Bonded

by Nicky Charles

Without looking away, the captain concluded the meeting. “Until we can find the source of our leak, there will be no more missions to search out the Purists’ leader. This unit is on stand-by and can view the next few weeks as an unofficial vacation. Dismissed.”

  Chairs slowly scraped back as if the Lycans were reluctant to leave.

  “I’ll talk to you later, men.” Reno spoke in a casual tone but his unit understood. They filed out in silence, though several cast speculative looks from him to the captain.

  The captain’s nostrils flared as the Lycans seemed to obey Reno more readily than they did him. As the door shut behind the last Enforcer, he exhaled loudly. “You have a bone to pick with me, Reno?”

  “Maybe.” Reno leaned back in his chair. “Something is off. You’re not telling the whole story. Why?”

  “Because we don’t know where the leak is coming from. Everyone is under suspicion. Me. You. The other Enforcers. Computer technicians. Office staff. The DC officers.” He ran his hands through his hair. “If I say anything more the informant might run or go underground for a time, only to re-emerge at a later date.”

  Reno weighed the facts. It made sense but he didn’t like it. “As I said before, I’ll accept that for now but as leader of the squad, I’d like to be kept apprised of any developments.”

  “As much as I’m allowed, I’ll keep you informed.”

  Reno stood up and headed towards the door.

  “And Reno?”

  “Yes, sir?” He paused and looked at the captain.

  “I can still whip your butt and will do it if you pull a stunt like that again. Don’t challenge me.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind… sir.”

  He left the office, closing the door quietly behind him. Stupid move, he chastised himself. Why had he made a show in front of the others? It made sense that Fielding wouldn’t spill the beans to everyone, so why question the man?

  Reno rubbed his neck and narrowed his eyes. Fielding irritated him. As a matter of fact almost everyone irritated him lately. He loved being an Enforcer, yet… Glancing about the building, he noted the bland utilitarian office decor, the murmur of voices as people went about their jobs. He was sick of it. Maybe he needed a vacation, some time away. He wondered where Brandi had gone, but quickly dismissed the idea. Following her on vacation would put him in the creep category.

  He walked down the hallway mulling over possible destinations. The team was on stand-by. If he stayed close by…

  “Hey, Reno!” Brad and Jenny were standing near a computer. “Come look at this.”

  Not really wanting to, he wandered over, pasting a politely interested look on his face. “What’s up?”

  “Look at these pictures from Brandi’s party. Aren’t they great?” Jenny pushed a button and a slideshow began to run on the computer screen. Brandi laughing. Brandi opening a present. Brandi hugging Al…

  He could feel a growl rising in his throat and fought to keep it under control. There was nothing between Al and Brandi. After all, hadn’t the man just been urging him to go after her?

  “Nice pictures.” Reno forced the words out. “But I’ve got some errands to run right now.” With a casual wave, he walked away as quickly as possible and headed towards the gym. Maybe a good workout would help. He doubted it, but it was that or start a fight with someone and in the mood he was in right now, it wouldn’t bode well for his opponent.

  Chapter 16

  Several days later…

  The distant rumble of thunder echoed through the otherwise silent streets of Kolding’s Pass. An evening storm had just left off drenching the small town and water still dripped from every surface while puddles dappled the dirt road. It was a full moon but the thick clouds racing across the sky obscured much of the silvery light. Shadows shifted and swayed, twisting the usually familiar shapes of houses and shrubs into strange and unnatural objects.

  A gust of wind blew past and Brandi shivered as yet another shower of cold water drops fell on her, further plastering her hair to her head before sliding down her face and neck. The ground was slippery with mud and she cursed under her breath as she skidded yet again, her foot sliding into another puddle. Already her shoes and socks were soaked, squishing uncomfortably with every step she took.

  For all that it was a hot dry summer back at Lycan Link, that was half a continent away. Kolding’s Pass was being plagued by a rainy spell, and nights in the mountains were cool enough without the added discomfort of wet clothing. She finally gave up on retaining her human form in favour of the warm fur of her wolf. The air shimmered around her as she shifted and then a contented sigh escaped her as the uncomfortable cold and dampness faded away. Her thick fur coat repelled most of the water and the higher animal metabolism negated the effects of the night air.

  Unfortunately, nothing could be done about the state of the ground. Mud oozed between her toes, cold and slimy. She gave each paw a shake and whined with annoyance before carefully continuing on her way, peering into the shadows and testing the air. After being away for so many years, Brandi wasn’t as confident as she’d once been walking the back alleys of her home town and picked her way along, trying to be as quiet as possible. Most of the pack was out for the lunar run and so, supposedly, was she except for the fact that she’d doubled back.

  Something was wrong in Kolding’s Pass and she had her suspicions as to what it was. A little investigating while everyone was out of the way should prove or disprove her theory.

  Her homecoming had started out well. Everyone had been surprised to see her—she’d given them no warning of her arrival, not wanting anyone to fuss—and her aunt and cousins had greeted her with hugs and kisses, questioning her about her ‘exciting career’ at Lycan Link. A few old friends stopped by to show off their families and inquire how she was. Yes, that had all gone as she’d expected, but several long time residents were missing and others who used to be friendly seemed to be purposely avoiding her.

  Kolding’s Pass was unique in that the entire settlement was Lycan. A hundred years ago it had been a thriving mining town but the boom days of the coal mines were long past. Economic downturns caused by the dwindling coal output, combined with the youth moving away to larger urban centres, had changed the once thriving community into little more than a ghost town. Slowly, Lycans filtered into the area drawn by the secluded location. They took over what remained of the mining operation, eking out a living from the few existing coal deposits. Now, the only humans in the area were those that had mated with werewolves and were considered part of the pack.

  Or at least they used to be.

  Padding down the gravel strewn alley, Brandi pondered yet again why Mrs. Channing hadn’t stopped to talk to her yesterday when she’d called out her name. And where was her mate, Peter? Their pups were suspiciously absent as well. Several others who were mated to humans were also unusually aloof or missing altogether. When Brandi asked her aunt, the woman had simply changed the subject.

  There was a sinking feeling in her stomach that her pack had been taken over by Purists and she thought she knew how it had happened. While she’d yet to talk with Victor, the new Alpha, a sense of his presence seemed to be everywhere. An underlying tension filled the air, as if everyone were on guard less they break some unspoken rule.

  For one thing, the hierarchy of the pack was more rigid than it had been when Brandi had lived there. Her aunt was bowing to Mrs. Srigley across the street while Mrs. Pearson next door seemed to cower in her presence. And her young cousins were spouting off about the wisdom of the ancient ones and how Lycans were growing soft, forgetting their heritage. It brought chills to her spine just listening to them talk, with fanatical pride, of all the ways Lycans are superior to humans.

  And so here she was, creeping through the back alleys, searching out Alice and Peter Channing’s house in the hopes of getting some answers.

  She carefully nudged the back gate open with her muzzle, wincing as it squeaked faintly. Holding her breath, she waited
a beat but nothing stirred in response to the noise. Why she was worried, she couldn’t say—after all the pack was out for a run—but something was telling her to be cautious and over the years she’d learned to heed that inner voice.

  With utmost care, she slipped through the small opening and made her way across the backyard. The grass was in need of cutting and the once famous flower beds looked weed infested and neglected. Except for a small light coming from the kitchen, the house appeared empty but that couldn’t be the case. Mrs. Channing hadn’t been at the run and on a night like this, where else would she be except at home?

  Rising on her hind legs, Brandi rested her front paws on the window ledge and peeked inside but saw nothing except her own reflection looking back at her. Cocking her ears, she picked up faint sounds of movement, the creak of a floor board, shuffling steps. Someone was inside.

  Dropping down onto all fours, she shifted forms and approached the backdoor, hoping Mrs. Channing would be more welcoming now than she’d been earlier on. Perhaps the whole incident had been her imagination. Maybe the woman hadn’t heard her yesterday. But then again, Mrs. Channing was a werewolf with excellent hearing. And she was mated to a human.

  Deciding nothing was to be gained by hesitating, Brandi knocked on the backdoor, glancing nervously over her shoulder as she waited for a response. She could swear someone was watching her but her senses led her to believe otherwise; there was no sound, no scent, no sign of movement save the windblown trees.

  Come on, girl. Get a grip, she chided herself and shifted her attention back to the door. Just as she raised her hand to knock again there was the scraping sound of the lock being turned. Brandi held her breath as the door opened a crack.

  Through the slim opening, she made out Mrs. Channing’s face. Worry lines marred the once cheerful visage and grey liberally streaked the woman’s hair.

  “Brandi? What are you… ? You… you shouldn’t be here. You should be with the others.” Mrs. Channing stuttered nervously while peering into the backyard.

  “I saw you weren’t at the run and thought you might like some company.” Brandi moved to step forward but contrary to her past experiences visiting the house, no move was made to welcome her inside.

  “No! It isn’t safe.” The scent of fear filled the air and Mrs. Channing tried to close the door but Brandi pushed against the wooden panel, holding it open.

  “It isn’t? Why not?”

  “Because… ” The woman swallowed hard, her eyes darting around as if expecting an attack any minute. “Because it just isn’t. Please Brandi, if not for your own sake, then for mine, just go!” Again she tried to close the door but Brandi held her ground.

  “But Mrs. Channing, I don’t understand. What’s the problem? Maybe I can help.”

  “No, child. It’s not possible.”

  Deciding to be blunt, Brandi stated her suspicions. “Is it the Purists? Are you being mistreated? I work for Lycan Link and maybe I can help.”

  “I… ” The woman hesitated and licked her lips nervously before opening the door. “All right. But come inside quickly before anyone sees you.”

  “They’re out on the lunar run. We’re safe.” Brandi offered reassurance as she stepped inside and followed the woman through the pantry into the kitchen.

  “Not all of them. They never leave us unguarded for long.”

  “Us? Who are you talking about?”

  “Myself and the others, wolves who mated humans. Our pups.”

  A quick glance around the small kitchen escalated Brandi’s suspicions. There were no extra dishes waiting to be washed, no homey clutter on any of the surfaces. “I haven’t seen your girls since I’ve been home.”

  Mrs. Channing shook her head and compressed her lips. “You won’t either. They’re all working for the pure-bloods and they aren’t allowed out of their masters’ houses.”

  “Masters?” She raised her brows at the term.

  The woman nodded. “Victor and the males he brought into the pack after taking over. The halves are their servants, working in their homes or as unpaid labourers in their businesses.”

  “Some of them are just children!” Brandi looked at her appalled, as she rapidly calculated the present ages of the pack members in question.

  “That’s what I said, but Victor insists that at fifteen, they’re old enough to start earning their keep.”

  “They should be going to school, not working!”

  Mrs. Channing shook her head. “No school for the halves. Victor doesn’t believe in wasting resources on them.”

  A sinking feeling filled Brandi’s stomach. She looked around once more. The house was neat but had a worn look about it. And it was too quiet. Beyond themselves the only sound was the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. “Where’s Mr. Channing?”

  “Gone.” The woman’s voice faltered and she took a deep breath before continuing. “They took Peter away saying a human had no right to live with the pack.”

  “Is he… ?” She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.

  “No. Not yet.” Mrs. Channing took a shuddering breath and blinked rapidly. “They’re holding him and the rest in the old jail in the back of the town hall. The pack’s divided on what to do with them.” The woman finally broke down and sank into a chair, tears spilling down her cheeks. “This is my fault. We should have left town. When Victor started to push to take over, he was ranting on and on about werewolf purity. Most of the other mixed families left, nervous of what might happen but I believed in my pack mates. I told Peter that we’d be safe.”

  Brandi nodded in understanding. No one wanted to believe their family members and neighbours would turn on them.

  “But Victor challenged for the leadership and Alpha Klaus lost. After that, things just kept getting worse and worse and when we finally decided to leave, Victor wouldn’t let us. He said he didn’t want to be responsible for the ‘scourge’ of half-breeds spreading to other packs.”

  Brandi recalled Victor from when he’d been pack Beta. The man wasn’t originally from the area but had joined just before she’d left. Looking back, she wondered if he’d been driven from his home because of his beliefs or if he’d purposely chosen the pack because of its remote location. Klaus had good-naturedly let him in and, impressed with the man’s knowledge of the Book of the Law, promoted him to Beta when the position opened up.

  Everyone had been in awe of Victor. He was commanding, eloquent, and had spoken of great plans for the mines. Given the economic times, the idea of revitalizing the town had been enough that most had been willing to overlook his strict views.

  “They haven’t turned on you, though. Have they?”

  “I’m allowed to stay—I wouldn’t leave my family behind anyway—but I’m considered ‘contaminated’ and I’m not supposed to associate with the others. That’s why you shouldn’t be here. You could be punished.”

  Brandi compressed her lips and shook her head. How could this have happened in her own community? “I’m not worried. I don’t live here permanently. And I think I can help you get your family out of here. I have a friend who specializes in cases like this.”

  “Really?” Mrs. Channing looked up at her with hope-filled eyes. “When I first heard you were coming for a visit, I wondered if maybe… But Victor told me to make sure I stayed away from you, or the girls and Peter would pay the price.” Mrs. Channing bit her lip and wrung her hands. “You’re sure no one saw you coming here?”

  “No one was around. I checked.” Brandi patted the woman’s shoulder while inwardly frowning. Had Mrs. Channing said ‘heard she was coming?’ This was supposed to be a surprise visit. Well, perhaps the woman, in her agitation, had misspoken. And there was no point in mentioning the strange feeling she’d had of being watched. It was only a feeling after all. “Everything will work out, Mrs. Channing. This is part of what I’ve been doing for a living for the past three years.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to get back before they notice I’m missing.
Just sit tight. By the end of the week, help should be on its way.”

  Taking her leave of the woman, Brandi slipped out the backdoor and shifted forms once more, though it took more effort than she’d care to admit. She moved swiftly down the alleyway, no longer worried about being quiet. Speed was more important. The pack had started their run on the edge of town and she wanted to be there when they returned.

  About a half mile from the field where the pack gathered, Brandi stopped and slid into the deep shadows cast by a tree. Deciding she was close enough to the site of the run that she could claim to have finished early, she shifted again. A wave of dizziness washed over her and she braced herself against the tree for a moment trying to re-establish her equilibrium. Shifting so often was draining, though it shouldn’t be. It was just that her energy levels were low as of late. She made a mental note that she needed to try to get more rest.

  The rain storm had moved off and the night was quiet except for the faint rhythmic chirping of insects and the rustling of grass as it swayed in the evening breeze. Brandi scented the air but could detect no wolves or other animals nearby.

  Hunkering down, she pulled out her cell phone and shaded the glow of the screen with her palm. A twig snapped nearby and she looked up, wondering if someone had returned early but there was still no sign of movement, no betraying scent. Her heartbeat sounded loudly in her ears and she wondered why her nerves were so jumpy. No one had followed her from town and she was just making a phone call. There could be no complaint against that.

  Taking a steady breath, she dialled Reno’s number. Even after three years, she still had it programmed into her cell, though why she wasn’t sure. She’d often been on the verge of erasing it but had always stopped before finally pressing delete. Sometimes, she’d wondered why she was so masochistic as to keep it. Now she was glad she had.

  As the phone rang, she nervously nibbled her lip. Even though they’d parted on good terms, she still felt strange calling Reno in the middle of the night.