I woke up to the sun shining through the bedroom window. Nancy was spread across three quarters of the bed with her face in the pillow. Seriously, how could she even breath?

I sat up and slipped on my slippers and set out on the quest of coffee, peeing, and food. Okay, maybe not exactly in that order. Nancy didn't even move as I got up, some werewolf she is.

Dobby was laying right at the door causing me to trip over him yet again.

"You stupid Mut! When are you going to learn not to do that? He only tried jumping on me for a response which actually hurt seeing I only had a thin shirt and panties on. His claws were relentless.

"Go wake Nancy up and leave me alone. Go on! Go on! Go get Nancy!"

He finally got the hint and took off into the bedroom at a full speed.

"Ouch! Shit! What the hell? Dobby get down! Dobby! Crystal!" I heard Nancy throwing a fit causing me to laugh to myself.

"Good boy"

After going to the bathroom I peeked in JoAnns room and was struck by guilt at seeing her queen size bed empty and untouched.

"Fuck! What did I do?"

I said to myself pinching the bridge of my nose. I didn't think Ashley would do anything to really hurt her but still... it was a rather large risk. Not to mention Dan. Did Ashley have any reason to spare him? My mind wasn't coming up with anything.

"Fuck! What did I do?

I cooked me, Nancy, and because I was feeling especially bad cooking in JoAnns kitchen without her being her, Dobby pancakes and sausage. Dobby acted like he was in seventh heaven. Enjoy it while it lasts...

By noon I was getting worried as I still hadn't heard from her despite the several messages I sent so I decided to head to Langhurst Realtors and look for her there myself. I could also pick up Nancy's Ford at the same time.

Just before one I pulled up outside of JoAnns work and I released a deep breath when I saw her at her desk typing on the computer.

She looked up as I walked through the door sounding the bell attached to it with despair in her eyes.

"Are you Alright?"

She only nodded before returning to the computer. I swallowed looking around for Dan but he was nowhere to be seen. Just a couple other women typing away on their computers. One was the receptionist and the other was just outside of an empty office near JoAnns The place always had a minimal of staff but it seemed understaffed even more than usual today.

"Where's Dan?"

"I had to let him go."

The way she said that told me it was something serious but she wasn't offering up details.

"What's that mean?" I asked shutting the door to her office and taking a seat in one of the two black chairs in front of her desk.

"Ashley showed up right after you left. It wasn't pretty."

"Did she hurt you or Dan?"

"Me? No, not really. She just yelled a lot and threw a fit scaring the shit out of me and just about everyone else around.

"I'm going to-"

"Leave it alone, Crystal! I'm fine, okay? She didn't hurt me but I really don't want to push her anymore right now."

"What about Dan?"

She shook her head, "He's gone."

"Gone? She didn't kill him, did she?"

"I don't think so but he got chased out past the old mine with her savages biting at his heels. She terrorized him! Maybe I shouldn't of been all over him like that but he didn't deserve that.

I-I really don't want to talk about it. Ashley made me fire him in order to come in so I guess he's still alive.

"You guess?"

"Yes! Damn Crystal, what part of I don't want to talk about it don't you understand? Now can you leave so I can get back to work? I also won't be needing a ride later."

I couldn't believe this- well actually I could. She's been so hot and cold lately it was hard to keep up.

"Fine! Whatever, JoAnn."

And with that I walked out.

——-

I was grateful and a little taken back that Nancy didn't really say much about Jason returning. I did step past my authority so she did have a right, even if misguided.

"You're the one who fired him, not me."

I could tell she wanted me to go into detail on why I changed my mind but telling her the real reason would only resulted in a headache so I just told her it was because of Linnea which she accepted easily.

Afterwards Nancy decided to swing by hers and Jake's place to pick up some things so we headed there. It was kinda weird because Jake had never allowed me to go there out of fear his wife would find out.

"You're fine. If he's here, I'm not responsible for what I do." She gave me a quick peck on the cheek before unlocking the door.

I heard her take several sharp deep breaths as she looked around with a disgusted look.

"What?"

She shook her head as she took in the living room and kitchen with a disgusted look.

"Nothing I didn't expect. Help yourself to whatever, I'll try and not take too long."

Clearly something upset her but I saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Nancy headed upstairs while I lingered looking around. It was a large modern house with black N' White theme. Almost all the furniture was black or a dark stained wood. They even had black and white photos of country singers up and a checkered floor in the kitchen. Now Nancy was far from the most feminine women I've ever met but the place seemed far more Jake than Nancy. No wonder she started staying at the bar. Even without his affairs.

"When did you start steeping at the bar?"

I asked not sure if she was close enough to hear me.

"Ohhh... I don't know. Maybe a couple weeks before we met? Why?"

"It's not very colorful. Seems more masculine but the bar is always really dark. I was just wondering."

Werewolves see better in the dark than humans, that's why I keep it so dim. As for the decor here... Jake always had terrible tastes.

"Geez thanks."

"Every rule has its exceptions, and you are very much the exception. I love seeing you around."

I heard her footsteps take off leaving me with a huge smile on my face. She said the 'L' word. Granted, love seeing someone isn't the same as being in love with them. ...or is it?

I went into the kitchen and was taken back by how stuffed their fridge was. Most of the time I'm lucky if there's mayonnaise in mine. Thanks to JoAnn it's been more stocked than usual but nothing like this. With nobody here it was a lot to waste which was a perfect excuse to help myself to some cheese, sausage and a Starbucks iced coffee.

I grabbed some crackers and made my way out to the back patio where a large pool and hot tube was along with a table and chairs to sit in the shade.

I had just lit a cigarette when I heard someone in the house. Figuring it was Nancy I paid no attention at first until I heard another woman's voice talking

"Nah! I lifted a key when he was getting ready the other night. For a boss, he isn't very observant. I swear, I could've walked out of here with half his crap and he wouldn't of noticed.

No! I already told you we're not taking shit yet. I'm wanting a large score and a little longer, it will turn into something special. Trust me, Baby!"

Sasha stepped through the sliding door, her face as red as her burgundy smocked shoulder blouse. She wore a skin tight leather miniskirt, sandals

"What are you doing here?"

She demanded apparently forgetting she was on the phone. "I gotta go." She quickly told whoever before hanging up.

"I would ask if you have a good reason for being here but you already answered that. Really, I expected more than just common thievery."

I really hated her from before and what little I've heard from her conversation made me hate her that much more."

"You don't know anything about me! I just said that to him to keep him off my back. Once Jake bites me, I'll dispose of Rob myself and enjoy every second of it."

Nancy appeared behind her without Sasha having the slightest clue. I wasn't sure I was really up to what Nancy was about to do but I figured as long as it wasn't to bad it might actually help with Sasha

"You're in the wrong territory now, Honey. That means you better have something a whole lot better than just your Black Card. I have a feeling it's about to be declined."

I pointed behind her and Sasha's face went from red to white only to return red again as Nancy struck her so hard her whole body spun around before collapsing.

"You got some nerve showing up here. Did he say you could stay here?" Nancy said venomously. Sasha screamed as Nancy began dragging her across the deck towards the hot tub by her hair.

"You can't do this! He said the Council-

"THEY'RE NOT GOING TO DO SHIT!"

Nancy screamed tossing her down only to hit her several times before tossing Sasha's body into the water like she was nothing.

This was already more than I expected, making me feel guilty. Nancy had a hell of a temper when we met especially when she thought I was trying to take her place. Sasha has admitted it and she wasn't Nancy's mate so there wasn't any reason for Nancy to hold back.

"Your stench in MY room! It's in MY clothes! In MY bed! I thought you'd be smart enough to be long gone with my husband, but I guess not. What, did he promise to turn you when he got back? I hate to bust your little bubble but he couldn't turn you if he wanted to. Which c'mon if he did, you'd be with him now. No, he used you to try and cause a problem between me and my mate is all. Now you're of no use to him.

A chill ran down my spine from the bitterness in Nancy's voice. I wondered if I should step in as the amount of blood on Sasha's face was alarming and Nancy wasn't done.

"Please!" Sasha started begging. "He said-"

Nancy laughed at her as she held her head under the water and I found myself unable to take it anymore. I was sure Nancy was going to kill her.

"Nancy stop!" I said panicking myself. She only raised a finger up to tell me to hold on. I wasn't picking up a great deal of anger from her making me wonder what she was doing.

Nancy let Go allowing Sasha to get some much needed breaths in between coughing erratically.

"I could kill you now. I should kill you now. Lucky for you, Crystal is still new to this and the idea of killing you in front of her doesn't sit well. So it seems like it's your lucky day. I'm going to give you a choice. Make the right decision, you'll not only get to keep your life, but I may even grant you your one wish. Make the wrong one..."

Nancy shoved her head back under.

——

I walked into The Wolf's Den around half past nine at night to find Linnea playing a game at the bar. She looked different. Her hair was cut short and strawberry blonde with a pair of cutoffs and a Wolfs Den shirt tied off to show her stomach. I liked the change but, why? Someone she was trying to impress?

"She didn't come? What's going on here, Crystal? This isn't like her and now Jason says that everything is forgiven between you three-"

I had just noticed him behind the bar stocking the freezer with mugs. He gave me a frown as if he had heard her speech way too many times already.

I raised my hand before returning it to my hip. I wasn't really upset with her but I couldn't understand what she's been thinking. We haven't known each other long but I've come to trust her and if she left...

"Are you leaving? I mean, normally in this country, it's appreciated if you give your employer two weeks notice. This acting like everything's fine then leaving without a word, especially with everything going on, it's bullshit, Linnea!"

She tossed a dirty look towards Jason's direction

"I don't know...maybe. That's why I hadn't said anything. I'm sorry about what's going on but I need to worry about Greg's health. Nancy knows this even if I haven't spoken to you about it so this shouldn't be any surprise. I had assumed she told you."

She was fidgeting as I stared her down hoping she would give in. I know Greg is important and I'd never expect her to put us over him but Nancy could bite him. She didn't need this other pack

"You should be talking to Nancy about this, Linnea but I guess when you haven't even told him yet...

"She's can't! She doesn't even have-

"She's taking it back! So yeah, she will. And let's not forget you fuckin' owe her. I doubt very many illegal immigrants are making as much as you are. Hell, not a lot of citizens are. I was barely making eight an hour at my last job."

"The fuck she is!"

The loud voice startled me. I turned around to see Jake standing with two other guys. He looked like a mess. His hair was scruffy and I'd seen homeless people wear clothes that looked better. Dark circles under his eyes told me he hadn't been sleeping well and even without the nose of a werewolf, his breath stunk of booze.

Linnea growled moving herself between me and them.

"What the fuck do you want, Jake? Nancy thought you were in Montana with your brother."

"Where is she, Crystal? I've really had enough of this. She can come back now or pay the price after we deal with Evergreen.

"What the fuck did I ever see in you?" It slipped out under my breath but I didn't really give a shit if he heard it or not. "Unless you're giving MY MATE her divorce papers you have no business seeing her. And she is mine, Jake. Get that through that thick skull of yours. She's never going to take you back any more than I would. You're a liar, a bully, a coward, and worst of all a murderer! What, JoAnn was too much for an alpha such as yourself that you had try my elderly parents?"

"The more I went on the angrier I got. My mind kept going back to him breaking into my trailer, hurting Dobby, and what happened with Nancy. I'm sure he'd killed me if she hadn't stopped him. Unfortunately , she wasn't able to do that for mom and dad.

"YOU DONT KNOW WHAT THE FUCK YOURE TALJING ABOUT?"

he screamed causing me to jump. Instead of straight up I was sent backwards by him or Linnea, I wasn't sure but her snow white fur went over the top of me like it was nothing .

Her large canines must of found its target as I heard him cry out in pain but before I could look Jason pulled me back even more before shifting himself.

Even out numbered Jason and Linnea we're both more than holding their own. Linnea was on top of Jake as he fought desperately to get her off him before she was able to get to his throat.

One of Jake's friends moved up on Jason from behind as he wrestled with the other. My hand instinctively felt around the bar behind me eventually finding a large glass pitcher.

I swung it in a downwards arc as I pushed myself off the bar For momentum, it shattered on the back of the werewolf's head leaving just the sharp handle in my hand. The werewolf yelped loudly as it staggered about three steps before collapsing on the ground.

I tossed the handle hoping I hadn't killed the guy who was now naked laying face down on the floor. I knelt beside him lifting his head to inspect the damage. He was bleeding a little but it didn't seem too significant. Still, head wounds aren't always so easy to tell.

"You tell my fuckin wife that after we take out Ashley, she's next. I was trying to be reasonable but I don't need this fuckin' shit! I'm the Alpha and can get anyone I want. Enjoy your protection while you have it!"

Jake ran off like the coward he is without any regard to those who came in with him.

"That's enough, Jason. Let him go!

Jason did as he told letting the young looking fellow up. I allowed him to get the one still unconscious before leaving.

"See, I told you I could be helpful."

Jason said with a large smile very pleased with himself.

"You wanna help me, go get some clothes on." I said rolling my eyes at him.

Linnea sat on the floor with her arms wrapped around her legs. She was bleeding from her face and a few places on her body but nothing major.

"Are you Alright?"

I asked sitting beside her and putting my arm around her. My rib hated this position but just ignored it.

Linnea nodded trying to smile.

"I'm just worried about Greg. Even if Nancy is willing to do it, he'll be getting turned while at war with two packs instead of just one. He's so thin,Crystal, he's no fighter.

"Neither am I and I'm still just a human. I don't know how this will turn out but it's clear they are making their move on the full moon and we need you. I need you.

"Is she going to be able to do both? Even once he's bitten he won't shift for the first time till the next full moon. He'll be useless to her till then."

"That's not true. He really helped me earlier and his willingness to agree to help JoAnn whom he hasn't even met yet, it meant a lot. If anyone has been useless, it's been me."

"That pitcher smash was really good. Almost as good as eyeshadow which makes me jealous as hell. I've been doing it probably lots longer and still not as good."

She gave me a small frown that felt good. It meant she'd stay and I couldn't be happier.

"Milissa Hought. Amber kaylee is really good too!"

She gave me a questionable look that made me laugh as I stood up.

"Don't tell me you don't have YouTube in Sweden. Now that we solved that, it's time we talked about your mate."