Time to Leave

                Aricka’s alarm went off and she grabbed her phone to turn it off. Ugh, she didn’t feel like she’d slept at all. Then she remembered the dream she’d had. It had felt like it would never end and it was just getting stranger and stranger as it went on. Crawling out of the rather large dent in the mattress of her bed she groaned as she felt the stiffness of her back muscles. She felt old and just worn out like her mattress. Going to her laundry basket she took out some clothes to wear for the day. It didn’t matter what came out she wasn’t going to the library this morning as she only worked during the week days and this was Saturday. Though she had to work the dinner shift. The shower called for her and once she’d found the hot water which was always a hit or miss thing in this building. Aricka was able to enjoy it for a few minutes as you only had a short window of opportunity before you either froze or got burned. 

                Once dressed and still drying her hair she went into the kitchen to get herself a cup of tea before waking up Evan. Just as she was settled at the kitchen table with her tea and the morning news on her phone there’s a knock at her door. Wondering who that was she gets up to look out of the peephole.  There she sees a blond man holding up a bag of take out and smiling at her. What the….?

                Opening her door, only a little,” Yes?” She frowns at him wondering if he got the wrong door.

                “Hi, I’m Jeff Bandor, Beta of the Black River Pack. Gregory sent me to help you out.  Let me in please this is getting cold.”

                Aricka slammed the door closed as things in the dream came crashing in on her. Oh my god! It wasn’t a dream.  That’s the wolf from outside the window.  The one with the spot around his eye! What to do? What if other things in that dream were real? Could she trust them? Looking towards the small hallway that led to her son’s bedroom Aricka sees little Evan sleepily walk out of his room still in his pajamas. “Mom I know you are freaking out but Jeff is fine to let in. Uncle Greg wouldn’t send him if he didn’t trust him and he’s here to help us move. Now open the door for him. Please. You’re insulting a wolf shifter. Does that sound like a smart thing to do?”

                “Hey kid I’m your Mother. Rude much?”

                “Mom you are a realistic person. Yeah this seems weird to you but to me. He’s my people and we do need to leave today.”

                “It’s my job to ensure you are safe and provided for and loved. How would I be protecting you if I just let anyone in? And what is this I’ve taught you better manners than that what gives?  You are seven years old and you don’t talk to adults like that.”

                “Mom your Beta is at the door asking nicely to enter and he carrying.” He sniffs the air. “McDonald’s! Come on let him in and this can all be cleared up. Please Mom. I’m hungry and that smells good. He’s got lots of hash browns.”

                “Beta? What are you talking about? Never mind, this is all too out of this world.”

                “Okay, then if you won’t do it.” Evan sighs in frustration and then calmly walks over to his mother and pushes her gently away from the door. Then quickly flings the door open. “Hi, Jeff come on in. The kitchen is over there. By the way, Mom’s having a panic attack again so don’t mind her. We can talk as we eat.” The small boy says all this so calmly and matter-of-factly that Jeff breaks out laughing.

                “Well good morning to you too young pup but I agree with your mother. Yes, you did correctly but you went about it all wrong. I think you might want to apologise to her.” He drops the bags he’s carrying on the table and begins taking the food from them. “I’m sorry Ms. Daniels this is highly irregular for all of us and not how we work normally. But we can discuss it as we eat. Please breakfast it ready and I didn’t know what you drink or eat so I brought a selection.  Anything left over I can give to the crew outside.”

                “What there are people outside? Why?”

                “Because there was another attempted attack last night. Though we were in the area and our presence made aborted it.  Where’s your TV? I should make sure it didn’t hit the news.” Looking around he quickly realized there was no TV in the living room.

                “I don’t have one I get my news off my phone.” Aricka blushes with embarrassment at having to explain this.

                “It’s not my business and I am sure you have a very valid reason. I respect that.” Aricka hesitantly goes to the table and sits beside her tea.

                “Okay, I believe one of these is tea. Yes, here it is. Milk and sugar are in that bag there. Pup I have here a chocolate milk and an apple juice. Which one? We can take the one you don’t drink with us in the car for the ride to you new home.”

                “Apple juice and pass me a couple of those hash browns please!” Evan was practically jump for join in his seat.  Jeff smiled at him indulgently. “One to start and there are eggs and pancakes in the container there. You have more hash browns after you eat all of that.” Then he winks at a stunned Aricka.

                “I got you a breakfast sandwich and hash brown combo. I hope that is okay.” Jeff looks to her as if silently looking for her approval.

                “Oh… oh yes. Sorry… thank you.” Then he sits and starts eating his own meal. After a few minutes he starts the conversation. “I am truly sorry that we have to meet like this. Normally we would never approach anyone like this but the circumstances are highly unusual and extremely time sensitive.  I am sure you have seen the reports on the news of the animal attacks. They weren’t coywolves, they are the criminal element of our people and we are responsible in dealing with them. We are working on it now, but your son it seems is a real go getter and a little to sneaky for his own good.  Normally pups aren’t strong enough spiritually to enter a dimension we call the dream realm, but Evan here is an exception to that rule.  He not only went into the dream realm which is dangerous in and of itself; he hunted his uncle down and while on that hunt he spied on a group of rogues in the area.  Courageous but not smart pup, but I am glad you are safe.  Anyhow, it seems they have somehow found out about you and Evan.  They are hunting for both of you. Now I will say this carefully because the pup doesn’t need to know the gritty details.”

Evan smiles through a mouth full of food. After swallowing he puts his fingers in his ears and repeats “la la la la la” rather loudly. Aricka smiles and rolls her eyes.

“Fine. They are trying to increase their numbers and they will do it anyway the can. They are most likely kidnapping women to do this. But you are an easy score with a high reward. Not only can you give them pups, but you already have one and are what they crudely say are a proven breeder.”

“What’s a breeder?”

“That Evan you don’t need to worry about. All you need to know is they aren’t good people and they don’t have good intentions. Now eat your breakfast please honey. Fine I believe you and with all the insanity of the last few hours and with so many details confirming the crazy things I dreamt I’ll play along for the sake of keeping my son safe. Is this a temporary thing or not? How long will it take you to get these rogues under control? Rogues is the correct term?”

“Yes, rogue is the correct term and thank you I was scared we would have to get you out of here kicking and screaming.  Which is never an enjoyable prospect. Now it’s not just the rogue issue though that makes it necessary to get you to a safe location. The pup is in a very bad situation.  Our culture has very strict rules of how we live and interact with each other and those of the mundane human population.  Any who try to live outside of those rules are declared a rogue and are strictly controlled. If too many rogues exist in an area it’s not unheard of to purge them and when I say purge, I mean it in the more permanent means.”

“He means they kill them Mom.” Evan says between bites.

Aricka frowns at her son. “Thank you, hon, I got that and I am not liking it.”

“Rogues usually don’t follow the rules of either the mundane world or ours. Think of it this way.  They have powers that mean they can do what they want and they won’t get caught by the police and they just don’t respect the fact that we keep ourselves quiet for the safety of all.  We don’t want to be victims of science or the military. We don’t want to be hunted on mass. But many rogues don’t agree with this stance.  Some in the past have wanted to rule the whole world and this is what our Alpha is trying to prevent. If he can’t then we will be forced to get the North America Leaders involved and that’s never good for a pack. It makes them look weak.” Jeff stops talking and eats a some of his breakfast before continuing his explanation.

“But Evan here is the nephew of an Alpha and you the Alpha’s mate. Before you panic, I’ll explain that mate business in a bit. If you were just anyone it would not be as bad. We probably would have kidnapped Evan and put a secret guard on you so that you didn’t have to deal with our ways.  Yes, I know that is horrible but when you have a human mother how are they going to deal with a teenage pup suddenly turning furry with huge claws and animalistic instincts? How is the pup to deal with it without any guidance or even understanding what is going on? You pup will have to explain to me later how you figured out as much as you know now.  Also how is the mother to survive in a world where she is a walking victim? It’s not the best outcome but one of the few where we don’t have to face anyone having to be killed or an accidental death. We usually try to find the women a mate but more often than not it doesn’t happen.  You on the other hand have a mate.  Which in this case comes with its own complications but it will help in the long run because it will keep you both together.”

Aricka wasn’t sure one way or the other. Was this truly a good thing or not? “Now what is this mate thing? I have read a few novels on my lunch break so I at least understand the concept. But please enlighten me so we can make sure we are both on the same page.”

“It’s really not my place I only mention it so you understand how complicated this all is.  But I will try to explain as best as I can. It seems the pup’s father lied to you and went through a fake marriage for unknown reasons.  Evan’s father was your true mate’s brother. Technically, Evan should by rights have been Gregory’s son. Now if Gregory was an evil monster, he would be within his rights to kill Evan. But he isn’t a monster and I would not put it past him to claim you both publicly to the pack. I am more than just his Beta. We grew up together and are best friends. I can tell you he already feels protective of you both. If that doesn’t ease you mind, I can let you see the seventeen text messages of orders and inquiries he has sent me. Come to think of it I should send him one confirming you both have eaten. Now that you are done eating why don’t you go get dress pup and I will ease his mind by sending that text?”

“Sure. I’ll pack a bag too. I don’t want to forget anything.” Jeff chuckles.

“Just pack what you don’t want to leave behind. I am sure Aunt Hilda has been on the internet this morning ordering things for you both. My aunt runs the day-to-day of the pack’s main house. Think of her as the Den Mother of all of us.  Once you are settled into your place she will most likely stay on as your version of a Beta until I find a mate. Which she’s been bothering me to find for a while now. Sigh but mates don’t just knock on your door one morning if you know what I mean.”

That’s when Aricka finally realized he was trying to show the human side of all this and that it was already planned for them to just step into it. She was going to have to get over her fear and learn the ins and outs of the relationships and culture. It was all so overwhelming yet oddly comforting.

“Now I think you should pack a few things too for both of you. You won’t need much but if you can’t live without it then take it.” He watched Evan disappear into his room with a fist full of clothes. “Now we need to make you both disappear. I’m sorry but it has to be this way. There won’t be time for goodbyes or resignation letters.  I’ll need your phone and most of your ID.  We will get you new ones within the coming days. But they are all ways to track you.  I also need a list of all your bills and financial responsibilities so that we can pay them off and close them out.  You won’t be needing them where you are going and they are another way the rogues could track you.”

Aricka put her empty mug into the sink and turned to look at him with a stunned expression. “They would seriously do something like that?”

“Let me guess you were thinking greasy biker dudes in a serious need of a shower for rogues. No, they hide in all levels of society and the smarter ones have risen to the level of being able to use the internet in frightening ways. I figure the only reason they didn’t find you yet is that you probably don’t have much of an internet footprint.  It’s also probably why we could not find you or the pup before now.” Aricka cocked her head and hrmph-ed conceding that he had a point.

“Yes, I can see that. Alright, I’ll write out all the financials. There aren’t any. Then there’s Evan’s school, my jobs, this place and that’s about it really.” She took a small pad and pen from a drawer in a small side table by the couch and then sat at the table and began to write a list of things. Checking her phone periodically for account numbers and contacts.

Looking at the list he saw the reason why they hadn’t found the pup in the school records. He wasn’t listed as Evan Daniels.  He’d be registered as Richard Evan Daniels. “Why did you not put his full name in the letter? We tried to find him in the public school rolls.”

“For that reason. I wanted you to know he existed but I didn’t want you to try and take him from me through the courts. I didn’t want to be dragged through and treated like I was a money grabbing, bad mother. So, I omitted a few things. I know it was petty but necessary in my opinion.”

“I hate to say it but you may get some back lash for withholding him from the pack. Some will see it as a slight against them and a danger to him. Coming willingly at least will be a point in your side of the issue though.  Some will see Evan as theirs and you were effectively withholding him from his proper place within the pack.  I say this just so you are prepared for the reaction of others when you encounter them.”

“Well that’s it. The keys are hanging up on the hook by the door and this is my phone.  What are you going to do with them?”

“I’ll send them on to Terry, Gregory’s personal office manager and she’ll do all the paperwork and get everything settled and a new ID and phone package sent to you if it’s not already waiting for you. She and Aunt Hilda are really good at things like this.  It’s scary really. Okay, Gregory just sent a text saying he’s five minutes out. I think you should gather your things now.”

Jeff had been kind and seriously understanding. Kind to Evan and her but he didn’t waver from what seemed to be his job. He was good and even though everything was spiralling out of a fantasy novel he kept it down to earth and didn’t pretty it up. “Alright, I have a few things of Richard’s I want to take, but are you sure the wedding was fake?” That kept coming back into her head.

“Yes, we could not find any papers filed with the government about your wedding and your name was not on the condo’s lease. No one in the area could tell us who you were either. It was all so strange and you just seemed to have disappeared.  We kept waiting for you to come looking for money, but you never did. I’m really sorry but Richard was what you call a tortured soul that was greedy to have power and position. I was sad seeing his jealousy over his brother’s position but he was. He also hated me for becoming Gregory’s Beta and not him. But he couldn’t see how he didn’t have the pack’s best interests at heart. It just would have been a disaster in the making sadly if he had been Beta and everyone knew it. He got so desperate that he even challenged Gregory for the leadership of the pack in a formal challenge. Usually it’s to the death but when he lost Gregory chose to banish him from the pack and declared him a rogue. Richard ran immediately and disappeared.  Gregory would have left it like that but their parents are on the North American Ruling Council and they were forced to save face by signing an order for Richard to be hunted down and killed. It was all such a mess. Gregory still has a strained relationship with them. It was almost a relief when we were notified that he had been murdered. But that even came with its own complications.  The investigation is still ongoing but seems to have stalled because we can’t seem to get a break in the case.”

“Wow. I knew he had issues with his family and who they were but I didn’t realize it was that bad. I wondered why no one from the family was there and he didn’t want to introduce me to any family.  I didn’t even think about his business contacts. He kept his business away from me but we didn’t know each other long before we married. Or what I thought was married.”

“Well we will have to talk about this later Gregory is almost to your door.” Why was she so nervous suddenly.

“You never told me about mates.”

“Too late now he’s here and he will have to tell you about it.  It’s really a good thing believe me. I am so happy that he’s found you. He needs your grounding influence, but you didn’t hear that from me remember.” Smiling Jeff gets up and opens the door. “Hello Alpha. We are just finishing up here and are almost ready.” Jeff stepped far back and stayed well away from Aricka as Gregory all but stormed into the apartment.

“Good but we have to speed it up. On the way in here I caught the scent of at least two or three rogues in the lobby. I think they are going through the building but they are starting on the upper floors.  Where’s the pup?”

“Right here can I get some help? Please!” Evan came from his bedroom dragging an over stuffed duffle bag and backpack.  “There are three strange guys in the parking lot out back too. Are they your men Uncle Greg?” Gregory quickly moved to the living room window and looked out.

“Luckily yes they are. We should leave through the window.” He opened the window and tossed something at one of the men. He easily caught it and the unmistakeable jingle of keys was heard. “Bring my SUV around and call in more reinforcements there are rogues in the upper floors I want them captured and questioned if possible. If not then dead.”

“Yes, Alpha Understood. Right away.” He ran off while another pulled out a cellphone and started a phone call. These men were huge. Aricka could not see her son becoming one of them. He was so small. These men could not hide in a crowd. Too tall and too gorgeous. They gave the words eye candy it’s meaning. Any one of them could have worked as an actor, model or exotic dancer for that matter.

“Aricka look at me.” Gregory’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “I am the only one you should be looking at like that dear.”

“What? No, I was just thinking about Evan being as large and… well beautiful as them. Will he be as big as them?”

Gregory laughs with the clear sign of relief. “Probably larger if his dream realm wolf is any sign. He needs to grow into those ears and feet at some time.  His human form will reflect that so never fear he will be formidable when he is grown.  You will be able to be a proud wolf Momma my sweets.”

Aricka looked at him cock-eyed, “Laying on the endearments a little thick there Gregory. Mind you don’t go too far or it’s going to get sickly sweet fast.”

“He will be an alpha when he’s grown and we tend to be built on the larger size.  At least you now have an in on all the clothes that are made to fit a growing boy like him. It can get expensive dressing us especially when we first start changing forms. But we can talk about that later. The car is here and we have to leave the hard way. Give me the bags and I will toss them out first. Jeff block the apartment door, will you?”

“Oh it.” Jeff went and pushed a dresser that they used to keep mitts and hats in, in front of the door. “That should give us time.”

“Alright pup out the window now. Blake will catch you. Aricka you are next, mind your head.” Jeff came next and finally Gregory. He left the window ajar so that if the super checked later he could get into the apartment without breaking down the door. The enforcers had already loaded the bags into the SUV and Jeff had had the forethought to pack up the food and drinks. He passed the bag of food off to one of the enforcers and got into the front passenger seat with the drinks. Gregory had even stopped at some time and bought a booster seat for Evan. Aricka watched as Gregory made sure that Evan was properly secured before jumping into the driver’s seat and took off.

The last thing Aricka saw was the enforcers climbing into the living room window of her old apartment. Silence reigned in the vehicle for a good long while. Then Evan piped up, “Thank you Uncle Greg we really did need this.”

“I would have been here sooner but your mother was too good at covering her tracks.”  Gregory didn’t smile or look back. Aricka got the impression he wasn’t impressed with this nor happy about it and she’d be hearing about it at another point.

“I’m sorry but where are we going and how long will it take to get there? I’m just curious.”

“A few hours and we will be on pack lands.  Since we are leaving the city it shouldn’t be too bad but there’s still some traffic on the DVP.” That wasn’t surprising as this was prime morning rush hour. You’d think there wouldn’t be rush hour on the weekend but this was the heart of a major city and it never sleeps.

“Are there others my age there? Will I be able to make friends?”

“Yes, there are others that are all different ages. You are going to have to make a place for yourself though. This is a pack not the school yard. Everyone has a place you just have to find it. That can be easy or hard it’s up to you and how you handle yourself. Show no fear and stand your ground when needed, but be smart about it. Then you will earn respect and find your place.  You appear to be a smart outgoing pup and very aware of those around you.”

“Oh, can they be mean? I hate mean.”

Jeff laughs, “Pup you are heading into a wolf’s den full of a pack of wolves. You will get some resistance but nothing I don’t think you can’t handle.  Just take it easy and do something similar to what you did with those rogues and you’ll be looking at being in Gregory’s position when you are an adult.”

“We shall see. Aricka when get there you and I are going to my office and we are going to have a talk. I have someone setting up rooms for you and Evan. However, understand this now because there will be no argument. I am in no state to deal with rebellion.  Your room will be part of my suite. It is connected to my room. I do not want you wandering from there until I can deal with my pack.  You are technically an unmated female and at risk of a forced mating by any unmated males.  Once I have made my intentions clear you will be allowed to move about inside the pack house but you will never be alone with any male.  Is that understood?”

“Understood, but what are your intentions?” Aricka gives Gregory an uneasy side look.

“You are mine and you will be my mate by the time we are done.”

“Really and do I have an option in this?”

“We will discuss that in my office when we get there. This is not a subject to be discussed with the pup in ear shot and I don’t want the distraction while I drive.” With that he dismissed the conversation and focused on driving back to the pack house.  Aricka looked out the window and watched the scenery go by.  If nothing else it was very green out there.

Jeff turned on the radio and the SUV filled with music. Evan knew many of the songs and sang along with them happily swinging his legs.  He bounced along with the music for quite awhile.

A little while later Jeff passed out the drinks, he had brought with him and then sat back and slowly sipped his own coffee grimacing at what Aricka could only assume was its lack of heat. 

Time creeped by before Gregory started repeatedly looking in the rear-view mirror. “Jeff look in the side mirror and keep an eye on the beige Toyota. I don’t like how long they have been behind us.  I’m not sure if they are just driving on the highway on the way to their destination or if they are following us. But that is not one of our vehicles.”

“Okay, I see three maybe four males in that vehicle and no luggage by the look of it.  All of them are staring straight at us in a very serious manner.  Nope, I don’t like it at all. What do you want to do?”

“Make a call and have someone get out here and investigate it.  If they are rogues then bring them in for questioning. If not just make it sound like a routine traffic stop.”

“I’ll call Freddy he should be on duty right now. He can arrange it quickly.” Jeff picks up his phone and makes a quick call. Giving a vehicle description and its licence plate number.  About five or so minutes later an OPP car glides onto the highway and pulls the car over.  After that a second one pulls up and then the SUV was too far away. Twenty minutes later Jeff answers his phone, “Yeah? Uh huh. Okay, thanks for reporting in. I’ll pass that information on.  Good work.”

Jeff hangs up and turns to Gregory. Informing him, “They have captured four rogues and will drop them off in the holding cells this evening and there the rogues can wait there for your convenience.”

“Very good.” After that it was quiet again in the SUV and they approached a high wall with a large set of gates that opened automatically as the SUV approached.