The fight was over and the Larabee pack had left after seeing that everyone was taken care of. Mary had hoped that they would stay, but Chris hadn't even shifted to explain that he was going home. She stayed in town, helping the rest of the citizens who were injured. Nathan and Rain stayed behind long enough to make sure anyone injured had received care before going home to their children. Billy, Mary was certain, would be safe until tomorrow, when she could get him. He would no doubt be asleep by now.

With the marshal dead, the town was left unprotected again. She wondered if she could persuade Chris and the rest of the creatures of the dark to return to town. A telegram was sent out to the judge to explain what had happened, she hoped that he would return to figure something out for them.

Buck yawned as he stretched himself out in the warm grass. After a long transformation and fight, he was in need of a long nap. Though he knew he was technically supposed to be on patrol. Nothing much had happened for the rest of the night when they all got back. He had retired to bed with Inez and JD. Josiah came back late with Nathan and Rain before retiring as well. Vin, still had energy it seemed, so he went for a hunt. Chris had stayed with Ezra, probably talking about what had happened.

"Hell, Ez is going to beat himself up over this for a couple of months." Buck muttered to himself.

A noise made him sit up to see Mary coming in on a horse, accompanied by the judge.

"Sure got here fast, judge." Buck smiled as he got to his feet and dusted himself off.

"Was in the next town over. More death over here it would seem." Judge grunted as he dismounted off of his horse.

"Tends to be that way when two packs fight."

"Is Chris in? Would like to talk to you all."

Buck nodded and led the way back to the main house.

Mary broke off from their group when she saw Billy. He was running around with other children. He was only wearing his pants like them and was barefoot. Laughter continued even after he saw his mother and ran up to meet her.

"Hey ma! Did you know that Bobby and his siblings are werepups? That Nathan and Rain are witches and that their children most likely will be too? I got to ride on a wolf this morning and it was fun. We went fast, but not fast enough to fall off."

"I'm glad you had fun."

"Ma, why are they all considered dangerous? Chris and them protect the town, right? Bobby says that he ain't allowed to shift in town because they'd be killed if they did."

Mary looked around and saw everyone that she knew. People she never noticed that they looked nervous or afraid when they were in town. Here they look like they were at peace. Wariness thrown to the wind and in its place, freedom.

"Shame about the marshal, though I know you boys probably didn't get along too well." Orrin said with a sigh.

"As well as a hunter would with our kind." Buck gave a weak smile.

"Are they going to take his body home then?" asked JD. The body had been mutilated. No open casket viewing for the unsuspecting family that would be grieving his loss.

"Can't say I liked him, but he didn't deserve what happened to him." Buck mumbled.

"But judge, now that he's gone. When will they send someone to replace him?"

"They're not."

"May we assume you had something to do with that?" asked Ezra.

"Damn right. Never thought putting a hunter in charge was ever a good idea. A territorial pack cares about the whole where a hunter only for humanity."

"And we should return why?" asked Chris, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Doesn't seem too inviting." Buck added.

"A man shows his true colors under pressure." Ezra mumbled. Vin placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"You don't have to, but I would appreciate it if you do. This town, these people are ignorant and will remain so unless there some change. I believe you all can be that change, where your kind and humanity can coexist."

"Maybe, if there was a bonus offered." Ezra suggested.

"Same deal as before."

The seven looked at one another and then back at the families who were waiting for their response.

"Well boys, how about we ponder the judge's proposal?" Chris grinned.

"Reckon I could use some pondering." Vin smiled. They all agreed and stepped inside to talk in a more private setting. It was only a staged meeting, everyone coming to an agreement before.

Two months passed since the return of Larabee's pack and the townspeople who had left. The unease between both groups was still there, but after the loss of several townspeople to the invading pack and the death of the late marshal, it was expected.

Chris sat outside the saloon, the chair he sat in, balanced on the back legs. He was using the time of peace as a resting period while keeping tabs on his family. Buck was out with Josiah doing patrols. The two of them, no doubt taking their time returning so Buck could stretch and use his other side of him for a good run. Nathan was up in the clinic with Rain helping him. Nettie was watching the twins. JD was running away from Casey's continued interest in him, while at the same time, trying to maintain some dignity and show off. Vin was in the saloon watching the game that Ezra was playing at the poker table. He had set himself up at the regulator's table with a whiskey. Inez worked behind the counter, talking to a few of her patrons. The townspeople were especially glad to have their drinks back and Inez's cooking.

When the poker game ended, Ezra stayed at his table and shuffled his deck.

"Win tonight?" she asked, coming up to refill his glass with his special stash.

"Not much to win I'm afraid. No new opponents to face." Ezra sighed, pocketing his Stutz deck.

"I'm sure you'll have someone come into town who will give you a run for your money." Inez smiled before turning to leave. This however didn't happen because JD burst through the batwing doors as if he was on fire.

"JD, please, mind the doors. I just had them replaced." Ezra chastised their youngest.

"Sorry Ez." JD rubbed the back of his head and chuckled excitedly before he remembered what he was doing, "Oh, I was told to deliver this to you. Just came in."

Ezra took the telegram and read it in his head. His eyes momentarily got wider before he cleared his throat and tucked the piece of paper in his jacket.

"Something wrong?" Inez asked, noticing her friend's strange behavior.

"No, nothing wrong. It just seems my mother is on her way here for a visit."

"Your mom is coming? Why don't you seem more excited?"

"I haven't exactly told her that I was no longer fully human. That and I can only assume this visit will be a short stop to ask me how I am progressing financially."

"Huh?"

"My mother is under the impression I am still here because there is a significant amount of money to be made."

"And you didn't tell her otherwise?"

"I told her I was an owner of several businesses here, not specifying what, or that I was planning on selling them to invest in getting more money."

"Not sure I know what you mean, but it sounds complicated."

"We shall see, JD, we shall see."

A/N: Thank you all for reading! Technically this is the end, but probably for Divided Community. Whoever believes in endings? ;) Until next time. As always I love your comments. I'm sorry I can't reply to all of you. I'm hopping around several stories and am just concentrating on posting.