Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of NCIS or BTVS. I make no profit but write for the enjoyment of it. JetbStraub owns any not recognized characters, backgrounds, or plots not following the NCIS Series. Happy Reading Jet!

Runaway Wolf

Chapter 01

Jimmy walked inside Autopsy a lot on his mind. His older brother Clark had called him last night. At first the conversation was nice and easy going Clark wished him a happy birthday and they talked about this or that. Spending a few minutes just catching up on each other's life. Then his brother brought the past up and began making demands of him. Things Clark knew he wouldn't, no couldn't do. Jimmy swore to himself years ago he left that life behind him and he'd never go back. The call ended with them shouting at each other.

Jimmy sighed he thought Clark understood. Obviously Clark was just buying time until Jimmy changed his mind or was forced back. Jimmy sighed again as his mind ran with the harsh words used last night. Shaking his head he needed to stop thinking about this he had work to do before Dr. Mallard arrived. He knew he'd have to make some hard choices and soon. But for right now he had work to do and put his headphones on. Cleaning the autopsy room to prepare for the day was mindless work. He got cleaning pushing his problems for the moment out of his mind and letting the music and familiar movement of cleaning take over his body's movements and thoughts. An hour later he was scared out of his wits when he felt a firm hand land on his shoulder.

"Dr. Mallard you scared me. Did you want to speak to me about something?" Jimmy asked a little nervous at the glare he was receiving.

"Yes Dr. Palmer there is a lot I would like to speak to you about. Along with a lot I feel you need to answer for. However that discussion will have to wait for another time I'm afraid. Jethro would like to see you upstairs. It seems your brother had a very interesting discussion with him last night. Jethro then called me to see if I knew anything about what he was told. Which sadly I didn't. After we discussed what to do about this information. A pack meeting was called early this morning. In that meeting the pack was also informed about what your brother had to say and how we can best help you with the information given to us. Jethro and the pack are now waiting for you upstairs to discuss that outcome." Ducky said.

"My brother?" Jimmy said weakly.

"Yes young man. Your brother otherwise known as your Alpha. The one you neglected to mention having. Even if you chose not to mention your brother. Which is your right. You should have told me as your Boss that you're a shifter. Are you aware how dangerous that was to keep to yourself? Not only at crime scenes, but with the work we do." Ducky sighed and rained in his temper and said calmly. "I don't want to go over these things now. But rest assure we will be talking later Dr. Palmer. For now my best advice when you get upstairs and speak with Jethro and his pack. Is watch what you say my boy. Most of them are hurt and more than a little angry with you. As well they should be my boy. Given all you've hidden from us in the years we've known you."

Jimmy gulped in fear and disbelief. Mostly he was terrified that his worst nightmare would come true. That his life as he knew it would no longer belonged to him. Moreover, there was nothing he could do to stop it no matter what he said or did.

Ducky saw the fear. But thought Jimmy was afraid of how he thought people would react to him keeping secrets. He reasoned a little fear was deserved and that it would only last until the young man went upstairs. Once with the pack he would be confronted and then welcomed as well as comforted. So keeping a stern tone he said. "Now off with you Jethro and the pack is waiting for you. You had best get up there before someone is sent to collect you. I will meet you up there in a few moments." Ducky then turned Jimmy around and gave him a healthy swat to get him going.

Jimmy walked out numb. He mindlessly pushed the elevator button to go upstairs. When his inner wolf started screaming at him. "Are you insane? Why are you going up there? Just so the new Alpha and his pack can use and abuse us on a whim. Don't you remember the fear we use to live in? Do you want to live like that again?"

Jimmy snapped out of his shock and gave back a firm. HELL NO! In return to his inner wolf and began forming a plan. When the elevator doors opened Jimmy had a plan. A risky plan but a plan none the less.

Jimmy kept his face blank not letting his nervousness show just in case he was seen by passerby. He got onto the elevator to make Dr. Mallard think he was doing as he was told. He stopped the elevator a floor up and then took the stairs back down to the Autopsy floor. He then carefully made his way to the men's room close to autopsy. All the way being very careful not to be seen or heard. He kept a brisk but normal walk so not to raise alarms just in case other Agents or NCIS Staff did see him. He waited until Dr. Mallard entered the elevator and the doors closed. After making sure the coast was clear Jimmy snuck back into autopsy. He didn't have time to go home so he would have to make do with what was on hand here at work. Knowing he was on borrowed time. He grabbed his backpack that he always carried to work. Thinking twice he grabbed the go bag from his office that everyone on Gibbs team had. Then his motorcycle helmet and emergency cash from his desk. Then he made himself walk the same way as before not wanting to attract unwanted attention.

Jimmy made his way through the back route and out of the building. He knew Dr. Mallard was upstairs by now. Gibbs had to know he disobeyed orders and more than likely had people searching for him. Jimmy jumped at every sound expecting someone to pop up at any second and drag him upstairs kicking and screaming but he kept going until he reached the exit. He sighed in relief when he got to his motorcycle but didn't really relax fully until he was miles away. Knowing how quickly Gibbs could mobilizes the team. Jimmy made one stop that was risky but he had no choice but to take the risk. He stopped at his bank and withdrew as much cash as he could and visited his safe deposit box. Now he had keys to a place to stay until he came up with a plan.

Jimmy drove most of that afternoon and into early evening. He wouldn't reach his destination until the next morning or afternoon depending on traffic and how many stops he made. He had waited to stop until he was as far away from NCIS headquarters as possible. He hadn't wanted to stop for at least another hour or so. But he knew he was far enough away that the chance he'd be recognized was small. The team travel for cases but he rarely did and as long as he kept a low profile he'd be ok. Besides he was starving and his gas tank about empty. So he got food first at a fast food place connected to a gas station and ate. Then went to the gas station mini store bought gas as well as bottled water and a few snacks for the road.

After putting things away and gassing up. He was just getting back on his bike to leave when his cell phone went off. He cursed and told himself not to look but did anyways. He unlocked it and seeing a familiar number hit ignore. When his message page opened he winced at what he saw: 305 missed calls. 355 missed texts. 405 voice mails.

Hmm that can't be good. Ok so they knew he ran. His brother probably knew as well. He figured the minute Dr. Mallard showed up alone. That they would know he disobeyed and not much longer after that figure out he ran. Now the question was. Did he go back and just deal with the fall out? Or keep going. If he went back right now. He could admit he rabbited because he got scared. That the thought of returning to a pack terrified him to his very core. He knew he'd be in deep trouble for it with everyone and get punished for it. But that only scared him more.

Hmm he sat on his bike thinking and holding his phone weighing his options. When he felt the phone come alive in his hand and looked down to see two pairs of green eyes staring back at him. He yelped and dropped it. He then heard a bunch of tiny voices. All fighting to be heard over each other but the message the same from them all. They all demanded he stop running and do as he was told and return to NCIS. NOW!

Jimmy's memory flashed of his last Alpha demanding he do as he was told and the pain involved no matter what he did. His eyes hardened as he made his choice. He picked up the phone and yelled into startled green eyes. "No!" Then stomped on the phone until the voices stopped shouting demands. Flinging the pieces into the nearest dumpster. He got on his bike and road away as fast as he dared. He didn't stop shaking until a few hours later but convinced himself he was cold and put a coat on at a rest stop and continued on.

Jimmy road all night and ended up at his father cabin as the sun was coming up over the hill behind it. Sighing he rubbed his tired eyes as he unlocked the door and locked the door behind him. Before he dropped his gear shrugged his jacket off and hit the couch fast asleep. Opening his eyes hours later he sat up and looked out the front window. He was alarmed not knowing where he was at first. Looking around he relaxed when he remembered. Grinning he went into the kitchen swearing when he saw empty cupboards. Shrugging he went out the backdoor and after undressing shifted. It wouldn't be the first time he had to hunt for food to get by.

After finding a rabbit or two and eating his fill. Finished he ran through the trees feeling free and enjoying himself. He found the stream he and his brother played in as cubs. After cleaning up as a wolf he shifted back to clean off as a man. It took a while to clean road dust, sweat and other things he would rather not think of off. Afterwards he had a relaxing swim. Finally feeling good he got out of the water. As he dried in the sun he started thinking. He loved the cabin but he needed money to live on which meant a job. He wondered what kind of job he should get. A Doctor was out he couldn't use his real name which meant no credentials or work history. Sighing he decided he put off going back to the cabin long enough. He needed to start making plans for the future. So he shifted and after a good shake he started to run back.

As he made his way back. He was weighing the pros and cons of different jobs and staying off the radar until his brother and the others stopped looking. He sighed he couldn't even think their names. It was too fresh and it hurt he had to leave them behind. But he wouldn't go through that life again waiting until...

Stopping mid thought as he got near the cabin again and could smell intruders. He growled low in his throat. Slowing moving up toward the cabin he heard two people moving around inside. Quietly shifting to human he re-dress in the clothes he left by the back door then moving quietly he listened.

"So what now Tim? You seem to know how the gremlin thinks. Even his brother didn't think he'd come here. He said neither of them have been here in years. How'd you know?"

"Jimmy needed a place to plan Tony and he feels safe here. In DC to many people know him and us. From what Clark said they spent summers here as cubs. From the look of things Jimmy crashed hard and woke up only a few hours ago. The kitchen doesn't have any food. He's probably hunting right now or even taking a swim in the lake out back. Jimmy knows how to live off the land and hide here. Clark told us that much. So we have to wait for him to return. There is not point chasing Jimmy in the forest. When we could be standing next to him and not know it. Just relax Tony, Jimmy's bike is here and we found a pile of clothes by the back door. He'll be back if only to get his clothes and bike. In the meantime start thinking about how we convince Jimmy it a good idea to come back with us."

"How about this? We kick his ass for running. Then handcuff him and throw him in the trunk and drive home. Then once we get home we tell Gibbs and his brother he's in the trunk. Then stand back as they kick his ass. Then when there done we hand him over to Ducky and Abby. If he tries to run again. Then it's our turn again. And we keep repeating said Ass kicking's until he realizes we love the little gremlin and he's part of our pack."

"Yeah I'm sure that'll work. He's already scared of us Tony. How is scaring him more going to help?"

"Well then you tell me your bright idea Tim."

"We could talk to him. Maybe see why he's afraid of us Tony? Maybe help him realize he's already a member of the pack."

"How do we do that? Neither of us know what makes the gremlin tick. Nor do we know anything about his past. Hell until yesterday none of us knew he was a shifter."

"So we get to know him. Some things we already know as his friends. The rest we get to know as his pack mates. We didn't know everything about each other when we first met Tony."

"Ok fine. So we get to know him but we still are short one gremlin Tim."

"He'll be back Tony. Just be patience."

Jimmy barely stopped himself from banging his head on the side of the cabin. Tim and Tony had found him and Clark helped them. Dam he knew they'd call him. He held in a growl. He needed a plan. How the hell did he get out of this? Two of them and one of him. Think Palmer. You need a way out that the two inside won't think of. Come on think there has to be a way. It's not like he can just drive off…

Wait a minute his dad's jeep. If he could get to the garage without being seen. The jeep was made for back roads. Quietly he moved around the house and around out back. He got into the garage and opened the door. He grinned when he opened the garage door and saw his dad's jeep. He was half way home now he just hoped it had gas and ran.

Thanking his lucky stars that the guy who took care of the property. Also took care that the jeep was still running good and with a full tank. He knew hiring him was a good idea. A few minutes later, he was clear of the house and down the road when he saw Tim and Tony chasing him cursing. He grinned waving sarcastically when he left them in the dust.

His grin faded when he saw both of them disappear though. Dam they were getting the car. Think Palmer think. He needed to hide out long enough to go back and get his bike and bag. A plan started to form when he looked at the gearshift. He had 4 wheel drive and had spent summers going mudding with his brother and cousins in these mountains. Grinning wider he slowed down letting them think he was giving up. He speed up as soon as they caught up. Then he headed for the mountains and were he knew was a much used mud pit. Tony and Tim were city boys let's see them keep up.

Two hours later Jimmy stopped and leaned out his window and said. "Are ether of you hurt?"

Tony and Tim glared but shook their heads.

Tony said. "We're not hurt. Just stuck in the mud and the doors are jammed shut because the car is coated in several layers of mud. We know you did this on purpose. Help us out of here or call a tow truck Palmer. Come on you've had your little adventure it's over now."

Jimmy smirking folded his arms and rested them on the window frame of the door and said. "Now why would I help you two city boys? Your stuck right where I want you two to be. Now I can collected my things at the cabin and be on my way. But don't worry your pretty little heads. Once I'm far enough away. Then I'll send help. So sit tight not that you two have much of a choice. Oh and I'll even be nice and have them contact Gibbs. Make sure to let him know you're ok but unreachable. See what a nice guy I am. Bye for now city boys."

Jimmy waved as he left the two shouting Agent stuck in the mud. He doubled back but decided to keep the jeep. His father had left it to him along with the cabin. Clark was left everything else. Jimmy stopped long enough to hose of the mud, loaded his bike in the back and was on his way. After he left town he hit up the first gas station he saw and did as before eating and buying drinks as well as snacks for the road. Once he gas up he made the called to the Sheriff. He kindly told him about the two men he came across stuck in the mud. He lied and told him they told him they were NCIS Agents and had asked him to have someone to call their Boss Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs at NCIS in DC. Jimmy explained to the sheriff he'd seen them on his way back from hiking and didn't want to get stuck with them. So he promised to call from the first phone he reached since he didn't have one at his cabin. So after he pack his gear and headed out of town. This phone at the gas station was the first phone he saw and he'd done his duty.

Jimmy laughed with the sheriff about city folk as he disconnected the call. He knew the Sheriff would find out he lied but he wasn't really concerned. He doubted he'd remember his voice and he introduced himself as Anthony McGee. Oh he knew the team, specifically Tony and Tim would be gunning for him now. Especially for the name but it had been fun and once they calmed down he was sure they'd appreciate the irony. Either way he had things to do and they would be free to start hunting him again soon.

Jimmy chuckled as he started up the Jeep and drove away. He had a feeling this wouldn't be the last he heard of NCIS. That group wouldn't give up and neither would his brother. But for now all of them were clueless of his plans, so was he regretfully. But he had a full tank of gas, plenty of food, drinks and cash on hand.

Despite the circumstances Tony was right about one thing this was an adventure. One that he planned to work out in his favor. As he drove he thought about where to go. Finally he smirked when the perfect place flashed in his mind. California if he went to the Northern part it was full of small towns and if he played his cards right. He could find a jobs without too many questions. Mind made up. He put his sunglasses on. Turned the radio on and up. Then he grinned as he sang along with the radio as he drove to his new location and his next adventure.