by T. L Smith
Since they were getting near to home, Luke sent a mental message out to Adam to let him know they would soon be there and that, so far, all had gone well with intercepting Levi. He told Adam that as soon as they got there he hoped to head back to help Julie. "I don't sense any anxiety or apprehension with Levi, but as you know, one small trigger could turn a good introduction into a disaster. It may help if a female could be there to help divide his attention and keep it from getting too intense. But, of course, that's your call", cringed Luke, softening the inference that Adam needed help in knowing how to handle the situation.
Adam soon acknowledged Luke's message about their approach. He chuckled saying, "No worries my brother. I will see to having a few submissive wolves rounded up to soften the introduction, and I take no offense with the inference that I needed help getting ready. I know that you've had a lot on your shoulders in having to deal with both Levi and Julie's situations at the same time. It takes someone very strong, organized and focused to handle them both well and I chose the right wolf for the job. We will see you shortly." And with that, the mental connection was closed.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Searching through the bush looking for the strange prints, it became very clear that the three Rangers would be very lucky if they managed to find any more of them. They were looking for strides about 5 to 6 feet apart, one for a normal man. What they weren't considering was how far apart they'd be if it wasn't a man, but rather a beast. The investigation hadn't moved them to that type of consideration yet. Another hindrance to their investigation was the fact that the strange prints were when Levi was in mid change. If they had started observing how many paw prints there were in the outer area, they may have concluded that it was more of an animal that they should be looking for instead of a man.
Roger was the first to admit that they may have lost their trail. "I don't think the prints we're looking for pertain to our perpetrator. Maybe it was just some prints left at two different times and coincidentally appeared to fit the crime scene. What do you two think?" he asked.
Joe scratched his head while still looking around the area he was standing in. "I'm starting to think the same thing. It's like the pattern we thought we saw just vanished. It was strange enough as it was, so maybe we just wanted it so badly we made it possible", he said.
Julie started to protest the implications she was doing that when Joe held up his hand. "I'm not saying you were doing that, purposely or otherwise. I'm saying that could've been what all three of us were doing. Your explanation made sense from what we were seeing, so we went with it. I'm thinking it's time we give up on that train of thought and move on." It wasn't a suggestion. Julie knew Joe well enough that when he made up his mind on something, it was wise not to question him on it.
Her shoulders dropped in defeat and she sighed, "Alright, I 'spose you're right." Roger nodded as he made his way back over to where Julie was. They had been searching as a team earlier until they broke off to search for the unusual prints. Now, as he moved to rejoin her he couldn't help but think that all of this had been a nice diversion for Julie. She seemed to have stopped having any 'episodes' or fainting spells after having gotten caught up in possibly making headway on the case. It was good to see her old self, and he figured he'd take full advantage of it by being his old self.
"Ya had us goin' there for a little while girl. Had me picturing a dogs tail end tied up to a man's legs as they moved faster than the people they were attacking. I mean REALLY, can you just picture that happening??", he chuckled. "When you go, you go big, don't ya!" Finishing his teasing, he gave her a light shove in the arm making her stumble sideways.
Though Julie still believe that something unusual happened there, she decided to let it go until they could come up with some solid evidence of it. Instead, she accepted Roger's ribbing with grace and proceeded to just stick her tongue out at him while mumbling "ah, shut up!" She loved how he could take an awkward moment that might make her look bad and turn the focus to something else, usually something silly. That's what made them the great team they'd always been and she loved him for it.
Joe returned to his search on the opposite side of the trail, all while shaking his head, chuckling. He was glad to see some things never change. He pulled his radio off his belt so he could let Steve and Robin know they were moving again. "Sector 4, come in", said Joe. "This is Sector 4, go ahead". "This is Warner, we've completed our search here and are now heading your way. What's your 20?"
"10-4, we are still holding at the same location when notified of your delay. We'll now continue on and meet you at the rendezvous", replied Steve. "10-4, We should be there in approximately 45 minutes. Warner out". "Uh, 10-4 Ranger Warner, See you in 45. Sector 4 out."
The three steadily moved through the bush looking for further signs of anything out of the ordinary. Finding none, their journey through Sector 3 went smoothly and as promised, 45 minutes later they met up with the Sector 4 team. After taking 20 minutes to rest, rehydrate and compare notes on what they'd found, Joe checked in with the remaining teams to see if anyone had found anything. After everyone checked in, all reported no findings. Acknowledging their reports, Joe gave his final instructions. "All sectors, I want everyone to gather your gear and head back to your starting points. Continue searching as you have been in case something was missed. I want everyone to check in once you arrive. Head back to the station from there and we'll have a debriefing once all teams have returned. Warner out." Each sector acknowledged and signed out.
After just over an hour into heading back, reports started coming in that teams had returned to their starting points and were preparing to head back to the station. As the Sector 3 team had passed back through the campsite area, Roger and Joe had noticed that Julie barely took note of the surroundings, still focused on the ground and searching for the strange prints. They knew she hadn't really given up the possibility of her earlier hypothesis of the perpetrator. They would deal with that later. For now they were both just happy to see she wasn't having to fight the return of the nightmare she'd lived long ago.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Slowing their run, Luke and Levi approached the pack community. As promised, Adam stood up front with a few other younger wolves, both men and women. Luke knew them to be submissive wolves. He glanced over to Levi and he could see a mixture of emotions crossing his features. It was good that he hadn't turned around and tried to escaped back into the woods, not that he would have gotten far. Luke had positioned himself to have Levi in his peripheral vision. He wouldn't allow Levi to go ahead of him as that would put Luke's superior status in question. He positioned him to be a step or two back yet close enough to prevent anyone from getting hurt should Levi erupt into violence from a perceived threat. The small amount of distance he did allow him however, would give him the perception of his own space and freedom and thereby remove the need to defend himself.
Luke dropped his head in submission to acknowledge Adam and in turn Adam signaled him to return to his former stance. On the way in, he had instructed Levi to show the same submission to Adam that he had given to Luke in the woods if he hoped to be accepted and pose no threat to anyone in the pack. As Luke glanced over to Levi, he saw the struggle going on within him. "Levi," Luke whispered with a quiet, deep growl, "do as I instructed before Adam is forced to make you submit. Accept him as your leader and he will protect you with his life."
Having alpha power gave Adam the ability to read the minds of his pack as well as rogue wolves that wandered near. Given the length of time Levi had been alone, he understood that Levi would need a moment to adjust and would grant him that, but only a moment. He wouldn't allow Levi to usurp his authority and put himself in a stronger and challenging position. Adam could hear the instructions Luke was giving him so he knew when the slight challenge began. Possibly unbeknownst to Levi, his body posture was betraying him with an unwillingness to comply and that was his first mistake.
Before anyone ever saw it coming, Adam h
ad charged forward and knocked Levi to the ground. Now standing over him with his body expanded, hackles on end, muscles rippling and a deep growl roaring out of him, Adam pushed his mental alpha power out as well. This was the moment that Luke both feared and expected. The easy acceptance on the trip back seemed . . . too easy. Though he didn't doubt that Levi had submitted to him, he also knew that the time it took for their journey would be enough time for his wolf to rebuild his courage and perhaps decide that he wouldn't submit again.
* * * *
In his brain, the man was struggling with the beast to submit. The submission to Luke had weakened the beast and in the journey back, the man had felt relief that the beast was at last controlled by a stronger power. The promise of a better life had lulled the man into a false sense of security and hope, that the worst was finally over. Now in the face of this new threat and loss of control, the beast roared back his refusal to submit and the man once again doubted his chances of survival.
* * * *
Levi fought to get up, growling and snarling with his efforts. The Alpha power moved into the full force of Adams ability, and he lunged forward to grab Levi around the throat when he shifted and managed to get his teeth around Adams front leg before he could connect. Though painful and causing Adam to cry out, it had left Levi's throat vulnerable to him. With a roar of fury, Adam clamped down around Levi's throat with his sharp teeth just piercing the skin. The grip he now had on him was one that would bring submission or death. He didn't want to deliver the killing blow, but rebellion would not be tolerated by anyone, especially a rogue wolf attempting to be integrated into the pack. Justice had to be swift and lethal in a case of a challenge to the alpha or he would lose all power and influence within the pack. Adam would not let one lone wolf bring down the structure of his pack!
Pushing the alpha power at Levi, he reiterated one word deeply into Levi's head, . . . SUBMIT! The message was clear, submit or die. Levi knew that the submission would be final and forever. If he couldn't accept it, he must choose death. As he tried to shift his position, Adam squeezed a bit tighter and Levi froze with a whimper slipping out. "SUBMIT OR DIE!" roared Adam through the mental connection, and with a final tightening of Adam's jaws, Levi fell limp.
Luke had been standing near, watching the lesson unfold. When Adam had charged in, Luke simply stepped back to give him room. He knew, despite the bite Levi delivered, Adam was in full control and his assistance was not needed, nor would it be allowed. To assist without a clear need would be to say you don't trust the abilities of your alpha, which would put your own safety at risk. As Adam's second in command, Luke was fully aware of what was and wasn't required.
Upon Levi's submission, Adam released the grip on his throat and gave a final mental push of power toward Levi causing him to shrink into himself with a whimper. Adam looked at him with a warning that said should there be a next time for rebellion, it would be followed by his last breath. No further rebellion would be tolerated. Levi dipped his head, closing his eyes in acknowledgement of the warning.
Turning his back to Levi, Adam walked away, signaling for his second to join him. This was the final and ultimate show of power. To turn your back on another wolf implied you saw them as no threat. To attack a wolf with his back turned, was considered a cowards way and would bring death by or alienation from the pack. To have come this far and gone through so much, even the beast acknowledged the foolishness of that action. He had made his choice. He now accepted this pack as his people, and Adam as his leader.
As he dragged his body up off the ground, he gently shook out his neck. His fast healing abilities would remove the soreness soon enough and he'd be good as new. Physically he'd recover quickly, mentally, it would take time. The divide between the beast and the man within him had been strong. With the two submissions he'd been forced to concede to, that strength had lessened. The beast was weary from his battles, which lent strength to the man, thereby allowing him to regain control of the body. With this revelation, the change back to human flowed over him and the man stood before them.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
After all the teams had returned, Joe lead a debriefing to compare what everyone did or didn't find. Basically they were back to square one with nothing new to report. No one had seen anyone or anything out of the ordinary other than the strange prints in sector 3 and they didn't have enough to go on to prove anything with those. Arrangements would be made for the forensic team to go back tomorrow to make plaster prints but until then, it would go back to business as usual. The search detail had taken most of the day and had proven to be rather physical, so Joe called it a day and sent everyone home for a good nights rest.
Roger and Julie were quietly talking from their seats while everyone was filing out. "What are you going to do with the rest of your night?" asked Roger "Oh, I don't know, have dinner, put on a movie, pop some popcorn and rest these dogs!" she said laughing as she raised her feet up to set them on the edge of the table. "You want to come kick it with me for a while?" she asked. "Gosh Jules, I'd love to but I promised mom I'd come take care of some "honey do" chores for her. Ever since dad passed away things have sort of fallen apart around the home stead. I'd love a rain check though!"
Julie leaned in to hug him saying, "Absolutely! I'd love that! Anytime! Just let me know when you're free. It's been a while since we've had a girls night in!" she joked, winking at Roger. He just rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Ewwwww" he squealed, "and I'll bring this great new moisturizer I just found! I KNOW you'll just love it to PIECES!" He held his hands up in front of him, bent at the wrist as he imagined a girl might do it.
They looked over at Joe who was busy cleaning up his notes after the meeting to see if he was listening in on their little girl talk. They both busted out laughing upon seeing his head turning back and forth while his shoulders bounced slightly with his laughter. "You two GOOFS need to get the hell outta here so I can close up shop!"
"Right away, SIR", Roger said snapping to attention. Julie gave him a shove causing him to stumble forward into a nearby chair while laughing. "You got it Joe, we'll see you on Monday", she said. "Come on brother Ranger, I'll escort you safely to your car."
"Oh you will escort ME... I'm not the dainty girl here. I think you are the one needing an escort!" Roger teased. They left the room heading down the hall towards the exit all while bantering and shoving like two siblings. Little did Julie know, this weekend would be one she wouldn't soon forget.
Joe silently watched them go with a smile spread on his face. Remembering the activities of the day and the two times Julie seemed to react to what she was seeing and maybe even remembering, Joe knew that it could've gone a whole lot worse. Who knows, maybe she will handle it better than most seem to think she will. He certainly hoped so! He loved that girl like she was his own and wanted to see her happy. Lord knows she'd been through enough for one lifetime. "Well, it's in God's hands I reckon", he said softly, to no one in particular. Gathering his materials, he flipped off the lights and headed home for the night.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Levi still stood in the place that Adam had put him down on. He wasn't sure what he was suppose to do now that he had accepted the pack as his own. Would the others in the pack accept him, he wondered? He slowly raised his eyes as he heard some whispering nearby. Where several wolves had once stood, now they were young men and women. He noted that no one seemed to have any malice in their gazes as they looked his way, but rather more like curiosity.
Levi blew out a breath of relief. He didn't think he could handle another confrontation as he'd had with Adam. He dropped his gaze back to the ground and began pondering what he should do now. Was he suppose to fight for position right away? Would that come later? He'd never experienced anything like this in over 17 years and now found himself totally off balance. He didn't realize how long he'd been staring at the ground when a throat cleared in front of him, making a delicate, feminine sound. As he raised his head, he gazed into the most be
autiful emerald green eyes he'd ever seen.
"Hi, I'm Sophie Taylor. Are you joining our little community here?" she asked in only a slightly bashful way. Levi was so taken with her beauty that he just stood there staring; long enough that it began to feel awkward. "I'm sorry, can you not speak? How rude of me to put you on the spot like that. I'm really sorry! I should have ..." Sophie began to stammer.
"No, … I can speak", blurted Levi, then blushing at the abruptness of it all. They both chuckled at the awkwardness of the situation they found themselves in. "Ok, let me try this time", said Levi. "HI, I'm Levi. I'm new here. What's your name?" he said as he tilted his head a bit to the side in question and held out his hand to her.
Chuckling, she took his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Sophie! Welcome to the small community of Cedar Hill!" As Sophie smiled at Levi, a warmth wrapped his heart. He could have stood there all day, just holding her hand and gazing into her beautiful eyes! She broke his gaze as she dropped his hand and turned towards the others. "Would you like to meet some of the others?" she asked. "Uh, sure, . . . YEAH, . . .uh, of course I would", stammered Levi, feeling like he was the bashful one now. As they headed over to the small group, Levi wondered at the 'school boy' feeling he was having towards Sophie. He hadn't felt an attraction to anyone in a very, very long time and for it to happen at first sight? What in the world was happening to him??
Luke and Adam had been watching from a short distance to see how Levi would handle himself and his new freedom right after submission. Adam had hesitated to go very far incase things went badly. However, watching closely to Levi's reaction when Sophie approached him, he knew everything was going to be ok. Sophie was such a gentle force that it seemed to tame most anyone she'd ever came across. That's why Adam had included her in the first group to meet Levi. He turned and signaled for Luke to follow and they headed over to the local pub so they could get caught up and decide their next step involving Julie. Luke knew he needed to get back to her but wanted to be sure Levi was engaged with the pack before leaving. Sophie took care of that step quite nicely he thought, smiling to himself.