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.

15. Kill Mercy Within

Brief A/N: Yay I got a chapter out faster than of late. So this chapter gets kinda violent in the middle just so you know, but it is well warranted. Officially the next chapter will cover the end of week four so number 17 can finally begin what I've dubbed the 'Ulfhaven Arc' which will be things . . .

You know sometimes all we need is just one person who appreciates what we do to keep us going, and in regards to this story which I'm really only writing for myself, I feel the need to publicly thank Darkwolfslayer21; thank you for being that one person, and may the words flow from your pen like water in a river.

Also another story mention: "The Beast of Yesterday" by Tremainj [and by extension it's follow up "Fear the Unknown"] - I had previously read the first chapter, but it didn't quite grab me then Darkwolfslayer21 mentioned it, I gave it a second chance, and I couldn't put it down. Seriously it's that good, and so is Sirius when he wants some jerky lol [read it, and you'll get it ^_^]

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Thursday [Week four, Day four]

05:30

It wasn't without reason that Will chose for his phone alarm various songs that when played at full volume would be successful in rousing him, and he varied them so that he wouldn't become complacent to the jarring provided by any one song. After the late night he'd had it wasn't for nothing that he'd placed his phone far enough away that as the alarm went off he had to get up to silence the sounds of "Charlie Don't Surf" by Los Gatos Locos.

Once he had the aggravating device silenced he turned back to the bed where Layla was, and watched as she rolled over before falling back asleep. The sight of her alone was enough to evaporate what post-sleep anger he had at the very act of waking up with only five hours of sleep. He was still tired though, and the sight of the mammal he loved like no other alive was not enough to dispel his need for coffee.

Naked except for the fur he was born with Will zombied into the kitchen, and with wooden movements got the coffee machine emptied of the stale grounds it held, refilled with water, and reloaded with fresh espresso roast grounds before starting it. The smell of the fresh coffee in the airtight canister in which it was kept, and the smell of the coffee as it brewed did enough to give him a spark of pep. Though his eyes still flew the flag of tiredness the rest of him as led by his nose was getting ready for whatever the day would throw at him.

While he waited for the sweet elixir of dark magic to finish brewing Will stayed on his feet while he lit a cigarette retrieved from Layla's pack on the coffee table. He was secretly glad she smoked the same cigarettes he did as opposed to the light variant that seemed so popular with most females. The part of him that was still tired allied with the part of him that prefered to enjoy a cigarette, and so Will sat on the couch before he'd gotten halfway through his day's first smoke. Two things more than any other killed the enjoyment of a smoke Will had found, and they were walking while smoking, and being in windy conditions while smoking. Of course there was the combination of those two things which was worse.

After he put out that first cigarette in the ashtray on the coffee table, and lit a second his musings shifted to the morning note he'd leave for Layla since as he waited for the coffee to be ready he might as well do something. With his fuming cigarette in his left paw, and a pen in his left Will stared at the blank page of note paper his not firing on all sixteen cylinders mind grasping at straws, and hollering for his gut to come through. When it did the words spilled out of him onto the page 'Just listen to "Iris", and know that I really don't want to go Home right now, and I need you more than I have words to do justice. I don't know how I'll ever deserve having you back in my life, or how I ever deserved you in my life in the first place, but all that matters to me is that you are watashi no kokoro no ai.'

As he was finishing his morning note to his mate he heard the shift in sound from the coffee pot indicating that it was done brewing the twelve cup pot. Though he limited himself to one cup of coffee a day since too much caffeine could still cause him to have a heart attack thanks to his size, drug resistance, and caffeine tolerance the size of that one cup could vary from sixteen to forty-eight ounces depending on the vessel used. Getting up to fetch a mug, and pour himself the needed invigorative Will thought to himself that he would eventually run out of love songs to reference, but would in that event simply come up with suitable words so that he could maintain the custom for as long as possible. He didn't want Layla to forget just how much she really meant to him, and even if the time came that he didn't need to write her notes the very act of stopping would open the door for a sentiment Will vowed he wouldn't give her reason to feel; not after he left her like he had.

With a sigh Will thought to himself 'What a tired mammal goes through just for a simple cup of coffee . . . '. He'd gotten out the mug with his name on it, and filled it with the brew that was almost too dark to allow light through, but still had to wait for the scaldingly hot beverage to fucking cool. 'Sometimes life just isn't fair. If only this were a saturday, and not a thursday, but no.' Will thought to himself petulantly reminding himself that while he would at least get to sleep in this upcoming saturday morning there was a party that night that he couldn't miss, and an ass load of driving after.

Morning cigarette number three helped pass the time it was taking for the coffee to cool, and while he did his best to sip at it since it was still too hot he headed towards the bathroom. Setting the mug of coffee on the bathroom counter Will glared at it just because he felt like it before breaking his gaze away to hit his cigarette again, and get the shower started. Thankfully the waiting for the shower water to heat up, in converse to the waiting for coffee, was taken up by finishing his cigarette though with the deep drags Will took that was over sooner than he'd have liked.

While Will gave the just bearably hot shower water time to soak through his pelt once he'd gotten in the shower the heat did wonders for dispelling his drowsiness. That said his mood for the morning hadn't exactly improved, and he only bothered using the fur soap on what of his body he could easily reach; as far as he was concerned the fur of his back, arms, and legs could fuck off unless by some miracle a certain crimson furred angel decided to bathe with him. It was only wishful thinking though, and if she could've seen the frown on his muzzle for it Layla would've laughed, and teased him for looking so dejected, and pitiful.

Only as he was rinsing the fur soap out of his fur did he realize that again he'd used Layla's strawberry scented one instead of his scent neutralizing one. He actually laughed at that since if it was any indicator of the kind of day he was going to have then there was nothing for it. That done he turned off the water, and getting on all fours shook himself mostly dry then getting out of the shower retrieved his now drinkable coffee before standing over the fur-dryer, and turning it on. By the time the fur-dryer had done it's job Will had the better part of his mug empty, and took the time to finish it before turning off the fur-dryer.

Will strode into the bedroom muttering to himself that it was a shame he couldn't just show up to work naked, and get dressed at the station which he would've done if he could; the Chief may make a saying of 'I don't care', but Will if he were so inclined could show his boss a new level to the phrase, and not just with something as relatively benign as streaking. After the cigarettes, shower, and coffee Will was awake for the day, and though there was still some sleep left for him to catch up on he could still stand to accrue more to catch up on, and likely would for the next couple days. As he went about getting dressed which didn't take him as long since most of his gear was in the trunk of his Shelby he decided to let Autumn drive them around in a cruiser since there wouldn't be anything they could do, but patrol, and he wanted to get in a cat-nap or two if he could throughout the day.

Once he was dressed in his uniform, and had what of his effects that had made it into the apartment with him in his pockets Will spared a last glance at his sleeping mate before sighing, and leaving the apartment locking the door on his way out. Downstairs after a short ride down in the lift Will waved good morning to Tony the landlord as he crossed the foyer heading through the front doors to his Shelby. After unlocking it with the key fob as he approached he got in, and began his routine like clockwork of starting up the beast of a car, and getting music pumping through the speakers.

The track Will decided to start his day with was "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones, and once the sound of it flooded the interior of his Shelby he was definitely satisfied with his choice. Will had rolled his window down, and with the stereo as loud as he could stand it was happily sharing with his surroundings; as often as mammals of his generation blared their hip-hop, and rap with ridiculous bass for no real reason Will felt it was his duty to respond in counterpoint with rock, and metal. There had even been times where he'd been driving in silence only for bass thumping from a nearby vehicle to provide the only impetus he needed to fire up some Gojira, Dagoba, Slayer, or GWAR in response.

Making his way towards the station at an easy pace along with the morning traffic the song changed to "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix before being followed by "Paint It Black" by the Stones. By the time Will was nearing the precinct the shuffling playlist he was listening to gave him "Electric Funeral" by Black Sabbath, and it was still playing once he finally made it into the motor pool. A glance at the dashboard chronometer when he'd parked told him he still had twenty minutes before morning muster, and for a couple minutes after he'd shut off the engine Will just sat there not tired, but not exactly wanting to move either. Will did get out of the car though albeit a little on autopilot, and was halfway to the elevator before Joe's hollered good morning snapped him out of it which he returned.

Once on the ground floor he made his way to the bullpen, and those that noticed him saw clearly that he didn't seem his usual on point self though running on less than six hours of real sleep, and a healthy dose of caffeine would do that to a mammal. While not one of the first in the bullpen Will was there just before Judy, and Nick arrived, and a good ten minutes before his partner. When she sat next to him Autumn asked him if he was okay to which he responded that once they got their day underway he would be.

When the room was called to attention Will was stuck on statue not moving from his seat though only his partner seemed to notice. Once the Chief called the room to order, and everyone else settled down back in their seats he addressed them.

"First order of business today concerns what happened last night." The Chief said to his day officers "In case you haven't heard thanks to an anonymous tip regarding a break-in one of our night-shift patrols discovered a warehouse being used by some gun runners apparently"

"Now before you start cheering" the Chief nipped their excitement in the bud "The whole situation is suspicious a mile off. According to the report that was on my desk the responding officers found the criminals present to a one tranqed with not a single dart present, and evidence that not only was some of the 'merchandise' stolen whoever did this took it upon themselves to pickpocket all the mammals they'd tranqed, and there's absolutely no trace of fur, or scent of whoever did it. Evidently all the cameras in the area were also jammed. I'm getting every detective not currently on a case on this, and what I need from all of you are volunteers to handle questioning the nearly two dozen mammals we brought in."

While the Chief waited for his day officers willing to volunteer to do so Will noted the pointed look the cape buffalo leveled his way, but Will took it in stride, and showed open curiosity at the unusual development. If he didn't personally know the truth Will would've been considering how this new turn of events might relate to the current case he was working, but in knowing first paw what had went down his curiosity was in regards to if his fellow officers could suss out any clues at all regarding who had performed the 'Ghost-Op.'

Will grinned seeing Wolford, Grizzoli, Fangmeyer, and Delgato all volunteer to handle interrogations along with Frost who was followed by Yama. The Chief seeming satisfied by the turnout moved on to assigning the remaining officers patrol duty including Will, and Autumn since as Will had told him yesterday the 'Viridian Nightmare' case was stalled until whoever was behind it made another move, and there wasn't much they could do, but keep their ears to the ground. After the Chief dismissed his officers he called out to Will for him to meet him in his office.

Will told his partner to get them a cruiser, and wait for him out front then headed to the Chief's office. Only once he had entered closing the door behind him, and sat across from his superior did the imposing cape buffalo address him.

"As our resident ex-ZIA wonder agent what's your take on this little development?" the Chief asked with not so subtle sarcasm clearly trying to bait him.

"Well whoever had the balls to do it certainly know what their doing policing their darts, and if there was no scent of them getting happy with scent neutralizer. To be honest sir this kind of methodology is not uncommon with quite a few black-ops units, and is actually part of most training for such operations. I'd say at minimum whoever is responsible used a four mammal team if not larger since the element of surprise only gets you so far, and numbers still account for something in tactical engagements. Hopefully one of these gun runners saw something of whoever came after them because this seems like quite the lengths to go to just to steal some black market arms; not to mention pickpocketing the tranqed perps seems like quite the slap in the muzzle to the group dealing in said arms. Perhaps a rival hired some mercs?" Will gave his honest professional opinion.

"Hmm" the buffalo responded "And if I ask you about your whereabouts last night?"

"I don't blame you for asking Chief, but I had dinner with Layla, and some friends. I didn't make it home till around eleven I think it was, and spent the rest of my night in bed. I'd like to add that the only tranq rounds I have are what I carry in my duty pistol, and I wouldn't know the first thing about any such criminal elements in the city without doing some digging which I can if you want me to." Will answered.

"I assume these friends can corroborate that alibi? May I see your tranq pistol?" The Chief asked.

"Of course." Will answered both questions, and gave his superior his tranq pistol along with his spare mags for good measure which the buffalo looked over intently, but found no proof it had been recently fired, or that any darts were missing from the magazines.

"Your mate Captain Eidolon managed to hack our systems, and our tech guys never did figure out how. Could she be responsible for those jammed cameras?" the Chief asked as he gave Will back his tranq pistol, and magazines.

"I understand you're just covering all the bases Chief. Could she have done it? Sure, but she's not the only one out there. Would she have done it? No, and there would be no reason for her to. I may be down two million, but we're not hurting for money, and with our planned trip to Ulfhaven in a matter of days it makes no sense for her to engage in such activity. Not that you need to know, but our joint account still has eight million bucks in it last I checked not including accrued interest." Will told the Chief using sound logic.

"I'll take your word for it Grimm, but mark my words: even though we now have evidence against some serious criminals operating in our city I do not condone vigilantism. Like you said I'm just covering the bases; do you think this may have any connection to your 'Viridian Nightmare' case?" the Chief responded.

"I wouldn't know until whoever is behind it makes another move, or makes a mistake." Will said honestly the Chief having earned more of his respect than he already had simply for proving quite the shrewd operator for someone with only a police background; a talent the buffalo no doubt honed through experience with the political machinations a mammal in his position was exposed to.

"Well that's it for now. Dismissed, Grimm." the Chief replied, and with that Will saluted his boss before leaving his office.

As Will headed away from his superior's office towards the elevators he thought to himself that he'd done well to not raise the Chief's suspicions, but that he'd been singled out so swiftly which was somewhat of a given all things considered gave him reason to consider having more caution moving forward with his 'extra-curricular' activities. Riding the lift down to the ground floor he asked himself 'why'd we take some of the guns?', and came to the conclusion that ZIA habits really did die hard, and with vengeance at that, but those off the books weapons might come in useful at some point though mostly it'd just been too easy to take what they wanted. It did leave the impression open for consideration that whoever did the deed had some nefarious deeds in mind which might not really work as obfuscation of what their real goal had been, and was more likely to prove a double edged sword.

Stepping out of the lift on the ground floor Will made his way to Benji for his morning hug as much in need of a dose of the fluffy cheetah's positivity as he'd been in need of coffee. In the cheetah's embrace Will rested his head on Benji's shoulder taking a measure of comfort from the simple act with his friend, and he had to resist the urge to sleep standing up as he mentioned to Benji that he gave the best hugs.

"Say, Will can I ask you something?" Benji asked when Will let him go ending the embrace.

"Of course you can buddy. What's up?" Will answered.

"Well ever since our donut eating competition I've been thinking . . . and my doctor also kinda hammered home the importance of it; I want to loose weight." Benji said rubbing a paw on the back of his head.

"You want a workout buddy? Well count me in Benji." Will responded with a warm smile adding "As soon as I'm back from Ulfhaven we'll work out a schedule, and I promise I'll go easy on you."

"Thank you Will" Benji replied his gratitude evident on his muzzle.

"Think nothing of it brother. I've got your back." Will said embracing Benji without hesitation, and whispering in the cheetah's ear "It may take a couple months but when we're done you'll be SWAT ready."

The look Benji gave him at that when he released him caused Will to loose a short laugh before leaving his friend with the thought swiftly heading for the precinct doors. Passing through the sliding automatic entryway Will made his way down the steps to the cruiser where his partner was waiting ready to get his day on the road figuratively as well as literally.

"You really do enjoy getting hugs from Benji" Autumn commented as Will buckled himself into the passenger seat then asked "So how'd it go with the Chief?"

"I dare anyone to not enjoy a hug from that friendly feline. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the mammals like him, and Judy that I know, nor how protective of them I can get; the innate kindness in them is something this world will always need more of." Will responded before answering her question "My talk with the Chief went well. He was well within reason to think I might have had a paw in what happened to those gun runners, or at least knew something to do with it since I am one of the mammals in this city capable of pulling something like that off, but I really am not responsible, and don't know anything."

Autumn simply nodded as she got them started on their patrol of downtown. Thanks to coordinating through the day shift's favored dispatch their route complemented those taken by the other patrols. Things were mostly quiet as far as mornings could go, and while Will kept his senses alert for any action with his window down to bring in sounds, and smells since Autumn's main focus was driving Will passed some of the time by chatting over the radio with Nick. The two of them kept things professional as they bantered back, and forth with bad, but funny jokes, and trading lame puns.

"Say Brother what are she-wolves with no sense of humor?" Will asked wanting to get a rise out of Judy.

"You tell me" Nick responded over the radio clearly playing it safe.

"Well they're definitely knot entertainers." Will said with a chuckle clearly amused at the terribleness of his own joke.

"Okay, that's enough out of the two of you." Judy's voice came through the radio with Nick's laughter in the background.

"Success! Alright, Judy I'll keep my trap shut a while." Will responded before leaving the radio alone.

"You know that last one was kind of forced." Autumn said with a sidelong glance at her partner.

"Yeah it was, but I just wanted to get a rise out of Judy." Will replied glancing back at his bartner before refocusing his attention on their surroundings.

The rest of their morning went fairly smoothly with nothing to do, but drive around. Around ten o'clock they both decided to stretch their legs, and did a foot patrol of one of the neighborhoods along their route. While Autumn noted how the wolves they passed on the street made a point of greeting, and interacting with her partner Will for his part took it all in stride though after each encounter he seemed to grow more, and more unsettled. It really did bother him that as news of who he really was as the Wolf Father incarnate was now known to the canid public at large the fellow canids he encountered were so deferential towards him, and he quickly grew tired of how many felt the compulsion to submit to him in one way, or another. He started to seem like some sort of public relations spokesmammal as often as he explained that he was a canid no different than any other that was walking the earth, and admonished the fellow canids they encountered to not look up to him as some sort of hero which went over about as could be expected since so much of the footage of him gave credence to the impression that he wasn't a normal canid his size notwithstanding, and that he was definitely a hero of a sort; that he seemed so adamant in downplaying it all just added to the common perception of him it, being shared through word of mouth that he was just as kind, and more than a little humble in the fur.

At least as far as teenagers, and adults were concerned. The kits, cubs, and other young that they encountered were a whole different story. They had been passing by a small park when thanks to a couple wolf cubs along with a coyote pup, and a fox kit he was roped into what started out as a game of tag, but as other young took notice of the play, and joined in devolved into Will running on all fours being chased by the whole lot of them. Between parents, and bystanders recording the ensuing chaos with their phones at least a half dozen new videos would end up on zootube sharing what was truly a comical scene. To Autumn, and the parents observing it was clear that though Will could've outrun the little ones on his tail he was purposefully only keeping far enough ahead of them to give them hope of catching him often glancing over his shoulder to then yelp in surprise urging them on. Eventually before his pursuers could tire Will let himself be caught, and under the weight of them all as they tackled him was laughing as carefree as they were.

Will was truly happy to play with the children, and when some of the parents called for their young to take it easy on him he called out that they were fine as they romped around, and on him as most young are want to do. Those parents saw the look of pure joy on his muzzle his expression no different than that on the young ones around him, and relented at least until it was time for lunch. Of course not that Will meant for it, but more was added to the general public opinion of him thanks to those parents sharing with their friends just how freely he interacted with young. The parents of the wolf cubs, coyote pup, and fox kit in particular all in one way, or another told any who would listen that there was no doubt in their minds that he really was the Wolf Father in the fur, and was fatherly not only to canid children, but to all children, or else why would he have defended those deer fawns as he had.

When they made it back to their cruiser Autumn had barely got it started after they'd buckled themselves in when the emotions that had welled within Will from his playtime with the young ones demanded release radiating out of him as tears streamed down his muzzle. As much as it was for Will to be so at the mercy of the deep seated love that was within his soul it was just as overwhelming for his partner to experience, and witness. It drove home to her that he was really, and truly who he had said he was. When his partner reached a paw out, and placed it on his shoulder nearest her Will leaned into the touch grateful for the support. It took him a good five minutes to regain his composure, and when his catharsis had run it's course Autumn got them on the road to head for lunch.

Will left the decision of what to get for lunch up to his partner who drove them to a mexican restaurant in the area. While his partner had ordered a mix of fish, and chicken tacos Will went for a lunch of chile colorado since it came with beans, and rice which for him were always a selling point. As they ate Autumn felt the need to bring up the mini-breakdown Will had, had in the cruiser, and Will freely discussed it with her.

"I worry about you Will." Autumn said before adding "I've seen you a mess on the floor at the mere mention of Layla's name before she came back into your life, what you're like when you're angry which is never fun, and now what you can be like in the grip of more positive emotions which I must say was not only more shocking, but . . . leaves a more lasting impression of not only of the depth with which you feel, but also just what the true nature of your character really is."

"It's true that to an extent in given situations I can be ruled by my emotions which is only exacerbated by me being the angel, and empath that I am. I'm like a Sith Lord in a sense albeit while maintaining more of a Jedi outlook, but you've also seen how day to day I'm usually on an even keel even if I can fluctuate wildly, and sometimes rapidly. That said I am master of my self most of the time" Will responded then added "In me there is a strange dichotomy of one the one paw the emotionalness which you have seen for yourself, and on the other paw an utter lack of emotion which to be honest I am far from fond of. I used to be the kind of mammal who emotionally speaking made mountains out of mole hills, and got burned one too many times. You could ask my sisters, and they'll tell you there came a point when I was still in high school that I was like a tundra to almost everyone but friends, and family. By the time I met Layla my empathic sense was dulled to say the least, and that I've even swung back the other way from that is in no small part thanks to her; it's actually half the reason I fell for her."

Will paused to take a couple more bites of his food which was delicious, and a healthy drink of his cola which he imbibed eschewing a straw as he customarily had no need for them before continuing "It's funny to think that I only spent three years really in the ZIA as a part of the CLAWS unit, and as needed Field Agent. It was those three years though that have had a more lasting effect on me than any other point in my life; what powers of seduction I posses I honed, I first killed with my fangs, and with my nature, and that heartless side of me found it's niche. That I was given the freedom to kill as necessary however I chose really let me exercise the darkness in me, and thereby gain more control of it. Though I guess control is the wrong word to use, more like coexistence, or fusion with it. Yeah fusion would be it since the same darkness that is at my core feels love no different than the light that is the rest of me."

Such was the conversation between the two that Will spent as much time talking as he did chewing, and so for once didn't actually inhale his food, but he did still make quick work of it. They were just about done with their meal, and Will had already asked for the check when Autumn voiced something his words had put in her mind.

"So just how many have you killed, and how do you do it? I mean how do you stay the good mammal every cop in the precinct, and anyone who has seen those zootube videos of you knows you to be?" Autumn asked.

"I've lost track of just how many I've killed; the kills that do stick in my mind are either mammals it was very much worth it, or challenging to kill. To answer the other half of your question the truth is that at the end of the day I'm not a good mammal. In fact I'm one of the worst you'll ever come across. The only difference between me, and some of the worst scum you'll find on death row is my sense of honor, and how I regard all females as sacred because they are. Everyone thinks I'm a good mammal, but that's only because the goodness in me comes from a real place, and I do everything in my power to be better than my worst tendencies; I cannot tell you how big a part Layla has been in my success in that particular endeavor hence why to me she is my Akazukin - this Big Bad Wolf's main reason to be Good." Will answered plainly.

"I don't believe you're ultimately a bad mammal, and I can't believe you so easily put yourself down like that." Autumn replied shaking her head then asked "Do you consider yourself a bad mammal just because you've killed with your fangs, and nature? Because only if you killed innocents in those ways would you truly be a bad mammal".

"While we're on the subject good, and bad are relative to perspective, and the only real evil is that which, or those who seek to usurp, and deny free will. I consider myself ultimately a bad mammal despite the goodness that is in me because there are lines in the sand everyone else puts that for me simply don't exist, or rather exist differently. I could rather bluntly tell you what I mean by that, but if I did I might as well put this gun in your paws, and give you leave to execute me. Such is the nature of things that despite my honor if you knew the truth you'd have every right to kill me." Will replied drawing his M1911, and putting it on the table before taking the last drink of his cola.

To say the look on Autumn's face was shocked would be an understatement though moreso by his actions than his words, and with no small amount of disgust she looked at the black .45 calibre pistol he'd placed between them on the table as she slid it back to him saying "Put that thing away. I don't care whatever it is you feel me knowing would give me incentive to kill you, and I don't want to know either."

Will simply picked up his M1911, and holstered it replying "Oh, you could torture me, and I wouldn't tell you. The one thing I only trust with all, but one of my pack mates, and a few select others; Nick's lucky I trusted him enough to tell him before he joined my pack, and the other thing only two others know, and we've sworn to take it to our graves."

Their server had come by with the check just as Will holstered his M1911, and seeing the nervous as hell look on the mammal's muzzle Will assured him he'd just been going over firearm safety with his partner as he took the check. Looking at their bill he took enough money to cover it, and then some out of his wallet before giving it to the server telling him to keep the change as his tip. That done Will, and his partner both left the restaurant, and got back to their cruiser where Autumn took the passenger seat since they'd decided on trading off on driving duty. Will got them back out on the road following their given patrol route keeping the window rolled down since the wind noise helped him gauge his speed without having to constantly look at the speedometer, and he could freely hear, and smell their surroundings whenever they were stopped.

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It had been about an hour after lunch, and the clock was just reaching fourteen-hundred when Nick riding shotgun since his little 'Sunny Bunny' was as adamant as ever about driving, not that he minded, noticed a bit of a scuffle in an alley between two leopards. After alerting Judy to the altercation, and calling it in while she parked at the nearest available space the 'Dynamite Duo' as some of their fellow officers fondly referred to them as headed towards the alley with tranq pistols drawn. It wasn't exactly easy to tell which of the two fighting felids was the aggressor, or which one had the upper paw, but that didn't matter as they both shouted for the two to 'freeze'.

With all his years of street experience, and instincts that were further refined through training at the academy something about the whole situation seemed off to Nick, but he couldn't put his paw on it. The two leopards had indeed stopped when commanded to, but still held each other by the fronts of their matching black dusters. There was a pause between the four of them, and out of the corner of his eye Nick could tell Judy felt something was off too. The pair of them had barely taken another step forward when what exactly was 'off' about the situation was made painfully apparent.

The pair of leopards each reached inside the jacket of the other, and more on reflex thanks to training both Judy, and Nick assuming the leopards were reaching for weapons opened fire. Nearly simultaneously thanks to how well they knew each other, and worked as a nearly singular unit a tranq dart left each of their pistols, and their mark was true striking each of the leopards in the upper arm. Though direct hits the tranqs seemed to have no effect as the leopards finished their actions revealing tasers they leveled at the two officers.

Nick couldn't help his sudden flood of fear though it was more for the welfare of Judy than his own, and focusing on the leopard that was in front of him he opened fire unaware of the similar feelings, and reaction going through his partner. This time their tranq darts struck true in the chests of the leopards, but to still no effect, and in the next moment Nick found himself on the floor in agony not nearly as bad as when Judy had tranqed him two weeks ago though still most unpleasant. Despite his continued inability to move as his body was wracked with electricity Nick's mind still managed to consider the worst possible outcomes of their situation with dread.

"It's not for nothing cops, and soldiers alike get trained to aim for center of mass." Nick heard the leopard who had tased him say to the one that had tased Judy.

"Yeah these two are pretty good shots. Too bad for them we're wearing armor; Now I understand why the photos of Revolver always show him wearing a duster." The one that had tased Judy responded.

"So which one do you think we should take? The pack brother, or . . ." The one that tased Nick paused to sniff the air "the pack brother's mate? You smell that? They're just like a gender-swapped Jack, and Sky."

"The plan was to take the fox, but I'd say the rabbit makes the better bait if the rumors that monster really did kill 'Bloody Bucky' the way they say he did are true." The one that tased Judy answered.

"I'd say you are right brother." The one that tased Nick said.

The next thing Nick knew he was shocked again then was dragged able only to see as the leopard that tased Judy picked up her limp frame over his shoulder, and headed out of the opposite end of the alley. Thanks to the lingering effects of the electricity that had coursed through his system there was nothing Nick could do as the leopard drug him back to their cruiser. Nick heard one of the doors being opened then felt a paw at his hip, and heard the telltale sound of paw cuffs before feeling his left wrist cuffed then hauled up. There was the cold sensation of his left arm against part of the door frame before his right arm was lifted to meet it, and likewise cuffed. Nick found him cuffed to the passenger door of their cruiser, and as the effects of the tasing left him he could only manage to snarl viciously at the leopard who had restrained him thus.

"Now I see why you're a part of his pack if you can sound like that." The leopard that stood before him said then added "When that monster gets here, and as soon as he hears you're in trouble he will come running I want you to tell him we'll be waiting for him."

With that Nick felt the leopard paw at him again this time retrieving the keys for his pawcuffs dodging his snapping jaws as Nick now more able to move attempted to at least take a piece out of the fucking cat. Nick's efforts proved futile, but that just made him try harder to do something until he felt his thrashing start to dislocate his shoulders since his hindpaws were barely touching the ground from his bound position. The leopard staying out of Nick's range reached into the cruiser for the radio, and depressing the button hailed dispatch to inform them of Officer Wilde requiring the assistance of any nearby patrols before dropping it, and running off back down, and presumably through the alley. Nick found himself stuck there doing his best not to move further for the sake of his shoulders, and it hit him that Judy had been taken from him, and there was nothing he was able to do.

The minutes dragged agonizingly slowly for Nick as the anger at his, and Judy's attackers faded into pain. Pain that Judy had been taken from him, and he'd been powerless to stop it; pain that the mammal who was the light of his new life was gone. At first Nick thought the wailing he heard was coming from him until it got louder, and he looked up seeing a cruiser rocketing towards him the lights on the roof flashing wildly. Time seemed to speed back up to normal as the screeching of the cruiser's tires signaled the driver standing on the brakes as whoever it was had been standing on the accelerator managing to stop the vehicle just past the cruiser Nick was clearly cuffed to. Thankful to whoever it was that was finally here to help Nick couldn't help throwing his head back releasing a howl that was full of his anguish.

Nick felt a pair of large paws on his shoulders as the howl faded in his throat then heard the familiar deep voice of Will ask him worriedly "Brother, what happened? Where's Judy?"

"They took her." Nick managed to respond before a sob escaped him.

"Which way?" Will asked, and Nick could see the concern plain as day on the giant wolf's muzzle.

No sooner did Nick point towards the alley with his muzzle then Will shouted to Autumn who had just made it out of the cruiser to get him free before darting off on all fours at full speed.

When Autumn reached him she wasted little time pulling out her pawcuff keys to release him, and Nick was grateful the keys were universal. As soon as she had both his paws free he thanked her before taking off on all fours after Will with Autumn shouting after him though he barely heard her, and didn't care what she was saying. He would be damned if he didn't do something to get Judy back into his paws safe, and sound. As he ran he thought over what the leopards had said, and realized not only did they know the ZIA agents he'd been introduced to by Will yesterday those leopards had targeted him, and Judy to get to Will. This filled him with even more determination because not only was his mate in trouble his alpha was heading right into a trap with Judy as the bait. Nick didn't have time, or care to blame Will for being the reason he, and Judy were targeted because his focus was on following the lingering scents of both Judy, and Will while avoiding the pedestrians, and traffic he came across. It barely registered to Nick that the path he followed was somewhat clear already thanks to Will's passing when he noted why Judy's scent stayed strong thanks to a blood trail, and he picked up his pace ignoring the growing pain in his shoulders.

---

Will had spent enough time around Judy, and gotten a good noseful of her mark on Nick so he wasted no time running full tilt as he tracked the path she'd been taken. All his mind was focusing on was following his nose, and running as fast as he could without being stopped by pedestrians who moved out of his way as soon as they saw him fearing he was savage, or being hit by traffic when he had to cross streets which he nearly was, and would've been if he weren't leaping to cross the distance faster. When he noticed that the strength of Judy's scent remained relatively strong enough of his focus went on that fact to see drops of blood, and it filled him with rage causing him to put his chi into his running increasing his speed.

Eventually the blood trail ended at a door just over a mile away, and Will still in the grips of his fury bothered only to draw his bowie knife intent on killing whoever dared take Judy with his own fangs. With a firm kick after he'd risen back onto his hindpaws the door before him stood no chance, and no sooner had he entered the building than Will roared letting loose with his chi blowing out the buildings lights. His rage was the focus Will used to build his chi, and it allowed him to move in silence with a swiftness only metaphysically awakened tigers could've competed with.

As soon as Will reached the end of the entrance hallway he was stalking through he shifted the focus of his chi so that he would be unnoticed, and with his rage fueling him only another awakened such as him would've had a chance of telling that they weren't alone. His eyes having adjusted to the low light conditions Will saw past the open doorway at the end of the hall into the room beyond which was wide, and open. There were two felines with pistols drawn facing his direction each equidistant from where they'd tied Judy to a chair in the middle of the room with one of them on each side.

The very fucking foolish cats couldn't see Will, and he was going to keep it that way. They had heard him roar so his element of surprise was reliant on the fact that the only sense with which they could detect him was smell, and he counted on them relying more on their low light vision since they still could see than they would rely on their ability to smell. Will quickly stalked the perimeter of the room, and waited until he was behind the two still unaware felids before projecting his voice so they would not hear where he stood as he voiced his rage.

"You forfeited your lives when you dared to take the mammal my brother calls mate, and my mate calls sister." Will spoke clearly with malice to match the scent of his sheer rage that was rolling out of him before he closed in on the feline that had been on his left when he entered, but was now on his right. With a single sure swing the blade of his bowie knife met the back of the feline's neck, and severed the head the force of the blow causing the now liberated skull to fall, and roll away before the body followed suit. No sooner had Will completed the swing of his knife than he moved to circle around to the other cat who hearing his fellow fall blind-fired two shots in the direction Will, and the fallen cat had been.

Will was almost in range of the still living feline, and was preparing to strike to disarm him desiring to find out the why for all of this when the telltale clicking of nails on concrete introduced a new mammal into the fray.

"Will it's a trap" Nick shouted, and shortly thereafter came into the room before stopping to get his bearings.

Will saw the feline he targeted turn his sights on Nick, and reacted just in time to prevent the tod from being shot. Will closed the distance with a leap bringing the backside of his knife into the wrist of the feline before dropping him with a leg sweep. The feline managed a single shot, but it went wide before the now revealed to be tranq pistol due to it's sound being different than a suppressed pistol fell to the floor with a clatter.

"Brother get her out of here!" Will shouted to Nick from where he was on top of the feline pinning him to the ground with his bowie knife to the felid's throat.

Will waited patiently while Nick freed Judy, and was only partially aware of her voice as she talked to her partner. When he heard the sound of Nick's footsteps fade away down the hall they'd entered from Will began his interrogation of the feline he held captive.

"Talk. Why did you do this?" Will ordered with a growl.

"Fuck you, you monster." The feline spat in his face.

"Wrong answer." Will said then drove his bowie knife into the felid's left shoulder, and twisted.

"Ahhh!" the feline screamed in response.

"Now I'm going to ask again, why did you do this?" Will stated.

"You're just going to kill me so get it over with." the feline responded gritting his teeth in agony.

"You can either tell me everything, and I kill you quick, or keep up this shit, and I make you suffer." Will told him giving his knife an extra twist for good measure.

"Whatever you do you will always be nothing but a Beast." the feline said mockingly.

"What else is new?" Will asked before pulling out his knife, and shifting it to his other paw gave the feline's right shoulder the same loosening treatment, and ordering the stubborn cat "Talk."

"Do your worst you fucking monster." the feline responded.

Will took the cat up on his offer, and getting off of the feline promptly grabbed first one leg, and then the other using his bowie knife to hamstring the obstinate fuck. Then Will drug him over to the chair Judy had been tied to, and after sitting the feline in it cuffed his paws behind the back of the chair eliciting a scream of pain Will ignored. The feline thus restrained, and immobile Will turned his attention to the corpse of the other feline, and first cut off one of the arms as close to the shoulder as possible with a single swing before sheathing the blade, and fetching the severed head.

Using the wet end of the severed arm Will held in his right paw he gave the stubborn cat a few softening blows to the head before letting go of the detached limb to shove the severed head in the cat's muzzle fully aware his seated captive could see just what was in front of him. As soon as the cat registered just what was held mere inches from his muzzle he cried out in anguish Will ignored as he again ordered the felid to "Talk. Tell me everything."

"Fuck You! You son of a mangy rabid whore bitch. I hope the Great Mother of Cats devours you balls first while the Wolf Mother watches with glee!" Was the response Will got.

"You know this would all be over if you just tell him, and you can't exactly get mad at him since we brought this on ourselves" Will mocked using a paw to articulate the jaw of the head he held so the lip flap matched his words.

"You sick twisted fuck I hope you rot in hell!" the immobile feline said defiantly before sobbing "I don't care what you do to me just leave my brother alone."

"Actually brother you have no idea how much fun he finds this. It was his favorite way to get information out of a mammal without physically hurting them if they had a comrade with a head to lend. Just tell him what he wants to know, and he'll leave me alone, or would you rather a couple more smacks with the wet end of my arm that he cut off? Keep being so defiant, and he will just get more creative with my parts. How would you like to wear my tail for a neck-tie?" Will said imitating a ventriloquist with the head in his paws for a dummy.

"Alright I'll talk. I'll talk just please don't mutilate my brother any further." the feline relented then began explaining "We were the new field agents in training under Sky, and for our final test she had us break into the Director's office with orders to take something innocuous then leave without a trace. We decided to take one of the pens on his desk when we saw the open file he'd left on it. It contained a list of your confirmed kills, and the ways in which you made those kills. We found it odd that for a mammal listed as a sniper those kills were the lowest count at the top of the list, but then there were the numbers below that for mammals you killed with small arms including blades, the ones you killed with your fangs, and the largest number was simply listed as other. There were notes about how the attempt to leave you for dead failed, and that you'd been deemed no longer a threat, but how could we stomach a pred like you to still live? As many as you killed with your own fangs you could do it again, and then what? Give prey a reason to really come after us? We stole a kilo of 'Viridian Nightmare', and figured we'd find a way to poison you with the shit since it'd be a fitting end for a monster like you to die in fear. You found where we had those gang members stash the kilo we told them to make sure was busted open faster than we expected, and somehow you didn't get exposed to the stuff. Since that trap failed we devised a new one figuring after we'd seen the news from tuesday that the fox would make good bait, and we could just dart you with the stuff ourselves, but when we had the fox, and the bunny in our paws it made more sense to take the bunny. After all with as many mammals as you've killed with your fangs the rumors you did to 'Bloody Bucky' what he did to other mammals is probably true."

At that point Will had heard enough, and throwing the head in his paws away drew his knife which he used to stab the cat in the gut a couple times the eighteen inch blade easily going completely through the feline with each thrust. Then Will changed his position so that with a single downward swing first the cat's right leg, and then the left were liberated from his body. The screams of the cat meant nothing to Will as he turned in his position on the felid's right to again swing his knife this time severing the arm on that side just below the shoulder. A turn, and side step later Will was behind, and to the left to repeat the process since being predominantly right pawed he got more power swinging from left to right than he would have using his left paw though he had trained in dual wielding katana during his learning of iaijutsu as a youth along with aikido. Another turn, and sidestep, and he'd completed a circle around his captive who was now just a torso bleeding from stumps of what were limbs. Before the feline could completely bleed out Will took final satisfaction in biting through the cat's throat in a coup-de-grace, and after spitting out the viscera in his mouth took a final bite to sever the spine causing the feline's head to fall back dropping to the ground with a dull, and wet thud.

Will spat out the chunk of vertebrae in his mouth, and with another he'd cleared his mouth of the rest of what foreign blood, and gore remained in his maw then using the shirt that was on the bleeding torso in front of him cleaned off his bowie knife before sheathing it. No sooner did he have it back where it went along his right hip then he heard the telltale footfalls of a tiger, and assuming it was his partner spoke out.

"Autumn if that's you go back out, and wait for me please. I need to make a couple phone calls, and will be out shortly." Will said to whoever it was that approached.

"Will what the fuck happened, and why does it smell like a lot of blood in there?" Autumn asked taking another tentative step forward.

"Autumn please just wait for me outside, and I'll explain everything. Right now it's more important that you make sure Nick, and Judy are safe. Also if you would keep them out of here too, please." Will responded.

"Alright I will, but you'd better explain everything." Autumn said, and Will could hear her footfalls heading in the direction opposite him.

Once he could hear that she was far enough away Will pulled out his phone, and for a moment debated who to call first the Chief, or Sky. As much as Sky needed to know what had happened so she could at least send a cleanup crew since this was inadvertantly her mess the Chief on the other paw needed to hear what had happened from him before anyone else flapped their gums. Deciding to make the more complicated call first Will dialed the Chief, and held his phone to his ear waiting for it to be answered.

"Bogo speaking" the Chief answered.

"Sir, it's Grimm." Will said.

"Grimm why are you calling me on my desk phone?" the Chief asked.

"Sir, are you aware of what happens to agents of the ZIA, or any other similar agency should they go rogue, and be caught?" Will answered with a question of his own.

"What's this all about Grimm?" the Chief queried.

"The short answer is my 'Viridian Nightmare' case is solved. The mammals responsible were a pair of rogue ZIA agents who as it turns out were targeting me. To that end earlier this afternoon they assaulted Nick, and Judy, and kidnapped Judy to use her as bait to lure me into a trap. Needless to say they failed, and Judy is safe, but these former ZIA shit stains are to put it bluntly in pieces. Now I need to get in touch with Sky because ultimately this is her mess, and I won't have any of my fellow officers witness to how I dealt with them, or have them clean up what is not their mess. For the record though so that you know Sir, how I dealt with these two shits is how I will always deal with those who threaten my nakama, or any other of my fellow officers." Will explained succinctly.

"I see. Was it absolutely necessary for you to kill them?" the Chief asked clearly not particularly pleased by that bit of information.

"Their lives were already forfeit when they went rogue to try, and kill me not to mention that they were trying to do so with 'Viridian Nightmare'. That they went after Nick, and Judy assured that when I caught up to them I would spare no quarter." Will answered resolutely.

"Will there be any repercussions for your actions from the ZIA?" the Chief inquired in response.

"Not unless the ZIA Director wants to be on the wrong side of my Gauss rifle. That the two agents that went rogue came across the intel that prompted them to seek to kill me was likely as the Director intended. They just so happen across a file, decide to take matters into their own paws thanks to the contents of that file, and he gets to write them off as expendable assets should they fail; it's how he likes to operate." Will replied.

"Then hopefully something like this doesn't happen again." The Chief said.

"I hope so too Sir. See you back at the station." Will said then hung up to dial Sky.

"You've reached the Danger zone. What can I do for you Will?" Sky answered on the third ring.

"Are you aware of the current whereabouts of those felines you were training, or their success in the final test you gave them?" Will asked.

"I haven't seen them since last week, and they never reported in. Why?" Sky answered her voice tinged with worry.

"According to the one that is now in more pieces than the other they found a file on the Director's desk concerning my confirmed kill count, and the manner of those kills. They took it upon themselves to steal a kilo of 'Viridian Nightmare' with the intent of using it to kill me. Their first attempt involved me getting exposed when I found the busted kilo where they had it planted. Their second, and final attempt involved assaulting my fellow Officers Wilde, and Hopps then using Hopps as bait for a trap where they'd dart me with the shit. As it stands I am currently surrounded by said pieces of felid, and though this is not directly your fault, and only indirectly the fault of Director it is the ZIA's responsibility to clean up this mess. Figured I'd let you know; I'll text you my location." Will explained with only mild irritation as he mentioned the events of the day, and the ZIA Director.

"I'll get a crew on it." Sky responded, and Will could practically see her shocked expression on the other end of the line.

"Listen Sky don't blame yourself, and while the Director probably is to blame don't give him ammunition against you by blaming him okay? I know you're going to give him the run-down on this situation in person so just do me a favor, and tell him I'm not going to hold against the agency the actions of a pair of rogue agents so long as my dealing with them is not held against me, and no more agents go rogue after coming across intel regarding me." Will said to her before adding "Between you, and me if something like this happens again expect to get promoted."

With that Will hung up on Sky since he had finished telling her what he needed to then with a quick zoogle search had his current coordinates which he then texted to Sky. The calls he needed to make done Will still with phone in paw made his way out of the building texting Layla as he did so wanting to know how she was doing, where she was, and letting her know that though he was at work he wanted nothing more than to hear her voice, and have her in his arms. He had just gotten his phone back in his pocket after sending the text to Layla when he reached the wide open door. His eyes having well adjusted to the near darkness of the interior behind him threatened mutiny so to shield, and placate them Will pulled out his prescription aviators, and put them on before exiting the building doing his best to shut the door behind him.

Stepping out onto the sidewalk Will looked around to locate his partner, Nick, and Judy who he spotted off to his left next to the cruiser he, and Autumn had been in all day. Judy was sitting in the passenger seat with the door open while Nick was standing in front of her embracing her, and comforting her while Autumn stood on the outside of the passenger door keeping her head on a swivel though her back was to Will. The sound of Will's attempts to shut the door that he'd quite broken alerted the three of him to his presence, and they all three expressed some degree of shock at his appearance since both his uniform, and muzzle were quite covered in blood.

"Holy carrot sticks!" Judy exclaimed.

"Oh my fuck Will! What did you do?" Autumn added in shock.

"Please tell me you made them suffer." Nick said to the horror of both Judy, and Autumn who were rendered speechless.

"First things first. Judy, Nick I owe you both more than just an apology. You wouldn't have been targeted if those fucks weren't after me. My Brother, and Sister I am sorry you had to go through that. I wish I could promise that something like that won't happen again, but I can only guarantee that if I have to give my life to keep you safe I will not hesitate to do so; you are both each better mammals than I, and more deserving of a long life." Will said with heartfelt regret, and conviction before continuing "Brother I can tell you that while the first one I felled didn't really suffer the other one did."

"Nick! How could you say such a thing?" Judy admonished him when she overcame her shock at his words though she still looked horrified.

"Will what did you do, and why?" Autumn asked her expression rather perplexed.

"Judy they took you from me, and left me powerless to do anything. I cannot bear even the thought of loosing you when we've barely just gotten as close as we have, and they slapped me with it." Nick answered her.

"Autumn you don't want to know what I did, but I can tell you why I killed them. They both were ZIA agents gone rogue with the intent to kill me using 'Viridian Nightmare'. They got what comes to all agents that go rogue when they get caught not to mention what comes to those who threaten my nakama. The moment they targeted Nick, and Judy they forfeited their lives." Will replied to his partner adding "I've already talked to the Chief, as soon as you three are good to go we can head back to the station. I need to get cleaned up anyways."

"You said that Will, that they forfeited their lives, before . . . what was that wet sounding thud? I heard those screams. Did you really have to do whatever you did?" Judy asked him with a shudder in recollection of the sounds, since she'd been blindfolded up until Nick got her out of the building, only acknowledging Nick by running her paw along his muzzle.

"I am sorry Judy you had to hear what you did. If I told you what I did then those sounds would only haunt you worse. If you had heard the howl that came out of Nick when I reached him . . . you should forgive him his desire to see those fucking cats suffer. By the way what specie were they? I couldn't tell." Will answered her the blood on his muzzle totally at odds with his non-threatening demeanor.

"They were leopards." Nick replied though to Will there looked like something else he wanted to say.

"Well come on, let's go. Nick, Judy I'll drive you back to your cruiser, and we'll take it back to the station. Will can take this one back himself, and by the way partner your riding in the back." Autumn said.

"Fair enough partner." Will responded getting in the back while Nick hopped up to share the seat with Judy, and Autumn went around getting in the driver's seat.

It didn't take long for Autumn to get the cruiser started, and head for where Judy, and Nick's cruiser had been left. In under five minutes they'd reached the cruiser they sought locked just as Autumn had left it. While Nick, and Judy got in with the keys Autumn had tossed to Nick she let Will out of the back so he could move to the driver's seat.

"I'll radio in that we're on our way, and when we get back. Alright Autumn?" Will said with a weak smile.

"Are you even going to have a job when we get back?" Autumn asked.

"Well yeah. I didn't just butcher two civilians for no reason; I butchered two rogue ZIA agents for kidnapping a fellow officer, and who were intent on killing me with a highly lethal drug they had no qualms about exposing to civilians." Will answered with confidence adding "The Chief will probably want more in depth verbal reports once we get back, but I'll have Benji let him know that when I get back I want a shower, and a clean uniform."

"I hope so Will. I'd much rather be on the beat with you than back in vice even if you are a crazy bastard; just watching you play with those cubs earlier was worth it." Autumn responded.

"And that is the me that I'd rather be than the one you see before you." Will told her with a nod as he got in the cruiser.

Will didn't bother with a seat belt, and was on the road before Autumn with Nick, and Judy followed suit. As he drove he got on the radio, and keeping his focus on the road spoke into the mic in his right paw.

"Hey, Benji come in. Over." Will said with a jovial hint to his tone.

"Will what's up?" Benji asked forgetting as usual to stay radio formal.

"My favorite fluffy cheetah I need you to do me some favors. First let the Chief know that I'm on my way, and my partner is driving Wilde, and Hopps back in their cruiser. Also that I will radio in again when I'm in the motor pool. Finally can you be a doll, and ask Jade to meet me in front of the locker rooms with a clean uniform; I need a shower." Will answered likewise foregoing formalities.

"Sure thing, though what happened?" Benji replied.

"Chief's ears only buddy, but let's just say that right now I'm a sight to scare cubs, and it's not even halloween. I'll see you when I get back, alright. Grimm, out." Will responded hanging up the mic on it's hook.

The rest of the drive back to the precinct was easy with traffic flowing steadily. Will didn't mind how Autumn took charge of the situation, and relegated him to first riding in the cage of Nick, and Judy's cruiser then driving solo in the one he, and her had taken since after what he'd done it was only fair. Within twenty minutes Will had himself back at the station, and down in the motor pool only a couple minutes ahead of Autumn not that it'd been a race, or convoy. When he'd parked he got on the radio to let Benji know that he was back then turned off the cruiser leaving the keys in the ignition for whoever would have need of the vehicle next.

On his way to the elevator up to the ground floor Will didn't run into Joe, and was grateful he wouldn't have to explain his appearance just yet, and hoped he'd only have to say something to Jade before he hit the showers. After the quick ride up in the elevator Will casually made his way to the lockers though passing some of his fellow officers along the way was unavoidable as were the looks of shock, and varying degrees of horror they gave him which he noted, and ignored. The only mammals whose opinions mattered to him at the moment were Benji, and Jade's.

While he was thinking to himself how he would tell Jade what happened without going into too much detail enough of the officers who saw his appearance were wondering out loud just what had happened to distract him, and stopping he rather loudly addressed the whispers he could hear around him.

"If you all must know, this is what happens when my comrades are threatened; end of story. So when you see Wilde, Hopps, and Luna don't fucking ask." Will said with no small amount of exasperation, and seriousness.

His voice carried across half the first floor, and even reached the Chief where he stood looking out from the balcony outside his office with an expression of certain stunnedness seeing Will so spattered in blood. There was no small contrast between Will's gruesome appearance, and nonchalantly casual demeanor despite his outburst which unsettled even the most senior of his fellow officers including the Chief not that Will noticed, or cared.

"Can I at least ask?" Jade inquired when Will neared her enough that she didn't have to raise her voice.

"Just follow me, and we can talk." Will answered her as he closed the distance between the two, and without pause headed into the male locker rooms.

Fortunately for the both of them the locker rooms were unoccupied, and Will after reaching his locker began removing his gear before he took off his now quite bloody uniform. Enough blood had spattered across his weapons, and gear belt that he'd have to clean it later making a mental note to do it after his talk with the Chief. Now naked Will walked to the adjacent showers getting into a stall that was tiger sized, and turned the water on waiting for it to come to temperature.

"So what happened?" Jade asked.

"Well I closed the 'Viridian Nightmare' case I was working on. Turns out the kilo of the shit was a plant intended for me to come across, and be effected by like that hyena I saved. The mammals responsible decided to make a second attempt on me by kidnapping Judy to use as bait about an hour after lunch. Autumn, and I were first to arrive at Nick's location where he was cuffed to the door of their cruiser. It didn't take me long to hunt the fucks down since they'd cut Judy so she left a blood trail." Will answered.

"Oh, no." Jade responded.

"It gets better. I broke into the building where they held her, and used a burst of chi to kill the lights then do my 'go unnoticeable' trick. I let them know they'd forfeited their lives with their actions before cutting the head off of one of them, and was about to strike the other when Nick barged in. Disarmed the second one when he turned his tranq pistol loaded with as it turned out darts full of 'Viridian Nightmare' on Nick. Kept the second one pinned until Nick got Judy out of there, thankfully she was blindfolded, but unfortunately she still heard everything. Once they were clear I tortured that second cat for everything even used the other cat's head to amusing effect when it turned out they were brothers. After he sang like a canary I dismembered him with my knife before liberating his head from his torso with two bites hence my blood covered state. As ZIA agents gone rogue they got what was coming to them." Will finished recounting his actions as he tested the water with a paw, and stepped into the spray.

"Holy fuck." Jade replied her muzzle a portrait of shock, and no small amount of horror at Will's almost flippantly casual description of his actions.

"Yeah I don't take kindly to mammals threatening my allies especially my pack mates, and the mammals they call friends let alone mates. Did I mention that I spent the better part of the hour before lunch in the park playing with a bunch of cubs, and kits? Today really has been an exercise in extremes." Will told her with a chuckle as he used fur soap to clean himself.

"How can you be so casual about all that? Let alone stomach doing such things?" Jade asked him her voice trembling as he was rinsing the soap out of his fur.

"I spent the better part of two, and half of my three years in the ZIA doing that, and then some. Once you cross certain lines for justifiable reasons it just gets easier from there if your mettle is strong enough. I am a beast like no other, but I stay on the side fighting the good fight." Will answered her as he faced her opening his eyes since he'd closed them to keep the soap on his head out of them.

"Your response to that tiger shooting you, and Anthony was just a light example of how you react in those situations wasn't it?" Jade asked recalling what he'd done barely four days into his time with precinct one.

"Pretty much, yeah." Will stated as he stepped out of the shower stall, and made his way to an appropriately sized fur dryer.

"But you're a cop now. You can't just react that way every time." Jade said a little louder so he'd hear her over the noise of the fur dryer as she was still trying to come to terms with his admission.

"No, not every time, and I won't either; my responses to most things are situationally dependent, and no two situations no matter how similar will trigger the same response." Will assured her.

Jade was silent after that, and when Will was satisfied with his fur's dryness, which thanks to his thinned undercoat it was quicker than would normally be the case, they both walked back into the locker room proper. They both paused for a beat when they noticed Nick sitting on the bench next to the row of lockers where Will's was. Jade made herself scarce since she technically wasn't supposed to be in the male's locker room while Will simply approached Nick, and still only in his fur stopped a few feet in front of his vulpine pack brother.

"I take it you heard most of that." Will stated simply.

"I heard enough. You were right not to tell Judy just what you did to those two, but now I know . . . you know she wasn't the only one who heard that leopard's screams." Nick said flatly.

"So now you know just why he was screaming. You know using his brother's head like a ventriloquist uses a dummy was pleasingly effective." Will responded to try, and gauge Nick's reaction.

"Does the name 'Bloody Bucky' ring any bells?" Nick asked.

"Yes it does brother." Will answered wondering where Nick was going with this.

"What will you answer if I ask if he was the cannibal rabbit you ate?" Nick asked pointedly.

"The one I tortured admitted that particular rabbit, and the rumors that he got served poetic justice at my paws was the reason they decided to use Judy as bait instead of you right before I left him in pieces. How do you expect me to answer that Brother?" Will replied.

"With the truth. If I really am your pack brother." Nick responded.

"You're right. How can you continue to trust me as your alpha if I lie, and if those rumors are true how can you trust me around your mate who just so happens to be a rabbit?" Will said looking around to ascertain that the two of them were truly alone.

Seeing that they were Will sat next to Nick who didn't move away, and was silent waiting for what Will would say next.

"You, and I, Nick are already brothers of a sort; what's the worst they say about foxes? That they are all liars, and cheats; all cons, and thieves? What's the worst they say about wolves? That they are all vicious, and bloodthirsty; with their dumb pack mentality just one step up from savages anyway? The both of us in our own ways have given in to all of that prejudice, but every damn day we get up, we put on this badge, and we prove that prejudice false. Well you do more so than me. I wanted to take what I did to that sick fuck to my grave, but at this point you do deserve the truth. Now I want you to hear the full story before you decide to pass judgement on me, and I will probably come clean about it to my whole pack next week because even Lola doesn't know, but I did eat him, and you should know from just how far I went today that I am not a threat to Judy. Far from it." Will told him fully expecting Nick to freak out, and reject him not only as his alpha, but as a mammal outright.

There was a long silence between the two as Nick parsed what Will had said, and his admission while Will went about getting dressed in the clean uniform Jade had brought him. Will knew Nick needed his space, and did his best to give it to him while he put on the clean uniform more to occupy his paws, and stave off the nervousness that would fester in him if he simply waited for Nick's reaction.

"Ever since you brought up that what if about a cannibal mammal, and said I was a better mammal than you for my response I've had my suspicions, but I didn't expect them to be right. You spent the weekend surrounded by bunnies, and happily eating vegetables like they do; if that doesn't prove you're not a threat to them, or any other prey without due cause then I don't know what does. Since you are the Wolf Father which I didn't realize my instincts were telling me until tuesday how could I possibly judge you for what you've done?" Nick finally spoke while Will was buttoning up his uniform shirt.

"But you are my son, and brother, and my pack brother at that. You have every right to judge me, and reject me if you so choose." Will responded with sincerity in his voice while his body language communicated that he was nervous if not a little scared since he expected the worst possible outcome.

"You said it yourself we both have in the past given in to the negative perceptions about our species, but those prejudices aren't who we really are on the inside, and everyday we strive to be better than that. If anything Will I am glad I get to say you have my back like no other even Judy, and it is not lost on me the honor it is I get to say you of all mammals are my Alpha. I can't hold against you what you've done, and I'm not going to reject you just because you did to the sickest sort of mammal what he did to others." Nick said looking Will in the eye.

"I just want you to know brother that right now it's really eating at me that they used the mammal you love just to get at me because they read a file listing my confirmed kills, and the manner in which those kills were made, and decided to take matters into their own paws." Will said to Nick his voice heavy with regret as he got his badge, and gun belt back on.

"Yeah that doesn't sit well with me either, but you gave 'em what they had comin', and woe to the next stupid mammal who tries something similar." Nick responded as he stood up.

With that the two canids having come to terms with each other made their way out of the male's locker room. When they reached the doorway Nick jokingly asked Will "So I take it that's the real reason you like veggies so much?"

"That, and then some brother." Will answered with a chuckle.

When they made it out of the locker room Judy was waiting for them her foot tapping idly, and her arms crossed over her chest. The clearly displeased look on her muzzle silenced the both of them.

"Autumn, and I already gave our verbal reports to the Chief. He gave us the rest of the day off so we can recover. For the record he insisted those reports stay verbal, and ordered us to not even fill out our other reports which means we'll have more to do tomorrow." Judy said to them revealing the reason for her displeasure before adding "I forgive you Nick, if it had been the other way around I'd want those cat's to pay too."

"Though I would've given them a good beating then made sure they were going to jail for their crimes. Will." Judy said sternly turning to him.

"They didn't hurt you too bad did they?" Will asked his focus on the bandage wrapped around her right arm.

"They didn't. In fact they apologized for it, and promised the only one they wanted to hurt was you. They were even going to let me go after they got you." Judy answered.

"I want you to know I really am sorry you got dragged into this Judy." Will said with honest regret before adding as he put a paw up to the back of his neck "I guess I better go give my report to the Chief."

Will turned, and headed towards the elevator leaving the two of them where they stood. After the short ride up to the third floor it didn't take him long to reach his superior's office, and after knocking entered taking a seat across from the Chief who was at his desk.

"I've got most of what happened today from Luna, and Hopps" The Chief began before rubbing the bridge of his muzzle with a hoof "But what I need to know is what your actions were once you arrived to rescue Hopps."

"I'm not gonna spare your sensibilities Chief." Will said before beginning his explanation "Once I'd kicked open the door to the place, and entered I used a burst of chi to overload, and kill the lights allowing me to use my 'go unnoticed' trick. When I made it to the main room where they had Judy tied to a chair I circled behind them, and after informing them that for taking her they'd forfeited their lives I went for the one who was on her right using my knife to take his head. I was closing in on the other one when Nick arrived, and managed to disarm, and take down the remaining leopard before he could shoot Nick with one of the 'Viridian Nightmare' filled darts they'd loaded their tranq pistols with. I kept him pinned while Nick got Judy out of there with my knife to his throat, and once they were clear I began my questioning of the cat using my knife to loosen up first his left shoulder joint then his left. When he dared me to do my worst I hamstrung the fuck then put him in the chair Judy had been in cuffing his arms behind it."

Will was just about to get to the fun part of his mid-afternoon torture session when he was interrupted by his phone ringing playing the song "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins. Will swiped his paw to answer it once he'd pulled it out of his pocket, and with a tap put it on speaker.

"I was just getting to the good part with the Chief. You're on speaker Sky." Will said answering the call.

"What the holy fuck, Will! You said they were in pieces, but damn . . . I guess it's just been a while since I've seen your paw-work." Sky half-shouted "We got some lights up, and every mammal in this clean up crew would be pale as a sheet if you shaved off their fur"

"As I was saying, in order to get the one still alive to talk I appropriated one of the arms of the cat I decapitated, and picked up the head. Gave my captive a couple warm up smacks with the wet end of said arm then shoved the head in his muzzle. He still wasn't keen on talking so I used the head like a ventriloquist uses a puppet, and eventually when I suggested his brother's tail might make him a suitable neck-tie he talked. No sooner did he finish explaining why they took Judy when their plan had been to take Nick did I end his suffering by liberating his limbs from his body before delivering the coup-de-grace. His head came off in two bites."

There was a long moment of silence as the Chief visibly paled, and looked like he might be sick just hearing how indifferent Will was about the gruesomeness of his actions. Sky on the other paw had no qualms about piping up.

"The old talking head trick. You really were a fan of that particular psychological torture." Sky said knowingly "Listen Chief Bogo since I'm pretty sure you're a bit green under the gills just hearing him say all this so easily just know that this wouldn't have happened if I hadn't made their final field readiness test breaking into the Director's office where they happened upon some sensitive documents. More directly in Will's defense you need to know that when a mammal threatens violently any of his friends, or colleagues this is how he responds, and the more those friends mean to him the more violently he responds which I have seen first paw. As it stands this was more of a ZIA matter than a ZPD matter though officers of yours were drug into it so if you're thinking of taking his badge please reconsider."

"If he had done this sort of thing to common criminals I'd be considering doing more than just taking his badge." the Chief responded coming out of his momentary funk.

"For the record I don't react to any two similar situations the same, and consider it duly noted that should there be a similar next time I will simply shoot the fucks though whether, or not with my M1911 instead of my tranq pistol will remain at my discretion." Will chimed in realizing that up until he had proof the cats were ZIA they for all intents, and purposes were common criminals, and he hadn't had that proof till well after he got knife happy.

"I can't exactly fault you Grimm if for no other reason than common criminals get their paws on actual firearms instead of tranq pistols, and how were you to know just what they had put in those darts. That said if it weren't for your upcoming leave I'd already approved you'd be on unpaid suspension effective immediately until the monday after next. You can keep your badge Grimm; even if I'm not exactly thrilled at the level of, from where I sit, unnecessary force you brought to bear you did so in the defense of your fellow officers. As I see it you are still an asset to this force so in the future don't do anything that would jeopardize your place in it." The Chief spoke his piece.

"Affirmative, Chief." Will responded.

"Well I better go, clean up crew has got all these pieces bagged up, and are mopping the floors. Say, Will you decided who your best mammal is gonna be?" Sky asked.

"It won't be that kind of wedding, but if it were I'd be torn between Revolver, and Nick." Will answered.

"What about Jack?" Sky suggested.

"He can tend the bar." Will laughed in response.

"That's cold. You meanie." Sky replied with a laugh of her own.

"He's my favorite drinking buddy so it fits. Catch you later Danger brush." Will said hanging up his phone.

"I promise you Chief in the future I'll do my best to keep things cleaner. Can't say I won't get violent as necessary though." Will said to the Chief as he got out of the chair he was in, and with a salute left the office not noticing the Chief just shaking his head all the while.

Will wasn't in a rush as he made it to the elevator, and down to ground level. Stepping out of the lift Will made his way towards the front desk where he could see his partner idly chatting with Benji.

"Well don't you look worlds better Mr. Bathe-in-blood. So you still have a job?" Autumn asked when she spotted Will as he neared the front desk.

"That I do, partner though from here on out I need to avoid going quite so far again." Will answered with a grin.

"Well that's good to hear though how did the Chief take you telling him whatever it was you did to those two leopards?" Autumn responded curiously.

"Better than I would've expected, but just what I did to them is staying between me, and the Chief. I may have only done what I did because as far as I was aware Judy was in danger, but it doesn't exactly excuse my actions especially since I didn't find out those two were ZIA agents gone rogue until well after I . . . crossed lines we officers aren't supposed to cross." Will replied.

"Anyway the Chief gave us the rest of the day off too though there's what an hour left in it? I personally think a nice night with my cuddle-kitten is in order, so I'll see you tomorrow partner. Night Benji" Autumn said giving them both a wave before she headed out the precinct doors.

"Ya know you've been awfully quiet since I got her Benji buddy" Will said turning to his favorite cheetah.

"It was nerve wracking to say the least hearing whoever that was say Nick was in trouble, then Autumn calling in to say Judy had been taken, and you were on her trail with Nick on yours. I was so worried I couldn't even eat a single donut until I heard you guys were coming back to the station." Benji responded looking like he was the one who needed a hug.

Will simply got around the front desk, and gave the caring cheetah exactly that with all the warmth he could muster before telling him "It's okay Ben."

The two of them stayed like that for a couple minutes until Benji was ready to let go, and Will wished him a goodnight before heading off to the motor pool. While he was in the elevator Will checked his phone since there were messages from Layla he'd noticed when Sky called. Layla mentioned having had to have Kat use his bike to pick her up since she'd left her bike at their base which is where she was at presently. She also had added that after their 'date' tonight she wanted to take her bike home so she had transport if she felt like running errands. Will texted her back that he was on his way, and would be there in under half an hour.

Joe was in his office, and waved back at Will when he lifted his paw towards him in farewell as he made his way towards his Shelby. Will used the key fob to unlock it when he was close enough, and once he was in it took the time to get himself set up with a cigarette in his mouth, and his phone hooked up to both charger, and aux cables before starting his mean machine. After the engine roared to life Will lit his cigarette, and got the radio going with his phone playing some much needed metal starting with 'Until It Sleeps' by Metallica.

It definitely was one of his favorite tracks from this particular band, and as he drove out of the motor pool then towards their base of operations Will only paused his light headbanging to drag from his cig. The next track his phone's shuffle sent his way was 'The Outlaw Torn', and Will mused to himself that they were just the sound therapy he needed after what he'd done on this particular day. As the song was ending while Will was stopped at a light he spared the few seconds he needed to get the band his phone was shuffling through to Alice in Chains starting with "Nutshell" the kind of track that was perfect for rainy days spent smoking cigarettes, and cannabis. Thinking of that particular way to while away a day reminded Will that their stash back at their apartment was depleted, and after the twenty-questions routine he'd had to go through with the Chief that morning settled in his mind at least the kind of targets he was up for going after for tonight's 'Date', and probably tomorrow's too.

The next track to play was "Rotten Apple", and Will had a feeling he'd be listening to more of Alice in Chains on his bike ride with Layla. When he finally reached the warehouse Adam raised the door, and he drove in parking more, or less where he had yesterday.

"You know I think you're making a routine of being my door mammal buddy." Will joked as he got out of his Shelby.

"It's just a coincidence." Adam responded giving him the finger though his body language indicated it was only in jest.

"Wolfie baby, how was your day?" Layla asked in greeting as she came up the stairs from the basement.

"Well my lovely Engelfuchs it was a day." Will responded as he turned her way adding "I'll tell you all about it when we get downstairs, but first get your sweet brush over here."

"Engelfuchs, huh?" Layla mused as she stopped, and put her paws on her hips before saying teasingly "And why should I?"

"How about because just hearing your voice after the day I've had has already made it ten times better" Will replied adding "And maybe feeling you in my arms while I bury my nose in your ruff is just what the medicine mammal ordered."

"Are you just trying to honey-tongue your way into my pants?" Layla asked as she nonetheless continued making her way towards him muttering loud enough for him to still hear her "Because it's working."

"Actually, no. I just really missed you. Besides you know I've always been happy enough just to cuddle with you in the fur, and could care less about always getting stuck in you." Will answered her honestly.

"Okay I've heard you two go on enough like this before. I'm heading downstairs, you can have a quickie in peace." Adam said shaking his head as he headed towards the stairs to the basement adding "There's enough time for it anyway."

"You know he has a point" Layla said when she reached him asking nonchalantly "So why are you here early anyway?"

"Just let me enjoy this, my love" Will responded as he wrapped his arms around her, and nuzzled into her neck fur inhaling deeply of her scent before ardently marking her.

"I'm enjoying it too." She replied as she showed his neck ruff similar attention.

"Now if you start that . . . ah . . ." Will started when she began biting his neck, but the sensations of her fangs against his flesh caused his legs to lose their strength, and he crumpled to floor with Layla coming down on top of him.

"Maybe Adam had the right idea, and a quickie is in order." Layla suggested lifting her muzzle from his neck to look him in the eye.

"Can we just be okay with making it to second base, and save the home run for when we're in our own bed?" Will suggested as she further weakened him by grinding her hips against his.

"Can't a vixen just want her wolf inside her, and her wolf just shut up, and let it happen?" Layla asked putting a paw on his chest, and giving him a seductive stare.

"Maybe if a wolf were still covered in blood his vixen would understand he just wants the comfort of holding her close, and that he will gladly fuck her to her heart's content later." Will answered putting a paw over hers, and returning her gaze with one filled with the turmoil that gripped him from it setting in that what happened to Nick, and Judy earlier was because of him.

"Alright, my wolf fine, but you will owe me a hard fucking tonight." Layla relented not hiding her irritation at not getting what she wanted in an attempt to hide how it hurt her inside to see the torment in his eyes.

"Then a hard fucking I will deliver" Will responded jovially with a lick to her muzzle showing just how quickly sometimes he could emotionally shift gears.

"Well let's head downstairs, and after you've told us how you ended up covered in blood today you will feel better." Layla said as she somewhat reluctantly got off of him, and stood up.

"Oh, I felt better as soon as I saw you, and heard your voice." Will replied as he got up on his own.

"A. Hard. Fucking." Layla reiterated as she led the way to the stairs down into the basement.

"Will be delivered." Will assured her his eyes glued on her backside, and in a moment of saying what he was thinking without realizing himself added "I will even groom your tail with my tongue."

Will only realized he'd said that out loud when Layla stopped in her tracks, and visibly shivered letting loose a small whine.

"Oops, did I just say that out loud?" Will said with a grin as she started walking again before he could catch up to her.

"You did, and I expect you to be true to those words." Layla replied reaching the stairs.

"Oh, I think I can be more than true to my word." Will told her as he followed her down the stairs "What kind of mate would I be if I only lavished your tail with such treatment? Giving the rest of you a good rub down, and grooming sounds like the perfect way to end my night."

"What am I going to do with you teasing me like that?" Layla wondered grinning from ear to ear.

"Marry me." Will responded without missing a beat before adding "I'm not teasing you by the way; I'm simply letting you know what's in store for you when we get home."

Will's words brought her up short, and rendered her momentarily speechless, but Adam had no qualms lending his two cents.

"You're done already? I thought only Jack was that fast, Will." the ocelot joked.

"Nice try little buddy, but I think you'd have a better chance of going after Jack's speed record than I would." Will came back.

"Well since you're down here I assume you're up for business first, and pleasure later?" Kat asked rolling her eyes at their banter.

"Let's convene in the war room. Will has a story to share concerning his day, apparently." Layla answered her.

Once they'd all taken seats around the table with the city map still spread out before them Will began recounting his day starting with the twenty questions routing he'd gone through with the Chief bringing up while he was at it his recommendation they go after some drug dealers tonight, and tomorrow night. Will actually had fun telling them about his playtime with the cubs, and kits in the park before lunch, and as he brought up lunch he asked them what sounded good for dinner.

Kat was the first to respond suggesting pizza, and with Will seconding that notion Adam, and Layla quickly agreed. Then came the deliberations on how many pizzas to order, and what to get on those pies which Will was grateful for since it was a nice distraction before he got into what happened after lunch. While Kat, Adam, and Layla were debating what imitation meats to get on which of the two tiger sized pies they would get Will busied himself getting beers for everybody from the nearby fridge. He was grateful to Layla for insisting at least one of the pizzas have olives, and that there be ranch dressing delivered aswell since that was all he cared about; he even enjoyed vegetarian pizzas which was to some carnivores blasphemy, and as he sipped on his beer while he delivered to the other three theirs he thought about how some of his fellow officers would react to him ordering just that if they ever went out for pizza, and beer. At that thought he pulled out his phone, and texted Benji to let him know if any of the guys were ever getting together for beer, and pizza after work, and to count him in for at least his share of pizza, and two pitchers of beer.

While Layla, Kat, and Adam were finalizing their decisions, and Kat went about ordering the pizzas Will sipped on his beer, and was texting back, and forth with Benji. He could practically hear the cheerfulness in his favorite cheetah's response that there just so happened to be a place called 'Salvatore's' that the officers of precinct one frequented, and that Jason, and Anthony were already on board to have Will join them the next time they went especially if he'd spring for beer. Will couldn't help his grin, and taking another sip from his beer upped the ante by telling Benji that if they got as many of their colleagues to go with them he'd fund the whole night. Benji's response that Will needed to stop spending so much on his fellow officers since they didn't make That much money got a laugh out of Will who told him that he had two million bucks in his account in the city, and that pack building exercises were worth it before wishing the fluffy cheetah a good night telling him that he'd see him tomorrow.

Layla, and Adam were looking at him when he turned his gaze from his phone, and Will just shrugged telling them he'd been texting Benji. Kat informed them that the pizza would arrive in about twenty-five minutes after she hung up her phone, and much to Will's pleasure informed him that there wouldn't be just ranch in with the delivery, but blue cheese ranch though she stipulated he'd have to share with her. Adam of course voiced his disgust towards the strong smelling, and strong tasting cheese causing Layla to joke that if he thought rats, and mice liked cheese he clearly had no idea how much most canids loved the stuff with Will chiming in that the stinkier the cheese the better before laughing his ass off.

Once his laughter died down which she'd shared in Kat reminded Will that he'd been telling them of his day, and his expression quickly sombered as he began telling them about what had happened to Judy, and Nick. Layla who had met the two, and was fond of the grey ball of sunshine that was Judy was clearly shocked, and Will assured her it got better as he continued telling them how he'd tracked Judy's blood trail then stormed the building where she was being held, and dealt with the fucks responsible. There was a certain level of understanding the three mammals around him had regarding torture which made it easier for him to talk about to them than it had been to Jade, Nick, and the Chief since all four of them had been tortured before, and had to torture others as part of what they used to do.

Layla put her paw over one of his as he told them how he'd made such a point yesterday of explaining how getting information out of mammals in such a way was generally unreliable only to not even a full day later be so vicious towards those leopards he'd killed, and how what he did to them didn't really bother him, but that what did was how because of him Judy, and Nick were targeted. Layla, Kat, and Adam each in their own way reassured him that there was no way he could've known, or controlled how those leopards would do what they did, and since he'd told Sky about it all the chances of something like this happening again were much reduced.

Will finished by telling them about how he'd told Jade everything while he got cleaned up at the station, and how he'd talked to Nick after the tod had overheard what he told Jade also telling Layla that Nick now knew about why he was averse to rabbit ragout. Will also told his mate how he was probably going to come clean about all of that particular lone wolf mission to his whole pack since it was one of the few things he hadn't even told Lola, and they all needed to know. Layla wasn't exactly thrilled about that, but she was understanding that he wanted to be more open with his pack than he had been. Will finished his day's tale with the conversation he'd had with the Chief, and Sky after she'd interrupted.

By the time he was done it was about time for the pizza to arrive, and all four of them were in need of fresh beers. Will voted himself into the duty of answering the door, and paying while Kat got them more beer. When Will opened the side door adjacent to the rolling cargo door of the warehouse in nothing but the t-shirt he wore under his uniform shirt, and his uniform trousers he gave the delivery mammal, a cheetah probably paying his way through college, quite a surprise. Will accepted the food with a grin after giving him the money for the pies, and a twenty for a tip. The cheetah felt the need to shake Will's paw, and thank him for saving those fawns he had two weeks ago telling Will that they lived on the same floor of his apartment building which Will accepted with his usual personable demeanor.

Once he got back downstairs the table had been covered in a clear plastic sheet so they could plan out the night's activities while they ate. It didn't take the four of them long to dig into their food while they took into account the different pros, and cons of different targets. Most of the 'soft' targets marked on the map were known drug dens, or places where larger deals tended to be made. Will was of a mind to go after a target that would score them enough of the right kinds of drugs with Layla quipping that he wanted to replenish their pot stash, and go after a target that would net them mostly money for which Adam said he'd get intel on any major deals going down. By the time they all had had their fill, and before Will, or Layla could have enough beer to be unsafe on the road their plan of attack was set so all they had to do was get geared up, head out then make it back.

After they'd both gotten suited up Will, and Layla each grabbed duffle bags their size to carry back whatever their haul would be, and keep their tranq submachine guns hidden on their ride. They both may have loaded up with more tranq darts than they needed, but it was better to be prepared than not which was also why they each grabbed a couple flash-bang grenades. Once they were geared out they headed out much like they had the night before using alleyways without cameras to get far enough away before turning on their bikes signal jammers, and making their way to their target which this time was a warehouse in the Rainforest District.

On the ride over Will had his phone bluetoothing into his helmet more Alice in Chains starting with "Them Bones". He could hear as Layla chatted with him over their radio that she was listening to In This Moment. Within half an hour they'd made it to their destination, and as Will silenced his music it was in the middle of "Rain When I Die". Satisfied their bikes were out of sight, and out of the way they got their tranq submachine guns locked, and loaded then headed into the warehouse.

It was even easier than it had been last night to clear the building of 'hostiles', and load up with all the money they could take from the unconscious mammals, and as much of what turned out to be pretty decent cannabis as they could carry though since there were also a few kilos of coke Will scored one. Once they'd again policed their darts, and made sure enough evidence was still around for the ZPD to have they got back to their bikes, and after they'd gotten back on the road had Adam, and Kat leave another anonymous tip.

Back at their base Will, and Layla got their haul put in the trunk of Will's Shelby then headed downstairs to get changed out of their as Will had started calling them 'Sneaking Suits'. Once they had all the gear they didn't use put away, and their spent tranq darts bagged up for Adam to dispose of later they bid their feline comrades a good night before heading home with Will driving his Shelby, and Layla on her bike.

After they'd parked in front of their building Will left his gunbelt, and weapons in the trunk of his Shelby while he slung their duffle bags over his shoulders before following Layla into the building. Back up at their apartment it was all Will could do to set their haul down before Layla was on him demanding in no uncertain terms he deliver that hard fucking if nothing else. As they made their way to their bedroom their clothes littered the path they took, and reaching the bed Will picked up Layla throwing her on it before pouncing on her finding her muzzle with his.

When they parted after their opening salvo of tongue wrestling Layla sank her fangs into Will's neck knowing just how to get him going not that he needed much of a start. Never one to just jump into getting his member in any female, let alone the one he loved like no other alive in front of him Will moved so that he could dive muzzle first into her sex. Once he had her right where he wanted her warmed up, and wet he brought his throbbing member to bear proving a mammal of his word. Will took his time thrusting his length save for his knot into her, before withdrawing to repeat the process. He almost was teasing her with the languidness with which he penetrated her, but just when she was about to growl at him for it he picked up the pace with vigor. When she wrapped her legs around him to drive him on he went knot deep, and from there they were a tangle of limbs, and love bites.

Once he was spent, and she was satisfied he didn't fall idle as he began using his tongue to groom all of her that he could reach starting with her muzzle, and working his way down. By the time his knot had deflated enough that he could pull out of her he'd gotten the torso half of her done, and proceeded to groom first her sex then her legs. When he was done with her front she was relaxed enough that it was a simple matter for him to flip her so he could lavish the back side of her with attention, and true to his word he started with her tail. He did more than just simply use his tongue to clean her in his book forever lovely brush using his dull claws to comb through it. Finished with that ever fluffy appendage he straddled her legs so he could better use his paws to massage the muscles in her back, and as he lowered his kneading paws he began grooming the fur where they had been until he reached her rear. After moving himself lower he repeated his process on the backside of her from the waist down moving as he went so when he reached her feet he was essentially off the bed.

He couldn't help his devious grin seeing her practically asleep from his ministrations, and couldn't resist using his tongue along the pads of her feet, and the fur in between her toes to tickle her. Unfortunately this caused her to jerk, and unintentionally kick him square in the muzzle with enough force to knock him completely off the bed with a thud. He wasn't injured by the blow, and laughed at himself for bring it upon himself, but he was tired enough from his day that right there at the foot of the bed was where he fell asleep.