Hunter of the Shadows Book 3

Enemy at the Door.

Chapter 17

Now…

There's a distinct change in the atmosphere, which is punctuated by several cleared throats that even sound embarrassed, if that's at all possible.

When he speaks at last, Dean glances over at Sam and grins sheepishly.

"Sorry, dude," he says. "I guess I was panicking."

Sam just shrugs it off with a sad smile. "Looking back, I can't say I blame you. I probably would have reacted the same way, after everything we've been through," he drops his gaze, and says no more.

Tobius and Lucas share a knowing look, while Dean sighs.

"You'd gotten hurt so many times I was beginning to despair," he replies. "I knew you were falling into place as my Beta, that you would die for me. And that…" his voice breaks with emotion, and he's struggling to get the words out.

Sam reaches across and grasps Dean's shoulder. "I get it," he says, softly. "Honestly, I do…"

Then…

Soon after I'd issue my directive, Sam changed to human form.

"Can I have a word?" Sam had asked with a supremely false air of calm. "In private?"

Anybody with ears and a brain would have heard the underlying edge of anger, and I knew I was walking a tight rope. But this was no time to back down. He was too young for this battle. In fact, he was too young for most of the battles we've been forced to face, so for once I was going to stop being Alpha and protect my son like any father should, one way or another, even if he hated me for it.

Because I was right, and in time Sammy would understand that.

"Sam, just listen!" I demanded as he turned away suddenly, expecting me to follow, and started walking. But the kid's taller than me and with that comes a larger stride. I was almost running to keep up. Almost. I was acting as Alpha, after all. It's a matter of dignity. "Sammy, get back here!"

But Sam ignored me and kept stalking through the forest, away from the Home Pack, his face like thunder.

Lucas caught my gaze and gave a discreet nod. You've got your work cut out there, laddie. Don't envy you at all.

Any advice? I'd asked, weakly.

It's a little late for that, I'm afraid, his eyes flashed sympathetically, then he hurried on after the rest of his pack.

In other words, I'd already gone against any advice he would have had to offer.

Sam stopped abruptly as soon as we were a decent distance from the Home Pack, and whirled to face me, eyes glowing with fury.

"That was a low friggin' blow, Dean. How could you do that to me?" he demanded. "I thought we were a team, for fuck sake!"

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, we are, Sam. But when we get back to Tobius things will change…"

"Oh, right, 'cos I'll no longer hold Beta status, that means I'm benched?" Sam retorted, voice rising steadily. "I'm no use to you anymore, is that what you're saying?"

"No and no!" I could feel my own temper being sorely tested by now, mainly because he wasn't letting me finish. "You…"

"You don't trust me!" he carried on ignoring me, now pacing up and down, and I pitied the vegetation under his bare feet as it got trampled to a pulp. "I get that! But this is my fight too, Dean, this is my family too! I've learned from my mistakes, and I have a right to prove that!"

"God dammit will you fucking listen!" I finally snapped, rounded on Sam and pinned him to the nearest tree by his shoulders. His eyes, up close, were wide and glistening with hurt, so I swallowed down a knot of guilt and softened my approach. I reached up and rubbed his nape, tangling my fingers with the soft curls at the base of his skull. "Out here without Tobius, I'm your Alpha, but when we get back Tobius resumes that role, and I go back to being our bodyguard, and that means guarding your life as well as Sire's. Shutup!" I growled a warning when he opened his mouth. "I'm not finished."

I stared at him, watching the stubborn determination on his face, wondering how I could convince him. Then it came to me.

"Look, I do trust you, alright? I trust you with my life, don't let anyone tell you otherwise, but, Sam…" I squeezed his neck again. "We're gonna need someone behind those walls to carry on if anything happens to us. Someone to protect the youngsters and their families. The Canadian Pack have their guards and the NLSU, and that's all just fine and dandy, but the majority of the population are farmers, not fighters or warriors. In an ordinary battle they'd be ok, but we're talking about Type Ones Sam! Those poor bastards don't stand a chance if even one of Crowley's army breaks through our front lines. You know that! You've seen up close and personal just how much strength and speed those psychopaths have. The Canadian Pack will be ripped to shreds."

I could see by the resigned look on his face that he knew I was right.

Physically, Type One non-lunars match Type Two. But Type Ones, unburdened by honour or sentiment, could find the smallest chink in their opponent's emotional armour and use it as effectively as any sword. I hated to admit it but this, combined with the ability to disable or listen in on thought projections at will, meant Crowley had the far superior army.

It just depended on numbers.

Also, Tobius couldn't be seen to step back from the front line, that isn't the way werewolves fight. He would stand beside his brothers in battle, and as his Beta it was my duty to join him.

So that left Sam on his own and, although I would gladly have fought alongside him…

"I just can't risk losing my son," I said out loud, suddenly, desperately, and felt my tear ducts moisten. "And I know that's selfish but I can't do it, Sammy, so don't ask me to."

I pushed away from him, changed and headed off in the direction of the Home Pack, keeping my ears open for Sam. Soon as I heard him follow me, I relaxed a little.

I wasn't sure I'd won exactly, but it had been a victory of some sort. And it made me feel lousy as hell.

The Home Pack had made significant progress during the morning, napped for a few hours that afternoon, then set off again as soon as darkness fell. Another five hours and Lucas called another halt for food.

Sam and I had both been quiet after our little heart to heart, though Sam stayed beside me during the journey. Occasionally, I'd felt his questioning, mournful gaze on me but he'd thankfully said nothing.

Most of us had changed to human form in order to set up shelters, shake out blankets, get the cooking fires lit and generally check everyone was ok after the journey.

A traipse through some brambles earlier had left a few thorns embedded in pads, usually in the younger members whose paws were still soft and sensitive, not hardened by age and long years of travel like their older peers.

Arthur was one such victim. His young face was stoic, eyes narrowed, head and snout up, as Lucas held his paw and gently worked the thorn free. But Arthur's small body, still endowed with soft puppy fur, was quivering slightly in his father's arms.

The kid didn't let out even so much as whimper as the half inch long thorn popped out, glistening with his own blood.

"That's my boy," Lucas was crooning to his pup and gently scratching his ears. "Not bad for your first thorn, laddie."

Arthur responded by rubbing his head against his father's chest and sighing contentedly.

That kid, once again, reminded me so much of Sam when he was a puppy that watching him kind of left this little ache in my chest.

"Ready for a hunt, Sammy?"I asked, jovially, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah," Sam replied, with a kind of awkward half smile. "Sure am."

Sam's nose was still out of joint, that much was certain, but he was making an effort to keep things congenial between us, something I have to admit I'm not sure I could have managed if the roles had been reversed.

He was right, though . I had struck a low blow, insulted Sam's honour and effectively demoted him within our own pack. And though he could now see why I did it, it still must've hurt like hell.

"Ok then," I was about to change when Lucas called out to me.

Sam was already in wolf form. You want me to wait? he asked.

"Nah, you go on ahead," I replied. "I'll catch up."

Sam gave a small nod and trotted off after the hunting party.

When I turned it was to find Lucas watching Sam with narrowed eyes.

"You do realise what you've done, right?" he said, finally looking at me.

I sighed. "Yeah, I know, I've been a selfish bastard. He's already taken great pains to point that out."

"Hmm. That's a very nice way of putting it," Lucas stared at me. "Another way of putting it is to say that you've managed to lob off his bollocks before he's had the proper time to grow into them!"

I blinked at his tone and my mouth dropped open, but nothing came out.

"Letting go, Dean, is one of the most important lessons to learn if you want to be a successful and respected Alpha," Lucas carried on as if I wasn't busy trying to figure out where my tongue had scurried off to. "Your relationship with Sam is unique, so take my advice. When you're Alpha to him, you can't be his father. Not anymore, not when he is your Beta and bodyguard. You can pick and choose your moments to be one or the other, but both at the same time? That just won't work; you'll end up confusing the both of you. So, be his brother in times like this and he'll understand that better."

I knew he was just trying to help so I kept myself in check, and stayed respectful to our host.

"I get what you're saying, honestly I do," I dropped my gaze for a second, nodding slowly, then raised my head again and stared him square in the eye. "But I have my reasons. I know what I'm doing, and Sam's time will come. But I thank you for your concern."

The Alpha eyed me for a moment, then nodded, any trace of anger now gone and replaced with something akin to approval.

I didn't mention that if keeping Sam safe a while longer, at least until he reaches his prime, means having to hurt his feelings a little then so be it. Whatever it takes, because I love that kid more than anything, more than my own life, and I'd rather die defending his than have it the other way round.

"In that case, laddie, I bid you a good hunt," the Alpha moved off back to his pup with a soft, knowing smile on his face.

I didn't say any of that, because Lucas already understood.

Somehow I had managed to politely convey to the Home Pack Alpha that what went on between Sammy and me was none of his God damned business.

But this needed some serious consideration because, whether I liked it or not, Lucas was quite correct, and I was pretty sure Tobius would echo his sentiments.

I shook off my misgivings, changed, and caught up with the hunting party.

Patrick was padding alongside Sam, the two of them watching their surroundings and chatting comfortably, completely at ease with each other.

I joined them and gently brushed against Sammy, my tail curling over his.

Everything ok? he asked, quietly, peering at me with curiosity and concern.

Yep, I answered easily. Nothing to worry about. He just wanted to know if we're still gonna hold my prime celebrations at the Canadian Pack is all.

Sam knew I was lying, I could see that, but he tactfully let it go. He appeared to consider that question seriously, though.

And?

As it happened, I hadn't given it much thought either, but now that it was brought up…

How would you feel about that, Sam? I asked, and all three of us stopped.

Sam turned to Patrick. Sorry, dude…

Patrick shook his furry head, that friendly, Irish grin never wavering. Even in wolf form, you could still tell it was him from his grin alone.

Don't apologise. I can see you've got something important to discuss, he looked at me and his expression turned serious. If you'll hear my advice, the prime is not something to take lightly because you'll remember the moment for the rest of your life, how ever long that may be. It's important that you choose a place to your liking and comfort, so choose wisely, my friend.

With a coquettish tilt of the head, he bounded away after the others.

So… Sam sat back on his haunches, and I recognised the changed of mode.

We weren't father and son right then, or even Alpha and Beta.

We were in brother mode. Sam sure seemed to be better at this than me.

I sat beside him and sighed.

Can't say I'm all that keen on the place. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty cool and all, but… I sighed again, not knowing how to put it without making Sam feel like he was influencing my decision.

It's because of that trial, right? he said and after a moment of silence when I still didn't answer he shuffled forward on his butt, extended his snout and began snuffling gently at my ear. Because of what might have happened if I'd been convicted.

Guess I should've known he'd figure it out, huh?

Does it feel like a betrayal? he continued, and whined softly. 'Cos it was family?

Not as such, I replied, having a tough time explaining this. I guess I'm just having a hard time reconciling family with execution.

You know Castiel wouldn't have let it get that far, Sam pointed out. He was following protocol so we could flush out Crowley.

In other words: using you as bait, Sam! I growled, and gave my fur a good haughty shake.

It's not like he planned it that way, Sam said, reasonably. I don't think he would have risked his Alpha's life. But with what I did to Marcus, and how Crowley brought it about? It just happened, so Castiel made the best of a bad situation, like we often do, huh?

I know that, Sam, and I did, honestly. And I understand. But it's not just that.

I looked up at the sky, and finally it came out, what was really bugging me about the Canadian Pack.

It was more the way the crowds treated you on the way to the trial that clinched it for me. They didn't even know you, had no idea of the facts, yet they had you down as guilty before you'd even been convicted. It's just wrong.

Yeah, but you also saw how the sergeant reacted, right? smartass Sam answered back. He wouldn't tolerate it. They're not all bad, Dean, just some aren't too bright. Kinda like humans in that respect. But, you know… he rubbed his head against mine. Whatever you decide, wherever you want to celebrate your prime, Tobius and I will support you.

We both looked up at the night sky, wondering if Tobius was out there somewhere, watching the crescent moon and waiting for us.

Yeah. I know.

The hunt didn't last long, with Patrick taking down a large stag that would feed the entire Home Pack for a couple of days, tops. After gutting the creature and paying it our respects, we changed to human form and dragged the carcass back to camp, with Patrick looking rightfully smug, and telling wildly exaggerated tales of his fight to the death with the ferocious beast. He soon had us all snorting with laughter.

Patrick was more than happy to repeat the story for young Arthur when we were all seated around the fire, but only managed to get halfway before a loud howling from several miles away tore up the night, and we immediately recognised the call.

Tobius! exclaimed Lucas, scrambling to his feet and ditching his platter of food. He's looking for us!

Without another word, the entire camp dissolved. Weapons were checked, fires were banked, food was either abandoned or stored away, non-essential packs were buried in hastily dug pits, and everyone changed into wolf form.

As one, we took off at a gallop through the trees.

All the while, Tobius continued to howl, his pitch angry and mournful.

What the hell happened? Sam growled.

When we didn't come back with Crowley he must have set out after us, I answered. Let's just hope he didn't run afoul of that bastard…

It all happened so fast.

We had no clue that the Pack's cover was broken by that point. In fact, the first we knew of it was the dreaded and familiar sound of a silver-tipped arrow whistling its way through the night air.

The thud and gasp of pain that followed warned us someone had been hit.

I leapt at Sam, rolling us over and over, my body shielding his while another volley rained down around us.

That eerie whistling continued, along with sudden twangs where the marksman had missed his target. But there were several more thuds and whimpers among the pack, and I hoped to God no one had taken an arrow to the heart.

Sadly, we wouldn't be that lucky.

I can't even begin to describe how scary this was, how it shook us up and smothered any feelings I might have had of safety.

Lucas bellowed out the howl for retreat, and when I looked up it was easy to see why.

At least two of the Home Pack were injured, one caught by an arrow in the front right leg, another in the rear left haunch. Painful, but not life threatening, provided they were treated quickly enough. Several of the others, without hesitation changed into human form, hoisted the ailing wolves over their shoulders, and raced back into the trees.

But another three wolves lay still and silent on the forest floor, killed instantly.

Several heavy weight arrows pierced their backs, and presumably went all the way to their hearts.

The first priority was to get the rest of the Pack to safety, so I sprang up, snapped at Sammy's neck and growled Move! Now!

But Sam was already on the same wavelength and preparing for our flight away from the ambush.

What was left of our party dashed off into the night, our main aim to avoid capture and regroup, but just as we were departing in haste Sam sniffed and jerked his head towards the fallen.

Dean…

Yeah, I know. Just keep going, ok?

One of the dead was Patrick, the Irish songster, and the other two had also been among the evening's hunting party earlier on.

It was surely no coincidence that the bowman had taken out three of the strongest members of the Pack. That left us with around fifteen wolves, not including Sam and me. And though the bowman had stopped firing while the pack made its get away, there was every certainty he'd be back. He was whittling down our numbers bit by bit, and we were running out of time.

Lucas? We need to get to Tobius now!

The Alpha nodded. I hear you.

His pup ran along beside him, and though the youngster remained calm and obeyed orders without argument, we could see he was terrified.

I threw back my head and let out an answering howl to Sire.

Tobius' pitch changed to one of relief and satisfaction.

After that, we were on silent running.

Sam and I immediately moved in around the Alpha and his son, an instinctive protective wall, while the rest of the Pack dispersed a little at the flanks, keeping the bowman's target as poorly defined as possible.

There were no more breaks for food or water; we ate and drank on the paw or foot, as it were, and there was no time to mourn the dead.

Tobius' scent crept up on us. In under a mile or so we'd be virtually on top of him.

Are you two ok? came Sire's anxious thoughts. I found a patch of Sam's blood by the water fall. Been scouting the area ever since.

I'm fine, Sam answered in a soothing tone. Knocked me for six, but I'm pretty much all healed up.

That's good, young pup, said Tobius, sounding less anxious. What about you, Dean?

I'm super, I told him, dryly. But some of the Home Pack aren't doing so great.

Tobius' large wolf form appeared ahead of us, front paws perched on a fallen tree, head up and ears twitching.

Yes, so I heard, his sorrowful gaze turned to Lucas. I'm so sorry about your boys…

But Lucas snorted and tossed his head like a warrior itching for battle.

There'll be time enough for regrets later, he growled in fury. But right now, the best thing I can do for them is to hunt down their murderer and gut the bastard! Make sure he doesn't get to hurt anyone else.

The two wolves carrying the injured emerged from the trees beside Lucas, and nodded respectfully.

The Alpha raised up on his hind legs, sniffed gently at the wounded pack members, and whined comfortingly.

We'll get you both patched up in no time, Lucas whispered. But I'm afraid the war is over for you two.

The injured wolves whimpered softly in protest, but remained slumped in the arms of their Pack mates.

Sorry Alpha…

I let you down…

Nothing to apologise for Ernest, Lucas licked at their noses and chuckled softly. And Hayley? You did nothing of the sort. I'm proud of you both.

One of the rescuers held out a hand.

Alpha, we thought you might want to keep these, the taller one said, softly.

Two blood stained arrows gleamed evilly in the half light of the forest.

At some point during our escape from the bowman, the offending silver arrows had been removed from the injured pack members, but I knew from my own nursing experiences with Sam that their recovery would be long, hard and painful.

Lucas reverted back to human form and accepted the offerings. He sniffed along the lengths, careful not to touch the silver tips, and growled angrily.

Thank you, Nerris, he replied, finally, then turned to face the rest of his Pack.

"Take a good look!" Lucas proclaimed aloud, and held the arrows aloft. "All of you! These are the kind of weapons we'll be dealing with. You saw what happened to Patrick, Christian and Thomas back there, so learn the lesson well. Watch each other's backs, and be vigilant at all times!"

Tobius watched with dark eyes as each and every wolf took that in. Even Arthur stared up at the arrows as though memorising this moment as a turning point in his young life.

How right he was, because his Alpha suddenly leaned over him.

"Arthur, I have a very important job for you," Lucas spoke softly to his pup. "I need you to guide the injured back to your mother for me. Nerris and Buckley," he nodded to the two original 'stretcher bearers' "will go with you to help carry them."

Arthur looked astonished and little hurt at the request, but after a silent battle of wills, whereby the Alpha stared him down, the youngster relented and bowed his head respectfully.

As you wish, Alpha.

I turned to Sam and gave him a gentle nudge.

Now why can't you be more like that?

Sam snorted with laughter. Because I'm not fourteen years old, and I have all my adult fur!

I considered that for a second. Fair comment.

We watched as the injured were quickly attended to, then sent on their way. Arthur trotted alongside, under strict orders not to linger, and to keep watch. They would be taking the long route home, as far from the Canadian grounds as possible.

Tobius padded around Sam and me, brushing up against us and crooning softly in welcome.

You two had me worried! he muttered, a little annoyed, and began checking us over for injury with his nose. Have you any idea how long you've been gone?

Actually we don't… I began.

Far too long! Tobius interrupted, grumpily. After three days of waiting, I started out after you and followed your trail, then I detected silver in the air, found Sam's blood and a few abandoned arrows, and I thought 'oh God, Sam's got himself shot by bloody silver again!'…

Hey! Sam tried to sound offended at first, but after some thought, even he couldn't deny his penchant for getting hurt. Instead he just gave a doggy shrug and murmured, when you're right, you're right, I guess. Apart from the silver that is.

But at least you stumbled upon the Home Pack, Sire suddenly sighed deeply. That was as much as I could hope for. Now, I can guess roughly what happened, but you'd best fill me in. Then I have a few things to tell you.

I nearly snorted at that. Yeah. Crowley's got a Type One army of longbows trained up, and they're getting ready to storm the Canadian Pack.

Sire just stared at me. You know, I had a nasty feeling you were going to say something along those lines.

We also don't know how many he's got, Sam added helpfully. But they can all listen in on, or block, thought projections with quite a degree of control. Plus, Crowley can interfere with my special 'skills', and he broke Bobby's cover spell, which was how we were ambushed in the first place..

Tobius sat back on his haunches with a huff, and answered that decisively.

Bugger.