We made our way outside and Samantha led us to the Northern side of the territory. She looked at me and smiled. “Want to try shifting in your uniform again?” I swallowed and nodded, at first it was difficult to do so as I had to time the expansion of my body with the natural elasticity of the deer hide, once the hide stretched to almost bursting, I had to start imagining the hide as a sort of second skin which would meld into me and grow with me. At first it felt really weird but after doing it a few times I got it down. Still, sometimes I miss judge it and end up shredding my uniform. As many times as I do it correctly in practice, every time I try in front of anyone I fudge it up. I feel my heart beat speed up as Samantha stood there waiting for me. “Would it help if I turned around?” She offered. When I didn’t answer she smiled and turned around anyway. She slipped on the backpack and fastened it securely aro

I gripped my mate, fear washed over me. “Is...is he?” I couldn’t even finish the sentence as I sobbed. Even though me and Jake didn’t get along well growing up he was still my brother and I loved him. Samantha rubbed my back. “The doctors have him, they are doing the best they can.” She stifled a sob also, “It turns out Vi is his mate, damn Goddess and her curveballs.” She leaned back and looked me in the eyes. “But this is great news! Their mate bond will help his healing.” She wiped the tears from my face. “Daren is getting Lily and letting her know, I’m going to go and call your parents. You want to wait down here?” I nodded. I need to be here in case something happens. Samantha smiled at me. “It's going to be okay, Sweetie.” She brought my forehead to hers and I could feel her love for me flood our bond. “I’ll be back soon, I promise.&rd

We started to walk towards the hospital, Samantha stopped and turned to me and my brother. “Christopher, could you do me a huge favor?” I looked at her quizzically as Chris answered. “Uh, okay?” “Could you mind link your parents and ask to leave your brother’s room for a few minutes?” He looked shocked but nodded. After his eyes refocused, he looked at her. “Okay, done. Can I ask why?” Samantha growled. “Violet refused her medication again...” She turned and walked past my parents who were leaving the hospital, slightly confused. My eyes go wide as I hurry behind her; Chris following me. She marches to the end of the hallway, and I can feel her anger start to increase. As we reached the end of the hall, she slammed the door open. “What the hell!!!” She yelled. I cautiously looked in

Two days later the trackers finally called back in. They tracked the rogues west into Tennessee before they doubled back and ended up near Asheville. They were forced to stop and considering the circumstances Samantha told them to return. They found a smaller group of them and over a dozen hostages. Samantha ordered them to be returned to the pack. We will be expecting them soon.   Elder Alan was emailing the Council of Thirteen to alert them of what happened. He was not expecting much he told me, as the Council prefers to let the individual packs settle attacks from rogues and other werewolves. They normally only intervene when it involves vampires or witches or something that concerns the royal family.   Samantha feels a lot better now, and the doctor says I can resume my silver regimen tomorrow. He also was extremely irate that we shared a kiss that caused me to pass out. Again, he made us both swear to come in for more bloodwork and test

Sometime later we are all gathered in Samantha’s office; my parents, Chris and Laura are also here, we are going to be transferring Jake into our pack. This time, Violet is showing me exactly what files are needed: paperwork and basic background checks. She tells me that if we are bringing in someone from a pack we don’t usually deal with the process takes longer... we need to know exactly what the other pack is like to be sure we are not bringing in a mole. There are other safeguards in place and that involves a strict interview with Samantha, Violet, and the petitioning wolf. I couldn’t help but notice that Samantha kept the desk between her and Jake the entire time, and she had to replace her gloves when she went to shake his hand. I sighed, I hope she doesn’t have to wear them a lot... I hate that she has to hide that part of her from others. She once offered to stop wearing the polish for a while, but I insisted she keep it on; it&rs