A/N: Can I share this story is proving more difficult to write than I ever anticipated. Not in a bad way…more so in trying to assure I get it just right. This is the final story in the timeline of the series after all…Ryan's flashback runs parallel to the timeline of Paul's interaction with Cheveyo in Chapter 13 of After the Rain for those who are curious.

M rating for violence and language.

Chapter 3

The day had started out like any other day. Black clouds sprawled across the sky. The scent of rain permeating the air. The drizzling was beginning to soak through his clothes and like many other days past, Ryan cursed the gloomy weather. His short legs continued down the muddy path; a torrent of rain couldn't stop him now…The wind stung his cheeks, but he welcomed the pain. Anything that would liberate his anguish. Angry tears carved their own path amongst the rain droplets streaming down his face but Ryan continued undeterred.

He needed no marker; he'd visited her almost daily since she'd forsaken him. The dark granite headstone was hard to miss. Maddie had spared no expense. His overgrown fingernails dug into the palms of his hands as he battled against the whirlpool inside of him.

"Why momma? "

His legs weakened; his knees digging into the soft, wet ground as he came face to face with the fancy spelling of his mother's name. Ryan raised his eyes to the sky, expecting no answers but couldn't stop himself from asking again.

"Why?"

The last couple of weeks had passed in a stupor. He'd eaten when he was told, slept when the exhaustion of his tears and muffled cries overcame insomnia and owed the few stolen moments away from the boys' group home to Maddie and Lou. Ryan had been searching through the few personal belongings his mother had stowed away in Maddie's store. All in hopes of taking small pieces of her back to the group home, when he came across a picture of a man he didn't recognize and the damn letter. It was addressed to a name he didn't recognize and as he read though the first lines, felt shame for the feeling of disgust brewing at the pit of his stomach.

She'd been unfaithful, and Ryan had been the product of her adultery. All those beatings she'd taken, his crushing guilt of not being able to help her...His father must've known, and it was all beginning to make sense now. Ryan hated the man he grew up believing was his father; never understood why he'd treated him with such disdain, until now. And she'd stayed with him...condemning them both to a life of misery.

Why?

His legs had taken flight, leading him to her resting ground. Ryan wanted to hate her for this, wanted to tell her she deserved everything she got for being such a liar. But he couldn't, because she was dead. He wanted to punish her; wanted to hurt her as much as she'd hurt him and pulled out a small marble bag out of his pocket. It held little knickknacks she'd given him through the years. A dried up lily flower, so he could carry her with him, she'd told him. A page from their favorite book… a book he'd memorized cover to cover. He discarded the leather bag forcefully next to her grave and forced himself to walk away. Ryan wandered through the reservation aimlessly; his clothes soaked to the bone until he heard the familiar rumbling of Lou's truck. Maddie had taken one look at him and pulled him into her embrace.

The weeks which followed were tough; Ryan went into survival mode as he acclimated to the 'eat or be eaten' rules of the group home. Maddie and Lou had begun the paperwork to request guardianship, but he knew it would be months before his case would be reviewed. He was Quileute and a couple of pale faces' request to take custody of him would not be taken lightly. Then there was his own guilt…Ryan thought about the marble bag more times than he could count. He was angry at his mother still…but Lily had loved him fiercely; had showered Ryan with so much affection and devotion, it was hard for him to think ill of her.

He missed her terribly and was growing curious about the identity of the man she'd loved. Who was he and why had he not stepped forward to help her? To help him? The questions occupying his young mind were more than he could process on his own. He needed answers and there was only one person Ryan could think of asking; the woman who had loved his mother almost as much as he had…Maddie. Their visits were limited and few so Ryan wasted no time in questioning the elderly woman. Her face betrayed her shock but she complied in sharing the little she knew. His name was Paul and his mother had never confirmed what Maddie had suspected all along.

Maddie hadn't known the details of their relationship, but she knew he'd left town long ago. Ryan didn't know why that piece of information made him feel a bit better, but he supposed it proved she hadn't continued with the affair. Everyone made mistakes and Paul had clearly not cared enough about her to stick around. Ryan felt a piercing stab in his chest as he thought about the marble bag, convincing Maddie to let him make his way towards the cemetery with every intention of getting it back. The temperature was dropping and Ryan was grateful he'd listened to the kind storekeeper's sage advice and brought his hoodie along.

Ryan never made it to his mother's grave that day. He'd stopped a distance away, after catching the sight of a tall, muscular man tracing the letters of her name reverently. It had to be him…who else could it be? He felt a spark of hope coming to life; maybe he wouldn't have to live at the group home after all. But his joy was short lived. Paul had returned and days before his mother's death, she'd decided to leave his father once and for all. A coincidence? Ryan thought not…Outrage bubbled inside of him. His mother had died at the hands of the bastard she'd lied to for who knows how long. And for what? All to be with him…

Her death was on his hands. Conflict stirred inside of him. Paul could be the answer to his prayers; he could be the father Ryan had always yearned for. Fear of rejection stung but his resentment stung more. It was his fault…and if he'd wanted anything to do with Ryan, why hadn't his mother ever spoke of him? Loathing won out in the end and he stomped up the dirt path. He'd have to come for the marble bag another day. Ryan hurried his steps as twilight approached. The rumbling of a vehicle neared and a smooth baritone sounded out.

"Hey kid, need a ride back to the res?"

He was in no mood to speak with anyone but could benefit from a ride. He chanced a sideway glance to accept and felt his heart drum in alarm. It was him…Ryan hurried his pace; adrenaline and indecision warring inside of him. He may never get this chance again.

"It's really no trouble kid, you can hop on the truck bed if you prefer"

His anger spiked and words he'd never spoken to an adult spewed out.

"Fuck off…I don't need your charity" he grumbled out as he made for the trees. It wasn't the safest and smartest choice, but that day; Ryan realized he was nowhere near ready to face him. In fact it would be a decade before Ryan gathered the courage to face off with the man he so closely resembled.


Paul hunkered down on his front paws, as he watched over the passed out pup. Regret and shame were heavy on his heart and the seasoned wolf was grateful for his pack's gift of privacy. Wolves dreamed in their sleep…well, Paul wasn't sure if it was all wolves, but this kid sure did. Through his young mind, Paul traveled back to that awful day; the day he'd made peace with Lily's death. Paul had never been one to live in regret, but how he wished he could go back to that day.

You know what your problem is Paul? You never see things though.

Jacob's words were coming back to haunt him. They were words which had been repeatedly spoken through the years and the unruly wolf had always carelessly ignored. But they were true. Paul should've insisted, should've followed him into the woods, even without the knowledge that he was his…his son. The word hurt to repeat, even if just in his thoughts. He had a kid…and knowing it could've made such a difference in both of their lives. Something about that kid had struck a nerve and now he monumentally understood why.

"Is that normal? I've never seen a wolf pass out like that before"

Jahir hovered over the unconscious wolf, looking towards Seth for a response and Paul growled out his distaste.

"He's fine, just give him some room. It's a lot for anyone to take in"

Seth's eyes observed their newest wolf with a keen eye, counting his heartbeats and respirations for any signs of distress. The pup was stable and Seth surmised the shock of it all had been too much for him to handle. It wasn't every day you came face to face with your estranged father and realized you were destined to moonlight as an overgrown dog. Paul was a different story all together and experience told Seth shit would get a lot worse before it got any better. Cheveyo's worried features were an indication of his mutual concern. The dominant wolf phased back on the spot, unconcerned with his nudity but pulled up a pair of gym shorts quickly after.

"Why isn't he waking up Seth?"

His voice dripped with concern as he ambled over in defeat towards the sleeping pup. This was not how it was supposed to go down, and Solace turned sad eyes towards his mentor and friend. Paul's face was a picture of desolation and it hurt to see him in so much pain.

"His breathing and pulse are normal…he'll come around when he's ready, but crowding him isn't going to help"

Cheveyo wavered with his words but thought better of remaining silent.

"I know this is difficult, but seeing you here might set him off again, Paul. Maybe its better if you…"

"I'm not fucking going anywhere. I just found out, I have a grown ass kid and from the stench of guilt around here, my guess is some of you already knew"

His tongue was heavy with the taste of betrayal as he leveled Solace with an icy glare and the younger wolf had a hard time meeting his gaze.

"I don't even know his fucking name Cheveyo…"

"Ryan…his name is Ryan, Uncle Paul"

Five wolves turned their heads towards the sound of JJ's voice and the two girls knew they'd been caught red handed. They'd snuck out through the back of the house and Cheveyo gave them his best Alpha glare.

"Sowwy uncle Cheveyo but Wyan's our friend. We just wanted to make sure he was OK"

Isis watched her husband pick up both girls, walking silently back into their home. Paul was one of the most important people in Solace's life and she recognized the heavy guilt on his features for how this had gone down. This was her doing and she felt all kinds of awful, but it was bound to happen eventually and they could now focus on putting the pieces back together, whenever Ryan's consciousness decided to rejoin them.


Date of last menstrual period…

Her hand shook, as she scribbled down her response. She was late…seven days late to be exact and was grateful when she heard her name being called by the nurse.

"Oleander Niabi…"

She followed down the hallway and into an exam room despondently, asking herself how she'd allowed this to happen. The memory of warm, soft lips making their way down her thighs was a quick reminder of how, and she was grateful the nurse hadn't caught the pinkish hue making its way up her face. It had been a long time since a man had made her feel that good. He'd been gentle yet demanding… Possessive but unselfish. His memory had found its way into her thoughts more times than she cared to admit, but it was an allowance she couldn't afford. She'd already broken her number one rule of not sleeping with a potential client and was now paying the price.

"Good afternoon Ms. Niabi. My name is Michelle…I'm one of the midwives. What brings you in today?"

"I'm a week late. I'd like a pregnancy test and to be checked for any STDs"

"I see. Were you using any form of protection?"

"No... I took the morning after pill but I'm not sure it worked"

"OK, well that could explain why your period is late, but we'll do the pregnancy test to be sure. Have you thought about your options, in case you are pregnant?"

Had she thought about her options? That's all she'd thought about in the last week.

"Yes, but I'm not really sure what I would do…"

"Well you don't have to make any decisions today. How about you give us a urine sample and then come back and undress from the waist down? I'll do a pelvic exam and take samples for any STIs while the pregnancy test runs. We can chat a bit more after the results come back"

It was the longest twenty minutes of her life and her eyes welled up with tears when she heard the negative result. Relief and gratitude heavy on her list of emotions. The midwife had been very supportive and she appreciated not feeling judged. The rest of the results would come back within a week's time but she'd only requested them as a precaution. Pregnancy had been her number one concern.

There was one more stop she needed to make before heading to work. A trip she'd made monthly in the last three years. Ollie walked up to the lobby kiosk of the Olympic Correction Center with her completed voucher and forked over the thirty dollars, awaiting her receipt. She always made the deposit in Maddie's name; knowing he'd refused the funds if he knew they came from her.

"This inmate is no longer housed at this facility"

Ollie heard the words, but they sounded foreign to her ears.

Had something happened to him? Had he been transferred?

She was well aware of Moletti's reach and wouldn't put it past him to arrange a relocation.

"Was he transferred to a different facility?"

The words sounded weak even to her own ears and she held her breath, waiting to hear the C.O.'s response.

"He was released…surprised he didn't tell such a pretty lady himself"

The words slapped her cold in the face; a mixture of joy and pain. Ryan was free and he hadn't bothered to find her. She couldn't blame him of course. They hadn't parted in the best of terms but still...Their lives had been so intricately intertwined the last decade, she couldn't fathom a life without his presence. But he'd been clear; he wanted no part of her and Ollie was still reeling from his rejection. No matter…he was free and she could focus on making up for her mistakes. Hope was a dangerous thing for people like her, but Ollie hadn't made it this far in life by being a coward.

Ryan was just too important to give up on and she knew he felt the same way about her. It was the reason they always found a way back to one another. Thoughts of her earlier scare became a distant memory as her mind swirled with possibilities. There were only so many places he could go; he would probably have some sort of parole. She wasn't sure but knew the identity of a woman who Ryan would never avoid. And she would know exactly where to find him. The Organic Market was on the other side of town; ways away from her route to work and so the visit would have to wait another day. She struggled to keep her mind in the present, a habit she was working on improving. But took comfort in the certainty of reuniting with the only man whom she'd truly ever loved.


The cool water on his skin was a reprieve. The sweltering heat the last couple of days had scorched his overheated skin. He wanted to indulge a bit longer, but Caleb had places to be and began the swim back towards the shore. Lustful eyes followed him out of the water, placing a wicked grin on his lips. Caleb was a sensual and physical creature. A notorious flirt; but it was always done with the utmost transparency. He didn't care for mind games or misleading those he pursued. But these days, the thrill of conquests didn't provide the same gratification they once did. And even though he still smiled flirtatiously at his admirers, continued towards his vehicle in haste.

His family worried…he was one of the few unattached wolves left and showed no signs of settling down. It wasn't like he was opposed to monogamy; quite the contrary actually. Caleb envied his parents' relationship and his sister's domestic bliss, but was simply too fickle in his relationships. He was affectionate and doting with his paramours, but lost interest far too quickly and often wondered if his bi-sexuality was the reason he struggled to find an ideal mate. Caleb had his father's good looks and Embry's playful nature; a deadly combination which allowed him much choice. And boy did he take full advantage of such choice…

His female conquests far outweighed his male ones, and truth be told, it was Ethan's arrival in Europe, which precipitated him into coming to terms with his sexuality. He'd been so smitten with the blue-eyed wolf so long ago, that Jade found pleasure in teasing mercilessly even to this day. His family was supportive of him and his pack brothers never judged but still…Caleb understood the self-inflicted stigma which often came along with the territory, solidifying his resolve for tonight's excursion.

Caleb had been in his shoes once upon a time, and he wasn't about to turn his back on a friend in need. The young wolf hated the ambience of gay pick up bars…but this kid needed a serious wake up call. He'd never met anyone quite like him before; mature and grounded, yet so child-like and innocent in many ways. Not to mention clueless; very clueless. Even now as he watched him perch up on the bar stool, all wide eyed and curious, Caleb couldn't keep the amusement from his smile.

There were all kinds of hunters present and this kid had no fucking inkling of his own allure. They would eat him alive…and so Caleb had chosen to ease him into the scene. Except he was walking a thin, dangerous line himself. His intentions had begun honorably; feeling moved by the realization he was the first person he'd come out to and had hoped to help him gain the confidence to step out of the shadows. Caleb knew his family would show him boundless love and support, but he'd also been trying to impart unfiltered knowledge. All the shit no amount of internet searches could prepare him for and it was there, where he found himself blurring the lines.

A significant age gap existed between them, but he didn't have the heart to turn him away. His apartment had become a haven for the young man. A place free of worry and judgment; and as Caleb spent more and more time with his protégé, realized the affinity ran deeper than he ever imagined. The worldly wolf enjoyed seeing the pinkish hue on his chiseled cheeks far too greatly. His modesty and inexperience were a rarity at his age. There was also Caleb's own vanity…The keen wolf was aware of his friend's growing infatuation but was doing nothing to discourage him. Quite the contrary…Caleb exuded sexuality; from every coy smile to his words. All in the name of schooling him in the art of seduction. But it was ironic, that this young man's kind, tender and understated personality was serving to be more appealing for him than the assertiveness he usually favored.

"So? What do you think? Anyone here catch your eye?"

A pinkish hue traveled up his cheeks as he looked around the crowded establishment.

"Uhm…I don't know. This isn't really the way I pictured meeting someone you know?"

"I hear you…but you got to start somewhere. I mean…you dance like a pro. Being here, doing something you enjoy might make it easier for you"

"Has it worked for you? Do you come here a lot?"

Caleb answered with a coy smile, gulping down the rest of his drink.

"This isn't really my scene either. Truth is I haven't had many male partners. But trust me; you won't have any problems attracting someone. Just look to your left," he signaled with his chin.

"That guy's been staring at you since we walked in. I bet you the only the reason he hasn't come over yet, is because he's trying to figure out if we're together. So let me know…I can make my way to other side of the bar and give you space, or we can just hang out here until you find someone you wouldn't mind speaking to"

Caleb watched him carefully, smiling when he ordered them another set of drinks. He should've excused himself; placed some much needed distance between them, but it had been awhile since he'd felt this intrigued. The drinks were flowing freely, and he allowed himself to be dragged into the dance floor by his much more skilled dance partner. Caleb was well aware he'd been blessed with good genes and had grown accustomed to the looks of admiration the pack received. But as he took in his partner's lithe, muscular frame and sculpted features, knew the lustful glances, weren't all directed his way; awakening his subdued dominance.

A feral possessiveness brewed inside of him, driving Caleb to pull him close. His conscience was yelling at him to stop; telling him it was wrong, but the young wolf ignored reason. He was supposed to be a mentor; this kid was practically family, and it would cause unneeded conflict in his life. But it wasn't enough to stop him from leaning in. The music and moving bodies faded away as Caleb focused on a set of soft, moist lips. It was but a soft tap, but it was enough to savor his peachy, tropical taste. Wide eyes met his, prompting him to pull back, and was surprised when eager hands reached to cup his face, pulling him gently for another kiss. It was wrong but it felt so right; supple lips submissively giving in to his and…

His body felt unpleasantly jostled, wrenching him out of his memory, half asleep half awake.

"Caleb…wake the fuck up man. We gotta move"

The sound of Tokola's stern voice prompted his loud groan; his eyes struggling to adjust in the dark.

"I'm awake but it's not even daylight yet. What time is it?"

"Time to go, mate. Kocha picked up a downwind scent… bloodsuckers. Best be on our way, eh? We can all sleep better, when we reach the clan"

Gideon's strained voice placed them on alert and Hawk was on his feet, scanning the surrounding greenery in seconds. They were on foreign land, and understood there was much to learn but were confused by Gideon's unease and Tokola was quick to voice his bewilderment.

"There's seven of us…why are we running away? We can take down a couple of leeches without breaking a sweat"

It'd been a while since they'd seen much action, and the last time they left reservation soil, Hawk had remained behind. Thoughts of his family pulled at the strings of his heart, but this was no time to indulge in nostalgia; he needed to focus on the possible threat. The feint scent of bloodsuckers was unmistakable and Hawk guessed there were many of them by the mixture of the feint stench. Cheveyo had instructed each wolf to limit their belongings to a duffel bag a piece and they swiftly scooped them up awaiting Gideon's response. Indecision marred his features as he exchanged an anxious glance with Aurel, and Hawk became acutely aware there was something important he wasn't sharing.

"We weren't just charged with picking you up mate. We have documents important to the clan. If we go after the vamps, we risk losing 'em and they're too bloody important"

The wolves exchanged glances of their own. It was a bit odd but Cheveyo and Ethan would never have sent them across such distance without trust. So, they obeyed without further complaint. They proceeded in a line, with Gideon taking point as Kosha and Tokola flanked their ends. Changing to their other forms would hamper communication, so they remained in their human skin. The stillness of the dark had an ominous feel as the creatures of the forest sensed the pending threat. And the werewolves had a swif decision to make.

The fastest way was following the trail by the lake through the mountain pass, but the leeches could corner them into a narrow space; placing them at a great disadvantage. Traveling through the forest would cost them a half day's journey but it was neutral ground. Gideon picked up his pace, hiking agilely in between the moss covered trees; choosing to burden the responsibility of his choice, as the rest of the group followed silently. The tension was tangible and Teagan leaned her weight on Caleb's shoulder playfully, hoping to lighten the mood.

"What's the score mate? All that racket yous making in your sleep… she must've been quite the trollop?"

Caleb looked around in embarrassment, worrying over what he'd shared in his sleep and was mortified by his pack brother's laughter. Tokola smiled mischievously but chose to remain silent. He'd recently patrolled with Seth's only son and had caught a glimpse of Caleb's newest infatuation. He'd used all of his control to block his thoughts and Tokola had harassed him mercilessly; eager to know whose image he'd gotten a peek of. It wasn't often Caleb kept things from the pack, so the secrecy sparked his curiosity.

Caleb shrugged her comment off and the gregarious shifter smiled knowingly, readying for a cheeky retort, but was silenced by the rumbling approaching from the south. If Teagan hadn't known better, she would've sworn it was a herd of wild horses, still known to roam the steppes. But she did know better…and the disbelief on her companions' faces mirrored her own. This was no small coven…the sound of running footsteps told a ghastly different tale. What would such a large group of vampires be doing this far out? Were they being followed? Should they run or fight? That was the million dollar question. They exchanged meaningful looks and it was Teagan's colorful words which put an end to the silent exchange.

"Well you arseholes can muck about. Run from a leech? I will in me hole"

The she-were began stripping off her clothes; an array of intricate tattoos covering the right side of her back. Tokola diverted his gaze when she caught him staring but Gideon howled out his disgust.

"Are you barking mad? This isn't about courage Teagan, it's about survival. Tamàs entrusted us with their lives and there's more at stake than your bloody pride"

A savage growl ripped through the air and Kosha stepped in between them.

"It doesn't matter. We can't bloody outrun them all and we can't very well lead them back to the clan, can we? We got no other choice but to fight."

Hawk smiled sarcastically. His family had shipped him off thousands of miles across the sea with hopes of restoring his will to live and was struck by the sheer irony of it all. Did he value his current life? It was a question he couldn't honestly answer, but he valued the life of his pack brothers'. And his own wolf's innate tenacity would refuse to yield to their mortal enemies. Hawk felt the adrenaline pump through his veins as they prepared to meet the legion of vampires descending on them. Their inner beasts relishing in the release as they took their other forms.

Communication would be limited during battle, so they huddled in a defensive line. The earth shook with the vibrations of heavy supernatural steps and Caleb's confusion mirrored his other two pack brothers. Ten vampires ran wildly though the trees; their eyes widening in surprise as they took in the seven shape shifters. Teagan was the first to break the line, agilely leaping to take one of the leeches down. Aurel leaped to her aid and yelped in agony as a set of claws ripped through his side.

It was a chaotic scene as chunks of rotten flesh flew in all directions but Hawk was growing increasingly anxious. The leeches weren't on the attack, their priority seeming on escape and it was Tokola's words which froze him in place.

They're not gunning for us man. They're being chased. There's something else coming this way…

But what could be so threatening to have ten vampires on the run? The wolves ended their struggle and phased back, hoping the werewolves would follow suit. Aurel was already in his human form, clutching to his side as blood seeped out of his wound. They watched as several other stray vamps flew past them, heading towards the lake. The rumbling from the south growing louder.

"Aurel's bleeding pints. We can't stay here mate, we need to be on our way"

Kosha threw on his pair of jeans and picked up the injured werewolf from the ground, scanning his peripheries. They grabbed a few pieces of clothing in haste as Gideon looked towards the shredded rucksack.

"Most of the vamps headed into the woods. We've got a safer chance of making it through the mountain pass. We run… and we don't bloody stop until we reach past the lake"

Teagan looked towards Aurel in regret. If they'd run from the beginning, her friend wouldn't have sustained any injuries. They wasted no more time, taking off on foot. Their pursuers appeared to have taken the bait and followed the remaining vampires towards the North and the lycans and wolves quickened their pace. Kosha was the first to break through the trees, even with the weight of his injured clan brother and placed him carefully on the ground. Gideon, Tokola and Teagan followed next.

"Where's your rucksack?"

Teagan turned the werewolf forcefully, looking for any signs of his bag.

"Feck off Teagan. Did you not see me running for me life back there?"

"The deed…where's the deed?"

"I got the bloody deed in my pocket, now will you leave me be, woman? Let a bloke catch his breath"

Caleb ran out from the trees and Tokola appeared perplexed.

"Where's Hawk?"

"What do you mean where's Hawk? He was right behind you…"

A look of panic painted Tokola's features.

"FUCK…we gotta go back for him."

Gideon passed the she-were the folded-up document, following after Tokola. Hawk's acute hearing had told him they were not in the clear, as the sound of quickening strides followed. His curiosity had gotten the better of him and he'd chanced a look over his shoulder. What he'd seen stopped him dead in his tracks.

His chest heaved heavily; adrenaline and disbelief causing spasms in his breath. A black muzzle stood inches from his chest; a set of intelligent and appraising eyes staring back at him. Hawk released a deep sigh as another set of bounding strides caught his attention. She pushed her muzzle forcefully onto his chest and Hawk got the distinct impression she was warning him; urging him to leave. The young wolf's mind spiraled with unanswered questions. But took heed of the warning, turning hesitantly, but not before watching her take off at lightning speed in the dark.

Gideon and Tokola met him half way; exasperation and relief clear on his pack brother's features.

"What the fuck took you so long? I thought you were puppy chow"

"Yeah mate, isn't the time to bugger about eh?"

Hawk nodded silently, meeting Tokola's gaze with intent. The older wolf narrowed his gaze, sensing there was something he wasn't sharing but held his tongue. The werewolves were trusted allies, but Hawk wasn't clear of what he'd seen and hoped to get his pack brothers' thoughts on the matter first. Caleb had made himself useful while they waited. He'd seen his father cauterize many wounds and wasted no time in staunching Aurel's.

They continued without rest; all taking turns carrying the injured werewolf until fatigue and hunger became too great to ignore. They rested in shifts, and the two wolves eagerly volunteered to run a short distance patrol with Hawk. The mind link made it easier to explain and he didn't disappoint. Tokola and Caleb were stunned, each trying to make sense of Hawk's memories and were only able to formulate short words.

How…?

Her eyes…

I know…was Hawk's only response.

Too many theories, not enough facts…Each wolf had his own reasons for taking this journey, but as they ran over the last forty-eight hours, it became painfully clear nothing would remotely be as they'd imagined it to be. This couldn't have possibly been the reason they'd been sent; the werewolves' own surprise and confusion had solidified that. They needed their Alpha's counsel and decided on remaining silent until more intel could be uncovered. The wolves headed back for some much needed rest; an eerie sense of foreboding filling them all…

Playlist

Love will tear us apart-Broken Social Scene

The Night We Met- Lord Huron

Welcome To the Jungle- Guns N' Roses