A New Path

by Xander Jade

  Nobody answered, so I went to bat again. I decided a double dose was needed this time. I walked over to the next casualties and grabbed two of them before they could move away from me. I lifted them up off the ground to my height and slammed to the ground. It took three times to knock them unconscious, then laid them flat on the ground carefully side by side. I got myself into position, leaped in the air, and landed on their heads. My tree trunk legs and feet crushed them like melons and looked up to find most of them were about to flee. ‘Soph, move up slowly, and let them know you are near. ‘Reap and Herc, move up.’ I glanced around the camp waiting for the yelling to start. Moments later I got my wish, growling could be heard throughout the camp site. The orcs were in panic mode, not knowing if they could take their chances and fight their way out. Half of the orcs decided it was better to fight, so they hollered something in Orcish and ran. They didn’t get far, the wolves surrounded them and with Reap and Herc they took care of them. It lasted about three minutes. The others didn’t see the hulking masses of tiger and bear in the dark, some probably thought the others made it out. I took the choice from them.

  "Nobody else move! Those wolves you see are at my command, which makes them my responsibility. You harm them, then you will most certainly die. Reap, Herc, come up here." They walked into light from the fire, and three quarters of the orcs left alive fainted and loud thuds meant the bodies hit the ground. ‘Soph, surround us.’ She responded by action and the wolves stood ten feet away. Soph was right behind me, I wondered if that was planned and shook my head, getting it back on track. I walked over to the leader and he just stared at me defiantly.

  "Who’s your second in command?" It took him a few moments, but relented, pointing the orc by me. Good, I didn’t have to go far. I grabbed the leader and punched him in the face, crushing his skull. I wasn’t done though, I grabbed his head in one hand and held his neck in the other and roared out as I ripped his head off his shoulders. Dropping them on the ground, I turned to the second in command, feeling the green blood that gushed out onto me. I watched his demeanor, allowing him to calm down a little, so we could continue the interrogation.

  "Hopefully, you will be better at listening." He nodded quickly. "Rangers, how many, and are they still here?"

  "Ten, yes."

  "Wens. How many are in the mine, and where are they located?"

  "Six, four are keeping eyes on the prisoners, and the other two are walking the mine shaft."

  "Why are you capturing them?"

  "I-I don’t know. The overlords don’t tell us.

  "I believe you. Overlords, who are they?

  "Dark mages. Different kinds: summoners, necros, and warlocks."

  Damn, what are they up to? "Where are the other locations?"

  "I’m not sure. I only know where the closet one is, besides here."

  "Okay, tell me."

  "It’s near a town called Aston. The location is in the abandoned mine like it is here.

  "When do the overlords come check up on you?"

  "They come when the wagons come for the people we have gathered."

  "How many times have the wagons shown up here?"

  "None, this is the first." I exhaled in relief at knowing this information, but needed to get those people out and get to Will.

  ‘Reap, Herc, what do you think?’

  ‘You got some good intel,’ Reap responded.

  ‘We need to get back to the mine and clean house,’ Herc suggested.

  ‘What are we going to do with the leftovers?’

  Both of them responded at the same time. ‘Kill them!’

  ‘I was thinking the same thing. Okay, I’ll get the wolves involved.’

  I didn’t look but asked, ‘Soph, you still with me?’

  ‘Yes, baby, I’m not leaving without you,’ she purred.

  I stumbled at that remark, but replied, ‘It’s about to get messy, you in or out?

  She answered with a sultry voice, ‘In, baby, you don’t need to ask. We are here for you and your pack.

  "Let’s make this quick. Everyone, kill at will!" The wolves sprinted in and started the killing, Reap and Herc were right behind them. I just stayed back, thinking of what was said. We have a lot of work to do. I shook my head listening to the screams and growls for about five minutes that ended in sweet silence. I went around and made sure the orcs were dead, ending with the leader. We went around to the bodies and collected all items of value: currency, knives, daggers, swords, axes, and tied them together in bundles then gave to Reap and Herc to carry. I turned to the sound of feet coming my way, Soph and some of her pack were waiting for me, I guess, so slowly walked over and bowed to them. "Thanks for the assist ladies and gentlemen. We couldn’t have done this without you."

  ‘You can talk to them mentally, through my link. Thank you for a chance to honor the fallen, by seeking revenge against those who wronged us.’ I bowed and told her it wasn’t a big deal. ‘Max, you have given us a great gift. It is a big deal for us. Now, when are we leaving?’ Soph replied.

  My left eyebrow rose, why are they going? ‘You’re going with us?’

  ‘Of course, I’m not letting you go without me again.’

  ***

  We stayed in the camp and rested until it was dark enough so that no one would see us at the mine. During this time I finally caught on how to change back to my human form. When I did, my body had changed. I grew almost a foot, my shoulders were broadened, and my physique was way more muscular. Some other parts of my body were changed, but wasn't going into detail about them now. Thank goodness someone had some pants I could wear or at least fit me somewhat, because when changing back you need to have some clothes nearby. When my naked butt hit the ground, I tried to hurry and put the pants on but wasn’t fast enough, although the ladies around loved the show and gave shout outs, some whistled.

  "Damn, look at that fine specimen," Samantha purred out.

  "Yes ma’am, he is divine," Felicity huskily stated.

  Sophia came to my rescue, "Down girls. Leave the poor man alone." She chuckled at their banter. I shook my head and went to find Herc and Reap to rest.

  While we were resting, Soph took it upon herself to come visit with us. We talked for a long time about everything not related to what we were about to partake. Her pack was most important to her, the relationships with her sisters of the pack especially. She introduced me to the ones that spoke out when I had a wardrobe malfunction, which didn’t deter them at all because they still wanted to get close to me. I laughed at their brazen personalities, Soph laughed numerous times at my jokes and humor. She was headstrong and a great person to talk to, it was enjoyable getting to know her and the pack. We were taken out of our conversation when two ladies came over to let us know it was time to go. Getting up, I got my gear together and walked to the front of the group with my duo in tow. Soph was talking with a couple of betas when she caught my eye and nodded as my crew walked by. Our journey starts now.

  Half way through the trip back some howls were heard off to the east, Soph stopped when she noticed the signs of some of her pack. We waited until the group came into view and shifted back into their human forms. There was at least sixty of them, male and female combined. The leaders met with Soph’s group and talked about the escapade they went through. Three males that didn’t really figure to be anything special, medium height, muscular, obviously being weres, but just average elsewhere. They were all up on Sophia, trying to see what they could do for her or what we were doing and so on. She just ignored them totally, but I saw it as the guys were trying to get on her good side, maybe try to mate with her. Shrugging those thoughts off just in time as she came over to my side, the three males and a female in tow.

  "Max, these are some of my betas: Nancy, Carl, James, and Hank. Guys this is Max, the one who helped us out of a major jam today."

  I nodded to them but didn’t speak, the three dildos looked at me with disdain, but Nancy spoke out, "It’s very nice to mee
t you Max. Thank you for helping our alpha and the pack today."

  I could already tell that these fucks were going to be annoying, but didn’t say that.

  "Likewise Nancy."

  Soph commanded, "Alright, you late comers have been updated with our mission, let’s go." We set again on our journey to see if we can see if our group can set those captives free.

  We arrived back at the mine around midnight. The full moon was out in all its glory and the wolves came out to play. Soph had her betas scout the exterior to make sure those fugly bitches can't get behind us. We were about to go into the nest. I thought I would be nervous, but felt calm and confident, while still in human form my hand grabbed the axe I took from the chief and started going through forms to loosen up my body. The new height and muscle definition was something I had to get used to very quickly. My body was quicker and stronger but felt out of sync. I was finishing up when Soph came over to sit down and watch me.

  "Damn, you are one sexy man! Were you always this big?"

  I laughed and responded, "No princess, I guess when my magic came out and shifted my body, it also changed my original form.

  "Princess? I ain't no damn princess! Bitch is more like it. You may call me Alpha Bitch if you prefer to give me a title," she snickered.

  "The night is still young, I'll see if I can come up with a better one then. That one may get me slapped," I replied smiling.

  "Yep, you need to watch yourself mister. I am a bit moody at the moment and won't just let anyone take advantage of me," she smiled coyly.

  I brazenly replied, "I'll make sure nobody takes advantage of you too much. Wouldn't want that pretty smile to go away."

  Her eyes lit up and she gave me a smoldering look, "What if I want you to take advantage of me?"

  I chuckled out "Down girl, we don't need any distractions right now. If you keep that up, I'll definitely have to discipline you."

  Her body shuddered and softly spoke, "Spanking? Ohhhh that would be magnificent. I've haven't been spanked in years."

  I couldn't believe my ears. Damn, she must be one of those bondage loving chicks. Huh...never thought I would meet someone in to that.

  "Fuck, woman, you down with bondage and all that?"

  "Hell yeah! There's nothing like being fucked hard when you're tied down or dangling in the air," she wistfully replied.

  Shaking my head smirking, "I'll remember to tell the guy you end up with then." She didn't get a chance to respond as I looked over her head, and noticed a few of her pack walking towards us. We got up to meet them, and noticed it was her betas Carl, Hank, James, and Samantha. The guys smiled at Soph and gave me a go to hell look. Samantha smiled at me as she looked up and down my body. Soph found this funny for some reason.

  "Carl, what's the status?" Soph politely asked.

  "We checked the perimeter, and found no other entry points except the entrance. We feel certain that we can infiltrate without being seen. The wens haven't been sighted."

  "If we attack as one, we will be victorious. It will be a hard fight, but honorable and glorious," James advised.

  "I agree Sophia, the wens won't see us coming, and won't know what hit them," Hank had to put his two cents in. I just blinked for a few moments because I didn't know what to say. Are these people idiots? Do they want to die? Stupid motherfuckers. I sure as hell am not doing what they said.

  Soph confused with their assessment questioned them, "Are you sure that is the best approach?" They nodded and she looked at me for my opinion. I was definitely going to give it. These idiots are going to get everyone killed.

  "Max, what do you think of their plan?" The three brainless idiots were shocked she asked me of my thoughts. Dumb asses. What I should've said was 'Don't listen to these fuckers. They will be the end of you.' Instead I glanced over to the other female of the group, "I have an opinion, but will hold it until I hear what Sam has to say," she looked up when I said her name, "What would you do in this scenario?" That set off a round of bitching and complaining. Did they think the woman couldn't think for herself? I swear, I'm about to bitch slap these assholes.

  "Going right at them is suicide. We should split up and take them one or two at a time," Sam smiled at me when she said this. I winked at her and began my rant.

  "My plan is sort of like that. We split up, take the majority of us to where the prisoners are; since four are supposed to be guarding them. The rest will go tango with the other two deep within the mine. We will give a signal and attack at the same time, that way the wens won't be able to prepare."

  "That's it?" Carl scoffed. "That's your plan?"

  Those little fuckers actually started laughing. I didn't care what these three little men said or did. I was going to do my thing.

  "Why are you hanging around him, Sophia? He doesn't belong here." Hank sneered.

  "How can you be in his presence? He is beneath your station. If you need some male time, let me know, I will be happy to fill that role," James smirked.

  "What the hell are you three doing? Do you not realize who you are talking to? He can tear you apart with his hands. I can't believe how fucking stupid you three are," Sam yelled while Soph seethed in anger. I just laughed at them, which confused them and guessed the comments made was supposed to rile me up. As I carried on with laughter, they started getting angry, but stopped and wiped a tear out of my eye to say my peace. "I take it you three were in the group not involved in the fighting that took place today?" They nodded, so I glanced at the ladies and bowed, "It was nice talking to you. I am honored to have met you, and wish you the best in your endeavors." I smiled and winked at them while walking over to Reap and Herc off to the side to see if they were prepared. 'You ready to go? The wolves said the only way in and out are those double doors.'

  Herc replied while smirking, 'Yes, we're ready, but are the wolves joining us?'

  Reap chuckled, 'Max can't go anywhere without drama."

  I wasn't going to respond to that. 'Don't know, don't care. If they want to join us, then they got about thirty seconds to get ready.' I gave it about a minute, and nobody joined us. 'Let's get this fucking show on the road.' I walked to the entrance, opened the door for my two compadres, and went in shutting the door silently behind me. Thinking about what I wanted to accomplish like Sigmus taught me, then voiced the magic that was needed, a tingling sensation ran through me to present itself and was shocked as white fire came out of my hand. The heat was so intense that I had to look away for a few moments, but ran my hand along the door frame, welding them to the rock. I technically sealed us in, but made sure no one could get in or out, unless they were a mage.

  ‘Your magic is a good weapon to have. I am glad you have that now, we may need it. Also, we were going to suggest it just be the three of us, but didn’t want to upset you. It will be easier and quieter for the three of us." I nodded and he continued, "I want you to stay human for as long as possible. We don’t want to startle the prisoners and announce our presence too soon.’ Reap recommended.

  ‘Let’s go nice and easy, maybe we can skirt around to get to the ones deep in the mine first. Max, use the axe, it is sharp enough to cut the heads off. Then use the dagger to the cut the heart out. Also, the bastards are susceptible to fire, so burn them, especially the hearts.’ Herc silently stated. I nodded and started wondering how these two know all this shit. We walked down the tunnel to get our fight on.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  (Outside, when Max walked off, the wolves had a private chat, or is it yell. I’m not entirely sure, but someone is about to get there asses chewed out)

  Sophia was turning to go after Max, but Carl caught her arm, holding on to it. Her anger was absolute, and was about to overflow like an erupting volcano. Her eyes turned golden, telling others she was about to change. She yanked her arm out of Carl’s hand and growled out, "Don’t ever put your fuckin hands on me again. That is your one and only warning." Carl scrambled back a couple of steps holding his hands up trying to get her to
calm down.

  "Why are you so angry, Soph?" Hank asked. "We were just giving our opinions and suggestions."

  Sophia whipped her around to him and yelled out, "You don’t get to call me by that name. You call me Sophia or Alpha. Do you three understand!?

  They nodded, but James couldn’t keep his mouth shut. "We heard that human call you by that name, why can’t we? I still can’t believe you were flirting with the human, it’s just not right."

  Before Sophia could respond, Carl commented to his brother’s question. "Why are we even here? It’s not like we owe them anything."

  The alpha’s anger still going strong, it was Samantha who answered. "Did you three not hear any of the accounts of the battles we had today?"

  "Yeah, we heard it, but didn’t believe most of it. There isn’t a creature alive who is half bear and half tiger. Oh, and 12 ft. tall. They also said it was a burnt orange color, with stripes all over the body," Hank replied sarcastically.

  Sam nodded and continued, "Yes, I was there, and know what I saw. We were cornered by some wendigoes, and didn’t think we were going to make it out. They had twenty of us killed in minutes, and we couldn’t do anything to them. It was like they didn’t feel pain from our claws. Then, his massive body come on to the scene and roared. It was a sound I will never forget, it actually stopped the fight, and we all looked to see what predator was coming to join in. He was so quick and strong, the wens as the orcs call them, didn’t know what to do with this creature, and neither did we. Max sprinted towards the wens, so our entire pack dropped back to let them fight it out. He killed the first one in less than two minutes, killed another one minutes later when he cut it down and pulled the heart out. He also distracted the last one long enough to let a few of us get behind it to distract the creature. When it was distracted, he put his hand through its chest and pulled the heart out and threw it on the ground. He wasn’t done though, he grabbed the bastard, pulled him up to his height to look it in the eyes, and ripped its head off with his bare hands."