“Next, you’ll be telling me Brody got to be Alpha due to this ability of his to father werewolf babies,” said Missy, clearly disgusted with Brody.
“Oh no, he got to be Alpha because he defeated the prior Alpha in combat,” explained Linda. “And, he’s remained Alpha by defeating all those who have challenged him since then.”
Missy raised one eyebrow and asked, “These combat challenges? Are you going to tell me these are always decided by fighting to the death?”
“Of course,” said Linda. “They fight as wolves and only the winner survives. Any challenger knows he must win or die. The pack takes care of burying the dead bodies and providing excuses for the disappearances. As I said, they still do things the old way.”
“Hmm, very interesting,” said Missy. “But, as I said, if Gene and Amanda don’t want to join this pack, that shouldn’t be necessary. It’s time for the old way to change.” She looked at Gene and Amanda. “Let’s go. You can present yourselves to this Brody Billiscombe and we’ll explain about the change he needs to accept.”
Gene said, “We’re willing to leave his territory, Missy, if that’s what’s necessary.”
“No, no! You two are providing valuable assistance to Robert’s task force and have already saved hundreds of lives by translating WIJO documents in a timely manner. That needs to continue and has priority over any ancient werewolf laws. I’m seeing why Drew wanted me to come along. Let’s go.”
Linda said, “Okay, I hope you can be convincing. I’ve arranged for Frederick Vautin to bring you to meet Brody. He’s the Beta in the pack and my contact with them. I’ve never met Brody. But Fred and I used to date. We broke up when I learned what would be required of me if I wanted to marry him and have children.”
Missy smiled and said, “And, that’s why you know so much about this pack, huh? I was wondering. Do you still have feelings for Fred?”
“Not anymore,” said Linda. “We’ve stayed in touch but are just friends now. He actually has another girlfriend living with him. They’re not planning on getting married. And, he didn’t want to risk getting her pregnant so he had a vasectomy. Brody doesn’t know that.” She looked at all three and added, “Please don’t reveal that little secret or Fred will be in big trouble.”
They left the coffee shop, climbed into Linda’s car and began the ninety-minute ride over to Plymouth where Fredrick Vautin lived. It was still early evening but the full moon would be out later on and both Gene and Amanda were feeling the pull. They’d need to change before the night was over.
Chapter Five
Mar 9, 2020
When Fredrick Vautin opened the door for Linda and the Shifters which she’d brought with her, he was conflicted. He’d sent his girlfriend Anya away for the night, as he did during every full moon. Even though his relationship with Linda had been over for a couple of years, they had been very much in love. And, she’d been okay about him being a werewolf and their possibly having werewolf children. But Brody’s mating requirement had been unacceptable. He’d tried to convince her to accept what could not be changed. However, she’d changed what she could not accept and had broken up with him.
When he scented one of the Shifters was a cat rather than a wolf, he was very surprised. He’d never met a werecat before. And, Linda hadn’t mentioned she was bringing anyone other than the two werewolves who he assumed wanted to join the pack. Interesting! He stared at Linda and saw she was enjoying his surprise.
Linda said, “Hi, Fred. This is Gene and Amanda Tremblay.” She pointed at them and they each shook hands with him. “And, this is Missy McCrea. She’s a friend of theirs and has asked to be there when they present themselves to Brody.” She knew she didn’t need to explain Missy was a Shifter. She’d already noted Fred’s shock at sensing her.
Missy smiled, extended her hand and said, “It’s nice to meet you, Fredrick. Linda has told us you’re the Beta in the New England werewolf pack. I’ve never met a Beta before.” She glanced around, having scented the human female who was living with Fred. “Will your girlfriend be joining us tonight?”
“No, Anya doesn’t participate in any of the pack’s activities. She’s never met Brody or any of the other members in the pack.” Fred glanced at Linda and added, “Linda never met any of them either, but she’s probably explained about that.”
“Yes, she told us,” said Gene. “Thank you for agreeing to bring us tonight. We only moved here to Massachusetts recently and did not know who we needed to see.”
“Ah, well, if you intend to live here and are not merely passing through, you do need to join our pack,” explained Fred. “Our Alpha does not allow any outsider wolves or rogues to stay in our territory. Which pack have you been with before?”
Amanda said, “We were in the Montreal pack way back when. We left them fourteen years ago. And, we’ve been overseas for the past ten years and have not been members of any pack during that time.”
“Well, if you are not U.S. citizens, perhaps your stay here is only temporary?”
“Oh, no. We received our U.S. citizenship when we were accepted into the U.S. Foreign Service. We worked as translators at various U.S. embassies. Our jobs here in Massachusetts are still with the U.S. government. However, we’re not supposed to discuss that or mention the specific agency.”
“I see,” said Fred, clearly curious. Looking at Missy he said, “I’ve never met a cat Shifter before. Where are you from? I know Brody will be very interested in meeting you.” Although Missy was not dressed up in fancy clothes, was wearing no makeup or jewelry and had her hair tied up in a messy top knot, he thought she still had a very striking presence about her. Yeah, Brody was definitely going to enjoy meeting this cat girl.
“I was born in Salem and that’s still where I call home, although I’ve actually moved into my boyfriend’s place now.” Missy knew he could scent her being mated to Mike. “He’s in Medford.”
Linda said, “Missy goes to West Point. Her basketball team was up here beating Holy Cross. We’ve just come from that game.”
Again, Fred said, “I see.” He clearly was not seeing, however, and knew there were things he was not being told. He stared at Linda. “You’re welcome to stay here at my place while I bring them over to see Brody.”
Linda smiled and said, “No, no. I’m staying at a hotel in Plymouth. My friends will call me when they need a ride back. I probably should get going. The moon will be out soon and I know you’ll all want to be Shifting then.” She said her goodbyes and left.
Fred said, “Okay, let’s go meet Brody and our pack. As Linda mentioned, the moon will indeed be out soon.” He still had a lot of questions, especially concerning the mystery werecat who had joined them for the evening, but he knew Brody would be wanting to ask questions and he didn’t want to delay that any longer.
They all went out and got into Fred’s SUV and he drove out to Brody’s place, the pack home, a huge estate. As they drove up the long expanse of driveway winding deep into the woods Fred explained, “There has been a werewolf pack in Plymouth since the Mayflower came over in 1620. Many werewolves joined those early pilgrims in the years after that and this place has existed out here for almost three hundred years. It has been upgraded and added onto many times, of course. And, it borders right on the state forest which has over twelve thousand acres and surrounds sixteen lakes and ponds.”
They drove past a large parking lot already filled with many vehicles. When Fred pulled up in front of an impressive entrance he said, “The New England pack is the oldest and largest in the U.S. Brody has a staff who live here permanently and, when the moon is full, many more come and stay on the premises as well.” They all got out of the car and Fred handed the keys to a waiting valet. Then he led them inside.
The place was huge, constructed of large timbers and stone, obviously dating back more than a hundred years. But it was well maintained and had been designed for rustic comfort rather than luxury. Once beyond the entrance hallway, they came to a large living room with a big
marble-framed fireplace. There were two eight-foot long sofas facing each other, made from leather which was well worn from years of use. There was a large wooden table in the middle, empty, directly below a crystal chandelier hanging from the fifteen-foot ceiling. Then, closer to the fireplace, there were four leather easy chairs. These were facing the fire which was burning nicely, throwing warmth into the room.
When they walked in, a large man rose to his feet from one of these. He obviously had been waiting for their arrival. He turned to look at them and greeted Fred saying, “Ah, you have brought me three new guests rather than two.”
Brody Billiscombe was six feet six inches tall and weighed two-hundred and eighty pounds. His massive build was solid with very little fat. He was wearing jeans and a flannel shirt and gave the impression of someone who might have been a lumberjack in his youth but had now retired to a life of leisure. He was impressive and intimidating, clearly used to being in charge and giving the orders.
Fred said, “Brody, let me introduce Gene and Amanda Tremblay, along with their friend Missy McCrea. They have all asked to be presented to you this evening.”
“Come, take off your coats, take your seats and get comfortable. Let’s talk.” Brody gestured to one of the sofas and he and Fred sat down on the other. “Am I correct that you all wish to become members of my pack?” He stared appreciatively at Missy and added, “We’ve never had a cat before now but, looking at how beautiful Ms. McCrea here is, maybe we can change that.”
The Tremblays made a handsome couple and Brody was pleased with how pretty Amanda was. He loved being Alpha and having sex with all the women in his pack. But it was the thought of bedding the young girl with those amazing green eyes which was making him get aroused, hard and throbbing with lust. The way her voluptuous body exuded the promise of an unbelievable romp, in spite of the clothing she had on, was firing up his imagination. She was clearly very athletic and he just knew she’d give him a wild ride.
Gene said, “Actually, sir, my wife and I are not asking to join your pack. Nor is Missy. My wife and I are hoping you can agree to a change … but that change would be for you to allow us to live in your territory, without becoming pack members.”
Brody was not at all happy with this response. Before addressing the Tremblays, however, he wanted to hear what the redheaded cat girl had to say. “Ms. McCrea? If you are not asking to join my pack, as your friend Gene here suggests … then why are you here?” He looked over at Fred but it was obvious his Beta was just as surprised as he was about this.
Missy said, “I came along to support the request from my two friends, Mr. Billiscombe. I don’t belong to any pack or pride or supernatural organization. And, I don’t believe other Shifters should be forced to swear allegiance to anyone, merely to be allowed to reside in that person’s territory. While I do acknowledge you as the Alpha for the New England werewolves and am not disputing whatever territory that represents, I believe it should be their right to live here. We all should be focusing on the defense of our great nation rather than trying to protect any territory within.”
Fred rushed to say, “I understand Missy goes to West Point, Brody. Perhaps that is influencing her ideas about our territory and why she’s talking about national defense.” He knew Brody was getting ready to explode with anger and hoped to somehow soften the wrath of his Alpha.
Brody looked at Missy and then at the Tremblays. “I do not approve any request for rogue wolves to be in my territory. As for you, Missy McCrea … perhaps I could have ignored your living here, seeing how you’re some kind of a cat according to what I’m scenting. And, yeah … I can scent you’ve been fucking some human male. That’s probably why you’re down there at West Point, right? But since you’ve now come here and have presented yourself to me, I am hence forward considering you to be a rogue Shifter in my territory. And, rogue Shifters are not allowed.”
Brody noticed how Missy’s eyes suddenly glowed with yellow specks and that only excited him all the more. He would get this girl into his bed if it was the last thing he ever did.
“Rogue Shifters are not allowed? Why not?” asked Missy. “My friends were not interested in joining your pack, even before they learned about your ridiculous requirement that women must allow you to impregnate them. As for me? You really don’t want to mess with me, Brody. I’m not just a Shifter … I’m also a witch. You have no claim you can be making concerning me. Rather, you need to heed what I say instead. My friends are changing their request for your approval. They are now demanding it. You will accept their living in your territory and you will not impose any requirements on them whatsoever.”
Brody laughed at hearing she was a witch. All the better! Rather than dampening his desire to have her prostrated before him, submitting to his every wish, that only enflamed him all the more. “You have made a big mistake revealing that and defying my claim, Missy McCrea. I hereby am advising you and your friends they no longer have a choice. They will not be allowed to leave my territory. No, they need to swear allegiance to me and join my pack, agreeing to all my requirements. Yes, and they can thank your impertinence for forcing my decision on that.”
Gene and Amanda both exclaimed, “No, no! We will leave. We will go elsewhere.”
“Too late for that now,” yelled Brody. “The only way I’ll agree to your leaving is for this cat-witch to join my pack instead.” He was on a roll and confident his threat would force Missy to beg for his mercy. He was now very excited about having her. This was what being Alpha was all about. He loved forcing himself on women and making them satisfy his every whim. Oh, yes!
Missy had wondered if things might come to this. She had discussed it with Mike at length, in their way, ahead of time. Namely, she had used her mindspeak ability to speculate about all possible scenarios for this meeting with the werewolf Alpha. Then, she’d asked if he would trust her to do whatever she believed would need to be done. She knew he was not happy but he had agreed. He always supported her when she was trying to save the world (his exaggeration) or any small part of that. And, she always gave him the chance to say no. She loved that he always said yes, always supported her, always gave his unconditional love.
Missy looked at Fred and said, “Your Alpha has allowed his lust to cloud his judgement. He has had so many women in his bed that he now believes doing that to be his right. It is not. This cannot continue. Werewolf packs need to find better ways to sustain themselves in the modern world. This is no longer the dark ages.”
Brody said, “How dare you speak to my Beta as though I’m not right here. You are not even a wolf but only a cat. You have no right to talk about what is right for our pack.”
“What do your werewolf laws say about how the pack chooses its Alpha? Are only wolves eligible? Or can any Shifter challenge to become the pack’s Alpha?” Missy stood up as she asked these questions and looked around the room.
They were no longer the only ones present. Their heated exchanges had drawn many pack members into the room and it was now crowded with onlookers. Brody’s pack had gathered. One of the older members stepped forward to answer Missy’s question. “Any Shifter can challenge to become Alpha. However, no witchcraft will be allowed. And, the current Alpha has every right to demand the challenge be decided by combat.”
Brody now stood and said, “Yes, and I always insist all such combat matches shall be to the death. If I can’t fuck you, little witch, I’ll kill you first and then I’ll fuck you! My wolf will fuck your dead cat body. How do you like that, Missy McCrea?” He roared in laughter but the rest of the room was totally silent.
Was this girl actually challenging Brody?
Chapter Six
Mar 9, 2020
Gene and Amanda were horrified. They both tried to pull Missy back down, hoping they could discuss some reasonable resolution. While they wouldn’t consider joining the pack, surely they’d be allowed to leave New England. Right?
Brody watched as the Tremblays tried getting Missy to take her se
at and was fully expecting she indeed would do that. She couldn’t possibly dare to challenge him. He was looking forward to her backing down and begging forgiveness. He had the pack and that gave him tremendous power. And, it was a full moon. He was going to enjoy punishing her for that little bravado display …
Missy stepped away from Gene and Amanda, approached Brody, and said, “I challenge the Alpha of the New England werewolf pack. I agree to deciding this by combat, here and now. I will not use any of my abilities as a witch. If the pack has any other conditions which I might need to be aware of, please advise. I will accept those.”
Fred stood up and said, “Wait! You can’t mean what you’re saying. Please reconsider. I’m sure Brody will …”
“I accept your challenge, Missy McCrea,” yelled Brody. “Yes, here and now. Let’s get this over with.” He was very angry at being challenged. By a cat, no less! Yes, he was looking forward to ending this. He didn’t like being confronted in front of his pack by this Shifter who wasn’t even a werewolf. She had not shown him the deference and respect he was accustomed to receiving and he now wanted to make her suffer the consequences.
The elder who had attested to what the werewolf law stipulated concerning who could challenge the Alpha now came forward. He had a few things to say. “This combat will be to the death. Does the challenger have her affairs in order so after her death, there will be no problems or complications? Her body will be burned here and she needs to disappear without a trace. Fred? You brought her here to us. What say you?” He too expected the girl to take back her challenge. Most of the pack members were expecting that.
Fred was standing there, caught by surprise and quite at a loss for how to respond. He looked at Missy and then at the Tremblays, still trying to process what had just happened.
Missy said, “My affairs have been in order ever since my deployment to Afghanistan last summer where I served with the U.S. Army. While I survived that and have returned to West Point, all arrangements in the event of my death are still in effect. If I should disappear, the U.S. government will accept my disappearance and will not cause trouble for the New England pack.”
Missy Goes to Hong Kong (Missy the Werecat Book 8) Page 4