Threshold shift

Chapter 27

He was glad to be home. The moment they were back on Isla Nublar's beach, happiness washed over him and Owen knew it wasn't just his own. Blue seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, such a human gesture that her alpha had to chuckle.

"You and me both, girl," he murmured.

Blue took in the familiar beach, inhaled the air of her own jungle, and she relaxed.

It was dark, long after midnight. The sounds of people moving disturbed the otherwise peaceful scenery, bright lights from the LCU and the ferry landing illuminating the immediate area. The troopers walked off the LCU as the crew took care of securing it against the dock, some already climbing into waiting transportation back to their homes. Many nodded at Owen, said their good-byes.

Grady felt tired. He had caught some sleep aboard the LCU, but he wanted his bed right now.

Blue agreed. She stood close to him, wearing her muzzle. On the outside she showed no nervousness, was her calm, composed self. Inside she was itching to get away, to be with her pack.

When the last car had pulled away, leaving Owen with Carter and only the LCU crew, he took off the muzzle.

Home. The pack needs their beta. I'll be right behind you.

She gurgled softy, ending it with a licking sound, then Blue was off. She disappeared into the darkness like a phantom.

"All in all, it went well."

Owen smiled at Carter, who looked just as tired as he felt himself. It had been a long, eventful day. They all needed rest.

"I'm hanging up the Do Not Disturb sign," he quipped.

"How's the head?"

"Still attached and just fine."

"See you later then. Tell Blue she did good."

"Already did. And she knows it anyway."

Dan chuckled and gave him a sloppy salute. Owen nodded at Carter and got on his bike.

Time to go home.

x XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX xx XX JW XX x

The pack barked an excited welcome when Owen stopped the bike next to the house. Deep, happy sounds, accompanied by their minds crowding around him. They were just behind the metal bars, like they were trying to squeeze through, and the ruckus was enough to wake the dead.

"Calm down, ladies!" he called and the sound died almost immediately, small yips and purrs still audible. "It was only a day."

You were gone with them! Delta's mind-voice echoed almost angrily inside his head. Not-pack!

Owen smiled tiredly and went over to the enclosure. Blue slipped out of the night, rumbling, as Owen pushed his palm against Delta's nose, rubbing over the muzzle.

"And they're back home, their home, where they belong. I'd never claim them as family, Delta. You are my pack."

She snuffled, a little appeased. For all her standoffishness at times, Delta was just as fiercely loyal and protective.

Owen let Blue inside, where the others greeted her, sniffing at their beta, scenting and rubbing against her.

There was the dry salt from the ocean spray. There was the unfamiliar scent of Sorna's beach and vegetation. And there was the clear smell of other raptors.

Blue rumbled at Charlie, who was licking at her flank, then snapped at Delta, who was becoming a bit overwhelming. Delta let up, looking at the alpha. Owen chuckled as they all crowded toward the gate again, trying to sniff at him. They wanted him inside the enclosure, with them, curl up and spend the night there.