world where he or she is free to live their human and wolf sides, a world filled with love and family." The words she spoke rolled through the crowd, smiles and claps broke out as her meaning became clear. "Yes, my pack Doctor confirmed this morning that I am pregnant. I will carry forward a little part of him until he returns to me." With that, she returned to her seat next to Derek, the love flowing through their bond as they helped her through this trying time. The casket was taken out to the waiting horse-drawn caisson by the honor guard while she walked just behind. Instead of going to the cemetery, they went to a clearing in the woods where a large funeral pyre had been built. As a flight of F-15's streaked overhead in the Missing Man formation and the honor guard gave its 21-gun salute, his body, wrapped in white linen and covered by the American flag, was placed on top of the pyre. Renee received the torch from Derek, and he and Amanda accompanied her as she walked around the pyre and lit it. As the flames consumed his body, Taps was played by a pair of buglers. When all noise was gone, all the Weres present stripped and shifted, moving to sit in a circle around the pyre. Derek looked up and raised a mournful howl to the skies, soon joined by Renee and Amanda, then by all the other weres. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 05 When the fire had burned down, Renee and her Pack walked away, ready to face their new future. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 06 Holding you I held everything For a moment Wasn't I a king But if I'd only known How the king would fall Hey who's to say You know I might have changed it all And now I'm glad I didn't know The way it all would end The way it all would go Our lives Are better left to chance I could have missed the pain But I'd have had to miss The dance Garth Brooks- The Dance The she-wolf loped along the river, the sun warming her white fur as her black paws gripped the meadow grass. It was a glorious morning to be a were; the smells of the forest surrounded her, and she had the freedom long denied to move through the open fields and woods without fear. Her long strides ate up the miles with no effort, as she moved upstream to where the field gave way to a rocky canyon. She picked her way to the top and continued to parallel the river as it flowed through rapids below her. It was then she picked up the smell. He was around. Her right ear, the black one, twitched as she scented the air, desperate to find him. She followed the wind upstream, her pace quickened, her heart rate increased, and the smell of her arousal followed behind her. Rounding the next bend, she saw him. He was magnificent; young, strong and rippling with power. She froze as she stared at him, while he just stood there on top of a rock at the other side of the river, gazing over the landscape with the confidence and bearing of an apex predator. His wavy brown coat seemed to glow in the bright sunlight. His head slowly turned and his eyes burned their way into her soul, the deep green flecked with brown forcing her to submit without thinking. She lowered her eyes, turned and presented her swollen sex to him, looking back to see that his erection was swelling to impressive size. It remained that size when he shifted to human form, his gaze still on her as he began to lazily stroke it. She shifted as well, her curly black hair framing her face and shoulders, her nipples impossibly erect as she stared across the canyon at him. One hand immediately went to her sopping wet sex, and she inserted two fingers and began to stroke in time with him. Evidence of her arousal was flowing down her thighs as she sawed her fingers in and out, driving her higher and higher, her face radiating her pleasure as she watched him build to his release. Those muscles, that bedroom face, that long cock with the scar at the end that tickled her cunt every time it would drive in, all that was going through her mind as she built to a huge orgasm. He knew she was close, he was walking towards her, his dick pointing right at her, and then he faded away. "NO!!" she screamed, running to the edge of the canyon, but he was gone before she could say another word. Renee's scream woke her up; she was in the tent, covered in sweat and breathing heavily, her right hand slick with her juices as yet another frustratingly erotic dream ended. Her eyes filled with tears as she lay back, her orgasm had been denied yet again, the dreams of her mate that had filled her nights over the past few weeks always leaving her empty. Different, but the same; she hated the endings, but she would hate even more if she stopped dreaming of Gary, her lover, her mate... now gone. How could someone she knew for only a week turn her life so upside down? She missed him so, there was a huge hole within her that would never be filled. She now understood why those who lost their mates lost their will to live. Her life plans ruined, her future so bleak. Here she was, widowed at eighteen, mated for only a few days. Left with so few memories to get her through the rest of her years. She could only look forward to years that were bound to be lonely and wanting; reincarnation would come, but when? Would she find love in a man twenty years or more her junior? Would she even find him again? Would it even happen while she was alive? Suicide was just a means to hasten the next cycle and bring him back sooner, she thought. Having found and lost her true mate, she was left only with the evidence of their time together. Both hands rested over her lower stomach as she thought of her babies growing inside. She had been thrilled to be found pregnant, and the twins were recently confirmed with an ultrasound at a clinic in Denver. What had happened to her was exceedingly rare; she had never been in heat before and yet she must have been at some point, just even if she didn't recognize it. Doc theorized that her wolf, knowing her mate was gone, forced her body to release an egg while Gary's sperm was still within her. It was a desperate attempt at carrying on his line at a time when their survival was uncertain. Without the promise of the babies, she would have gone mad. Her head was spinning as it hit the pillow. "Renee?" Amanda was at the door to her tent. "May I come in?" "Of course." Amanda unzipped the tent fly and crawled inside. Their accommodations were spartan; the pack had just returned to the old caves and were using camping equipment as there was nothing else there except the equipment for digging. She was dressed in a long T-shirt and shorts. "The nightmare again?" Renee nodded and laid back again. "It all seems so real to me. Tonight I was out for a run, I could smell him, then I could see him. The dream got me excited, if you can't tell." Amanda grinned, the smell of her sex filled the tent. Half the pack probably knew how excited she had been by this dream, and it had happened almost every night since the funeral two weeks ago. "It was all so good, I was feeling like I was with him again, and he... just..." and then dissolved into sobs again. Amanda sat next to her and drew her into her embrace. Although only a few years older than Renee, her time as Alpha Bitch had drawn our the loving and supporting part of her makeup. She considered Renee a baby sister to her, and watching her in pain cut into her. It took a minute for Renee to stop crying, with Amanda stroking her face and softly talking to her the whole time. Finally Renee started to talk again. "I miss him so much. I miss the things we did together. I really miss the sex. He made me feel so good. Even in the dreams it is so good, but it always ends before I can come and I get so frustrated, it's the worst way to wake up." "Honey, I can't fix your dreams, and I don't know if you even want them fixed. It's your time together with him. I can help you out with your frustrations if you want, though. Now that you're not under my mate's forced virginity edict you can come out and play with the adults if you want. And we do like to play..." Adult females had free reign to play with each other within the pack, and the men did not dare to interfere. Amanda stood up and doffed her T-shirt, then pushed her shorts down and joined Renee on the sleeping pad. "Just lay back, close your eyes, and replay that hot dream in your head while I help you out a bit." Renee lay back on the pillow, her arm over her eyes, as Amanda started to trail kisses down from her lips to her breasts. After sucking her nipples back to attention, she left her hands there while her mouth kept going lower. Her tongue tickled her belly button and then kissed the skin just above her sex, whispering to the babies inside that Mommy was not going to be alone and that she would be there to help. When her tongue worked its way down to her slit, she jumped as it circled her clit. Her sex was still swollen from her dream and Amanda's ministrations. She teased the folds with her tongue while her hands squeezed her ample breasts. Renee went from whispering encouragement to thanks to moans and grunts as she quickly ascended back towards the peak she had been denied. Her fluids soaked Amanda's face as she dug in, pushing her tongue as far in as she could until she shifted it to wolf form and went even deeper. Renee arched up into her, and Amanda shifted her hands to grab her muscular ass and pull her even closer. Her breath started to come in pants as she started to squeal. Amanda finished her off by licking her broad tongue from her ass to her clit before sucking the nub into her mouth while flicking her tongue rapidly across it. Renee broke hard, her entire body tensing as she screamed her release into the pillow. Amanda held her through it, cleaning her juices off before sliding back up to her. Taking her in her arms, Amanda rocked her slowly as she fell into a well deserved sleep. She would do anything to help her adapt to her new role as mother of the first cubs that the pack would welcome in years. They wouldn't be the last; mated females were going into heat left and right as the wolves in them celebrated the end of the war. Santa Fe National Forest Mobile Command, west of Los Alomos, New Mexico During Lieutenant Colonel's Stan Montgomery's time at West Point, they had a saying: "There's always that ten percent that don't get the word." The wisdom of that saying never failed, and in this case the problem was how to convince an isolated pack that peace had come after nothing but war and attacks over the past five years. High command had worked with Renee and some of the Alphas they were able to reach to get the cease fire in place over three weeks ago. These packs were then able to locate and convince neighboring packs to come into the fold. The problem with that strategy was that the Santa Fe pack was isolated by hundreds of miles from other packs. To make it worse, they had been pretty hard hit by the war as the area did not have the dense natural cover of other areas in the Rocky Mountains, so their losses had been heavy. They were rarely seen, and did not respond to pamphlet drops, loudspeakers or envoys. The last attempt at contacting them had failed as the Red Cross helicopter was fired upon as it tried to land. Stan didn't want to risk any other men on a plan that wasn't working. He needed help. He called in to headquarters and explained what he wanted. Former Den Caves, West of Cheyenne Linda Remington emerged from her tent energized for another day. Her access to Derek's pack had been a boon to her career, and she was taking advantage of it. She had arrived the previous evening along with her technician Len and cameraman Tony. They had been invited by Alpha Derek to observe and report on their recovery effort. The MOAB crater they now camped in was starting to green up again as nature's adaptability showed forth. The tent she was using was at the very outside edge; there were dozens of tents in use for the Pack and another dozen or so for military and civilian volunteers. After the funeral, Derek had been asked on camera about what they were doing next. His answer? "Find and bid farewell to our dead. We believe that in order for our spirit to return in the next life, the spirit needs to be released. That is why we have a funeral pyre. Our dead in the caves will not rise again unless we do this for them." It didn't take long for help to arrive; the military provided airlift support, tents and mobile power, while a local construction company donated heavy equipment and volunteer operators. They had started opening the collapsed caves three days ago. So far, they had recovered 14 of 68 pack members, all near the cave entrances. Half of the pack would work the dig site, using their keen sense of smell to identify the next dig location, while the other half prepared a pyre. Each night, they would send off their dead. Volunteers also manned a mobile kitchen, serving four meals a day. It reminded Linda of the scenes she had seen after 9/11; when a victim was found, all other work stopped and the whole pack would gather around. The body would be recovered and the men would place it on a stretcher, pack members lining each side of the route to the pyre. The military and volunteers had started to join in, removing their hats in a token of respect. Family members of the person would follow the stretcher, then those on each side would fall in behind until the whole group was gathered at the pyre. The victim was then wrapped in white linen and placed on top of the pyre to wait until evening. It was this operation that Linda was going to show the nation. As she walked towards the latrine, she didn't notice the reaction of the man she passed who couldn't stop looking at her, even while two of his friends tackled him and held him down. He kept saying one word as he struggled against them. "MINE!" The helicopter landed just after breakfast, a military transport carrying one passenger, Lt. Col. Montgomery. He was ushered to the Alpha's tent immediately, where Amanda was also waiting. "Good morning Colonel, what brings you here?" "Alpha, I need your help. We have been unable to establish contact with the Santa Fe pack; we know they are there, but they don't trust us or our offer of peace. There are no nearby packs to reach out to either. What I would like is to borrow someone from you who has universal respect and trust among your kind, to seek out their Alpha and broker a meeting with me." "I'm sure we could find someone to help. What kind of time frame are we looking at?" "Immediately, for a few days to a week. We don't want just anyone, though. I'd like to use Renee." Derek sat back, his thoughts going all kinds of directions. "I'm not thinking that is a good idea. She has had a hard time adjusting to the loss of her mate, and she just found out she is having twins. I don't like the idea of her being away from her family right now, much less doing anything dangerous." Just then Renee walked in. She had seen the VIP arrive, and as second in command and Next Alpha, she had come to see what was going on. "I believe I get to decide what I get to do. What is it you are looking for?" The Colonel repeated his request. "Give me five minutes to grab some stuff and we can go." Derek was shocked, she hadn't even looked at him to get his assent. "Colonel, could you give me a moment to discuss this with her?" As soon as he was out of the tent, Derek came around his makeshift desk and grabbed her arms. "What do you think you're doing? You're pregnant and I don't want you risking yourself for another pack!" Renee was defiant. "Everything I did to end this war was for our pack AND all the others! Gary's goal was to end the hostilities so the killing would stop and we could be free again. I promised my children that they would grow up free. That doesn't happen until I finish this. Besides, I'm not even showing yet. They are well protected and won't slow me down. A week away may help, just some time for me to work some things out while I'm out running alone." The argument went on until Amanda pulled Derek aside. "Honey, she needs something like this. She's holding on to the dream her mate had, and moving that forward makes her closer to him in her mind. Just think about it for a minute." Derek sighed, he didn't like it but he understood it. "OK, but I want her to have an escort along. Any suggestions?" "I think we should send Red along. Like her, he lost a mate and is drifting. He'd probably welcome the chance to get out there and feel like he is contributing again, plus he was in her squad so they should be able to work together easily." An hour later, a chopper lifted off with Renee and Red on board, the Colonel showing them maps on his computer and briefing them on the limited intelligence they had on the Santa Fe pack. As soon as Derek and Amanda returned to their tent after seeing them off, they found Andy waiting outside with Betas on each arm holding him in place. This was highly unusual; Andy was prior Army, had extensive combat experience and had distinguished himself as second in command of Renee's squad. He had never been in trouble before, certainly nothing warranting the Alpha's attention. He entered the tent, seated himself next to Amanda by the desk, and waited for the bad news. It didn't take long. Andy looked up at his Alpha pair, not making eye contact but looking at their throats, and bared his neck in submission. "Alpha, I found my mate today." Derek grinned, knowing how important that was, until it sunk in that there was no one new in camp except... "She is the reporter, Linda Remington. I caught her scent as she left her tent this morning. They," he pointed to the betas on his side, "kept me from her and brought me here to you. I am requesting your permission to mate with her and to change her into a were if she assents." Derek paused for a moment to consider the ramifications of this statement. "Andy, first let me congratulate you on finding your mate. You know how big a deal this is for a wolf, and you are blessed by Luna to find her at a young age. My first question is, what does she say about this?" "Alpha, I was stopped before I could say anything to her. She doesn't even know I exist." "Then that is your first task. Humans aren't the same as wolves, she won't recognize you as her life mate by scent. You will have to get to know her slowly, the human way; get her to trust you and explain to her your side. Under the new laws, the two of you need permission from your Alpha and a human judge to change her, and that can't happen unless she decides of her own free will that it is what she wants. It will not be an easy thing; you must hold back your wolf, who will want to claim her immediately. The penalty for a forced turning is death. You cannot lose control at any point if you want her to be with you." "I understand what is ahead. I have talked to my wolf already, and he understands, although he is impatient and does not want to wait forever. Sir, do I have your permission to pursue her?" Derek took Amanda's hand and they came around and hugged him tightly. "Of course. I can help you with one thing. This is an Alpha command: you may not have any physical contact with Ms. Remington unless she has granted you specific permission to do so." His Alpha powers reached deep into Andy's mind, forcing his wolf to roll over and bare his neck in submission to the command. "The rest is up to you. I recommend you clean yourself up and get ready. You just became the escort for the TV crew, reporting directly to me. You are to provide them full access to anything and anyone, and to explain anything they don't understand. I am doing this so you have a chance to be with her constantly without appearing like a stalker. Use this access wisely. If she leaves without you at least having her friendship, it will be very difficult for you to take it any farther. And believe me, she will want your friendship first." Amanda followed up with a hand on his arm. "You need to learn all you can about her while allowing her to learn about you. Show her your strength, your wit, your character, and your attention. Make her feel like she is the center of your world, but do it in a way that doesn't overwhelm her. That means you have to hold back on how you feel about her until she lets you know how she feels. It will be difficult, but is there anything you won't do for your mate?" Andy smiled. "No, Madam Alpha, there is nothing I would not do for her, up to my very life." "Come on then, let's find her and I'll introduce her to her new press liaison." Amanda led him away to the press tents, while Derek closed his eyes and considered just how much trouble a woman could be. Life sure was interesting. "I heard that!" Oops. Maybe he shouldn't have left the bond open to his mate while pursuing THAT particular line of thinking. "Yes, my dear, but you are SO worth the trouble!" Highway 126, 20 miles west of Los Alamos Red and Amanda watched the helicopter disappear over the horizon. The best intel available said that the pack was in a 25 square mile area just north of the dropoff point, based on sniper fire and satellite imagery. Finding a wolf was a job best suited for a wolf, though. They stripped and placed their clothes in the simple packs they would carry, which also contained a satellite radio, water, and enough food for five days of travel. Renee shifted first with Red placing the pack onto her, then Red shifted and she used her teeth to pull his pack into place. "North it is, let's stay aware for scents and activity." Red nodded and they headed off to the nearby ridge-line. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 06 They stopped for the first night after making five tough miles through the rockfall and trees along the ridge-line with no hits of any other wolves. A quick meal, their fill of water, and a downed tree for shelter would suffice. They both shifted to wolf form and curled up together to conserve heat through the cold mountain night. Pack Caves west of Cheyenne Andy guided the TV team to the hillside overlooking the site of the funeral pyre while he explained what was going to be happening. The moon was just rising over the mountain, bathing the valley in its soft light. He had quickly proven himself invaluable to the crew, pointing out camera shots, introducing people, and helping them get interviews with the family members of those whose bodies were found. Linda's reports were being broadcast on at least an hourly basis, and that was on the national level. Her network was already hard at work preparing the broadcast and extra footage into a documentary on Were life after the war that was sure to be highly rated. Derek didn't want the press to turn his Pack's old site into a circus, so he had limited access to the only person he had cause to trust. She was a fast rising star now in the news business, but all that would have to wait until the story was done. He was using the down time between shots and stories to learn more about his mate. Her beauty was obvious, but there was far more to her. She had a depth of intelligence he did not expect, and a quick self-deprecating wit. He learned the story of her relationship with Gary and saw the loyalty and respect she still had for him. The more he learned, the more captivated he was. Meanwhile, she had quickly grown comfortable in his company and was learning more about the were life from him. He was explaining Were beliefs in Luna and reincarnation as the Pack began to gather around the pyre. The civilian and military personnel at the camp all formed up behind them. The gathering fell silent as Alpha Derek ascended a rock outcropping and raised his hands. "Tonight we send off twenty two of our Pack to Luna's embrace. We honor their lives and their memories, and wish them a speedy return." Derek climbed down and started to work his way down the line of the Pack. As he announced each name, their closest living relatives came forward. He handed them a lit torch. There were several for which there were no remaining relatives, for these families that had come to an end he gave the torch to Amanda. There was total silence as they approached the pyre, spreading out around the perimeter. As one, they tossed their torches on the pyre and returned to the rest of the Pack. The pyre quickly caught fire and as the flames consumed the bodies, Derek stripped with the Pack following. They all changed into wolf form before Derek lifted his face to the moon and let out a mournful howl. The next howl the rest of the pack joined in, the sound echoing off the mountainsides. Linda and her crew broadcast the entire ceremony live, with no commentary. She had blushed a little as Andy stripped down off camera, but when his gray wolf sat by her side she hugged him as the emotion of the day overcame her. Andy howled his grief while his wolf reveled in his mate taking comfort in him. When it was over, he tucked his head under her chin until she had stopped crying. When she let go, he looked up at her and licked her face to clean off her tears. She squealed, both in shock and realizing what he must be doing to her makeup as she needed to go back live in a few moments. Andy changed back to human form, noting she didn't turn away from his naked form, and then got dressed. He took the crew to a location out of sight of the pyre for them to do the report. The Pack members and guests slowly dispersed as the fire started to die down, while the families stayed behind. Derek and Amanda circulated among the groups, comforting each of the relatives and sharing memories of their lost. Until they were born again, it was only their memories that would keep them alive within the Pack. West of Los Alamos, 8 miles NW of dropoff site Renee woke from yet another dream, mortified at her arousal around a male in her command. She got up and moved up the hill to survey the area, careful not to disturb Red as she did so. Sunrise would be in twenty minutes or so, and the faint glow over the horizon shadowed the rocks and canyons around them. Scenting as she went, she started to pick up faint traces of other wolves from the valley below. She let out a low howl, alerting Red who immediately got up and put his pack on, then took hers in his teeth and carried it up the ridge. When he was next to her, he dropped the pack and deeply scented the air, picking up the same traces she had found. Once she was ready, they set off downhill until they had the trail. It took about four hours of tracking, backtracking and searching before the trail was fresh. Two males. Since this was a goodwill trip and not a border invasion, Renee decided that they might as well help things out by bringing them to her. Moving to the top of a rock along the creek they were following, she let out a long howl of greeting. Listening for several minutes, she didn't get an answer, so they moved on. Every half hour or so they would try again. The sun was high when they got an answer from four wolves about a half mile away. Hoping to defuse the situation, Renee and Red changed into human form and put on shorts and T-shirts as they stood by the creek waiting for the patrol to arrive. It didn't take long before two of the wolves took position behind them as the leader changed to human form in front of them. "We come in peace to speak to your Alpha," Renee said. "We have information for him regarding the end of the Were War." The leader softened his countenance slightly before responding, "Who are you and what pack are you from?" "This is Red and I am Renee Johnson, Next Alpha of the Wyoming Johnson Pack." "I am Carlos, Beta of the Santa Fe pack. We will bring you to him. Stay between us and do not attempt to deviate or you will be attacked." With that, he changed back to his wolf form and turned back towards where they came from. Renee and Red quickly doffed their clothes, packed them and put the packs on before following. The two wolves behind them trailed the group as it wound its way through the hills. Renee used her bond to pass along making contact to Derek along with their approximate location and direction. Using the bond at this range took a lot of focus, but an Alpha heir could pull it off if she concentrated and didn't try it too often. That kind of projection would give her a headache if done too long. Press Tents, Johnson Pack Camp Andy waited outside the tents for Linda to awaken. They had been up late last night with the broadcasts; in addition to the live coverage, there were multiple interviews and questions from various network affiliates. It was almost three AM by the time he walked them back to the tents, and he was hoping she would eat lunch with him. Her crew members made it to lunch, but she didn't. Andy had asked the kitchen to make picnic lunch baskets for them, as he knew she would be hungry when she finally got up. From her crew he knew that she was not scheduled to provide coverage until that evening, and they were going to walk around and get some "file" shots they could use for the upcoming documentary. They were well enough known now that they were comfortable doing this without him, which suited his purposes as well. When she finally exited her tent, it was clear just how tired she had been and how deeply she had slept. Her blonde shoulder length hair was mussed up, she wore no makeup, she had drool lines on the left side of her mouth and there were red lines on her face from creases on the pillow. She felt like no one should ever see her like this, but to Andy she was a vision. "Good afternoon, Linda! How did you sleep?" "Like the dead. I needed that so bad, but I can't believe I slept through breakfast and lunch! I haven't done that since I was in college." "That's OK. I saved you a lunch. Why don't you go get freshened up and I'll meet you back at the tent? Len and Tony are out getting some background footage, I just talked to them and they will be busy for a couple hours." "Thank you for thinking of me! I'll be back in a few minutes." She went off to the field showers carrying a small bag and a change of clothes. Twenty minutes later, she felt much better about herself. For some reason she wanted to look her best for Andy. It was weird because they had just met, but she was immediately comfortable and felt safe around him, and her dreams last night had been filled with the image of him stripped before her before and after he changed into his wolf form. The thought of it made her sex heat up. It was too bad he was a were, if he was human she would have been flirting with him until he asked her out. She knew enough to know that they only played around until they found their mate, and she didn't want to start a relationship he wouldn't finish. Even if he WAS hot. And strong. And that cock of his was impressive, she hadn't seen one to compare to it since Gary, and she sure missed that one. When she got back to the tents, Andy was waiting there with a small backpack, water bottles secured on the sides. "If you trust me enough to go with me, I thought we could go eat a picnic lunch at a place I know. I give you my word I'll keep you safe." "Andy, ever since I met you I've felt safe with you. It's made me feel weird because I'm usually not that trusting, there are so many weirdos out there, and when you're on TV you meet so many. I'd love to have lunch with you. A little relaxation is just what I need." Her smile was soon met and exceeded by his. He handed her the backpack, then stripped naked in front of her and put the clothes in the pack as well. "Put the backpack on, then you can climb on my back. If you keep your feet crossed above my tail, use your hands to grab onto my chest, and your legs to squeeze gently, you'll stay in place. I'll still understand you in wolf form, so just tell me if you feel uncomfortable or scared at any time and I'll stop. This will be much faster than walking there." With that, he changed into his gray wolf with a single white tip on his left ear. He was much larger than a normal wolf, really more of a small horse, since he was 6'1" and 220 pounds. He lay down for her to get on then rose up and set off to the west. Her nervousness quickly faded as his lope turned into a run. She screamed her excitement as they rushed through the forest, her hair billowing behind her, her arms holding on as he moved left and right to avoid the trees. It was the most fun she had experienced in a long time, and she realized that part of why it was so much fun was that she trusted him to keep her safe. She had not trusted for a long time, either, and it was a little disconcerting to find this in a man she barely knew. Her mind questioned, but her body betrayed her. If a wolf could smile, Andy was doing that. He had his mate embracing him and her arousal was clearly evident. He picked up the pace even more, hoping to get to the waterfall as quickly as possible. She heard the water before she saw it. Andy stopped at the top of the narrow canyon before picking his way down the trail to the deep pool below. Linda was awestruck; "It's so beautiful!" She sat up as much as she could while she took in the sights. The water tumbled about thirty feet before churning into a deep, clear pool. There was rock surrounding the pool on all sides, but at the outlet of the pool there was a flat, grassy area shaded by a huge willow tree. Andy stopped there and she hopped off. He changed into human form, but he was still breathing hard and sweaty from the run so before she could say anything he turned and dove into the water. She couldn't tear her eyes from the sight of his muscled shoulders, torso and ass, although she was distracted by how his cock bounced around while he ran. He surfaced in the middle of the pool, treading water, and looked back at her, the challenge in his eyes even though he said nothing. It took her moments to decide, and she quickly stripped off her clothes and dove in after him. "AAAAAAAAAAAARGHHHHH! COLD COLD COLD COLD! You bastard, you tricked me!" Andy laughed. "What did you expect from a mountain stream? Plus I never said anything, I just didn't react like you thought I should." He swam over to a flat-topped boulder on the near side. She watched him pull himself up and sit down, and she swam over by his dangling legs. Looking up, she raised her arm and he immediately grasped it and pulled her up next to him. "You have to admit the sun feels really good right now," he said, "and I'm glad you aren't freaked out by our casualness towards nudity. You kind of get used to it when it is required every time you shift." "Why don't you stay clothed when you turn into wolf form?" "I can't afford to keep replacing clothes like that, when my body changes shape it will tear up anything I wear that is smaller than a tent. It's easier just to wear clothes that are easy to take off. That is why you see most of the men wearing pullover shirts and shorts or pants, and the women prefer sun dresses or skirts and tops. We aren't big on underwear, either." Linda blushed a little. "Yes, I kind of noticed. I was nervous at first, but when I realized that no one else cared it was easier to blend in. It is hard for me to avoid looking at some things, though." She stole a glance down and quickly turned her eyes back up to his. "That is perfectly normal for us. It's not that we don't appreciate the human form, we do- but we have a more nuanced view of sexuality than humans. Since non-mated pairs can't breed, sex for us is a fun activity, but we have a deep, instinctual drive to find our true mate. Until that person is found, we don't experience the fullness of our existence. Only that person can bring us the joy of a mated pair, and from everything I've heard, mated sex is far better. It is kind of like eating at McDonalds all the time and suddenly you're in a four-star hotel restaurant; it's the same activity, but a completely different experience." "I heard you find your mate by scent. How does that happen, and what happens next?" "It can be a number of ways. The scent of your mate is imprinted on your mind when you reach puberty, and your wolf nature is constantly scenting the air and the people around you looking for it. When you recognize the scent, it could be across a room, or the person next to you, but your wolf notices and takes over. Sometimes all you hear is them saying MINE as they make their way to their mate, and it doesn't matter who or what is between them, it is dangerous to get between a wolf and his mate. Your mate is experiencing the same thing, so coming together can be... well... intense and without restraint. It isn't uncommon for two people who have never met to recognize each other, tear off their clothes and mate right there. It can make for an interesting dinner backdrop!" "Then what happens?" "Well, the actual mating takes place during sex. The male will bite the female on the neck or shoulder during her orgasm, and she will do the same during his. The mating bite forms the mate bond, which allows the pair to share thoughts, memories and emotions telepathically. The bite is also the only one that won't heal without a scar; it's the equivalent of our wedding ring. It tells all other Weres that the person is taken." "That sounds pretty intense. And this all happens with someone you just met a few moments before? Isn't that risky? What if the two don't get along?" "That is the best part- they are always perfect for each other. We believe Luna ordains us a mate that is the perfect match for us. Our wolves accept that, and our human sides grow into the love bond you see in the mated pairs around you. We mate for life, there is no divorce for us, and no need for it." "So when will you find your mate?" "I already have. She just doesn't realize it yet." Linda's eyes flared with jealousy she didn't recognize she had. "Who is it that is so foolish they won't mate with a guy like you?" "Linda, please look at me while I say this. The truth is in my eyes. YOU are my mate. While I live there will be no other. I will do anything, wait any time, and forsake any other until you say you will be mine." Linda was shocked, but she couldn't look away. His eyes weren't lying; she was his mate. Deep down she knew it, and it scared the crap out of her, but it was also exciting. She looked away and buried her face in her hands, afraid she would break out in tears at any moment. "I know this is a lot to take, and I'll give you some time to think about it. I'm going to get dressed and set out our lunch." He moved off to do so, and it took her five minutes to calm down and follow him. He had set out a blanket on the grass, and was reclining on his elbow with the sandwiches and juice in front of him. "Please, don't say anything yet, let's just relax and eat lunch. My wolf feels better knowing you are eating and being taken care of." The meal was tasty, but awkward. She didn't know what to say so she didn't say anything. He could see the emotions flashing across her face in response to his looks. His calm acceptance of everything unnerved her, as her mind was still wrapping itself around the idea that she had a were mate. "I have a few questions for you. Don't I have to be a were to be mated to you, and what if I don't want to be changed?" "Yes, in order to be mated and share the pair bond you need to be changed into a were. It isn't like the forced turnings you saw so much of years ago; because you are voluntarily doing it, and the bite occurs when your body is in a euphoric state, your body doesn't fight the change. I would have to bite you, and it would be like a bad flu for a couple hours and then you would receive your wolf. Once you are able to change, you could then bite me during my orgasm and it would form the bond. You don't have to think about what to do, once you have a wolf she will know. If you refuse to be changed, we could still be together if you want, but we could never have babies and we would never have the pair bond. You could also refuse me completely and go on with your life, and I would have to respect your choice." "What if I agree?" "Then we need to go before my Alpha and a county judge, declare our intention and get their permission to change you and to be mated. Once we mate, in addition to our pair bond you would become part of our Pack and have an Alpha bond with Derek and Amanda as well. They would be able to communicate with you telepathically just like they can with every other pack member. You would be tested for pack rank and we would be together for the rest of our lives." Linda was quiet for a while before she stood up and looked down at him. "I can't make a decision now on being changed, but I do know one thing- I want you." She pulled off her top, shucked her shorts, and laid herself down on the blanket, pulling him over to draw him into a kiss. "I guess that's an invitation then," thought Andy to himself as he rolled himself over to capture her mouth with a kiss. His clothing didn't last five seconds. Santa Fe Pack Den, West of Los Alamos Red and Renee were led before a dozen Were in human form. The one in the center was obviously the leader, but he was younger and smaller than she expected. He looked upset as he addressed them. "I am Luis Gonzales, Alpha of the Santa Fe pack. Who is it that dares to trespass on my pack's land?" "I am Renee Johnson, Next Alpha of the Johnson Pack in Wyoming. I am here to speak with you about the treaty that has ended the Were War on the invitation of Colonel Stan Montgomery, US Army commander of this region. My traveling companion is Red Stillman, an Omega in my pack." Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 06 She could tell he was speaking through the bond to his pack members. "LIAR! Kill him!" Before she could respond, four rifles were raised and Red was gunned down. She would have shifted and attacked, except she couldn't move. One of the people behind her had hit her with a Taser and she was twitching on the ground. As soon as it stopped, a hood was placed over her head and her hands were cuffed behind her back. After they dumped her into a cell, it still took five minutes before she could sit up, and thirty minutes more before she could focus enough to contact her Alpha and give him the basic details. The cavalry was coming, if she could just stay alive long enough to see it. Creekside, 10 miles west of Johnson Pack Camp "Oh god! Oh god! I'm coming AGAAAAINNNNNN..." Linda's latest orgasm overcame her as she dropped her hips down to his, her legs quivering with the strain, and her face stretched in pleasure. Andy was in heaven, as was his wolf. His future mate had not only accepted him, but was screwing the hell out of him as he enjoyed every second. His hands left her large breasts and pulled her down to his chest while he pounded her through her climax. His balls were starting to tighten as her inner muscles clamped down on him, and she was soon soaring again as he emptied them into her. She collapsed onto him, her face next to his, as they both tried to catch their breath. "Holy shit. And you say mated sex is BETTER?" Andy smiled and nodded. "I might not survive you. I've never come that hard or that often in my life." Andy rolled her onto her side, keeping his mostly erect cock inside her. He caressed her face as he kissed her again. "Love, I could do that for you forever." "I might hold you to that." All of the sudden, a look of horror came over her. "Shit, we didn't use protection..." "I told you, Weres can only reproduce after they are mated. We can, however, make a real sticky mess out of a woman." Linda looked down and saw what he was talking about, his softening dick had come out and she was leaking copious amounts of semen and her own fluids onto her hip and the blanket below. "Don't worry, I clean up after myself." He shifted into wolf form and pushed his head between her legs, lapping up their combined fluids with his long tongue. Her initial shock quickly turned to moans of pleasure as she found out just how effective a wolf tongue could be at driving her to orgasm. Three more and she was begging him to stop while she could still walk away. He cocked his head at her, wondering why she was worried about that when he was the one who would be carrying her back to camp! Santa Fe Pack Den Renee sat up in the cell as a young female omega was let in. One jailer came in and removed her handcuffs while another, armed with a taser and a baton, waited outside. When they left, they locked the door behind the two. "My name is Julie, I have been sent here to take care of you and prepare you for tonight." She carried a tray of food on top of a cardboard box. "My name is Renee, thank you for bringing me that," she said as she lifted the tray and set it down next to the thin mattress she had been resting on. The meal was a rabbit stew and bread. "This is delicious, did you make it?" "Yes, I do most of the cooking in the camp. We've all had to pick up new tasks since there are so few of us left." "I know what you mean. My pack was over five hundred five years ago and now is down to about thirty." "That is more than us, we only have 18 left. If your numbers are so down, why would they let a pregnant female leave? We haven't had a cub in years, any female that got pregnant would be kept in a room and not allowed to do anything." "It's what I needed to do. My mate was killed trying to end this war, and it did end, but your pack will not listen. We came in peace with the backing of Were and Human alike, but your Alpha wouldn't listen to us, and now my traveling companion is dead. I can't understand why an Alpha would behave so rashly." "Well, he's not really an alpha. I can tell you are though." "Yes, my older brother and his mate are my Pack Alphas, I am Next Alpha and second in command." "Luis was a low level Beta until a year ago. An airstrike took out our upper leadership and he was the senior wolf left, so he became Alpha. He is vindictive and cruel; he uses his position to take what he wants, and he doesn't care about mates or tradition." Renee put her hand on her right shoulder to comfort her, but could see her flinch. Moving her shirt out of the way, she could see the bruises and cuts that were almost healed. Her anger flared. "He did this to you?" "Yes, he takes any woman he desires to his bed. If you don't please him, he beats you. Last night was my turn. I fought back because I am mated to another, but I could not stop him, he was too strong. There are only a couple of Betas left and they are just as cruel. I have been praying to Luna that someone would come along and challenge Luis, someone with honor and compassion. Our pack is dying under him. That is why I'm glad he decided he was going to mate you instead of kill you. He thinks that with a true Alpha mate it will somehow make him a real Alpha." "There is no way in hell I'm going to mate with that man." "You won't have a choice. Tonight you will be brought out to the altar, bound and gagged, and he will take you and give you the mating bite. Then he will kill your babies inside you." Renee's eyes went bright as she fought back her wolf. It took a few moments to get control back. "Why would he do that?" "They aren't his. He will be your new mate. He knows that if your current pregnancy were to end prematurely, your wolf would force your body into heat again. That would be his chance to secure an heir. And once you are mated to him, you won't be able to challenge him again, your wolf won't let you. Some of us have talked, and we can't allow that to happen." She passed her a handcuff key. "You will know when to use it. Just don't waste the chance, if he finds out we helped you we are all dead, along with your babies." Renee was lost in thought as Julie washed her with a damp towel and then dressed her in a simple halter top dress. She then picked up the tray, called for the jailer and left her to her fate. Johnson Pack Camp Two helicopters had just arrived along with Col. Montgomery and his escort. Derek and ten of his best fighters immediately climbed on board and they were off, heading south at maximum speed. Their faces were grim and determined, they had already lost one and they hoped they weren't too late to save Renee. One way or another, the Pack that did this would pay. Derek was lost in his own thoughts. He could concentrate and feel the bond was still there, so at least she was still alive. He could feel her grief and sorrow, so at least she wasn't in immediate danger. His baby sister was strong, she would get out of this. His fists clenched and unclenched repeatedly as he tried to convince himself of that. He never should have let her out of his sight. They still had two hours of flight time ahead of them. Santa Fe Camp At sunset the entire Pack gathered at the ceremonial grounds. Omegas had decorated the altar with wildflowers, Luis was mating tonight and he insisted it be as much of a production as previous Alpha matings had been. He was still in his cave room, being prepared for the ceremony, while Carlos and another Beta brought Renee out of the cells and into the clearing. Bound and defiant, she was still beautiful to behold, the white dress clinging to her curvy figure. She carried herself with the confidence of a true Alpha as she was led to the altar. They didn't think anything of it as she coughed and brought her hands to her mouth, and didn't see the key being transferred, and didn't hear the cuffs unlatch. That would be their last mistake. Renee stumbled and pretended to fall. When Carlos grabbed her arm, she twisted and brought her left arm up to encircle his neck. Before he could react, she spun herself up onto his back and snapped his neck. Dropping his body, she turned to the second Beta. He came at her, but she was too fast and well trained for such a clumsy attack. She sidestepped his charge and brought her right knee up into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. As he tried to push himself upright again, she grabbed a grapefruit-sized stone off the ground and brought it down on the back of his head with a loud crunch. He dropped immediately and did not move. The Pack was shocked at the speed at which she had taken out two of their best fighters. None dared to look at her or stop her as she made her way to the center of the circle. "LUIS GONZALES! GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE AND FACE ME!" She saw him exit the cave, confusion then anger on his face as he saw her standing in the circle and his two Betas dead. "I am issuing you an Alpha challenge. There will be no mating. Only one of us will leave this circle alive." "So be it." Luis removed his clothing and shifted to his wolf form, he was black with tan patches. Renee removed her dress, tossing it aside, and shifted to her own wolf form. She was at a disadvantage here, even with her training she was outweighed by 50 pounds. She knew she would have to win this battle with quickness and strategy and avoid wrestling. She expected him to bull rush her, and he did. Waiting until the last second, she jumped to the left, raking her claws along his back leg before darting away. Luis looked in shock at the first blood she had drawn. Snarling, he charged again, but this time she ran towards the ceremonial altar. He was so focused on her flanks he didn't have time to stop when she suddenly leaped up and launched herself back over his head. His shoulder painfully struck the rock, and before he could turn around she had latched on to his back leg and tore it open. Renee darted away before he could counterattack. Luis was limping but still dangerous. He wouldn't fall for the same trick again. He started to herd her towards the outside of the circle, looking for an opening. He suddenly turned towards her, putting his shoulder into her, but she had anticipated the move and dropped down to the ground, allowing him to tumble over the top of her. She dove after his neck as he rolled, yelping as his rear claws raked her stomach open. All the Pack could see was just a writhing ball of fur, spurting blood and dust. Landing zone Derek was frantic as the helicopter hovered over the small clearing and the pack members jumped out, immediately shifting to wolf form. They had seen the Pack in the nearby clearing and he could feel her emotions as she fought, her pain, her anger, her worry over her babies. They took off at a dead run, their eyes glowing with their anger, ignoring the fatigue and the strain on their bodies. Derek fell to the ground as he felt the bond with his sister dissolve. Howling in agony and grief, he got up and ran again, his wolf fully in control, eyes blazing with rage. They would pay for this. Not a soul would see the morning. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 07 ***** Woods near Johnson Pack Camp ***** They were both worn out and had missed dinner, but neither one cared. They were making the trip back to camp that night at a much slower pace than her first ride on the back of her wolf. HER wolf. Her mind was coming to terms with what her heart had already decided. She buried her face in his neck, hugging her arms around his furry chest as she drowned herself in his earthy, wet puppy smell. Linda was glad he was moving slowly, her legs still ached and her insides were still feeling the effects of the pounding she had taken. Her mind was somewhat detached, the multiple orgasms had left her flying high. Nothing in her life was like this past day had been. It was so unlike her. She wasn't the kind of girl who fell into bed with some guy she just met. She had only had a few lovers in her life, and they all had to work their way up to it. She wasn't comfortable sharing herself with someone she wasn't in a stable relationship with, so she waited for months before moving forward. Andy was different; she reached the point of feeling safe and loved enough for sex after mere hours. She didn't feel any regret, either. It just felt right and she couldn't explain that. She would have to talk to her best friend Barb about this when she got back to Denver. Maybe her Mom. Was it too soon to meet her family? What would they say about her wolf? Could she go through with this? It was too much to think about on such a beautiful day, so she didn't. She rubbed her face against his neck and relaxed. She caressed his chest as she daydreamed about their long afternoon and evening of the best sex she had ever had. They were insatiable and he had minimal "down" time; even the cold water of the stream couldn't stop his erection. He had walked her out into the chest-deep water to clean the dirt, grass and fluids from them. Washing soon became groping, one thing led to another and soon she was bent over a rock in midstream begging for him to make her come. He moved behind her, shifted his tongue and deep cleaned their combined fluids from her saturated pussy. By the time he was satisfied and stood up, his erection was bouncing against her ass. She reached back, grabbed it and shoved it back where it belonged. He pounded her into a puddle of orgasmic flesh, seemingly lasting forever as she came so many times she lost count. She remembered looking back between her legs watching his balls tighten up as he came. He then collapsed over her back, hugging her as he caught his breath,. She was fascinated as she watched his semen stretch down from her sex until the globs dropped into the water and float away. There was a lot to watch. The vision of his long cock disappearing into her was making her wet again. Almost without thinking, her legs moved off his back, coming around his stomach until her toes were touching his swinging cock. She thought about how they hadn't tried 'doggie style' yet, and the thought of that sent her into a giggle fit as her feet stroked his shaft. She didn't noticed that he had stopped until he gave her a questioning whine. "Sorry," she said, "I was just thinking about what it would be like to have you take me in this form." Andy looked back at her, his tongue lolling out the side while his eyes sparkled with excitement. "I don't think I can wait to find out. Come on, big boy, show me some wolf loving!" Linda hopped off and walked to a moss-covered area. Hanging her clothes from a nearby branch, she dropped to her hands and knees and wiggled her taut butt back at him. She knew her well-used sex would regret this, but he had to feel that supersized dick of his inside her. Andy moved forward, and began licking her legs, starting at the knees and up to her leaking sex. A few strokes of that tongue around the outside and she was panting and begging for him to take her. His wolf didn't require further encouragement. Rising up on his back legs, he used his front legs on her thighs and pulled her back until his throbbing cock was at her opening. His human side had talked to his wolf about making sure he went slowly, and the wolf knew he could hurt her if he was too rough. He was also careful not to scrape her too much with his claws as he shuffled forward before pushing into her. "FUCK!" It felt like he was splitting her in half! The girth was a challenge but his length pushed into unexplored territory within her. The soreness combined with the pain and the friction to push her to overload. Sensing her pain, he gave her a minute to adjust, licking her back and neck until she started to push back on him. Andy gave her a few long, slow strokes, enjoying the feel, letting her adjust to the size. Once she started pushing back on him his wolf took her like he wanted, hard and fast. She started to moan and scream as she came and came again. She thought he might be close when he started short stroking her, but she was wrong. She felt something banging against her pussy lips, almost like he had his hand there to limit his penetration, but he didn't have hands in this form so what the hell? She looked back between her swinging breasts to see his knot pushed against her lips, and it was the size of a baseball. Her eyes got wide as he pressed his chest down on her back and forced her face down to the ground. His eyes were glowing as his wolf took full control. He used his weight to drive down as he forced the knot into her. She screamed in pain and pleasure. It hurt like hell going in, but the pain quickly abated once in before the pleasure took over. The knot filled her canal and the sensation was incredible as it stroked through her canal. She was moaning continuously as he started pounding her deep. The knot was now rubbing her G-spot and stimulating the inside of her vagina in a way she had never experienced. "ANDY!! FUCK ME!! FUCK...." was all she could say before her orgasm hit, her body shaking again and again and she screamed her release. Andy's wolf kept going, slamming harder and faster into her as he stamped his dominance on her. "YES! TAKE ME FUCK MAKE ME YOURS OH SHIT DON'T STOP!" Linda's eyes rolled back as she came hard, her entire body clenching and releasing. She arched her neck back, exposing its length to him as she lost the ability to speak. With one last plunge he started to fill her with his seed. As the first pulse went out, he lunged forward and bit into her shoulder, holding her as he filled her with his seed. The blood in his mouth sated the beast. She went limp under him, pulling him down to the ground next to her by his knot. He licked the wound until it stopped bleeding then licked her neck. His mate was safe and happy. The taste of her blood brought his human side forward in his mind as his wolf looked down at her with satisfaction. He realized that his wolf had marked her! He raised his head and sent out a distress howl. He was in deep shit, knotted to a human he didn't have permission to turn. He curled his body around her and waited, wondering if he would see the next moon. ******* Santa Fe Pack Den, New Mexico ******* Eleven wolves with glowing eyes thundered into the midst of the pack with murderous intent. They craved resistance and found none; every wolf they saw immediately rolled on its back and bared its neck in submission. They growled and snapped but wouldn't attack pack members who gave up. The huge white wolf stopped in the center of the clearing while his men surrounded the pack members. Derek slowly looked around, his eyes glowing as he searched for someone to receive his rage. Derek walked over to inspect two dead Betas, then the large black and tan wolf. None of the pack members would meet his eyes. He walked to the far side of the circle where four wolves were sitting protectively around a wolf that was lying unconscious. The she-wolf was clearly injured and was covered in so much blood he couldn't tell what color she was. A small Omega was licking at the wounds, ignoring him. He started to advance, head high and hackles up, and then he smelled her. He immediately shifted and ran to her side. Carefully lifting her head onto his lap, her eyes opened and she smiled in recognition. He inspected her from nose to tail, finding most of the blood was not hers. "Thank Luna you're alive! I felt the bond dissolve and I feared the worst." The Betas howled their joy at seeing her alive again. They were joined by the members of her new pack. The Johnson Pack wolves all gathered around their Alpha, relieved that a fight was not needed. Renee looked around then shifted to human form. "I knew you would come for me, I just ran out of time. I didn't want this. I never wanted to be apart from you and Amanda." She carefully sat up, still bleeding a little from deep cuts on her stomach and arms, and hugged her brother. She then raised her head to address her pack. "I welcome my brother Alpha Derek Johnson and his men to our camp. They are friends." She looked around to see all the Santa Fe pack wolves were on their bellies or backs in submission. Turning to her brother, she said quietly, "I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't want to take on a big male, but I had to issue an Alpha challenge in the circle. When I finally tore his throat out, I felt the bond to you go away as they all bonded to me." "It's my fault, I shouldn't have let you go on this mission without more backup. What happened to Red?" "That bastard executed him right before they took me prisoner." "Why?" Derek clenched his fists. "I don't know, he said we were lying about why we were there. I think he just needed to get me alone. He had me handcuffed and was going to mate me on that altar then kill my babies to force me back into heat." Derek pushed back his rage as he fought back the shift. It took a minute before he could continue. "Is there anyone left I can tear apart for you?" "No, I got them all." With no one to receive his anger he pushed it back down and relaxed. He ordered his men to recover Red, one of the Omegas went to show them where they had thrown his body. Renee ordered her pack to toss the dead Betas and their former Alpha into a ravine to be left for scavengers. Men without honor, who would abuse their own pack members, didn't deserve to be reincarnated. The pack was happy to be rid of them. Derek and Renee both shifted back to wolf form and he began to lick at her wounds. His Alpha saliva was more potent in its healing and antiseptic properties, and it helped him with his guilt. When all the wolves had returned and she was cleaned and feeling better, her new Pack members crawled forward in wolf form to submit to their new Alpha. Each would sniff and lick her sex to get her smell, then come up where she could do the same. Then they would extend their neck so she could take it in her jaws before releasing. In this way the dominance was established. Renee focused on the newly formed bonds within her head, comforting and calming her new family. Julie shifted and sat by her side, she was the first to come up and she jumped in to help with the introductions. She was followed by her mate Devin, who thanked her profusely. Luis would beat him when he tried to stop him from taking Julie to his bed. They held hands as they watched their new Alpha establish her rule. As each wolf approached Julie would introduce them, their rank and current job, and their mate if they had one. There were fifteen wolves in her Pack, all Omegas except one low level Beta, but only three mated pairs. Every one of them was scared and wondering what was coming next. She called them all to her as she stood up. "I am Alpha Renee Johnson, formerly of the Johnson Pack in Wyoming, and by challenge the new Alpha of the Santa Fe pack. Does anyone here dispute my leadership?" No one came forward. "I will make our new pack laws known in the days to come, but know this- there will be no forced matings, no forced sex, and no abuse. The penalty for such will be death. If you cannot abide by that, leave now." No one moved. Their faces, especially the younger women who had been brutalized, shone with new hope. "Let us feast and rest now, and honor our guests." A half dozen women shifted and went into the cave to get the food that had been prepared for what was to be Renee's mating feast. The mood was light, but Derek and Renee were somber, knowing that her time to fulfill her own destiny was here. They would miss each other, but they would always be there for each other. An hour later, everyone returned to the area outside the pack caves. Derek and his men had built three fires in a triangle, a prearranged signal to the military drones above that it was safe to land a helicopter inside the fires. The Santa Fe pack wolves howled and started to run for cover at the sound of the helicopter, but their new Alpha promised they were safe. They stayed, though many were still shaking and they sat near their Alpha for comfort. It was clear that recovery from the war would take a while. A few minutes later, a helicopter containing Col. Montgomery landed nearby and the group was escorted to the Alphas. It was late, they were tired, and they all knew each other anyway. The Colonel congratulated Renee on her new position and left her with contact information and a satellite phone. They agreed to meet in a few days and to talk at least once a week until everything settled down. He loaded up the Johnson Betas and Alpha Derek and returned to base, leaving Renee with her new family. ******* Crested Butte Pack Caves, Colorado ******* Alpha Stanley Diggs looked out on his people gathered in the clearing below their mountain hideout. Over 300 adults in his pack, almost two thirds of what he had started with when the war started five years ago. Unlike many of the Alphas who were determined to fight, he decided they would hide. He called his people into their mountain hide before things got bad in the towns. It was boring, it went against their instincts but hiding was the right play. His time at the recent meeting of Alphas and military leadership had driven that point home. As a race, they were nearly wiped out. Many packs had ceased to exist, and those that still functioned had only a third or less of their former strength. The command structures were hard hit, the first to be killed were the Alphas and Betas who were expected to protect the path. He had looked around the room and decided only half the Alphas were actually that. While other Alphas were celebrating their survival, he had been planning his pack's expansion. It was simple, really; no one else had enough warriors to stop his. The peace structure was another opportunity; Pack lands were being restored, restitution was being paid, there were hundreds of millions of dollars at stake and they would go to the Pack... or the Pack that remnant had been absorbed into. They could easily triple the Pack holdings in money and land. These weaker packs also held a surplus of unmated females. His men needed mates, and if they didn't find a mate they would be forced to warm his warrior's beds. New pack members did what they had to do to survive. It was time to go back to the old ways, he thought, where might made right and the strongest took what they wanted. He wanted a woman by his side again. His mate had died their first winter. He missed her terribly, not just for the sex but because a strong Alpha female helped the pack run well. He had not lacked for female companionship, but none had tickled his fancy until he saw the young Next Alpha at the conference. A widow, she would look good on his arm and was respected by the other Alphas. The Johnson pack was stronger than most; he would start somewhere smaller, with the pack areas that didn't attend. He could pick up stragglers, then work his way up to stronger and stronger packs until eventually he would control the entire Rocky Mountain area. He smiled at the thought of all that power, and hardened at the image of him tying that young brunette to his bed while he fucked her into submission. He called his Betas. They would start to the south and work their way up. ******* Johnson Pack Tents, Wyoming ******* Amanda was walking back to her tent after leading that night's ceremony for the Pack funeral pyre. Another eight pack members had been recovered and sent on. This whole week had been rough on her, dealing with the finality of the losses and comforting the families as best she could. Having her mate so far away only added to her stress. Her mate spoke to her mentally. "Amanda, love, Renee is alive. She challenged and beat the Santa Fe alpha and is now with her Pack." That message caused her to howl her joy to the moon, and when she passed the word over the Alpha bond to her Pack there were howls all around her. She had to concentrate to respond, "Thank Luna, love you and come back soon!" Even that short message left her with a headache, it was such a distance to reach him. She was trotting up to her tent when the distress howl was heard from over the mountain. There were only three Betas left after Derek had taken the best warriors, so she left with two of them and medic Ann. They tore out of camp in the direction of the howl. Andy's wolf came over the Alpha bond. "It's Linda. I bit her. She's going to change." "Stay put, we'll be there soon." She increased the pace, her anger at his recklessness driving her forward. She told an Omega back at camp to get her crew and a medical team ready for a forced turn. This couldn't end well. ******* Santa Fe Pack, New Mexico ******* It was well after midnight before the last visitor left, and Renee was exhausted. The Pack den was in a set of nearby caves. Julie led her to the Alpha chamber but she didn't go in. The air was still thick with his scent, it turned her stomach to think of the things that had happened on that bed. "Julie, I can't sleep here. In the morning we will clear it out and burn it all. I want nothing around that was his. I want nothing left that will remind this Pack of him." Julie nodded. "Alpha, you could stay in any of the extra chambers, or you could stay with my mate and I. We would be honored." "You know, there is something we have lost that I want to get back to. It's a beautiful night to sleep under the stars, don't you think?" She shifted to wolf form and returned to the cave entrance where a large fire had been built to ward off the cool night air. She laid down in the warmth and quickly was asleep. One by one, her pack mates came out of the caves and lay with her, They snuggled up to their new leader. In ten minutes, Renee was in the middle of a big, comforting puppy pile. She was at peace, and her Pack was starting to heal. ***** Outside Johnson Pack Camp ***** Amanda and her team followed the smell of sex and blood to find Linda unconscious with a fresh bite on her shoulder and Andy in wolf form behind her. She went straight to him and bit into his neck as he tried to roll over and present his belly, but was unable as his knot was still tied to her. He stilled completely and waited to see if she would tear his throat out like he deserved. "You IDIOT!" she thundered over the bond. "We just ended the war and you have to turn a celebrity without OUR permission and without HER getting a judges' permission. If this is determined to be a forced turn your life is forfeit." She released his neck but still stood over him growling and baring her teeth. She turned her head to Ann. "How is she?" "The bite was clean and isn't bleeding. Other than some vaginal bruising and various scrapes, she looks fine. Andy, what did you do to knock her out?" "She must have passed out after that last round of sex. It's been a busy day for us." Amanda was not impressed. "We need to get you two apart and get her back to camp where we can be ready for her turn if she comes out claws and fangs. Ann, can you give him something to shrink the knot?" Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 07 Ann thought for a moment. "I have some muscle relaxant, an injection should work but it will have to go into the base of his penis and that's bound to hurt." "I think he would prefer that pain to having me slice his junk off, so go ahead before I change my mind." Amanda stepped aside as Ann prepared the injection. Turning to her Betas, she said, "As soon as he is free, bind him and return him to the camp. His fate will be determined when our Alpha returns. He is to have no contact with her. If he attempts to flee, kill him." They nodded just as Andy howled in pain as the needle pierced him. A few minutes later, they separated and Andy shifted. He gazed down at his mate, regret and pain showing on his face, not knowing if he would ever see her again. He meekly held his hands out to be cuffed and was led away. Ann rolled Linda onto her back to finish her examination. The movement was enough to wake her up. She looked up at Ann then saw Amanda, and started frantically looking around. "ANDY! ANDY LOVE WHERE ARE YOU?" She tried to get up but Ann held her shoulders down. "I LOVE YOU LINDA, LET THEM HELP YOU AND I WILL SEE YOU SOON." She panicked realizing he had left her. Looking up at Amanda, she said, "Where is he going?" "He is being held pending an Alpha tribunal. He bit you without permission, but don't worry about him right now. You are going to become one of us soon. The change can be violent, so we need to sedate you for your own good." "Why? Andy told me that when he would bite me during sex it would allow my body to accept it and the change would go smoothly." "If he did that, it's a possibility but only if you don't fight it. Fear and anger lead to your body fighting the change, and that will make the change more sudden and violent. Your wolf will take over instead of sharing." "I'm not going to fight it. I didn't mean it to happen, but I'm not sorry. Now I'll be like him and we can mate properly. I just need him to hold me and help me through it, I'm not scared when I'm in his arms." "Let me think about it. In the meantime, let's get you back to the camp. Ann, prep a sedative just in case she starts to change on the way back." They put her between them, each supporting an arm in case she had trouble. Amanda used the bond with Ann to discuss the options without including Linda. "What do you think the chances are that she won't have a forced turn?" "Pretty good, his wolf bit her during sex, with his wolf in charge he would have waited for her climax to do it. If she can remain calm, it should go well. IF Andy has talked to her about the changes and IF he helps her through, I think we have a new wolf by morning." Amanda owed it to her to try, she thought. If it went bad, well, she would take Andy out first and that problem would be solved as well. Andy's only chance to get out of this mess was for his mate to make the change and survive. She sent ahead to her Betas. "Find a section of cave that can be secured in case of a forced turn. Put him in it and tell him that if Linda doesn't survive the change, he won't either." They crested the mountain and headed down to the camp below. Len and Tony met them as they walked into camp, both had been worried about how long she had been gone. When they found out she was the cause of the distress call it took several people to calm them down. Len ran to get her some clothes while Tony walked with them. "Are you all right? What happened?" "I'm fine, Andy bit me and I'm going to go through a turn. I'm going to become one of them." "Linda, honey, is there anything we can do? Anyone you want us to call?" "Yes... get the cameras and set up all the portable lighting you can. I want you to film every second of this." "Why?" "Because it is important people see it, and because I may need it to defend myself and him from charges. Andy could be killed for a forced turn, I have to show that it wasn't that. If the change goes well that helps us." They had reached the dug-out area the Betas had chosen to isolate Andy in pending his tribunal. Len came back with a T-shirt and shorts for Linda, and after dressing she turned to Amanda. "Please, let him take care of me. I trust him." Amanda hugged her then they lowered her into Andy's arms. Len and Tony soon arrived and set up their equipment. They had contacted the station on sat phone and as soon as their cameras had a satellite uplink they tossed Linda a microphone and earpiece and went live. "Good morning, this is Linda Remington reporting for KUSA in Denver. Tonight is a special night for me; I have found the man I love and have started the process of becoming his forever. This is Andy Miller, a Beta in the Johnson Pack, and my mate. Earlier tonight he bit my shoulder to start the process of turning me into a werewolf like him. We're going to see that happen tonight live. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to continue talking, but this should be interesting." As soon as the first pain hit, Linda dropped the microphone and Andy hugged her from behind and gently lowered her to the ground. She felt itchy, like her skin was on fire, and in her head there was something new. Andy stroked her face gently as he talked her through it. "Your wolf is in you mind, love. Close your eyes, relax and look for her. You need to trust her and share with her, don't fight her. She is part of you now." ******* Santa Fe National Forest Mobile Command, west of Los Alomos, New Mexico ******* The duty officer's face hung open when he saw the "Breaking News" headline on the television he had on in the back of the command tent. He turned the volume up to hear Linda Remington talk about becoming a werewolf. He didn't know what it meant, but his boss would want to know. He ran to Col. Montgomery's tent and shook him awake. "Colonel, you need to see this. Linda Remington is going to turn into a werewolf live on television. It's on in the command tent." He was on his feet, his first stop the VIP quarters where Derek was sleeping. Two minutes later, both were spellbound watching the television as Derek's Betas filtered in behind them. Linda was kicking and jerking against Andy as he tried to keep her calm. She suddenly stilled, then something began to happen. There was the sound of bones crunching as her body started to rearrange. Her mouth opened but no words came out, the camera focused on her face as it elongated and fur broke out from her skin. Andy shifted to wolf form behind her, his transition smooth an immediate compared to her. It took about ten seconds before a slightly smaller, light tan and white wolf was lying by his side. She looked around in confusion for a moment, then focused on the large gray wolf with the single white ear next to her. She let out a howl before collapsing back down. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 08 Did you see the frightened ones? Did you hear the falling bombs? Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter when the Promise of a brave new world unfurled beneath a clear blue sky? Oooooh Did you see the frightened ones? Did you hear the falling bombs? The flames are all long gone, but the pain lingers on. -Pink Floyd, Goodbye Blue Sky ******** Santa Fe Pack, New Mexico ******** Renee awoke to the sunrise. She didn't keep her eyes open, she was still in wolf form and her nose told her what was going on. Most of her pack still lay piled around or on her, but the fire had been stoked and breakfast was being made. She gently untangled herself from the wolves around her and stood up. She was healing quickly. The pain from the gashes plus fatigue left her stiff and sore all over. Yesterday had been tough on her physically, the fight exhausted her and she had multiple injuries. His claws had done serious damage before blood loss stopped his movement. Then there was the mental fatigue. It had been a rough couple of days, including the loss of a friend and her imprisonment. The Alpha challenge had been the desperate answer to the threat of a forced mating and the loss of her pups, and now she faced a new challenge, one she was not ready for. She was now an Alpha. She looked around to all the people who now depended on her. She had been in leadership positions before over groups this size, but it was the first time where she had no one above her to help her and mentor her. Maybe now with the ability to use cellphones again she could call her brother and Amanda for help. How would she do this all by herself? Derek had always had Amanda by his side to help him. This pack didn't even have true Betas left. It was all so overwhelming. Almost as overwhelming as what was coming. Her babies. She shifted into human form and rubbed her hands over her belly which had not yet began to show, carefully avoiding the healing wounds. She focused her love onto them as she walked. Gary's children, their future. If she hadn't become pregnant she doubted she would have kept going after he was killed, when he stopped breathing her soul had shattered. She missed him terribly, but for her cubs she would go on, somehow. At least this last night she had not had the nightmare, had not woken screaming, had not cried herself back to sleep. It was a start. She was standing still with her eyes closed when she felt someone hug her leg. She opened her eyes and looked down at Michelle's eyes, then rested her hand on her dirty blonde hair. Julie had given her the story last night after Michelle was asleep. Michelle was the only cub in the pack, she was seven years old now and was orphaned at five. She had been fostered by Crystal and Ed, two pack elders in their fifties who were former schoolteachers. Michelle rarely spoke and didn't interact much. Her eyes were haunted by the memory of watching her parents being killed in front of her while searching for food in a nearby town. She watched them bleed out while she hid silently for hours, staring at her mother's dead eyes, and that pain never left her eyes. She clung to her Alpha, hoping she could help fill the void in her heart. Renee thought the same. She picked her up and lifted her onto her hip, and Michelle buried her face into her shoulder. Her maternal instinct took over, as Alpha she felt the responsibility to look over the cubs. She would help her the best she could. Michelle snuggled in as they walked to the cave entrances. Anna poked her head out of the cooking cave, smiling at her new Alpha. "Good morning Alpha, breakfast will be ready in about twenty minutes." Anna was a young and vibrant brunette with a mischievous streak. At seventeen she had not fought in the war, she grew up working in the caves. She kept to the kitchens where she worked with Becky, the twenty year old daughter of Crystal and Ed, and Julie who ran the household. The smell of food awakened her brother Caleb, at 18 he had grown up quickly. He was the pack's tracker and one of their better hunters. He had the skills to be a Beta but intentionally had hid them during the previous regime. He had seen what Betas were doing to others in his Pack and wanted none of it. He was a kind boy at heart. Life as an Omega was preferable to working directly for the Alpha, so he never challenged his Pack position. He nodded to Renee in greeting then kissed his sister and told her he was going to clean up in the nearby stream. Anna handed him a water container to refill and sent him along. To Renee, a bath sounded pretty good right now. She let Michelle down and asked her where she could find soap and a washcloth. Michelle slid down to the ground and pulled her into the cave towards her foster parent's sleeping section. As they passed the Alpha quarters, Devin was just coming out carrying a blanket filled with other items. "Good morning, Alpha, how was your night?" "Good, Devin, I enjoyed being under the stars with everyone, it reminded me of when I was a child. What are you up to?" "I'm clearing out the quarters for you. As you asked, nothing of his will be left. Give Julie and I a day or two and we'll have it ready. Until then, you are welcome to stay with us, or anyone in the Pack. We all want you to be comfortable here." "Thank you, please let Julie know I will stay with you tonight." Renee smiled and followed Michelle as she got the bathing supplies. She had just returned when Crystal walked in, nodding to her Alpha she brought back a blue sundress and handed it to Renee. "You don't have any clothes yet, but this should fit you. Go on, Michelle, show her to the bathing pool." As they walked out Crystal smiled. She couldn't be more pleased with how things had changed, not just a new Alpha who was kind and strong but a woman who would not be afraid to change things. Things were looking up. Michelle was coming a little out of her shell now. The former Alpha had little patience for cubs, so they had kept her out of the way. She hadn't been allowed to run around the caves or make noise, and with the war she couldn't play outside. It would be so nice to see her behave as a young girl should. Renee followed her down the trail to the stream and they left their clothes on a nearby rock with the towel. Michelle led her to a deeper section on the outside of the pool, where the water came up just below her shoulders. They both dropped down into the water and then moved into the shallows to soap up. Renee cleaned her young charge then sent her off to rinse. She was scrubbing her face when she saw Michelle staring at the angry red scars left over from the fight. "Alpha... are we going to be all right?" Renee smiled as she massaged shampoo into her hair. "Yes, little one. The war is over, we have a chance at a better life now." "Good." She hugged her leg. "I don't like it here." "Well, maybe we need to go somewhere for a while." She dunked herself down into the deep water again to rinse her hair. A few minutes later Michelle was holding her hand, dried and dressed, as they returned for breakfast. Tables had been moved outside as they took advantage of the war's end to get out of the caves. They were enjoying being in the sunshine again. ***** Johnson Pack Camp, Montana ***** The small tan and white she-wolf was mesmerized. Colors, smells, sounds- all were far sharper and had more depth than before. The sensory inputs overwhelmed her, so she just closed her eyes for a second to calm her mind before opening them again. She looked down at her paws, then back along her body to see the white tail. It waved back and forth quickly. She tried to grab it with her teeth, turning in a tight circle, but couldn't quite get there. A few rotations later and she finally grabbed it before tipping over on the ground and losing the grip again. Linda laid her head down as she heard the laughing from her crew as they continued to broadcast her change live to the world. She couldn't believe her first filmed act as a wolf was to chase her tail! The gray wolf with the white ear walked over and sniffed at her muzzle. Her scent was much stronger now, he breathed in deeply and reveled in the scent of his mate. Linda got her first good sniff of his neck and immediately her eyes widened and her ears perked up. Eric stood quietly and let her explore him. A few more deep sniffs and it was like an electric wire was going from her nose to her sex, her juices started to flow as her body recognized its mate. She got up and started rubbing her muzzle against his and licked at his face. He bathed her with his tongue before he rubbed against her chest on the way to her tail. Once she got to his tail, she got a good sniff and her tongue came out and licked his swinging balls as his cold nose probed her slit. Andy's arousal and the pending activities could only lead to one thing, and as the TV hosts saw her about to be mounted, it was time to go to commercial. Quickly. Amanda looked over at her Betas with a smile. "I guess this is better than her coming out all claws and teeth!" Andy was pounding away, his forelegs pulling her back against him as she wiggled with her front paws flat on the ground to stay in place. She kept her tail high and out of the way and panted with the exertion of being taken hard and fast. She felt him slow momentarily, then his knot pushed into place. She gave a soft yelp as it forced its way into her, but soon had her head was lolling on its side as she rode the feelings his knot produced. Andy grabbed the scruff of her neck with his teeth and pinned her down with the weight of his chest as he short stroked her to completion. As she crashed over into orgasm, Andy bit hard into her neck, and the taste of her blood exploded on his tongue. The bite took them both over the edge and he shook as he began to empty his balls into her. She twisted around and grabbed his neck with her teeth, biting deep and shaking to ensure his mark would scar well. At that moment, it was like a new part of her brain was unlocked. She could feel his thoughts, his emotions, she could even feel the pull of the knot on the base of his penis as she collapsed to the ground. His love, his pride in her, even thoughts of them running through a field with their pups alongside, everything he had was now hers. In her mind's eye her wolf was next to her human form, lying on her back with her tongue lolling out, completely satisfied with the claiming of her mate. Andy was thrilled, and she could sense his relief and excitement as they lay together. "My love, we are together always now. I am so happy to have found you and that you are MINE." "And you are MINE." They relaxed together and waited for the knot to go down. Looking up at the people and werewolves surrounding them, she felt a sense of warmth and belonging. A new voice entered her mind, it almost felt like a push into her head but it was accompanied with love and power. "Welcome to our pack, Linda, we are so glad you had a good change and are happy." "Amanda?" She looked up at the wolf above as the voice echoed in her mind. "Yes, what you are feeling is the Alpha bond. Since you were 'born' into our pack, it forms with us. Derek will be back soon and when he is close enough you will feel his bond form as well. You will always be able to reach us with your bond, and we will always be here for you and all other members of the Pack." "My Alpha...." She had to think about that for a while, it was all so new Amanda already felt like family, and she respected the responsibility she had. "What happens now? Andy is in trouble, isn't he?" She could feel his nervousness and apprehension through their bond. "Yes, he is. After the war ended there were rules put in place for turnings, rules that he was well aware of and did not follow. He turned you without first getting our permission and permission from a human judge. This is serious, it is the first case I am aware of since the new rules were put into place. We have to be able to show people that we can follow the rules and live among them without giving them cause for fear. His lack of control challenges that." "I'm sorry, he explained all that to me but it was all so intense, it felt so right, and I don't regret a second of it." She wiggled back against his cock, causing him to growl as the knot moved inside her. She knew the more she moved the longer it would take to come untied, but she wasn't sure she wanted to let him leave her yet. "We will deal with this all when Derek returns. Andy, you are being called before a Pack tribunal this afternoon to face charges of unauthorized turning of a human and disobedience of an Alpha command. These charges carry a potential consequence of death. Do you understand the charges?" "Yes, my Alpha, I understand them and will be ready for the hearing." "Very well. Enjoy your mate, you are free to move about the camp but do not leave it. If you do, you will be killed." With that, Amanda turned and walked away. Linda shivered as the shock of the words hit her, realizing that her happiness might be truly short-lived. Could she have done all this just to lose him in the same day? Her wolf howled her grief and anger to the clouds. ***** Crested Butte Pack Caves, Colorado ******* Alpha Diggs looked out at the dozen vehicles that made up his raiding force. The storage facility they had placed their vehicles and other supplies in had not been confiscated after the start of the war as he made sure the ownership had been well hidden. He was bringing a force of thirty warriors plus some Omegas to run camp and a pair of medics. They were all itching for a real fight, Wolves love a fight and are always looking to expand their territory. When he had addressed the Pack that morning, he talked about how he was going to make their Pack the strongest and most feared of all. Stephen Diggs didn't expect a fight, though. Fights were the worst way to win, as they risked death and injury to his pack mates. It also risked losing valuable members of the pack being taken over. No, his plan was much simpler. He would just show up. Intimidation was the wolf way. Use your size and numbers. Glare at them, hackles up and growling, daring them to even think about challenging you. He knew that his age and experience meant only a few of the surviving Alphas had a chance against them, so those he would avoid for now. He could put fear into the other and they will submit without a fight. That was why packs had a lot of posturing but few actual fights- it was all about working out who ranked above who. Once your rank was accepted, things went smoothly. If the Alpha he challenges submits or dies, the entire Pack would lose their bond with him. The members then have a choice- either submit to him as the new Alpha, or be torn apart by his warriors as rogues. The latter almost never happened, wolves were Pack animals and being without an Alpha was unnatural to them. He and his Betas had planned a sweep of the areas to their south. They had identified four vulnerable packs, with territories that when added to his would give him the entire Southwest from the Texas border to California. He turned to his second, Blake Johnson, who stood just to his left as they watched the vehicles load up. "Keep things going smoothly while I am gone. I will need more information when I get back, this time for the Packs to our east. If we do this right, we can knock off a half dozen Packs before the others even figure out what is happening." Without another look, he got in the lead Escalade and drove out. They had a long drive ahead. ******** Santa Fe Pack, New Mexico ******** Renee finished her breakfast and stood to walk the plate back to the kitchen. Anna intercepted her, taking the plate from her with a smile. "Alpha, don't you have more important things to do than the dishes?" "All Pack work is important, Anna. Thank you for a wonderful breakfast." Anna beamed at the praise as Renee went back to sit next to Michelle, who had become her little shadow. She used her Pack bond for the next communication, trying to get used to her new powers. In her mind it was like having a bunch of dots, each representing a person in her pack, and she could concentrate on one or more at a time and communicate mentally with those. When someone needed to reach her, it was like a mental nudge and that dot was brighter as she recognized it. After all her life dealing with just broadcasts and Alpha bonds, this was just more complicated. "Attention Pack, we will have a Pack meeting at the tables in thirty minutes. I need updates on Pack status in terms of land, resources and finances. I also need you to bring your concerns and ideas. All Pack members are required." She could tell as she looked around that people were excited and relieved. It was clear that happiness had been repressed here for a long time. That bastard Alpha Luis had repeatedly raped and used the women of HER Pack. He was dead, but he left his damage behind. Her people needed a change, and it was more than just new leadership. They needed to have fun again. She circulated among the tables, spending time with each person and being a reassuring presence. When she was with the Johnson pack, the leadership was good and the Pack stayed together. Humans tried to exterminate their race, but when that threat went away they were small but strong. This pack couldn't be fixed with a peace treaty. Trust and people had been abused, and that resulted in a pack that wasn't cohesive. She had met other Alphas during the peace negotiations and was frustrated at how narrow-minded they were. They fought against being involved with anything outside their own borders, and anything that challenged their own authority. It made things difficult as there was no cohesive leadership for the government to work with. It was out of this frustration that Renee had been pushed forward in the negotiations, her celebrity (and lack of Alpha status) enough to work out a deal that the Alphas could then ratify. Werewolves needed to move forward with rights and stable leadership and a way to resolve conflict short of violence, she thought, or things would never improve. Her thoughts were interrupted by a shout of "VEHICLES APPROACHING!!" By habit, most of her pack shifted and ran for the caves. Renee moved forward instead, seeing a Humvee and an Army transport truck leading a line of a dozen pickups, sport utility vehicles and cars. She recognized Colonel Montgomery in the lead vehicle. "Friends, everyone shift and dress, we have humans approaching." By the time the caravan made it over the dirt tracks to the vicinity of their cave system, Renee had gathered her pack behind her and they had made their way down to them. "Welcome, Colonel, it is good to see you again." "Alpha Renee, a pleasure to see you again. I come bringing gifts." He pointed at the line of vehicles and the soldiers exiting them. "After the war began, the Government confiscated any known assets of identified werewolf packs. The President has directed Pack assets be returned, but until our last meeting we did not know how or who to return them to. They are yours again." "Thank you, Stanley, but you didn't have to ride all the way out here to deliver trucks!" "No, I wanted to see you again and make sure you were doing all right. You didn't look so good the last time I was here." "I thank you for your concern. Please, would you and your men join us?" "I would be happy to have a few of us stay, but most of these men are needed back on base. If you don't mind..." He barked a few orders and most of the troops piled into the transport, leaving the Colonel, his aide Major Jack Johnson, and one new officer. "Alpha, this is Captain William Post, he is a Judge Advocate out of Washington and has been assigned the case of your pack." Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 08 Renee greeted the Captain, who was tall and well built, with dark brown hair and sharp features. "Welcome to the Santa Fe Pack. I am Alpha Renee Johnson." She gestured up towards the cave started to walk back up the trail with them. "Colonel, what do you mean he is assigned to our case?" "Well, you wouldn't believe what a clusterfuck it has become to give you your stuff back. Under the laws at the time, the Government was able to seize land, property and monies once identified as belonging to enemy combatants. Once it was taken, it tended to disappear. Land could be sold or absorbed into other government holdings, money went into the general fund, property might be auctioned. Then you add to it all the businesses that were lost, individual homes, investments and savings. We've been trying to figure it all out, but it's a mess of records and government agencies. We finally decided that we would assign a lawyer to each Pack to research claims and negotiate settlements. The last thing we want is for this peace to break down because of stuff." He turned and called up Capt. Post, who was carrying a briefcase. "For the last two weeks as we tried to contact this Pack, Captain Post was doing research and settling anything that could be done quickly. That was how we got the vehicles, they were still in a storage yard because no one had started auction proceedings on them yet. We renewed the titles, had mechanics go through them, and gassed them up for you." They reached the eating area, and Renee gestured for the men to sit while gesturing for her Pack members to sit as well. "Well, this will certainly help. I didn't want to stay in these caves longer than I had to and at least now we can go into town and get supplies." "There is more, there was some personal property that is packed in the vehicles." "That may take more time to go through, as you can see our Pack is not very big now compared to when this all started. What do you need from us?" Capt. Post smiled at them all. "What I need the most is information. We have a list of suspected Pack members and assets, but I'm sure it is not complete. I'd like a Pack roster from just before the conflict, marked up with current status. It's not just Pack property, there may be personal property available." Crystal then spoke up. "We have kept our Pack genealogy up to date, and it records all deaths of Pack members, and there have been no births since the war started. I cannot let it out of my control as it has been entrusted to me as a Pack Elder, but I can help you get the information you need from it. What about entire families that are gone? What happens with their stuff?" Col. Montgomery answered, "The assets return to the Pack. That was decided on a national level after the war." Ed pulled Crystal into his lap, and looked back at the officers. "What about our Pack den?" Capt. Post shook his head. "Unfortunately, that property was sold at auction about a year after the war started. I approached the new owners and they do not wish to sell it back. Since the Government took the property, they have clear title. I'm sorry, you'll have to find something else. I can put you in touch with a real estate expert if you want to begin a search." The look on the Pack's faces said it all; there would be no going home for them. Renee sent encouragement through the bond, "So we get a fresh start instead, we didn't need a huge place right now anyway. Too much to clean." Some of the ladies giggled at that. The Colonel decided to bring things to a close. "The Pack is not without assets to start again. Capt. Post has the documents required to transfer released assets to you immediately, and will help you with new claims as they are identified." With that, Captain Post guided Renee through a pile of documents. When he was done, he handed her a pair of ATM cards and the codes to access the Pack accounts. "We set the Pack up with a commercial checking account and put $500,000 into it for now. There is a money market account for the remainder." He slid the account statements across. Renee's eyes bugged out as she looked at the number. "Twenty eight point eighty seven million?" She heard some gasps from behind her as Capt. Post shook his head. "Yes, apparently real estate has done well since the war started, and so did the Pack investments. There is a couple million more that I'm still working through, plus any new claims that come through. On a per-capita basis, you are all millionaires now." Her mind was swimming as she considered the possibilities. Colonel Montgomery and his men stood up, knowing that the Pack needed to talk without them. "Alpha, we will leave you now but please keep in touch. These phones," handing Renee a pair of burner phones, "contain the numbers for myself and Captain Post, please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or require assistance. I also had them programmed with the contact information for known Alphas and Betas in the country. My goal is to ensure all the Packs in my area of responsibility are able to integrate fully into our society and nation again." Renee walked them back to their Humvee, thanking them all for their assistance and promising to keep in touch. As they left, she looked up at the fifteen people who made up her family. "Meeting in one hour, in the meantime go write down any information we need to get to Captain Post to help him out." Her Pack disappeared, their excitement evident. She wanted to join them, but she needed to make a phone call first. Her brother would know what to do, she thought as she scrolled through the contacts list and pressed SEND. ***** I-25 south of Colorado City ***** Alpha Stephen Diggs looked down at the young female medic who was straining against his hands as she fought to breathe. "Take it all, bitch, swallow." He forced her face farther onto his dick, ignoring her gagging as he pushed further into her mouth. She struggled to lift up, and that earned her a painful smack across her hanging breasts. She screamed, but that just made it easier to shove in another inch. Her face was turning blue and she was crying uncontrollably when he pulled out and let her gasp for air. He settled back into the leather seat and watched her face turn a bright red again, the color of her bra which had been torn off and thrown onto the floor of the vehicle. The driver and his bodyguard ignored what was going on in the back seat. He was Alpha, if he needed something he took it, and right now it looked like he needed to bust a nut. "Open." She shook her head no, silently begging him to leave her alone. He grabbed her right nipple and twisted hard; when she cried out he shoved himself back into her throat. "Kelly, you'll learn quickly it is better to please me than to fight me. I'm sure you'd prefer Kevin is still there when you return?" Her eyes went wide, she didn't want her future mate to be the next one to "disappear" on a scouting mission. She had just come of age at 18, but he still had four months to go before he could claim her. She tried to breath through her nose as he force-fucked her throat. Saliva dripped down her face as she tried to use her tongue to help him along, figuring the faster she got him off the sooner this would all end. She tried to focus on two things, memories of happier times and breathing. The car went over a bump and as she slipped from the seat she closed her mouth a bit, this caused her to scraped her teeth on him. "Bitch! No fucking teeth!" He pushed her up and backhanded her across the back seat. "Didn't anyone ever teach you to give a proper blowjob?" She hid her face against the opposite door, shaking in fear and crying. "Well, I wasn't going to be able to get off that way anyway." He shifted his right hand and cut her shorts off with an extended claw. Pushing her chest down to the seat, he used his other hand to lift her hips up. "Please stop," she cried, "I'm a virgin!" "Don't worry, I'll leave that for him. At least one hole!" With that, he placed the head of his cock at her anus and brutally shoved the first four inches inside her. Her scream was music to his ears, and the struggling just made him enjoy the tightness of her ass more. Her hands reached behind her to push him off, but he grabbed her wrists and pulled her straight back onto his raging dick. She struggled, but he was far larger and stronger than her and she had nowhere to go with her head stuck by the door. Stephen pulled back an inch then lunged forward again, this time getting six inches in as she continued to scream for him to stop. He looked down at her shapely ass, her ass was distended around his girth and had torn in a couple places from the rough entry. The blood combined with her saliva to provide minimal lubrication as he forced his cock deeper. By the time he had worked his nine inch length in fully, she had stopped begging, she was crying silently and praying to Luna for it to be over. He pounded her virgin ass hard and rough, the smack of his hips against her filling the car. He could feel his balls pulling tight as he approached his orgasm, so he pulled out and grabbed her hair with his left hand. He spun her around and held face in place while his right hand blurred as he jacked himself to completion. A prodigious load sprayed onto her red face and tits, mixing with the spit and tears that already covered them. When he was done, he shoved her mouth back to the base of his dick and held it there until she passed out. He then pushed her back into the corner and sat back down. He zipped himself back up and reached for his phone. If anyone knew the exact location of the den, it would be Colonel Montgomery- and he wouldn't hesitate to help an Alpha who was looking to reunite with some relatives in New Mexico. She pretended to stay asleep as they drove, knowing that the only way her Alpha would leave her alone would be if he found someone new to abuse. She just wanted Kevin to hold her, and wished he was strong enough to stand up against him. She shuddered as the Alpha told the Beta riding shotgun to switch places next stop, it was his turn with her. This trip couldn't be over fast enough. ******** Santa Fe Pack, New Mexico ******** Renee walked back towards the meeting area, she felt better after talking to Derek but still didn't know what to do with her little Pack. They had money and vehicles and pretty much nothing else. It was such a small group, too. You would never choose to start a pack without fifty or more members, without that you didn't have enough people to control your territory and do all the things that keep a pack functioning properly. When everyone was set, they went over their status, which was basically "rich but nowhere to go." They all agreed that long term, they needed to find new land and build a new Pack compound. Short term? It seemed like everyone was looking for something different. She asked everyone to write down one thing they wanted to do in the next month. The list looked like this: -See if my family in the Colorado Springs pack is still alive -Hunt as a Pack on the full moon -Find my mate (me too) (Me three!) -Look for new land for the Pack -Find a mate for our Alpha and the single ones in the Pack -See something other than desert hills -Go to an amusement park (obviously Michelle) -Stay in a place with real beds and room service -Anything other than live here in the caves -Visit my Alpha's old pack and meet her family -See my mate go into heat and get her pregnant -Have a family reunion -Get a break from cooking for a while Renee looked over the list, it actually wouldn't be hard to get a lot of these done. It would take some phone calls, they would need permission to cross into other territories, but she knew the Alphas she had met in the peace talks would not deny her small Pack that freedom. They could stay in some hotels, see the sights, and by visiting a number of Packs she could give her single members the best chance of finding their mate. She looked up at her Pack with a smile. "Get your stuff packed... we're going on a road trip!" As the younger ones squealed with excitement, she grabbed the cellphone and walked up to the top of the mountain where she could make a few calls. ***** Johnson Pack Camp, Montana ***** Amanda had filled Derek in on all the happenings as his helicopter approached the pad. The last few days had not been without their excitement, he thought. He was furious that Andy had disobeyed them, but relieved that Linda had come through the change so well. He could feel in his mind when the Alpha bond formed with her, and he sent his love and congratulations down the bond to Linda as they were coming in for a landing. "Thank you, Alpha. I'm sorry it happened this way, but I'm not sorry it happened. I love him." "I know, Linda. Be strong for him today, he will need you." Amanda met him at the helicopter pad, and as soon as he was away from the blades she jumped into his arms and kissed him like he was a sailor just back from deployment. "Love," he said when she finally took a breath, "I missed you too." He hugged her tight as her legs wrapped around his hips and he plundered her mouth again. The wolf whistles and laughter finally got them to stop and he let her down. His pack wasn't making fun of him, they loved seeing them like this as a strong Alpha pair meant a strong pack. His Betas gathered around him, along with two humans- Sheriff "Buck" Dawson and Montana State Assistant Attorney General Giles McHenry. Derek shook hands with both. "I wish we could meet in a more social setting first, but Pack justice is swift in such cases. I wanted to talk with you about how we are going to make Pack and Human law work in this case." Giles shrugged his shoulders. "Well, the peace treaty included the provisions for requiring judge's permission prior to a mating, but our state laws have not. The bill to enact this is still going through the Legislature and even if it passes, it can't apply retroactively to this situation. So, unless there was rape or incest or an underage person involved, it's really not something we would involve ourselves in." Derek considered this for a moment. "Both are of age and both the change and the mating were consensual. Andy is clearly subject to Pack law, but Linda is only subject to my authority after formation of the Alpha bond. That just happened a few minutes ago. Are we in agreement then that Linda is in the clear?" There were nods all around. Using the bond, he sent the news to Linda that she would not be subject to Pack tribunal or human courts for what had happened. Giles turned back to the Alphas. "I know it isn't my jurisdiction, but I would like to observe your Pack tribunal. It will give me a better idea of how you run things and how our laws will need to interact." Derek nodded at him. "You are welcome to observe but you cannot speak or interfere. Our justice is swift and brutal at times. Andy is facing penalties up to death today, and we have no appeal process and no delays in carrying out a sentence." Giles had heard this was their way. "Agreed. Sometimes I think our system has lost something along the way. I hate seeing years pass before justice is done." With that, Amanda invited her guests back to the tents for lunch. Using the Pack bonds, Derek announced, "The tribunal for Andy Miller will be held in one hour at the challenge circle. All Pack members are required to attend." Linda answered back over the bond. "Alpha, my camera crew is still here, they are documenting everything associated with my turn and your pack. Can they cover the tribunal?" Derek was taken back by her request, especially since it was her mate who was on trial. He knew deep down that for the treaty to work and for people to accept werewolves as they are, that it would be necessary to show them the good and the bad of their lives. "Yes, they can film it, but no local commentary and no noise. Also, if you become uncomfortable with it, stop them. Inform them they are to stop filming immediately at my direction or yours. Is that acceptable to them?" "Yes, thank you Alpha. We will make the arrangements." With that, Linda was on the satellite phone to her station in Denver and updated them on what was going on. The station manager started running promos immediately and was soon on the phone with the network, interest in her mating was off the charts and all other programming would be pre-empted. ***** Outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico ***** Kelly had pretended to still be asleep when the caravan pulled into a gas station. Everyone else got out to use the bathroom and ignored her near naked form in the back seat, but she heard the driver talk about how he would use her when they got back. This was nuts, this had to stop. The bastard HAD to be stopped before he ruined other girls. Her only hope was to find someone stronger than her Alpha. She saw that Alpha Diggs had left his cellphone on the seat by her leg. Slowly she moved her hand down to get it. She might have time for one quick call. She pulled up the call history and pressed the number for Colonel Montgomery. "Colonel? I can't talk, but Alpha Diggs is planning to attack and take over the Santa Fe pack. Please warn them, we are almost there." She hung up and put the phone back, praying that he wouldn't notice the extra call. If she was found out, he would not hesitate to kill her and then take out his rage on her family. ***** Johnson Pack Camp, Montana ***** The Pack was assembled in the circle with Andy seated at the center and Linda directly behind him when the Alpha pair entered. Everyone stood and lowered their eyes as the came to the front. Derek nodded to accept their submission and directed all except Derek to sit. "Andy Miller, you have been brought before this Pack tribunal on two charges: Disobedience of an Alpha command and unauthorized turning of a human. These charges if upheld can lead to any discipline including the forfeiture of your life. Do you understand these charges?" "Yes, Alpha." "Do you challenge these charges as being true?" "No, Alpha. You gave the rules to me and my wolf did it anyway. I accept my guilt and am ready for your judgment." Linda was shocked, she didn't know he wasn't even going to fight it. Derek and Amanda stood up and started to walk away. Linda stood up and called after them, "Alphas, PLEASE! It was all my fault. You have to know what I did before you judge what he did." Andy turned and gestured for her to sit, but she shook him off. "Do you remember EXACTLY what you told his wolf in an Alpha command?" Derek and Amanda came back to their place. "Yes, I told him that he may not have any physical contact with Ms. Remington unless she has granted him specific permission to do so." Linda put her hand on Andy's shoulder. "Then his wolf did not break your Alpha command, I begged him to take me, to make me his. I wanted to be turned." "Show me," Derek replied. "Open up your Alpha bond with me and remember exactly how it happened." It took her a few minutes as she was so new with the bonds, but Amanda helped talk her through it. She replayed the scene in her mind and Derek relayed it to the rest of the Pack. When it was done, he looked at her again. "Is there anything else you want to say before we pass judgment?" "Yes, my Alphas. I love him so much, PLEASE don't take him from me now. If you kill him, you may as well kill me too, I can't know this bond and then lose it again." She buried her face in Andy's neck as he reached behind to hold her hand. A few minutes later, the Alpha pair returned to the circle. "Andy Miller, you admitted to disobedience of your Alphas and unauthorized turning of a human. These are serious charges that threaten the peace we just made with humans, and threaten the Pack itself. We have considered the circumstances of your actions but the punishment must be severe." Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 08 Andy lowered his head as Linda wrapped her arms around his waist crying. "I understand, and I apologize to you and the Pack for my actions." Derek and Amanda walked up and each placed a hand on Andy's head. "Andy Miller, you are sentenced to expulsion from the Pack. You will have one hour to gather your things and say your goodbyes, then you will be escorted off Pack lands. If you return, your life will be forfeit." With that, they broke their Alpha bonds with him. He sank to the ground as he lost the anchor connection to his Pack. "If you do not join another Pack, you may petition for reinstatement after one year. Do you understand?" "Yes, my...my... I'm sorry. Thank you for your mercy." His head was spinning, wolves were social creatures and lone wolves did not fare well. Amanda pressed a piece of paper into his hand, looking down he saw Renee's name and a phone number. "Call her... she's an Alpha now and can use a good Beta. Learn from this and take care of your mate." The Alpha pair then turned to Linda. "Linda, you are Pack and you were not subject to discipline. You need to decide if you wish to remain Pack with us, or we can break the bond with you and the two of you can look for a new pack together." Linda was crying, but knew the answer. "I can't be without him, where he goes I go as well." Nodding his head, Derek and Amanda placed hands on her head and broke the newly formed Alpha bonds with her. She could feel the loss in her wolf, and her crying became even stronger as she was led away. Derek addressed the Pack. "The Tribunal is over, Andy and Linda are no longer members of the Johnson Pack. Linda is welcome on Pack lands as long as she wishes, but Andy is banished for at least one year. There is no joy in what has happened here, only a warning. We are Pack because we choose to be, and part of that is because we obey the Pack structure and laws. If you cannot, you will be removed before you damage the rest of us. May Luna watch over them as they find their way as new mates." ***** Eight miles south of Santa Fe Pack Den ***** The caravan unloaded and the warriors shifted into wolf form. The GPS coordinates that had been provided by Col. Montgomery had been mapped, it would be a quick run to the den through the lengthening shadows of the desert evening. Alpha Diggs towered over his men. "With me. Kill any who resist, but leave the Alpha to me." The wolves followed him two by two as a few Omegas, including Kelly, were left behind with the vehicles. It shouldn't take long. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 09 "You can have anything you want You can drift, you can dream, even walk on water Anything you want You can own everything you see Sell your soul for complete control Is that really what you need? You can lose yourself this night See inside, there is nothing to hide Turn and face the light What do you want from me?" -Pink Floyd, "What Do You Want From Me" ******** Santa Fe Pack Caves, New Mexico ******** Alpha Stanley Diggs was pissed. They had run unopposed to the caves only to find them empty. The scent of the pack was still strong around them, so they hadn't missed them by much. His men had searched the caves, it was clear they had left in a hurry. Someone had tipped them off. It was the only way they would have escaped him. Stanley stood naked in the middle of the compound, his fists clenched, staring at his men as they tried to appear busy. None of his Betas or warriors would even look at him, rightfully afraid for their lives when he was in a mood like this. His mind was swirling as he considered the betrayal. He would find out who it was, he vowed. They would regret the day they were whelped. He would make an example of them. He started to walk into the caves when one of his Betas yelled for him and the others. He was standing at the edge of a small slot canyon and pointing down. "Alpha, I've found some dead wolves." Stanley walked to the edge and looked down at the three bodies starting to bloat in the Southwestern heat. All we large males; with another sniff he recognized one was Alpha Luis Gonzales. "Men, fan out and search a two mile radius. I want to know if there is anyone else around." He turned back, not wanting his men to see the confusion in his mind. Could another Alpha have had the same idea before he did? Luis was formidable, not as strong as he was, but no pushover. As he walked back, he shifted to wolf form and decided to pay more attention to the scents left behind, thinking perhaps he would identify an Alpha or Beta he had met before. As he got to the challenge circle, he recognized a scent. Renee Johnson. He hardened instantly, his body poised. This was a most interesting day. But what in the hell was a Next Alpha from Montana doing here? ***** Johnson Pack Camp, Montana ***** "Come on, we'll drive you out." Linda and Eric had one arm the other as Len and Tony led the way to the satellite truck. Not much was said, Linda had cried the whole time they were packing and saying their goodbyes. Tony felt a little guilty about all the filming he had done, but it was news and it was his job. His heart was breaking for his friend, who just found love and family and was seeing it torn apart in front of her, and the whole country was watching. Eric broke the silence first. "Len, can you get me a copy of her tail chase? I want to get a big picture of that to put in our living room." He feigned hurt as she elbowed him in retaliation. "Hey, at least I CAUGHT my tail." The luggage was loaded and with some final waves they were off, escorted by a Pack beta in front and behind. The ride was slow and bumpy on the hastily constructed road leading back to a logging trail and then to town. Len turned and looked at Linda. "Where to, Boss?" Linda sighed. "Head back to the station. We can't stop on Pack lands, so after our escort leaves us let's find a place to eat. I'll brief the station manager as soon as we get a cellphone signal." She snuggled into Eric's side. "I didn't think it would leave me so empty." "The Alpha bond is a powerful thing for our wolves. We are drawn to it, we need it for stability and belonging. It's like someone ripped a part of my soul out and left a big empty place behind." He kissed the top of her head as she cried on his shirt. "I didn't know it would affect you this much since you just got it, but I guess your wolf knows what she needs." "Are you mad at Derek and Amanda for doing this to us?" He sighed. "No, it's not their fault that my wolf and I couldn't control our behavior. I had every intent of doing this right when we left, but you, my love, are irresistible." Lifting up her chin with his finger, he smiled. "They didn't leave us without. They will help us find a new home quickly." "How? What Pack will accept you knowing you were kicked out for disobeying Alpha commands?" "My old commander will. Renee Johnson is now the Alpha of the Santa Fe pack in New Mexico. Amanda gave me her phone number and told me to call; her Pack is small and she needs a second. If we want, I'm sure she will take us in." "I guess we will find out in a few hours then. Hold me?" He gathered her into his lap. "Forever, my love." ***** Santa Fe Pack Territory, New Mexico ***** Stanley Diggs stared into her eyes as she struggled to breathe. They had not found anything else near the site, so he had led them back to their cars. None of the women left behind would look him in the eye, but Kelly was clearly hiding something. He dragged her naked body out of the SUV. She shuddered as he closed his slightly shifted hand around her throat and her feet flailed in midair a foot above the road. "Someone warned them. You have no idea how upset I get when one of my Pack betrays me." Her eyes were bugging out as her hands fought against his grip without success. "Tell me what you did and I'll think about letting your family live." She closed her eyes, resigned to die before admitting anything. Her Alpha continued to squeeze, his claws piercing her throat. She was one good shake away from death when his phone rang. His driver pulled it out of the back of the vehicle. "Alpha Digg's phone, Jeff speaking." He held it out. "Alpha, you need to take this." Stanley dropped his medic to the ground and grabbed the phone. "This had better be good." A woman's voice answered. "Alpha Diggs, you should know that entering another Pack's land without permission is an act of war. Your little raiding party is too late. You have one minute to get back in your vehicles and get the hell out of here." Stanley laughed. "Or what? Are you going to send your Alpha after me? I just saw him, he's vulture food." "No, not him. I WILL send a 308 caliber 220 grain Winchester Silvertip boattail at three thousand feet per second into your left eye. You'll be dead before you hit the ground." "Who are you?" "One of a dozen snipers with their crosshairs on your head right now. I'm Alpha Renee Johnson, and you're on my land. Leave that woman behind and leave in your trucks before we cut you down where you stand. You have 30 seconds." Stanley looked around, but he couldn't see or smell anything. They were completely exposed on the road. He choked down his rage as he hung up. "LOAD UP NOW! MOVE!" As soon as his driver was in, he ordered him to turn around and get them the hell out of there. The caravan took off as quickly as they came. Stanley was angry, frustrated, embarrassed and incredibly aroused, and the arousal was winning. That woman... she challenged his very soul. "The spirited filly is the most fun to break," he said. One day soon he would force her submission, and her mating. As his Alpha bitch she would be glorious. Renee let the breath she had been holding out. Slowly she rose up from their position on a small hill a half mile away. Crystal was amazed, and the rest of the pack couldn't believe this turn of events. "Alpha, what were you going to do if they didn't leave?" "Say 'BANG' and run like hell?" They all laughed, they may be a small pack and she may be a new and female Alpha, but she just bluffed a powerful Alpha and his warriors into leaving armed with nothing other than a cellphone. "It's not safe to go back to the caves, if we need anything we'll buy it in town. Let's get back in the vehicles, I want to go meet with the other area Alphas. If he was going to go after us, he might go after them too. We also need to pick up that woman he left behind and find out why he was about to kill her." Renee had just directed Anna and another woman to take a vehicle to the woman when her phone rang. "Hello, this is Alpha Johnson." "Renee, it's Robert Hastings of the Gila Pack in Arizona. I'm so happy to hear your voice. I take it Alpha Diggs was not successful in his attack?" "Yes, at least for now. We got a tipoff he was coming, luckily we weren't at our caves and we knew not to return. We managed to bluff our way into getting him to leave." "Bluff? He's not the kind of man that is easily fooled." "I didn't have a choice, he had more than twenty warriors with him and my pack has hardly anyone left. It won't keep him away, but he's not after the land." "Why do you say that?" "I think he's more interested in our money than our territory. We don't even have our Pack lands any more, they were sold by the Government during the war. He figured out that if he takes over the Pack he takes over the Pack bank account too." She could hear Robert exhale before he continued. "You're right, and that's one reason I wanted to ask you to come meet with me. I doubt if he's going to stop his plans just because you outsmarted him once. I think all the Alphas in this area need to talk." "Well, right now we're planning to take a road trip and meet some new people. Are you up for visitors?" "Absolutely. You will always be welcome on our Pack lands, Renee, and that was true before you took out that sadistic bastard. Give me a call when you get to Socorro and we'll give you an escort." "Thank you Robert. I look forward to seeing you again. Be warned, though- half my pack is single and they're looking for mates." Robert laughed heartily. "I'll warn the single ones in my Pack. Hopefully they will find them here. Take care of them Renee, I'll see you soon." "You too." She hung up with a smile on her face. Just then Anna spoke up on the Alpha bond. "Alpha, we need you down here. Kelly is asking for you and it is urgent." Renee directed one vehicle to travel a few miles down the road and ensure Diggs was gone while they went to see the woman who had nearly been killed on the road. They pulled up next to her as she was being cradled in Anna's arms in the back seat of the SUV. Anna had found a T-shirt and shorts for her to wear, but she could smell the blood. Anna had tears in her eyes as they both looked up at Renee. "Alpha, this is Kelly Vickers. She was the one who called the military to warn us of Diggs and his attack." Renee smiled broadly. "We are in your debt, Kelly. What you did was incredibly brave, I'm glad you are still with us. Was that why he was going to kill you?" Kelly's voice wavered, the adrenaline was still leaving her system. "Yes, he knew someone had to have warned them and you can't lie to your Alpha. He could tell it was me. Alpha, he didn't kill me but he will go after my future mate and my family. He already threatened to kill my Kevin while he was raping me in the back of his car. Please, I have to warn them. Can I use a phone?" Renee nodded as she handed over a burner. "Kelly, tell your family and anyone else who wants to leave that my pack will take them in. If they can get away, have them go into Denver and find a place to hide out for a few days until we can get them." Kelly nodded as she dialed. "Would you like to join our Pack as well?" "Yes, if you'll take me. I can't go back. He'll kill me." Renee cupped her face and smiled as the Alpha bond formed. "Call whoever you can, get them out of there quickly. My Pack welcomes them." Kelly sat back and started talking to her parents. "Mom? It's Kelly. You need to get out of there NOW. Alpha Diggs will kill you if you don't leave." "Mom, he raped me and threatened my mate. I escaped but I warned the people he was going to attack. He'll go after you since he lost me. I've got a new Pack and new Alpha, Renee Johnson, she said they will take you in. Get to Denver and wait for me to call." "NOW, Mom. Run!" Kelly hung up and started to dial more numbers as Renee and her Pack members walked away to give her some privacy. When the scout car returned, she called a quick Pack meeting. "Kelly has joined our Pack, she risked her life to warn us of the attack. Her Alpha was as big a bastard as Luis was. I've offered a place in the Pack to her family and any others who want to get out from under him. She has been raped and abused and needs our help." She could tell by their faces that they were willing, their Pack was recovering from the same abuse. Crystal spoke first. "Where will we put them? We don't have anything." "We'll find a way. We need to grow, we aren't big enough to be a sustainable pack right now. I know it will be a challenge for us to absorb new members so quickly, but we won't survive without it." "How many others are there," asked Ken. "I don't know yet, at least one family. We will know more later, but we need to load up and get out of here before he comes back. Alpha Hastings of the Gila Pack has offered to host a visit. He is a good man, I trust him. It will give us a chance to talk with other Alphas about how to deal with Diggs, plus it will be a chance for some of you to look for a mate." Wendy raised her hand. "Alpha, do we have time to go back to the caves and get our stuff? I don't want to lose my medical supplies." "Sorry, we don't. I don't know how long it will take Diggs and company to realize that they were fooled, and we can't be here when they do. Whatever we need, we'll buy on the way. It's just stuff, right?" There were smiles at this as they filled the cars again. Renee got into the SUV with her elders Crystal and Ed and driver Rich. The men took the front seats, and Michelle crawled over Crystal's lap to sit between her foster parent and her new Alpha. Rich looked back at them with a smile on his face. "Where to, Boss?" "Albuquerque. We have a few things to do before we meet the Gila pack. Keep to the back roads, we don't want Digg's men to spot us." ***** Crested Butte Pack, Colorado ******* Blake had expected the call from his Alpha, and answered quickly. "Yes Alpha, Blake here." The anger was apparent by his tone of voice. "That bitch Kelly Painter betrayed us and warned the Santa Fe pack we were coming. I want her family held for me until we return. That mate of hers, Kevin, too." Blake let a breath out slowly, this would cause problems as her family was well respected in the pack. "Yes Alpha, it shall be done. Did you deal with her?" "No. I will though. She ran off with the Santa Fe pack Alpha. Apparently, Renee Johnson is now the Alpha." Just saying her name was enough to get him impossibly hard. "We will be down here for a week or so. I have to assume the other packs have been warned, and we need more intelligence on the Santa Fe pack before we make our move." "Alpha, this could cause problems. Renee Johnson is a celebrity among the humans and is respected among the other Alphas. She is also close with the military leadership. Killing her would have serious repercussions." "Kill her? Never. Not unless I can fuck her to death." Stanley's head went back as he envisioned her moaning under him. "No, I plan to make her my Alpha Bitch. She'll bring her pack with her." Blake paused, thinking of the implications. "She would be a great asset to the Pack. Have you talked to her about it?" "Not yet. She will become my mate, or she will die." "Alpha, you need to know one more thing. I did some asking around with the military leadership before you attacked. Apparently, the Santa Fe pack lands have been sold. The government had to pay them for it since the new owners wouldn't sell. This pack doesn't have its own territory, but it has money." "How much?" "Over twenty five million. More is coming. If you can bring her into the Pack it would be yours." Stanley paused. This would make it more lucrative, but more difficult at the same time since he didn't know where they would be. "I'll use the men to search for them, they are probably on the move. Keep in touch. If Kelly contacts the Pack, let her know that if she turns herself in I will spare her family. She will come to us. Call me if anything changes." Blake heard the line close and called for some additional Betas to meet him at the cave entrances. This was not the job he wanted right now, but he wouldn't let his Alpha down. He looked at his men. "The Painter family is to be held for the Alpha. Let's go." ***** I-80 west of Cheyenne, Wyoming ***** Linda's producer at KUSA-Denver was thrilled to hear from her. They had watched the trial, their switchboard was still overwhelmed with people wanting to help or to know what happened. Linda's story touched like few others. After explaining that they needed to meet to talk about their next move, the station had sent their helicopter north to meet them at the Cheyenne Airport. It was Andy's turn now. He dialed the number Amanda had given him. She answered on the first ring. "Alpha Johnson, who is this?" "Renee, it's Andy Miller. I'm calling with my mate Linda." "ANDY!! You've mated? Congratulations! When did this happen?" "Well, Alpha, it happened before it was supposed to. I mated without Derek's permission and turned Linda as well. We've been expelled from the pack." There was a long pause. "Andy, can I speak to Linda please?" Andy handed the phone to his mate. "Hi Renee, it's Linda. Congratulations on becoming an Alpha, you'll be wonderful with your own pack." "Thank you Linda. How are you finding life as a werewolf?" It's been a shock, really. A few days ago I didn't know Andy existed, and now I want to have children with him. Then there's the whole 'grow hair and a tail' thing. I'm overwhelmed but deliriously happy, does that make sense?" "It does, it sounds just like new mates. I'm so happy for you. Linda, why were you expelled from the pack?" "I couldn't stay there while he was gone, and so I chose to have the Alpha bond broken so if we found a new pack we could both join. We'd like to join yours if you will take us." "Put Andy back on please." There was a pause as the phone was handed over. "Andy, I can't have a Beta in my pack who won't obey an Alpha command. Why should I take you in?" "Renee, my wolf was crushed by what happened. We never wanted to leave, and the pain of losing my Alpha bond was a strong lesson. We have learned from it and just want a chance to make amends. Amanda gave me your number right after they broke the Alpha bond, I think she knew I could help you and you might take us in." "I will decide soon. I need to speak with Derek first. In the meantime, where are you?" "Cheyenne. We'll be in Denver in a few hours, Linda has some meetings with KUSA management." Denver was good, Amanda thought. "I can use your help in Denver with another matter. There are refugees from the Crested Butte pack that are heading that way; they are family and friends of Kelly, a brave young lady who is now in my Pack. I need them hidden and protected until we can get there, which may be a few days from now. Can you do that for me?" "Of course, Renee. I will protect them with my life." "OK, I will give them your phone number and allow you to make arrangements directly. Don't worry about expenses, this will cover it." She rattled off the numbers of their new Pack debit card. "Keep them out of sight, and give me a call each day to update me on the progress." "Yes Alpha, it will be done. They will want to call Kelly, can I have them call this number?" "Yes, but we are all getting new phones soon so I will text you the contact information when it's all settled. Keep your head down, Andy, and take good care of Linda. She's important to me." "I will. Thank you, Alpha." Renee hung up and told her driver to find a Wal-Mart or mall, they would need clothes, cellphones and food soon. Mostly food, she was starving. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 09 Michelle looked up from where she was snuggled in under Renee's arm. "Alpha, is the new Beta going to be like the others?" Renee understood her hesitation, she had bad experiences with the previous Betas in her pack. "Those men weren't real Betas. Real Betas protect the vulnerable in their pack with their lives if necessary. They help the Alpha and defend against threats. They don't use their position to bully or abuse. Just like a real Alpha is all about making sure the needs of the Pack are met and they are safe." Michelle snuggled in closer. "I'm so glad we have you as Alpha, I love you." "I love you too, Michelle." A few minutes later the little girl was asleep at her side. Renee made a call to her brother and filled him in on everything that was happening. He encouraged her to take in Andy, she needed a strong Beta and her pack didn't have one. He also told her that they needed to meet with the other Alphas soon before Diggs could attack another pack. As she hung up, their little caravan was pulling into the Wal-Mart. Over the bond she said, "Buy what you need for a few weeks on the road, including luggage. We will get food for the road. We need to be out in 30 minutes, so make it fast." She held Michelles' hand as they walked in, she had never seen anything like this place. ***** West of Denver ***** The wolves ran for their lives through the woods. They knew full well what would happen when Alpha Diggs returned. In addition to the Painter family, Kevin's family and several others had seized the chance to get out of the Pack now that the war was over and they knew a better Alpha would take them in. Meanwhile, back at the pack caves, Blake and his men did not hide their displeasure at finding the families gone. Blake looked at his remaining Betas. "Seal the borders, don't let them through. You three track them. I have to make a phone call." They ran off immediately, thankful that they weren't the ones who had to inform their Alpha. Blake dialed a number. "Alpha, I have a problem..." The conversation went as expected. Blake hung up, placed the phone on a lanyard, shifted and took off at full speed after his trackers. Failure was not an option. ***** Tucanos Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant Albuquerque , New Mexico ***** They had cleared out the Wal-Mart in record time, and new clothes and supplies were filling the backs of their vehicles. Wendy had filled two carts with medical equipment and supplies alone. It took a long time for Renee to feel they were far enough away from the old Pack lands to stop for the night. The sandwiches from the Wal-Mart deli had done little to quell their hunger, so when they saw the billboard for "all you can eat meat" her Pack clamored to stop. What the hell, they had the cash for a good meal. She looked around the long table in the back room where they had been seated, the happy faces of her now 17 strong pack looking back at her. Well, nineteen actually- she had called Andy and Linda back and accepted them as well. Andy was going to be her second and lead Beta. She was looking forward to seeing them again soon. The waiter came and took their drink orders and explained how things worked. "The salad bar is open to you, but the meats and side dishes will be brought to your table. Each of you has a wooden marker by your plate, if it is green the servers will ask you if you want what they have, if you turn it to red it means you aren't interested in more food right now. We have fifteen kinds of meat tonight, so pace yourselves." Renee just smiled. "Keep it rare and keep it coming, this group is hungry." They were drooling already from the smells in the restaurant. "Are you werewolves?" He shifted his feet nervously. "Yes, but don't worry- if the meat keeps coming we won't nibble on your leg." She laughed, and he turned and hurried back to the kitchen. "Ok, everyone, let's strap on the feed bag!" With that they headed to the salad bar for their warmup. Michelle stayed by her side, and Renee helped her choose a little of everything so she could figure out what she liked. By the time they returned to the table, a veritable parade of servers was lined up. Beef, lamb, pork, veal- the servers arrived with a sword full of meat and left with it empty. It was driving the manager nuts, he had half his kitchen serving just one table and they showed no signs of stopping. An hour later, the red signs finally started to appear. "Madam, I am Javier the manager, I trust you have enjoyed your visit to our establishment?" Renee by now was leaning back in her chair, her belly distended almost like she was five months pregnant instead of the two it actually was. "Yes, the food was excellent. I think I may fall into a meat coma!" There was laughter around the table, they hadn't eaten that well in ages. In wolf form, they would have just fallen asleep at the table until the next day. "I don't know if I want to drive anywhere, is there a good hotel nearby?" "Yes, if you exit the parking lot and go three blocks east you will see the Southwest Hilton, it is excellent." "Thank you. Can we have a few minutes to talk before you bring the dessert tray?" "Of course, Madam." As he walked away, he decided that in the future they would have to have a "Were Rate" on their pricing. This group had put a serious dent in tonight's profits. Kelly looked over at Renee and asked, "Alpha, have you heard anything from my family?" "Not yet. I expect it may take them some time to get off Pack lands and make contact. I have a man in Denver who will pick them up and shelter them until we can get there." "Thank you." Renee smiled. "We are Pack, we support each other." She looked around the table at her small group. "I want you to know what I intend to do. Staying small won't work. Whether we merge with another pack or take in enough people, we have to grow to survive. We will need leaders, too; I can't do this alone, and almost all of you are Omega rank. Then there is the fact that I'm pregnant and a female Alpha is easier to challenge." Crystal asked, "But who would we merge with?" "I don't know. I think my old Pack in Montana would take us in, and there are several others closer. We have time to decide after we meet with the other Alphas. Our Pack is bound to change as you find your mates, too- some of you will be leaving to join your mate's Pack, while others will join us for the same reason. Now that the war is over, we can interact and move between Packs easily. This gives you the best chance of finding your mate." There was a minor interruption as the dessert cart came by. Since werewolves find chocolate to be poisonous, there were only a few selections, but all of them completely decadent. The ten minute conversation had been enough for them to regain some appetite. As they enjoyed their desserts, they considered how best to meet with the other Packs. They were going to one pack soon, but the packs were widely scattered and it could take months to visit them all, even if they got permission to enter all those lands. Patrick pointed out that since their whole Pack was traveling, it would be more of an invasion force than a social call. Wendy spoke up. "What we really need is a central place to meet. We could get all the unmated from each pack in one place, we could find out if our mate is out there in a weekend." Renee looked up, her eyes bright with possibility. "If we did it at the same time as an Alpha meeting, it could kill two birds with one stone. Having each Alpha and some senior Betas around would make the meeting more comfortable. We could have it on neutral territory. Hang on a minute..." Renee got her phone out and called Andy and Linda. "Linda... do you think you could help me arrange a meeting for all the Alphas and unmated Pack members?" Linda smiled. "Not only can I help, but I'll get my network to sponsor it and cover it. We could find a big park near Denver, something with a building for meetings and plenty of space to run and meet. It's a great idea, it's just what we need for the Packs to come out into the open. We could have bands, food vendors, there would be tons of human women who would attend..." "What do you mean human women?" "Hello... hot young Werewolf males, all animal lust and muscles, and love at first sniff. Humans like me have found mates among you, and the live coverage of my experience had huge ratings. Do you know how many women sick of the dating scene would go for the idea of a soul mate who will take her and never leave her? We'll be overrun. We'll probably get some human males for the same reason. It makes dating look like a waste of time." "I see what you mean. We should probably invite some of the military leadership to the event as well, just to make sure we have all discussion topics covered." "I'll start making phone calls, Alpha. How soon do you want this?" "How about this weekend?" There was a sudden intake of breath on the other end, as it was Tuesday night already. "That will be a challenge, but I'll find a way to make it happen. I'll call you back as soon as we have a location and start time. I better get going, my boss needs to know about this since he has the contacts I need." "Thank you Linda, tell Andy hi for me and goodnight." "Goodnight Renee." Linda hung up and looked down at Andy, whose face was nestled in her sex as his tongue did wicked things to her. He knew she had to take the phone call, but it didn't mean he had to stop his worship of her body as they relaxed in her Denver apartment. Now that she was off the phone, he pressed forward, determined to make her scream in pleasure. "Andy!! You are so naughty!" "Hey, I'm not the one who hung up on her Alpha because she was about to come all over her mate's face." He grinned then dove back in like a starving man at a buffet, licking her slowly as he drove a lubricated digit into her ass. Her moans drove him onward, his thumb stroking her wet channel as his tongue did wicked things to her labia. He plundered her sex with his hand, shaking his head from side to side as he held his tongue flat to her sex. Her moans were continuous now, she had lost the ability to speak as her hips sought to move his tongue to her clit. He wasn't cooperating, using his free hand to hold her hips down as he kept her on the edge. Every time he felt her approaching the peak, he would back off a little. It was frustrating as hell for her, she wanted to come and she told him so in language that would make a sailor blush. "Beg for it," he taunted. "FUCK! Andy, please, just do it, please, I'll do anything, please..." It was enough, and he sent her over by sucking her clit into his mouth and tonguing back and forth on it as fast as he could. She screamed his name as her body tensed, lifting him off the bed before she crashed down again. Again and again her body tensed then collapsed, leaving her slick with sweat and exhausted. "Oh my God, that tongue is SO talented... you outdid yourself." He smiled as he pushed himself up to meet her lips, kissing her hard and deep as she tried to catch her breath. "Roll over, babe, I'm not done yet." He gently rolled her over then placed a couple of large pillows under her stomach. His impressive erection trailed across the back of her leg as he knelt down, his hands reaching up to massage her neck and shoulders. His fingers moved slowly, drawing out the pleasure as she began a low moan. His hands kept moving inexorably downward, finally reaching her firm ass that he loved so much. She didn't realize what he was doing as his hands spread her cheeks apart until his slightly shifted tongue pushed through her sphincter and into her back channel. "AAAIIIEEEEEE! FUCK! FUCK FUCK what are you doing to me?" She hadn't minded the anal play before, the feeling of a finger in her ass was a welcome addition, but this was so intense, so dirty, so unexpected. She was an anal virgin, and his attentions made her nervous but she couldn't deny the pleasure he gave her. She started to moan as she felt the start of another orgasm coming to the surface. Her reaction spurred him forward, and more of his tongue pressed in and started to swirl around. She knew then that there was nothing he would not do, no fantasy he would not fulfill for her. She tilted her hips up, pushing back onto his wicked tongue as he drover her farther and farther. She felt one, then two, then three fingers press deep into her dripping sex, doubling her pleasure as she buried her face in the pillow to quiet her screams. He continued his torment for a minute or so before he plunged his tongue deep then started to rotate his fingers back and forth within her, his knuckles spinning around quickly driving her over the edge. She lost track of time, forgot to breathe, and passed out from the sheer pleasure he was giving her. Andy gently withdrew when she stopped moving, sitting up and stroking her back as she slowly regained her wits about her. "We have to work on your stamina, honey, my wolf hasn't had his turn yet." She moaned loudly, wondering how she would survive more attention. "Food. Drink. Then sex. Clearly I need more energy to keep up with you." He chuckled and headed off into the kitchen to make her a snack. A few minutes later he returned with a bottled water and a warm washcloth. He cleaned her up then pulled some pillows near the headboard and set her upright. "Just don't think that baseball bat of yours is going up there. I'll never walk again." "You'd be amazed at what your body can do when properly motivated and prepared, love." He scampered back to the kitchen before she could think of a retort. Ten minutes later, the phone rang again while Andy was cooking steaks in a cast iron pan. It was Amanda, calling to see how they were doing. She crept into the kitchen as he updated her on what was going on with the new pack. His back was to her, in a T-shirt over cotton sleep pants. She silently approached, kneeling down as she yanked his pants down to his ankles. When he turned in surprise, she grabbed his dick and gobbled half of it down her throat. He caught the edge of the counter to keep from collapsing as his knees gave way. Her eyes looked up at him, shiny with lust and more than a bit of challenge. Turnabout was fair play, she thought, hoping he was enjoying his phone call. As her nose reached his pubic hair, she knew it would be a brief conversation. ***** Tucanos Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant Albuquerque , New Mexico ***** The mood over dessert was rather festive, the idea of a mass gathering of werewolves had them all excited. "Well," Renee said, "If we're going to have a get together, we need a name for it. Something catchy." "Matequest." "Speed Wolfing" "Wolf Fest" "Were Days" Crystal smiled. "Wolfstock." "We have a winner!" ***** West of Denver ***** Blake caught up to his other Betas as they had surrounded a large group of wolves. He was shocked that so many would flee his Pack, and worried about his Alpha's reaction. He shifted and stood before them. "What are you thinking? Go home. Do it quickly before your betrayal is known." Kelly's father shifted and faced him down. "The war has ended yet we still suffer. Do you know what your Alpha has done to my daughter?" "It doesn't matter, he's the Alpha. His word is law." "Not of us, not anymore. No man who rapes young girls is worthy to lead me." "You can't just leave." "Actually, we can. He is only Alpha because his Pack recognizes him as such. That animal forced himself on my daughter, leaving her bleeding and broken, just because he could. We have broken our bond with him. Alpha Johnson has already taken Kelly in, and she will take us too." "You'll leave over my dead body." He glared at them, daring them to test him. The other Betas lined up alongside him. A wolf in the back shifted and stood. "Don't do this, Blake. Search your heart, you know this isn't right." "Mom?" Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 10 "On the wings of the night As the daytime is stirring Where the speechless unite in a silent accord Using words you will find are strange Mesmerised as they light the flame Feel the new wind of change On the wings of the night No more turning away From the weak and the weary No more turning away from the coldness inside Just a world that we all must share It's not enough just to stand and stare Is it only a dream that there'll be No more turning away? " -Pink Floyd, "On The Turning Away" ***** I-25 Rest Stop south of Socorro, NM ***** The caravan exited the freeway late the next morning. Renee's vehicle led the group to the back of the rest area where Alpha Hastings and his top Betas were waiting outside their Humvee. Looking at Crystal and Ed, she ordered both to remain with the vehicle and wait for the Gila Beta to join them. "Michelle, you stay with me. We will be riding with Alpha Robert and his second. All of us will follow his vehicle into the Pack area, and his men will fall in behind us. They are friends, but they don't fully trust us yet so be on good behavior." "Yes, Alpha, it will be done," Rich replied as they turned in next to the Gila Pack vehicle. The other cars in the caravan stayed back a few parking spaces. "Michelle, you stay with me and behave, OK?" "Yes, Alpha." She held her hand as they stepped out of their vehicle. "Renee, so good to see you again!" "Thank you Robert. Thank you so much for inviting us to visit you Pack. This is Michelle, she is the only cub in my Pack and has become kind of attached to me." Robert bent down and sniffed her neck while she sniffed his, in the normal manner of wolves meeting a stranger. He then escorted them into the back of his Humvee as one of his Betas joined her lead vehicle. Renee got in first so she could talk with Robert while Michelle could look out the window. "I'm glad we have some time in private, I need to bring you up to speed." Renee spent most of their drive relaying everything that had happened since they last saw each other at the peace talks. Robert remained quiet and calm, but she could see his fists clenching at parts and she knew he was trying hard not to frighten the cub. "I'm glad you are here, Renee. Tomorrow I have asked other Alphas in this region to join me on a conference call. Diggs threatens us all, but it seems like with you it is personal." "He's had a hard-on for me ever since the talks. He was smart enough not to approach me while I was still in mourning, but I could see him staring at me. Now I've made him look foolish and have taken a girl from him. He won't stop looking for me." "No, he won't, especially since you're about to carve away a significant chunk of his pack. This betrayal will drive him into a killing rage. He won't stop until you are dead." "Kelly says he wants to make me his Alpha bitch whether I want to or not. I'm thinking that may not be on the table." "Well, this will be one of the topics for the call. Even with the losses, he came through the war with more warriors than any of our Packs, and he's a strong wolf. Taking him on will not be easy. We will have to be united to stand a chance." Just then Renee's phone rang. "I'm sorry, I need to take this, it's about the gathering." She opened the phone and greeted Linda. "Hi Linda, did we find a place for Wolfstock?" Linda giggled at the name, then said, "Yes. We're going to use the Red Rock ampitheater and surrounding land. The station manager was able to get the city and county to lease it to us for the weekend, and to process expedited permits It will be a challenge to get it all done, but we can have the first events Friday night and we have it through Sunday evening. It's convenient to Denver and still somewhat isolated, plus it can handle the crowds we may get." "That's wonderful! I know it's asking a lot, but I need you two to coordinate the arrangements for this event. Hire people if you need to. Don't worry about the cost, use this." Renee rattled off the number of the Pack corporate credit card. "We want to make this a fun event, so look at getting food and entertainment set up, maybe some local bands. Focus on meat vendors, you know we like barbecue, maybe we can get them set up. Make a deal where they get a spot in exchange for helping to promote the event." "Oh, we've got some ideas on that already. The station will sponsor the event and help me with arrangements, I'm still an employee after all. They want to provide the coverage." "OK, keep me posted, I will be a few days before I get to Denver. I will take care of inviting all the Packs, you take care of advertising to bring in the humans." "That's not a problem, we're looking forward to it. Like I said, our biggest problem with the humans is getting too many of them." "Linda, I want to keep Friday werewolf-only. If there are going to be matings, a lot will happen that first night and we don't want to scare everyone off. There's also likely to be a lot of recreational sex, since this is the first time some of these people have been around other packs in years. Your camera crews may see more than they want. Make sure they are running on a tape delay and have some electronic blurring ready." Linda giggled, recalling her experiences with her mate on camera. "Buy a bunch of tents and sleeping bags so we can set up some out of the way places for the new mates. I'll schedule some 'fun runs' and mixers for that night, enough to keep those busy who don't find their mates right away. I'll work with the other Alphas to ensure we have enough mated pair Betas around to keep things from getting out of hand." "It shall be done, Alpha. I will call you when I have more details." "Thanks Linda, and don't forget to have fun with your new mate." "Thank you, Renee. I'll call you later this afternoon." Linda was blushing as she looked across her desk to Andy as they sat in the station. "Fuck, I think she heard us the last time." Renee sat back in the vehicle and looked over to Robert. "I take it you heard all that?" "Yes, and it's a great idea. New matings are the best way to strengthen our packs and start to rebuild our numbers. It's a good chance for an Alpha meeting too. Now that we are out in the open, we need to discuss how we will handle it. The traditional rules may need to be changed." "How long until we reach your den?" "About an hour. How about if I take the first half of the list and you take the second? Then we can get all the Packs invited and you can relax a little today." She nodded and picked up her phone again. The first person she called was her brother. ***** Santa Fe Pack Cave Area, NM ***** Stanley Diggs was never a patient man, nor one to tolerate failure. His men knew this well. His Betas were avoiding him, searching farther and farther out from the Santa Fe pack caves and finding nothing. They had returned after dark, the sting of being outsmarted by a brand new Alpha fresh in his mind. They had found nothing. The Pack hadn't even gone back to their caves, all their stuff was still as they had left it a few days earlier. They had found the hiding place that had been used, and tracked the scents back to a place where the vehicles had been parked. Nothing else was found. He called his men back to their base camp nearby. He couldn't sit around waiting for Renee to return, he had other problems right now. His phone rang with one of those problems. "Hello Renee, nice to hear from you again. We missed you." "Hello Alpha Diggs. Did you enjoy your trip?" Silence. "I'm calling to invite you to an Alpha gathering. It will be this weekend outside Denver at the Red Rocks ampitheater. All US Alphas will be attending." "Renee, if you'll be there, I'll be there too. I so want to catch up on things." The menace in his voice was palpable. "Yes, I will be there. We're also doing a gathering of all unmated werewolves starting Friday night. We are requesting that interested unmated attend, and asking the Alphas to provide a few mated Betas to help with security and mate control. It could get a little wild." "I'll let my pack know. Thank you Renee, it's a pleasure." His mind was racing. An Alpha gathering could be good for him, he could take over multiple packs in a weekend... or the other Alphas could unite against him. He had some time to plan, though. He called his second, Blake. Blake didn't answer, nor did anyone at the Pack office. Alpha Diggs ordered his men back into their vehicles. It was time to go home and kick some ass, starting with Blake. ***** Gila Pack Den, New Mexico ***** The caravan stopped in front of the Alpha's house and across from the community center. The Gila pack had carefully hidden ownership of the land from the government, making it appear as though it was a resort property, and upon its return had quickly moved back in. The pack had lost half its members so there was plenty of room for everyone. Alpha Hastings exited the lead vehicle then came around and opened the door for Renee and Michelle. His senior Pack leadership was lined up along the stairs leading to the dining room while the rest of the Pack waited inside. They both waited for the Santa Fe pack members to exit their vehicles, and Renee was in the process of forming them into a line when all hell broke loose. "MINE!!" A middle aged man in the reception line was sniffing furiously, trying to identify the source of the wonderful peppermint and cedar scent. He ran forward towards the cars until he saw the woman who was frozen in place, head up and sniffing as well. Both Alphas and a number of Gila Betas chased after him, and Renee yelled for everyone to give them room. You could get hurt getting between a man and his mate, especially if he had been waiting for her for decades. Wendy locked eyes on her mate and her eyes lit up in lust and appreciation. He was tall, with short black hair and a goatee. His body looked like a basketball player, and his scent made her instantly aroused. She didn't have much of a chance to appreciate him, as he lowered his shoulder and picked her up around her waist without breaking stride. She didn't mind, she was too busy shredding their shirts and cutting her bra off so she could run her swollen nipples over his back while her hands reached inside the back of his pants. He didn't stop until they were in his cabin. The other Pack members gave up their pursuit, the pair wouldn't come out of that cabin for a week now that they had found each other. They had just made their way back to the receiving line when a triumphant howl rang out, followed by a second more feminine howl. "Shit." Renee started to laugh. "I guess it's a good thing I just gained a medic because I just lost my nurse." Robert laughed. "They will make a good pair then. Terry is my pack Doctor." "This road trip has been exciting so far, can you introduce us to your Pack?" Robert started the receiving line and as the small group of Santa Fe wolves went past, there were no more matings but there were a lot of happy faces. Robert moved the group to the raised area at the back of the dining hall and let Renee do the introductions. She was interrupted several times by loud squeals and screams as long lost extended family members found each other. A half dozen pack members were led away to sit with relatives they hadn't seen in years and had feared lost. The meal went on well into the afternoon, with groups of Gila Pack members coming by in small groups to introduce themselves. Renee motioned to a young female Omega who was bringing food and asked her if she could bring a picnic basket for the new mates. "I want to check in on Wendy, and they might need to stop for five minutes to eat and drink." A few minutes later she had a box of food and some bottled water and walked with the Omega to Terry's home. They didn't hear anything so they knocked after ensuring no males were nearby. A minute and a few ignored commands to go away later, a naked and protective male cracked open the door. The smell of new mates- sex, sweat and arousal- was heavy in the air. Renee didn't attempt to approach the door, not wanting to challenge him any further. "I wanted to check on Wendy and I brought you some food." He took the basket as Wendy came out of the bedroom. She walked up behind her mate and hugged his waist. "I'm fine, Alpha. We've cleaned and treated our mating bites and I might let him out of here someday if I ever let this fine erection go down." She was reaching around and playing with his cum-covered balls as she talked. He was hardening again and was losing patience with the visitors already. "Good to hear. I guess you won't need to go to Wolfstock then." She grinned as Terry turned and picked her up and carried her giggling to the bedroom. Clearly, the time for sex had returned. Renee closed the door for them and they walked back. Robert met them at the door to the dining room. "Would your pack like to join us on a run? We've been doing it as often as possible since the end of the war." "Absolutely, they will love it. I don't think we'll get the new mates to join us, though." They shared a knowing smile. The two Packs quickly assembled and switched in the field behind the dining hall, and they all disrobed and shifted, leaving a few elders and the young behind. Robert was a good sized gray wolf, and he drank in her white wolf form with appreciation. His wolf was forward and VERY interested in her. They both howled to start the run and he set off with her at his side. Two hours later, the group returned, tired and happy. The mated pairs returned to their homes while many of the single wolves paired up; there was nothing that got the libido going like a good run! Pairs started to drift away into the woods as Renee and Robert retrieved their clothing. "Tired?" Robert didn't want to push things too fast, she was still in mourning from the loss of her mate, he had to push down his wolf side that wanted to mate her now. His human side was captivated. "I wouldn't mind a walk. I spent so much time cooped up in the caves and in hiding places that I've forgotten how nice it is to just be outside under the moon. The rock formations are amazing in this light." "Amazing... yes, just what I was thinking. I'd love to walk with you." He offered his arm, she took it and they left by a narrow trail. Renee looked over at the man she was with, she was strongly attracted to him but felt like she was betraying her dead mate by looking at another that way. It was uncomfortable for her human side. Her wolf was all for spending more time with him, especially naked. She was rolling over on her back and wiggling. "Can you tell me a little about yourself?" Robert slid his hand down and interlocked it with hers as they walked. "Well, I'm forty two years old and I have been Alpha of this Pack for twenty of those. My parents were killed by a raiding party and I had to grow into the job quickly. Luckily, I found my mate early. Lucy was the daughter of the Sawtooth Pack alphas, and we made a great team." He paused, the emotion starting to overcome him. "She was smart and beautiful and wise and made me feel like the luckiest man in the world. When she got pregnant with twins I was over the moon." He stopped walking and looked at her, fighting to hold back the tears. "We don't talk about it much. She slipped on a steep trail while we were on a run, she liked to exercise even into her sixth month. I caught her before she went over the cliff, but she hit a rock hard with her stomach and started bleeding. The bleeding wouldn't stop, she was panicking and could feel the distress of the cubs. We were miles away from help." Renee pulled him into a hug, knowing how difficult it was for an Alpha to share weakness. "You don't have to continue if it's too painful." Robert wiped his eyes clear. "No, I need to talk about it and I want you to know." They walked in silence until they came across a fallen log they could sit on, she snuggled him under his arm as she buried her face in his chest. "I called for help as I picked her up and ran back. I moved as fast as I could, but she lost consciousness after a few minutes. By the time Doc arrived, she was gone." He was no longer able to hold back the tears. "Terry said she had an abrupted placenta. They tried an emergency C-section but the cubs had been without oxygen too long. My boys were dead too. I was absolutely crushed." Renee held him tight, she shared his grief and let some of her own out. It was ten minutes before either could speak. Renee looked up. "Didn't you want to join them?" "Every day. I dreamed of ways to kill myself. The Pack tried everything to get me out of my depression." Renee paused. "So did I. I went through the motions for those weeks, just because I still had to work to end the war. I didn't want his sacrifice to be in vain. I was planning to kill myself after the funeral so I could be with him. It was only when I found out I was pregnant that I found a reason to live." Robert pushed her hair aside and kissed her forehead tenderly. "I would go to sleep every night thinking I couldn't go another day without her, and every morning I had to find a reason to get out of bed. I don't know if I was stubborn or a coward, but I could never do it. I buried myself in my Pack. I had no heir, we were on the edge of falling apart, so I forced myself back." "How are you now?" "It got easier as I got used to being alone, but I've not been happy. Busy, but never happy. Every time I would see new mates I would go into a funk and be depressed for days." "You didn't seem to be sad with Terry and Wendy, did that change too?" "That... is a very recent development. I think I've finally let her go and I'm ready to move forward." Renee squeezed his chest. "I hope you find your happiness someday, someone who can share your life and give you a family." Robert hugged her back. "I would like that. I will wait as long as I have to for that woman to come to me." With that, they walked silently, hand in hand back to the compound and to her guest room. "Have a good sleep, Renee, I've enjoyed our time." He cupped her face and lightly kissed her lips before releasing her. "My room is at the end of the hall, please don't hesitate to ask me or any other pack member if you need anything." "Thank you Robert, I enjoyed it as well. Can I join you for breakfast?" "I'd be delighted." With that, he reluctantly turned for his own room and she watched him for a few steps before closing the door. She listened to her voice mail- mostly updates on the planning for Wolfstock- and took a quick shower before going to sleep. The dream came quickly, but tonight it was different. Her wolf was running along the riverbank, nose up and hunting for the scent that she desired so much. He appeared across the river, a majestic brown wolf, his bright eyes focused on her as she approached. She became aroused as she scented him, the need pulsing through her body to be dominated and loved again. She watched as he shifted into human form, his strong body sending her desire through the roof as he looked at her. "Follow your heart." He waved and after he shifted back he trotted away. She howled and whined and paced the river's edge but he didn't look back, so she put her head on her front paws and waited. A new scent wafted over as she sensed another wolf approaching. This one was gray and strong and his eyes bore into her soul as he approached. He sniffed her as she lay there, then he put his head into her chest and pushed. When she didn't get up, he yipped and dropped his forelegs down, tail up and wagging. She ignored him, and he trotted back the way he came, looking over his shoulder occasionally to see if she was following. Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 10 Renee woke up confused and aroused, she tried to sleep but her mind and her wolf would not let her. After an hour she gave up and walked out her door, taking a right towards the door at the end. She quietly let herself in. Robert's wolf was instantly alert when he first sensed someone at the door, but he calmed down when he recognized her scent and saw her naked form in his doorway. "Renee?" She fought back the tears and looked at him, her wolf encouraging her forward until she was by his bed. "Hold me?" She held a hand out to him. Robert turned back the covers and pulled her forward. "Whatever you need, I'll be her for you." She climbed in and snuggled up to him, resting her head on his shoulder as he caressed her back. "Sleep, we can talk in the morning." Robert's desire was strong but his wolf was willing to put up with his human's insistence on patience as long as he got what he wanted. Renee slept soundly for the first time in weeks. ***** Crested Butte Pack, Colorado ***** Stanley Diggs was furious as his caravan pulled into his compound. They had arrived after midnight, the long drive up from New Mexico being done with as few stops as possible. The senior Beta left at the compound met him as he stepped out. Before Diggs left, Darrell had been a mid-level Beta, and Stanley had rarely dealt with him. "Where is Blake?" Darrell used all his willpower just to stay standing as he exposed his neck in submission. "Alpha, no one has heard from him since yesterday. He was last seen going after the Painter and other families." "Well, he's not answering my calls so he is either dead or he's joined them. Have you heard back from the trackers I told you to send?" "They followed them to a highway and their scent disappeared. They must have arranged for a vehicle to pick them up. They could be anywhere by now." Diggs turned to leave. "Call a Pack meeting at 9 AM. Everyone is expected to attend." ***** Gila Pack Den, New Mexico ***** Renee stirred but didn't want to open her eyes yet. She was warm and her wolf was content, she didn't want to ruin the feeling. She relaxed her face into the firm pillow that was his stomach as she began to trace her fingers lightly over his thigh. She was luxuriating in his smell, so male, with hints of pine and forest dew. Her wolf appreciated the muscles and scars that she found in her exploration, but was much more interested in the cock that was lying just below her face. Slowly she moved her hand up, becoming more bold she lightly stroked his balls before running her fingertips up his length. His morning wood was impressive, her wolf kept sending her images of how she would feel with this staff plundering her depths. Her movement over his cock head as she collected the drop of precum brought Robert out of his slumber. He didn't move, choosing instead to relax and see where she was going with this. He smiled as she wrapped her hand around him, her fingers not able to reach fully around him even before his knot formed. She knew he was awake by the change in his breathing, but she pretended not to notice. She kept slowly and gently moving her hand on him as he got even harder. Renee finally opened her eyes to see his purple head just a few inches away. She stretched her tongue out, shifting it slightly, and ran it over the tip to taste the fluid. She smiled as she heard his quick intake of breath. Gaining confidence, she moved her head down and gently took him into her mouth. She luxuriated in his taste, swirling her tongue around him as her hand began to slowly stroke him up and down. He was stretching her mouth as she pushed down, stopping just before her gag reflex hit. She bobbed up and down a few times before going deep and sucking hard. "Oh Luna..." Robert's head tipped back and his hands gripped the sheet as the sensation of her mouth on him overloaded his senses. It was like she was trying to suck the sheets through his ass, it was so intense. She let off, and went back to swirling her tongue while increasing the pace of her hand. He was never going to last. "I'm going to come," he said to give her a chance, but she kept going. He felt like a teenager with no staying power but he didn't care because it felt so good. Renee sucked hard again and rapidly stroked his flesh, yanking his orgasm out of him. She swallowed quickly as he filled her mouth with his seed. Renee finally pulled off with an audible pop and laid her head back down on his stomach. He was running his fingers through her hair when he felt her tears running onto him. He pulled her up on top of him so he could look at her as he wiped her tears away. "Renee, that was amazing. You have no idea what that means to me. Don't cry because you think I'm a two pump chump, I promise I'll last longer next time." Renee snorted. "It's not that, it's just that I had a dream last night and I'm still processing it." She described her dream to him as she started to rub her sex over his rapidly hardening member. "Gary wants me to live and love again, but I feel like such a slut for having these feelings for you so soon after he is gone." Robert pulled her up and kissed her. "You are the first woman to share my bed since she died. I've been punishing myself for failing my mate for over a decade. When I met you, my wolf sat up and took notice. I couldn't sleep that night. I finally realized that what she had always tried to make me happy, and that wouldn't change just because she was gone. She wouldn't have wanted me to beat myself up over what might have been, she would have told me to live my life to the fullest. When I recognized my desire for you, it allowed me to accept that she was gone and I could have a second chance at love." He caressed her back. "Sometimes we think too much. Your wolf knows what you need, he won't lead you astray." "Right now my wolf wants you inside me." She reached back and guided him into her sodden sex. He filled her completely as she slowly sat back, feeling every ridge and vein along the way. Her eyes closed and her head tilted back with the sensation. Robert ran his hands along her side to her firm breasts, cupping them from the outside as his thumbs flicked over her erect nipples. She moaned as she wiggled her hips to force the last couple inches in. When she had him all, she opened her eyes and smiled down at him. "Oooooh... that's so nice." She didn't move her hips, but she squeezed and released him a few times, causing him to moan. She slowly lowered her body down until her breasts were within range of him. "Suck?" She moaned and moved her hips again as he complied. She planted her hands alongside his head and began to rock up and down on his length. He wanted to make it last, but she wasn't playing fair. She was so wet and tight, and her mewling noises as he laved her breasts were driving him nuts. When she hoarsely begged him to "take me," he took over. He rolled her onto her back and pressed deep within her. Hooking one leg up, he started to pound her into the mattress. Her moans became near continuous, her hips slamming up into him as they drove to their climax. "Come with me, Renee." She was tossing her head from side to side as the sensation of his long strokes drove her over the edge. He saw her wolf come forward in her eyes but just as quickly it went away. With a final thrust, he kissed her deeply and emptied himself into her depths. He rolled off her and gathered her in his arms. Renee pushed away from his chest and started crying. "What is wrong? Did I hurt you?" She shook her head. "No, it's just me. My wolf wanted to bite you and I just couldn't let it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to. I just can't do this to you." He gently kissed her. "Well, then, my job is to have you go to sleep every night wondering how you survived another day without being my mate. I won't play fair, either." She immediately tensed up and rolled away. "NO! I can't mate you!" Robert tried to put his hand on her shoulder but she bolted for the door. "I'm so sorry, I can't do this to you." She ran to her room, closed the door and sank to the carpet, hugging herself as she cried. She couldn't hurt him like that. She loved him too much. ***** Crested Butte Pack, Colorado ***** Alpha Diggs looked over his Pack with disdain. The full impact of the defections was apparent, it looked like over a third of his pack was now gone, including his second and a number of his Betas. He stepped forward on the platform to address them, his remaining Betas lining up behind him. "Our Pack has come under attack. It was not the honorable battle that we sought, rather it was done with subterfuge and deceit. The families that left have not just betrayed me, they have betrayed us all. There will be a price for their betrayal." There was a murmuring, and he let it die down before continuing. "The time of reckoning is fast approaching. Those who admit their error and return voluntarily will be granted mercy. Those that continue to rebel will be dealt with. Make no mistake, there is no place of safety for them, no place to hide from the consequences of their actions. If any of them contact you, help them out by encouraging them to return and receive my mercy. Luna help them if I have to get them back myself. Any questions, contact your Betas." With that, he jumped down and walked back to his office. He had just sat down at his desk when his phone rang. It was Alpha Hastings. "Robert, how are you doing?" "Better every day," he replied. "I'm calling to invite you to a gathering of Alphas this weekend at Red Rocks in Denver. We will be discussing how we can help each other now that we are in the open. At the same time, we will be having a gathering we are calling Wolfstock for all the unmated wolves. It will be a chance to find out if your mates are in other packs or among the humans that attend." "Is every Alpha going to be there?" "Yes, I'm working with Alpha Johnson to personally contact everyone and so far none have declined. The event starts at 6 PM Friday and runs through Sunday afternoon. Food, music, fun runs... we're getting quite the event together." "Well, let everyone know I will attend, and I'll bring my unmated along. I look forward to seeing you again." Stanley hung up the phone and sat back in his desk chair. This could be even better, he thought. Where there were Alphas, there were the inevitable challenges. Forcing Renee to submit to him and mating her in front of the others would cement his status. It would shift the allegience of her pack to him. He could also push the Alphas for a simple rule: no transfers between Packs unless both Alphas involved agree. Once that was passed, it would be a simple matter to demand the return of his wayward pack members. It could even help with takeovers of other packs; once they saw how many Betas he had, and how many unmated males, they would recognize that joining him was inevitable. It would be easy to convince them to ally with him, making him the dominant Alpha of the region. His victory would be complete and relatively bloodless. It all made his dick hard. ***** Gila Pack Den, New Mexico ***** Renee avoided Robert at the head table, nodding quickly before walking over to sit at breakfast with the members of her Pack. She immediately regretted skipping her shower when the smiles and wolf whistles started. "Did you sleep well, Alpha," said Crystal with a smile. "Yes, thank you. I didn't get as much as I wanted, Robert and I had some things to coordinate." "Is that what they call it now?" The whole table busted up laughing, she smelled of Robert and sex and fooled no one. They wondered if it was a fling or something more; all of them wanted Renee to find happiness again. The rest of the breakfast went quickly as they talked of people they met, family news and Wolfstock preparations. Renee finished up breakfast and walked over to Robert. "Alpha Hastings, is there an office I can use today? I have a lot of work to do to get ready for this weekend." "Certainly, let me show you." He held out his hand but she refused to take it; he smoothly let it drop to his side. He was still trying to figure out what had happened last night, clearly she thought it was a mistake and not the greatest thing that had happened to him in years. She was being polite but distant. Patience, he told his wolf. Patience. He escorted her to a spare office and left her to his work. He tried to engage her in conversation when he brought her lunch and was gracefully dismissed. Dinner was the same. She went to her room without talking to him. Her avoidance of him hurt deeply, but he had to give her time. That didn't mean he couldn't try and figure out why. He made his way to the library where he found Crystal reading at the table. "Crystal, may I have a moment?" "Certainly Alpha Hastings. I've been meaning to thank you for inviting us here, it's the most I've relaxed in years." "You're certainly welcome. I won't keep you long. I just need help. I think I did or said something to Renee that caused her to push me away, but I can't figure out what it is. Do you have any idea what I can do to get her back?" Crystal sat back in thought. "I know she likes you a lot, her eyes light up when she talks about you. I also know she likes it here. I think she is just feeling a lot of stress right now and may not feel the time is right for a relationship." "Is it something in your Pack or is it me?" "She can't afford the distraction right now. She knows Stanley Diggs will be at the meeting this weekend. You weren't there, you don't understand how much hatred he has for her after she embarrassed him in front of his men. Twenty seasoned warriors turn tail and run from a woman with a cellphone and one low level Beta? He's going to challenge her, and she doesn't think she can win." "Why not?" "Well, he's about a hundred pounds heavier, more experienced and a better fighter. Plus, he's not pregnant. She's trying to figure out how to get out of this weekend alive." Robert thanked her and walked away. Diggs was an imposing wolf, she didn't have much of a chance against him. If she couldn't deal with him, he would have to. She was his mate whether she accepted it yet or not. It was time he started acting like one. ***** Red Rock Cafe West of Denver, CO ***** The gathering on Friday night had started rather well, with twenty two matings during the barbecue dinner. It was a good omen. The Alphas made sure their pack members were OK before they made their way to the Red Rock Grill. They had two days of meetings scheduled and a lot to cover. As with all Alpha gatherings, the challenges would be held first to get any bad blood or disputes out of the way before the real work started. It was time, Stanley thought. He stood and addressed the gathering. "Alpha Renee Johnson has stolen my pack members and insulted me. I demand that she fight me in the challenge circle." Renee looked back in disdain. "Since when is it an insult to point out that an Alpha is a power-hungry ass rapist? It's not like you can deny it." The other Alphas snorted, pushing Stanley's rage even higher. "Challenge circle. Now." Without looking back Diggs turned and stormed off, tossing his clothing aside as he walked to the amphitheater. A circle was set up at the base, below the benches that provided concert seating. Renee gave a heavy sigh and got up, smoothing her dress over her belly that was just starting to show a baby bump from the twins within. As she followed him down the trail around the stands, she used her bond to tell all her Pack members to meet her there. "Gentlemen, this is something that concerns all of us, and every Werewolf here should witness it. Please summon your pack members to the stands." There was a flurry of activity as wolves stopped whatever they were doing and ran to take their seats. Renee slowly made her way to the Circle, the other Alphas spacing themselves evenly around it as witnesses. Linda was on camera, the events were being carried live and she was explaining Werewolf law concerning challenges to the human audience. "Diggs, what exactly do you hope to accomplish by this challenge?" Stanley was pacing back and forth, the rage visible in every part of his naked body. He was heavily muscled and scarred from many fights. "When you submit to me, I will mate you. I will then take you back home and train you until you are fit to rule by my side as Alpha female." Renee laughed. "Too late, I've heard that one before. Luis is now vulture food with that plan." Alpha Hastings stepped into the ring. "Stanley Diggs, I challenge you for the right to mate with Alpha Johnson. She will be MY alpha female, not yours." He walked in front of Renee, removing his clothing as he stared down his opponent. Renee reached forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Robert, I appreciate your actions and maybe one day I'll be ready to mate again. When I do, it will be with you because I choose to give my heart to you. I'm not the prize in some testosterone-fueled contest. Matings should be as our wolves recognize them, not as a violent taking. Stand down, my love. I have to do this." Robert turned and looked into her eyes, which were equal parts determination and love, before walking back outside the circle. "Very well. I withdraw my challenge." Diggs grinned, her speech meant that no other would interfere. Derek Johnson then stepped in between the two. Looking apologetically back at his sister, he turned to face Diggs. "Renee is pregnant with twins. I cannot allow her to risk her mate's line in the circle. I will be her Champion and answer the challenge for her." Derek had the law on his side, it was rare but a champion could be used when the Alpha was injured or incapacitated. He looked over at his mate and saw the shock and fear on her face at what he was doing. Clearly, he had done this without talking to her first. Renee turned her brother to her and gave him a hug. "This is not your fight, Derek." She took his face in her hands and kissed his cheek. "I'm a big girl now, and you have your own family to protect. Don't risk them for me. I need you to let me do this." Tears ran down Derek's face as he wrestled with the thought of her loss. Renee hugged him tight and whispered in his ear. "Promise me one thing, my brother. I will never submit to him. If I cannot resist and he goes to mate me, I need you to finish the job and end my life." "NO! Don't ask me that." Renee hugged him again. "I cannot live with myself as a mate to such a man. I cannot bring up my cubs with him. I cannot live in a Pack that mocks everything my mate died for- that no matter how hard it is, you have to do what is best for your people. Gary understood that; we both knew when we left the caves that he was a dead man. His sacrifice changed everything in our relationship with humans. My sacrifice will change everything among our people. After I am done, the Alphas will agree to the changes we need to live and thrive in the open. You MUST do this." Derek cupped her face and kissed her forehead. "Our parents would be so proud of what you have become. Kick his ass, Renee, I don't want to lose you." He put his head to her forehead. "I couldn't live with myself if you were with him. I promise I won't let him mate you." "I love you, Derek. Take care of Amanda and raise strong children and a loving Pack." With that, Derek left the circle. He returned to Amanda, taking her into a tight embrace as he apologized. She had kept the bond open and knew what she asked, she was holding back tears with all her strength. Renee turned back to Diggs. "I will not have a champion, and this challenge will NOT end in submission. It shall be to the death." Stanley nodded. "What exactly do you think my death will achieve, Stanley? Has your neanderthal brain thought that far ahead?" Behind the Lines of the Were War Ch. 10 Diggs walked forward, his claws lengthening and his eyes blazing gold as his wolf pushed up in his consciousness. "Then I will have my revenge. I will take everything you have- your title, your territory, your money, and your Pack." Amanda laughed so hard she had to put her hands on her knees to catch her breath. "You are a fool. I don't WANT to be Alpha and I never have. You make a common mistake in thinking that which motivates you also motivates others." She gestured at her pack members in the stand. "My pack members risked their lives to free me to challenge Luis because I was their only chance at escaping him. I got the job because the asshole needed killing, and I kept it because the Pack needed me. I've been trying to give up the job ever since." Stanley stared at her like she was growing a horn on her head. "There is no 'territory.' We've been hiding in caves on public lands and our Pack property has been auctioned off. I'd have to buy land to get a territory." She looked over at the military leaders who were observing from the stands. "Captain Post, can you enlighten the Alphas as to the contents of the will I executed this morning?" Captain Post strode forward, in his dress uniform and Judge Advocate General's insignia. "Certainly, Alpha Johnson. The will you signed states that upon your death, any remaining Santa Fe Pack property will be auctioned and combined with the cash accounts. The estate will then be divided evenly among the original Pack members, with your share being divided between Kelly, Andy and Linda. The funds will be placed into personal accounts for them so they can take them to whatever Pack they join." Renee turned to him in triumph. "Sucks, doesn't it? You would kill a pregnant woman on live TV and you won't see one fucking cent out of it. Nice strategy." Stanley paced back and forth. "It isn't about the money, I want my Pack members back." The Alphas could tell a lie when they heard it, and this was a whopper, but they kept silent. "They will rejoin me and never leave again." Renee laughed even harder. "Really? Let me show you something. All members of the Santa Fe Pack, please stand up." A large contingent stood, the original members plus all the members of Diggs' pack that had left him. "Now, everyone who has not already been invited to join another Pack upon my death please remain standing." Every single person sat down. "You see? There is no Pack for you to take over. If my bond breaks with them, another will form with a new Alpha that isn't you. They chose honorable and selfless men who understand that being an Alpha isn't about YOU. Get it yet? They get to choose. A good Alpha doesn't need to threaten or intimidate. He protects them, serves them, supports them and in exchange they follow him. That has never been you." The other Alphas smiled, they didn't understand what she was doing but they loved watching Stanley self destruct. Diggs shook with rage, his wolf taking over in hybrid form, anxious to tear into the one who had thwarted every one of his plans. Renee smiled and looked at him, standing with her feet shoulder width apart and arms crossed under her breasts. "Oh, and Stanley? You can't keep your Pack with threats. That Pack you still have, you won't have for much longer. You see them up there? How many of them will find another Alpha now that they know how easy it is? How many have already found one? You can't stop it. Phones, internet, videos- there are too many people who have made friends or found extended family this weekend. Here is my revenge on you... that which you desire the most will dissolve in your hands, and the whole world will see your humiliation." "FIGHT ME!" Diggs was furious she hadn't even stripped, much less changed. "No. You can kill me if you wish, but I will not give you the honor of a fight. You don't deserve it." She stood impassively, staring him down as he paced back and forth. "FIGHT!" He shifted smoothly to his wolf and ran, leaping past her, his claws leaving deep furrows across her left shoulder and chest as he went past. Instead of fighting, she stood up and glared at him, arms crossed and feet apart. He rushed her this time, putting his shoulder into her chest and knocking her down. His teeth ripped a chunk from her stomach as he pulled away. "Asshole." Renee stood up and resumed her defiant position, blood now oozing down her sides from the wounds. "Let us know when you find your dignity." Seeing red, Diggs attacked again and again, hoping to goad her into fighting back. Five times she got up and stood back in her place, silently challenging him to continue. The Alphas watched in horror, unable to interfere. Her brother was being held back by two other Alphas, and Robert was on his knees, unable to watch the woman he loved being slowly torn apart without resistance. Finally Renee was unable to rise back up, she was bleeding from a dozen places and the last attack had taken out her right hamstring. She was pale and covered with blood, and a severed artery was pumping her life into the desert sand below her. She knew this wouldn't go on much longer, and she prayed she would have the strength to finish. Diggs changed back to human form, her blood coating his face and chest. She sat on the ground looking at him with contempt. "You won't fight, so you will die." He shifted to his wolf and leaped for her throat. He was so focused on finishing her he didn't see the wolf streaking into the circle until he was in the air, and then it was too late. The chocolate colored wolf was an adolescent, nowhere near his size, but his eyes blazed with righteous fury. He knocked him away moments before Diggs would have taken her throat. "KEVIN, NO!!" Kelly rushed down from the stands just in time to see Diggs recover and pounce on the young wolf, his jaws crushing his front leg as he shook his head from side to side. Kevin howled in agony as Diggs released his leg. He ripped open his neck just as Kelly entered the circle. Diggs changed back to human form. Looking at Renee, he saw her head had fallen back and knew it was just a matter of time until she was dead. He could extract a particularly satisfying revenge while he was waiting for her to die. "Kelly, your mate had courage but not judgment. I had the right to take his life for interfering in my challenge." Kelly was sobbing, her hand pressing on her future mate's neck as she tried to stem the flow of blood. Diggs stood over them both, now fully erect as he raked his eyes over the young woman who had betrayed him and his pack. "Stay with us Kevin, your mate's virgin blood will now be spilled along with yours." Diggs pushed her shoulders down on top of his chest and ripped her dress and underwear off with his other hand. "You should have just kept quiet and I would have let you go when the next piece of ass came along." He lined his cock up with her entrance and pushed forward, laughing as she screamed her pain and humiliation. His laugh was cut off as his throat was torn away. Renee spit the chunk flesh out of her teeth before shifting back to human form and collapsing. "She's Pack, and the penalty for rape in my pack is death. Asshole." Blackness overcame her as she bled out onto the stage. EPILOGUE Alpha Robert Hastings sat behind his mate, encouraging her in between contractions. The room was empty except for the Pack doctor Terry and his nurse and mate Wendy. Renee was exhausted from fourteen hours of labor. She smiled when he told her he could see the head of the first cub. She took quick breaths as she worked through the pain until the next contraction. "Alpha, the next push will be it, I need you to bear down and keep pushing until I tell you to stop." When the contraction hit, she did her best, Robert encouraging her as she tried to crush each of his fingers. "And he's out!" Renee collapsed back onto Robert's chest, as Doc laid the crying infant on her chest. She was euphoric, checking out her his 10 tiny fingers and toes. He was small and perfect and had a shock of his fathers' brown hair on his head. "His name is Gary Robert Hastings." Robert hugged her and kissed her neck. The doctor cut the cord and handed her off to her friend to do the checks of his vitals and to clean him up. Wendy was glad that Renee had given birth now, in another week her husband was going to make her stay home so their triplets wouldn't be stressed by her time on her feet. The next contraction interrupted their moment of joy. Doc checked again. "Time for the second one, when I tell you push." Her daughter came out quickly, and was soon on her chest being checked over. She was also perfect with longer black hair. "Her name is Kelly Amanda Hastings." Doc finished all his checks while the babies were cleaned and bundled. Renee had some time to clean up and change her gown while a pair of Omegas replaced the bedding. When she was back in bed, Crystal let Michelle crawl up in bed with them as her new brother and sister were returned to her arms. Robert got up, kissing each member of his family, and went out to announce the births to his pack. Hundreds of cheers greeted the news of the births of the Next Alphas. The party would last all night, except for the dozens of men who had to take their pregnant mates home early. The Gila Pack was experiencing a baby boom, as were many of the other Packs. The peace treaty and the Alphas agreeing on a Were Council and standard rules had given them hope. Renee looked down at the cubs in her arms and the adopted daughter asleep on her lap and smiled. She lay back and fell into a contented slumber. Behind the Lines of the Were War It wasn't like she would be without suitors if times were different. She was tall and powerful, with 38C breasts over a narrow and athletic stomach. Her legs were toned and strong, her butt round and firm, the kind of body that exuded sex. Her face was angular with expressive green eyes, her raven black hair in natural curls framing her face before tumbling behind her shoulders. It didn't matter much in the hide, though, with foil camo overhead and trees and brush hiding her from the drones above. Jerry continued to grunt and pound away just a few feet to her left. She wasn't ignorant of what they were doing, as sex was not hidden among Were families. She was jealous... Ann was urging her mate on as she worked herself into her third orgasm, her screams muffled by the shirt he stuffed into her mouth to keep the whole mountain from hearing. Renee let one hand drift down her stomach as the other went inside her camo T-shirt. Her left hand cupped her right breast, then pinched the pencil-sized nipple to attention. The sharp pain caused an ache a little lower, which her right hand followed down inside her jeans and over her bare mound. She ran her long finger slowly from bottom to top, circling her clit as she moved to pinch her other nipple. She didn't stay quiet either, Weres had no embarrassment with taking their pleasure. Pausing for a moment to unzip and lower her jeans, she drove two fingers into her wet sex while circling her button with her thumb. Her arousal built as she lifted her hips up to meet her plunging fingers. She began to caress and squeeze her breasts as her moans became near constant, her body tightening as her thumb's motion drove her to completion. Her teeth gritted together as her hips rose and her body shattered. Ann's moans became more frequent and higher in pitch as Jerry tried to pound her through the soft ground. They were both Omegas in the pack, in any other time they would have been nowhere near battle, but those divisions didn't exist when the Pack was as decimated as it was. They received basic self defense training, learned small unit tactics and rifle skills, and were sent up to the understaffed front lines. They didn't like fighting, but at least they were together, and they stole every moment they could find together. Ann wrapped her legs around him and bit into his shoulder to muffle the scream as she came apart. Renee was almost there when Doug was on sentry on the hillside above, and his enhanced hearing in wolf form picked up the C-130 despite its altitude. Tearing down the hill, met Renee and the others just inside the hide. If it had been a helicopter or jet, they could have manned the Technicals hidden in the area- pickup trucks they had modified with welded machine gun mounts, even the Stinger missile they had recovered from a truck that was ambushed last year. This one was well above machine gun range and even the Stingers would be challenged, so Renee knew the best move was to wait it out. As the aircraft passed over, Renee kept everyone quiet and under cover. Transport planes at altitude were not a threat to them, so she didn't notify Derek of the flight. Once it was out of hearing range, she directed them to defensive positions in case anything else was on the way. Woods west of pack den Derek waited in his office for the five minutes to elapse before heading out of the cave. You can run but you can't hide from me as he sent his mate a mental image of him pinning her to the grass as his cock speared her. I think you're slowing down in your old age she responded back, laughing, as she sprinted down the hillside on the far side of the mountain. Her plan was simple- cover ground quickly using her speed then confuse him in the next valley. The trees and underbrush thickened as she worked her way down to the river below. She took her first opportunity to mess with his tracking skills by turning right at a rock formation and running for a few minutes, careful to rub against brush and rock along the way. She then reversed course and went back to the rock, leaping up and then jumping back down the other side. Her skills at evading tracking weren't a war skill, but ones she had learned playing as a younger cub before the war, when the cubs would have games hiding and tracking. A few minutes later and she reached the shallow river at the bottom of the valley. Her next trick was to cross the river and run up the other bank, again to reverse course back to the river. She knew that confusion was her only chance to win against his superior size and speed, so she was using every trick she could. Reaching the river again, she turned to run upstream where the water would hide her scent. As soon as she looked back up the hill, she was knocked over and rolled onto the bank by an amused and not at all confused mate. Older, but wiser. Did you really think I would fall for that? Your arousal leads me to you like a beacon. Anna stood and shook the water from her sable coat before turning to face him, the white sock on her front paw smacking the water in frustration. She turned and ran back up the bank, but Derek just followed behind her as she entered the meadow above. So you found me, but can you take me? His response was immediat. He leaped onto her back, grasping her neck in his strong jaws and forced her head down to the to the soft grass. I should remind you more often that you are MINE. She stilled under him, raising her haunches and shifting her tail aside as he raised above her. Her low growl turned into a howl as he plunged straight into her dripping sex. Her wolf basked in the domination of her mate and the feel of his shaft as it pistoned in and out of her. She knew he was proving again his worthiness as her mate and hopefully the father of her cubs. His forelegs pulled her back as his knot formed and he pushed it roughly forward into her. She yelped as he did, he WAS a large man to begin with and the knot stretched her canal to the limit. The pain quickly faded as the knot seated, then the sensation multiplied as it worked its magic inside her walls. She was panting, he was grunting and growling, and then Derek oh Luna I'm then she could only howl as she shuddered beneath his assault. With one last thrust, he bit her neck, sending her even higher as his sticky seed flooded her cavity. His howl of triumph could be heard for miles around. Slowly, he lowered them both to the grass, the knot holding them together and preventing his seed from escaping. They rested together for an hour before he detached and licked the remains of their love from her slit. He never tired of her taste, it exploded on his tongue and his tender ministrations started to excite her again. Come, love, let us return to our bed and we'll see what comes up. She responded with a mental image of her swallowing down his shaft as she lay between his legs in human form. Suddenly, the entire night sky went white with a huge flash from above the mountain they had just passed over. Before the shock wave or the noise made it, they both dropped to the ground in anguish as dozens of Alpha bonds disappeared at once. He didn't even have time to howl before being knocked to the ground by the initial shock wave, and just had enough time to cover Amanda before the winds reversed and they were covered by debris and branches.