by Sky Winters
Atticus's expression, which had up to this point been cheerful and warm, grew grim.
"They snuck in during the night, getting past our perimeter by cutting through the fence. Once in, they began killing. A handful of our kind was lost before we even knew what was going on. But once we realized that we were under attack and could fight off the pack, it was too late- the damage had been done."
"We buried those who'd been lost, and the bear families that remained, well, they weren't so confident about my ability to lead them as they once were, to say the least. They went their own ways, some deciding to return to the cities, some seeking out other packs in other parts of the country, others disappearing without a trace. I'd done so much to keep our kind together, knowing we'd be strong that way, but all it took was one night for that all to come undone."
"And on top of everything, the compound was no longer safe. The place where our family had lived for years had now been proven to be open to attack by the wolves. We just couldn't stay there another day and risk coming back. So, once our dead were buried, we gathered what we could and came up to Vermont."
"This place had been just as bad as the compound is now," said Ian, "but Olivia and I had been living here for a few months at the time, so we had the place looking at least somewhat habitable."
"So, we all piled into this old vacation home and have been living here ever since."
"And what about the wolves?" asked Aaron.
"Well, so far they've left us alone. But it's only a matter of time before they find us."
"And then what?"
"Then…we hope for the best."
"That doesn't seem like much of a plan to me," said Aaron. "And it's one that I can't follow; I don't even want to waste another day."
Atticus nodded. "They've got your little girl; I don't blame you for wanting to get a move on. I can't imagine what I'd do if they had any of my kids."
Atticus looked away for a moment, his expression tightened in thought. "But…why did they take your girl? They didn't seem like much of the prisoner-taking type when we encountered them."
"We don't know for sure," said Adeline, feeling the need to speak rather than sit in silence, "but it might have something to do with her being a hybrid shifter. Maybe."
Her eyes shot quickly to Aaron, realizing that she may have spoken out of turn. But he simply nodded, confirming the information.
The group's eyes seemed to all go wide at the same, precise moment.
"You said a hybrid?" asked Roland, leaning forward.
"Maybe," said Aaron. "Her mother was a shifter, but we'd thought that she was just not going to be one of us. However, in the last year or so, she's been showing signs that she's ready to begin the change."
"The change?" asked Adeline.
"The process of a shifter's powers finally developing. In most of our kind, we come right out of the womb ready to change. But for others, the process can take longer, something about the genes lying dormant, I gather."
Clyde then spoke in his deep, genial voice. "I've heard some shifters not developing their abilities until middle-age. Imagine, being married with kids and finding out that you're a shifter."
He shook his head in disbelief.
This information hit Adeline like a bullet. She began to think of her dreams, her visions, what Jenny had said to her in the coffee shop. Was it possible that she was a shifter?
"But if your daughter's a hybrid…" said Atticus.
"Why would they want a hybrid so badly?" asked Adeline.
"Hybrids are extremely powerful," said Ian. "While they only can shift into one form, that form is stronger than any average shifter."
"And," said Tessa, "there've been stories of attempts to mate hybrids with hybrids, though no-one knows what the result of that might be."
"They want my daughter to make her own of their own," said Aaron. "Then use her power to get even stronger."
"These wolves seem to have designs on the entire state," said Atticus.
He then sat back, his face orange in the glow of the fire.
"And it might be too late to stop them."
CHAPTER 17
"You two get settled in," said Atticus. "We've got plenty of space here, and I'm sure you've both had a long day."
"I can't just stay here," said Aaron. "I need to get back to Bear Mountain, and I need you all to help me."
"Whoa, whoa," said Atticus, raising his hand, "I know you're eager to get back at these assholes, but we can't just go rushing into the fire without a plan. That's an easy way to get yourself killed."
Aaron took a long, slow breath. He knew that Atticus was right, but Adeline could tell that every bit of him was screaming to find his daughter, to get her back, even if it meant risking certain death.
"We've been hiding out here in the woods for long enough; you both showing up here was just the thing we needed to remind us that we can't run from this situation forever. We'll help you, of course, but we need a plan, and you two need some rest."
Aaron was tense; he looked to Adeline to be in emotional agony. But she could see that he understood the wisdom of Atticus's words. After all, he had to know that turning back around, driving to the compound and goading the wolves into a fight wouldn't have any result other than his own death.
"Fine," said Aaron. "But tomorrow. I won't wait another day."
"You have my word," said Atticus.
"Same here," said Ian. "Those assholes have gotten away with too much."
"Those members of our clan…they were like family to us," said Winnie, Clyde’s wife. "They were family. And there's been no justice for them."
"Not until now," said Atticus.
He stood up.
"Let me show you both your…room? Rooms?"
His rugged, handsome face went a shade red.
"Are you two…?"
"Something like that," said Aaron, placing his hand on Adeline's leg.
She could only smile as he did.
"Well, we're nothing but couples here, so you're in good company. Come on this way."
Atticus led them down one of the long hallways of the house. Looking around, Adeline noticed that it was just as spacious as the compound, with plenty of room for a group this size. Passing one open door, Adeline looked in and saw a room painted in soft blues and pinks, several babies and toddlers inside, all cooing, playing, and sleeping.
"Quite a little set-up you've got here," said Adeline, her eyes on the children.
"Pretty full house, I know," said Atticus. "It works for now, but we're gonna need something different before too long; can't very well stuff a couple dozen people into the same house."
Moments later, they arrived at a small, cozy bedroom, the evening light streaming in, the windows looking out onto the vast green span of the property behind the house.
"It's a little small, I know, but we're pressed for space," said Atticus.
"It'll be fine," said Aaron, looking around. "Just need a place for the night."
"Tomorrow, then," said Atticus.
Aaron turned to his cousin, his gaze steely. "I don't know what those assholes have planned for my daughter, but I won't let it go on another day."
"I'm right there with you," said Atticus. "Go on and get settled; come meet us out in the living room when you're ready."
With that, Atticus left, shutting the door behind him.
Aaron walked towards the window, clasping his hands behind his back as he looked out over the sweeping vista beyond the backyard. Adeline watched him, wondering what, exactly, was going through his mind.
After a time, he turned and spoke.
"Listen, I know this is all insane- more than you were expecting when you showed up. But I just want to thank you for sticking with me. It's good to be back with my family, but you know Bethany; you know what's at stake. And it means a lot to me that you're here to help however you can."
Adeline approached Aaron, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"I don't kno
w how I can help, exactly, but whatever I can do, just let me know. I can't imagine what it's like to have a child taken from me; it must be torture."
"It's…awful. It's like an alarm is going off in my mind; all I can think about is getting her back. And when I think about how they want to keep her to use her for some…breeding program or God-knows-what, I feel more anger than I ever have before in my life."
"I'm…sorry."
Aaron shook his head. "I just need to get her back. Maybe with my family on my side we stand a chance. Only one way to find out, though."
Adeline looked deep into Aaron's eyes, sensing his pain, his hurt, his longing. But there was more than just pain; there was determination, there was purpose, and there was anger. Seeing him standing there stoically, eager to do that which needed to be done made her feel protected and safe. At that moment, standing at his side, she knew that whatever the days ahead held, they could face them together.
Aaron turned, his gaze on Adeline. Placing his hands on her hips, he brought her close, leaning down and kissing her slowly, tenderly on the lips. She returned the kiss, falling into it, letting the feeling of passion run through her body.
But then, Aaron pulled away.
"It's strange," he said, a thin smile forming on his lips, "we've only known each other for a few days, but it feels like longer- much longer."
Adeline felt a warmth run through her body at these words, a smile crossing her lips.
"I feel the same way," she said. "I still don't know why I was drawn to this place, to you, but I know that I did the right thing in coming here. I feel like this is what I'm mean to do."
"I…need to tell you something," he said, looking away and taking a seat on the bed.
A quizzical expression formed on Adeline's face. "What is it?"
She sat down across from Aaron.
"It's about my wife; I wasn't completely honest with you when I told you how she passed."
"Oh?" said Adeline.
"It wasn't illness. It…was in California. As you know, she was a shifter, like me. She and I were married for years, thinking that our lives together would last forever. When Bethany was born, we felt like our lives were perfect. But one day that all came crashing down."
"Like here, there are shifter clans in California, other species- wolves. And just like here, the wolves are scheming, always on the lookout for how they can claim shifter territory, how they can increase their power. To what end, I can't say; sometimes I think that plotting and treachery are just part of who they wolves are. We heard rumors from some of the other shifters in the area that wolves had been attacking our kind, especially those like us that were more isolated."
"Caitlin, my wife, told me that we needed to leave, to stop living alone, just me, her, and Bethany, to move closer to family, or at least closer to the city. But I was stubborn and told her that we'd be safe, and that she was just worrying over nothing. But really, I thought that I was invincible, that I'd be able to fight off anyone, or anything, that threatened my family. I was young and stupid."
"Soon enough, the wolves came. I remember the day with perfect clarity. It was early spring, and uncommonly cool. I was wearing this gray, cable-knit sweater that Caitlin had bought me for Christmas one year; I remember laughing when she bought it, telling her that we lived in California so we didn’t have to wear clothes like this."
He looked away for a moment, as though overwhelmed by the memory.
"Well, that morning, a group of men arrived at the home. Men in suits like the ones we saw before. They told us in no small terms that they knew what we were, and that they were laying claim to our land; our only choice was whether we wanted to lose our lives in the process. Caitlin warned me to stand back, but I was young and full of pride. I told them to get the hell off my property, to leave and never come back. And that's when they all smiled –this horrible shark smile- and shifted."
"Everything that happened after that was a blur. They rushed in, knocking me to the ground before attacking Caitlin. Neither of us even had time to shift; the moved so fast. As soon as I could get a sense of what had happened, Caitlin was lying dead in my arms, Bethany watching it all from the window."
"As the life left my wife, the wolves told me that if we were still here when they returned, the rest of our lives would be forfeit. So, still in a daze from what had happened, I took Bethany and left. We moved to a few hours away, one where there were more people, where it'd be safer like Caitlin wanted. But it was too late for her."
"I wasn't able to protect the one I loved that day. And now, I've failed again."
Adeline, feeling overcome by the emotion of Aaron's story, put her hand on his shoulder.
"But Bethany's not gone," said Adeline. "We'll get her back."
Aaron nodded, his eyes steely and determined. "We will. But it's taking all the restraint I have not to get back in that car and track those fuckers down myself."
"Tomorrow," said Adeline, her voice trailing as she stood near Aaron, the two of them looking out onto the vista beyond, both tense and fearful of the day to come.
CHAPTER 18
The next morning, the group gathered supplies and prepared themselves for what lay ahead.
"Looks like this is a guy’s party," said Tessa, looking over the group of men as they readied themselves to leave.
"Someone's got to stay here with the kids," said Atticus, kneeling and looking over his twin babies with the affection eyes of a loving father.
"All guys except for me, that is," said Adeline.
Aaron approached Adeline and looked deep into her eyes.
"You sure you want to do this?" he asked. "Staying here with the kids is just as important; no shame in letting us do the dangerous work. We are shifters, after all- we're built for it."
Adeline shook her head. "No. This is what I'm supposed to be doing; I know this now. I just can't stand aside without helping you get your daughter back, not after everything you've done for me."
"I just…I hate that you're all leaving like this," said Winnie, the wife of Clyde. "What if the wolves come here?"
"They don't have any idea where we are," said Roland, his voice calm and low. "And now that they have the property, they've got what they want for now."
"Right," said Ian. "They'll come for us eventually, but for now, they're likely consolidating and planning their next step."
"And figuring out their plans with my daughter," said Aaron, his fists clenching at the thought.
"Then let's now waste another moment," said Atticus. "You all got any clue of where to for these wolves?"
"No," said Aaron. "They could've moved into the property, but otherwise no idea."
"Hmm," said Atticus. "Well, we can start there. They've got to have left some kind of clue behind as to where they're hiding out."
"We shouldn't waste another minute, then," said Clyde.
"I agree," said Atticus. "Let's head out."
The men said their goodbyes to their wives and children before heading out to the front yard, where a trio of cars was loaded up with supplies.
"Not sure how long we're gonna be down there for," said Atticus, "but it doesn't hurt to be ready."
"I agree," said Aaron. "Especially if we're going to be waiting at the compound."
"Alright," said Atticus. "Let's not waste another minute."
The men climbed into their cars. Aaron and Adeline shared one last look before getting into theirs. Within minutes, the small convoy was off, the wives watching the group from the porch.
Hours passed in silence, Aaron's eyes fixed on the road, Adeline's thoughts focused on all that she'd learned over the last few days and weeks. But though the idea of shifters and their strange world was settling in her mind with more ease, she still couldn't shake what she'd heard from Jenny, that strange woman at the coffee shop who seemed to know more about Adeline than she knew about herself.
Little fox, thought Adeline, Jenny's voice clear in her mind as she watched the landscape pass
.
Does that mean I'm a fox? That I'm a shifter?
But it didn't seem to make sense; nothing in her life had indicated to her that she was in possession of strange powers that she had yet to find out about. She mulled the question over in her mind as the Aaron drove, the sun rising high into the clear, blue sky above. After a time, they passed a sign that informed them that Branlen was only a half-hour or so away. Adeline felt her body tense the further they drove, as though her body were keenly aware of the danger to come.
Soon, the sights of the city that Adeline recognized began to appear. The smattering of buildings on the grid of the downtown area, the grocery stores, and the local bars. Off in the distance, Adeline spotted the sign for Jenny's Coffee Shop, and as soon as her eyes fell upon it, she was overcome with an irresistible urge to stop.
"I have to go see Jenny again," said Adeline, her eyes fixed on the squat building.
"Wait, what?" asked Aaron. "Why?"
"I don't know; I mean, I do know- she knows something she's not telling me."
"OK, fine- we'll go there after we stop at the compound."
"No," said Adeline. "I have to go there now."
"Now? Why now?"
"I don't know; I just know that I have to. Please."
Adeline looked at Aaron with pleading eyes. His eyes fixed on the road, he considered the proposition.
"Fine," he said finally.
"Thank you," said Adeline.
Aaron called his cousins, letting them know that he'd be making a brief stop, and that he'd meet them at the compound. Soon after, he pulled into the coffee shop parking lot, put the car in park, and killed the engine. The two got out of the car and walked to the building with slow, deliberate steps.
He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, the creaky voice of Jenny called out to them.
"She's back! I knew she'd be back!"
Adeline and Aaron shared a confused glance. Then, from behind the building, Jenny stepped out, a strange, beaming smile on her face.
"The man's with you?" she asked. "No, no- that won't do. Tell him to go with the rest of his kin."
