Scars and the Claws That Leave Them

by HakuroNoKage

William Grimm newly transferred to the ZPD from the Ulfhaven Sheriff's Dept. tries to move forward with his life as his past remains a burden that seems to haunt him at every turn. Rated M for everything under the sun, and Nihil Nove Sub Sole. Much love, and many thanks to Darkwolfslayer21 for a cover image for this story, and for so much more besides. It's Nodachi Time.

13. Epiphany

Brief A/N: I'm kinda surprised I notice discrepancies between chapters like how certain characters say things as if they don't know something then later say things as if they knew all along, yet no one has said anything about it - I will get around to fixing that eventually. Also I realized that the Wolf Mother is sort of my Deus Ex Machina which is kinda funny to me. It's kind of driving me nuts that I still have so much of this story to write before I get to where I want to be in regards to a certain upcoming character [Darkwolfslayer21 you know who I'm talking about] - I consider certain story events landmarks, and I'll list them so you get an idea of what I mean when I say I've got a ways to go: There's the Halloween Party which will be in another chapter, or two, then the week worth of Grimm family reunion drama + aftermath, then the week after back in the city followed by idk how I'm going to go after that to Clawhauser's Nov. B-Day which will set up December's fun little ZPD thing then I will be free to decide when, and how to introduce this character while I continue debating using a time-skip after that. Also I'm going to try to keep each forthcoming chapter to only covering a day, or two tops so I can upload more regularly like I was. Finally this chapter opens with a dream sequence that is inspired by the chapter 22 of "Striped Up" by AlbineFox so give that a read; I've been following it since the beginning, and look forward to each update like you wouldn't believe; AlbineFox if you read this I hope you don't mind I just couldn't resist.

Tuesday [Week four, Day two]

Will was in a bedroom that much he could tell, and there was Jack though Will found it really strange the lapine buck held a stuffed tiger with a certain intent on his muzzle. The scent of Jack was so real, as was the mix of scents on that comically large compared to the mammal holding it stuffed tiger. Like a finger stuck in his nose Will could smell the stale scent of a tigress being overwhelmed by the layered odor of semen. Odder still was the way Jack, and the stuffed tiger alike were dressed in ZPD t-shirts.

"Jack what the fuck is going on?" Will tried calling out to his friend, and still ZIA Agent, but it was like he wasn't there as oblivious to his presence as the buck was.

"I can understand if you were going undercover in the ZPD, but wouldn't you have like told me, or something since I work there now. I probably could've just got you the intel you needed easy as pie, and you're just going to ignore me while you have fun with your friend aren't you?" Will continued talking to the buck to no effect.

Assuming he must be a ghost, or some similar apparition to be so unnoticed Will set about gleaning what information he could from the room though he still felt very much alive. The room revealed essentially nothing other than that it was likely a guest bedroom, and as evidenced by the clothes Will could see there was a female who was presumably Jack's guest. Turning his attention back to the buck Will could only face paw seeing quite clearly what Jack was about to do with the stuffed tiger.

"Dude are you serious? I mean for one thing you've never been a slouch in the getting the ladies department excepting Sky so if there's a perfectly fine female somewhere here how come you're gonna get busy with a fucking stuffed tiger. For another thing why is it a stuffed tiger? I swear the last time you, and I were in a situation like this the stuffed animal was a fox; you know I never did thank you for turning me on to that plushie manufacturer, that came in handy when shit fell apart for me." Will just talked away to the buck oblivious to his presence, and getting irritated with being ignored no matter what he seemed to say emboldened Will to rather pointedly tease his friend.

"You know as good as my nose is I can smell this girl on your little friend there even under all the cum stains you've soaked into it; bet you do too, and that's why you haven't washed it. Dumbass you could've just asked me how to get a fresh sample of this, I'm assuming, tigress' scent. Speaking of which if she's still here, and you're too chicken to satisfy her, or rather too small more like it why don't I just help myself, eh?" Will was kind of let down because his words should've gotten a reaction from Jack if nothing else did, no different than the reaction he got when he put the moves on Sky. Will lifted his nose to the air in searching for this cat's scent, and sure enough he caught it coming through the room's door, but when he tried to move he found he couldn't no matter what he did.

Will could only stand there, and watch while Jack went about sniffing, and rubbing against the stuffed tiger using a free paw to free himself from his boxers. Will for lack of anything better to do continued talking at Jack finding he could move around the room just not leave.

"Working yourself up to the main event there brother? Four inches at duty readiness, eh? Not bad for a buck though now it makes sense you have to make do with a stuffed animal. If you know how to use that uh, flesh dagger, of yours you could satisfy Sky I'm sure, but even a small tigress would be left wanting something. You know I'm not exactly keen on being stuck here watching you do this buddy . . . and now you're biting it; easy on the poor girl you don't want to put a hole in her . . . Or maybe you should . . . And you already did. So, uh you use a knife to make that hole there buddy, or did your tool suffice? In your head is it her tail hole, or the better hole I wonder" As his musing went this way Will walked around Jack going at it to see if he'd likewise given his 'Friend' a mouth hole. Finding that Jack hadn't Will was a little let down, but congratulated his friend saying "I half expected you to give her a mouth hole, but it was smart you didn't. That would make her purpose a little too obvious though you really should give her a wash 'cause she smells like you use her like you are right now. I'm surprised that girl I can smell, but can't go after has actually let your little 'Friend' slide since I'm sure she smelled that thing a mile off."

Will just sat on the bed unable to not see Jack at his activity, but his attention was on the damn door as he wondered at what unholy force was keeping him from finding the flesh, and blood tigress he could smell could use a good fuck. His thinking along these lines was about to make him frustrated enough to borrow Jack's 'Friend' when he was done with it, and make that hole substantially bigger when he was caught off guard by Jack's orgasm clearly hearing his friend say "Oh, yes kitten." prompting Will to respond "Jack how in hell did you acquire my thing for cat's?"

---

Will woke up from his dream with a jolt finding his arms stiff from being cuffed above his head all night. He tried to recall his dream as it left him, but all that really stuck was the mental image of a pantsless Jack fucking a stuffed tiger. As he shook his head coming fully into wakefulness he noted the weight of not one, but two mammals on him, and couldn't help his self-satisfied grin seeing both Jade, and Mihoshi snuggled up on him. He keenly felt the way their bodies pressed against him, and even though he tried to rein in his mind from heading down that thought pathway it was too late for blood to not flow to his other head.

Being stuck in quite the predicament with his phone alarm surely about to go off Will wondered just what time it was exactly. He needed to wake up one of these lovely ladies so that hopefully she would release him. It wasn't an easy decision for him of which one to wake up, but he just couldn't resist the lure of the neko-mimi, and the leftover frustration from his dream certainly had something to do with it.

As he turned his head towards Jade he started with licking her ear first along the outside then the inside, but all she did was twitch her exposed ear, and shift a little against him. So Will pressed his tactics beginning to nibble on said ear, yet this only caused Jade to rather solidly land a paw on his muzzle. Growling in determination to succeed in his methods for awakening her without resorting to using his voice because it was too early for that sort of thing Will maneuvered from under Jade's paw to nuzzle into her face hoping the jostling would rouse her. Luckily for him Jade had gone from asleep to half awake in the process of her heavy-pawed swat of his head, and the way he wouldn't leave her alone as he went from gently nuzzling into her to gently, but firmly biting her neck such of it that he could reach brought her completely awake with a rather non-plussed groan.

"You pestering wolf what do you want?" Jade asked him returning the happy expression on his muzzle with one of utter unamused-ness.

"I want you to uncuff me, and we have work remember? Sleepy kitty." Will responded as if he did not even see her grumpiness.

"You're waking me up for that? What time is it even anyways?" Jade yawned as she inquired.

"I have no clue what time it is other than probably the morning, and my phone alarm either is about to go off, or it did, and we slept through it so if you uncuff me I'll go check, and you can stay in bed." Will answered her.

Luckily for the both of them the keys to all three sets of cuffs were identical, and there was one set in the nightstand on Will's side of the bed with the other two sets kept in the one on Layla's side so it wasn't much for Jade to roll over, and fetch a set to release Will. However, when she moved onto him to unlock the cuffs restraining him it was hard for her to not notice his lower half had likewise arisen to greet her. Despite where his blood was flowing the frustration he'd felt from his dream had faded, and in his mind at least Will was more concerned with not being late. Jade on the other paw had different ideas reasoning that with this wolf truly powerless underneath her it'd be a waste of a situation to not take advantage; plus with how he teasingly went about waking her up she thought to herself that this was payback he deserved.

Needless to say Will swiftly found Jade in her position on top of him rubbing her sex against his, and there was nothing he could do. Normally with a turn in situation like this Will would've done his best to break free since all he could really do was lay there at the whim of whoever, and intercourse was something he very much liked to participate in, but this time lay there unmoving was exactly what he did. Jade was being counterproductive, and as much as it turned him on, and drove him nuts to feel a female rub her folds along his shaft Will only relaxed the rest of his body to lay there limp in the hope Jade would grow disinterested due to his lack of response. He was going to show Jade what Sage knew so well; how he could resist his weaknesses, and was ultimately master of himself despite the power over him females could exert. Though his need for chi was starting to flare as he could feel it in his fangs he ignored it lest he give in to it, and respond in kind to Jade's actions as she adjusted herself so he slid into her.

At this point two things were unavoidable considering Jade's actions the first being Will's ability to resist at the very least bucking his hips in rhythm with the jaguaress riding him wavering, and the second being Mihoshi waking up. It didn't take long for Mihoshi to realize what was going on, and she wasn't exactly about to be left out though as she thought to herself that Jade was occupying the "Good Part" that was soon followed by the thought that she was free to occupy the "Better Part".

When Will found his muzzle full of Mihoshi as she acted on her thoughts not only did the resistance he'd mounted crumble like crackers Mihoshi now bore the brunt of his responding to them in kind with fangs out, and wild abandon. His hips rose to meet Jade's as they came down on him, and his tongue was like an eel being electrified in his effort to reach everywhere in Mihoshi since his paws were not free to pull her into his muzzle. Though Will came first he kept going until the females on top of him were satisfied which didn't take much longer.

"Will you release me now? Either of you, hmm?" Will asked when his muzzle was free to speak.

"I guess so, wolfie" Jade responded teasingly though she did oblige his desire to be free starting with his right paw.

"Can we do that more often?" Mihoshi asked as she lay back on the bed in repose.

"I don't see why not though you two together really test my limits" Will answered before adding in after thought "In a good way though."

"I agree with doing this more often, but I think one on one with you is better than two on one." Jade said as she was uncuffing his left paw.

"You're not wrong, and I do prefer giving you girls the personal treatment, but two to four on one eases the burden on everyone involved." Will replied as the rubbed his wrists before making a beeline off the bed, and to his pants where his work alarm had just started going off signaling that it was oh-five-thirty.

"Four on one?" Mihoshi asked adding curiously "How does that work?"

"Yeah, like how does position rotation get handled? I can see a couple girls fighting over that tongue of yours, or your dick" Jade added.

"Seeing as it's five thirty, and time for us all to get ready for work can we just talk about this in the shower?" Will asked them not quite deflecting their inquiries.

"I have a clean uniform in my locker, and can just shower at the station. You really get up around this time just to be at work by seven?" Mihoshi responded.

"Oh, he does, and there were mornings I could kill that alarm with my fangs I swear. You have a point we can just shower at the station, but then we'll miss out on those paws of his scrubbing the places we can't always reach easily." Jade said to Mihoshi.

"I get up so early because I am really not a morning mammal, and if I didn't I'd sleep till noon then be awake till past midnight." Will answered stretching out his limbs with a yawn, and a groan of enjoyment in the action before giving them a display of how flexible he was by bending over backwards showing a range of motion more akin to that of a cat.

"Will how are you so flexible? And you raise a good point Jade I can imagine those paws of his feeling great getting down into my fur." Mihoshi said.

"He got me drooling the last time I showered with him, and I felt too good to care" Jade replied with a coy grin.

"I'm so flexible because I enjoy yoga, not to mention the martial arts I'm proficient in. Though if you really want to see a flexible canid you should see how Layla fights. Where I with my size, and power am a more grounded combatant she's like a gymnast." Will explained as he started heading towards the shower, and the girls followed continuing their conversation.

"You two really compliment each other really well don't you?" Jade asked.

"Like Nick, and Judy in a way only we're vastly different than they are together." Will answered with a laugh.

"So you were going to tell us how four girls plus you works out." Mihoshi reminded Will as he got the water started.

"It's actually quite simple. One rides his muzzle, one rides his shaft, and two ride his paws while he uses his nature to manipulate everyone's chi so the girls making do with his paws aren't exactly left out of say what the girl riding his tongue is going through, and his tongue I have seen girls fight over." Sage said as she entered the bathroom as naked as the rest of them, and nonchalantly sat on the toilet to relieve her bladder.

"I can understand why girls would fight over that part of you. I bet it just boosts your ego to eleven." Jade said to Will with a knowing grin.

"Well yeah kyuketsuki that he is plus how with his size his tongue is longer, and wider than even the largest grey wolf's that's practically a given. I'm surprised that thing isn't in a record book, or something." Mihoshi added.

"So you know that much of him do you Mihoshi? So Will care to share with these two what happened the last time a pair of girls decided to fight over your tongue?" Sage asked grinning from ear to ear.

"Uh, No. I am not divulging that." Will answered Sage giving her quite the look as if to say 'Don't You Start' before adding "Also for the record Jade it doesn't boost my ego because though it is satisfying to know I do what I love well it's ultimately irritating when girls fight over me when there's enough for everyone to take a turn - I am the village motorcycle."

Jade could only laugh at the way he referred to himself, and she only laughed harder when Mihoshi said she didn't get it.

"He means that everyone has had a ride, and in Ulfhaven you'd be surprised by just how many really have; I swear they come out of the woodwork. It was so funny though Will; I mean there they were arguing first over the outcome of their rock-paper-scissors for who got to sit on his muzzle first" Sage said as she finished her tinkle pausing to go about wiping herself before she continued "Then they got into it over whoever is closer to him should get him first, and all the while I'm just happy as a clam riding his penis. He couldn't exactly do much to mediate their argument because of me on him, and he couldn't exactly show favoritism for them either plus when he tried to tell them it didn't matter since they were both gonna get what they wanted they both told him to shut up in unison. Can you imagine what it's like to be laughing your ass off, and riding a dick at the same time?"

"It never ceases to amaze me how as thick as thieves as those two can be just how much they can really argue, and over nothing at all." Will added before using a paw to test the water, and finding it suitable got in the shower before saying to the three females in there with him "So who's gonna get in here with me first? There's enough space for all three of you to fit."

"Count me out. I don't have to be in to work as early as you guys, and am gonna stick around with my pack sister." Sage excused herself from the morning ablutions, and headed back to the guest bedroom.

Will almost asked her what the fuck was up with Layla because he knew something was, but since he was hiding his own something from her he wasn't going to press that matter; he trusted her to tell him in her own time as he would tell her what it was he wanted to. As it so happened Jade was next to use the toilet so Mihoshi was the first one to join him in the shower. After getting himself wet enough under the spray he rather accommodatingly moved so she could share in the warm water. While she was under the spray Will of his own accord got a good amount of fur soap in his paws, and went about scrubbing Mihoshi with well practiced paws.

As he lathered the soap into the fur of her shoulders, and lower back the way her fur smelled when wet made him want to take her right there, but he resisted his baser urges promising himself he'd get her in the shower again. Needless to say that the head between his legs had other ideas, but he fought them with willpower alone, and was successful at least until Jade got in. Jade since she had shorter fur didn't require quite as much cleansing so she started getting Will clean before she bothered with herself. Will grew as hard as ever feeling the way Jade used her claws through his fur getting the fur soap down into his undercoat, and the sensations were all the more heightened from spending time in Savannah Central; where TundraTown was his ideal climate, he could survive here okay especially since he'd already taken care of thinning his undercoat in advance of the inevitable shedding that undoubtedly would equal a small cub in volume if all the shed fur were to be gathered.

With the she-wolf in front of him, and the jaguaress behind him it was all Will could do to maintain his self-control since this shower was business not pleasure, but the effort was enough to make him want to bash his head into the wall. It didn't help when Mihoshi discovered his readiness for round two, and not so subtly held her tail to the side, or Jade also noticed this only to use her claws in a more stimulating fashion before rubbing herself against him to get herself both wet, and soapy. Between the two of them they had him shaking like a leaf on a tree with his desire for them. Luckily for Will he managed to get enough of the soap rinsed out of his fur to make an escape attempt only aided by the fact that he was larger than both females.

Will didn't even bother with finding a towel to at least get somewhat dry in his dash to his room for underwear, and a clean uniform. By the time the girls managed to get out of the shower he'd already gotten his pants on, and was just starting to button up his uniform shirt. As he had finished buttoning it, and was getting his gun belt, and gear on, and situated Jade, and Mihoshi both came into the bedroom quite dry themselves for the uniforms they'd been wearing last night.

"You actually ran from us; I can't believe it." Jade teased him with a grin.

"Were we too much for you?" Mihoshi asked teasing him further.

"The salient issue is that I am too much for you, and if I . . . fucked you both into the afternoon like I still want to . . . we'd be a bit more than fashionably late to roll call." Will responded with a sigh.

"So if we didn't have work would you have stayed?" Mihoshi asked doing her best to look seductive, and succeeding.

"We were pushing you a little too far weren't we?" Jade said her tone understanding after what happened that friday after his spar with Lola.

"I would have, and you kinda were, but not nearly like how Lola pushed me that friday." Will answered before leaving them to get dressed, and heading into the living room.

When the girls were dressed they found him sitting on the sofa scrawling away on a piece of paper. On it he had written "Where do we go from here Sweet Child of Mine? I don't really know, and as long as we stay paw in paw I don't fucking care." When he was done he set it where Layla would find it then pulled his car keys out of the pocket he kept them in, and headed for the door. As he reached it with Jade, and Mihoshi following suit Jade asked what he'd been writing.

"When I have work I leave Layla a morning note referencing a song as a sort of token that my love for her hasn't changed, and that I will come back to her." Will answered.

"Well aren't you the romantic? So what does it say?" Mihoshi asked curiously.

Will paused to give her a look that echoed the words he answered her with "Those words are for my Layla, and her alone." Then he started walking down the hall towards the elevator.

"You know I'm starting to wonder who's the luckier mammal - Layla for getting to say you're hers above the rest of us, or us that get to be as close to you as we are for even getting so close. Sage really hit the mark when she was telling me how even if we don't really have any claim to you like Layla does we are still mammals apart just for getting to say that we know you for what you are as intimately as we do, and that the knowledge does engender in us a certain pride. One day I hope you'll at least tell me how she got you like she does." Jade said conversationally as they got to the elevator, and entered it.

Will didn't respond to her until after they were in the lift, and he'd pressed the button for the first floor likewise ignoring the adorably curious look Mihoshi gave him. As their descent began he didn't really need to think about what his words to her would be, but he still wasn't exactly keen on the subject.

"I'd have no problems telling you sweet kitten, but after that shower the last thing I need right now is to think about it. Suffice it for now to say that war is hell, and that much never changes." Will said to her with a fey laugh.

Will was thankful they decided to follow him in silence after that out of the lift, and then the building to his Shelby. While he got situated in the driver's seat after he unlocked it Mihoshi got in the back, and Jade took the shotgun seat. As they got buckled in after he'd started her up he plugged his phone into the aux cord to get the jams going starting with the track he'd mentioned in his note for Layla. With "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses playing at a moderately loud volume Will pulled out into the street when it was clear for him to do so, and made his way to precinct one.

As they were stopped at a red light the song was over before Will really knew it, and thanks to his phone shuffling only through what of this band he had on his phone next on deck was their cover of "Knocking On Heaven's Door". Will couldn't help musing to himself that he'd have to knock a little harder, and the bemused chuckle that left him thankfully was drowned out by the track. They weren't far from the station only having a little more than a mile to go as the song shifted into "Civil War", and Will couldn't help singing along with the verse 'My paws are tied. For all I've seen has changed my mind, but still the wars go on as the years go by with no love of God or mammal rights. 'Cause all these dreams are swept aside by bloody paws of the hypnotized. Who carry the cross of homicide, and history bears the scars of our civil wars.'

By the time the track was done they'd made it through traffic down into the motor pool, and Will had gotten them parked. He paused his phone's music player before it could play the next track, or he'd be rocking out to them for the next half hour, and it was already oh-six-thirty.

"Hey long time no see, stranger." Joe greeted Will as he got out of his Shelby.

"Hey, Joe how's your morning going?" Will asked giving the snow leopard a friendly wave.

"Good so far" Joe answered before the look on his muzzle said it all as he saw Jade helping Mihoshi get out of the passenger side of the Shelby.

"Uh, is there a reason you're fur's wet?" Joe asked as he recovered from the surprise of seeing the two females arrive with Will.

"Yeah, let's just say showering with those two is dangerous, and I didn't want to be late after the Chief so willingly gave me a four day weekend." Will answered with a laugh.

Hearing Joe's question, and Will's answer both females laughed in response with Mihoshi adding "He's still wet because he ran out on us."

"It's not like we gave him much choice." Jade said reasonably.

"I don't want to know, or picture it either. You guys get to work while you're still on time" Joe told them waving them off.

With that they made their way to the lift up to the ground floor. Despite the short ride Jade, and Mihoshi both had time to physically tease Will again with Mihoshi stroking his tail while Jade the bolder, but equally mischievous of the two pressed her body into him in a frontal assault so to speak. Will however was not in a mood to be trifled with, and with a swift paw slammed the button to stop the car before he gave in to himself though marginally. His first response to the two of them was forcing Jade backwards against the elevator doors where he kissed her before sinking his fangs into her neck giving her a taste of her own medicine. Then he wheeled on Mihoshi who yelped in surprise, and tried to feign innocence with her posture to no avail as his mouth pressed against hers while his arms wrapped around her. With how forceful he was, and how he gave her a taste of his chi Mihoshi could only whimper in response.

When he let her go she would've gone back towards him if the feralness in his eyes hadn't stopped her. Will knew himself well enough to regret giving in the inch he had as now his nature compelled him to give in a mile, and he did the only thing he knew to do so with a small roar he slammed his head into the side of the elevator with enough force to leave a small dent, and a small smear of blood as the act split open his eyebrow. The pain, and dazedness however did the trick so he pressed the button again to get the car the rest of the way to their floor which took all of a matter of seconds with how close as they'd been when he stopped the car in the first place.

When the doors opened Will was the first one out, and in his haste to head towards Benji both for a hug, and something resembling migraine medicine he didn't notice his fellow officers all staring at first the elevator then him, and then back again to the mammals still in the lift. For their part Jade, and Mihoshi both shared a look then headed promptly towards the female locker room for fresh uniforms.

"Ugh . . . Morning Benji. Ya got any aspirin? Also I could really use a hug" Will asked dejectedly as he rubbed the uninjured half of his head.

"Yeah I think I have some around here somewhere. Whoa what happened?" Benji answered as he noticed Will's slightly though freely bleeding eyebrow.

"You didn't hear the commotion? Okay good then the Chief didn't either. I tripped in the elevator no thanks to Jade, and Mihoshi, and as you can see was not unscathed. I'll be fine so long as this doesn't develop into a headache later, otherwise I'll be stuck with one 'til I go to sleep, and besides work I have things to do today." Will responded while Benji searched the drawers of his desk finding the pills he sought.

"What were they doing?" Benji inquired as he handed Will the pill bottle.

As Will accepted the bottle, and opened it getting four of the pills in his paw he answered with an obfuscation "They discovered where on my ribs I'm ticklish, and would not cease, and desist."

"Well that wasn't nice of them." Ben said offering Will a bottle of water he happened to have nearby.

Will accepted it gratefully, and after he took the pills wasted no time embracing his feline friend saying "Considering how tame that was compared to the sorts of things that I'm used to happening in elevators it's nothing. Though I will have to get them back, maybe."

"I can't help, but wonder what sorts of things you're used to happening in an elevator." Benji said as he returned the embrace.

"Well, for example" Will began as they separated "Agent Ling who is a south chinese tigress, and I had gone undercover in a triad syndicate, and well we sort of got to throwing each other around first with light sparring then fucking to the point the lift broke getting stuck in the shaft. We ended up having to climb out through the top, and up to the next floor when we were done; certainly helped earn us cred with those triads"

"I should've guessed as much, knowing you I can't say that's really surprising." Ben replied.

"What'll really bake your noodle later is how do I handle how relatively tame it is here compared to the ZIA?" Will said jokingly with a laugh before making his way to the bullpen for roll call which was in a quarter hour, and counting.

As Will entered the bullpen he noted Mihoshi had already sat next to her aunt, and safe mammal so he just gave her his best charming smile, and a wink on his way to sit next to his partner who he was honestly glad to see. Mihoshi just pointed at his eyebrow which had stopped bleeding, but was still open for all to see at which Will just shrugged indifferently. When he'd sat next to Autumn however, she on the other paw unhesitatingly inquired of Will what had happened with those of his fellow officers who noticed his face paying attention to their conversation.

"That's a fresh wound Will. What the fuck happened?" Autumn asked not caring about the volume of her voice out of at least moderate concern for her partner.

"Tripped in the elevator on the way up from the motor pool. You can ask Yama over there; she, and Caldera were tickling me. Got some aspirin from Benji. I'll be fine." Will answered her reassuringly with the obfuscation he gave Benji.

"It's true. That is what happened" Mihoshi said thankful the truth could stay between them since the last thing she wanted was her aunt to find out.

"How can you just not care about ever getting injured? I just don't get it." Autumn admonished him ignoring Mihoshi.

"Oh, I got a booboo. You think I need a band-aid." Will responded with mocking sarcasm before adding in more normal tones "I've bled from worse places, and been unfazed compared to the others around me. You should see the scars from some of my self inflicted wounds . . . I only worry about bullet holes, and loosing limbs, or digits - I'm particular about my parts; hell in the ZIA no one would've said anything about my face except maybe Sky, but that's only because she feels indebted to me after I solo rescued her, and Jack."

Autumn could only look at him taken aback, and even their fellow officers barring Mihoshi were a little shocked by his off the cuff response since usually he'd been nothing, but friendly. Will was not oblivious to their reaction, and with a sigh apologized to his partner.

"Look Autumn I'm actually really glad to see you, and I'm sorry I snapped at you. My morning was a little stressful; to be honest I was looking forward to being right here next to you, and getting this day started so I could say I'm past it." Will explained rubbing a paw along the uninjured side of his head.

"Hey, we tend to have our moments more than most; I understand." Autumn said resting a paw on his shoulder before asking "So what happened?"

"Ask me that in the cruiser. For now just suffice it to say there's an ocelot I need to call." Will answered.

At this point the attention was called before the Chief walked in, and got about mustering his officers for the day. Will, and Autumn were given patrol of downtown. When they made their way out of the bullpen the Chief gave Will a look as he noticed his split eyebrow, but Will only told him in response "I'm not getting a band-aid. I don't care. It'll heal."

Before Will made it to the door he gave Nick, and Judy his best grin, and a wave though only Judy returned the gesture. Nick on the other paw felt the need to tell Will "My mom told me what you did for that kit. Thank you. You really do have a soft spot for foxes don't you?"

Will just responded as he was passing through the door "You know me as I am brother. It should be no surprise."

On their way out of the station Will gave Ben another hug, and after asking for one snagged a donut. When they reached their cruiser Will was a little on autopilot as he assumed the passenger seat. Only after she'd gotten them on the road did Autumn repeat her question to him of what had happened.

"I didn't really trip. I threw my head into the wall of the elevator." Will answered flatly before continuing with remorse in his voice "It was the only way I could keep myself from going there a little too far, and they were pushing me. At least in the shower I had a place to run; I would only show Jade that side of me in protecting her, and I promised myself not to diminish 'Hoshi's light."

"So will you be okay? I still can't understand the self restraint you have, but did you really need to hurt yourself?" Autumn asked understanding.

"I'll even out, and yes I did. In fact I have a favor to ask, Autumn." Will replied.

"Tell me how, and why you're so much stronger than me, and you have it." She told him easily.

"I just need to stop by the courthouse at lunch. I would tell you as best I can, but . . ." Will broke off, and looked at his paws as if they held a universe with only one atom.

" . . . I am one of the angels of my kind incarnate. I am the Sword, and Shield of the Wolf Mother" Will continued with the most he would outright tell anyone before burying his head in his paws unable to not think of the Mother, and for some inexlplicable reason Naomi.

"So what do you need from the courthouse?" Autumn asked trying to change the subject.

"Just some paperwork. You'll see once it's in my paws I promise; I can trust you to keep this secret for me." Will answered as he regained his composure.

It was not lost on Will how his partner watched him out of the corner of her eye, and he could see she did so with part concern, and part curiosity. As he had told her he did even out, and was even back to his usual self. When Autumn suggested they take a morning Snarlbucks run Will assented easily. Will couldn't help his chuckle when the snow leopardess recognized him, and was as surprised as his partner still was that he'd ordered a venti catnip tea. As Autumn passed the barista the twenty Will had given her he couldn't help using his best stoner voice "Gotta stay mellow."

"You smoke in this car I will kill you before I toss you in a cell for twenty-four hours." Autumn told him sternly not missing a beat.

"What I do in my car stays in my car, and this is not my car. Why do you think I'm getting the tea?" Will asked rhetorically.

With their transaction complete the barista wished them a good day which they returned before Autumn had them out of the drive through, and back on the road. Will could smell the heat from his tea, and waited for it to cool despite how much he wanted it. As they drove down the road truly getting their patrol started Will did his best to make friendly conversation.

"So how are things going with Nicole?" Will asked with honest interest.

"I'd say pretty good. We're both looking forward to the party Saturday that Benji is helming. Rumor has it you bankrolled it, and have something to do with why Jade has been acting like she found whatever Judy's on." Autumn responded.

"I did provide funding, yes. The station got an anonymous donation that's going to a gear overhaul; you absolutely did not hear that from me, so remember to act surprised." Will told her.

"What kind of overhaul?" Autumn asked.

"That's Classified. Chief's Eyes Only. I won't spoil the telling for Jade." Will replied without missing a beat his best knowingly evil grin across his muzzle.

"So how did you find out?" She wondered pointedly.

"ZIA trade secret. Literally." Will said with a laugh adding "I can't divulge my source, but it wasn't Jade like you're thinking."

"Actually I was thinking who would just donate to us like that? We're lucky we have SWAT's gear in the yearly budget because they make room for it, and the whole precinct is getting new gear? I'm no detective, but that smells funny for a mile at least." Autumn responded doing her best to gauge his reaction while keeping her focus on the road.

"That is also Chief's Eyes Only though Jade knows, but wouldn't tell me. I got no hint whatsoever." Will said with a shrug as if he really didn't know.

"Would what we're getting give an idea towards who our mysterious benefactor could be?" Autumn wondered not willing to let it go much to the concealed consternation of her partner.

"Ultimately, no. Other than that they really want us to have better gear, and must have a very distinct reason for it." Will responded hoping Autumn would find a different topic. He was grateful for the silence they shared as Autumn focused on driving mulling over his words.

As lady luck would have it work further intervened giving the duo a speeder to chase though thankfully the mammal did pull over before an accident occurred. Will told his partner to stay in the cruiser, and watch his back with an easy grin taking a drink from his tea before he got out to approach the modern version of a classic muscle car. As Will approached the driver's door he kept his movements languid keeping his posture unthreatening despite his size, and the alert expression on his muzzle. Once the driver had rolled the window down Will asked for license, and registration from the driver who was a very scared looking hyena. While Will watched as the hyena got the required form from the glovebox, and pulled out his license it was hard for him not to smell more than just the fear pouring out of the mammal sitting in front of him. It wasn't until the hyena handed him the documents, and he got a good look in the hyena's eyes that he placed the smell.

"Hey, buddy are you okay? Do you know how fast you were going?" Will asked doing his best to sound friendly.

"Uh, officer . . . I, uh . . . d-d-don't know h-how fast I was going." the hyena responded nervously even trembling slightly.

Will looked down at the hyena's license before asking his next question "Listen, Terry? You mind telling me where you were trying to get?"

"I . . . was uh, heading home . . . I w-wasn't feeling so h-hot so my boss t-told me to get some r-r-rest." Terry managed to get out marginally relaxing with how calm Will was being with him.

Will had heard enough to reach for the radio he carried, and called dispatch for an ambulance to his location using the cruiser's GPS saying he had a mammal in need of medical attention ASAP. That done he returned his focus to the hyena who hearing Will tensed up looking at him with confusion, and fear.

"Terry your license says you're a veteran." Will said to the hyena who only nodded so he continued "Well one veteran to another would you mind if I opened this door? I promise I just want to talk to you a little easier."

There was a good ten second pause before the hyena nodded, and Will after opening the door crouched so that he was more eye level with him using the door under his left paw to keep his balance.

"Alright Terry I just want you to do some breathing exercises with me, okay? Just a couple good deep in, and outs. You're not in trouble, and you're going to be alright." Will said using his best reassuring grin.

"I-I'm really n-not in trouble officer?" Terry asked, and when Will only nodded in response he agreed to do the breathing.

Once Will had led him through five sets of just a steady inhale, and exhale he started talking to keep Terry calm.

"So which outfit did you serve with?" Will asked with open curiosity.

"Alpha Company, Ninth Desert brigade." Terry answered.

"I was special forces under ZIA command. Were you there when the dust hit the storm?" Will asked knowing even if Terry had only heard of the battle he'd know what Will meant.

"I was there when we got the orders to fall back to our defensive positions to wait out the storm, and they still came at us as if they didn't care they'd get caught in it. I remember the civilians we were protecting being more afraid of that storm than anything saying there was something in it, and some of the older guys got the same way when word came out that the CLAWS had come out to play." Terry responded in remembrance.

"I was one of those CLAWS, and the real reason the locals were scared. We'd been operating in that patch of desert for a good month just to get the pieces against those bastards right where we wanted them, and then they gave themselves to us on a silver platter when they showed their hand mounting that assault against you guys. You were only protecting innocent refugees, and didn't have enough firepower to contend with just what they had in store; that dust storm originally wasn't going to be that big, or travel that path, but it did, and it prevented them from putting their missiles into play while giving us the cover we needed." Will explained glad the conversation was working to keep Terry calm.

"So Terry I'm gonna be on the level with you I'm a member of LEAP which means I'm against drug prohibition, and am quite the friend to the bong, and no stranger to any of the other substances nature gives us mammals; I need to ask you if you're into anything like that?" Will asked.

"I smoke a little weed to help me sleep, or just chill with my buddies, but that's it officer honest. I've lost more friends to needles than bullets." Terry answered honestly.

"Then I'm going to be honest with you Brother you're feeling out of sorts because you've been drugged" Will told him giving him his best reassuring look, and placing a paw on his shoulder before continuing "Now all you need to do is stay calm with me, alright. Help is on the way. Can you do that."

Will could see how this bit of information was turning in the hyena's mind, but as he rubbed Terry's shoulder doing his best to emote warmth, and safety the hyena focused on a safer bit of information.

"You called me brother, why? Even in the service only the guys who've been around the longest ever actually want my kind with them out in the field, at most everyone just ignores us." Terry asked.

"When I look at you do you know what I see? I see just another mammal no different than me. At the end of the day we all bleed the same color, and it fucking hurts when we do." Will told him.

Luckily enough by this time the ambulance had arrived, and after having a word with the EMT's Will got back in the cruiser with Autumn, and called dispatch to give them a sit-rep, and get a tow truck out for Terry's car. His partner was still at a loss as to why Will had done what he had since this should've been just another routine traffic ticket.

"Will what was all that about? You called an ambulance for that guy, and didn't even give him a ticket." Autumn asked him.

"Most cops in this city would've done just that. They'd have smelled the fear on him, and at best just ticketed him then let him go, or at worst assume he's hiding something, and give him the whole rigamarole. Why he needed the bus was because he had been drugged with some really nasty stuff, it overstimulates a mammal's fear response, and can kill just from causing the heart to overwork itself especially when it's mixed with coke, or meth like it probably was for that poor guy." Will answered.

"And how are you so sure he was drugged?" Autumn asked the next logical question.

"Because no mammal in their right mind would ever do that shit, not even an adrenaline junkie. Look, I don't know who first cooked up the shit, but when the ZIA got a hold of it they wanted to see if it could work in interrogations for which they brought in two agents the friendly one who was a deer doe from over in analysis, and the intimidating one me. Needless to say as they worked on getting the dosage right even half of the mammals that doe questioned nearly died, let alone the one's I didn't even get to say more than hello to before their heart stopped. Before you ask most of those mammals weren't exactly the community volunteer types. Eventually it was decided that more by the book interrogations were more effective. We really did not need this mess today." Will explained.

"Okay, and what's the rest of it?" Autumn inquired knowing there was more.

"The name that's seemed to have stuck for the stuff is 'Viridian Nightmare'. Now this one case is very much cause for concern. One, this drug isn't easy to come by unless your job is to kill because that's all it's really good for, and however much of the stuff is in the city we need to get a lid on it yesterday. Two, someone had cause to attack that hyena who is a veteran by the way, and they had the means to get a hold of that shit. Once the truck comes for Terry's car we need to talk with the Chief, and get as many paws on deck as we can." Will explained.

Within fifteen minutes a flatbed tow-truck had arrived, and Will instructed the driver to drop the car off in the lot behind precinct one, and he'd handle the rest. That done they made their way back to the precinct with Will radioing in that he needed to have a talk with the Chief pronto. While he was at it Will asked Benji to keep his ear open for any officers dealing with mammals showing a stronger than normal fear response, and told him to tell any officers engaged with such a mammal to tranq them, and call an ambulance first then ask questions later. It wasn't until he was off the radio with Benji that he remembered a key bit of information he'd forgot to mention so he switched the radio to an open channel to broadcast to everyone that if they had tranqed such a mammal to let the EMT's know to keep them mildly sedated, and get them run through dialysis to purge their system.

Once they were there Will asked Autumn to park in the motor pool since he needed to grab something from his Shelby. Once she had parked Will was out, and to his car like a mammal possessed only bothering to open the door then stick his torso inside reaching for the center console with it's false bottom drug stash spot.

"What're you guys doing back here, and like something bad happened?" Joe asked as he walked up to Autumn who was watching her partner.

"Well nothing bad happened, but according to my partner things do not bode well. Nice ass by the way." Autumn answered Joe before calling out to Will just as he retrieved what he sought.

"Har, har hot stuff, but now is not the time for levity." Will responded as got out of his car, and shutting the door locked it with as few movements as possible before striding to the lift.

"Well whatever it is good luck you guys." Joe said to them as Autumn followed Will.

Will managed to laugh when Autumn inspected the dent he'd put in the elevator wall on their short ride to the ground floor. No sooner were they out the doors than there was the Chief waiting for them looking resolutely displeased.

"Officer Grim is there a reason you're issuing orders to My Officers, and a reason why those orders are to ignore standard operating procedure?" Chief Bogo asked Will nonplussed to say the least at the disregard for chain-of-command.

"Do you see this?" Will asked in return holding up a small vial between his thumb, and index digits it's contents a bright purple crystalline powder before continuing "The only other mammal in this building who would even know what it is would be Alice, and no one here has first paw experience with it like I do. This shit here Chief is about as much a joking matter as Night Howlers so yes I gave my fellow officers the intel they needed; you as our superior get the reason why."

Will paused from addressing the Chief to lift his muzzle shouting "Alice!" then cupping his paws around his muzzle, and letting loose a directed howl. It would've been funny the way every wolf in the building, and earshot of Will came running to him as if summoned, if Will, and the Chief were in laughing moods. As it was Will was irritated with the lot of them, and chided them angrily nearly shouting "Is your name Alice? Cause if it is I'm going to fuck you till you change it."

No sooner did the words leave his muzzle than the wolves that heeded his call scattered along with several other officers in earshot of Will, and the Chief. Only a few minutes later Alice could be seen making her way quickly towards where Will, and the Chief were standing staring at each other since Will was waiting on Alice before he continued his explanation in case she had no idea what it was, and she would probably need the sample he held in his paw either way.

"Alright. Alice have you heard of 'Viridian Nightmare'?" Will asked her ignoring the Chief's ire.

"I have. That's some nasty stuff. I can't imagine what possessed a mammal to create it." She answered with a visible shudder.

"Great then you take this. You'll need it to test against future samples when we find more; see if what we find is the same, or different." Will told her as he handed her the vial which she took as if it might as well have been an armed, but untriggered bomb before he turned back to the cape buffalo in front of him.

"Alright you know what Night Howler does to a mammal right, Chief?" Will asked in opening of the topic.

"It makes them go savage." the buffalo answered with a nod, only to be shocked by Will's response seeing as he openly spat upon the floor in disgust.

"Savage is the name of a rabbit this city owes more than it knows!" Will half-shouted with vehemence before correcting his boss "The active chemicals in Night Howler flowers over stimulates the part of the brain that handles the fight, or flight response specifically it triggers in prey, and pred alike the fight response to the exclusion of all other faculties. It makes a mammal feral, and that is the word for it. Not savage. Well to the point that stuff I gave Alice is the other side of the coin, and all the more lethal for it. It over stimulates the same part of the brain, but triggers the flight response. In fact it fills those under it's influence with such fear that even the slightest word, or gesture can push a mammal into tachycardia. Even on the black market it's existence is a closely guarded secret since the only mammals who ever have a use for it are assassins. Seriously where there was a measure of hope for those poor mammals dosed with that sheep's serum, there essentially is none for anyone dosed with this shit. That vial holding only a gram was enough to kill me, you, and take your pick of the eight other largest mammals you know."

Will paused to let this sink in waiting until he could read on the Chief's muzzle that he was about to speak before continuing his explanation.

"If you're face to face with a mammal that's been dosed with this shit you gotta put on the super-soft kit-gloves, or else a simple hello from Benji could send them into cardiac arrest. I'm not kidding." Will said his muzzle clearly indicating he had first paw experience with what he described "What I told our fellow officers to do is the only way I know to mitigate the casualties, and be prepared for there to be a few before all of this is said, and done. We're lucky we get the advance warning we do. Luna, and I pulled over a speeder, and I got out to handle it. No sooner did I get the guy's license, and reg. than I placed the smell I got from him. That's why you heard me hail Benji for an ambulance. I did what I could to keep the guy calm waiting for the medics, and that hyena really is lucky it was me with him instead of anyone else - they wouldn't have known why he smelled so full of fear, or the unique under-notes in it indicative of the drug; At best he would've been ticketed, then released only to die later, or finding him suspicious he would've been treated like any other perp, and wound-up dead on the pavement where not even Sage would know, or think to do a toxicology report let alone one that would catch this shit in his system."

Will took a deep breath trying to settle down before getting to the punch-line "From this one incident we've got two angles to chase. First we need to track down the few mammals who could even get a hold of it, and then get it out of our city. Second some mammal wanted that hyena dead, and dead from fear specifically. That mammal somehow had the means to get a hold of that shit, and knows what it can do. I want to get on the tail of whatever mammal that is, but I can't do that till that hyena who is a fellow veteran is cleared by the doc's. Our worst case scenarios are there's a Bellweather copy-cat using this shit instead of the night howler shit, or some bright minded mammal want's to see if they can make a market for the shit as a recreational drug here, or both."

Will may have been a little too agitated in his delivery, but for the Chief it only drove home the potential seriousness of the situation so he responded to Will with "I want a full report on my desk before you go back out on patrol. This drugged mammal is your case when you come in tomorrow morning. My office in ten minutes."

"Done." Will answered with a salute.

Will essentially had ten minutes to decompress a little, or at least calm down a bit better than he already had, but all those mammals he'd seen die from sheer panic over barely a few pointed questions from that doe let alone the near half dozen alone who he barely greeted before they were in cardiac arrest kept replaying in his mind's eye. He had just started to head towards Benji for a hug then step outside to at least smoke a couple cigarettes when a very distinct sound of glee carried to his ears. It gave him pause that the sound was loud enough where it was to carry so clear to where he stood. Not long after he could see Jade running down the hall that led to the armory, and into the main hall where she noticed Will. Will could only stand there wondering what was more shocking the expression on her muzzle, or just how swiftly she moved rushing towards him.

When she leapt onto him she made the same sound of glee at a volume that could be weaponized. All Will could do was stand there, and take it along with the force of her impact, or else they'd both be on the floor. Will was at a loss when she climbed him wrapping her legs around his torso, and her arms around his neck only to rub her chin on the top of his head.

"Jade slow down. What has gotten into you?" Will said to her utterly floored by the sheer joy emanating from her.

"We got our first shipment. There's not enough room in the armory for everything, and won't be till we can get the old gear phased out. I need to talk to the Chief about temporarily putting it all in the lot under the motor pool. That's where I had them take it, and I'll need a small team to unload it into the armory. We're getting the next shipment of stuff tomorrow, and it's from the Aurora Institute" Jade told him exuberantly.

"Well, Awesomeness sweet-kitten. I hate to be a demonic downer, but take a sec. to remember where you're at." Will said to her having wrapped his arms around her giving her his best charming grin.

It took a long moment for his words to register, and Jade to gaze around the room from her elevated vantage. Will couldn't help his chuckle reading on her muzzle how she saw her surroundings.

"Oh, my god. I didn't really do that did I?" Jade asked him burying her head against his shoulder though she didn't let him go.

"That you did Jade. You practically confirmed Will really does have something to do with why you've been so damn bubbly while he was gone, or else why would you be so happy to tell him first? You also marked a mated mammal." Autumn said to her with a devious grin having stuck near her partner to see what he'd do next since part of her job was keeping an eye on him especially in situations like this.

"Kill me" Jade mewled into Will in response to Autumn's reality check.

"Hey, that's my line, and why would I do that sweet-kitten?" Will said to her laughing mirthfully.

"Wait. You're not mad at her for marking you at all?!" Autumn exclaimed taken aback.

"Well, Layla's not gonna be pleased, but I can handle that no problem." Will told his partner nonchalantly.

"Whoa, I'm stuck on 'what the fuck?'. It's unbelievable enough Jade would just forget herself, and mark you, a mated mammal no less, and then you just act as if it was not even a deal let alone a big one." Autumn said still clearly shocked.

"She's halfway in my pack as it is. It's no different than if Sage, Maria, or Holly who are my pack sisters in this city did the same." Will said offpawedly before saying "Huh, I just now realized I'm finally getting my whole pack together at my family reunion. We're going to smell like each other so good; totally looking forward to that now. Thanks partner for makin' me realize it."

While Autumn still looked at him dumbfounded Will made his way towards the front doors for a cigarette still carrying Jade who insisted he could put her down though he only did so when they reached Benji. Will promptly gave the fluffy cheetah a hug before telling him he was taking a quick smoke break before he headed up to the Chief, and taking Jade out the door with him; Benji wanted to know what was going on since all he'd really heard were raised voices, but Will was gone before he could ask anything leaving Autumn stuck fielding the fluffy cheetah's curiosity.

Once they were outside Will swiftly took out both his pack of cigarettes, and black flip-lighter offering Jade one which she accepted. He lit her cigarette before he lit his own then checked the time on his phone.

"Fuck. Is it really only ten o'clock? Son of a fuck this is gonna be a long day. Ugh, oh well off to kill we shall" Will said to Jade running a paw across the wounded side of his face then taking a deep drag from his cigarette.

"What's up wolfie?" Jade asked curiously.

"Nah, you get the good news out of your system first. Come on, it's only been what four days how'd we start getting stuff so fast, and from the Aurora guys no less?" Will responded.

"I didn't realize just mentioning you to the guy who makes dragon-skin would work the wonders it did; he already had a small surplus of vests which is what we got today, and he cut us a huge break charging only half a million because we're more than likely going to be repeat customers. Don't get me started on my call with the Aurora Institute; they were irritated I was bugging them again until I mentioned Layla. It was like a wall of red tape had suddenly vanished, and they were more than happy to give me everything for only a million, and a half. Turns out they were already working on the special uniform for Judy, among other things. The head researcher himself told me they were putting together for us quite the loot crate"Jade told him.

"Okay now you've got me excited to see just what we're getting from them. This is almost like christmas. You know those Aurora guys are the one's the ZIA goes to when in-house R&D is stumped. You know one of the few things I don't know is why Layla is in so good with them." Will replied his mood definitely improving.

"You know I almost don't want to ask you what your bad news is, now." Jade said.

"Short, and sweet version: a hyena got attacked with some real nasty stuff, and would've died if I hadn't been the one to interact with him. We've got some Night Howler level shit in this city, only that there will be casualties is essentially guaranteed even if we are lucky." Will told her unable to hide his grimace as he took another drag from his cigarette nearly killing it.

"How bad is this shit?" Jade asked.

"Where Night Howler over stimulates the fight response causing feral aggression this stuff does the exact opposite, and it's highly lethal. If you get to a victim in time, and tranq them soon enough so their heart stays at a resting rate you already improve their chances. It takes a pass, or two through dialysis to cleanse their systems because you can't just let them ride it out. You'd be surprised how little it takes to trigger a fear response in a mammal, and with that shit in their system those little things get amped to eleven at least." Will explained.

Will wanted to smoke another cigarette, and thereby stretch his short break, but duty called like the wild. He gave Jade a hug, and nuzzled into her neck fur though more for the positive contact with another mammal than to mark her, or anything along those lines. As he passed Benji, and his partner he told the cheetah to be prepared for more hugs as they would more than likely be needed. Autumn he told to just relax, and he'd find her after he was done with the Chief.

As she watched Will walk towards the lift to the Chief's office Jade asked Clawhauser with a groan "Okay, Benji what damage is the rumor mill doing so far today?"

"Oh, boy . . . You, and Mihoshi coming in with Will like you did certainly got people going. I do what I can to mitigate some of the rumors I know to be false, but even I don't believe Will's story about falling in the elevator because you two were tickling him. Not that I really want to know what really happened either; well maybe I do. Right now the biggest pieces going around undoubtedly are this 'Fear Drug' Will says is such bad news, and you marking him for whatever reason." Benji answered her.

"I couldn't help it, okay? I just couldn't. He . . . If it weren't for him, and Layla I wouldn't have been able to get us the gear we're getting for the price we are, or as easily either, and we just got our first shipment." Jade replied.

"So you marked him. I just can't get passed this; he's a mated mammal, you know his mate, and as happy as you were marking him seemed the best way to show it? What's more he acted as if it was nothing, as if he understood why you'd feel so compelled, and just let it go." Autumn said.

"Ugh, no one is going to let me live this down are they? How am I going to talk to Layla . . . the thing she had me request from the Aurora Institute is gonna be here in the special section of the crate they're sending us, and she'll need to come by to pick it up. I'm not trying to steal him; even if I wanted to, and tried he would never leave her." Jade responded looking about ready to cry.

Despite her more-than-usual cattiness towards Jade since their relationship had ended Autumn wouldn't stand to see a former lover in such a state without offering support so she did the only thing she could do wrapping her arms around the smaller feline comfortingly.

Will paused just before the Chief's door to look out across the ground floor. His eyes easily spotted Benji, and he wondered why Autumn was hugging Jade. Then he turned back towards the door in front of him, and knocked entering when told to do so.

"Alright Grimm" The Chief began not wasting any time "Just what weren't you telling me downstairs. How do you even know about this 'Viridian Nightmare' you called it, let alone how to deal with a mammal on it?"

"Well Chief this is one of those things so redacted it's not actually in my file. First things first the ZIA had a program to test different substances to see how effective they could be in getting the truth out during interrogations. I was involved as a test subject for part of it involving the efficacy of certain hallucinogens. They had moved on from those kinds of drugs, and a mammal as resilient as me wouldn't have been too helpful so I'd been back on field duty for a couple months before they called me back. See some way, or another they'd gotten a hold of this stuff that would induce a fear response; I was given to understand that it'd come from some secret black market lab that had been busted, and they wanted to see if this new drug had any practical applications. The ZIA doesn't normally have a shortage of mammals to interrogate, but when that phase of the program was through there was a shortage. They brought me, and a deer doe from Analysis to do a little 'good agent, bad agent' on dosed subjects. Needless to say I have first paw experience with not only what this shit does because I actually did do what they found would be a non-lethal dose, but also with how easy it is to give a mammal some of this shit, then just ask a few pointed questions in the right direction let alone just look scary as you say hello nicely, and watch them go into cardiac arrest from fear alone. Half the mammals that doe talked to with her good agent routine died despite the medics efforts to save them whereas two-thirds of the ones I talked with were dead faster than that. As it stands after that phase of the program the then director canned it to davy jones' locker, and made it a priority to see that the stuff didn't get too widespread which really has only served to keep it only in the paws of assassins; the black market side of the world isn't fond of the shit either since all it does reliably is kill, and we're lucky it's not easy to produce, and what does get made stays small quantity." Will explained.

"Alright well I've got the Narcotics Unit gathering in the briefing room, I'll need you to go over the particulars with them. You said our worst case scenarios are a Bellweather copy-cat, or someone wants to turn it into a recreational drug; how likely are either of those?" The Chief asked.

"Honestly use a non-lethal which is to say miniscule dose of this stuff, maybe mixed with some MDMA, and it could just be made into a new street drug though it's actually not that likely. Criminals in other countries already tried it, and they could never get the mix right, but I wouldn't rule it out. As for another 'Bellweather'? It may be a shot in the dark, but it's a possibility. Honestly all I hope this is, is a still dry assassin failing a hit with specific parameters to use this shit as the kill method which will be challenge enough. We nail the supplier we gain our lead on the buyer, and end users." Will answered.

The Chief only nodded grimly, and rose leading the way out of his office. Will followed him down to the bullpen where the Narc unit was gathered. It amused him to note when he entered the room that quite a few of the wolves that had come when he'd summoned Alice were present, and he decided to have a little fun with them when the Chief told them he was going to give them the run down they needed.

"I see a few of you decided Alice was not a name that suited you. Alright down to brass tacks. You need to get out what feelers you can to your C.I.'s about this stuff called 'Viridian Nightmare'. Normally the only mammals who know about it, and are in the market for it are professional killers so your top priority is ruling out the possibility of some mammal wanting to make this the new street drug. If you want to know what this stuff smells like so you know, go see Alice she has my sample of the shit. The main thing for you all to remember if you haven't had an ear towards the radio is that if you come across a mammal that is showing a more-than-normal fear response, and you will smell more than just the fear coming out of them, you are to tranq them, and call an ambulance asking questions later. I'm going to personally reach out to ZRMC to get the word out to our city's medics how to test for the shit, and otherwise safely handle anyone even potentially dosed with the stuff. Any questions?" Will addressed his gathered fellow officers.

"So what's the deal with this stuff, anyway?" a tiger asked.

"Why were we all compelled to go to the source of that howl of yours?" a grey wolf asked what to the rest of the wolves was the more pertinent question.

"This stuff over stimulates the primal fear response like the counterpoint to Night Howler, and it's most severe side effect is cardiac arrest. You'd be surprised how rote this drug makes killing a mammal with fear alone; a bad enough jump scare would do the trick." Will answered the tiger before pointedly looking at the wolf, and saying "Listen to your instincts, they have your answer. If there's nothing else work related you need to ask me now, I have shit to do too so let's get to it."

With that Will left to find his partner then get his report done. As he sniffed out Autumn his thoughts were bent on getting in touch with Revolver, and getting Layla in on this aswell. Where the ZPD could only do so much to find the intel they needed it alone wasn't enough. He worried about Terry because of how unusual his case was; one didn't use this particular drug on another unless they wanted them dead specifically from fear, and in a way that was for the most part untraceable since a normal toxicology screening wouldn't identify it. After he found his partner he made his way to their shared workspace. Once he was logged into the system he reached for the desk phone dialing Sage's extension.

"Under taker's ice cream parlor, what flavor can I get for you today?" Sage answered the phone.

"I'll take a double scoop of blood flavor if you've got it, and can I get it in a waffle cone?" Will quipped back.

"Hey Will what's up?" Sage asked.

"I need you to get in touch with Alice on the specific things to screen for when you run any future toxicology screenings of all fresh cadavers you've got. Also if you can rerun all the samples you can against the new parameters. I need to know if the life I saved today was target zero, or if there's already been mischief afoot, and we're only just now on it's scent." Will told her.

"What're we dealing with?" Sage inquired.

"Bad fucking shit to say the least. Alice can give answer to any questions you've got. I've got to get this report done then it's on to making sure I get all the bases covered; I'm hoping this is just an isolated incident, but this could go south of heaven like the devil's genitals." Will answered before hanging up.

With his usual typing speed of eighty-plus words per minute Will had the report he needed done finished by eleven thirty he noted when he checked the desktop's clock. Once he had it sent over to the Chief he told Autumn to follow him to his Shelby since they were going to switch vehicles. On their way down to the motor pool he couldn't help inquiring of his partner about seeing her comforting Jade.

"So is Jade okay? I saw you giving her what looked like a much needed hug." Will said to her.

"She'll be okay so long as your mate doesn't decide to kill her, or anything. You know I realize that ever since our relationship ended, amicable though it was, I can't help being a little bitchy with her if you'll forgive my use of that word. To be honest I feel bad about it because she doesn't deserve it." Autumn responded.

"If the word fits what's wrong with using it? So why are you so bitchy with her? It can't just be how we can get sometimes vicious for no real reason much to our regret." Will replied curiously.

"I really don't know. Maybe it's because I still remember what we had, and even though I've moved on ages ago seeing her likewise moving on . . . makes me want to just bare my fangs, and growl because maybe she's happier than I am. I know it doesn't really matter because right now I'm really happy with Nicole though a little jealous of how much she likes you, and how your impromptu performance with her has helped her actually score some cool gigs topside." Autumn answered.

"If you realize that it doesn't matter which of you is happier, and that she doesn't deserve you being that way towards her then what's in the way of you letting it go?" Will asked.

"I don't know, but I am going to at least try to be nicer to her. She's one of the better mammals I know although her curiosity is a little irritating sometimes" Autumn responded.

Once they were in his Shelby Will got it started, but before he got them going he pulled out his phone, and telling his partner to ignore his conversation called Revolver.

"I need to know if you got my take out order, and we need to talk about some stuff ASAP." Will said when he heard the line picked up.

"Actually your take out order is in, and it's waiting for you to pick up. We do need to talk as soon as possible. Will you be free after work?" Revolver replied.

"I will, my place after work." Will told him, and with that they hung up.

Once Will had gotten them onto the surface streets he headed for the courthouse since it was nearby, and talked over what to get for lunch with his partner. With all the stressors currently getting at him from multiple sides he wasn't all that hungry, but at the same time could really use a solid meal. Since it was also nearby Autumn suggested a local build your own sandwich shop which Will agreed to easily. After he parked at the curb in front of the courthouse he left Autumn in the car telling her he'd be back in hopefully fifteen minutes. Twenty minutes later after asking reception to point him in the right direction, and dealing with getting the required paperwork while fielding questions from the clerk helping him since she'd read the interview he gave Eris he was back in his Shelby.

Since he didn't want to fold the forms he'd gotten, and intended to work on his half of them while they ate he asked his partner to hang on to them while he drove them to the sandwich shop. Autumn only scanned over the top form to see what he'd gotten, and her surprise was as evident in her voice as it was on her muzzle when she turned towards him.

"This is an application for a marriage license. You are marrying Layla?" Autumn asked.

"Well I haven't asked her yet, but I'm going to. This is sort of a total one-eighty from how I've been up to this point in regards to ever marrying, for reasons she well knows, and I really hope she says yes. The thing is this is just a legal formality that we never needed to bother with, and honestly it doesn't mean much to me. What does is actually wedding her, and which type of ceremony to have. I will not do it in any church of any religion, and I can't do it in the old ways - I just can't though I did promise her that solstice dance which is about as close to that as I can come. I'm not going to ask her until I've decided on the ceremony to have; it's got to be from a culture we both respect though I have an idea . . . I just hope she understands why I'm doing this, and says yes." Will answered.

"Why would she say no?" Autumn wondered.

"Because up till now I've been adamant about never marrying, or having cubs biologically. What changed was me realizing that in this life she is my mate. We already have between us the till death do us part bit, and I just want to make it something officially permanent that in this life we belong to each other; that no matter what we do with other mammals none may dare usurp our claim to each other."

---

Meanwhile at around eleven thirty Layla herself was arriving at the clinic for her appointment. Once she made it to the reception desk she signed in confirming her appointment with Doctor Rivers at noon. After getting the necessary paperwork she needed to fill out regarding her medical history she sat in the waiting area clipboard, and pen in paw. Most of the questions were fairly standard regarding any personal, or family history of given ailments though in her case it was mildly irritating that she couldn't actually answer accurately; being an orphan, and adopted she had no real idea of what her biological family's medical history would be, and using her adoptive family's history wouldn't be helpful to a medical professional either. To her it didn't really matter much that she essentially had nothing to put for those questions because as far as personal medical history was concerned she had more than enough she could list.

She started with her pituitary glandular issue since that was the earliest, after that it was all the times she'd been shot, or stabbed, or had limbs broken though those were few. Last on her list, and taking up the very last of available space on the paperwork was her description of her injuries last year that required as she recalled the detail more than ninety percent of her blood to be replaced by Will. As she looked over her account of her injuries she realized that she wasn't actually as battle scarred as her mate; it was a fact in her mind, but for some odd reason it struck a new chord that nearly half the times she would've died, or been seriously wounded from bullets in particular Will had used his body to shield her. She thought back on how before they'd even slept together let alone dated, or anything like that, that he would do everything in his power to keep her from harm without regard to his own physical safety.

She remembered how when CLAWS as a unit had barely been formed, and they were all just starting to get to know each other he'd shown a degree of protectiveness towards her she wasn't used to having come from any mammal. He had been the same with everyone else in the unit, or so she thought at first until it had been pointed out by "Rambo" . . . by John . . . that Will actually got angry whenever she was even mildly threatened by whatever hostiles they were up against. For a moment her gaze was lost in space as she relived the memory of John telling her how Will's response to her being in danger was one of anger, and then "Dagger" Jack had let slip that Will took more than a casual interest in her scent, and was more than fond of staring at her tail. Then on top of that Adam had mentioned that Will openly admitted to liking her, but wouldn't say why he wouldn't make a move. All of this had occurred after she hadn't actually been in all that much danger, but Will had bodily knocked her out of the way only to take the spray of submachine-gun fire to his vest before killing the offending mammal, and in response to his actions she'd come unglued on him yelling as she punched him that she was the size of a grey she-wolf, and could fight her own battles.

He had taken the abuse, but defended himself saying he didn't doubt, or deny her combat ability, but couldn't help himself. She hadn't cared, and only pummeled him further until John had pulled her off. When Adam had said Will liked her she'd scoffed because master of the honey-trap that she was she'd know if a male was interested, but it got her thinking of how as open as he was with everyone else in their unit she knew more about him than anyone else. Though since they were so often paired as sniper, and spotter she'd chalked it up to that initially. She had though decided to put the test to Adam's words, and tried seducing Will the results of which she never in her life would've expected. Every move she made, and trick she tried he flipped on her as if she were playing with his deck yet he hadn't actually shown interest in having sex with her until she managed to really push his triggers. At that point she'd seen his eyes go feral, and the look on his muzzle as if she were food before as quick as it appeared his features went back to normal, and he tried running away. That night she'd refused to let him escape, and he'd revealed his nature to her holding nothing back when he took her; in her mind that had been when the friendship they'd developed turned into something more.

As Layla came back into the present she thought to herself how if someone had told her then how her bond with him would grow, and survive all they'd been through she'd have laughed till she was wheezing on the floor at the absurdity. Being done with the paperwork she needed to fill out Layla turned it in at the reception desk then sat back down to wait. When she scanned over the various magazines on the nearby coffee table she spotted a magazine with Will on the cover the title of which was 'Our Voice', and it promised an exclusive interview with him. Casually, but curiously she picked it up thumbing to the article in question, and began to read it.

As she read what his responses had been she couldn't help her grin here, and chuckle there with knowing the things Will wasn't saying. Reading his talk of adopting she thought to herself 'no we haven't talked about it, and if only you knew where I was now'. She actually laughed a bit because she knew first-paw that yes he did love meowing just to fuck with other mammals. Eris had put a short summary of their lunch in as a pause before getting into the second half of the interview. Layla couldn't help her prideful beaming to herself because 'her wolf' with his usual frankness put the lie to most of the prejudice, and specieism that existed between mammals. It didn't really amaze her much that when it came to the truth about the two of them he publicly lied through his teeth with barely a corn kernel of truth since besides that being what ZIA agents were trained to do before all that he'd hid his nature from all, but his pack who would never betray him.

She had been chuckling pretty good at how he unashamedly said he thought Gazelle was sexy because of course he thought so, and wouldn't give two shits about saying it to her face; he'd been no different with Judy. Caught up in her fit of giggles as she read his repeating his usual refrain about not having cubs she almost missed the words he'd followed it with. Layla had to read the line fully two more times before it began to sink in 'If by some miracle my mate got pregnant I'd be one happy mammal'. Once the weight of it fully hit there was nothing Layla could do to hold back the flood of her tears as happy as she was.

"I read that article myself earlier. We're lucky we have such a mammal out there on our side, and that vixen of his is one lucky girl" a deer doe sitting near Layla said to her seeing this vixen unable to hold herself together.

"Not . . . Why . . . I'm crying hahaha. I am his vixen, and I'm here because I miscarried saturday, and don't want to miscarry again." Layla managed to respond laughing in the middle of her sobs such were her emotions.

"Oh, honey." the doe said before moving to give her a much needed hug "Well you came to the right place. My husband, and I had similar issues, but Doctor Rivers helped us, and now I'm pregnant, and here for a follow up."

"Thank you, I needed that." Layla said as the doe let her go, and she wiped her muzzle clean.

When it was time for Layla to see the doctor the open magazine was in her paw as she entered the office where Doctor Rivers was waiting.

"Welcome miss Eidolon. I see you're reading that article about Officer Grimm. I cannot tell you how much it brightened my day to read it when it came out. We're lucky we have a mammal like him on our side, if his defense of those fawns last week is any indicator I would almost be willing to dare a Bellweather copy-cat to try something, almost. Also I read over the paperwork you gave us, and I must say you surely have the Wolf Mother in your corner to still be amongst the living especially with the wolf you said gave you so much blood." The doctor who was an older wolf welcomed her with an outstretched paw, and reminded her of Will a little with how freely verbose he was.

"Well she's at least on my side as far as this is concerned" Layla responded with a smirk gesturing between her, and the doctor before shaking the offered paw, and taking a seat continuing "So where do we begin?"

"Well I just want to go over a few things just so I'm clear. I can see with my own eyes how you're quite taller than any normal fox, but genetically that only will really effect your personal growth, and the growth rate of any offspring. Now you wrote here that your mate is an arctic wolf, and also that an arctic wolf was the universal canid donor who gave you more than ninety percent of your blood? Miss Eidolon you're taller than most arctic wolves so I have to ask if the mammal who donated to you is still alive because if so what am I missing?" the doctor said.

"What you're missing is that the arctic wolf in question is Officer Grimm. I need you to put this under doctor/patient confidentiality, but his story about us in this article is mostly a lie; we were in special forces doing the kinds of things that are very classified. It's how I got injured to the point of needing his blood so bad, but for the record, and I got this from the doc in that country. Will didn't actually need to give me so much, but with him handling the transfusion himself, and threatening to eat the doc if he tried to stop him ended up giving me a good bit more than I really needed." Layla explained.

"Hmm so the wolf who is your mate essentially replaced your blood with his . . . hmm . . ." the doctor responded before saying something more coherent "Miss Eidolon I'm going to be honest with you that while it's not unheard of in this day, and age for a fox, and a wolf to at the very least copulate let alone become a mated pair, offspring from said unions are. Now I think this is more from some factor we don't really know because if a wolf, and coyote can breed healthy cubs then why couldn't a wolf, and a fox since we are all canids after all. As it stands whatever that unknown factor is I think you somehow have a way around it with your wolf, and I'm going to do everything I can to help you stay pregnant since you've already managed to conceive once. It may just be that so much of his blood, his genetic material, in your system has made other parts of your system more open to accepting his genetic material. Now as for the damnable matter of payment - I started this clinic because I swore an oath to heal, and help mammals not suck them dry of money they need to feed themselves, and their families so I keep what I charge my patients to no more than what I need to cover my own bills, and keep this place going, but for you I'm inclined to cut those fees in half just because you offer the world a chance for a new life that has never been seen before. I'm also inclined to ignore the other half of those charges simply because your mate is the poster mammal of our cause showing the world a better way through his words, and actions."

"Thank you doctor, honestly, but I can't let you do that. I will pay all the fees you would normally charge, and if I carry to term you'll get at least a million from me in cash. Accept it so that it might help another who would come to you much as I have except for their ability to pay. If my wolf were here in my place he would tell you the same thing, only he would make it an order you couldn't refuse where I can only make it a request." Layla responded.

"Well, alright, but I won't ask for a penny until there's a cub in your arms. Now honestly, at this point all I can do is prescribe you some drugs that will mitigate your natural antigenic response as far as conception is concerned that are tailored to not interfere with your immune system which should help your chances of conception. Then we'll get you on what are essentially anti-rejection drugs of a sort so you stay pregnant. Once you do conceive I will want to see you once a week for the duration of your pregnancy." Doctor Rivers said to her as he scrawled out a prescription before adding with a smile as he handed it to her "My wife, and daughter run the pharmacy downstairs they'll have what you need. I'll let them know you're coming, and to look out for you"

"Thank you doctor, and can I just say that with how much you can be so, well verbose, you remind me of Will" Layla said with a grin giving his paw a shake before she left.

The doctor's wife who was a coyote, and daughter who was a coywolf were both quite excited to help Layla, and their enthusiastic support really made her day. Once she had the pills she needed she stepped outside the clinic, and realized something. So far she'd been relying on public transport, or Will to get around the city, and not only did she need her own mode of transport, Will would also need something more agile, and less conspicuous than his Shelby for the kind of off the clock work they were going to get up to. A quick zoogle search later she was off towards the dealership she needed to go to quite glad it was within what to her was walking distance.

When she entered the dealership she looked around at the various sizes of sport bikes built for various sizes of mammals. Just looking at them brought back memories of training drills she'd done with Will for what he'd affectionately called mounted combat; really just practice accurately shooting a moving target whilst also moving from a platform not as potentially stable as a car, or in lieu of bullets using a sword which lead to several broken katana from sheer impact force.

It didn't take long for a salesman to approach her, but she already had an idea of what she wanted, and wasn't some amatuer to be led around. Unhesitatingly she told the mammal a handsome leopard that looked familiar though she couldn't place his muzzle to show her the fastest bikes they had adding she'd need one to fit her size, and one to fit a wolf a foot taller than she was. As the leopard led the way he asked her if the wolf she meant was Officer Grimm, and Layla responded affirmatively. This seemed to put the leopard in higher spirits as he mentioned that his boyfriend was colleagues with him adding that she must be the Layla he'd heard of. When she asked who the leopard's boyfriend was he told her Benji introducing himself as Michael. It didn't take Layla long to settle on a make, and model she liked, but she debated with herself getting them identical bikes, or ones more suited to their style. As she thought about it she settled on something of a compromise, and thanks to Michael's helpfulness she chose a bike that would suit her need for handling, and acceleration, and one that would suit Will's need for top speed on top of acceleration, handling, and the rest.

When she was finally ready to pay it occurred to her that she needed a garage to stash the bikes so she could tinker with them in much the way she tinkered with their apartment door among other things. She was quite thankful to Michael for putting her in touch with a jaguar who ran a garage where she could at least store the bikes since their apartment didn't include parking spots. While she went over the paperwork with Michael she made it clear she was going to pay it all upfront since both bikes put together didn't even cost fifty-thousand bucks. She was thankful the dealership offered handling the registration, and dealing with the DMV because she'd have enough of a hassle getting the bikes ready for their little black-ops which could begin as soon as tonight.

Once she'd paid for the bikes along with the requisite helmets that were canid specific which much to her amusement had 'ears' so that the rider could better hear their surroundings which she was totally going to 'improve' she'd called a tow truck to haul Will's bike to the garage after she spoke with, and made a deal with the jaguar whose name was Francis. Once the truck had arrived she gave the driver directions to the garage, and followed him there once Will's bike was loaded. While she easily trailed the tow truck to the garage a couple blocks away she thought over her plan for the rest of her day; she needed to get Will's bike squared away, then pick up more soldering supplies which she could work on at home, and somehow manage to at least get Will's bike's modifications started while being home before he was without contacting him to see what he was up to though she wanted to.

Francis turned out to be a pretty cool cat, having gone legit after one too many a close call as a street racer. Layla had been more than willing to pay him fairly for letting her keep Will's bike there, and to use any of his tools that he'd let her, but he gave her a discount on what he'd normally charge for storage fees, and use of his tools for free since Michael had pointed her in his direction. She thanked him, and promptly paid him his requested two hundred bucks for the month along with an extra two to keep the secret of who she was, and who the bike she was leaving here was for adding that she'd be finding a different storage place as soon as she could so the bikes wouldn't be traced back here. This prompted Francis to ask just who the bike was for, and why she'd worry about attracting heat the expression on his muzzle proof of his own worry about attracting the wrong attention. Layla told him the bike was for Officer Grimm her mate, and it was for undercover work which mollified the jaguar who only nodded before her mentioning of Will registered, and he told her that her secret was safe with him.

After she left Francis' garage Layla headed to an electronics supply shop where she picked up what she needed then headed home. She gave Tony the landlord a wave as she got in the elevator, and headed to her apartment. Once she'd opened the door she checked her phone for the time, and found Will had texted her letting her now Adam was coming by after he got off work, and reminding her that she promised him panang. She texted him back that the requisite curry would be waiting for him when he got home before heading for a much needed beer, or two. It was almost fourteen-hundred even, and in the roughly four hours left till he got off work she needed to at least tinker with his helmet, and get a plan for how she wanted to tool up their bikes started along with somehow figuring out how to broach a certain subject with him that just thinking about made her nervous.

---

At around the same time that Layla was enjoying a beer, and setting about modifying Will's helmet he was driving around with Autumn patrolling a different section of downtown than the one they'd started in. They'd visited in person the ZRMC where he had in no uncertain terms demanded to speak with the hospital's director, and facing the mammal had explained the threat 'Viridian Nightmare' posed to the city's populace, and how to properly try to keep a mammal dosed with the shit alive reiterating that even with their best efforts casualties were to be expected. He also had made it clear he needed the directors help in spreading this information to those that needed it while at the same time keeping it on the down low, because if there was a mammal out there wanting to use the stuff like Bellweather used Night Howlers the last thing they needed was that mammal getting early warning about the gig being up.

Their afternoon patrol had been going smoothly which Will was thankful for as it gave him time to think over just how he was going to propose to Layla. He knew he could at least get her behind the formality of being legally married since all it was, was to him at least a meaningless formality. He was going to have to tell her he knew exactly what kind of solstice dance she wanted with him, and what that dance really meant which as he thought of that he realized it could be his window into convincing her of his desire to actually marry her. All forms of western ceremonies were out the window as a matter of course, and his first thoughts had been of a simple Shinto wedding, or perhaps a wolf-tribal ceremony; in his head he had already started planning how he could arrange it before he brought himself back thinking she had to say yes first.

Luckily for Will, and he was grateful to his partner for it, Autumn had kept her wits alert while he zoned out driving. That said there hadn't been all that much for them to do, but drive around listening to the radio chatter of their fellow officers. At around fourteen-thirty a call over the radio went out about an armed bank robbery in progress with Will, and Autumn being the officers at the very edge of the response radius. With machine like precision Will got them going in the right direction at speed flipping on the emergency lights, and siren. Will couldn't hide his grin as he smelled the spike in his partner's scent since she was finally experiencing what his Shelby could do with him driving it; her scent was tinged with a mix of light fear, and arousal.

By the time they got to the scene their fellow officers were exchanging fire with the robbers, though tranq pistols against assault rifles Will almost laughed aloud at. Will as swiftly as he could got out of his Shelby having parked it along the line of cruisers his fellow officers were using as cover across the street from the bank. Will kept low, and moved towards the back of his car so Autumn could crawl out though his side. Once she was out, and away Will shut the door then shouted for a sit-rep from nearby officers.

"We've already burnt through half our ammo, and they've got us pinned! We can't hold out for SWAT without letting these fucks get away!" Grizzoli a she-wolf Will only knew by name shouted at him as if the situation should be obvious.

Will's answer was to unholster his M1911, and peeking over the hood of his Shelby empty the magazine towards the bank doors where he could see one of the mammals shooting at them. He wasn't really trying to hit the mammal since it was behind cover, but he was trying to give them pause to know that as they threatened the lives of cops so to were their lives threatened, and it worked. A plan had already formed in Will's mind so he reached for the radio attached to his chest, and depressing the button spoke to his fellow officers at the scene.

"Listen guys I have a plan. It's real simple. I can take these guys out if I can reach those doors, and they don't seem to know to stagger their reloads the amateurs. Anyway just cover me on my signal, okay?" Will spoke as clearly as he could into the radio.

Instead of a response from his fellow officers the response he got was more 5.56 rifle rounds fired their way. While his fellow officers were busy taking cover Will sat back against the driver door of his Shelby, and motioned for his partner to get closer.

"These guys are starting to piss me off. For my plan to work I need you to put me there, to push my triggers okay?" Will said to Autumn.

"You want me to what?" She asked incredulous since her job was the opposite of what he was asking her.

"Just fucking do it. Bite me until you see the feralness in my eyes, or else I won't be able to move like I need to. If you hesitate someone could get shot." Will told her urgently.

Mentioning that someone could get killed seemed to light a fire under her tail, and Autumn letting go of her hesitation sank her fangs into his neck. From her sister's oversharing she knew just how to get Will going with how she applied her bite pressure, and sank her claws into the back of his neck with her left paw.

"Really?! We're in the middle of a firefight, and you're going to make a move on your partner?" Grizzoli shouted at the two of them.

However what Will was having his partner do was just step one of his plan, and after the morning he'd barely gotten over it worked faster than even he anticipated. When Autumn released him she could feel the hunger in him before she saw it echoed in the feralness in his eyes, and she quickly backed away in fear he'd go after her, but her fears were unfounded.

Will made sure his tranq pistol was loaded then listened for the telltale pause of the robbers reloading then getting in position to bolt for the bank doors he howled giving the signal to his fellow officers to cover him. Luckily with fellow wolves present the meaning in his howl was interpreted properly, and along with Autumn they were the first to lay down covering fire while he made his dash.

Running on all fours kept his profile low as Will made it to the doors, and was through before the mammal guarding them knew what hit him. Species, or size didn't really matter to Will as he used the door guard as a body shield while he drew his tranq pistol to take out those of the robbers he could see. That done Will ordered his mammal shield to spill how many were in his team speaking in a death metal growl. Fortunately for the mammal being used as a body shield it didn't hesitate in telling Will that there were three more towards the vault, and pointed the direction they had gone. With that needed bit of intel Will presently tranqed the mammal then with a quick look over the civilians in the bank to see if any were injured made his way to the vault.

Within a minute Will had crossed the distance, and he could already hear the three mammals loading up the cash talking. They barely had time to voice confusion as to why the gunfire had stopped before tranq darts struck them rendering them unconscious swiftly. His remaining targets down Will got on his radio to report the all clear before heading outside. Having done the 'Heavy Lifting' Will was going to leave the rest of the mess to his fellow officers so making it back to his Shelby, and inspecting it for damage Will lit a cigarette. Finding his car unharmed he promptly sat on the hood to enjoy his smoke.

From his perch Will noted the camera crews that had gathered, but he ignored those. He was busy watching as what had been the robbers were brought out of the building to waiting ambulances, and the hostages were brought out as well where their statements of events would be taken. While Will enjoyed his cigarette his partner approached him.

"Did you really have to have me do that? I'm supposed to help keep you from going there not put you there myself." Autumn asked.

"Things like that go better when I'm in 'Hunt-mode'. There really wasn't any other way." Will answered.

"I'd never think to use my nature that way; wouldn't it put too many in unnecessary danger?" Autumn said.

Will just shrugged, and replied "I guess you could say that after all my time in the ZIA it's how I'm used to operating in situations like this."

While they were chatting they gathered quite the crowd of their fellow officers specifically the wolves along with Nick, and Judy who'd been at the opposite end of the responding officers. Seeing how they surrounded him Will got off his car, and stood before them expectantly. Grizzoli seemed to be the one willing to speak for the lot of them.

"What in Gaia's green earth was that howl, and I'm not the only alpha here wondering why we were so compelled to obey." she said to him demanding answer.

"That howl is known as the Pack-Rally. I'm sure plenty of you have heard my use of the 'Howl to Induce Fear', and some of our fellow canid officers can tell you how earlier today I used the Summoning Howl to get Alice's attention since it worked on them too" Will said before asking them all as if he were preparing himself for a response he didn't want to give their answer "Do you all want to know why you obeyed me like I was your alpha?"

The wolves around him all voiced their assent with only Nick looking nervous as to what the answer would be though he too wanted to know. Autumn watched the whole exchange with mild curiosity chalking most of it up to weird wolf dynamics. Will's response to show them the answer to his question was to drop on all fours, and assume a dominant stance radiating his alpha-hood. Normally in a similar situation dominant wolves would respond to his display with one of their own, but instead they all bowed to him submitting as if compelled, and despite obeying their instincts their rational minds were at a loss. At least until Nick put words to what their instincts knew.

"My Alpha" Nick said as he bared his throat to Will.

Will walked over to him before he spoke "My pack brother you need not bow to me, or show me your throat. In fact I order you never do it again."

That said Will for emphasis marked Nick as his pack brother, the pheromone undernotes completely different than the way Judy had marked him, and Will could smell that she had. Once he was done Will got back on his hindpaws, and like a commanding officer ordered the rest of them back on their feet, and back to work lest the Chief assign them janitorial detail for two-weeks. That lit a fire under their tails, and they went about doing what they needed to. Considering his work here done, and really just wanting his work day likewise done so he could focus on how he was going to work on things outside of work Will got in his car, and once his partner was in got it started, and headed back to the precinct.

"You know as responding officers we were supposed to stay at the scene, and you know help." Autumn pointed out while they were stopped at a red light.

"I did my part, and there were more than enough bodies there to handle the clean up. Look, after revealing what I did to my fellow canids I just needed to leave. My presence would've been a hinderance; it may now be quite the hindrance in any event." Will responded.

"And what exactly did you reveal to them? I really don't get it." Autumn asked.

"I admitted to you earlier how I'm one of the angels of my kind, well there's more to it than just that. There are only four of us. The Mother's second in command is the Black she-wolf of the Night Sky, and the Father's second in command is the Red she-wolf of the Mountain Wood. That only leaves the Wolf Mother, and me; you do the math." Will said giving her the pieces to put together.

"So you're the Wolf Father incarnate. How does that work?" Autumn asked after thinking over Will's words.

"Few mammals realize just how removed from the world heaven really is. There's a reason monotheist's prayers only get answered by angels taking pity on them. Some of us though remember how things used to be, the wars we had to fight just for the world to have the chance to become what it has. As it stands only the Great Mother of Cats, the Wolf Mother, and I along with our Betas are willing to go so far as incarnate amongst our children, and the world to help keep those victories secure. It's actually kind of funny that we're the only ones who are willing to be so proactive because fang devils that we five are we're heaven's darkest angels." Will explained adding "You keep this conversation to yourself. My truth is supposed to remain as secret as possible since essentially this life is one giant deep cover recon mission."

"I will keep it secret. Though are you the only one currently out here amongst us mere mortals?" Autumn asked.

"Actually I'm not. There's my cousin Sierra who is the red she-wolf of the mountain wood, and then there's the tigress who is the Great Mother of Cats." Will answered.

"Really your cousin just so happens to be like you?" Autumn responded skeptically before the other half of what he said fully registered, and she said "Wait you know for sure the Great Mother of Cats is incarnate?"

"Usually we all incarnate away from each other to cover more ground, but it's not some by the book routine. Hell it's hard enough choosing parents that have the proper temperament, and will produce a form sufficient to our preferences on top of what it really takes to fit a soul like ours in a form like this; we are more powerful on the otherside than we are on this side by a fair margin. I know for a fact she's out here seeing as I met her. She's even more tight lipped about everything than I am so I'm not going to tell you much more than that about her." Will replied.

"That's a lot to take in." Autumn said.

After that they drove in silence other than the wind noise since Will had his window down as he smoked first once cigarette then another. If he was being honest with himself he almost felt like asking the Chief to give him something to do with SWAT just for a little more action, but his plans for some cloak, and dagger with Adam, and Layla would take care of that itch plenty. As he thought about it, it actually kind of fit together nicely that Adam, and Katarina were the two mammal team gathering the intel while He, and Layla were the two mammal team taking action on that intel.

When they were back at the station Will parked out front not in the mood to drive around to the motor pool. He did though smoke one last cigarette before he walked through the front doors. When Autumn asked just how much he smoked in a day he laughingly answered it depended on how busy he was in a day adding that on a slow day he could go through half a pack if not a little over. She'd shaken her head at him, but let it go; if he wanted to not live past fifty who was she to judge. Once he was done smoking, and they'd made their way inside they greeted Benji then headed back towards their desks to fill out their reports, and at Will's suggestion catch up on any paperwork they had.

"You've got to teach me how you do that." Autumn said as she looked over to see Will had already finished his report in ten minutes, and had started working on what other paperwork they had.

"Do what?" Will asked without breaking his focus from the computer screen.

"What you're doing right now, all of it. At least how do you type so fast, and not make so many mistakes?" Autumn said.

"Just look up online a basic typing course. They're all the same really. Orient your paws properly over the keyboard which I don't do, or else I'd probably be faster, then it's type the same things over, and over first for accuracy then speed." Will told her sparing her a glance.

"Okay, and how do you handle looking at those forms instead of the screen, or the screen instead of your paws?" Autumn asked.

"Practice for one, and to be honest you might as well be asking how I can so easily deal with a HUD along with say driving, or flying a chopper. To which the answer is video games specifically GTA with those minimaps that are more intelligible than other games." Will answered.

"Video games really? Okay. Wait, you can fly a helicopter?" Autumn asked.

"After I joined the ZIA I took the necessary courses. I'm only certified for helicopters though, but I could manage a civilian jet probably. Sage actually would be better at that though since she's certified for prop planes." Will told her.

With a 'Hrmm' Autumn turned back to her work while Will kept at his. Will had just gotten through the halfway point with the portion of paperwork he was burning through when their 'Grand Buffalo on High' as Will often thought of the Chief akin to Nick's 'Chief Buffalo-butt' shouted out "Grimm! My Office!".

"Apparently he's read my report." Will said to his partner with a grin as he rose, and headed to where he'd been summoned.

He wasn't exactly in a hurry as he pressed the button to call the elevator, and once the doors opened pressed the button for the third floor. With the length of his stride even at his relaxed pace he had reached the Chief's door in what was still a reasonable amount of time. Having been summoned, and answering said summons Will didn't bother knocking for once, and just opened the door stepping inside. As he took a seat in front of his boss he noted the Chief had his glasses on, and was reading something on his monitor.

"Of all the officer's responding to that robbery yours was the first report of events I received. I would congratulate you on your resolving of the situation especially when most armed robberies we usually face don't involve assault rifles, however next time you stay at the scene until you are certain no one else needs your help, or I'll suspend you for two days then stick you on parking duty for a week when you get back." the Chief began his tirade "Now in your report you mention you waited till you heard the perps pause to reload before signaling your fellow officers to give you covering fire, specifically you refer to these perps as amateurs which makes me wonder what you think of your fellow officers. I tried to get corroboration of your report from my officers still on scene, and while my wolves won't say anything at all Officer Ursden told me you were engaging in unbecoming conduct with your partner, before you howled your signal for your fellow officers to cover you then without a vest charged the building where you were seen using at least one perp as a body shield. Then after your fellow officers got the perp's in custody, and started making sure the civilians were unhurt while you were sitting on your car smoking I'm told the wolves present surrounded you, and there was a discussion where you enforced your dominance over your fellow canid officers including Officer Wilde who you also marked before ordering them all back to work, and taking off."

As the Chief just looked at him expectantly for an explanation Will sighed, and let loose a soft chuckle before telling his superior the truth.

"I did what none of them could've pulled off, sue me for leaving the rest of the work to them after I did the heavy lifting. Those perps were amateurs, and if you want your officers to be able to handle professionals then give them a couple training days with me, but be prepared for me to teach them how to handle a mammal in situations like my spar with my sister. As for what I had my partner do, that put me in combat readiness much like how my sister dosed me for our spar albeit what Autumn was doing was much safer, and controllable which as my workday leash-minder falls under her duties. Yes my signal was a howl, specifically what is called the Pack Rally, and for such situations it is effective, and yes I used one of the perps as a body shield also effective sans vest. As for what happened when Grizzoli helmed the lupine inquisition? I don't have to tell you a damn thing, but I will since outside perspectives are flawed. Yes I assumed a dominant stance in front of them, but only as a statement not a command. They submitted to me of their own volition, and I would never force them to submit either. Yes I marked Nick he's now my pack brother, and I was making that status known. Look you want to know why when I howled for Alice earlier every wolf in earshot answered my summons on sheer instinct, and why the wolves at the scene wouldn't tell you anything? I am the High Alpha alongside the Wolf Mother. As far as you're concerned what this boils down to is that all canids under your command will if I need them to obey me before they obey you, but since I too follow your orders it's business as usual. Now if you don't mind since I'm pretty sure my fellow canids aren't gonna keep this to themselves I just want to say that I may not be a normal wolf by any account, but at least by my own kind that's how I want to be seen, and treated. I'm not here to rule, or conquer anyone in fact I should like to help everyone if at all possible." Will responded to the Chief's tirade with one of his own albeit his initial attitude faded into weariness.

For a long moment Will, and the Chief just stared at eachother with the buffalo looking more nonplussed than usual while Will simply looked tired, but ready to go another round if he had to.

"Grimm I have half a mind to dismiss you for the day just to get you out of my sight, however as Officer Caldera, and I discussed since you had such a paw in making her little dream a reality, and we both agree it will be better to inform our fellow officers of just what exactly their new gear will be when we have all of it I am appointing you her personal liaison in handling getting room in the armory made for the new gear, and once we have it all fazing out the old. So as soon as you set foot outside my office you are to report to her, and get started. Am I understood?" The Chief finally broke the silence.

"Perfectly sir." Will responded rising from his seat, and making for the door.

"One last thing Grimm" The Chief said as Will reached the door finishing the thought as Will turned towards him attentively "Jade told me how in her over excitement she crossed quite the line with you, and I'm rather surprised as I can still smell it that you aren't even pressing harrassment charges let alone the more severe ones you might press being well within your rights to do so."

"Chief the reason my mate, and I have the open relationship we do unconventional as that is, is because none may usurp our claims to each other. Jade didn't do anything wrong in my book, and as close to me as she's gotten I would've been just as understanding if she'd done it on purpose. The mammals I'm intimate with are a unique cadre to say the least, and I don't fault them for wanting to tell the world that they are closer to me than any mammal off the street. Besides my mate, and I aren't actually married though I'm going to remedy that, even got the paperwork today during my lunch. Was even thinking of having Hopps, and Wilde be our witnesses assuming my mate says yes." Will responded turning back to the door as he opened it.

"Good luck then Grimm, and by any means you really aren't a normal mammal" The Chief said as Will walked through the door distinctly hearing Will's response as the door shut that not in a thousand lifetimes would he ever be normal.

Once Will was back on the ground floor he gave his partner the heads up that he'd be with Jade till it was time to clock out then made his way to Jade's office. When he reached it he simply walked in without knocking. When he surprised her with his presence as her back had been turned she promptly embraced him before excitedly asking how he thought they should go about their task. Will being himself simply turned it back on her since she was the quartermaster, and he was simply her help. Jade would've been lying if she said the authority he ceded to her didn't give her a certain thrill like having him cuffed to a bed, and at her whim.

She led him into the armory where for the first forty-five minutes they simply went over how best to pack up all the old, and now obsolete vests first since that'd make room for the new. It also helped that she kept the armory organized by mammal size then gear type with everything not obvious to the naked eye clearly labeled in case she wasn't on paw to fetch something. Jade had already gathered what boxes she could, and got in touch with the mammals who usually handled gear retirement informing them that precinct one would be soon shipping them quite a lot of gear to retire. When Will complimented her on her proactiveness she simply beamed at him, and he openly told her that he found the look on her muzzle more than just a little boner inducing before kissing her for good measure. Her response was to pull him out of sight of the armory cameras where after five minutes of making out they progressed into a fifteen minute 'quickie' that relieved a good deal of Will's stress from the day.

By the time it was eighteen-hundred, and time to clock out they'd gotten a good deal of the larger mammal sized gear packed, and Will had fiddled with the armory cameras recording editing out the visual of their lip lock, and audio of what came after which would've left no doubt of what exactly they were doing; he also did what he could to fudge the time stamps so anyone overlooking the footage would have to be a ZIA intel analyst to notice the discrepancy.

No sooner did Will having clocked out make it into his Shelby than his phone rang as Revolver was calling him.

"What's up Rev.?" Will answered.

"Wanted to know if you wanted to pick up your order now that you're off work. Chef's getting impatient that your food is getting ignored." Revolver responded keeping up the obfuscating language out of habit.

"I'll be on my way, should I pick you up?" Will asked.

"Just pull around the corner. You'll spot me." the ocelot replied before hanging up.

True to his word Adam was indeed waiting around the corner for Will smoking a cigarette. Once he was in they headed to Tundra Town the drive quite uneventful. Once they'd made it to Mr. Big's mansion they were let into the compound by one of the shrew's polar bear guards then parking out front were led into the spacious building by yet another polar bear. Without much talking they followed their guide down into the basement, and too a door their guide unlocked before standing to the side of it. While they'd been walking Will had been silent as he worked himself up to what he was going to do letting the hunger in himself manifest through the mostly mental restraints he usually kept on it.

Will only broke the silence for confirmation of his kill's crime, or crimes which as the guard informed him were among other things proliferation of underage pornography. It was all Will needed to hear before he opened the door, and stalked into the room. At first the hyena thought the massive wolf who was a known police officer was there to rescue him, and had started to say as much before the feral look in Will's eyes stopped him. When Will let loose a snarl at the offending mammal his nose wrinkled further in detection of the hyena's released bladder. Without hesitation Will bared his fangs then sank them into the sack of shit zip tied to a chair in front of him, and the sorry excuse for fur screamed in terror before it registered that though it was being bitten blood was not being drawn. Then it's instincts told it that it's life somehow was ebbing away, and it screamed again though this was short lived as Will took without restraint enough chi to stop it's heart, and then some.

When he was done Will cut the corpse free of it's restraints then called for the guard. When the polar bear entered he expressed bewilderment that the hyena was dead without a scratch. Will just told him to not ask questions he didn't want to know the answers to before asking him to carry the 'thing' to wherever the ice hole was as Will wanted to dispose of 'it' himself. Seeing the still feral look in Will's eyes the polar bear didn't hesitate to acquiesce to the request, and carrying the corpse led the way to Mr. Big's study.

When they entered the study Will immediately noticed Koslov where he sat behind his desk atop which sat Mr. Big in his chair. He greeted the polar bear with a fond 'Tovarisch' while a smaller polar bear pulled away a rug, and lifting a trap door revealed the ice hole. Will took the corpse from the guard who carried it, and was about to dump it through the hole when he paused, and asked the bears in the room if one of them could fetch him a funnel, and some hose, or tubing like from a radiator.

"Tovarisch, why do you need those things? Ocelot said you wanted to take your pound of flesh from scum, but I smell no blood from body." Koslov said to Will.

"ZIA body disposal trick number three, if you want to make it look like someone you killed drowned when you say strangled them you fill their lungs with water as that is what kills a drowning mammal. Not that i strangled this fuck to death, no what I did was worse, but you neither need nor want to know that. Also the last thing I need is for the one mammal who would know I killed this fuck to discover it; the precinct one coroner is my pack mate you see, and knows full well how I can kill a mammal without leaving a mark. I also can't have this fuck's cause of death getting back to the ZIA, or else I'm back on their kill list, and I'll have to wage a war against the fucks." Will answered.

"You were ZIA?" Mr. Big asked in his raspy voice.

"Put out some feelers for intel on the CLAWS unit specifically the one they call Beast, and you'll get the idea though I tell you now if you want to know which of those rumors are true ask me do not assume. Also I apologize for not greeting you properly Don; allow me to wash my paws after I'm done with 'this', and I shall." Will responded.

When he was brought the requisite tubing, and funnel Will set to work intubating his kill, then getting the funnel in position borrowed a polar bear sized drinking glass, and using water from the ice hole began filling the dead hyena's lungs. Will only partially noticed that he was watched with a certain grim fascination by Mr. Big while Koslov seemed mildly disturbed. Once Will had poured enough water down the hyena's throat that it came back out he pulled out the tube, and unceremoniously dropped the corpse down the hole using a foot to shut the trapdoor. After he brought his paws together dusting them off as if he'd gotten rid of garbage Will asked if there was a bathroom where he could wash his paws.

When he came back into the study the ice hole had been covered, and there were a pair of chairs in front of Mr. Big with Revolver already seated in the one to his left. Before Will took his seat he offered his paw to the shrew which as far as shakes go was more of a simple clasp with Will using no pressure since if he got just a paw around the smaller predator he could crush him without trying. Pleasantries done Will wasted no time getting down to brass tacks.

"First let me thank you Don for being willing to meet with me, and give my comrade here what intel you have which we don't need to go over here. Honestly right now I need your help with something else, and much more pressing. I'm sure as a mammal in your position is aware there are some assassins in this world who know of, and make use of a certain drug with which to kill their targets by the name of 'Viridian Nightmare'. This morning I came across a mammal dosed with the shit, and luckily for him I have first paw experience with not only what it does, but how to mitigate the likelihood that it will have lethal effect. I need your help tracking down who in this city would supply a mammal willing to exploit it." Will spoke respectfully, but without formality, or pretense.

"I am aware of such a drug, and make a point never to deal with it, or those that do." the shrew responded.

"Good. That means you, and I can maintain this working relationship I'm seeking to cultivate. I don't know if my comrade here has gone over why I'm interested in taking out all the mammal traffickers in this city, among any other ah, competitors of yours your willing to put in my crosshairs. I need money, in the order of millions, and while I could take my time over at the blackjack tables at the Palm Casino ZIA habits die hard so it's after the criminals I go. I need the mammal traffickers of the world to get the message that this city is off limits, and as far as this 'Viridian Nightmare' problem is concerned after what that fucking sheep tried to pull I'm concerned a copy-cat may target us preds with the shit. It's a worst case scenario, but in my experience those end up being the way the dice roll." Will explained.

"So far you have made your requests, and I am willing to help you with all that I can, but your friend there made it clear I'd be paid for my services, and after how you handled that pest I'm inclined to ask for favors in return for the favors I do for you." the shrew stated.

"I had a feeling . . . look I joined the ZPD to turn over a new leaf, and get away from the business of mine that was killing other mammals so as long as what you ask of me stays separate from my job as an officer I'm willing to add to my list of things to do taking out any competitors you might like . . . how do I put this . . . butchered, and drained of assets. Gets thorns out of your side, and puts money in my offshore account. It is a win-win for both of us, no?" Will responded.

"This is agreeable to me. I've already given your friend here everything I have concerning those vermin who peddle in other mammals, and I will get my people on this 'Viridian Nightmare' issue. I assume you want it to take precedence?" was Mr. Big's raspy reply.

"I do, very much so. There's a lot a mammal of my skillset can do to make this city better for all of us so long as I am free to operate from the shadows. In this regard just for agreeing to be my information broker you are quite the asset." Will said offering his paw to the shrew.

They had barely finished their paw clasp when the door was opened by a polar bear carrying the mafia don's daughter.

"Daddy, daddy you won't believe it, but Judy just told me she's dating Nick." the younger shrew exclaimed before she took in the sight that was Will who upon hearing her exclamation grinned.

"Oh my god! Daddy, you didn't tell me you invited the hero wolf over. You're not asking him to do anything bad are you?" Fru Fru asked her father accusingly.

"Of course not sweetie. He just wanted to ask for my help with something important, and I've agreed to do what I can." Mr. Big answered his daughter.

"Fru Fru, can I call you that? I'm about to be doing some undercover work to get a very nasty drug out of our city, and I figured your father would be willing to help me once I explained everything which he has. No one can know I was here okay, you've got to keep this hush-hush. If I'm lucky this drug which is very lethal won't claim too many lives before I've got the mammals bringing it in in jail where they belong." Will addressed her.

"These lips are sealed. You work with Judy, and Nick right? I want the goods." Fru Fru replied.

"Well for starters I had a not so subtle paw in encouraging them to go out, and I was there when they confessed, and had their first kiss. I think I'm making a habit of getting bunnies, and foxes to hook up." Will said to her with a laugh.

"And this time it didn't take you hitting on a fox, and getting a rabbit fist to your face." Revolver chimed in with a laugh.

"No buddy, but Judy sure is fond of delivering killer gut checks" Will responded rubbing a paw over his stomach.

After that Will, and Revolver bid a goodnight to the Big's, and Koslov surprised everyone when he openly embraced Will to which he responded that he was wrong polar bears gave stronger hugs than lions with a joking wheeze. Once they were back in the Shelby Will asked Revolver to use his phone to text Layla that they were on their way home. By the time they' gotten on the expressway out of TundraTown it was just hitting twenty-hundred on the dash clock. Layla had texted back which Revolver read aloud stating that she'd gotten enough chicken panang for all three of them, and was disappointed Will had taken so long to let her know he'd be as late as he was, but that she had surprises for him. Will had Revolver respond that he too had a surprise for her, and couldn't wait to be home.

"You know it's always struck me as kind of funny how much you hate fucks like that hyena, and yet it's so easy for you to infiltrate their ilk." Revolver made conversation as they drove.

"Shut up." Will responded flatly.

"Oh, come on. You're nothing like them as far as I've seen so how do you manage it? Other agents I've known have one heck of a time managing the feat, and dealing with the after effects of succeeding; what's your secret?" Revolver asked.

"You are right I'm nothing like them. Specifically in how I am with the fairer sex. You really want to know how it's so easy for me to convince them I'm like them until I'm close enough to rip their throats out with my fangs?" Will replied.

"Yes. No one else ever gets in as deep with those kinds of sick fucks like you have without slipping up, or something, and no one ever had your kind of success rate taking them out, or went so far to do it either." Revolver pressed.

"The truth is Adam I'm more like them than you realize. Because of my experiences with others my own age when I was younger, I find the same things they do stimulating. The key difference is in my response. Females are sacred to me, their word is law; I would never do anything untoward with them unless they wanted me to, and even then I usually don't for several different reasons. Like I told Nick I'd rather be intimate with a tigress my own age that's been around the block then a virgin half my age; doesn't change my weakness, but it still stands that I am master of my self in that regard. The young are to be defended not defiled . . ." Will admitted almost angrily.

"Then what's the youngest female you've been with?" Revolver asked the next logical question.

"A fourteen year old cougar when I was eighteen." Will answered.

"Okay, that's not that bad. Illegal sure, but nothing like the kind of shit those disgusting fucks get up to. I'm sorry I pushed you into admitting that, but your secret is safe with me." Revolver said.

Will just drove on in silence, and Adam took the hint likewise keeping silent. In half an hour thanks to the night time traffic Will had gotten to his building, and parked. Once he'd retrieved the marriage license paperwork from the glovebox Will got out, and led the way inside using the key fob to lock his Shelby after Revolver shut the passenger door. Despite his irritation with making the admission to Adam that he had Will had managed to recenter himself, and as they rode the lift up to his floor Will steeled himself for biting the bullet he was about to. Stepping out of the lift for once in a long time Will felt nervous even anxious, but he quelled the unwelcome feelings telling himself he could save the words he wanted to speak until after dinner, and business was dealt with.

It surprised Revolver as evidenced by the expression on his muzzle the way the apartment door opened automatically as soon as they reached it while Will took it in stride.

"Tadaima, kitsune-chan" Will said as he crossed the threshold his gladness to be home evident in his voice.

"Okaeri, okami-kun" came the response from Layla before she flew into him, barely giving him time to wrap his arms around her in response.

"It is so good to be home, babe. Today was a real fucking day, and a half." Will said to her as he nuzzled the side of his muzzle into the top of her head.

"It's good to have you home, my wolf. I hope you'll be happy with the surprise." Layla replied as she likewise nuzzled into him.

"Okay, enough of the love-fest. Save it for when I'm gone, alright you two?" Adam interjected.

Will, and Layla just laughed, and just for his comment kissed each other passionately despite his complaints that they were blocking the walkway which they were. As they parted Will moved Layla aside where he marked her again much as he had the previous day, but as he did so she caught scent of Jade's mark on him.

"Is this your way of apologizing for letting that thieving cat mark you?" Layla asked as if expecting his excuse to be a good one.

"Actually she got a little over excited having received the first gear shipment, and kinda got carried away. She just wanted to express her joy, and got carried away." Will explained.

"Well you are Mine." Layla responded pulling him down to her level, and marking him much as he'd marked her.

As she rubbed her scent into his neck fur Will's nose flooded not only with it's depth, but with pheromones that told him his mate was maybe not in heat just yet, but definitely ready to fuck. Having not had her in the better part of a week there was nothing he could do to stop his panting, or member becoming semi-hard though he managed to somehow refrain from taking her right then, and there. Layla could only laugh at the effect she had on him as it melted away what displeasure she felt over that he'd been marked by a different female. While she left him where he stood to sit at the table which she'd already set with bowls, chopsticks, and forks with the three take out containers of thai style curry set by the bowls, and the insert of their rice steamer set as the centerpiece communal rice bowl.

Adam had likewise joined Layla at the table, and looked at Will expectantly since he was hungry, and knew Layla wouldn't let him eat until Will joined them. Will just stood there a long minute before he seemed to come out of it, and remembering the papers he still held in his paw set them on the coffee table before making his way to join them for dinner.

As they helped themselves to the rice, and their portions of chicken curry they were silent enjoying their first several mouthfuls of deliciousness before Will broke the silence.

"Alright we need to hash out our game plan for appropriation, and acquisition, but first Layla we have a potentially big problem that goes by the name 'Viridian Nightmare'. As Adam already heard me discuss with Mr. Big I came across, and in all likelihood saved the life of a hyena this morning dosed with the shit. I already have asked Mr. Big to get me intel on anyone who could supply the shit here in the city, but I'm going to need your help backtracking the movements of the victim. Since he's a veteran, and not normally the type to have an assassin's target painted on him I'm going forward under the assumption his attacker meant to kill him specifically with fear. Hopefully this is just an isolated event, and I'm over reacting." Will said.

"So we've got our work cut out for us. Oh, and by the way Lola called me since you didn't respond to her texts to let me know that as usual the annual Grimm family reunion is scheduled to begin Monday, and that we are to attend with no argument brokerable since as she put it you're having your first full pack gathering." Layla responded.

"That's fine. With all the mammal power I'm getting behind this case of mine we might just have this resolved by friday, or at least enough so that my fellow officers can take up the slack when we're gone for a week I just need to let Nick, and Judy know that they are invited, and get Maria, and David out of school for the week aswell since my pack mates' significant others are also invited. I'll add that to my list of things to handle tomorrow." Will replied.

"Well okay then as far as appropriation, and acquisition is concerned how would you two like to proceed? Thanks to our information broker in Tundra Town we have a good bit of actionable intel. Katarina, and I already have requisitioned ourselves a base of operations, and the off-the-books tranq rounds you'll need along with a few other things." Adam stated.

"In this base is there room for at least a makeshift garage?" Layla asked.

"It's a two level warehouse; ground floor plus basement level. We already rigged it with basic security that I'm sure you'll want to upgrade." Adam answered.

"Sounds like a start. I bought us some bikes today Will since your Shelby is a little too conspicuous for what we're going to be up to." Layla said.

"Thanks, babe. I've always loved your forward thinking. I want to get at least one of these night ops in tomorrow if we can so of this actionable intel which would you recommend Adam?" Will asked.

"Why don't you meet us at the warehouse after work, and we'll hash it out in the war room Will? I doubt this place is bugged, but forgive me if I'm a little paranoid." Adam replied.

"Speaking of paranoid. I'll have you know I already set up signal jammers around this place so each room is secure from any bugs, or someone with an antenna trying to listen in, but I've also upgraded my anti-ghosting algorithms in the past year so if you two don't mind I'll re-harden your phones." Layla said, and they both unhesitatingly gave her the requested cellular devices.

The three continued to enjoy their dinner in companionable silence the easy lull in their conversation due to enjoyment of their food. Adam seemed more surprised than Layla that Will visibly was actually making an effort to savor his food. Nonetheless he still was done first though he had paused for a moment debating saving leftovers to have cold for lunch tomorrow before deciding he was enjoying his meal, and company too much to quit early. Layla laughed, and Adam rolled his eyes when Will licked his bowl clean before satisfiedly saying "Gochisou-sama".

While he waited for the other two to finish Will was silent as he lost himself in his thoughts, coming to terms with himself on how to propose to Layla. For the second time in as many days he'd already marked her with more 'intensity' than a mere 'mate' marking, and the way she'd returned that 'intensity' only strengthened his resoluteness to not only make her his legal wife, but also make her his wife in this lifetime until it's end. Before he really realized it Layla, and Adam were done, and idly chatting with Layla's gaze meeting his being what brought him out of his reverie.

"Layla, my beautiful night I know we each have our surprises for each other, but I want to give you mine first." Will said before he got out of his seat only to get down on both knees beside her where she sat, and taking both her paws in his told her "On the coffee table I have the paperwork for our marriage license application, and I've already filled out my half of it, but it is only a formality. You hold my heart in your paws, and for the remainder of this life so shall it be. Not only do you deserve to say that you are my wife, and I am your husband as proof of your claim to me that no mammal may contest I want to make you my wife for the rest of this life, and for the rest of this life be your husband as you are my 'Mate' in this life, and I am yours. I know everything I've ever said on this matter, and the fact that there is one whose claim to me is above yours would have you say no, but as a flesh, and blood mammal who cannot reasonably spend the rest of his days without you in them I am asking you will you marry me."

To say Layla was shocked would be an understatement. She'd half-expected his surprise would be the legal formality that was the paperwork he'd gotten, but the depth of emotion, and honest sincerity he put into his words which was such that he already had tears in his eyes rendered her more than speechless. Even as Sage's admonition from the night previous replayed in her head her heart discarded it outright. As much as her heart said to tell him yes her mind hesitated, and caused her to voice this hesitation.

"You would betray her?" Layla asked.

"It is not a betrayal. As you are my mate in this life she is my mate when this life is done. As I am free in this life to call you my mate, as you are the mammal who won my mortal heart then so too am I free to call you my wife if only you will have me." Will answered her managing to blink back his tears.

At this Layla couldn't help herself as she slid out of her seat into his arms, and as she buried her muzzle into his shoulder she couldn't hold back her tears as she said "My Wolf . . . My Wolf . . . Yes."

Will couldn't believe his ears, and the tears he'd held back flooded forth making it hard for him to see her muzzle as he pulled back looking for confirmation that his mind hadn't misinterpreted the aural information his ears had received.

Seeing the look he gave her as if he truly couldn't believe his ears Layla knew she had to tell him now.

"My wolf you need to know my surprise for you" Layla said, and the urgency in her voice commanded his attention "Saturday morning I miscarried. Today I saw a doctor, and with his help, and the right drugs I can get pregnant, and carry to term. We can have a kit. Did you really mean it when you told Eris that if by some miracle we could have our own young you'd be a happy mammal?"

It was safe to say that in that moment, and for several long seconds that followed Will was struck dumb as he processed this new information. His eyes were wide, and his mouth hung open while his ears were erect; a perfect example of the canine expression of shock. With his thoughts stuck on her words 'We can have a kit . . . did you really mean it . . . you'd be a happy mammal', and his ability to form coherent speech currently on hiatus Will did the only thing he could to express the welling emotions in the depth of his gut. Before Layla could even register he was moving his mouth was on hers, and his tongue stroked against hers as if through the contact the fire in him could leap into her. The full force of his love emoted through their embrace, and in her it found not only a receptacle, but reciprocation.

When they finally managed to part the both of them panting Will did not hesitate to stand, and picking up his mate bridal fashion only spared Adam the words "Stay if you want. Guest bedroom's free." before carrying her into their bedroom. The fire of his love for her seemed to be the sole force that animated him as he put her on the bed, and in what seemed the blink of an eye freed himself from his uniform leaving it gear, and all in a pile on the floor. Layla for her part had attempted to get her shirt off in the same amount of time, but it was barely around her head when she felt his paws undoing then pulling off her pants with her underwear along with them.

The shock of his cold nose against her sex sent a shiver up her spine, and through to the tip of her tail. She almost laughed to hear how deeply, and greedily he seemed to be consuming the scent of her before his tongue was upon her sending a storm of lightning through her body. She gasped when he stopped with the same abruptness with which he'd started, but then her open mouth was recaptured by his, and she could feel the tip of his member seeking entrance that she eagerly gave it.

As he slid into her like that was where he belonged that was indeed how he felt. Though he supported his weight over her, as much of his body as he could was pressed against her while he began to slowly, and deeply thrust into her pulling out all but his tip before repeating the motion. The way she sank her claws, and fangs into him urging him to go harder, and faster only made the fire in him that burned for her rival a forge in intensity. Only when she growled at him to fuck her did he pick up his pace until her accepting sex encompassed his fully engorged knot.

Time meant nothing to them as they stayed tied together through hours of primal intensity. Even when there was nothing left for him to release into her they continued their mating until both were too tired for anything other than crashing into the abyss of sleep wrapped around each other with the same intensity as with which they were quite aswell stuck together.