Pulling into the driveway and shutting his truck off, Bobby stayed grounded to the seat. On the drive back home all he could think of were the what-ifs. What if he hadn't made it in time? He hadn't been in the woods at that time? The more he thought about it the angrier he got. But then the guilt would come rushing in. He killed a man. Had taken a life, when all his life he has just wanted to save them. Yet at the first threat to his family, he does this? Leaning back on the seat, Bobby took in a few deep breaths. The fear of losing control and shifting was getting to him.

Stumbling out of the truck, he fell to his knees. The burning in his chest was intensifying. With a low groan he crawled rapidly towards the back of his truck. 'Calm down. Calm down.' With another burning wave, Bobby muffled the scream. Reaching into his pocket he fumbled with the phone. "Pick up. Pick up dammit."

'Bobby?'

"I-I can't control it."

'Where are you?'

"Home." He clenched at his chest, growling at his claws growing into him. "Hiding behind my truck."

'Okay, okay. Bobby think about something. Anything that makes you feel good. Your pack?'

"Not working!"

'Your team?'

He focused on the best moments with his team. The constant teasing between Chim and Hen. The arguing and pranks. Their family dinners. Sensing his wolf calming down, he exhaled only to let out a howl of pain and fall to his side. "No!"

'Your wife?!'

Bobby laid on his side thinking about Athena. After losing his family he never thought he'd get the opportunity for another. He didn't deserve the chance. Taking a deep breath, he let out a shaky breath at feeling the animal settle down. The pain washed over him as if it had never been there. "It worked."

'It appears your wife will be your saving grace.'

Hanging up on the wolf, he braced himself up against the truck. Losing control has become more and more frequent for him. Every little thing would set him off. Once he was sure he wouldn't wolf out on his wife, he grabbed his bag and walked into the house.

"Athena?"

"Kitchen."

Dropping the duffel bag by the door, he practically jumped over the stairs and rushed into the kitchen. His first action was to kneel next to her and pull her into a deep kiss, before hugging her tightly.

"What's going on?" She chuckled. "Not that I'm complaining."

Shaking his head, he hid his face in the crook of her neck. "I heard about the woods. I was worried."

She clicked her tongue. "It was nothing. I'm fine."

His eyes landed on the screen of her laptop. "Is that why you're searching up wolves?" Turning the laptop towards him, he raised his brow. "What are you looking for?"

Shaking her head she reached for her coffee mug. "Just trying to make sense of something."

"What?"

Staring into his blue eyes, she let out a long breath. "Okay, but don't you dare laugh at me."

Bobby chuckled raising his hand as an oath. "Scout honor."

"The wolf didn't attack me because I shot, another wolf stopped it." She began. "Big black one. He killed the wolf and just like that completely ignored me. I know this sounds crazy, but I was surrounded by wolves. Yet they seemed to be..."

"Protecting you?" Bobby but back his chuckle.

Athena rolled her eyes slapping him on the shoulder. "What happened to scouts honor?"

"I was never in the scouts." Bobby stopped her from walking away from him. "I don't think your lying love, but what exactly are you looking for?"

"Anything that will explain their behavior."

Bobby frowned. "Wolves are territorial animals. Maybe it was trespassing? A lone wolf?"

"Maybe." Walking over to the sink, she busied herself with washing the cup. Not noticing her husband had sneaked around until his arms were wrapped around her. Yelping at being up, spun and sat on the counter. "Bobby!"

"Kids home?" Regardless of her answer, he was already nibbling at her neck. Moving one hand to the top of her blouse, undoing each button. All he got in response was a shake of the head. "Perfect." Getting her shirt open, he pushed it past her shoulder tossing it somewhere behind him. Continuing his assault on her neck his hand trailed down her hips and over her thighs and down to her ankles. Urging her to wrap her legs around his waist, he placed his hands on her ass and lifted her.

Athena gasped wrapping her hands around his neck. "Been a while."

"Hmm." Bobby was too focused on his affections to hear her. Carrying her into the bedroom he laid her on the bed, just as his phone went off. With a growl, he pulled the offensive item from his pocket. "Why do you hate me Hen?"

'Bobby, Eddie's been shot!'

"What?" He shot up. "Where is he?"

'They are transporting him to the general right now. Bobby, it looks bad.'

"I'm on my way." Running for the door he remembered what he had been doing. "At-"

"Go." She was already changing into a new set of clothes. "I'm going to head to the scene. See what I can find out. Let me know as soon as you find out."

Giving her a quick kiss, he ran out the door and into his truck. Speeding down the highway, he called Emilian.

'I am already at the hospital Bobby.'

"You heard?"

'He was on the phone with me. I heard the shot.'

"How is he?"

'I don't know.' Emilian's voice cracked. 'I-uh-I saw them bring him in, but he's still in surgery.'

"I'm almost there." Bobby winced at the prick in his side. The closer he got to the hospital the worse it felt. Shaking it off he rushed into the waiting room. His team sat huddled on one side, while Emilian and a few pack mates sat on the opposite side. "Anything?"

Hen shook her head. "No."

Seeing Buck covered in Eddie's blood was something he would never forget. "Buck?"

"Y-yeah?"

He tossed his keys to the youngest of the pack mates. "I have a clean shirt in the back of my truck. Bring it please."

"Yes sir."

Chim raised a brow. "You know them?"

"Emilian is..." He was aware of the reaction he could get from Buck.

"We're dating." The wolf grumbled.

Buck snapped his head up glaring at the older man. "Eddie didn't mention dating anyone."

"Wasn't aware you were part of it." Emilian growled.

"Emilian." Bobby snapped, getting the wolf to back off.

Seeing the glare the human was giving him, Emilian scoffed. "We need to talk." Walking them into the stairwell he checked to ensure they were alone. "This wasn't a random shooting."

"What are you talking about?"

"After Eddie was shot, two others were shot." Emilian pulled the text messages out. "They were all wolves."

"But Eddie isn-" Realization was dumped over the captain. "He was seen with you."

"I be-" The air was knocked out of him at his back his the wall. Opening his eyes he was met with blazing yellow ones. "Bobby."

"I warned you!" Bobby snarled. "I told you to stay away from him!"

"I can't!" Emilian growled at the hand tightening around his throat. "I already claimed him!" With the sudden loss of the hand, he fell to the ground coughing.

Bobby stood over the younger man. "You did what?!"

"It happened today." He ran his hand over his bruised neck. "It's not completed, he just bares my bite on the shoulder."

"So Eddie knows." Bobby scoffed at the nod. "You have no right over my team! You should have spoken to me first!"

"I bit him in the heat of the moment. I couldn't call you without ratting you out." He explained. "For the moment Eddie only knows about me."

Getting a text he pulled his phone out. "We are not done talking about this." Walking back into the break room, he spotted, Athena. "Hey."

"Hey, anything?" Getting a shake of his head, she walked into his arms. "He's a strong boy."

"I know." Taking a deep breath he inhaled her scent, only to freeze. Along with her scent was the low scent of vanilla. Taking another whiff, he turned to Emilian who also appeared confused. "You smell that?"

Emilian nodded. "It's Verena's scent."

"What is she doi-" Bobby was cut off by paramedics rushing in with a gurney. His eyes immediately took in the lifeless body of Verena. "Verena!" Rushing to the child's side, he scanned her over. "Verena?"

"Bobby?" A painful smile spread across her face. "Hi."

"Hi." Emilian appeared on the other side, taking her hand in his. Bobby saw the veins in the wolf turn black. At the same time, Verena seemed to relax. "Can you tell me what happened?" Locking eyes with the scared pup, he growled at what she mentally told her. "Don't worry, you'll be fine." Being pushed away, he stood watched until he no longer saw them. "Hunters."

Emilian frowned. "What?"

"That's what Verena said." Bobby turned to find his team's eyes on him. "Verena is your niece."

"What?" Glancing over his shoulder he huffed. "Alright."

"Bobby?" Athena approached both men, placing a hand on his arm. "What's going on?"

"That was Emilian's niece." Bobby hated the fact that he had to lie to her. Well, he didn't have to but he sure as hell wasn't going to tell her. Not now.

Athena's eyes darted between the two. "How did the shooter get to her?"

"She was with one of the firemen that got shot at the 146." Emilian answered. "Linda is the closest thing Verena has to mother."

"I'm sorry." Taking his hand in hers, she squeezed him. "We will catch him."

"Any word on Edi-" Bobby doubled over with what felt like a kick to the gut. Closing his eye he saw a red glowing light getting dimmer by the second. As the line snapped, he was hit with another wave. Another line appeared, a gray one. And like the other, it began to dim until it snapped harming him in the process. He was aware of the other calling for him, but they sounded so far away. With a loud gasp, he snapped out of it. Bracing himself against the wall, he glanced over at Emilian. "Linda?"

Emilian nodded. "Yes."

"And the other?" There had been two lines.

"Verena." The wolf stormed out of the hospital. He needed to breathe.

Bobby swallowed the lump in his throat. On the outside, he kept his composure. But inside he was going insane. His wolf was clawing in its cage wanting out. He wanted to him the bastard down. The son of a bitch that killed two of his pack mates. He wanted to yell. Hit something. Instead, he slid down to the ground and held his head. Verena was only a pup. A child that had yet to truly live. Her life was swiped away for being what she was.

"Bobby?" Athena kneeled beside him, running a hand through his hair. "What's going on with you?"

Turning his head towards her, he offered her a reassuring smile. "It's nothing. Just a bit overwhelmed is all."

"Captain Nash?" A young nurse walked out with two bags of belonging.

Bobby stood up with a confused look. "Yes?"

"Personal belongings for Linda and Verena." Handing them over to him, the nurse flashed his eyes. "I truly am sorry for your loss."

"Yeah." Grabbing the bags he took a seat once more. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the stuffed wolf in the bag. Pulling it out, he smiled. It looked a lot like her own wolf. The same wolf he had been running with just hours ago. As hard as he tried he couldn't stop the tears from flowing. The pain of losing her. 'Why does it hurt so much?!'

'The bond.' Emilian walked back in taking a seat next to him. 'We are all linked with each other one way or another. But you, you are linked to each one directly. Losing one is like losing a piece of yourself.' Reaching for the wolf, he fixed the upside-down nose. "She had renamed it."

"Not Balto anymore?"

He shook his head. "Captain Nash."

Bobby laughed. "Captain Nash?"

"Yeah, I had the same reaction. Something about you being cool." He scoffed. "Not sure she saw the same man I did." That got him a low growl.

Athena stood by Hen as she watch her husband and Emilian interact. Since she's known him cases with children have always affected him. But this was different. He reacted as if he was responsible for the child himself.

"What's the deal with Cap and Eddie's boyfriend?" Hen leaned in closer to her.

Athena shrugged. "Bobby said Emilian was an old friend."

"Did you check him?" Chim jumped in.

"Wh-why?" She glanced back at Chim. "Now why would I go vetting my husband's friends?"

"Because Bobby had never talked about him." Buck joined the group. "He suddenly shows up one night and doesn't leave? Besides, I doubt he's dating Eddie. Something is off about him."

Athena rolled her eyes. "Listen here, lover boy. You can't go around angry because you didn't man up before someone swooped him up. Bobby and I were aware of their relationship. I have come to know Emilian and he is a nice man."

"You knew?" Buck yelped. "Why didn't you tell me?!"

Athena scoffed. "Not my place."

"Not your place?" Buck sucked his teeth. "You could have told me if you wanted to."

"Buck-"

"Drop it." Bobby startled the team at his sudden approach. "Now isn't the day or time for you to pick at this."

"Fine."

"Bobby, I'll be back in a few." Emilian tried ignoring the glare Buck had on him. "Linda's family should know."

"I'll stop by later." Pulling his wife into a tight hug, he allowed himself to relax.

Athena sighed at feeling just how tense his shoulders were. The moment he relaxed she felt his weight pulling him down. His body practically begged for a rest. "Come, let's sit down." With his head resting on her shoulder, she was relieved at seeing him asleep a few moments later.

Hen looked up to see her captain sleeping. Snapping her finger she stopped the bickering between Chim and Buck. "Shush." Seeing what she was going off about, they settled down and allowed their Captain to rest. It was a rare sight to see and neither one of them dared break it.

Time jump: Days later

Eddie stumbled into the kitchen where Bobby was currently making breakfast. Athena was prepping the coffee, as both Meg and Harry set the table. After he was released from the hospital, Bobby practically kidnapped him and brought him here. Christopher was staying at Bucks during his off days and with Emilian when Buck worked. It was only until Eddie was given the clear by the doctor.

"Morning." Athena greeted him with a soft hand on his cheek. "How did you sleep?"

"Morning. I slept alright." Eddie took the coffee handed to him. "What can I do?"

"Sit." Bobby replied.

Eddie rolled his eyes. "I got shot in the shoulder, I'm good to set the table."

"I said s-"

"You can help Harry." Athena jumped in.

Bobby growled chocking on it at the look Athena gave him. "You want eggs?"

"Uh-huh."

Taking a seat to Bobby's left, Eddie grabbed his plate. "You have a shift today?"

Bobby shook his head. "Yes."

He turned to Athena. "You as well?"

"I do." Athena chuckled at the groan Eddie gave. "The kids are going to Micheal's so you will have to deal with Emilian for a few hours."

"He's not that bad." Bobby perked up at hearing a knock. Catching their scent he called out. "It's open!"

Athena frowned. "You not going to check who it is first?"

He winced at not realizing what he did. "It's Emilian and Chris."

"How do you know that for sure?" Athena raised a brow.

"Morning."

"Morning!" He was thankful for the distractions.

Emilian jogged down the steps, waiting for Chris to catch up. "Someone was very persistent in wanting to see Eddie."

Athena laughed. "Blaming the child are we now?"

Caught in his lie, he shrugged. "My version sounded cuter." Wrapping an arm around his waist, he leaned in to whisper in Eddie's ear. "So? We have the place all to ourselves?"

"There are cameras." Both males jumped at the whisper coming from behind them. "You keep your paws off him until he is fully healed."

Emilian rolled his eyes, pulling his arm away. "Anything else?"

"Yeah, don't touch my stakes." Bobby grumbled. "Other than that make yourself at home." Ruffing Chris's hair, he placed his hand on Eddie's jaw. "No excessive moving. I want you back sooner than later. When I come back I'll check the bandages. There are some leftovers from yesterday's dinner."

"I'll see you later boys." Athena kissed each one on the cheek, followed by kissing Chris on the head. "We moved the game console to the living room tv. There are some snacks in the pantry as well. I have to go." Giving Bobby a goodbye kiss, she ushered her kids out.

"Bye." Chris yelled after the trio.

"How about we see those snacks Athena was talking about." Picking the boy up in a playful manner, he ran into the kitchen.

"Thank you, Bobby." Eddie caught the man before he could leave. "Both you and Athena are doing more than-"

"I'm going to stop you right there." Placing his bag on the steps he walked back down. "I am sure you are aware of what Emilian is?"

"Yes."

"What I am?"

"He told me."

"Then you understand the value a pack mate is to us." Bobby said. "Eddie you are more than just a member of my team. I'm in no way trying to make a claim, but you're a son to me." Pulling him by the back of his neck, he hugged him. "I will always be there for you. If you get hurt, I'll take care of you. If you get lost I'll find you. Emilian hurts you? I will castrate him."

"I heard that!"

"Damn wolf." Pulling back he noticed the unshed tears. "You don't have to thank me for anything Eddie. I'm here and I am not going anywhere."

"Bobby?" Eddie grabbed his arm. Something inside him was telling him not to let go. To keep the man from walking out the door. But he knew Bobby. Even with a hunter on the loose hunting them, he wouldn't step down. "Please be careful, he's still out there."

"Don't worry nothing will happen."