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Dean playfully chased Jade farther into the trees. They reached a clearing and Jade spun around to face Dean. He came to a stop and their eyes met. I love you. Jade stepped forward to touch her nose to Dean's. And I you, she responded. Did you know you could do that? Dean asked. No, Jade replied, maybe it's because we are bonded, but I don't know why it is just starting now, she continued. Maybe it's because you changed into your wolf, it triggered this part of our bond, Dean theorized. Maybe, whatever it is, I'm glad, she responded. Dean gave her a wolf grin and they took off again.
"I don't think we'll see them for a while yet," Kevin said to his pack an hour after Dean and Jade disappeared. Riley let out a snicker, but stopped when Joey elbowed him. "Make sure you are all ready to go when they get back."
"Dean told Sam where to meet us?" Jake asked.
"Yes, he sent him directions. They seem to be linked; Dean can send thought to him over great distances."
It was getting dark when Dean and Jade emerged from the forest.
"Look who's finally back," Riley called to them as they stopped and returned to their human forms.
"Everyone ready to go?" Dean said gruffly.
"No, I think we still need more time, how about you guys run off for another day," Riley answered sarcastically, then shut his mouth with a snap, remembering who he was talking to. Riley kept his head lowered but squared his shoulders, expecting retaliation.
"Go easy on him, he's just a kid," Kevin said uneasily.
"Do you think I'm going to bite his head off for cracking a joke?" Dean questioned incredulously.
"He is your subordinate, it is your right," Kevin answered carefully, also keeping his eyes lowered.
"Are you all afraid of me?" Dean asked slowly. Receiving no answer Dean frowned and walked off.
"Did we offend him so much?" Kevin asked Jade.
"No, I think you scared him," she explained, "He is uncomfortable with all of the attention he has been getting and he's not used to people responding to him in this manner. He's not going to punish you for being yourselves," she assured them. "I'll go talk to him, we can leave shortly."
"Yes lady," Kevin murmured.
"Now why—," Jade started, "Never mind," she said, "You are going to have to explain this hierarchy to me at some point," she finished and went after Dean.
"Dean?" Jade called softly as she approached his hunched form. "Are you alright?"
"Fine," Dean grunted.
"They don't understand you, just like you don't understand them. You just have to get to know each other, and get used to each other's ways." Dean turned to look at Jade, his eyes softening.
"You are wise beyond your years my love," he said, laughter in his eyes. Jade smiled.
"Come on smartass, let's go meet Sam."
Dean and Jade rejoined Kevin and his pack and they all morphed into their wolves. Dean was by far the largest, but Riley was still young and gangly and it looked like he might catch up to Dean. His wolf was a deep russet color and his eyes were dark, almost black. Kevin shook himself as he stood; his wolf was pure silver with black tipped ears and ice blue eyes. Jake was all black with black eyes, and Joey was brown and gray with liquid brown eyes. Max, on the other hand, had silver-gray fur that looked like it had blue streaks in it, and his eyes were dark blue to match.
Joey, Max and Jake each picked up a bag with their teeth once they were ready. Let's go find my brother, Dean projected and they took off.
They were waiting for Sam at the border and when he arrived introductions were made, and the packs were tossed in the car.
"We aren't going to all fit in the car," Sam pointed out wryly.
"Jade and I will follow you," Dean said after a moment and they moved away to transform. Sam rolled his eyes.
"They grow out of that after a while," Kevin advised and Sam raised his eyebrows. "I mean the need to be outside and unconfined," he clarified. They all climbed into the car and waited. All right, let's get this over with, Dean's voice came in their heads, and Sam started to drive.
They managed to avoid cities for the most part, but when they couldn't Dean and Jade ran around, keeping to unpopulated areas and meeting up with the car after it left the city. As they got closer to Independence, there were less people and more forests.
"Stop here," Kevin instructed, "We'll escort you the rest of the way in," he said and his pack climbed out of the car.
Kevin ran at the front of the car with Dean and Jade behind him. Max and Riley ran adjacent to the front wheels and Jake and Joey ran behind the car.
Before they reached the town, they were met by a group of men.
"State your business," the one in the lead instructed. Kevin returned to his human form to communicate.
"We are bringing two new wolves to meet the Alpha," he started to explain.
"Why have you brought a human?" the man demanded.
"It is a long story, perhaps you could take us to the Alpha," Kevin replied.
"No one speaks to that Alpha without an explanation to me first," the man started again. Oh, can it will ya? Just take us to your leader, Dean projected and Jade bumped against him. Careful, don't piss them off yet, she advised.
The group of men looked startled, but they regained their composure and the leader spoke again, this time his voice tight.
"Come with me," was all he said and he turned to walk away. Kevin got in the car with Sam and they followed the man through a small town and up to a huge mansion. Who does this guy think he is? Dean thought to Jade, who responded with a wolf shrug. "Wait here," he instructed and rushed into the house, leaving the other two men that were with him standing outside.
Dirk turned to his companion and glanced at the newcomers before speaking.
"Do you think it's really him?" he asked softly.
"Shut up kid, we already have a leader," James snapped. Dean's ears flicked in the direction of the hushed conversation. He heard every word, but he showed no signs of caring.
"But if the prophecy is true—," Dirk started.
"I said shut up!" James yelled hotly. There's no need to yell at the kid, he's just asking a question. Dean said, finally having enough of James' treatment of Dirk. James looked spooked at hearing Dean's voice in his head, but he remained silent. What is it with you people anyway? What makes you think I want anything to do with your Alpha?
"How can you do that?" Dirk asked in awe. Dean glanced at Dirk, I don't have any idea, it just happens. "Sorry, I was just wondering," Dirk said apologetically. Don't worry about it kid, I'm not going to bite your head off, although that seems like regular behavior around here. Dean continued critically.
"You will speak of Alpha with respect!" James demanded. Don't tell me what to do, Dean responded looking down his nose at James. James dropped into a fighting crouch and Dean's hackles bristled, his lips lifting in a snarl. Jade approached and stood at Dean's side.
"James," a new voice called coldly. James instantly turned to face the speaker. Normally, he wouldn't turn his back on a potential threat, but it would be far worse if he didn't. Dirk also turned to face the man who emerged from the house. James and Dirk carefully kept their eyes downcast, but the Alpha simply ignored them and approached Dean. By this time Kevin and Sam had gotten out of the car.
"Stay here," Kevin instructed Sam and his pack, then went to stand beside Dean.
"What have you brought me Kevin?" the Alpha spoke slowly, but his voice seemed to contain ice.
"This is Dean," he introduced, gesturing to Dean's tense form, "And his mate, Jade," he continued.
"You have brought a human into my territory," the Alpha snapped. He's my brother, and if anything happens to him…Dean trailed off threateningly. Alpha's eyes snapped to focus on Dean as they narrowed into slits. "Impossible," he muttered before regaining his composure, "I don't allow humans to know the location of my home, he must die," he finished with a degree of certainty that started a low growl deep in Dean's chest.
