Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Backpack Novels & Stories

Dawn came too quickly. I woke to find Daren already up, dressing in his combat gear. Black tactical clothing, reinforced with light armor. Twin swords strapped to his back. He looked every inch the deadly warrior. "It's time," he said when he saw me awake. I got up and dressed quickly. My own gear was simpler—dark clothes, my dual daggers strapped to my thighs, a knife hidden in my boot. The listening device Elena had given me was back in my jacket's hem, ready to record whatever we encountered.

Dave leans in to me. “I wish they would just date already.” He whispers to me. I laugh again. Meanwhile back at Pale Moon Pack Dawson’s POV I walk out to the clearing for my scheduled meeting with the Shadow Pack. I have brought a small amount of warriors for security. The moon is high and casts its light all around us. I see a few figures in the shadows as we approach. One man walks to the middle to greet me. He has long black hair, and his eyes are jet black. He looks like a wild animal. There is a scar on his cheek, making him look even more abnormal.

(Aurora's POV) The black ceremonial SUV rolled smoothly to a stop in front of the Silver Pine Trading Post. Night had fallen over the territory, the stars peeking through the trees above. As the pack enforcer stepped out to open my door, I caught the fresh forest scent that always clung to Master Ashwood's establishment. Eva Dawnrunner exited from the other side, her notebook clutched to her chest as always. She'd been unusually quiet since Alexander had appeared at the council meeting this morning.

The news was on, showing a local business update. There was Derrick, sharp in his suit, standing next to an older man with silver hair at some corporate event. The caption read, [Shaw Group's Chairman, with his son Derrick, stepping into the limelight for the first time...] On the screen, Derrick's once ravaged face had healed significantly after treatment. A layer of foundation made him look almost presentable as he offered a smile to the camera. Next to him was a young woman, her attire impeccable, her demeanor refined. The host introduced her as the heiress of a partner corporation.

My sunlight. "Ready?" Her voice was calm, but her knuckles were white where she gripped the strap of her small backpack. Inside, I knew, nestled beside water and energy bars, was the compact Glock 26 I’d insisted she carry. My own Beretta M9 was a familiar, heavy reassurance against my ribs beneath my jacket.

On the island, sitting alone in the spotlight of the under-cabinet lighting, was a large cooler and some brown paper sacks. Finnegan peeked inside a sack. “Dad,” he murmured, shaking his head. “Protein bars, dried fruit, jerky and are these brownies?” He looked at Leela. “Damon Blackwood packed us lunch. The world really is ending.” He hoisted the cooler with one hand and grabbed the two sacks with the other. “Come on. Out the back.”

I had no use for any of that, so I didn’t even bother with the mountain of jewels and trinkets in my own safe upstairs. I put the cash into the top flap of my camo matching backpack; it wasn’t a large amount, merely five thousand, but it would buy provisions on my travels. I also found a pack pass. Now this was invaluable. It identified me as a non-violent representative of a peace pack. The Council and Royal Courts issued them to embassy representatives on official business or blessed packs. It allowed us safe passage through the Royal Court-affiliated packs. I was not to be imprisoned or harmed as long as I held this pass. I put it in the side cargo pocket of my pants, as I would need it h

I reach up and take the bag down. Inside are two handguns–which were my dad's, and some money. This is my own personal bank. But I only need the guns and ammo. Luca joins me. “You’re aware that this is probably a trap, right?” I load the guns and put extra ammo cartridges in my pockets. “Luca, I don’t need to start a war, and I don’t really care if it’s a trap or not. I just need to get Dawn back.” He reaches out and takes one of the guns. “Yes, we do.”

It now had a battery pack. I nodded slowly. "Did you... check... my bag?" I rasped. "No, I wasn't going to stick my nose where it didn't belong." She searched the backpack, found the bag of diamonds, and nodded. "Yes... that should do nicely, I think." After putting the gems in her pocket, she came back to my side. "I'll have to wait a day or two, the patrol I need to ask only comes through every few days. Then... it'll be a few more days before they return with what I need. You have to hang in there and keep fighting. Promise me you won't give up?"

As they unpacked the helicopter, Dakari noticed a backpack wedged in the corner of the little cargo area. It was old, and filthy, and had the stench of the dragon lair on it. He called to Paolo and his team. “Did anyone grab this bag from the caves before we left?” He questioned. Each man shook his head, looking just as baffled as Dakari. “I had this area pretty packed when we left home, with all the blankets and medical necessities. It had to be put in there while we were down with the kids.” Paolo advised.