The sun was just coming up over the horizon when we left for Linnea's. I was afraid that Jake might of done something to my car but didn't see anything that was obvious to me. Truthfully that wasn't saying much since anything past a flat tire stumped me when it came to automobiles.

"I'm sick to death of these things! I have no feeling left in my armpits because of them. Plus, if Jake is still around I want my hands free."

She said simply as she looked around cautiously for any sign of him before crutched out into the crisp air.

"Joann..."

"Don't, Joann me! I fuckin told you a hundred times that fuckin asshole was a psychopath and all I got was was told to mind my own business. Now I find out he's not only a fuckin' psychopath, but a damn werewolf psychopath at that, who's likely going to kill us both. That alone is bad enough but does this shit ever sink into that damn head of yours? Fuuuuck no! You turn right around and start start fuckin his wife. Did you run out of human husbands? She is just as much as a fuckin-"

I grabbed her arm before she could finish the sentence pulling her back towards me. Talking shit about Jake was fine but I'll be damned if I was going to let her talk like that about Nancy. She didn't know her. And she as shit didn't know what she's been through.

"Ouch, that hurts!"

"Good! Don't be talking about Nancy like that. You don't know what the fuck you're even talking about!"

I let her go taking several deep breaths to calm myself down as I made my way to the car. I was going to help her but if she was going to start that shit she can get to the car on her own.

"I don't know what I'm talking about? I don't know what I'm- Are you hearing yourself right now? I think you better check your hormone levels, sister, Nobody with predominantly estrogen hormones would say something that god awfully stupid! Have you already forgotten what just happened?! I sure as hell haven't!"

Great! Now she was on one of her high and mighty trips again. That was all I needed because I really didn't have enough to deal with already.

The early morning hour was kind to me at least. The drive down East Fork heading into Langhurst was practically deserted. Not that there was ever many on the old road but considering that I was driving around forty in a twenty-five mile zone, it didn't hurt.

Joann couldn't seem to make up her mind about anything. One minute she was acting like we should declare war and the next, wanting to know everything about them including if fairies were real. Well... besides me anyways. That helped ease some tension somewhat but I still wasn't sure how she was really handling it.

Joann tossed her phone in her purse just as we got on the highway in langhurst with a scrunched up face.

"I still can't get ahold of mom and dad. Typical of them. She calls me ten times a day and expects me to jump every time yet the one time I try to call, I get ignored."

"You can't say anything to them, Joann. I mean it! The less they know, the better."

She crossed her arms displaying her displeasure but I was sure she knew I was right. Still, they should be told to stay away from Jake.

"Was it Jake who hurt you before?" I glanced over to see her shift uncomfortably in her seat. She still didn't want to talk about it but really, if not now, when?

"I- I don't think so..." she said almost to herself as if thinking back. I let out a breath of relief, ignoring the throbbing pain that came with it, that she was finally starting to open up. The last thing I wanted was for her to close up again.

"It was similar in fur color but a little lighter brown. Smaller too, and with green eyes I think. That's really about all I remember. I was just trying to get away, not get a good look at it."

If it wasn't Jake then maybe he had someone else do it. No doubt now he was capable of such a thing. The whole thing was giving me a headache and I really couldn't see anyone else who'd have a reason.

"Holy shit!"

We weren't ten miles out of Langhurst when Joann gasp scooting further back in her seat as her eyes were glued to the hills on our left. It took me a couple seconds to spot several wolves running together. With the tree cover I wasn't sure how many but it had to be over eight of them easy. It had to be Ashley as no other pack would be so close to her place. Maybe Jake but after what happened last night and Joann shooting him this morning that seemed unlikely this soon.

"What are you doing?"

Joann asked as I hit the gas and switched lanes to get off the highway. Now wasn't the best time to confront Ashley but she owed me some answers. I couldn't understand how she could do such a thing and now Jake had declared war on me and Joann, not just her.

"Getting some answers."

About five minutes later We were at Ashley's. As I turned and headed up the dirt road we could hear them yelling and celebrating which made my stomach turn. Death wasn't something to celebrate. While I didn't pretended to know Ashley well but this was just barbaric.

She stood naked surrounded by about a dozen others. Like her, most of the others were nude as well, showing off cuts and other injuries while drinking beer. Ashley's parents stood out for being two of the five who were actually dressed. Her father, stood towering over a grill cooking breakfast as, her mom appeared to be bandaging one of the members.

"Oh my god..."

"Don't start with that again. They're naked after switching back into human form. I guess clothes aren't made for shifting."

I said parking the car as several of them started towards us. I took a deep breath hoping to conjure up some nerves as none of them looked happy to see me including Ashley. Waiting a second for the pain to settle down I couldn't help but notice Joann wasn't freaking out nearly as bad as i would of guessed. Not that i was complaining or anything.

"I told you last time, you can't be here. We're at war with your pack. Leave now!"

Ashley spoke in a raised voice as she made her way quickly towards us followed closely by several others. She looked like something out of a fantasy graphic novel with her long hair dancing to her steps. Cuts and dried blood covered her body making her appear more feral than before.

Kevin looked somewhat conflicted but I knew he wouldn't save me this time. Good thing I didn't want it.

"What the hell did you do?" I yelled getting out of the car. That was a big mistake as a sharp pain went through me like electricity causing me to grab the door to keep my balance. This seemed to soften Ashley a little only to disappear a split second later.

"I did what I had to. I don't expect you to understand but war has been coming for awhile now. He's been boxing us in for years. He always had the stronger pack so there wasn't anything we could do but Just try and survive. Thanks to you telling me he's no Alpha and with Nancy out of it I saw a chance to strike back, so I took it. He would never face me one on one like a real Alpha which makes sense now, but it didn't leave me much choice. I'm sorry you're caught in the middle of it but that's just how it goes! My concern is with the pack, not you or anything else."

She grabbed my arm pushing me back towards the car. "Now get the hell out of here and don't come back. While your at it tell your mate to stay the hell out of this. This no longer concerns her and she will only cause more problems getting involved."

I almost lost my balance when we heard the passenger car open.

"Get your damn paws off her!" Joann yelled. Me and Ashley both looked in her direction caught off guard by the sudden outburst. Ashley wasn't really hurting me but I was glad to know Joann had my back.

Ashley quickly obeyed for reasons Ididn't have a clue to as Joann crutched her way over to us. What did she think she was doing? This is only going to complicate things.

"Joann, get back in the car! We're leaving."

I told her just as several others moved towards her from behind Ashley. I scooted around putting myself in their way fearing what might happen next. They weren't happy about me showing up last time and they looked even less so now.

Ashley stood as if paralyzed with her mouth slightly open at the sight of my sister as I grabbed Joann arm and pushed her back. A young looking guy with a shaved head that I hadn't seen before grabbed me and pulled me towards him leading me to pull JoAnn off balance and fall in return.

A terrifying growl caused him to let go just before Ashley crashed into him, pinning the guy to the ground.

I turned to Joann who no longer seemed that anxious to confront Ashley as she backing away as fast as she could manage with the crutches. She was already about five feet past the car her wide eyes locked on Ashley

"Do you think I'm so weak that i can't handle two injured humans? I heard Ashley drill him reminding me of Nancy when she loses her temper. I felt a little sorry for the guy. I know how scary it is.

" No, of course no, Alpha. I-I just thought-"

"Don't ever do that shit again!"

She ordered furiously before getting off of him and going to help Joann. The other pack members moved back having changed their minds about whatever they had been thinking.

"Don't be frightened. They act tough but it's only because of what's been happening. Jake did this to you?"

Ashley's voice was far softer as she helped Joann carefully get to her feet. Her voice was soft without even a hint of the anger just seconds ago. It was only when she mentioned Jake's name it poked its head back up for just a moment. I had expected Joann to push her away but to my dismay she didn't. After seeing Ashley upset I was glad she didn't and instead, let Ashley help her.

"No,I don't think so." Joann answered in a voice that suggested she wasn't fully here with us.

"Well maybe he didn't put you in the hospital fighting for your life but he might of done far worse this morning if you hadn't stopped him."

I told my sister sparking Ashley's curiosity "You did?" She asked her raising a brow

"Umm, not really. I just did what I needed."

Ashley seemed to enjoy the thought but I was glad she didn't push for details. Not to mention her more talkative attitude. Perhaps Mr. Skinhead did us a favor.

"He's desperate. I don't know what will happen next but the two of you can't be around when it does. Joann should stay here. She's not claimed yet so there's no issue. You, Crystal, are. And should be with Nancy till this is over. I don't know what she's thinking letting you stay at your trailer."

In almost a calm rational sounding voice that betrayed what she just said. What made her think I'd leave Joann here even without everything that's happened? I shook my head as I tried thinking of the politest way to basically fuck off as there wasn't a chance I was going to agree to that. I didn't overlook the fact she still had a grip on Joann after all.

"A friend already said she could stay with her so there's no need but thanks for the offer. Besides, Nancy wouldn't let anything happen to her."

"She already did!" Ashley said in a slightly raised voice hinting that she was struggling to stay calm. "What "friend" is this, the welp at the bar? It is, isn't it? It's clear you don't know many of our kind and she's the only female aside from Nancy there. Having her stay with a human would only add to the casualties when he goes after her. I admire her loyalty but she'll be no match for Jake and his other members. And if I can figure this out, he will too. She will be safe here especially if his pack remains without an true Alpha, they're weak. Go get Nancy, show her a good time, there's some great concerts I hear in Seattle, and everything will be fine."

I was speechless being unable to think of what to say. I looked over to Joann who was being awfully quiet for the first time in her life hoping for some back up. I didn't get it.

"I'll stay. I missed so much work already, I don't want to miss anymore. I couldn't make the drive back and forth every night like you do and I want to be nearby for mom and dad."

It was official, my sister had completely lost her damn mind. Did she forget these... they're killers? Jake May be an asshole but that's no reason to kill others and he said four was.

"They Just murdered four werewolves!"

I blurted out unable to keep it in any longer. I was worried the others might perceive it as a threat yet none of them dared to even look in our direction afraid of what Ashley might do.

"No! We fought, and yes, some died. I get that you don't understand everything right now we operate by different rules. None of them would have hesitated to kill me. I'm sure some of them will try soon."

Ashley's temper was clearly returning to her voice at my accusation. She stepped between me and Joann pointing her finger at me as she spoke. I was at a total loss on what to do. None of this was anything like I planned. I didn't have one when I stopped here, but if I did, it damn sure wouldn't be leaving Joann with them. I let out a sigh facing defeat

"You sure about this, Joann?"

"About as sure as i can be. Staying with complete strangers isn't something I foresaw myself doing but... what other choice is there, going to the cops? Crystal, we would be locked up in rubber rooms." She said with a small frown.

I didn't like it but it was her choice. So I headed back to Lakeside alone.