Bear Naked 4: The Sons of Garm

Chapter 18

Erica wondered if Robbie and Valerie were going to continue to bicker all the way to Missouri. If so, it was going to be a long drive. She sighed and hunkered down in her seat.

They were in the pack's old van. Valerie was behind the wheel and Robbie riding shotgun. Erica's pack were riding in the van. There Alphas were elsewhere, Connor was driving with Aaron and Arthur, his new advisors and Amanda with the alpha females, being driven by Arthur's wolf, Soldier.

"All I am saying," Robbie was saying. "Is that you guys need to brace yourself. We live on the edge of human society, one foot in that world, one in the wolf world. The Fleischers live on the edge of society. But." He held his hands apart for emphasis. "They live on the other edge. It might not seem like a lot, but its a huge difference."

"We get it," Brianna groused. She was staring at her phone. She'd been texting madly since they left the camp and got into range for service.

Erica glared at the phone in Brianna's hand. She could talk all she wanted about how Erica wasn't dealing with her feelings for Jazzy, while maintaining a near constant stream of texts and emojis with Charley.

God, I wish Jazzy had a phone.

"It's different," Valerie said. "Every tribe is different, different cultures, different customs. It's good at your age to see how other tribes live. Gives you a broader sense of how things are among our kind."

"Have you been to a big council?" Robbie challenged.

"Yeah," Valerie said. "Northern alliance, twice."

"Where were they held?"

"The Skollsens hosted the last one in Minnesota," Valerie said. "It was huge. And a good experience. The one before was the Holt tribe, up in Ontario. That was years ago now."

"The Skollsens and the Holts?" Robbie's voice was sarcastic.

"A few Ritters were there. The Takala of Montana."

"Ever met the Grimweir?"

Valerie scowled. "Yeah, I've met them."

Erica watched her closely. "What about the Grimweir?" she asked.

"Just, I'd keep your sexuality quiet around them," Robbie said.

Erica scowled. She'd made a personal vow not to do that. Tanner had confided to her about Robbie. That might work for him, but there was no way Erica was going be in the closet.

"It's just, they are really...simple people," Valerie said. "Steeped in tradition. Like the Amish, maybe."

"Amish werewolves?" Tanner chuckled.

"Not exactly," Robbie said. "But, yeah, they're traditionalists alright. Stick to themselves. Don't like change. And the Fleischers?" he added to Valerie.

"I've dealt with a few, but never on their home turf," she admitted. "I'm not saying it won't be different. I'm just saying, let the alphas have their challenges and negotiate their treaties. But this is also a chance for you guys to get to know people like you, other werewolves. There are good things about that. Don't let this conflict completely ruin that for you."

"And all I am saying," Robbie put in, "is watch your step. Their customs are different and I don't want a little fraternisation to get out of hand."

"We know, we'll be careful," Erica said, thinking of Jazzy. If it hadn't been for the issues with Darren, they'd have never met. Why did the adults always act like meeting a new tribe was perilous? Maybe it didn't have to be. Maybe their would be another cute little thing in Missouri, waiting for Erica. But there will never be a girl quite like Jazzy, Erica admitted to herself.