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Chapter One:
Changes
I was born a Were. Not as in werewolf or another animal. The
full moon as no effect that is out of the ordinary. Humans say my kind reminds
them of Elves. Mostly due to our slender bodies and pointed ears. The fangs,
though remind them vampires. Some humans find it off putting if they have never
seen a Were before. Some of my kind has migrated to Earth. That was fifty years
ago during the invasion of Weren by The Golens. If our fangs remind humans of vampires,
The Golens were the reflections of such fictional beings, minus the fangs.
The Golens are
usually tall, ghastly white skin, and pale eyes. No pointed ears or anything
else that would make them stick out more. They enslaved my people after a bloody
war that lasted barely six months. I remember my Grandmother telling me tales
of the war and the first few years that followed.
Weres live in
packs. I will cover the details of differences when needed. Do not want to
overload you with a lot of information at much. I was raised as a Black Wolf.
The Black Wolves were the most powerful of the packs at the time. I was
supposed to be raised as a resistance fighter but The Golens discovered that I
was empathic and sent me to their assimilation school instead.
Not everything
is, as it seems. My parents knew I would
end up be taken by The Golens. The Golens wanted me to become a spy for them
and root out the Resistance. My family wanted me to be a spy and help them
defeat The Golens. Some people choose to be a double agent. I was forced into
it.
Once a week I could
see my family and they did their best to instill Were ideals and customs to me.
During my schooling with The Golens, I was learning how to be a good soldier
and citizen of The Golens. Somewhere down the line I learned to think for myself.
I took my
education seriously and balanced both worlds I was to live in delicately. Along
the way I became dangerous. I was seeing the world with objective eyes. I was
beginning to see what could be, what should be. I was becoming my own Were.
As I grew up, I
appeared to be the perfect double agent. I fed both sides just enough to keep
them happy. I met Der and fell in love.
By my eighteenth birthday, everything seemed to be going well. Until I was told
that I would have to kill a Golen to officially become a member of the Black
Wolves. All Weres must prove their worth at eighteen, to become a full-blooded
member of the pack.
***************
The night of the reception arrived. I knew what I must do. I
also knew I would lose everything, even Der. I know he says he loves me, but I
know he will disown me for saving this Golen’s life. A Golen that has dreams of
ending slavery on Were and uniting our people into one. If I killed him, I would never be able to
live with myself.
One last glance
in the mirror to make sure I was soldier perfect. I hate military clothes. I
was dressed in all black. The only color was my armbands signifying my rank as
Lieutenant. They were scarlet red. My
chosen weapon, A staff was hung off my belt. A button released it to full metal
glory. I prefer my wooden one, but rules are rules.
Within the hour I
was guarding the person I was supposed to kill. An assassin would botch a shot
at The Golen. I would knock him down and inject a poison into his leg. Not
going to happen. Everything but the poison part went down, and I took after the
assassin. Of course, he got away. That was part of the plan and for now, I needed
them to believe it had gone down. In a few hours they would know otherwise.
Chapter Two: Purpose
Leave it to blood, to stab you in the back. My parents
attempted to frame me. Luckily, they did a poor job of it, but it created a
large enough cloud of doubt that I lost my position in The Golen army. No pack,
no soldiering. In a few hours I became a Mutt with no purpose. A mutt is a Were
without a pack. There are several ways to achieve this. One is you failed to
show your worth. Betrayal. Having a baby out of wedlock. Those are the top
three ways of becoming a Mutt. Oh, and breaking the laws of the land.
I took my bag of possessions
and headed toward a local tavern. Not to drink away my sorrows. It is a good
place to eat and find Weres that may be willing to help a Mutt out. Helping a
Mutt was not encouraged but it wasn’t forbidden. In fact, a pack could offer
protection to a Mutt, but never full pack status. The Mutt would have to marry
and start a pack. Rare, but it could happen.
After a hot meal
and no luck finding a bed for the night, I headed out the door and down the
alley. I could hear them long before they turned the corner. They were failing
at being stealthy. I position my wooden staff and waited. They next few minutes
was a painful blur. Der and some of the Black Wolves pack jumped me. They did
come prepared. I put up a good fight but since I lacked supernatural abilities,
I was the loser of this lesson, the cost of betrayal. Whether I lived or died,
I was dead to my pack.
After I came to,
things were slowly coming into focus. The first thing I saw was a face, male,
soft and gentle looking face with intense dark eyes that were full of concern.
“I’m going to
pick you up. It’s going to hurt.” His
voice was just above a whisper as if loud noises were going to be painful to my
ears. A surge of pain as he picked me up followed by the sweet release of
returning darkness.
I awoke to the
sound of fighting, a male and female. The male was my rescuer.
“You brought a strange Mutt under my roof. Haven’t you heard
that she tried to kill a Golen? Her pack has disowned her. They were hanging
memorial service signs up. She cannot stay her. If Tarren comes home and finds
her…”
“Tarren won’t be back for a few weeks. He
is off planet for pity sakes. Serrin, you were closer. She is in bad shape. You
were the one who chose to marry a close-minded man.” I could hear her suck in
the air she inhaled then exhaled. With a little imagination, I could see steam
coming out her ears.
“A few days. No
more than you take her.” I’m still not sure how I managed to get out of bed and
walk out the door of the room, without more than the wall holding me up, but I
did.
“I don’t want to
cause any trouble…” I almost fell to the floor.
“Logan, I mean
it.” Serrin stormed out the room and Logan helped me back to bed.
“The doctor says
you need to rest. Let me worry about my sister. Part of it is pregnancy
hormones.”
“I heard that.”
Logan continued to make sure I was comfortable.
“Is there
anything you need?” I just shook my head and as soon as it hit the pillow, I
was out cold.
I spent a few
days at Serrin’s until the doctor said I was stable enough to be moved. I spent
the next six weeks recovery under Logan’s care. Even with the advanced medical
care available, six weeks before I was good as new.
During my
recovery Logan and I became fast friends. As soon as I was able, I began to
help in The Underground. The Underground helped free slaves. Once a slave made
it to Alliance space, they were free. I became a pilot for The Underground. At
least all that schooling and learning English would come in handy.
Chapter Three: Acceptance
Within six months, I was fitting in with the Red Wolves
pack. I was carrying my weight and glad to be doing something good for a
change. Double agent was taxing to say the least. I made supply runs and even
helped get slaves across the galactic border a few times. I was relishing this
new life. Well, most of it.
I missed my
family, and my former potential mate. Time was slowly healing these wounds.
Serrin, and her mate weren’t found of me, but Logan became like a big brother
and his mate, Mauranna, adored me like a little sister. Most of the pack liked
me. Too bad I wasn’t born Red Wolf.
I was enjoying a
little down time. When Logan stepped in to the family space of the house, I was
lounging on a couch and reading an Earth book on Robin Hood. The Golens got me
hooked on a lot of Earth stories. It was part of our training so later they
could try to join The Alliance.
“Here you are.
When you disappear you vanish. I just came back from a pack meeting. We had a
vote about you getting pack accepted. [Pack protection]. The vote was almost
unanimous. Welcome to the Red Wolves.”
Since I could
never be a blood member, instead of a pack tattoo, which was found on the lower
back for females and upper right shoulder for males, I would wear a pendant
with the Red Wolf pack insignia on it.
Keep in mind that
the pendant did have a red wolf on it but not like the wolves on Earth. Our
wolves are as large as lion with saber tooth fangs and very thick coats. Unlike
human wolves, they will attack people. Sometimes they attack unprovoked.
I put the pendant
on. I was as close as I was going to be to having a pack life again. I was more
than determined not to disappoint them. I never did. They would always be my
family.
Time passed. The
Golen I was supposed to kill had been steadily gaining in political power and
respect. The stronger he got, the more his life would be in endanger. Not just
from Weres but from his own people. I hoped he succeeded in his goals of ending
slavery and uniting Weren.
************************
Years passed. I was content with my new life, almost. I felt
like something was missing. I had always wanted a family of my own, children to
raise and care for. As a Mutt I could not marry anyone in a pack without him or
her losing his or her pack status. I have heard one such story and that was
eighty or so years ago. The same that started the Phoenix pack. The only pack
ever started and fourth in power status, consisting of mutts. They were smart
enough not to risk taking me in. It would destroy their feeble alliance with
the Black Wolves. Yes, even the packs have politics.
I had reached
status in the underground that I was able to make my own solo freedom flights.
It was during on of these flights that my life would take another turn toward
change.
“I’ll contact you
as soon as they’re safe. I know be careful.” Logan and I have had this
conversation over a dozen times. It was a dangerous route, always the risk of
being caught. So far, we were lucky. I was transporting Rose and Briar, an
older sister, and her brother. They were to meet their aunt at the Apollo space
station. She escaped to Earth as a child. Her sister was not as lucky; she was
caught and sold into slavery.
There were several ways to becoming a
slave. Pack or family owed a debt. Poor family sells child or family into
slavery to survive. Orphans were snatched up all the time. Some are even
snatched up off the streets. The Golens never ask. They just buy them and use
the free labor.
Chapter Four: Fated
The first few days of our journey toward freedom went without
a hitch. I guess my luck was finally running out. I had to answer the
transmission, if I did not, I’d look guiltier, but either way there was a big
risk of getting caught. I hid Rose and Briar in a couple of crates. After a
deep breath I opened the COM channel.
“This is Pilot
Lamm. “An inside joke from some human underground workers. Still do not get it.
Lam, like the slang term for being on the run. Alias names come in handy in my
line of work.
“Just doing a
routine check. Scanning your cargo now.” The dampeners on the two cases
containing my illegal cargos sent a signal of nothing alive to the scanner.
“All clear. Sorry
for the invasion of privacy, Pilot Lamm.”
“Don’t worry
about it. Just doing your job.” I continued my way. They were good but not good
enough. I caught the two patrol vessels within minutes following me. Someone
tipped them off. Told them what to look for. As soon as I was far enough from
the checkpoint, I picked up speed. Put the ship on autopilot and released my
passengers. Gave them an update and told them to buckle up.
Rose secured her
brother first then buckled herself in. I then strapped myself in the pilot’s
chair and began to lose my tail. I was doing a fairly good job till they used a
pulse to slow me down. My shield took most of the impact and after a rough and
dangerous period of time, we crossed the border into Alliance space.
I sent a distress
beacon and started to access the damage. My life support was hovering on the
brink. Thrusters were dead. Communications out. Life was just peachy.
“Shoot.” Rose came over to see what was wrong. I had
sliced open my hand; palm side while ensuring the backup life support would not
fail. I had a basic medical kit. Nothing fancy. Bandages, antiseptic, and
painkillers, nothing more but tape in the tin box.
“Briar’s
sleeping. “Rose opened the kit and looked at my hand. “Deep but a bandage
should stop the bleeding.”
“You may have to
wake him later. We have a couple of hours left of oxygen. I have two stasis
chambers. If worse comes to worse. I want you and Briar to use them. I will
have about an hour on back up. The chambers can last three days on their own
power source.” Rose somberly shook her head. She would not argue.
The time came and
I secured them in the chambers. Briar slept through the whole thing. Probably
for the best, he would not be scared. Even with my training of using little
oxygen, blackness took over. I am not sure how long I was out.
***********************
When I came to, I hit the first person nearest me. He happened
to be a med student. I thought I was caught. Soldiers reflex.
“And that is why
after administering the shot, it’s a good idea to step away from the patient.”
I heard another male voice say, in English. The med student stepped back and
was rubbing his jaw. The man I heard lecturing stepped closer to me. Before he could say anything, I spoke first.
“I speak
English.” Most humans who speak Weren have problems with the language.
“Take it easy. “His
eyes were so soft and concerned. He reminded me of the day I met Logan. He
helped me sit up. He caught my anxious look around the ship.
“They’re fine.
Worried about you though. They are in the infirmary. I’m Doctor Wolf Williams.”
He held out his hand to help me to my feet. I still a bit dizzy, but he made
sure I got to the gurney in one piece.
“Kit Fox, nice to
meet you. Where am I?”
“You’re onboard
my ship, Unity.” The Captain. He was young for one in his position and married
to a Were. His ring finger bore a Were
mated tattoo on the band.
“I’m Captain
Ryan Lancaster. Ms. Fox, you seem to be a popular person.”
“I understand if
you turn me in. I wouldn’t want to cause you and crew any problems.”
“Thank you for
understanding but sadly, I’m stubborn and a bit of a rebel. Request asylum and
you’ll have protection of The Alliance.” I liked him already.
“Weres don’t give
up easily.”
“One word.”
“I request
asylum.”
“Done. Take good
care of our guests, Wolf.”
“As always.”
I laid back down on the gurney and was on my way to the infirmary. I
wish I could have seen the looks on my pursuers faces when Captain Lancaster
told them to go home. I would still have to appear before the Alliance counsel
to seek citizenship to keep my Asylum status for good. But for now, The Weres
had to respect Captain Lancaster.
Chapter Five: Meeting
Briar and Rose were waiting for me in the infirmary. As soon
as I was settled, they came to check on me.
“I hope they
weren’t any trouble.” I said to the light brown haired Were.
“No, not a
problem. They just got dinner and a room is being prepared for them. They have
been worried about you. Oh, I’m Alise Lancaster.”
“Captain
Lancaster’s wife. “Alise realized I must have seen his wedding band and hers.
“Kit Foxx. Nice
to meet you.” Weres do not usually shake hands, just a slight head nod while
maintaining eye contact. What can I say, Weres are a bit paranoid of take overs
or fights. Not to mention the creed of a friend can be an enemy and an enemy
can become a friend. I know a few humans and I have trouble shaking hands.
“If you will
excuse me, ladies. Ms. Foxx needs her hand looked at.” Doctor Williams said
while grabbing a few medical supplies.
“I’ll take these
two with me and I’d love to talk to you soon. If of course you don’t mind. Not
too many female Weres on board.” Alise said while moving out of the way.
“I’d like that a
lot.” I said bye to Rose and Briar.
“Rose did a good
job on her hand. You didn’t break his nose.”
He obviously suspected that was the next thing out of my mouth. I’m sure
he saw the relief in my eyes. He then began to take of the bandage off my hand.
He had since a soft and gentle touch. I hate silence. Well, not always.
“Is that staff,
yours?” It was a beautiful wooden staff that was sitting in the corner of the
infirmary.
“Yes, it is. I
practice every evening. I am a black belt in martial arts. I think it’s like
the Were.” Ah, it all came together.
Martial arts was similar to Weren fighting. Black belt was a rank, like Were
ranking.
“Do you have a
sparring partner? “A bit forward but I would be on board for at least a month
and there was something about him. Something I had never felt with anyone
before, even Derek.
“You have a staff
then?”
“It’s metal. I
had always wanted a wooden one. So simple and beautiful.”
“Keep the hand
covered till tomorrow evening. I would love to have a sparring partner who has
more experience. Ryan, Captain Lancaster, tries but he is not that good with a
staff. I usually practice alone. I am
about to get off for the day, would you like to get dinner at the mess hall? I
figure the view is much better. I am meeting Captain Lancaster and Alise. I
know a bit about single Weres and social responsibility. You cannot be out with
an unmarried male unless it’s in a group. Right?”
“Yes. That
usually applies to pack Weres and I am packless, a mutt. But I really
appreciate the sentiment.”
“The you’ll
come.”
“Sure. I’d like
that a lot. “I got up off the bed and Doctor Williams grabbed his quarter staff
and we headed out to the mess hall.
He was right. The view was beautiful. The ship was going
slow enough that you could the stars, and the vast blackness of space. Within a few hours, I had three friendships
in the works. Two began to have first names, Ryan, and Wolf. It would still
take some time before I felt comfortable using them, but it was a start.
Hopefully, it would be a start to the next chapter in my life.
Chapter 6: “Pack”
A week had passed.
Unity had arrived at the Freedom space station. Rose and Briar were to
meet with their Aunt who lived on Earth. The crew was given a day of leave.
Ryan, Alise, and Wolf decided to come with me to drop off the siblings and
check out the annual Halloween and Were harvest festival. Halloween was still about a month away, the
Harvest on Were had ended for the season.
“Cousin.” I heard
a familiar voice and saw a familiar face pushing his way through the crowd.
Alise ran to Logan and hugged him.
“Hi, Kit. Rose
and Briar if you look over there…” He pointed toward the tables by the café where
a blonde haired Were, was sitting. They took off toward their Aunt. She stood
off and mouthed thank you. I smiled back.
“And this must be
Dr. Wolf Williams. Alise talks about you a lot.
It’s nice to meet you.” They
exchanged head tilts.
“Kit, I’ll send
your things to Unity. You look well.” I
saw it coming but did not stop it this time. He hugged me. We then got caught
up and had some fun together at the carnival.
That evening,
Logan and Wolf disappeared for an hour. Under the excuse of needing time away
from Alise and I. Ryan had left to have dinner with some guy friends of his. I
knew why they disappeared.
“Logan knows
about Wolf, doesn’t he?”
“Logan asked
about you and it came up.” Everything was starting to make sense. The hug was
to gage how Wolf reacted. Part of it was I’m glad you’re okay, too.
“Why didn’t you
tell me Logan was your cousin?”
“He wanted to
surprise you at the station. You knew my cousin was going to be there, so I
just kept the name a secret. I did not know till e few days ago. Forgive me?”
“I’m not mad.
Just no more secrets.”
“Agreed.” Just
then the boys, all three arrived. I breathed a sigh of relief. No blood, bruises,
or indicators of bodily harm. Logan could be very protective. Right before we
parted ways. Logan pulled me aside. I told Alise, I would meet them at the
shuttle.
“Wolf’s a good
man. He is enamored with you. Well versed in Were’s ways. Smart, kind and
gentle. I saw the way they looked at each other. He asked permission to court
you. He knows he didn’t have to, but said he knew it would mean a lot to you if
he asked permission. I also told him I’d hurt him if he hurts you. Good luck
see you soon. Little Fox.”
*******************************
In less than a month we would reach Earth. The Earth Council
would decide my fate. They would also decide if I would become a citizen and a
member of Unity's crew. For now, Captain Lancaster kept me busy with odd jobs
and pilot lessons for Earth shuttles. I also had a physical and several other
tests done and passed with flying colors. All the tests results were sent for
the council's evaluation.
Well. After
hearing about my life they were still interested in possibly helping me. That
was saying something. All my life I had tried to find a home. For the first
time, in a long time I felt accepted, loved, and wanted. I wasn’t seen as Mutt,
or even a Were. I was seen as Kit Fox. Even by the pack Were’s on board. Unity
was home, and I wanted it to stay that way.
Chapter
7 Family
Earth was not quite what I expected. I guess I had read too
many older Earth novels or heard too many stories. I will admit it was still a
pleasant surprise. Sightseeing would have to wait. By eight o’clock was
beginning my tests at The Academy. A long morning led to a nice mid-day meal
break and then an interview in front of The Alliance who would be deciding
factor of whether I became a crewmember of Unity.
“Ms. Fox. I have
looked over your initial interview when you first came aboard Unity and I see
you had an interesting life, to say the least. Your moral compass seems intact.
The interviews with crew members human and Were alike have all beamed about how
hard working and loyal you are. As one Were put it, for a Mutt she’d make a good
crewman. Your tests results are good. Your piloting skills need a little work
but that’s to be expected.” The blonde-haired male said.
“Captain
Lancaster speaks quite highly of you and Lt. Riley says he’d like a Were on his
security team.” A dark-haired female added.
“This tribunal
has come to a decision. Ms. Kit Fox, welcome to Earth. We are pleased to have
you as a citizen and part of our space fleet. You are no longer Ms. Fox but Lt.
Commander Kit Fox. You will be stationed in security. Lt. Riley only requested
that since you outrank that he still be able to give you orders. I assume
you’ll have no problem with that, at least when your on duty.”
“None whatsoever.
Thank you.” I told the grey-haired man, head of the tribunal.
“Thank Captain
Lancaster. He called in a few favors. You may go. Your uniforms and equipment
will be in your quarters before Unity departs.”
I left the room
quite relieved and found Wolf, Ryan and Alise waiting for me. The smile on face
answered the question they would have asked.
“Ryan, I don’t
know what favors you had but thank you.”
“Your welcome.”
We spent the afternoon shopping and I found a fairy costume
for Halloween. Wolf had meant my “pack” it was time I meant his family.
*********
“They’ll like you.” Wolf said while taking my hand in his. A
young girl opened, and the door and her face lit up with happy recognition.
“Uncle Wolf.
Uncle Wolf is here, and he brought a friend.” Within seconds, we were
surrounded, by two little girls and three little boys. The other adults came
into view. Next came introductions and I promised Wolf I would do my best to
shake hands.
“Give them some
room.” An ebony black-haired woman said in a soft yet commanding voice. The
kids sat down.
“Everyone this is
Kit Fox. The tall woman in back who spoke is my sister Eve. The brunette is
Callie, and the one on the end is Bonnie.” I shook hands with each of them. I
met Wolf’s mother and father, Jonathon, and Susannah. Next came the brothers-in-law,
starting with Eve’s husband, Brian. Callie married Adam and Bonnie married
Clyde. Last came the nieces and nephews. Jake and his twin brother John, Claire
and her sister Leah, and last to be introduced was Ethan, Bonnie's son.
They went out of
their way to make me feel like part of the family. Surprisingly, I felt at home
with these strangers. I spent the night, in one of their guest rooms. We still
had two days of leave left. The next day was Halloween.
I was dressed as
an emerald fairy as the girls called me. They all were dressed as their
favorite superheroes. A few hours later and they were checking out what goodies
they got. Wolf was right; they all liked me and were falling for them too.
Chapter
Eight: Blood Brother
Six months
passed. I kept in contact with Wolf’s family. I even sent gifts for birthday’s
and Christmas. Whether I wanted to admit it or not, I was part of the family.
Life was going
well. Wolf and I had come to the next phase in Were courtship. We were nesting
together. Now this does not mean we were mating. It met that we shared a bed at
least once a week. We did it twice a week, one night in my quarters the other
night in his. I am sure you’re wondering how we avoided, mating. We had
monitors. Wolf and I each wore a ring that monitored our vital signs. Each ring
was connected to a locket that was worn by a purity monitor. Ryan was Wolf’s
and Alise was mine. As for working out,
we made sure we did it with our monitors.
Job wise, I had
gained the respect of my fellow Were’s as well as the humans on Unity. I was completely fair to both parties when
needed. I had finally; found a home and a pack of sorts.
“Lt. Commander
Fox, Captain Lancaster wants to see you.”
Ensign James said while standing in the doorway of the security office.
He then left. Had to be on the bridge then. Ensign James had the habit of
leaving half messages. Good man though.
He was on the
bridge, saw me, and took me aside to one of the briefing rooms. He tried to
cover his feelings, but even with the suppressors I took daily, the concern was
pouring into my senses.
“Kit, Logan sent
this. He wanted to be here in person but as you know his second baby is due any
day now.” He handed me a small, wooden chest. I immediately recognized the
silver paw print right above the latch. I wore the matching one on a silver
chain around my neck. I hadn’t seen this chest in years. Ryan then gave me a
letter. He got up to leave but I shook my head and he sat back down.
I opened the
letter.
Little Wolf,
If you are
reading this, I must be gone. Do not blame Logan. Read on and you will
understand. Since I was a cub, my
parents had been part of the underground. When I got recruited, it was a
surprise. I began a career as a double agent. This was my choice. Logan and I
have been friends, since I was little. He was my blood brother as you are my
blood sister. I wanted to tell for a long time. I could not risk it. Then you
became a mutt. I still could not risk it. But I could watch over you, from the
shadows. I followed you that night. I wanted to jump in the fight, but I knew I
could not blow my cover. I called Logan to take care of you. He sent me
information on you, at least once a week. Logan is going to send you more,
after the will reading. Do not risk come to the funeral. I am proud of you,
Little Wolf. Wolf sounds like a good mate. I wish you all the happiness in the
world.
Your Blood Brother,
Kalen
Before I could ask the question, Ryan answered.
“He died
protecting the underground. Logan is looking after his wife and kids. I know
sorry for loss doesn’t help, but I am.” It took a while for it all to sink in.
Even longer before I opened the chest. Ryan made sure I made it to my quarters
and Wolf was waiting for me.
“I’ll let Lt.
Riley know what’s going on. Take as much time as you need.” He gently squeezed
my shoulder. The shock was wearing away and the acceptance was setting in. Wolf
led me to the bed, wrapped a blanket around my shoulders, and then let me cry
on his shoulder. Never saying a word. A few hours passed and I was ready to investigate
the chest.
Inside was a
picture frame containing Kalen’s picture. A set of multicolored hair clips. A
photo book, a wrapped box with a note that said for when you get married, some
Were currency, a couple hundred in human money, a small wooden box with a blood
ring in it: a red stone ring publicly conferring that the Were who wore it, had
made a blood vow with a friend. A blood vow meant that even though we did not
share bloodlines we were family, pack. The last items were a few books. Leather
bound books in my favorite titles.
After some time, Wolf spoke.
“I think we
should have a Memorial, a remembrance service for Kalen. “
“I’d really like
that.” I soon fell asleep in his arms.
Chapter
9: Friendship and Respect
The memory service was scheduled for the end of the
week. That was four days away. Wolf was
so kind and supportive of whatever I wanted. By dinnertime I was ready to
reappear again. I did however wear a black dress for mourning and tied a
section of my hair in a braid that had a black ribbon twisted in it, the
traditional style of a memorial braid.
By the time I
returned to my quarters there was a large box waiting by the door. On the top
was a note. I looked at Wolf and he just shrugged his shoulders. I opened the
note and read it: Kit, you aren’t a mutt in our eyes. From your Were friends
and crew. As soon as I got the box inside, I opened it. Inside was everything I
would need for the ceremony.
On Weren, it’s
tradition that when a pack member dies, that the leader of the pack makes a
list and posts it on the front door. Throughout the day friends and other pack
members would check off an item and leave it in a box outside the family’s
home. By the time the memory service arrived, the family had everything they
needed. Food was brought by before and after the service to help the family
out.
I had not
realized that I had made such an imprint on the crew. Mutt hood was still a
status for Earth Weres. Just being me was enough to be more than a packless
mutt. Tears filled my eyes and I just let them flow.
Wolf pulled me to
his chest and guided me to the bed. He held me close and did not say a word. It
was so comforting to be in his arms. Especially, that when an empath gets
emotional it is harder not to pick up on other emotions. I did not feel
sympathy from Wolf. I felt concern, and love. A passionate love, an
encompassing love. He knew I could possibly read him, and he let me. Der never
let me. I had found my mate.
*************
The memory ceremony had a huge gathering. All there to
support me, none of them knew Kalen. Telling stories of the deceased was the
biggest part of this ceremony. A bit odd, that I would be the only one talking.
“I was seven
years old when I met Kalen. The picture of Kalen as a grown male is completely
different of the nine-year-old, I met. Kalen was a runt, to say the least. He
was highly intelligent but stick thin. I was the only female in the group so he
and I just kind of stuck together. The two outsiders, that is what the other
students called us. It didn’t matter. We protected and stood up for each other.
He was like an older brother to me, and I was kid sister. When Kalen turned
fourteen, things drastically changed. He started putting on muscle. No one
bothered or spoke badly of him or me ever again. “I told other stories of
Kalen. By the end of the ceremony, everyone knew Kalen a bit and I ensured his
memory would live on.
I feast was held
after and everyone had time to say their condolences. I finally, truly felt
accepted and loved. They might not be blood, but they were so much more to me.
So much more than the family that abandoned me.
After the
ceremony, Wolf took me to one of the star gazing rooms. Social lobbies is what
they really are, but you got a good look at the stars. He took me to an empty
area on the carpet and put down a fleece blanket to sit on.
“Remember our
first alone date?” Wolf asked as he gazed at the stars.
“Of course. We had a picnic dinner and you held me in your
arms as we watched the stars pass by. Three days later, you kissed me.”
“I know the
timing is off, but our whole relationship has been different from the day we
met. I love you Kit. I want to have a den with you and raise cubs.” I raised my
eyebrows and looked at him. He was sounding like a Were.
“Will you do me
the honor of becoming my wife, I mean mate?” He held out a red velvet box.
“Kalen wouldn’t
mind. He’d be happy for me. Off course I’ll be your mate.” If Alise could wear
a wedding band, I could too. The engagement ring was simple, a silver band with
a small, sapphire heart in the center.
“ When you’re
ready, will start planning the wedding and I do want a Were marriage tattoo. I
figure we could be like Alise and Ryan with the rings and tattoos.” I smiled at
him. At least counseling would be a big deal. Since we started nesting
together, we had seen the counselor twice a week. We went to one appointment
together, the other as an individual. Weres take marriage seriously. You mate
for life; death is the only way to part.
Chapter 10: Wedding Day
Wolf and I somehow managed to have two ceremonies. One was a
traditional human ceremony and the other a Were ceremony. I will not cover a
lot of details of the human wedding. It was very church traditional. Alise was
the matron of honor. Wolf’s sisters were bride maids. His nieces and nephews were
ring bearers and flower girls. Ryan was best man and Wolf’s groomsmen were crew
Daniel White and Kyle Lee, who worked in the infirmary. Wolf’s uncle performed
the ceremony. It was simple and perfect. Setting that ceremony up was easy.
The Were ceremony
took a lot of work and a lot of help from fellow Were crew members to pull off.
It was a held a day later. Wolf and I also decided to wait to move in together
till both ceremonies were completed. Since I did not have any pack, friends
were in attendance and Wolf had his family. Compared to the typical Were
ceremony, this one would be small.
The Alpha male to
be, the groom, does wait for the Alpha female, bride, to enter. Instead of a
tuxedo, Wolf was wearing a traditional warrior suit of leather armor. It looked a lot like what the human Greeks
used to wear. I was in a traditional female leather wrap, tied with a simple
braided rope belt, and calf high boots. My hair was braided and tied off with a
small piece of leather.
As soon as I
reached Wolf, we kneeled facing each other. We grasped each other’s left hands.
Logan bound them with a rope. Usually, the pack leader officiates the ceremony
but since I was a mutt, Logan was the closest I had to pack, so he officiated.
“The tying
together of hands indicates that these two will no longer be as two
individuals. They are now one. Together they make the perfect union of the
Alpha male and Alpha female. These two will remain one till death. As witnessed
by Alise and Ryan Lancaster these two have remained pure in accordance to Were
law. Wolf and Kit, please rise. As witnessed by those present, you are now
mated.” Logan said while knotting the rope around our wrists. Before the big
celebration, Wolf and I had to get our marriage tattoos done. Only then was the
rope untied and burned, symbolizing the replacement of the rope for the
tattoos.
Human
celebrations are big but Weres do it bigger, not always better, just bigger.
The celebration of our union lasted late in the night. A few hours of more
gifts and the traditional sharing of a goblet of wine, Wolf pulled me aside.
“I have something
for you.” He handed me an envelope. I opened it and my jaw dropped, quickly
replaced by a look of surprise.
“You applied for
pack creation?”
“Keep looking through the papers.” I did a
double take.
“I already got
Logan’s signature and I just needed your approval of a pack insignia and we’re
official. You are happy, right?” I looked into his eyes and smiled.
“I couldn’t be
happier. I have a mate and a pack, family, and friends. I couldn’t be mad about
this.” I kissed him on the cheek. By the end of the night, our pack had an
insignia. We decided on a wolf with a human beside it, gazing at a full moon.
The pack would be called Unity. Not exactly after the ship but it seemed
appropriate because Wolf was human, and I was a Were and our species were now
united. By lunchtime, everything was official.
The pack tattoo did
not usually resemble the insignia that was chosen. Tattoos were given to show
pack membership. Mine would have been a black paw print, but since I achieved
mutt status, that never happened. Wolf did not have a problem with another
cultural tattoo. We decided on using the Were symbol for unity. A circle with
two lines intertwined together. Pack tattoos are put on the left shoulder.
As for Logan’s
protection, I now would be part of his family, I would keep, but wouldn’t need
his necklace anymore. I was now seen as pack, officially, but I know better.
Most would still see me as a mutt. By the end of the week all the packs on Were
would know about the Unity Pack and like it or not, they had to respect the
high pack council’s decision.
Chapter
11: Honeymoon and Changes
We had a week of shore leave the day after our wedding. Wolf
had planned a honeymoon. We were not on Earth but on a planet called Paridisia.
It was a tropical world known for its waterfall caves and tall mountains, plus
lush jungle. Wolf thought it would be perfect place to honeymoon. He also knew
it would wear me down a bit with the hiking to the Lover’s Caves. I was in
heat. Even with balancing meds, I would still be wired and craving sex.
On Were, single
females left the pack during this time and spent time out in the woods sparring
with each other, hiking, camping, etc., anything to take off the edge. Wolf had
dealt with me in heat before, it happens twice a year, once in spring once in
winter. Weres can still get pregnant at any time but we have a higher chance
during the week of being in heat.
Married Weres
take precautions during heat. Fingernails are clipped and teeth are capped. Of
course, the meds were taken. Relaxing plants and herbs are kept in the house
for their scents. Certain teas were made and drunk. Still there was a risk of
hurting one’s mate. I had heard of broken bones and never wanted to know how
that happened. A Were in heat was an insatiable beast.
I had tried to
talk Wolf out of our coupling, but he was right, eventually, we would have to
do this. Being on a ship limited my choices when it came to being in heat and
the last time I practically lived in the gymnasium. I just hoped I did not hurt
him.
By noon we
reached the cave. It was hidden behind a waterfall. Inside was a layered
bedroll made for two, Firewood was stacked nearby as well as a basket of food
and other eating utensils. It was perfect.
Certain things
can really turn on a Were. We are big on scents. Fresh sweat can be enticing. I
am still not sure how we ended up in the naturally heated pool, but Wolf and I
did soak after lunch and washed up. It took everything I had not to pounce
Wolf. That would not last, and he knew it.
After cleaning
up, we did some more exploring and made it through dinner. Surprisingly, Wolf made the first move,
subtle, but effective. As I said before Weres are big on scent and a turn on
for us is when we smell the scents of our mate. For a human, this probably
seems very odd. Wolf did it anyway. He put his head close to mine breathed in
my smell and while he did, he gently laid me down on the bedroll. I will not go
on with too many details, but he spent his time exploring, and during this
exploration, I tore his shirt off. The rest of his clothes remained undamaged
like mine. He took his time and with every ounce of restraint I had left, I did
too.
When the sun
began to peak into the cave, Wolf and I were a tangled mess of limbs. He was
holding me to his chest. I loved just hearing him breathe. Before breakfast we
took a swim in the pool and cleaned up, again. Even though I knew it would be a
few days before Wolf and I could be completely intimate again, I could wait. My
hunger was satiated for the moment and I could enjoy just having him around.
The week seemed
like eternity and then it was time to return to Unity. Besides the obvious
changes to my life, it seemed that more was to come. Soon after arriving back,
I was called into Captain Lancaster’s quarters.
“The Golens have
officially pardoned you of all crimes. You can return Weren when you please. Do
you keep up with local Were news?” He asked while sitting down in a nearby
chair.
“Some Golens are
trying to get Alliance acceptance but in order to do so, slavery would have to
be abolished and a lot of Golens are against the idea of being completely equal
to the Weres.”
“Next time I’ll
have you do my debriefing on Weren news. Right. The Alliance has asked that we
meet with an ambassador Golen. I would like you to help with protocol issues. I
do not want to offend him. The Alliance wants to see how serious he is about
change. “
“I’ll help in any
capacity you need. Just ask, Sir.” Ryan smiled and dismissed me. BY noon the
news had spread throughout the ship of the soon to arrive ambassador.
Chapter 12: Familiar
Ryan and I were waiting for the shuttle to arrive. I was
discussing more customs from Weren and proper protocol. I don’t know which of
us was more nervous, Ryan or me. Within a few minutes the shuttle arrived and
out came the ambassador. I threw protocol out the window as soon as I saw who
it was.
“Bracken.” I ran
up and he grabbed me in his arms and spun me around.
“You’ve grown
little fox. I think your embarrassing Captain Lancaster.”
“Sorry,
Captain.” Ryan just smiled and shook his
head slightly. He understood.
“Captain Ryan
Lancaster, Bracken, Bracken, Captain Ryan Lancaster. This is the other Golen, I
told you about. The one who helped shape my individuality, made me who I am.”
“Nice to meet you, ambassador.”
“Never been much
for protocol, please call me Bracken.”
“Alright,
Bracken. I’ll have someone take your things to your room and how about I show
you around and introduce to key members of my crew? “Ryan asked while an ensign
arrived to handle the luggage.
“Sounds good,
Captain. I noticed you’re mated, little Fox. So, the rumors of a pack are true,
too?” Bracken asked as we headed for the bridge.
“You’ll meet when
we get to the infirmary. He’s a doctor and yes, I’m now pack again.”
“Good for you.
You deserve it.” He playfully squeezed my shoulder. He was like the protective
big brother and always would be. After introductions on the bridge, the final
stop of the tour was the infirmary.
“This is Alpha,
Dr. Wolf Williamson. Wolf this is Bracken, the surrogate brother of mine. “Bracken
sized him up, decided he was okay, and shook his hand. I’m glad he never met my
blood kin. Of course, they would have disowned me for wanting to make a human
my mate.
Formal meetings
were scheduled for tomorrow so Ryan, Alise, Wolf, Bracken, and I had dinner
together and swapped stories and my friends got to know a bit better and they
really liked Bracken.
Before I called
it a night, Bracken asked Wolf if he could steal me away for a little away. One
of the reasons I like Bracken is he knows, and respects Were culture and
customs.
“Logan says
hello.” Three little, seamlessly harmless words, told me so much.
“Okay, tell him hello
back. Let me get this straight, you’re the Golen who works with the
underground.”
“Right. I also
had my cousin pull strings to get you out of jail; after all you did not kill
him. I have known Logan for a long time. My family and his have been close even
before I was born. I would have told you sooner, but it hasn’t been safe till
now. I hope you understand.”
“I do and you’re
not the first to hide things from me.” He knew I meant Kalen. He knew him too.
He was the Golen in charge of our weapons training and fitness in The
Assimilation Program. Before I went in my quarters, he kissed me on the top of
head and made me promise to see him tomorrow, before he said good night.
Chapter 13: Weren
Things were going well. We had orders to accompany the
ambassador back to Weren. It had been over a year since I had been home. No,
not home, my birthplace. Unity was my home and her crew was my family and
friends now. Only a few Weres were exceptions.
In a few days I would have to face my past and at least I could show
Wolf were I came from.
**********
“I’ll have the
results in a couple of hours, and I’ll keep it hidden from Dr. Williams.”
“Thank you, Dr.
Jenson.”
“You better
disappear. I don’t think Captain Lancaster can hold him forever.”
“I’m going.”
“I’ll sneak you
the results later.” I just nodded my head and headed to work.
Dr. Jenson managed to sneak away and meant me at work.
“Well.” I waited anxiously.
“Your pregnant.
Congratulations. “
“Could you do me
a favor?”
“You want me to
get him over here, before the news breaks.”
“You’re sure you
don’t read minds?”
“I am. I will get
him over here, for you. Think the eave droppers can wait.”
“I hope so.” Dr.
Jenson took off and the few “spies “disappeared. It could not have been more
than a few minutes, and Wolf came flying around my office corner.
“You wanted to
see me.” I saw his expression relax as he saw I was all right. What did Dr.
Jenson tell him?
“Our pack is
going to grow.” It took a minute but then a smile crossed his face and he lit
up like a Christmas tree. As you humans say. He picked me up and swung me
around.
“I’m going to be a
dad.” By the end of the day the whole crew knew I was pregnant.
******************
Captain Lancaster, Alise, Wolf and I were assigned to help
with negotiations to unite Weres and Golens. The actual summit was still a few
days away. After getting permission of leave for a few hours, I took Wolf and
showed him around. The last stop would be to see my family. I was pack now and
they had to accept that and see me. Did not mean they had to accept me back
into the family.
“Ready?” Wolf
asked while taking my hand in his. He gave my hand a little squeeze to let me
know he had my back no matter what I decided. I knew I had to confront them.
Well, and there was one more reason.
“Here’s where I
was born.” I knocked on the door. Soon a pair of eyes appeared in the peek
hole.
“Alpha Kit
Williams and Alpha Wolf Williams of the Unity pack, requesting an audience with
the Black pack’s Alphas.” I turned to my left and showed the pack armband.
Armbands were used when the tattoo was not visible and since Wolf and I were in
long sleeved uniforms, they were necessary. The door was opened, and we were
led into the audience chamber. My parents were not happy to see me, but I was
pack now and turning down Alpha members could ruin political standings. Before we sat down, we were introduced.
“I’ll be brief. I
am happy. I have carved a life for myself, different from what you wanted but I
am happy with it. Things need to change. There are Golens who are willing to do
that and The Black Wolves will stay out the way. Anything happens to the Golens
who want to unite Weren or to my friends, crewmembers, pack, or me; the Black
Wolves will be no more. I have sent the list of those involved, that I know of,
to several different parties. Not all of them are planet side. Do not cross me.
Nice seeing you mother and father. Once I leave here, I will forget you existed
just like you did me.” Wolf and I politely nodded are heads and left. I felt
free.
We spent the rest
of our free time buying baby items and meeting up with some friends I have not
seen in a long time. Before we headed to the inn where we were staying, I gave
my respect to Kalen’s family and went to see his grave. I left a bloodstone
ring lying on the memorial stone. I still felt like a part of me was missing
since his death.
Chapter 14: Full Circle
For a while,
things were peaceful. Security at the conference was tight. Golen and Weres
from several different packs were working together to achieve peace. I still
had one more encounter before I achieved my own inner peace.
After Wolf and I
had returned from a day of hang gliding and mountain climbing. At three months
pregnant, I could still safely do the things I had loved as a child. Logan was
waiting for us.
“Could I still your
alpha for a moment?” He asked Wolf.
“I’m going to head
up to the room and take a shower. “He kissed the top of my head, and had that
mischievous glint is his eyes as he headed inside. How did I get so lucky?
Logan and I took a seat on a nearby on a park bench.
“Der, wants to see
you.” For a moment I see those betraying, angry eyes looking down at me before
he leaves me lying wounded in an alley. I take a breath and compose myself.
“The same Der who
betrayed me, now wants to relieve his conscious and ask for forgiveness?”
“He’s a changed
man. He met a good woman who works on our side and fell in love. He knows your
back and he want to see you.”
“He sends you with
the message because he knows I would at least hear you out. Still making the
calculated moves. Some things never change. Set up the place and time. Its time
I face this last demon.”
“Here at sunset.”
Logan knew me to well.
After Wolf and I cleaned up, I filled him in. Just like
Logan, he had thought it would be a good idea to confront Der.
Wolf and Logan
took a seat a few tables down from me. Der had not changed much. He had built a
bit more muscle, but I could still tell it was him from a distance. He was not
an Alpha, so I did not rise when he came to the table.
“Alpha Foxx, may
I have a seat.” He bowed his head and I nodded.
“It’s Williams
now. The man sitting with Logan over there.” I pointed to the guys and their
table.
“Marriage becomes
you, as does alpha hood. Thank you for seeing me.”
“You should thank
the wise men in my life. They all seem to agree that I need to face my demons.”
“Logan told me he
told you about my mate. She helped me to understand that there are different
ways of achieving peace. She also taught me that I needed to face my past and
make amends with those I have hurt.”
“You did more
than hurt me, you beat me up and left me in an alley to die. Hurt is saying a
mean word to someone, not ambushing them.” I took several deep breaths.
“Your right. I
can’t go back and change that but I want you to know how truly sorry I am and I
will spend every day of my life trying to make amends for what I have done.” He
was being sincere. It is radiating off him like the sunrays. Part of me wanted
to deny him forgiveness, but I knew that as an Alpha and as me, I could not do
that in good conscience.
“I can’t say I
forgive you right now, because I’m not sure that would be completely sincere.
It will take time for me, to move beyond and forget what you did. Me seeing you
is the first step to that forgiveness, but it will take time.”
“I understand.”
“As part of the
second step, I would like us to try to be friends again.”
“I’d like that. I
better get going. Lein will start wondering where I am. Her father is usually
already at home by now.”
“A daughter.
Well, let us not keep her waiting. I’d like to meet your family, sometime.”
“I’d like that
too. If you will accuse me, Alpha Williams.” I nodded my head and soon after
the guys came over and fill them in. Both were proud that I was willing to work
on putting the past where it belongs. I was to, I was not sure it was in me. It
was the right thing to do.
Chapter 15: Dawn
The treaty was signed. I was getting rounder, and Der and I
were slowly becoming better friends. That was the good news. The Black Wolf
pack was disbanded because my parents were stupid enough to try to stop the
peace treaty. The council did have proceedings for that.
Since I was the
only blood relative, that was not a pack member. The pack council decided that
I would decide what happened to the pack property and funds. The other packs
said they would accept children under the age of acceptance and their mothers
or fathers if blood related to the pack. Mates would not be accepted.
I did the
honorable and right thing. I asked that my parents and brothers get exiled,
instead of execution. I also allowed them to take their clothes and only their
account money. The pack funds stayed with me as of the rest of their
belongings. They left me with less. If they went to Earth, they would find no
home and if they ever returned to Were, they would be executed on sight. I did
not pity them, they made their choice and I had a family, one that meant more
to be then my blood one ever could.
Those who were
former Black Wolves, and which to join The Unity pack, were welcomed to
interview with me and as long as they paid recompense payment, and were sincere
with me, and I would know, they would be allowed to join the pack. Only a
handful, rejoined with family packs the others left the planet.
All my new pack
members knew that when I was not planet side, that I would someone who would be
my right-hand person. I had the Were already in mind. He was a good friend, highly
intelligent, wise, and kind. He was also tough, protective, and loyal. Above
all, he wanted was good for the pack.
I had introduced
Kerr, to Wolf when I made paid my respects to Kalen. Kerr had been wounded, in
a mining accident when he was young. Even with the advanced medical technology
he was left with a limp. In the eyes, of the pack, he was bottom rung. The pack
only ensured that he had food and shelter, barely that. His mate worked as a
seamstress and he was the gatekeeper at the cemetery. He could earn a bit more
money during the haunting hours: 11-1 in the morning, by allowing mutts to
visit loved ones for a fee.
He, his wife, and
three children, lived on the worse side of town, in a ridiculously small
four-bedroom house. That was going to change, as soon as I went through my
parents things, and sold what I didn’t want, He and his family would move into
my parents’ home and would get a stipend from the pack funds, what would be
mine as Alpha, I didn’t need it, and Kerr could use it, to give his family a
better life.
It really ticked
off some of the pack members when they realized who was my choice. They also
knew that I would not tolerate any rebellious behavior. I could be merciful or merciless and they
knew it. Since our mission for the time being was to help with the transfer of
power, and the changes to come to Weren, I had time to ensure that Kerr would
be fine when I left.
**********************
Months passed. During the dawn of the first day of the new
year, I gave birth to Kalen Wolf Foxx Williams. A beautiful, healthy baby boy.
Who looked a lot like his father, but had his mother’s pointed teeth and ears.
As was Weren
custom on his six-week birthday, he was officially introduced to the Pack
Council. His name was added to the Unity pack records, and he was the first
half human and half Were to ever be added to pack records on Weren.
Kerr kept a room
for us in the house for when we were planet side and with time, the pack accepted
him, and Weren and Golen were learning to live and work together. Kalen, Wolf,
and I spent time living on Weren and living on Unity. It was our new life and
we would not change it for anything.
