Hogs and Haystacks

Teddy’s POV

I always enjoyed cruising the open roads. It gave me a sense of freedom that I could never achieve as an Alpha. As the leader of the Grave Hounds biker gang; the atmosphere was more relaxed. I could party as much as I wanted; and cause as much mayhem as I felt like. Screw rules I scoffed to myself as the wind buffered my face.

“Hey boss!” My second in command shouted from beside me. Normal people probably couldn’t hear a voice over the hum of so many Harley’s; but most of the gang were rogue werewolves who did not want to be tied down by a pack.

“Yah, Chip?”

“The next town over is Richmond, and Bertie’s bar is there. We should stop and make camp here for a good time.”

“Great idea, I’ll call the alpha of the area and let him know to expect us so there is no trouble.” I hated politics- but sometimes it was needed; especially to keep my gang safe. “You all ride ahead, I’ll pull off here to gas up.” I held up my hand with my middle finger and my thumb out, signaling to the gang to follow Chip. I pulled to the right and slowed down for the gas station. It was only half full; but at least I would be good to go all the way to the destination.

If I remember correctly, I mused, it’s Alpha Scott for this territory. I took out my simple flip phone and searched my contacts. Most of my gang laughed at the sight of my phone; but I did not care. The Nokia could last almost any wipeout I had on my bike- so the joke was on them for their delicate smartphones.

It has been four years since the last time the his gang had been through this territory, so hopefully Alpha Scott was still amicable with them stopping for a while. The line rang a few times before a deep voice answered. “Alpha Scott here.”

“Hey Scott; it’s Theodor Grave- leader of the Grave Hounds”

“Oh, Hey Teddy- what can I help you with man?”

I sighed and relaxed. I guess we left on decent terms last time, good. I thought to myself. “The gang and I will be cruising in; and want to stop and recoup in your territory for a bit if it’s alright.”

Alpha Scott did not answer right away, making me tense again. After a few seconds, Scott finally spoke. “Same rules apply as four years ago, man. No shifting in city limits, no causing public nuisances, and one week is all you got.”

“One week? It was a month last time we strolled in there.”

“Times are changing Teddy- the humans start to get suspicious of people with more strength than them. Plus there is a pack war going on right now. My people are antsy with outsiders at the moment. I can tell you the moment any of your gang steps out of line; you’ll have to move on for the sake and security of my pack.”

I cringed. This is why I hated packs. Always fighting over the stupid shit like land and hunting rights. But I could understand it for this city; lots of green spaces surrounded by farms with a few nature preserves and lots of woods- all with a decent city to boot too.

“I get the message man, I’ll pass it to my men as well.”

“See you at your bar then?”

“Sure; you’re more than welcome to party with the big league Scott.”

I hung up the phone and gassed up. Hopefully my gang followed orders this time around. Lately they had been burning bridges left and right with law breaking and stirring up trouble. Alpha Scott was one of the few places they could turn to now and, although they all preffeeed the open road and nomad lifestyle, it was nice to stop every now and then too to enjoy more modern amenities. I mounted my Harley and kicked it into gear; Richmond, here we come, I thought to myself.