(Mercy Thompson Series)

Lone Wolf

A/N – Happy New Year, everyone. I'm so glad you've stuck with this story, although updates are few and far between. Since my last chapter, I've gotten a new job, moved, and am trying to make a new life as a New Yorker. During that time I was so stressed and still adjusting, so my writing suffered greatly. But I'm back now. I hope you'll continue to stick with me and this story. Thank you for reading, and please leave feedback!

Michelle is returned to them, but it's quite obvious that she's not the same as before. Adam wonders what to do, hoping to both save Michelle and keep his family safe. Ben hopes both the love of her mate and son will bring back the woman he fell in love with.

I hope you enjoy this chapter. I will not spend a whole lot of time on this, but I want to show how the events of the previous chapters affected Michelle and subsequently, her bond with Ben.

Chapter 21 – Not Herself

Two canine forms slipped through the sparse underbrush, the larger clearing the way for the smaller. Adam was after deer, but Mercy was content with any small animal she could find. She preferred hare, so this was what she searched most for.

While her mate charged off to find a scent to track, Mercy trotted along, her own nose to the ground. She loved when she and Adam could run alone together. When the moon was high and the pack was gathered, it was hard for her to feel comfortable, surrounded by so many large predators, even if they were pack. She knew there were still those who thought she didn't belong.

But when it was just the two of them, their bond was a warm, reassuring presence humming clear in her chest. She could think, sluff off the skin of the Alpha's mate, and just be Mercy. She felt Adam's excitement, his relief at being able to stretch his legs, to have some much-needed private time away from pack problems, if only for a short moment.

She finally scared up a black-tailed jackrabbit, its legs kicking up sand in the scrubby landscape as he ran, urging the coyote to give chase. She hoped it was short. Her pregnancy was advancing, and she got winded a lot sooner than she used to, even in her furred form.

The small mammal twisted and turned on its path to thwart her pursuit, but Mercy was just able to catch one of its long rear legs with her eyeteeth, wounding the hare and sending it sprawling. She was immediately on it, and its screams only egged her on as she quickly dealt it a killing bite.

Panting, Mercy sat down next to her prey, catching her breath before she fed. Her breathing was loud in the quiet night, but she knew Adam wasn't far. She gulped down meat quickly, nosing aside undesirable bits and honing in on tender organs and solid, protein-rich muscle.

She was cleaning the blood from her paws when the carcass of a deer was dropped next to her, the newly killed doe still warm to the touch.

She glanced up to see her mate, his tongue lolling from his bloody mouth, his chest swelled in triumph. Impressed? he seemed to ask. She gave a quick yip. Satisfied, he began feeding as Mercy turned her face toward home.

As much as she loved this, her thoughts once again went to Michelle. Her friend was in a bad way. She could tell when she looked at her tired face, felt her unrest through the bonds. She suffered frequent nightmares, was often seen trembling, panting, the eyes of her wolf vacant, far away.

Adam had stated Mary Jo had felt much the same way, at first. Her ordeal had occurred just before Mercy had been bonded to the pack. That came as a great relief, because if the way Michelle's turbulent emotions filtered to her were any indication, it must have been hard on everyone.

She only hoped that Ben could help her, that their relationship would pull Michelle back from the dark place she'd gone to. Ben's love and their mate bond had to count for something. It would lend her strength, as Adam's did for Mercy when she needed it most.

And of course, there was Hector. As her pregnancy became more and more pronounced, Mercy began to understand the feelings of a mother for her child, the willingness to do anything, conquer any hindrance, just to be there. Hector's presence would be imperative to Michelle's recovery.

They needed to turn things around, and soon.

She feared that, if Michelle was damaged beyond repair, Bran would do his duty as Marrok and end her suffering.

The air was cool and calm in Adam's basement. Ben took a drink from one of the dishes of water placed within the cage and glanced at a sleeping Michelle. She was napping again. She seemed to do that a lot since she'd awakened, as if her body was healing a great injury.

When Bran had forced her change, she'd been unconscious for two days, and Ben had awaited her revival with mounting concern. He'd wondered if it were natural for one of them to sleep for so long. Werewolves healed quickly, making coma a distant worry. But that was from physical injury.

When his mate had awoken, Ben had been beside himself with relief. It had been Michelle, but not all of her. Her wolf was in control. Ben couldn't explain how he'd known, but he had. As soon as those green eyes had met his, he'd felt it. It was Michelle, but she had felt…different, incomplete.

The wolf that was his mate knew him, even welcomed him with flattened ears, waving, low-positioned tail, and a lick to his muzzle, but it had been the wolf and only the wolf. He'd returned her greeting, but had been at a loss on what to do next.

Her human half, the one that smiled at his lame jokes and twisted her lips when he was being ridiculous, the one that had the attitude that first attracted him…she was buried deep inside. Her wolf was shielding her, even now. She was there, lost within herself, but it came as no surprise to Ben.

Physically, wolves could recover from just about anything. But Michelle's struggle was mental and spiritual. Her soul had gone from her body. She had effectively died. But then she'd been forcibly jammed back in. It had to have been traumatic to say the least.

He remembered seeing Mary Jo's struggle, feeling it, how off she'd seem at times, in a daze. Adam had partnered Auriele with her, to oversee her behavior and calm her wolf when she got agitated. It had taken a little while, but Mary Jo had eventually made a full recovery.

Ben could only hope the same for Michelle. She was strong. She had to get through this. She had to come back to him, to her son, who hadn't even been permitted to see her yet.

Bran wanted to protect the boy in the event the unthinkable became necessary. But Ben thought that allowing Hector to see her would help. When he'd suggested it, Bran had considered his words, saying he would think it over and see where things went in a few days.

So here they were, and though Michelle hadn't flipped out or done anything otherwise dangerous, she was still not herself. Ben watched over her worriedly.

Hearing the basement door opening, his head jerked toward the noise. As if summoned by his thoughts, Hector entered, closing the door quietly behind him. He edged down the stairs cautiously, and, seeing Ben, crept closer.

His eyes studied Michelle intently. "Is she alright?" he asked, even though he knew Ben was not in a form to answer him. "I couldn't wait anymore. I had to see my mom."

Ben waved his tail a couple times as he shifted his gaze to Michelle. Despite the situation, she seemed okay physically. For now. Her breathing was normal, and her body was limp, completely relaxed.

"I hope she wakes up soon," Hector murmured, glancing up the stairs. "Maybe I can use…" He gestured to himself. "…whatever this is to help her." He came closer, taking a seat in front of the cage. "Anna's taught me a few things. I'm not a master at it, but I want to at least try to help".

Ben gave him the equivalent of a smile of agreement. He was all for whatever could help restore Michelle.

Hector glanced up at the keyring hanging near the door. Standing, he looked back at Ben. "If they ask you, you couldn't stop me from opening the door." He grabbed the key and returned.

Ben gave him a cynical look. It would not have been difficult to keep the boy out. Moreover, Adam would hardly believe such a story. If they were caught, both of them would be in trouble. He'd take that risk if it meant his mate would be brought back to him fully.

Opening the cage, Hector closed it behind him and sat next to his mother. He picked up her large head and laid it on his lap, causing her to shift sleepily. Running his fingers through her fur and over her ears, he leaned down and spoke to her.

"Mami," he began. "Wake up. It's me."

At first, Hector thought she wouldn't respond. She had been sleeping so soundly. But a moment later, eyelids opened over jade eyes, and she assessed her surroundings before raising her sleepy head to look on her son.

"Hi, Mom," Hector said, smiling.

Standing to her feet and stretching, Michelle backed a slight distance away and regarded Hector with a dull expression, tilting her head in question. He reached out to her, extending his hand so she could take in his scent. Her eyes held a bit of recognition, and they lit up with enthusiasm as she pieced his scent and appearance together.

Hector glanced at Ben, who gave him a supportive nod as his mother crept closer. Focusing on her, he concentrated as Anna had taught him. He let his aura billow around him as she made her way closer.

It wasn't necessary. When Michelle was close enough she stepped into her son's space, licking him across his face with sloppy kisses. He laughed, his hands grabbing the coarse fur around her neck. She whined happily at him, draping her head over his shoulder.

Hector's smile seemed to light up the dismal cell, and his happiness permeated the basement. Even Ben felt its affects. "I missed you," Hector murmured to her. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Michelle perked up her tail in response, pulling back to grin at her son. She had missed him too.

Watching the mother and son reunion, Ben couldn't shake feelings of being left out, of near abandonment. She had recognized him, yes, but she had hardly reacted like that to his presence, and he was her mate.

As her son, Hector came first in Michelle's life. He knew that, always had. But this feeling wasn't jealousy of that relationship. The bond was still there. He could feel it. But it felt so…hollow, lifeless, as if something more was needed to return things to the way they were.

Michelle was there, but she was not his Michelle, not anymore. He had no doubt the pack could feel it, as he did. It set his teeth on edge. He just wanted her back.

He didn't realize he had let out a small whine ending in a sigh until he felt the warmth against his chest. His mate had shifted so that her hip rested against his sitting form. She gave him the barest of glances, her face jovial. But her eyes held a deeper meaning.

I know you are there, they seemed to say. She could feel him through the tatters of their bond. She probably had felt his chagrin and loneliness. Ben was encouraged. At least she was present enough in that respect.

"What are you doing in here?"

The three looked up to see Adam descending the stairs, returned from his hunt, his face none too pleased. "I told you to stay away until we could make sure things were safe."

Hector stood, defiant. "I know what you said, but this is my mother. She won't hurt me."

Michelle had retreated to the furthest corner from the angry Alpha, cringing, eyes downcast.

Adam assessed her, noting her frightened posture. He hadn't meant to scare her, but they had to be careful. Though Hector was Omega, he was less dominant to Michelle, and hadn't yet mastered how to use the power he had. That meant less control of the situation.

"We won't know that for sure until we've seen how being brought back has affected her. She's different. You'd be able to feel it if you shared the pack bonds."

The boy shook his head, unimpressed. "You won't find that out if you leave her here in this prison," he said, his tone chastising. "She will be fine. I'm here, and so is Ben. We'll make sure of it. You don't know her like we do. None of you do."

"Be careful boy," Adam warned, his voice deadly soft, eyes glaring. "I've been patient with you up to till now. But if you're to be a part of this pack, you will learn to obey, Omega or not." He stared Hector down, daring him to argue.

Hector nearly did, but a sharp glance from Ben stopped him. Ben pleaded with Adam with his eyes, hoping his friend wouldn't lose his temper with the boy, not when they were making a little leeway with Michelle.

Adam closed his eyes briefly. He took a deep breath and let out a put upon sigh. Pinching the bridge of his nose tiredly, he glanced at Michelle again. He seemed to have found what he was looking for, because his face smoothed out a degree. The stress seemed to melt away, if only on the surface.

"Okay," he said. "She can come out." He seemed hesitant, but Hector had been right. The only way to really know if all was well was to let the wolf out of the basement.

Ben panted happily, searching his mate's face. She was no longer so fearful, but her body remained tense, as if she were uncomfortable. Being surround by silver bars would make any werewolf feel that way.

Hector smiled. "Yes!" He motioned to his mother. "¿Estas listo?"

"Wait," Adam interrupted. "She can come out, but she can't go home, not yet. She must stay here, at least for a little while. I want to watch her."

Hector deflated. "I can stay with her?"

The Alpha nodded before turning to head back up the stairs. "And next time I tell you not to do something, Hector, you will do as I say." He didn't wait for a response. The door shut quietly as he left.

As Adam made his way upstairs, he hoped he hadn't made a mistake. Hector's memory was short apparently. He failed to remember what had happened to him the last time his mother had lost control. But that wouldn't happen here. Adam would make sure of that.

Hector stood, opened the unlocked cage door, and stepped outside. "Come on, Mom. Let's go upstairs and watch TV."

Ben followed suit. He padded out of the cage and towards the stairs, stopping to coax his mate with a wolf smile, tongue lolling.

It seemed to encourage her. She only hesitated a moment before she too exited. The three went up the stairs easily and into the living room. There, Mercy sat watching a show about restoring old cars. Jesse sat beside her, her head resting on the arm of the couch.

When the two wolves and boy entered, Mercy smiled. "Glad to see you guys," she said, her eyes landing on Michelle as she entered. "Especially you, lady. I'm glad you're alright."

Her friend grunted at her before hopping up on the other end of the couch and lying down. Ben followed her, positioning himself between her and Mercy and resting his head on her hip as they often did.

She didn't flinch or otherwise show displeasure at the contact. So far, so good. Hector took his place in a nearby armchair. He watched the show with interest, but he occasionally glanced at his mother, making sure she was alright.

Soon, Michelle started to doze. Mercy felt relieved. Her friend looked fine, and there didn't seem to be anything to really be concerned about, all things considered.

But the Walker battled a sense a dread, the feeling that something was off balance. She could feel it not just in the pack bonds, the hollow, not so tangible presence, but in her gut as well. Her inner, furrier self was telling her to watch out, as though she were in the presence of a predator that wouldn't hesitate to hurt her if she could.

Watching her friend sleep, her large head sitting prettily upon her forepaws, it was hard to imagine. She shook herself. No. Michelle was alright. She had to be. Mary Jo had been a little off kilter too. But she'd come back with a little time.

Michelle would do the same.

Just then, Mercy felt a furry body brush her leg. Medea mewed at her before jumping up, crossing her lap to move near Ben. The cat really liked everyone, and Mercy was still very much astonished by that. The stubby-tailed feline crept over Ben and tried to make herself comfortable between him and Michelle, the warmest, coziest spot on the couch.

Mercy nearly turned back to the television, but she saw a stillness grip Michelle, something she'd seen from werewolves in the past. It was a preamble to an attack. She quickly reached over Ben, who was beginning to stir himself, and swiped the cat just before Michelle's fangs found her.

The wolf had turned her head with a snarl, quick as lightening, and had fully intended to grasp the cat in her jaws. The room quickly descended into silence, the occupants frozen in tense awkwardness.

The TV was forgotten as everyone, Ben included, pondered what to do next. Mercy handed a protesting Medea over to Jesse, keeping an eye on Michelle, who was staring in their general direction.

Ben sat up, ready to take protective action if need be. He was at a loss. He had to protect his Alpha's mate and child should Michelle lose control. That was obvious. But Michelle was his mate. Where did that leave him?

"Mom?" Hector's voice broke the silence. "Mami, look at me." He waved at his mother, finally drawing her attention away from Mercy's direction. "Here I am. Just focus on me."

Michelle's face lost its intensity as she looked at her son, and so she was fully distracted when Adam grabbed her by the scruff, pulling her off the couch and marching toward the basement.

He'd been in the kitchen when he'd felt it and had wasted no time removing the danger. It was disappointing, but he had to protect everyone. What if she had gone after Jesse or Mercy? The thought chilled him to the bone. He'd have had to kill Michelle.

The female went limp in his arms, not daring to protest. Ben followed close behind.

Hector let out a sigh as the basement door closed behind them, not moving to follow. He needed help with his Omega gifts. It hadn't worked well enough, and now his mother was back in a cage. He promised himself to call Anna as soon as possible.

He looked at Mercy and Jesse. "I'm so sorry," he said, dejected. "I thought I could…"

"It's okay," Mercy assured. "It's not her fault, or yours. It'll just take some time for her to get back to being herself, that's all." She didn't know who she was trying to convince. Her heart was still pounding in her ears as Medea sprawled happily across her lap, completely oblivious.

All she could do was hope that her words were true, that Michelle would be 100% normal again, given time.

But as her sharp ears took in the sounds of her mate returning her friend to her cage, she wondered. Her hands ran over Medea's coat, the cat purring and unaware of just how close she'd come to death. Her heart went out to Hector and Ben, because despite all their optimism, it had been made quite clear in that one moment.

Michelle was not okay.