Among The Wolves

Countermeasure

I waved to the girls one last time as the truck disappeared behind its own kicked up dust. I did not bother hiding the tears that flowed freely down my cheek. I knew that I would see them again, I knew that they were safe. Deep down, I think that the tears come from fear.

Many other mamas also waved to their kids. But they had no sadness, for they would be shifting in a moment's time and following the truck. That is what most endeavored to do, some resorted to following a band of Etas that were cutting through the woods. This way they could arrive ahead of time and prepare for the arrival of others.

An arm wrapped around me. “They'll be alright.”

Ty'Bin's strong voice helped to calm my nerves. “I know. There's just so much.”

“It's not too late to go with them, you know.”

I wiped my cheeks dry, shaking my head. “I want to stay, for now.”

I knew Ty'Bin hoped that I would go. Putting his mind at ease, yet I was determined to rectify my relationship with his sister. There was no saying how this battle was going to end. If anything should happen I wanted to be in good standing with everyone. Especially Theta Ty'Mee.

I turned toward the main packhouse. The morning sun wasn't quite out all the way so dew still blanketed the grass, wetting my shoes and the hem of my navy dress. It was still a favorite of mine.

Accepting Ty'Bin's extended hand we walked casually back.  “Ty'Bin?”

The Epsilon hummed.

“If something happens to me, I know you will be good to Vae'En, but if something bad should happen…I will take care of Duo’Lae, I've never thought otherwise. Yet what will happen to me? What are the customs that I need to know? What are things I need to do?”

“I've already talked with my brothers and-”

“Alpha M’est’r?”

“Yes, and my brother-in-law.”

I moved my thoughts to Ty'Mee's mate, the introduction party she wanted but never had. “Oh, I've yet to meet him.”

“Zeta Ado'Ron? You've met him before.”

“I have?”

“Yes, he spends most of the time at the base. He was also part of the meeting when you came back.”

I blinked. The general-like guy? That's Ty'Mee's mate? Huh. “I see, we were never properly introduced,  I don't think.”

I remembered that day when he held that jacket to my face, asking if it was mine. He was so scary then.

“They will take care of you and the girls, get you an area to work, help you make a wage and a way for you to build a name for yourself.”

“A wage? You guys have currency?”

Ty'Bin chuckled, “Of sorts.”

“I've never encountered an exchange.”

“That's why I said ‘of sorts’. With many packs doing things in different ways we had to come up with a system that works.”

“So who's been paying for all my care and food?”

“Until we were mated, Alpha M’est’r. Now, I take responsibility.”

“Wow, I have so much to learn.”

“Don't worry about finances for now. All that can be learnt later.”

I leaned against Ty'Bin's arm as I held it. “Do you prefer I call you Ty'Bin or Obsidian?”

I heard the Epsilon chuckle. “You can use both.”