AN: Woo! Chapter 23, here we go!

Things start to kick off (again) in this chapter. But who doesn't love a bit of drama/angst in fic ;)

There's a LOT of Havolina in this chapter, but never fear my fellow Royai lovers, those pair will be back in the next chapter with their own angst and drama.

Hope you enjoy it!

Roy tread carefully through the forest. Following Kimblee was no easy feat. The man had a busy life. From what he had seen, Roy was eternally grateful he had called off his deal with the man.

Shady deals was an understatement. The man was straight up corrupt. From money laundering, extortion, and selling questionable items on the black market, Kimblee had a large resume for awful deeds.

So far, though, there had been no contact with any Hunters. It was a relief to Roy, however there had to be a reason Kimblee had come into contact with wolfs bane. It was in the forest, he could have simply walked through it, but there would have been some indication on his crisp white suit. The stench hung around him and didn't seem to disappear. It made tracking him easily, but also uncomfortable.

Roy was currently in the outskirts of Colorado Springs. Kimblee had travelled here alone, without his usual entourage. It was strange, to say the least. His two henchmen were like his shadows. However, for some reason, he had elected to travel alone tonight.

"You made it, finally," a gruff voice greeted him as Kimblee entered the small house. Roy was positioned on the other side of the hedge which surrounded the property's perimeter. An aeroplane rumbled overhead, causing Roy to strain to hear the two men. Peering through the foliage, he couldn't see the man's face, however, Kimblee stood out like a sore thumb in his white suit.

"Sorry. I had… Other business to attend to."

"I couldn't care less," the stranger snapped. "I don't like to be kept waiting."

"You have been waiting for years for this moment," Kimblee replied smoothly. "What is another hour or two?"

"Do not test me, boy," the man growled.

Kimblee waved him off. He sat down on an empty armchair, tightening his suit across his middle in an effort to combat the chill in the old house. "I have a proposition for you."

"So do a lot of people."

"This is something you will want to here."

"Okay then, out with it. I haven't got all day boy."

Kimblee visibly bristled at the "boy" comment, however let it slide. Roy narrowed his eyes, trying to see the other man's face. However the room was too dark to make anything out properly. The encroaching twilight didn't help matters either.

"I have names and locations of werewolves for you."

Roy's stomach hit the floor.

Kimblee's flair for dramatics only irritated the man. "Well?" was his irritated response.

"Roy Mustang. Lives on the Mustang Estate. His Aunt runs the Central Hotel."

The stranger snorted. "We've already been there boy. Tell me something I don't know." Kimblee frowned. He didn't like being one step behind. "Still, a name is nice. Makes them easier to track. A deal is a deal."

The stranger produced a briefcase, presumably filled with money, and handed it to Kimblee.

"There is a lot more of where that came from if you get me more names. There's four others."

"Consider it done," Kimblee grinned. That will show Mustang for always looking down on me.

Roy's blood ran cold.

Kimblee was going after his pack.

No…

Roy tore away from the property. He sprinted to the road, veering left and up-hill into the forest. As soon as he crested the hill he changed into a wolf. He needed to get back to the others. He needed to warn them.

"So when did you move here, Rebecca?" Jean Havoc asked her, taking a sip of his wine.

Rebecca considered his question, counting back the days to when they moved into their small home. "About two months ago. Although, it feels like we have been here a lot longer," she smiled. He had no idea. "What about yourself?"

Jean swallowed his wine and smiled sheepishly. "I just arrived. The night we met was my first night here."

Rebecca was surprised, but also slightly amazed. If Riza was right, and Jean really was her soul mate, then what were the chances they would meet immediately after he moved here? The thought brought a hint of sadness with it. Jean had no idea what Rebecca truly was, and would likely be terrified to learn the truth. If they had met a year ago, then everything would be fine. However, Rebecca couldn't thrust him into the life she lived now. It wouldn't be fair, and it would be much too dangerous for him.

"I am really glad we met, Rebecca." His words and soft smile tugged at her heart.

Pushing down her feelings of sadness, Rebecca focussed on the here and now. If this small slice of happiness is all she would get with Jean, she would take it. If it all went south and the pack had to move on, she would find him. She knew that much.

Boy, am I in deep.

"Me t –" Rebecca cut herself off, her eyes focussing on one individual across the room.

Jean looked at her questioningly. "Rebecca?" he asked after a moment. The brunette hadn't moved, her hands poised above her food, but making no move to cut into the steak. Her gaze was over his shoulder. Following it, Jean looked over to the bar where one man sat, nursing a drink. Well, man was maybe not the correct word. He was young, probably still a teenager. He looked positively miserable.

Turning back to his date, Jean was unsure what to say. The sight of the boy had obviously shaken Rebecca. But, how?

"Do you know him?" Jean finally asked. The blonde had barely finished his sentence before he jumped in fright. Rebecca had slammed her cutlery down on the table, causing the whole thing to shake. The noise pierced his ears painfully and unexpectedly.

Rebecca shoved her chair back forcefully, knocking it over as she did so. "Whoa, are you all right? Rebecca?"

The brunette completely ignored him as she stormed over to the bar. Jean caught the eye of a nearby waiter, who looked as equally shocked as he did. Giving the man a helpless then apologetic look, Jean was out of his seat and followed his date.

At the noise of the commotion, the teenager looked up. Misery was replaced by shock, then fear, at the sight of an angry woman heading straight for him.

Rebecca grabbed his arm roughly, causing the glass to fall to the floor and shatter.

"Hey!" he protested as he was dragged out of his chair. There was no way for him to escape though. Not with Rebecca's strength and her fury.

"Hey, Rebecca! What are you doing?" Jean asked, thoroughly confused and shocked. "Leave him alone!"

Ignoring Jean, Rebecca dragged the frightened teen out of the bar and into the courtyard. It was empty, thanks to the snow, so at least she wouldn't cause too much of a scene.

Jean continuously tried to get through to the brunette, but he would have more success talking to a brick wall.

Rebecca only stopped when they were out of view of the hotel. She threw the young man roughly to the ground, causing him to yelp in surprise. He rolled over, fear evident on his face. He raised his hands in front of him as a sign of surrender.

"Please, stop!" he cried.

"Rebecca," Jean panted, catching up to pair. She can move at some speed, especially while dragging another human being. "What the hell?" he exploded angrily.

Cold eyes focussed on the young man on the ground. She stared at him, eyes full of hatred.

"He tried to kill my friend," she hissed, eyes narrowing at him.

The teen was confused by the statement.

"What are you talking about? He's just a kid!"

"Are you calling me a liar?" Rebecca whipped round and Jean was taken back by the rage in her eyes. He instinctively took a step back.

"No, not at all, but…" Jean stuttered.

"He almost killed Riza."

At the mention of her name, the teen's face turned as white as the snow he lay on. His mouth hung open slightly while his hands dropped to his sides.

"I didn't," he whispered, mostly to himself. "I didn't mean it…"

That only made Rebecca angrier. "Didn't mean it?" she yelled. Birds, frightened at the sudden noise, vacated the nearby trees. "You tried to kill her. You tried to kill me."

Jean looked down at the teen. He was clearly terrified. His expression had progressed into one of horror. He also looked at no one in particular, just stared at Rebecca's feet as she kept up her tirade.

He certainly didn't look like he as capable of killing someone.

However, his confession was more than enough evidence Jean needed. Plus, the thought of someone trying to kill Rebecca didn't sit well with him. It didn't sit well with him at all.

"I didn't do it!" he cried. Tears had formed in his eyes. "I didn't hit the trigger. I was holding the crossbow and the person beside me fired it," tears had begun to fall freely down his face. It was enough to get Rebecca to stop her pacing and listen to him. "My own brother fired it for me," he whispered bitterly.

"What?"

"I wasn't even supposed to be there, in that clearing. I had no idea you guys were even possible. My brother…" He paused, taking a deep breath. "My brother dragged me along, saying we were going hunting. He told me I needed to grow up and become a man." His laugh was bitter and there was no humour in it. "I didn't know what we were hunting. If I had, believe me, I would have never gone."

Rebecca was conflicted. The way he spoke… Rebecca couldn't help but feel sympathy for the boy. He seemed genuine. Looking down on him now, he looked like a lost boy who was forced to do something against his will. He wasn't a Hunter. Not truly. Of course, this could all just be part of their long plan. Send someone vulnerable into the pack to get information and lure them into a trap.

"I am so sorry," he said, finally meeting Rebecca's gaze. The pain and sorrow he held in there almost caused the brunette to take a step back. Definitely genuine.

"Rebecca, what is going on?" Jean asked, his tone urgent. If this boy was a threat then they needed to go. It really didn't look like he was, but he must have done something terrible to cause Rebecca to act the way she did.

"Is Riza all right?" the teen asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rebecca regarded the boy. He had moved up onto his knees. He had hung his head and his posture was slouched. Everything about his body language screamed defeat.

"She is. She is all right."

His head lifted, relief plain on his face. It looked as if a large weight had been lifted from him.

"I came back," he began, clearing his throat. "After everyone left. I wanted to make sure you were all okay. I saw that man pull the bolt out of Riza's leg." He shuddered at the memory. "Once we had regrouped, everyone congratulated me on my shot. I didn't feel happy though, I only felt sick. My brother told me I was amazing in the clearing."

Anger shot through Rebecca at the callous way the Hunters spoke about their lives. They were still people dammit. Even if they could turn into a wolf, they didn't deserved to be discriminated against because of what some asshole had turned them into.

"That was when I left. I wanted no part in it. Hell, I didn't even want a part in it in the beginning."

"Rebecca," Jean urged.

The brunette turned, almost forgetting he was even there. Then she paled slightly as she realised the situation they were in. This whole conversation was on track to completely reveal her secret. This was not good.

Jean looked at her expectantly for an explanation, but there was also concern on his face. Rebecca was touched that he was worried about her wellbeing, however it was nothing compared to the fear coursing through her. Jean couldn't know what she was. At least, not yet. She didn't want him to run away screaming.

Damn, now I understand how Maes feels.

"Look, it was is just a misunderstanding," Rebecca began her poor excuse for an explanation. It was better than the truth though, right? "Something happened last week. We were all out hunting and… uh," Rebecca turned to the teen as she gestured, realising she didn't know his name.

"Kain. Kain Fuery," he offered.

"Kain here shot towards us unknowingly. It hit my friend, Riza, in the leg. It was touch and go for a while, but she is fine now. It's no big deal."

"He basically said the group he was with wanted you dead, that's is a big deal. Especially to me," Jean added, almost as an afterthought.

Rebecca froze at his words, not expecting them. Then, a smell hit her nostrils. It was so strong she fell to her knees, bringing her hands up to her nose.

"Rebecca?" Jean shouted in alarm. Kain looked on in fear, his gaze snapping towards the movement between the trees. Three Hunters emerged, each with a sick smile on their face. They each had a crossbow which was locked and ready to fire.

"Well done, Kain. You did well getting them out here."

Jean's gaze snapped to Kain's. However, his anger simmered as he saw the look of horror return to the young man's face.

"No… No, I didn't bring them out here on purpose! I swear," he urged, frantically turning to both Jean and Rebecca. "I had nothing to do with this, I promise!"

"Quiet boy!" one barked, raising his crossbow. Anger spiked in Jean as they were pointed straight to the pair. He moved in front of Rebecca, remaining in a crouch. If they wanted to get to her, they would have to get through him first.

"Don't think we won't shoot you. If you are associated with that then you deserve to die too."

Their warning did nothing and Jean remained where he was.

The tallest man stalked forward. Jean shifted to become defensive, however before he could react, he was backhanded across the face. He fell to his side, his head ringing.

"Jean!" Rebecca gasped. The sound of it tore at his chest. She was worried about him and the pain she was currently going through rang clear in her voice.

He tried to sit up, but a foot was placed in his side, crushing him down into the cold snow. He grunted in pain, weakly trying to break free from his restraint. His vision blurred from the strike, his hearing fading in and out.

Rough hands grabbed at Rebecca, but she had no strength to shake them off. The incense was too strong. It burned at her airways, making breathing difficult. She tried not to breathe in too much, but it was no use. The poison had already entered her system. If she could somehow get out of this mess, it would be a race against time to get the help she needed.

After being lifted off the ground the other two began to drag her through the forest on her knees.

"Stop it!" Kain cried. "Leave them alone!" Rebecca admired him for trying to break her free from the Hunter's grasp, but it would be no use. The wolf within bristled as they easily shoved the younger man down to the ground with a laugh.

She just wanted Jean to be okay. He didn't deserve to be dragged into this. He didn't deserve to die because of her.

Her head swung in his direction. The sight of him pinned under one of the Hunter's boot, while the man grinned happily, enraged the wolf within her. As if feeling her gaze, Jean looked up. His vision was blurry, but he could make out Rebecca's face. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, a tear running down her cheek.

Those two words made his stomach sink.

Rebecca heaved herself off her knees and onto her feet. With the last of her strength, she jerked her arms forward and out of the Hunter's grasp. At least Rebecca had the element of surprise here. They staggered forward, whipping around in anger. Crossbows were raised in response, however they dropped to the ground soon after, as a loud crack filled the forest. Hands were raised to ears at the sound and the Hunters cursed as the loud sound.

Jean looked on in amazement as Rebecca changed before his eyes. Where she was last standing now stood a huge brown wolf. The man above him staggered, releasing Jean from his hold. He leapt to his feet, punching the man in the nose before he could recover. The man cursed loudly, falling to his knees.

Rebecca lowered her head and growled dangerously at her two attempted kidnappers. She leaped towards one while he stared at her, shocked. Her paws hit his chest and he hit the forest floor with an ooph. The air rushed out of his lungs and he was left gasping. Rebecca felt a few ribs break underneath her paws.

The other Hunter raised his crossbow to shoot her, however before he could, Kain barged into him from behind, knowing the weapon from his hands. The Hunter turned on him, furious. Before Kain could receive the blow from his outstretched hand, Rebecca grabbed his trouser leg, pulling the man away from Kain. The Hunter yelped in surprise then began to cry out in fear.

"No, stop! Please!"

His pleas fell on deaf ears as Rebecca dragged him away from the other two. Jean watched on with no sympathy as the man was dragged away screaming.

"What is she doing?" Kain asked fearfully. The screaming ended in an instant. The forest was silent, aside from the ragged breathing of the man in the snow before them.

A soft thump reached them, kicking Jean in to action. He raced towards where Rebecca had disappeared to, Kain hot on his heels.

The man was unconscious, and breathing, however there was no blood. Rebecca lay in the snow a few feet away unconscious herself.

"Rebecca?" Jean called, dropping to his knees beside her. Gently, he rolled her onto her back. The sight of her face was sickening. Her eyes and nose were surrounded by angry, red skin. They were swollen to the point where Jean doubted her eyes would even be able to open properly.

"Oh my god," Kain whispered from beside Havoc. His face paled at the sight of the woman. She looked as if she was on her deathbed. They needed to help her, and fast.

"Come on," Jean urged Kain as he lifted Rebecca and rose to his feet. He cradled her against his chest as he began to jog through the trees. They needed to get her to Riza.