The Protector

Alpha.

"What is this?" Gibbs demanded.

Crest walked up to the cage, with a satisfied smirk. "I knew the wolves would return to the scene in search of more food. So I went back and stumbled into a small pack. I killed one and injured this one. The rest got away."

"We don't even know if this is the wolf that attacked the marine." Ziva stated.

"Either way I was out hunting." Crest shrugged.

Gibbs glared at him. "Were you out hunting or inspecting the scene once more?"

"Both."

"It is against the law to kill a wolf out of season here agent Crest. You could get fined and some jail time." McGee smiled.

Crest sucked on his teeth. "Whatever. I am going to take my prize home."

Alex jumped, knocking Crest to the ground. Snapping at his face, she stood between the cage and the man. She was not about to let him take Matt and skin him.

"You mangy mutt! Move!" Crest yelled.

Alex snarled a clear warning to get the hell away.

Gibbs watched her. She was tensed and raged. Wolves were pack animals and like his team looked out for each other. It could be possible; Crest holds a packmate. He quickly stepped in before he had a dead agent. "The wolf stays here."

"I hunted it and I am keeping it." Crest snapped. "That is my trophy."

"You hunted and shot a wolf illegally. I can have you arrested for that. So unless you want to spend five days in jail, the wolf stays here." Gibbs stated, this time leaving no room for argument. He wasn't sure why, but it felt right to protect him.

Crest snatched his jacket. "I am getting that wolf. Sooner or later."

"Yeah, yeah. Listen why don't you and your animal-hating heart, do the walk of shame and get going." Tony deemed, moving to stand before Crest. Alex was actually surprised to see him stand up for them. Giving the team one last glare he stormed out. "Never did like him."

Alex walked back to the cage, whimpering to get it open. 'Let me in'.

"Dinozzo grab Ducky and have him stitch him up. From the looks of it, the shot was in the chest." Gibbs said. "How he wasn't killed is a surprise."

"On it boss."

Ziva had grabbed a jacket and opened the cage. Gently as to not harm him, she pulled him out. The jacket was on the ground, to which she and Tim placed him on it.

Ducky appeared shortly with his bag. "Well seems like Luna has brought a friend."

"If only ducky." Ziva sighed. "Crest shot him in one of his night hunts, near the crime scene."

"Oh, dear." Ducky slowly inspected the wound. "Well good thing it went straight through. It appears nothing has been damaged. Simply pain and lots of blood loss."

Alex whimpered. 'You will be fine Matt'. She stayed the night with him, waiting for him to wake. Gibbs locked them both in Abby's office.

'So you want to tell me what happened?' Alex asked.

'I was following your scent. It led to a cabin, which also smelt of blood and terror. By the time I caught the scent of the hunter, it was too late. He knew what I was and what to use.' Matt wheezed at the pain in his chest. 'There were also two different wolf packs.'

'Yeah, I know.' Alex sighed. 'One belongs to an alpha called Midnight and I have yet to find the others.'

Matt grinned up at her. 'Midnight huh?'