SIW Chris Whelan Ch 08

Saint Ives - Whelan Chronicles : Christopher Saint Ives – Whelan.

Chapter Eight : Rogues in Town.

  

Pushing Mia back just a little, Chris looked up to her. He was glad they had their difficult talk and even though he still wasn't completely happy with the outcome, he was eased by the fact he could call in some help at least. Knowing exactly who he wanted to ask he wanted to kill two birds with one stone.

"It's nearing dinnertime, what do you think about us grabbing a bite to eat? At the same time I can ask Adam if he's up to the task," he said, his eyes roaming over her still flushed face.

"Hmmm Adam, that name rings a bell. Oooh Adam from last Saturday? The GI Joe wannabe?"

Chris grunted. Sure Adam was built like a truck and the short stubble that resembled his hairdo only emphasized his military style look. Not to mention the numerous tattoos that graced his skin. Only it wasn't just a look for him, he'd seen his fair share of wars until recently when he’d fallen in love with cooking and ended up opening a small but inviting tavern in town.

"Fair warning; never say that to his face if you want to keep him in your good books, my dear. He does look like it, but trust me, he has lived it as well. He hasn't known anything else for a long, long time. There isn't a branch in the military that he hasn't been in. Luckily we're good in making 'new' papers, so he's been stationed in many countries with a shit load of alternate personalities to go along with it. That is why I want him along. He'll cover our 'six' should it come to it," Chris explained to Mia.

"Hmm, interesting combination, GI Joe turned cook. Reminds me of that one Steven Seagal movie, he became a cook as well and then they hijacked the ship he was on. He still kicked ass with the baddies," she grinned at her own comparison.

"Think it's 'Under Siege' you're referring too, isn't it?" Chris helped her remember.

"Ah yeah, that is the one."

"You could compare him to that situation, wouldn't be so far from the truth," he jokingly replied. "But to answer my question, want to grab a bite to eat at his place? I'm sure he'll make time for us to have a little talk."

"Sounds like a plan. Let me go and freshen up and get ready."

Nuzzling her neck, he growled a little. "You're fine as you are, you smell of me, just the way I like it. Leave it like that. I should warn you that his place is frequented a lot by other weres from all neighboring packs. I want it clear you belong to me, even if you don't want our mating to be known yet. Having my scent on you will be enough for them to back off," he rumbled in a deep voice.

Mia couldn't help the girlish giggle from escaping. "You really are a caveman sometimes, but one I love," she said, surprising herself.

Chris' eyes took on a golden glow.

"I love you too," he whispered before covering her lips.

Her kisses were addictive, too addictive. Many minutes passed before the two disentangled themselves once again, both gasping for air.

"Now that's a look I'll never grow tired of," Chris huskily said as he traced her kiss swollen lips with his thumb.

Mia had the decency to blush at his remark and tried to get up.

"Uh uh, not yet. I need another minute to calm myself, so please keep your tush where it is right now if you do not want to end up in my bed instead of at a table having dinner," he warned her.

"Yup, I'm correct, caveman all the way," she repeated, wiggling a bit on his lap.

This seductive teasing rewarded her with a deep sexy growl from Chris as he tightened his arms around her.

Leaning back, he closed his eyes and started counting: one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi and then cursed out loud.

Mia wouldn't stop moving on his lap and his self-control just flew out of the window. Standing up, he turned her slightly so he could carry her inside and made a beeline for his bedroom. Knowing the state she was in was the only reason that prevented him from tossing her ungracefully on his bed. Instead he gently let her slip down his body until the back of her legs hit his bed.

Skillfully he discarded her clothes, tossing them away piece by piece, uncaring where they landed. Once he had her naked he inhaled deeply, taking in her sweet scent and carefully laid her down in the middle of his bed.

"Do. Not. Move," he said emphasizing each small word. Straightening up he quickly got rid of his own clothes. Pushing her legs wide apart he knelt between them, bending down to take another delicious sniff of her unique scent. Not wanting to waste time he parted her slick folds and generously started lapping at the sweet juices that were coming from her canal.

Mia's hands entangled themselves in his long black curls as he drove her mad with lust. He was aware she wouldn't need much to find that blissful moment she was longing for. Getting up on his knees he moved in closer, grabbing his hard member. After probing and teasing her a little bit, relishing in the sensations of her warm walls enveloping his shaft, he pushed in with one sure stroke, bottoming out.

He let the feelings wash over him as a comforting blanket before him started moving. Slow at first, he tried, he really tried, but her teasing had pushed his control and now as he kept pushing in and out, he picked up the pace. He felt her nails scraping over his back, down to his butt, squeezing it, urging him on to go even faster.

All that could be heard in the room was heavy breathing and the sensuous clashing of the flesh of two lovers. Her legs wrapped around his hips, locking him close to her. His arms around her shoulders, his hands were buried in her long locks that lay spread out all over his bed. He had twisted some strands of hair around his fingers. This way he had a firmer grip on her head as he made sure he could drown in the deep pools which resembled her eyes, filled with love and lust.

Chris felt the familiar tingles start at the back of his neck, travelling down as he started to move faster. He felt her inner walls contract around him, telling him she was going the exact same way as he was. The tingles reached his butt, which was clenching very tightly every time he thrust into her.

He heard the telltale gasp for air from Mia as her nails almost broke the skin on his butt. Passionately he crashed his lips on hers, devouring every part he could reach, at the same time silencing her scream of joy as waves of pleasure washed over her. A couple of thrusts later he grunted into their kiss as he joined her.

Slowly he gentled their kiss until he rested his forehead against hers. A wide smile was plastered on her face and he felt her light trembling.

"I like when you go all caveman on me," she purred.

As a result he grabbed her hair more firmly, twisted her head slightly and clamped his mouth over her exposed neck. His actions only made her laugh or rather giggle as she tried to lay still as he devoured her.

With a smug look he raised himself on his forearms and spoke: "I told you to sit still, this is what you get when you don't listen."

Her eyes glinted mischievously now.

"But admit you loved the outcome just as much as I did, don't cha?"

"You know I do," he agreed.

Mia snuggled close, savoring the heat of his body still on top of hers. She grunted displeased when he braced himself higher and tried to get up.

"Dinner?" he reminded her. "Let's freshen up and head over to Adam's, the sooner we get this over with…"

"Yeah yeah," she replied.

With a big oomph he landed on his suddenly empty bed. Perking his ears he then heard the shower running. Why you little tease!

I'm only gaining lost time, since you so desperately want to go out for dinner, she shot back jokingly.

Just leave some room for me, dear.

Chris then copied her teleport move towards the shower, figuring he might as well try it out more often when at home. He appeared in front of the shower and stepped in behind her.

Thought I'd better join you so not to waste too much water, he said as he grabbed the bar of soap in front of her, using this move to envelop her completely with his body.

"Chris! Just wash up, you're the one that wanted to go for dinner, so no stalling this time," she berated him, but failed at sounding as if she meant it.

Without frolicking they washed themselves, redressed and not much later were on their way to the center, towards Adam's place.

As they entered, Chris quickly scanned the room. There weren't many people, which wasn't a big surprise, it was only the start of the week. Some easy on the ears music travelled throughout the tavern, the smell of delicious food tempting them further inside.

His hand curving around her hip, he pulled Mia in close, sending a silent message that she was his as he led her towards one of the closed off booths in the back. A few heads turned their way and gave them a curious look, but one by one Chris simply looked back until they averted their eyes back to their food in front of them.

Holding out his arm, he let her slide in first, then joined her. He reached for the elegantly written recommendation menu and handed it to Mia.

"That's not the complete menu, but it gives you an idea of what is served here. I'm sure one of the girls will be right over with the complete menu," he explained.

True to his words, not a moment later, a young girl stopped next to their booth, handed both a crispy clean menu and opened her little notebook.

"Welcome, can I bring you something to drink while you go over the menu?" she asked politely, instantly recognizing who was sitting at the table.

"Just a cola for me, please."

"I'll have the same," Mia added.

"Alright, I'll be right back, sir."

"Hold on a second. Do you know if Adam is available? I would like to have a word with him if possible," Chris said.

The young girl turned back towards him, a puzzled look on her face.

"I'm afraid he's not in today. He called yesterday to say he wouldn't be available for a few days, sir," she answered.

Chris frowned at that reply. Adam wasn't one to just not show up at work.

"He didn't give a reason or anything at all?"

"I'm afraid not, sir. We're all puzzled by it as well. He told us to open up as normal and call in his sous-chef. The poor lad is working double shifts," she added with a lot of sympathy in her voice.

"Ok, thanks for telling me. I'll try and get a hold of him later myself, see if anything is wrong."

"Thank you, sir. If you hear anything more, will you let us know?"

"I will, no worries. I'm sure it's nothing too serious," he replied.

"I'll go get your drinks now, will be right back," and off she went to the bar in the back.

Chris frowned mulling over the conversation. It really wasn't something that Adam would do. He'd been fine last Saturday evening. He wondered what could have happened in just over a day to make him skip his own work.

You think something is up? Mia asked.

Honestly I don't know. Adam hardly takes a day off. I'm wondering what could have happened between Saturday and now to make him act like this. Chris gave her a concerned look.

"Mind if I go and try and call him now? I don't want to do this out in the open here," he asked, vaguely pointing at his ears.

Mia understood and nodded. "By all means, go call him. I'll put in our order when she returns."

"Get me something meaty, anything will do really. Thanks, I'll just go outside, less chance of being overheard."

He quickly dialed Adam’s number and paced restlessly on the curb. It took ages but then finally a very gruff voice answered.

"Adam speaking, who's this?"

"It's Chris, mate. Didn't you check who was calling before you answered? You got me worried when I saw you weren't in your kitchen. Everything all right?" he asked.

"Gimme a second," Adam replied, "And yeah I picked up without checking. Have other things on my mind right now," he added quickly.

Chris could hear a faint rustling of fabric and some hushed words being spoken.

"I can't talk for long or she’ll begin to panic again. Right now she’s only calm if I stay close. Apart from the tavern I haven't notified anyone," Adam started explaining.

"Hold it right there. She? Adam what the hell is going on?" Chris asked in a more firm tone now.

"You remember Fran's friends, right?"

Chris nodded, then realized Adam wasn't here. "Yeah I remember. I even seem to recollect you had a keen interest in the little redhead."

"Well, it's more than just interest. She's my mate…"

Chris had to laugh even though he realized something else was going on. It seemed to be a productive weekend. Three of them had found their mates.

"I'm happy to hear that, but what's the catch?"

"When we left Saturday I told her to wait at her car and I’d follow her home to make sure she was ok. Fucking hell, I never should have left her alone."

"Adam, get a grip. What happened?"

"She was attacked by rogues. At least that's what they appear to be. They didn't smell familiar at all and they were borderline insane," Adam answered.

"Is she all right?" Chris concernedly asked.

"I hope she will be. Right now she's a quivering scared mess, I hate to admit. Only me staying close somewhat calms her down. There were three of them. They had her cornered and were feeling her up. I kinda lost it when I heard her scream. I ran towards her and I shifted in front of her before I even realized I had. That's when she passed out. Thank god she didn't have to witness me beating the shit out of them before they scrambled," Adam told him.

"This sure is a mess. At least now I understand why you're not here. You know you'll have to call this in with Nick, sooner rather than later. He needs to know there are rogues in town so he can deal with them."

"I know. I just want to make sure Bronwille is fine, maybe in a day or two. I hope she'll cope, if not I don't know what to do. All I can do at the moment is lay with her. I've found some sleeping tablets. I managed to give her one yesterday so she at least slept a little," Adam sighed.

"Give it a day or two then call Nick. I wanted to ask a favor but seeing you're a bit tied up at the moment I'll sort it on my own."

"What did you need?"

"Needed your skill and expertise, but don't worry about it. We'll manage," Chris answered.

"You got me now, so might as well ask."

"No, you just sort things with Bronwille and the rogues, I'll take care of my own issue. I'll tell you all about it later."

"If you're sure… Damn I gotta go, mate, she's waking up!"

"Go on then, we'll talk later. Take care!" Chris urged him on and simply got a click in return.

Putting his phone away, he couldn't help but think that there was so much going on at the same time for so many of them. He was one down now and no clue who else he could ask. Then there was the dilemma whether he should tell Mia about Bronwille or not.

With Adam at Bronwille's, he didn't see the need for Mia to be there too. He grunted and felt the need to kick something. With Adam out of the picture, he was without a backup. He couldn't ask Ed, his older brother. He was still bound to his promise not to tell the pack and he knew his brother would pick up on it right away. Same reason why he couldn't ask Nick for help. Adam had been his only option since he wasn't part of the Whelan pack. Defeated he realized Mia would get this done her way, no matter how much he disliked the position it put him in.

Going back inside, he saw her sipping from her drink. Her eyes brightened when they locked with his but turned concerned the minute she noticed the worried look on his face. It told her something was up.

"Everything ok?" she asked as he slipped back into the seat next to her.

"Not sure. Adam is tied up at the moment. Something happened over the weekend that needs his immediate attention. He won't be able to help out now," he replied evasively.

"But there is more to it then you're telling me, isn't there?"

Chris felt busted. Maybe he should tell her everything? He would never deliberately lie to her, not seeing how easily she picked up he was hiding something from her.

"Don't get angry ok?" he said as he grasped her hands. "When I called Adam he told me he was at Bronwille's. It seems that when she left on Saturday evening she was the focus of an assault. Adam jumped in and fought them. They left rather quickly tail tucked between their legs."

He could feel the tension going through her body.

"Do I have to take that tail part figuratively or not?"

"It was rogues. Adam shifted in front of her. From what I could gather, she's not physically injured but she's pretty shaken up. She's not really allowing him to leave her side."

"Chris, I have to get to her. God, I can only imagine how she's feeling. It will bring back everything!" she exclaimed.

"Bring back what?"

"She's been attacked before. Was beaten within an inch of her life and raped repeatedly. It took years before she even dared go outside again. The only occasions we get her out these days if it's with all us girls and even then she'll never start a conversation with a stranger. She keeps to herself all the time," Mia explained.

"Adam said she was in a right mess, but she passed out once he attacked her assailants, so she missed most of the fight. He took her home and it seems she doesn't want him to leave. She calms down when he's near, so he's staying with her until she gets better."

"Hmmm, at least she has someone then. The other time she wouldn't have any of us around her. I dropped by often without her knowing. I just had to make sure she was coping."

"Well, maybe subconsciously she's feeling their bond," Chris added with a little smile.

"Bond?"

"Yes, the mating bond…"

"No way. Bron and Adam? You're saying they’re mates?" she asked with disbelief.

"Adam knew right away. I knew something was up Saturday, but I never figured it could be something like this. He just confirmed it over the phone. Probably why he stayed behind when we went down to dance," Chris told her.

"You sure she'll be fine with Adam? I mean, I can be there in a second!"

"If I for one minute thought you could help her better than Adam you'd already be there. But he told me she calms down when he's near her. I bet he's been in cuddle heaven for a while now. It does result in me not having the backup I wanted to have," he replied. "I told him to take care of Bronwille and to call Nick in a day or two. Leaving Bronwille alone right now wouldn’t help anyone. Adam is an excellent tracker, even weeks old trails he's able to find, so these few days won't matter. I'd call it in, but then I would have to reveal more then I'm allowed, so Adam has to make that call."

"Who will have to deal with those rogues once he's made the call?"

"Odds will be Nick will call upon Ed and me to sort them out. You know how rogues are frowned upon. Present company excluded," he added realizing she could be considered rogue as well.

"On top of that you'll have my father's issue too," she added.

"You know how it could easily be sorted?" he alluded to the promise she’d asked from him.

"No, we'll keep a low profile until Nick has sorted out this rogue issue, that is if and when Adam reports it. We sort this ourselves. I won't budge on this Chris," she firmly added.

"So that leaves us only a few days to be together until the shit will hit the fan?"

"Depends on how crazy my Da's father is I guess."

"So we just act as if nothing is happening until I hear from Nick, hope we can sort those rogues out fast and then sort out your father's pack?"

"Hmm, that's basically it," Mia agreed.

"Not much I can do then."

Resting her head on his shoulder, she let out a weary sigh. "I really hope Bron will be all right. She didn't deserve this. God only knows how she'll react in a few days. She's a determined little stubborn piece of work, let me tell you that. As frightened as she might be, she's got some backbone in that little body of hers."

"I think she'll have a good match with Adam then. Despite his appearance he's a really nice guy, nosy as hell too and if she's his mate he won't back down until he's won her over, one way or another."

Changing the subject she said, "What about getting our dinner wrapped up and go home? Suddenly I feel like I‘d rather be curled with you on the couch and trying to forget about everything that’s going to happen in the days to come."

"That sounds like an excellent idea.

* * * *

Two days had passed where they had locked themselves into Chris' top floor flat. They’d ordered in for meals and went out only to grab a few essentials at the grocery store around the corner. They rarely left his bedroom, unless they switched to his large Jacuzzi on the patio.

Saturated by their ongoing explorations of each other, they sat relaxed in the Jacuzzi when the phone inside rang.

"You stay here, I'll go get it," Chris grunted as he stood up.

Mia couldn't help but appreciate him, drops of water teasingly pouring down his toned body. His butt muscles flexed as he got out of the large luxurious tub. He didn't even bother grabbing a towel to cover himself up.

She smiled again as she noticed his semi hard cock jutting from side to side as he walked inside. She'd never grow tired of him and knowing how they had spent the earlier part of the day, she was convinced he felt the same way. Her smile waned somewhat. She had a pretty good idea what this particular phone call would be about.

Their tiny little bubble of happiness would get a sharp prick of a needle when reality caught up with them.

Chris returned a few minutes later.

"That was Ed on the phone. It's how I thought it would go. Nick has locked himself up with Fran and after he got Adam's call phoned Ed and told him to take care of the rogues how he saw fit. Ed wants me over at his place in an hour to start tracking them," he explained.

"It's what you have to do, I'm not going to stop you. I'd join if I could, but I won't push things any further. They hurt a friend of mine, I'd gladly strangle them. But I know how much I'm already asking you to keep our mating a secret for now. I can only hope you find them fast. Interrogate them if you want, see from where they came."

"That's what I told Ed too and we're planning on doing just that. Curious about Adam though. You think Bronwille has gotten better?"  he questioned her.

"Only one way to find out. You call Adam. I don't think it would do any good if I called Bron and asked, she hasn't contacted any of us.  Stubborn as she is she'll dig herself in pretty good before she'll accept any help. Besides how would I explain that I know what happened and I'm not freaking out over it?"

"Good point. I'll call him on my way over to Ed."

"No, no, you'll call him right now. That way you can ease my worries at the same time about Bron. Then you can go to Ed," she corrected him.

"You're one bossy lady, you know that? Thank god I call the shots in our bedroom," he said as he grinned and shook his head.

"Only because I let you," she said in a huff, "Now go make that call. You don't want to be late at your brother‘s either."

Throwing his hands in the air, he turned and went back inside for the phone. Quickly dialing Adam's number, he didn't have to wait long before his familiar gruff voice answered at the other end.

"What's up Chris?"

"Thought I'd check in and see how everything is going. I just got a call from Ed and it seems we're going after those rogues that attacked Bronwille. Nick's being a caveman with only one thing on his mind and he entrusted Ed to take care of them," Chris replied.

"I'm just dandy! Can I join in? I have the need to punch something really good, might as well be those sons of bitches," came his heated response.

"Hey, hey, what's gotten into you, man?"

"That stubborn little redhead. I tell you, one of these days her behind will be a nice match for those red locks of hers."

"That doesn't sound too promising, what happened?"

"The first few days she practically slept through everything. Only when I held her in my arms she was somewhat calm. This morning she wakes, she was snuggled up close. From one second to the next she turned into a fury like you never seen before. Only thing that stopped me was knowing what happened last weekend. To cut things short I didn't even get a chance to explain things. It seems she doesn't remember me shifting, maybe her mind has blocked it for the time being. Then she turned all calm and demure and pointed towards her front door. Said thanks for bringing her home and taking care of her but that she'd manage from there on. I couldn't even say bye because she slammed the door in my face! The nerve of that woman!" Adam was practically irate by the time he finished talking.

Chris couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

"She sounds exactly like Mia described her. Trust me, there is a history to it. Mia told me -  after I called you - that she had been a victim before. Mia was surprised she let you stay in the first place."

"She was passed out at first and spent most of the time sleeping. Not much she could do then but heal," Adam interrupted. "It's when she truly woke up she turned into the fury."

"You'll have to be careful how you're going to handle this and her for that matter."

"I know, Chris, I know. Right now I'm just lost with how to deal with her rejection. But I'm also so furious for letting her get attacked in the first place. I shouldn't have let her go outside on her own. I should have been there."

"Hold it right there, Adam. Nobody could have known what was going to happen, least of all you. You handled things as best as you could. Now if you want to get rid of the pent up anger you can be at Ed's in one hour. That's when I have to be there too and then we'll track those SOB's and sort them out. I promise you can have the first swing at them when we interrogate them. Ed said there had to be some reason why they would chance getting so close to his club. He wants to get to the bottom of this as well."

"Ok, I'll get my kit, stop by at Bronwille's for a last checkup, then I'll meet you at Ed's."

"Good luck with Bronwille, you're going to need it, man. See you in a bit," Chris said ending his part of the phone call.

"In an hour mate, bye," Adam said.

He couldn't help but find Bronwille's reaction to be fitting. Adam was going to have to work hard to sort this all out.

Mia had heard him ending the call and rose up out of the water. Wrapping a big soft towel around her she went inside.

"So what's going to happen?" she inquired.

"Bronwille seems to have gotten a hold on herself. She kicked Adam out," he answered. "His ego is a little bit bruised and his wolf is still angry. He's joining us to hunt them down."

"She really kicked him out?"

Chris nodded and Mia laughed.

"Damn, he‘s got his work cut out with her. I really wish I could go over and see how she's doing without having to reveal anything. I find her reaction somewhat amusing, but that doesn't mean I'm not worried either. It's going to be hard not going to her. Why does she have to be so stubborn?"

"She's female?"

She gave Chris a blow on his upper arm. "That's not helping at all. Maybe I'll go over to mom's, get this off my chest. At the same time I can see how they're doing. Wonder if my Da has made contact already or if he's just going to barge in there."

Chris frowned. "I hope he won't do the latter. Sure you have the element of surprise but we’re still outnumbered. If they have concrete plans and they already know when, do not let them go ahead with them unless I am there, understood?"

"My father is easy going but once he sets his mind to something."

"Mia, this is not up for discussion. If they have planned anything, they will wait until I am there. Family of Merlin or not, if you go without me I promise all hell will break loose. I'm having a hard time with this already, do not push it any further," he shot back fiercely.

Mia felt a bit stunned at his reaction. Even before they met he never so much as raised his voice during a phone call, even if it was bad news. Also during all their previous discussions he had sounded firm and determined. Now she realized she was getting a glimpse of the Beta in him. It didn't frighten her, but it sure woke her up. Made her realize what it was she really asked of him.

"I promise I won't let them go alone. If you need to tell your brothers, then do so, but please leave the pack until later, when everything is over and done with," she relented.

Chris understood what she was saying and he was glad that he wouldn't have to try to hide anything from his brothers anymore. He pulled her close for a tight hug as he whispered softly, "Thank you."

"I don't know how long I'll be gone, but I'll let you know something the second everything is in the clear," he added.

"I don't like you going, but I know you have to. Don't worry about me. I'll be at my mom's in a little bit. Now go and get ready, you don't want you to be late."

Chris passionately covered her lips and devoured them as if it was the last thing he'd do in his life. Every fiber in her very being got the message loud and clear as she molded her body even closer to his. She was his, as much as he was hers and no matter what was going to happen they'd always have each other to rely on.

Mia broke off the kiss, breathing heavily. "Get dressed, you scoundrel, before you have your brother calling you and wondering where you are!" she berated him.

A smug smile on his face was a sign he knew all too well what effect he had on her.

* * * *

Punching in his personal code, he let himself in and walked to the back of "The Vixen". His brother Ed could almost always be found here unless he was needed at the mansion for pack business. The door to the big office was open and with a single knock on the door he entered. Adam was already sitting in one of the chairs in front of the big desk, a map spread out between Ed and him.

"I see you started already. Fill me in?" Chris said, skipping the polite pleasantries none of them seemed to want at the moment.

Getting straight down to business Adam told he had already scouted the area and had picked up their trail. They had made a beeline for one of the forests at the other side of town. Not a single attempt to cover their tracks or even try to misguide them had been made.

"They're being too cocky for my liking. Something tells me there is more to those rogues than meets the eye," Adam ended his explanation.

Ed, the middle Whelan brother, looked at the map again. A big frown graced his forehead as he studied it again. As he stood, one could see the muscles move in his arms. Tapping on the map he explained in a deep voice he wanted to approach the forest from three sides. One where they probably entered and the two others scouting the other sides, to check whether they passed there or not. If the sides were clear, they'd meet up in the middle and start tracking them from there.

Adam and Chris agreed with Ed. Even though all three knew that area like the back of their hand, they still spent some time looking at the map, taking in their targeted areas.

When they were ready to leave, Ed placed a hand on Chris' shoulder.

"Where have you been hiding? I stopped at the garage yesterday and they told me you wouldn't be in for the rest of the week. When I asked what was up they all went quiet on me. What's up, bro?" Ed inquired.

"You have no idea. I'll fill you in later, ok? I want to get these rogues sorted out first. Deal?"

"Deal but don't think I won't remember," Ed answered.

"I wouldn't expect otherwise from you. Now let's go catch us some rogues, before Adam finds them on his own and devours them before we‘ve got a single word out of them."

Before they took off Adam showed them where the scent of the rogues was still the strongest so both brothers could pick it up easy. Memorizing the specific scents, the three men drove off in their own vehicles and started the primary search.

Making sure their vehicles were hidden enough, they stripped and changed into their wolf-form. Ed and Chris were constantly talking to each other through their sibling bond, occasionally one of them "dropping" in on Adam to stay up-to-date on his progress. After a while they gathered and discussed their findings.

From the faint trail they concluded that the rogues were either hiding deeper into the forest or only passed through it. They narrowed their search and now stayed in eyesight of each other as they looked for every little sign or hint of the rogues' whereabouts.

Adam's ears perked up, the scent suddenly very strong and he picked up some soft whimpering sounds. Looking to either side, he checked if Ed and Chris had heard it too. The statue like posture and perked up ears on both of them confirmed to Adam they had indeed.

A single look between them was enough to convey what their next move would be. Going over into a low crouch, they stalked closer towards the whimpering sounds. Chris picked up the metallic like smell of dried up blood. The emotions that were coming their way were a mix of defeatism and terrified angst.

As they approached a clearing in the woods they saw what appeared to be a hut, made out of fallen of branches and old plastic sheeting. Looking closer, Chris could distinguish the form of two women, both tied up at their ankles, hands behind their backs. His wolf got angry at that sight. He felt the same response from Ed and Adam.

What are we going go to do, Ed? Rescue them right away or wait a bit longer to see if those that tied them up come back? I smell the rogues all over them. Adam was right from the start that there was more to it, Chris asked his brother.

A little while later Ed replied, Adam thinks it's best to lay low and see if we can lure them away from the women once they come back to their camp. The wind is going our way, so our position isn't compromised.

Ok, I  just hope we don't have to wait too long. Remember we want those rogues alive, though I don’t care what state they end up in. As long as they’re well enough to answer a question or two.

That goes without saying, brother, Ed agreed.

Then the waiting game started. The three of them didn't move, but the longer they stayed there, the more frustrated their wolves became. At least the women had gone silent, their even breathing indicating their tired state had gotten the better of them and both of them had drifted off to sleep.

Some deep voices drifted towards the three hidden wolves.

"How you think our little beauties are doing? Still shaking in fear?" a tall redheaded man said.

"They're being quiet for once. I couldn't stand their whimpering for another second. Really, one minute longer and I would have shocked the living daylights out of them," was the heated reply.

"Don't complain. At least you had a test ride on them, while the one I had set my eyes on was taken from us," a third voice mingled into the conversation.

"If it wasn't your bloody fascination for a redhead we would have been back at the pack ages ago, but no… the big bad horny wolf insisted on staying until he found a female that looked ok. Wake up, Frank, we don't need them to look good, we need them to breed," said the redheaded man, unintentionally revealing what their hidden agenda was.

"Come on, Jack. If you have to rut with them at least I want to look at a pretty face," Frank said.

* * * *

Hold it together, Adam. I want to see if they reveal more. The more they let slip freely, the better, Ed said as he tried to calm down Adam.

Adam only saw red before him as he listened to their conversation. Talking about these women, his Bronwille like pieces of cattle. Five minutes, I won't wait any longer! he shot back.

Chris was on high alert as well, but he was better at controlling his emotions at the moment.

* * * *

"Just have them on all fours, just like the good little bitches they're supposed to be, then it doesn't matter how pretty or ugly they are. A fuckhole is a fuckhole, Frank," the redhead teased.

"Sure, you'd fuck just right about anything that breathes, Howie, whether they're available or not," Frank shot back. "We're supposed to bring in new blood. Rutting with those skinny bitches back at the camp won't get our numbers up, you crazy ass son of a bitch," he added.

Howie laughed at that last comment. "I'm a son of a bitch alright, she's not even that good of a fuck either."

* * * *

Those last words said with such a joy in them was the last straw for Adam. Those wolves were the biggest pieces of filth to walk the earth.

Ed, Chris, I'm going in. Frank is mine, what you do with the other two I don't care, but he's mine, Adam told both brothers.

Using the element of surprise a dark brown and two large black wolves shot up out of the surrounding bushes and each went for their targets.