Of prejudice and pack ( Bound by fate 2)

Chapter 4: Territorial Lines

The precinct was quiet, the only sounds being the rhythmic tap of keys and the subtle buzz of overhead fluorescent lights. Elena pored over a folder labeled "Jake, The Hunter," her brow furrowed in concentration. Opposite her, Eric's focus was equally trained on the file.

"You know," Elena started, her gaze still on the papers, "it might be easier if you shifters marked your territories with flags instead of these... energy barriers."

Eric's eyes flashed with irritation. "They're spiritual boundaries, protecting the land and resonating with our pack's energy. Flags?" He scoffed, "Might as well publicize our every move."

She shot him a wry smile. "At least humans wouldn't wander in and get attacked."

Eric leaned forward, intensity emanating from him. "Humans should be aware of other beings. But as always, they believe they're all that matters."

Elena locked eyes with him, retorting, "Maybe your kind should evolve a bit. Stop living by primitive codes."

His smirk was dripping with condescension. "Careful, Officer. Keep talking and I might mark your desk during your next coffee break."

Taking a deep breath, she replied, "Let's focus on Jake. Why is he interested in your territory?"

Eric ran a hand through his hair, clearly agitated. "Probably looking to kidnap one of us, for some dark purpose or profit."

Elena turned a page, revealing a map. "He had this—detailing a certain area of your territory. What's significant there?" she asked, sliding it toward him.

Eric's expression darkened, "The school and the hospital."

"Why target a school and hospital?" Elena mused, studying the mapped locations.

Eric's voice was cold and hard. "Those places are our community's core. They're frequented by our young and most vulnerable."

"You think he's specifically targeting them?"

Eric nodded, his jaw set. "The hospital is more than just a place for the sick; it's where life begins and ends for us. The school is our future."

Elena, always skeptical of shifters, felt a tug of empathy. They shared a momentary connection, one filled with mutual understanding and concern. But she was quick to refocus.

"We need to question him further."

Eric's eyes flashed. "We already did. Remember? He 'accidentally' trespassed with a loaded weapon."

Elena shot him a determined look, "I'm not leaving your community at risk. Especially not when kids are involved."

For the first time, Eric's gaze softened. "I appreciate you not taking sides based solely on species, Officer."

She grinned, "Let's get moving, wolf-boy."