Kierra

I can smell them before I pull into my drive. Red Wolves. Not that they overly stink or anything, they're just giving off a lot of excitement and nervous energy. It's mostly spread out, but most of it's coming from the direction of my home.

Called it.

Xavier tenses beside me, Kani behind me, so I can just imagine what it's like in the truck. I look over to him, eyes steady and calm, almost indifferent.

"This will either work or it won't. If things do go south, hold back till I figure something out."

They both nod. Pulling up just behind my shed garage holding Zypher's bike so Shade’s massive vehicle can pull in and over to the other side of the 'yard', Alarico and his wife are making themselves comfortable in the chairs on my front porch while a few others are idling on the railings. I reach out to the others in the truck in my head to ease them down as well. Bastion has fallen asleep, so I ask Shade to take him in. Little guy is exhausted.

Stepping out of my jeep, I nod to them, recognizing some from the bar. One in particular stands out, the bouncer who'd taken a beating from the two Vamps in front of his place. He'd looked pretty messed up at the time, but now he doesn't look that bad. Standing on his own with his arms crossed.

Recall Ava and Orion saying that sleeping with other animals will help heal faster. Guess he was in a puppy pile at some point. I cock my head and smile at him, his badass visage totally ruined by his slight blush.

Aww, how cute.

"Comfy over there Rico?"

The Alpha smiles, his face actually looking younger, more relaxed than when I first met him. Even Lucia doesn't look so tight-assed. Guess their run earlier really did do them some good. Now that I look for it, he also has that same pull that Gabriel has, but either his is weaker or the Gray Alpha is just that freakish. I get the door opened so Shade can get my Imp to the couch.

"He alright?"

I smile at his concern and look into his green eyes. So startling against his darker Hispanic skin tone.

"He is, just exhausted from all the running around he was doing at a friend’s."

His head inclines.

"If a cat comes running out, catch and hold him for me, please. Don't want to have a very bad misunderstanding from one of yours eating my baby."

The Reds around my home smile, snicker, or chuckle, all except the grumpy witch, who keeps her face averted from me. Fine by muah.

Everything grocery wise is handed down and taken into the house. Dressers go directly to the basement while the file cabinet is set next to the desk. Maii gets food put away while I haul in my canvases and stack them in my room. Clothes get spread out, much to the receivers’ surprise. That makes me smile.

New sunglasses are set on the bookshelf closest to the door, hopefully, in a 'remember to grab' spot. Xavier makes a pleased sound when he pulls out the body pillows, the sound makes me laugh. Those and the new blankets are also taken below, the laundry spread out to the owners and sketch pad with school supplies are stacked on the coffee table.

Bastion's heavier clothes are put on Faline's bed for now so he can see them when he wakes. When Maii is finished stuffing food where it will fit, I hand him the pad. His smile is so bright that I fear for my heart. I get an awkward hug and a bowed head. Alarico smiles from the doorway, holding a very thick briefcase.

"That what I think it is?"

He nods. Taking it, I set it on the cabinet. The very reason it was bought was for those files. Missing people dating back at least fifteen years. The only thing really saddening about it right now is that I have no real direction to go in to start working on them. More than likely the ones over a few months old are probably dead, the more recent will hopefully hold out till I can get to them.

"All your wolves here? Bar closed for the night?"

"Not closed, but in good hands, and yes, all are here."

Including him and his wife, that means I now have fifteen Red Wolves on my land. Now if they were only actual red wolves, it'd be cause for celebration since that line is almost extinct. These ones however aren't nearly as celebratory.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure each has their own merit, but until I see it, regard will be withheld.

"Want to bring them in closer? Need all animals to know another’s scent so no conflict arises. Hopefully."

Maii joins all of us outside, but signals he'll stay behind with Bastion when everyone else goes for the run. Asking if he's sure gets me a nod and smile. Not sure why he wants to stay behind, and won't know unless he tells me, which he won't do since he doesn't speak.

Out of fifteen wolves, only four are female. Including Lucia. An uncommon number for real wolves, not so much for Weres. Don't suppose that means women are smarter by staying away from the animals, does it? Nope. Just means that the ones living are very strong and resilient, even if they do mellow out after becoming a wolf. That didn't happen in my case, thank God.

A few of them are already on four feet, but most are on two. While all get a feel for another, I explain the same rules I gave Alarico. Don't care if they piss, but trying to lay claim to anything is a nono. Can hunt, play, howl, run, dig, stand on their heads, whatever, but Asher's house is to be left alone. If they feel the need to claim anything, the house I gave Rico and its surrounding area is the place to do it. If any problems arise I want to know of them immediately.

If by chance a human or other is spotted, a warning howl is to be given before any type of approach is made. I look to each one to make sure they get it, all getting antsy and fidgety. Once my point is made, I smile and tell them to shoo.

Clothes start flying. Most are barefoot, but a few have shoes. Any vehicles must be parked at the other house or further down my road at the dead end. I turn and go back into the house, all my guys having anxious energy coming off them as well.

"Well go ahead, you know you want to."

A smirk crosses my face as the brothers and fox start stripping right on the porch. Nudity and animals pretty much go hand and hand, it's only by my wishes that they don't traipse around my home in the buff. Kani would probably faint if they did. Just the picture in my head is hilarious, but I keep it to myself. Isn't until I go further into the house that I notice Xavier isn't following suit with the others.

"Now of all the people here, you are the one I'd peg to drop his clothes first."

I get a tilted head in answer, amber eyes glittering at me while his hands move to his shirt in response. Aww, hell. Looking away resolutely, I go to my room. Piercings are removed, boots taken off, and clothes shed, all while thinking of what I'm going to have to do with that damn dire wolf at the preserve.

Once more standing in front of my mirror, I bring the changes forth slowly, really taking the time to feel them happen. My spine elongates while flesh and fur flow over it, the long length flicking behind me as I watch. How many times as a kid had I wished to have a tail? Bones move and shift under my skin, being done slowly and on purpose almost painful as some bones break and reform, magic numbing any pain that would be extreme.

I watch as my legs mould anew, the bottoms of my feet hardening with pads while claws grow in. Fur blankets over my body in a wave, chest flattening while my ribcage reshapes. Seeing your insides move around and press against your skin is quite weird, moreso when feeling it. Isn't until you focus on it that it starts to become nauseating.

A sound at my door has my yellow eyes flying to the reflection of it. The maned wolf doesn't seem to be keen on patience. Can hear the howls outside, the sounds of play. A long-legged, reddish-brown canine behind me locks his eyes with mine as I continue shifting. I look back to my reflection though as my face morphs; the whole process is creepy and beautiful at the same time.

Arms are transforming so as I lower myself to touch down on four feet. Silver fur settles over me, lengthening to a longer winter pelt. Summertime is going to suck major ass. House will be covered in shed fur. The heat also will not be pleasant.

Shaking out my coat, I lick my muzzle and stretch my toes. Power flowing through me fills my veins with its own heat. There's a humming in my head that I can't figure out till I click on the voice. Yellow eyes settle on pale brown ones in the mirror. His raised black mane sticks up as he walks towards me, large ears perked forward. A dark snout noses along my face as he continues his inner singing.

It's when I headbutt his shoulder that the raised hair along his spine settles. Can feel his smile in my head, so I turn and exit my room. Not sure why I have a door when it never seems to be useful.

I check on Bastion, then go to Maii and nose at his ears, getting returned rubs to mine as he smiles. I ask him once more if he's sure he doesn't want to come, he points to the drawing pad. Sending him a smile, I head towards the front door and the Dogdeer.

My traitorous cat makes his way to him as well, coiling around his legs and purring. Don't think I ever have to worry about him running off while Xavier is here. Have to nose at the cat to go away while laughter sounds in my head.

Maii opens for us and we head out. To my surprise, Shade, Zypher, and Kani are waiting, as are a couple of the Reds. One's a female with red and gray fur, lighter markings around her lips and eyes. Eyes that are several shades paler than the maned wolf’s. Believe her name is Emily, and her tail waves as I approach. The other is male; the bouncer who I had berated for getting injured while not calling for the help of his packmates. He's favoring a leg but hiding it well.

What really becomes annoying is the two white wolves and tiger-striped red fox falling on me like a bunch of puppies. Licks to my muzzle and small chatters from Kani. The two reds look unsure but come over and follow suit.

You know that comical expression of a canine with ears splayed to either side, a look of harassment on his face? That is my face right now.

Nipping at each one’s nose in turn, I dart to the side and take off. Don't go as fast as I would normally, but get into a ground eating lope. The others spread out around me, fox close and darting over objects. Kept my pace slow on purpose both for him and the injured wolf behind me. I lead my group to a larger clearing where I then initiate play with each one, racing both Shade and Xavier around in circles.

Shade is faster than his brother yet not as fast as me. One I have to beat is the long-ass legs of the Dogdeer. I cheat though, directing Kani to dart around his legs and tripping him. I leap forward and pull past him, my laughter in his head as I tease. Going to pay for it I'm sure, but it was so worth it. I move to dance around the bouncer who I’ve yet to get a name from, as it isn't needed out here, and I don't ask. Emily takes up the dance with me, prancing around the male who looks a little put out.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Kani using Zypher as a springboard, the red shape coming at me fast. Turning, I jump out to meet him, wrapping my body around his as we roll over the ground. Small chirps and whistles come from the smaller canine, stating that that wasn't fair. For that, I trap him beneath me as I do with Faline. Both of us facing the same way though, if I don't want her at my ass, I sure as hell don't want him there either.

The only thing sticking out is a flailing red tail as he tries to pull out. He gets help as two white wolves come in at my side, using their noses to flip me off. Laughing, I get back to my feet, but flick my tail out to knock the fox over again.

Bounding away before they can retaliate, I run right into a rock. That's what it feels like anyway as I fall back onto my rump. Shaking my head, I'm then looking at Xavier who had planted himself firmly in front of me. I bark at him, which has him starting up his high pitched talking. His eyes glitter at me in merriment, payback for his getting tripped. The others take up joyous cries as well.

Standing myself back upright, I nip at his shoulder scruff. He does that nibble thing after burying his nose into mine. Raising my head, I sing out to the sky.

Most emotion is kept to myself, but I spread a sense of warmth and camaraderie with my voice. The ones around me join in, then from all over by the other Reds. It's a wonder that no one ever comes by to check out what the sounds are from, howls being heard from several miles away in each direction.

We're out for a few more hours, just running and playing. Creating bonds. I wonder if Emily knows that the male bouncer always on her tail is in love with her.

Other Red Wolves join in whenever we're stopped in a clearing. Even Alarico and his wife eventually show up since the rest of their wolves are with us. It's a good thing he knows I'm not trying to steal his Pack away. I don't take offense to those who don't greet me, even though Xavier and Shade will shoot looks in my direction. From being locked up for so long, the Reds have quite a bit of energy.

While I settle on a bed of pine needles under a tree, I watch them all. The Red Alpha and his mate don't really play as much, but they re-establish wild bonds under an open sky instead of a concrete cage. I send both him and her my happiness for them, so they come over to me. Touching noses with each one before they go back out to join the others.

No dominance display, just a showing of acknowledgment to the other being there. I stay out of Lucia's way, letting her be the lead female of her clutch. That's just fine. Her trying to pull rank on the other females is what irks me. She seems to have a real issue with Emily, baring her teeth whenever she gets close. Have to bite my tongue to stay out of it. Kani settles in at my side after a while, curling up and watching them as well.

Xavier hasn't strayed far, the other females are able to get him to play with them for a short while, then he comes back and plays guard dog. Shade and Z also stay close, but still interact with the others. Which is good since they'll be working together at some point.

My attempt to get the maned wolf out and about with the other females doesn't work, whispering to him that they want his bod. He sneezes and shakes his head, but avoids looking at me. Can tell he wants something from them, but apparently not as animals. Just hope he doesn't try for Emily, who's still getting followed around by the larger male.

My heart sinks a little when I see the shape of the moon. It will be full soon; another week or so. Kani looks at me, having felt the difference in my breathing. Stretching out my forelegs, I lay my head on them. A pang hits me when I think of Asher. I hope he's safe.

We're out for another half hour before I announce my return home to Alarico and my group. The Alpha looks at me and inclines his head, whispering his thanks to me as his wolves continue to romp around. Sending him warmth and a smile, I turn and head home.

Tell the guys they don't have to return right now if they don't wish, but I get a sense of tiredness from them all. It’s been a long day and they'll only get longer. Here's to hoping we'll have the stamina to keep up with them in the times to come.