Limitless Luna

Chapter 26

Catori's POV:

Snuggling into my seat I'm buckled in looking out the front of the sled which oddly enough feels warm and cozy with a mix of new technology stemming from old world designs as it's motor driven with the option of being pulled and has luxury cushioned seating. It sits four of us with weather proofed body covers as well as having thick side rails that can carry more luggage or standing passengers on the outside. 

Sighing in contentment knowing we're headed out on the last leg of our travels I settle down as we head off with Fher at the wheel, Ixchel directly behind me and Witch-Li besides her. Glancing at the other vehicle with Marat at the wheel with Elder Balian at his side and Lance sitting behind them. Claude Chronos, Easton and Iskander shifted into their fur enjoying the weather and exercise. A smile lights up my face as Chronos mock growls at Easton and he in turn nips at him playfully before tumbling in the snow. So glad to see them letting some of the tension and stress go. 

Marat comes through the radio letting Fher know we'll be setting our speed at a reasonable 30 mph for now to allow the guys to move together with us. As the day goes on we make steady progress but stop by 3:30pm allowing everyone a quick break as well as a meal before heading back on the move with Easton and the guys loaded up on the side rails as they joke around acting as if they're sailing the open seas. I begin to feel drowsy now that my mate is standing so close to me, knowing his safe sets my mind at ease.

A jolt and a sudden stop wake me up from my slumber, looking around I see the guys heading towards a mound just ahead of us as the thick smell of fear and blood hit my senses immediately putting me on edge but Ixchel takes my hand as Witch-Li exits to see what's going on. I watch Claude stomping back carrying a bloody bundle in his arms as he comes closer I can see it's a young woman, smells like a fox shifter if I'm not mistaken, Iskander sets out an emergency blanket as Witch-Li examines her.

"Bones are broken and she has a nasty concussion but she's alive and with a little help I think we can mend her" Witch-Li announces as Elder Balian takes her side while they work in unison to heal the young shifter. "Seems like some one ambushed her and took whatever she had with her, all thats left are a few broken personal items and multiple tracks headed away. Maybe she can tell us what happened when she comes to" Chronos said as he laid down a torn up leather back and a broken neckless next to her.

I hear her whimper and try to toss about as she begins to regain her awareness. Elder Balian steps away as Witch-Li gently places the shifter's head on her lap stroking her head. "It's okay young one, you're safe now. Wake up slowly, know that you are safe, there's no danger at the moment and you must remain calm." She says to the young woman coaxing her into a relaxed state of being as she comes to, her eyes opening as she tries to focus on her surroundings.

Everyone else is standing at a good distance allowing her to feel that no one is imposing over her. As she regains her composure her eyes dart around taking everyone in before whimpering and curling up upon herself as if she wished to disappear from sight. "Now, now... we won't harm you. Are you okay? Can you tell us what happened?" Marat asks with a slow soothing tone that seems to relax all of us present. His warm gaze upon the shy fox, she makes eye contact with him for a fleeting second then tucks her head down but replies quietly. 

"I'm Irina, a Silver fox and I escaped my owner a few days ago, then as I am traveling alone I was an easy target so I got mugged, they they took the little I had saved to pay for my needs" Her voice trembled as she almost whispered while her eyes kept scanning the area, she inhaled as if scenting us to see if there was any danger.