Frank took them to a large cave in the quarry, where most of the pack had gathered already. There were scores of wolves of all shapes and sizes—but all seemed healthy and happy.
"My friends!" Frank cried over the hubbub. The noise promptly died down.
"We have a visitor in our midst, a guest of the highest order—my own big brother, Ben Dukeson!"
The wolves immediately broke out in raucous cheers.
"But enough delay—let's eat!"
"I gotta say, Frank—you turned out better than anyone would've believed."
Frank laughed, replying between mouthfuls of venison, "Including myself! When I left almost three years ago, I didn't have one inkling of a plan—I was almost killed the very day, haha! During my travels, I joined with many of the wolves you see here, including my darling Vera. Ha, without her I would've given up the first week. By the time I arrived here, I had gathered such a large number of wolves I decided to start my own pack—with Vera's prompting, of course. After a year in this beautiful, bountiful place, the pack has grown nearly thrice fold. And I've been here ever since."
Ben shook his head. "And there I was, holding you back. Frank, I'm sorry, I had no idea—"
"Oooh—oh no you don't!" Frank cried sharply. "You were just doing your best—that's the most any of us can do, ain't it?"
Ben smiled. "Thank you, Frank."
"Ben, you and Rachel are welcome to stay as long as you like." Vera said warmly.
"Yes!" Frank cried excitedly. "From what it sounds like, you won't be missing much back on the West coast!"
Ben sighed. "I really would like to, Frank, but I have a prior engagement to fulfill before I can."
"What is it?"
"Rachel—I'm taking her to the east coast to meet with her sister."
"Who's her sister?"
"Eve Birch."
Frank nearly choked on a bite of meat.
"What? That old b—" Frank cringed as Vera snapped at him. "Frank! Rachel's right here!"
"Sorry, dear—why in the world would you make a deal with her?"
"Seemed like a good idea at the time..."
" Wow—you must've been pretty desperate."
"I mean—me and Caleb—"
"Caleb! The fox, right?" he turned to Vera, "only creature ever who can beat me at tracking. How is the little shit?"
"He's dead."
Frank's smile disappeared. "Oh—Fuck, I'm sorry Ben. How long has it been?"
"Two weeks, give or take."
"Pred's?"
"Soldiers."
"Gah!" Frank growled. "Those fucking—how'd you and Rachel escape then?"
"Frank!" Vera snarled. "Look what you are doing—Rachel is in tears, the poor girl." Vera moved over to Rachel and took her aside.
Frank cringed. "Shit. I've really got to work on that."
Ben chuckled. "You were never one to spare feelings."
"Haha, I guess you're right—so the Riders, eh? I heard they're a nasty bunch."
YOU ARE READING
We Don't Choose Our Time
Aventura"We don't get to choose our time. Death is what gives life meaning. To know your days are numbered, your time is short." - The Ancient One Ben had been happy once upon a time. But that was a long time ago. That was before his world was torn from his...
