Vee's POV:
Hunting on a full moon meant I couldn't use any gun related weapons. It would be too risky. Even hunting in another pack's territory was bad enough. But, I felt I had to do this on the full moon. If I was going to find that rogue then it would be tonight. But, I have to be careful because this isn't my pack's territory. If I get caught I will be in serious danger. They'll have rights to kill me without asking questions. I want to make sure I find that rogue before anybody else does.
The only thing the station gave me was a sedative I could use on the rogue if I crossed him. I strapped my own bow across my back along with a bag of arrows. I also had a change of clothes securing the sedative. The straps were spell-bound to adjust with my form. I could trasform easily while wearing the straps and they'd stay put.
The rogue's scent lead me across the borders of Deepfur's territory. This was the lycan king's territory. It was a larger pack that allowed other species to live amongst them. The King's treaty with other species kept us from being sold into slavery by superior beings. We back inferior species and they'll back us when the time comes.
Beta Matthew wants the rogue alive. He said he wanted to make sure the rogue is the right killer. Does that mean Matthew is suspicious of the rogue being the correct killer? Of course... Matthew has some brain cells left. He probably suspects the rogue wasn't working alone. How else would that rogue be able to come and go from our territory? Someone on border patrol is working with him. Someone is a traitor to the pack. Someone killed our alpha and thinks they'll get away with it. But, when I catch the rogue... him and whoever helped him will be executed in the town square.
Maybe it really was April's daughter. Josephine Cromwell probably is in league with that rogue. Even though she is way too weak... Maybe that is a good enough reason to recruit help from another rogue. If she really did kill her father... she deserves way worse then death.
Sometime past dark I found myself resting in a tree. The rogue's scent was present in the area. I took to the trees to try to musk my scent. My bow and arrow rested across my lap. I watched the ground for any movement. My heart was slow-paced. I was one with the tree. I blended like a tropical smoothie to fit the shadows surrounding the branches. He was closing in on the area. I could sense it. I sat downwind and cleched my jaws shut to prevent myself from chattering my teeth.
Suddenly... I saw movement. Two scents surrounded me. I felt my hair stand up on my arms. I could smell two rogues. Both familiar scents. The rogue I'm after was most clear. I've been tracking his scent for so long I felt my heart increase. My patience was finally paying off. I stayed still as I couldn't afford to give myself away. The other scent was recognized as the late alpha's daughter. Josephine was here.
So... they are in league.
I could hear the fast paws of the two rogues running at full speed. Like something was chasing them. I moved ever so slightly to pick up my bow and prepare for war. If I had to kill to get them both alive... I would. I aimed down where I could hear them coming from. The darkness still wouldn't allow me clear vision. I finally saw something.
A black rogue came into view. I hesitated as I aimed it down. My wolf spoke softly to me, 'That's the Cromwell daughter.' I knew it too. I never saw her as a wolf before. But, I couldn't mistake her father's signature dark coat. It was the same as hers. The dark coat was rare to this region because in dawn it would give you away. But, in the dark it was a great advantage. My eyes could see her dark figure only from the glow of her eyes. They were filled with fear. I could smell she was scared. I didn't know she's already trasformed. This will be good news to report to her mother.
April can start trainning her daughter... if Josephine is innocent.
Josephine was running from something. Not running with. I could tell from the sense of fear she let out. I froze still and solid. The rogue chasing her was the one I've been hunting. But, my eyes pierced his signature fur coat. The same coat only rumored to come from the rogue pack of the south. His brown fur came from that region as well as his peppered spine that was his father's look. It was a breeded odity. The rogue pack was also called pack Blackridge who held no alligeion to the lycan king. They were assasigns.
Jossie is being chased by her father's killer!
I aimed down the rogue and waited for Jossie to be out of the way before I shot him down. The arrow struck him in his shoulder. I promised Matthew I wouldn't kill him. I would keep him alive and report back immediantly. I'll find Jossie later. I can get local help if I have to. For now... I'll arrest this bastard. I watched Jossie run out of sight. Completely unaware of what happened.
The rogue trasformed back to his human state. His hair was almost the same color as his fur coat, a brown. I could easily mistake the brown for black, it was so dark. His eyes were a sea foam green. This guy had god-like features. Clear skin that was smooth and creamy. He didn't spend a whole lot of time in the sun. He was fit, as most werewolves were. It was better to be fit when you had to trasform between forms. It was extra weight that made you stronger in wolf form.
He snapped the arrow in half and looked around until his eyes met mine. I jumped down from the tree and aimed him down with a new arrow as I approached him. I took it slow. I knew Josephine was long gone and she wouldn't return.
"Do you like chasing innocent girls?" I asked him sharply. "Does it make you feel better about yourself? Killing people? Your kind makes me sick..." I growled. "Fucking rogue. Were you going to kill her next?" I shot him a second time in his thigh to make sure he wouldn't go anywhere. I stared him down in his eyes. He held back from screaming. As if he knew better than to give our position away to the nearby pack.
"I wasn't going to kill her," he growled out in dispeasure. His hands trembled as they touched the arrow in his thigh. I could see his wound closing on his shoulder. He was a fast healer.
"Better not," I warned him. "Or the next shot will be aimed for your heart," I told him. He moved his hands away from his thigh. "You killed our Alpha. I just caught you chasing after his daughter."
"What?" He asked in confusion. "I never killed anyone. And, I scared her I'll admit but I was chasing her only to protect her."
'Lies,' my wolf whispered.
I twisted the bow around and aimed it at his head as I struck him. He fell over in the snow. A wound formed from where I hit him and pooled out blood before healing over. "Matthew will be the judge of that," I muttered. No way was I going to report to April. At least not first. I'll report to Beta Matthew. He'll beat it out of this rogue exactly what he's been up to. I pulled out the sedative and preped the needle. I stuck his neck and slipped the sedative into his system. I fished around in my pants for my phone and sent a text to Beta Matthew.
[V] [I've captured the rogue alive.]
[M] [Good! Bring him in for questioning.]
[V] [Actually send someone to pick him up. I've found Josephine as well.]
[M] [Get to a secure location and text me your coordinates. Keep an eye on Josephine. I'll have back up on the way.]
I put my phone away. My lips parted in a smile as I buried the empty needle under the snow. I yanked the arrow out of the rogue's leg and tossed it from me. I picked him up and threw him over my shoulders like a sack of potatoes.
'Nyla, tell me where Josephine went.'
'To town. Follow her scent it will lead you towards the main highway.'
'Take lead,' I ordered.
My wolf took off away from my body. Her scent leading towards Josephine. Her spirit was in the air all around me. I couldn't let her confuse me. I have to keep an ear out for any unwanted attention. At least where I was going was downwind.
Matthew's POV:
I sat my phone down on the desk. The sound of it alerted a few of my pack mates as they looked my way. They were patiently awaiting for my signal they were free for the night. Usually I'd release them of their duty earler... but tonight is a full moon. I've been patiently waiting to see if Veronica will come through tonight and get us that rogue. And, she did. Not only that but she has visual on my niece. I cleared my throat and glanced around the room. Who should I send to assist Veronica?
'Zeke,' my wolf suggested.
My eyes landed on Zeke. He was an upcoming grad-student. First of his classes in the field of detective work. I should have thought of this sooner. Zeke was in his early twenties. With a dark almond tone for skin shade. He also had rare amber eyes. Something I haven't seen outside of wolf-forms. He was well-fit. Something that attracted people to him. He was adding his own fan-base with the female omegas of the pack.
Zeke was my daughter's childhood best friend. I thought of him like a son. He'd be perfect for this kind of mission. I couldn't see anything going wrong if I sent him. Zeke was in the department's uniform. He sat at a desk not far from me. He was was facing his computer but his eyes drifted away to the full moon outside. Like everybody here... he wanted to go for a run.
"Everyone," I said as I managed to grab even his attention. "You are dismissed. Zeke, see me at my desk." I tapped the phone imatiently. I watched as everyone left for the locker room. Zeke came up to my desk and gave me a friendly smile.
"Beta Matthew," he greeted as he lowered his head out of respect. "You wanted to see me?" He'd raise his eyes to look into mine.
"Have you met Veronica before?" I asked as I put my phone up in my pocket.
"She's a border patrol teacher. I've met her briefly."
"I ordered her to go after the rogue seen in our territory a few days ago. She's informed me she's captured him. But, she's also seen Josephine nearby. She can't go after Josephine until she sends the rogue back here. So, she's going to need someone to pick up the rogue. I need you to do it. Can you handle it alone?"
"Yes sir! A rogue shouldn't be much trouble." He nodded along to my voice.
"Take a van from out back. She's going to text me her location and I'll send it to you. You can pick up some drugs from the med-lab on my authority. The doctors will know what to give you to sedate the criminal."
"Yes sir. Should I remain there and wait for Veronica to capture Josephine as-"
"No. I don't think Vee will have any trouble getting Josephine to come home. The less of our pack in that area the better. We don't want to draw too much attention over there."
"Yes sir. I'll be fast and unoticed."
"Good. Get going," I ordered and held out a hand. We shook hands and I watched him leave for the locker room. I sat back in my desk and looked up at the ceiling for a moment. Shit... Now I need to inform my sister. I pulled my phone back out and dialed her number. I wasn't sure if I could get her to pick up. Not this late on a full moon. But, I got lucky and she answered.
"Brother, this better be good. I was about to fall asleep," my sister growled out. I could hear something playing in the back ground... violin music. She put me on speaker then. "Well... what is it?" She wondered.
"Vee's sent word... she's got the rogue."
"And, what about it?" She asked in a snarl. "This is what you've woken me up about?"
"She's also found Josephine. I've sent someone out to fetch the rogue. She's got orders to bring Josephine home."
"Well... finally some good news. I trust you know what to do. Now please... don't ever call and wake me up again! This could have waited for in the morning." I smirked as I let out a sigh.
"Yes sister. I'll come see you in the morning."
"Why on earth would you do that?"
"We need to discuss what to do with the rogue. Now that we have him we shouldn't just kill him. We need to make sure he's the last one coming in and attacking our family."
"I don't think a rogue is capable of telling the truth," she told me before hanging up. I frowned and sat back in my desk. I stuck my phone back in my pocket out of annoyance. What a bitch.
I heard footsteps from down the hall before a familiar voice hit my ears. My heart raced as I knew instantly who she was.
"Honey~ I brought you some stew. I wasn't sure when you're coming home," I heard my mate say. I glanced her way. She was standing at the entrance with a few containers of food. She glanced around the empty room and then at me. "What did I miss?" She asked in amusement. She came over to my desk and sat the stew down.
"Happy full moon," I said as I stood up and gestured for her to sit down. She plopped down in my seat and looked up at me happily.
"Did you know I was coming and asked the office to clear out?" She asked in an amused tone.
"No, you just have good timing," I explained. "I was about to head home myself."
"Did something happen?" She pressed.
"Yes, the rogue has been found along with Josephine. We're working now to bring them home."
I pulled open the container of left-over stew. It was still comfortably warm. She gave me a spoon and I dug in as I sat down on my desk. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I ate some. I was starved. I skipped lunch and dinner. Another container had bread and the last was a cheese cake slice. She was so thoughtful... this is why I love her. I leaned forward and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Thank you my dear."
"Can you make time for a run tonight?" She asked as she looked into my eyes with a begging tone in her own. I smiled and nodded.
"Let me close here and then we can go." I got down from my desk and was about to walk around and get things sorted but she grabbed my arm.
"I can turn off everything. You just focus on finishing those left-overs." I smiled in final agreement. I couldn't say no to her. I watched her leave me to find and turn off everything as needed. This wouldn't be her first time doing it. Being a Beta family meant we were used to shifts here at the police station. It was regular for me to stay late if something big like a rogue tresspassing happened. I should have released everyone earlier... I forgot tonight is a full moon. An essential time between all wolves and the moon.
'You should have reminded me,' I teased my wolf. 'Carol is probably silently mad at me.'
'She doesn't mind,' he promised. 'Your mate is too sweet to be mad for long anyway.'
Jossie's POV:
Father's voice echoed from downstairs, 'Jossie'. He called for me and it must've woken me up. Sometime between running back to the city and running from Casimir... I must have fallen asleep. Did I make it back to the motel? Did I change back human? I don't remmeber how I got back. I opened my eyes to find I was at home curled up in my velvet purple bed sheets. Tucked under my arm was a rainbow lama plushie. Was this a dream? I stuck the plush under the blanket for security before throwing the blankets back. I crept out of bed as my head throbbed from a morning headache. 'Jossie,' his voice echoed once again.
Why does this feel familiar? I walked downstairs and paused when I hit the last step of the staircase. 'Jossie.' His voice was there again. I couldn't help but to feel de-ja vu. "Dad?" I asked as I eyed down the kitchen. My heart raced in my chest. 'Jossie,' he whispered out. "What is it dad?" I wondered as I walked towards the kitchen. There is was again... I've done this before.
'Don't go in there.'
I should have listened to the warning.
I passed down the hall leading to the kitchen. I wanted to see what was there. The kitchen seemed to grow farther away. I kept walking towards it but never reached it. My feet began to ache and I had to pause as I came across the hall's decorative mirror. There in the reflection...
'Jossie.'
My mouth arched with a gasp as I looked at the girl in the mirror. My hair was done up with a fancy red bow to hold it together. I was in a silver cocktail dress. Red lipstick stained my lips. I was in matching high heels that stabbed the floor like needle work. My eyes shined my father's blue tint back at me. But despite my new features... I was holding a kitchen knife. No... no... this is not me. This is my sister.
'Dearest Jossie...'
My lips parted as I talked to myself.
"What did you do?"
The lights flickered on and off. On and off. On and off. The hall began to change to the kitchen. There in front of me the mirror changed to my father's appearance. He stood in front of me now. His blue eyes widening as tears filled them. He lowered his eyes to look down. I looked with him. His hand touched mine as I realized I was pushing a knife into his chest. I could hear a scream from the archway to the hall. My eyes scanned the empty space and found myself staring back at me. My screaming echoed.
'Bloody fucking Cromwell,' my sister's voice echoed in my head. "Why don't you die like dad?"
"Murderer," my mother's cold hearted voice fell faint in the back of my thoughts. It wasn't me standing in the archway. It was mother.
I didn't kill father.
My heart skipped a beat. A skip that woke me from my sleep as I coughed for air. I glanced around as I felt utterly lost. I recognize my surroundings. I was in the burrow again. I've been here before, that much I was certain. This is where Casimir left me. This is where I had my first trasformation as a wolf. I could smell blood. I could feel a cold draft from the entrance seeping down. I guess my nightmare will be postponed for another time. I'll ignore it again for now. I shivered as I glanced around for my clothes I left here.
Blood.
Everywhere.
I screamed and held my mouth to silence me. The smell of a rotton corpse hit me as I breathed in the scent of a dead owl. It was fowle and made my stomach turn. I quickly puked. Something came up and lodged in my throat. I began to struggle to breath as I stuck my fingers down my throat and pulled out a long feather. I dropped it on accident as my fingers trembled.
"Do you mind telling me what happened?" I asked as I waited for an answer. I could feel Jude's tired presense nearby. She was still waking up. I don't remember anything past asking her to take me back towards the motel. I got to my feet as I tried to steady my breathing. I was dizzy... dehydrated... I really need to pee. I watched my step as I collected my clothes and slipped them on. I feel like I made this my den last night.
Did something change my mind about going home? Think Josephine... what happened last night?
'Someone was following us so I decided to take over your body. I lost them amongst the snow. You fell asleep so I decided to make the night the most of it. I brought you back here for safety. We should be able to leave now.' I heard her try to explain.
'Take over?'
'Yes, I took control. You were very exhausted, Jossie.'
'Take over how?'
'What? How can you not understand? I took over your body like posession.'
I shivered at the thought of her having some form of control over me. It was a little disturbing to think about... I mean she made me eat an owl last night! I might serious go vegan if I get any of those memories from her.
'Did you recognize who was following me?'
'I thought I smelled Casimir but I wasn't positive.'
'What do you mean by that?'
'I just said I thought so but I wasn't postive, Jossie. Gosh, will you listen?'
We growled together at each other. I changed into my comfortable outfit I managed to save. I looked around and found a backpack with a few bottles of water inside. I took the bag and threw it over my shoulder before taking a bottle and started to suck it down. I started out of the burrow- having to eventually grow into a crawl to reach the surface. I dug my way out of the snow. The forest was still dark from the arctic hours. I felt Jude catch up to my side as I began to walk away from the burrow.
'Town is in the opposite direction,' she sounded like she was amused with me. I spun around on my heels and let her scent guide me as she got ahead. I made sure to be careful to avoid the burrow.
"Did you HAVE to eat a live animal?" I asked softly. I kept my voice low as I searched my surroundings.
'You rather starve?' She sounded amazed with me. 'We're predators, Jossie. You should get used to killing.' I winced at her voice. There's no way I would kill anything without a good reason... Why would I kill an animal when I could wait for my next meal when I get back home? I don't have to kill... and I wouldn't kill for fun period. 'Last night you were thrilled to chance anything for a snack.' I stopped walking as I balled up my fist.
"If that's true then I don't want to be a wolf anymore. I won't ever trasform again, Jude. If being a wolf means I will switch off my humanity and kill over an instict of hunger... then I don't want this!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. I heard a few hares run away from the sound of my voice. I heard Jude snort as she held in a laugh.
'You knew perfectly well what you were doing,' she told me. But, I couldn't believe her. It just doesn't sound like me.
"No I didn't!" I yelled at her. Although I couldn't see her I knew she was in front of me. I stepped through her strong scent and started marching away from her. I tired to think about what happened last night. I know I woke up in the burrow... I know I had my first trasformation... I remember something connecting the rogue and Casimir together. They were the same person? I think I was running from Casimir... I must've been running from him last night. I think I was trying to find the city and get back to Nathalie.
That's right! I was supposed to meet up with Nathalie last night because she wanted to help me with my first trasformation. I guess I let her down in some way? What if she went looking for me and didn't find me? What if she thinks something bad happened to me? Surely she would have smelled Casimir all over the front entrance of my motel room. Damn this is really bad... I'm making her worry! I wish there was a way for me to tell her I'm ok and I'm coming back now. "Nathalie must be so worried about me. This is your fault. You should have took me back to the motel. There's no telling what she's doing trying to find me."
'Jossie there was someone after us last night. It wasn't safe to go back to the motel. It would have just lead the hunter straight to our little safe place. This was a perfect way to hide away for the night someplace safe. Sleeping underground was an advantage to blind that tracker. I made sure to run him all over the place before slipping into the burrow for a night cap.'
"Sure," I growled. "But, I'm still mad at you."
'We seem to be getting off on the wrong foot...' she went silent.
The wind picked up and ran through my hair. I felt a shiver run down my spine as my hair hit my face. It was freezing out here above the ground. I wrapped my arms around my body. I could hear the wind howling like a wolf through the trees... it began to sound like an actual pack was out there. But, it was too early. They should be all sleeping right now. I tripped up suddenly and fell face first into a pile of snow. Something sharp cut into my legs and I realized I was caught in something... I picked up my head and turned over in the snow to look down at my legs. Rope was wrapped around my legs. But, there was no clear sourse as to how it got there. It was like it had been thrown towards me.
'Jossie,' Jude barked a warning as I heard footsteps approaching me fast. I glanced up at a large man coming my way. It didn't help he was wearing an extra thick fur coat. He towered over me like a giant. But, under his coat I could still tell he was built like an armory. He was a natrual red-head with beautiful freckles kissing his cheeks. His eyes were green like the grass from the southern pack. He wore a white fur coat to give off a more human approach... but I could smell wolf under all the fabric. His scent warned me he was of alpha-bloodline but he wasn't an alpha... maybe a beta? He was a little older then me, but I wasn't sure by how much. He was defintely... 'Deepfur's beta. Bow out of respect! He might pity us if you do. Then when the moment is right... we attack!'
'Do you have a bloody death wish?'
I asked her as I lowered my head to take some of her advice.
'He's a red wolf, Jossie. You cannot trust him.'
He knelt down slowly by me and slowly untangled the rope from my legs. He kept silent as he wrapped it around his hand and put it away in his pocket. "You're the missing daughter from Rabidcrest pack?" He asked quietly as he looked up for our eyes to meet. I blushed as I found him immediantly attractive. I couldn't help but to glance away before I fell in love with him. "I know you are."
"I am," I whispered.
"Are you staying somewhere in this pack's territory?" He asked and I could feel him looking my appearance over. It didn't feel like he was being perverted... just observant. Should I tell the truth? I have to tell him the truth... maybe he will grant me an audience with his alpha.
"Yes... I... please... I need to speak to Alpha Camren. I know who killed my father. He's somewhere in this area and he's trying to kill me next. I need to call my mother..." I trailed off as I dreaded that call. I don't want to go home. I know nothing will change when I do go back. It will only be worse for me. I won't have father there to protect me. I might have a wolf now but mother will still never accept me. I'm not a monster... but I am in her eyes. "I need to tell her so I can-" He nodded as he cut me off.
"Did he try to hurt you?" He asked as he looked for any injuries on me.
"No... he didn't hurt me... I got away from him. He brought me to a burrow last night nearby here... But, nothing happened. I ran away from him."
"So he kidnapped you," he whispered and looked worried for my safety.
"Yes," I whispered as I thought back on what happened. He really did kidnap me! That wasn't helping me... that was kidnapping me! I felt my breathing shake as I started to panic. I'm still in the same woods he took me to. He could be nearby plotting how he'll kill us. "He was here last night," I muttered as my breath shook.
"My pack's known about that rogue since he was spotted in your pack the day your father was murdeered..." he trailed off as he looked to be thinking. Well... looks like I don't have to give away Casimir's appearance. He's got that all covered. But, how would they know? Does Deepfur have spies in my father's pack? "Your Uncle put out a police report of your disappearance. We figured the rogue would come after you next. I'm glad you're fine but... he's going to come back to try to finish the job. We better get you someplace safe."
"What's your name?" I asked softly.
"I'm Beta Ethan of Deepfur territory. You're in good hands now, I promise." He helped me stand up. "I'll get you an audience with Alpha Camren. You can come back with me to the manor. The omegas can set you up with a warm bed. The security at the manor will be enough to protect you. My pack will continue searching for your father's killer. You have nothing to worry about now."
'Nathalie...' I heard Jude think in a sad tone. It rememinded me Nathalie is still worrying about me. I should find her first before anything else.
"Beta Ethan... I have to confess about staying here in the territory unnanounced... I also asked someone here that I find very special to... hide my presence from her beta and alpha's awareness." Nathalie might get in huge trouble for it... but it was bound to be exposed eventually.
"Don't tell me her name..." he trailed off. "But, if she's important to you then you'd only bring her up if you're worried about her."
"We were supposed to meet up last night... and that's when I got kidnapped... I want to find her and let her know I'm okay."
"How about you go back alone. Find her and let her know she has orders to bring you to the manor. I'll make sure she's pardoned for her crime. You can tell her that escorting you to the manor is her punishment for keeping silence about your presence in the pack."
"You're not coming back with me?"
"If the rogue is around here still I think it would be better if I take a look around... alone." He gave me a smile and I felt calmed down. I knew he could handle the rogue without help... I would just be an easy target. "Promise me you'll go straight to the manor," he warned. I nodded quickly.
"As soon as I find my friend and explain everything. It'll be the next priority on my list," I explained. He gave a small chuckle as he found something funny about what I said. I backed away from him and went to turn around and head in the direction I was first headed in.
"Goodbye," he said in a teasing tone. I heard him take off running like he was on a mission now.
"Goodbye," I said over my shoulder.
'Jude, he was really nice... how could you tell me to try to kill him?'
'What? Everyone knows not to trust a red wolf,' she snorted out as she went back to leading the way. 'But, he seems like an exception.'
When I meet Alpha Camren I am going to ask for asylum. I can't go back to my father's pack. The pack doesn't see me as a person... I want to ask to be granted permission to remain in this pack. I'll have to work on many reasons for them to want me here... But, it's a start somewhere.