Turtleshift

by Linton Bowers

  “He's just always available when I need someone. It's fate I guess?” Riley grinned and shrugged. “He is good at what he does though.”

  “I guess so,” Miranda said as she looked at her phone. “Five star rating with a lot of comments about how awesome Juan is.”

  As if Miranda saying his name were a summons, the minivan pulled up and stopped in front of Riley. The front passenger side window lowered and a smiling Juan waved enthusiastically at Riley.

  “Ola!” Riley shouted as she waved back.

  We piled into the van and Juan took us to the predetermined destination. We stopped in front of a bank. Miranda got put and had the rest of us stay. She disappeared inside and we chatted.

  “You should take Izzy and go figure out who attacked our home,” Tabitha said.

  “Oh, that's a good idea,” Riley said. “You two can have some more alone time. That should help melt her frost heart.”

  “If you start singing the Frozen song again, I will kill you,” Roo said.

  Riley pouted. “Well now I can't cause you ruined it.”

  “Terry,” Tabatha said as she leaned forward and placed her head on my shoulder. She sat on the bench seat behind the Captain's chair I sat on. “I know you feel bad about taking too much from us.” Her voice was low and the two Aussie's continued their own conversation. “We don't blame, and there is nothing to forgive. If you ever find yourself in a situation where your survival is at stake, then pull as much as it takes.”

  Turning my head I looked at my serpent. “I appreciate that, Tabitha. I am going to make sure that I have other options available. I will never hurt you or the others again. I am going to do everything in my power to keep you safe and make a place we can all call home.”

  “That's why I stay by your side. Same for Miranda and all the others. We all believe in you, Terry. You are going to make mistakes, but you are going to make up for them and make our family stronger. I love you, Terry.”

  I love you too, Tabitha,” I replied.

  “She is coming,” Roo said from her chair next to mine.

  Miranda opened my door and slid across my lap. “Excuse me,” she said with a wink. “Here, this is for you.” She dropped a black card on my lap as she went to her seat in the back row.

  “What's this?” i asked as I picked up the black card with my name on it. “Is this a credit card?”

  “Its an American Express Black card,” Miranda said.

  “So a credit card. Why and what id the limit?”

  “The why, os so you have money when you need it. The limit os no limit at all. It's a black card, reserved for the wealthy.”

  Turning in my chair I met my wolf's eyes. “No limit? As in, I could buy whatever I wanted?”

  “Yes dear.”

  “This is too much, I can't take this.” I said as I held the card up for her to take.

  “Yes you can. I have a ton of money and I want to share it with you, Terry. I trust that you won't go on a shopping spree and bankrupt us in the first week. Not that you could, but you get the point.”

  I was about to protest, but it died on my lips. I felt her resolve and knew she wouldn't take it back. I turned back to front and looked at tue card like it was going to bite me.

  “Hey, Juan?” Miranda said.

  “Yes, ma'am?”

  “Would you mind taking us to the nearest Chevrolet dealer?”

  “Not at all.”

  While Juan pulled 8nto traffic I looked back at my wolf. She smiled and raised an eyebrow. Chevy dealer?” I asked.

  “I thought it best for you to replace Andrea's toy. I know how much she loved that car.”

  “Really?” My voice went up a couple octaves as I asked.

  “Don't worry, Terry. It won't even make a dent in my pocket change accounts.”

  “Accounts?”

  “I told you I'm rich. Not rap stat rich, but Oprah's boss rich.”

  “Holy fuck,” Tabitha said. “Really that roch? How?”

  “I'll have to tell you the stories someday, but now isn't the time. I believe we are here.”

  We were greeted by a salesman and Miranda demanded we be shown a Corvette. I asked for used and she insisted on new. I went for base model and she wanted nothing but the best. After a few hours we had a car picked out and would come back to get it later.

  Turns put a black card will get you an Uber driver for as long as you want. Juan stayed there with us until we finished from there he took us to Nick's Electronics.

  “Go on inside and collect our sneaky little friend,” Miranda said. “But don’ t come back too quickly. I think she is still expecting you to make up to her what she waited a pong while for.”

  I smiled at my wolf knowing exactly what she meant. It was a good plan in my eyes.

  The closed sign was out but the door was open so I went in. A bell attached to the door announced my arrival. Nick wasn't in the area open tp the public so I went through the bead curtain leading to her workshop and storage.

  My ferret sat at her workbench typing furiously at her computer. Our link allowed us to sense one another and it was much stronger when we were in close proximity. But the way she continued typing made me think she was too engrossed in her task to have noticed. I snuck up behind her using the Sneak Ability granted by having my ferret in my pack. Once I was close enough I wrapped her up in my arms and shouted an unintelligible cry.

  Nick jerked in my arms and screamed. My immediate laughter clued her in and she swatted at my arms. “You ass!”

  “Sorry, I couldn't resist. You were completely oblivious to my presence. Something tells me this was a rare opportunity to get the drop on you.”

  “Enjoy it while you can, Jerk Face.”

  “What are you working on?”

  “Project Artemis.”

  “Not going to tell me what it is?” I asked.

  “Not at all.”

  “Well, everyone is ready to go. Can you do this on the road?”

  “Mobility is the first thing I ensure I can do when starting any project. I’m ready to roll right now.”

  “No, you are not,” I said.

  The stool Nick sat on swiveled. I grabbed her shoulders and spun her around. She smiled at me while I used my knee to push her legs apart. I stepped between her legs and kissed my Tua deeply. Once we pulled apart I moved back and pulled her pants down. Nick closed her legs and lifted her feet. Her pants were dropped and I took a knee in front of her. Using my hands this time I spread her legs and leaned forward.

  My Ferret moaned as I tasted her. I worked my tongue up and down, side to side, and in circles on her clit until her thighs closed on my head. I slowly lightly licked at her while she came.

  When I was free of her legs I stood and we kissed. While our lips touched and our tongues danced I opened my pants. As we continued to make out I slid my cock into her tight wet warmth.

  We fucked like that on the stool for a good long while. Nick came again in the middle of it. When she came for a third time, her warmth squeezing on my length sent me over the edge. We shared an orgasm as our lovemaking came to an end.

  Thirty minutes after I left Juan’s Uber car I climbed in. He greeted me with a kind word and a smile. Nick boarded after me and we were moving again.

  “Nick,” Miranda addressed my ferret. “We are going to go to the new base, then Terry is going to take Izzy to track down the people responsible.”

  “That’s a good idea. From what you’ve said that chick is in need of some good dick.” Nick then smiled at me. “And Terry does have some good dick.”

  “Tabitha and I agree with you wholeheartedly.”

  “Don’t I get a say in this?” I asked.

  “Only if that say is to agree with us,” Tabitha said.

  “Do we know how to find, Izzy?” I asked. I didn’t have a phone number for her but I figured I could just follow the feeling telling me where she is.

  “Here,” Tabitha passed me a cellphone that had Izzy’s contact info
on the screen and was calling her.

  “Rodriguez,” She answered.

  “Hey, Izzy, it’s me, Terry. We are all done with what needed doing. How do you look on your end?”

  “I’m just about done here. I can meet you guys someplace.”

  “How about the Chevy dealership close to the precinct?”

  “That will do.” She hung up.

  “She is going to meet us at the dealership,” I said as I handed the phone back to Tabitha.

  We arrived at the dealership fifteen minutes later. The Vette was ready, and Miranda bought a couple large SUVs to fit everyone else. When Izzy arrived all the details were taken care of and our little convoy was ready to roll.

  Chapter 5

  Six hours later we parked in the warehouse above the compound that housed my wolf pack. One of the wolves who I didn’t yet know walked out of the small office in the warehouse. I rolled the window down to speak with him.

  “These are some nice wheels. This to make up for the one you killed?” The man asked me.

  “Sure is,” I replied. “How are things going here?”

  “Quiet as can bee. Everyone is down below. Boss thought it might be a good idea to take the lift back up and post a guard in here twenty-four seven.”

  “That’s good thinking. Can you take us down?”

  “That I can. Hang tight and we will be in the sub lele in a few.” He replied.

  “What is that guy’s name?” Nick asked from the passenger seat of the Vette.

  “Beats me. I still have to meet all of my wolves.”

  The car rockedas the elevator started down. The noise of it descending made talking difficult so we stayed silent.

  “What are you going todo to win over the turtle?” Nik sent through our ental link.

  “I have no fucking clue. I need to let her know that I care for her very much and show her that I will always be here for her, but I don’t think words alone will work.”

  “I agree. She seems like a show don’t tell kinda gal.”

  “Any suggestions for me, Nick?” I asked.

  “Be yourself, Terry. As cliche as it sounds, it is the best way to convey all of that. I have no doubt that after a little while she’ll be begging to climb on your pole and go for a ride.”

  I laughed at that. “Somehow, I don’t see Izzy every doing that.”

  “You might have a point, but I stand behind what I said.”

  The car rocked again as the elevator came to a stop. We drove out of the warehouse and the wolf attendant waved. I turned toward the command center and drove. A vehicle was on the way toward us from there so I stopped when it was close.

  The SUV pulled up next to us and the dark tinted driver side window lowered. Andrea looked down at me with her eyes narrowed. “What is that?” She asked.

  “I don't know what you mean,” I said.

  “That machine you are sitting in is what I mean.”

  “Oh, you mean Sasha. Well, our girl here is a brand new Z06 model Corvette. And it just so happens the pink slip has your name on it.”

  Andrea's mouth fell open and her eyes went wide. “Did you say Z06?”

  “Yup.”

  “That's a step up from my last one.”

  “I thought so.”

  “And her name is Sasha.”

  “Andrea, why don't you come over here and meet her for yourself?” It was weird talking about a car like it was a person, but I thought it was what Andrea expected. She seemed to react like it was normal, so I had to be right.

  My werewolf Alpha stepped out of the SUV and I left the Vette. She met my eyes as she stepped passed turning her head to hold my gaze. “You’re not fucking with me right?”

  “No, I owe it to you after the last car. She is all yours.”

  Andrea stood on tiptoes and kissed me. Then she hopped into the Corvette and revved the engine. The deep roar of the machine echoed through the cavern, It was a splendid sound that would have given any gearhead a hard on. She shouted something out the window then shot off like a rocket.

  “I think she wants us to follow her!” Dris shouted from inside the SUV.

  I jumped into the driver’s seat of the SUV and flipped us around. The bigger vehicle didn’t accelerate as swiftly as the Vette so I didn’t bother trying to keep up.

  “I think you just made her millenium,” Dris said.

  “I thought she might like it. She never said anything about the other ar, but I ot the feeling she really loved it.”

  “That she did. Her position makes showing weakness of any kind a no go. Still, if you know what you’re looking for you can see the pain of her loss.”

  “You don’t have any plans of trying for Alpha?” I asked.

  “What? Me? Hell no. I’m second in line and more than happy with my place. The burden of Alpha is too heavy if you ask me. Andrea is or veryown Atlas and I’ll be damned if I shoulder the world. No, I’m content being one of the pillars she leans on for support.”

  “It sounds like she is lucky to have you.”

  “I try hard to make her feel that way. It doesn’t com by accident. What about you? Do you feel the weight of it bearing down on you?” Dris asked.

  The memory of my Tua laying on the floor unconscious amid a sea of dead werewolves came back to me. “Yeah, more so when I do something stupid.”

  “You must be thinking of the situation that lead you here to this place.”

  “I am. Any advice on that?” I asked.The big man had proven himself to be capable and smart. If anyone could give me good advice, it was him.

  “My advice to you is to learn from past mistakes and victories alike. Then leave it in the past and move forward. Dwelling will only cause you to hesitate, or freeze. Either of those could result in far worse than the mistakes you fear. Your people, me included, need you to be firm and decisive. Things you can’t do when you let doubt and fear cloud your mind.”

  “Those are some wise words, thanks,” I said.

  “And the burden of leadership is heavy. How about we sit down for a drink and some pool after you get settled?”

  “We have beer and pool?” I asked surprised by the revelation.

  “That we do. We have made some runs for supplies and the command center, as well as a few other buildings, have recreation areas. It’s like someone prepared this place for the end of the world.”

  “I’m up for some pool and beer.”

  “Good, I’ll get all the boys together and we’ll have a guys night.” Dris said. “I think we all need to unwind, and the fellas need to get to know you.”

  “I would like to get to know the pack. I feel like things are constantly moving and there is no time to slow down for the important stuff. Getting to know my Tua is easy because of the mental connection we share. Getting to know the pack, has been difficult.”

  We arrived at the command center and found the Corvette parked in the handicapped spot closest to the front door. I parked next to it not really thinking anyone would mind since there were no handicapped Lycan’s that I knew of. The trailing vehicle holding the rest of my Tua, minus Miranda and Andrea, parked next to us in the unmarked parking spot. At least one of our vehicles was parked legally.

  We found Miranda and Andrea in the control center along with a good majority of the wolves. The twins rushed me and wrapped my up in their arms planting kisses on my cheeks.

  “Hello, Terry,” Catarina said.

  “It’s so good to have you back,” Catya said.

  “Hi, ladies. It’s good to be back. I hopr you two have recovered from healing me?” I asked. The last time we were together the twins had used their unusual brand of sexually charged magic to heal me, more than once. It was draining on them and put them down hard.

  “Oh yes, we are just fine. Rest is all we require to recover,” Catya said.

  “How are you feeling, Terry?” Catarina asked.

  “Great now that I’m here with you two,” I replied.

  “Don’t go spoiling my
twins,” Andrea thought to me.

  I luaghed and the twins cocked their heads to the side. “What’s so funny?” They asked in unison.

  “Nothing, sorry. I need to get back to work. I’ll catch up with you two later.”

  “Promise?” Catya asked. She looked up at me with her big beautiful eyes with an expression that said she would pout if I gave the wrong answer.

  “I promise.”

  The twins both kissed me on the mouth before letting me go and resuming their work at the computer stations they vacated when I entered.

  “How are things here?” I asked as I stepped onto the dais in the center of the room.

  “This have been quiet and productive,” Andrea replied.

  “Andrea and the pack have moved in and prepared spaces for us,” Miranda said. “She said you are in the same room as before. Do you remember how to find it?”

  “I think I do. Did you happen to get clothes that would fit us?” I asked.

  “We lost everything when the compound blew up,” Tabitha added as she stepped up next to me.

  “We found clothes in a warehouse. There should be plenty for all of you,” Andrea said.

  “I hope it’s not a bunch of shiney jumpsuits that looked futuristic in nineteen sixty two,” Miranda said.

  We all laughed at that. The place did have a little bit of a bond villain feel to it. Her question was understandable.

  “No, there was nothing but regular clothes. Well, there were some all black military style clothes and coveralls for mechanics. But plenty of jeans and t-shirts as well as other types of clothes. There was even a good amount of formal wear. It’s really weird they would pack hat, but what can you do but benefit from a prepared foe?” Andrea asked.

  “Works for me,” I said

  “Why don’t you guys go and get settled?” Andrea asked.

  “Before we do,” I said. “How are the kids?”

  “They are doing good, mostly. We managed to get in touch with the parents of some. One couple wanted nothing do with their kid, but the rest have relocated here or are on their way.”

  “They are staying here? Wow, I didn’t expect that.” I said.

  “It makes sense,” Miranda said. “Here, the kids can come to terms with what they are and not have to worry about people finding out. Plus, there is the benefits that come from having people they can relate to taking care of them. I approve.”