Little Wolf

Ch 48 No More Sheep

Everyone turned when the big garage door opened. A big black SUV came lumbering in, stopping in the middle of the warehouse. I was away from the table and out in front of everyone without even thinking.

Mac laughed at me. "It's only Ed. He's brought those boys over. Smartass kid says he needs to talk to you before meeting up with those other wolves."

I hadn't planned on Sheep staying, but maybe it would be for the best, if his lot didn't do something stupid enough to get themselves killed. It would reinforce what I've already demanded of him.

Lone Wolf rolled in behind him, and behind Lone Wolf...

"My bike! I'm so glad you guys managed to find  it!"

"Smelled your mark from a mile away," said Dad. "Bike was easy to find at that point. Too much rock to dig in there though. I think it was knowing you were that close and I couldn't get to you that sent me so completely into the wolf." Dad shrugged. "Single focus. Logical man and instinct wolf agreed. Went back for it once you were safe."

A third bike rolled in. Old Michael got off my bike and strode over to Mac.

"Thanks for the tools, Mac. Other than a few small dings, it's riding good."

"Any time Gunney. You, ah, think about, ah, what I, uh...."

Michael clapped Mac on the arm. "I've no objections Mac."

Mac grinned, trying his hardest not to look at the SUV where Anna was getting out of the front seat.

I could smell Grandfather on the third bike. He didn't get off or even remove his helmet. Maybe now wasn't the time, but I wished he would at least make an attempt at something. The tension in him was obvious to me. Odd how comfortable Michael was in comparison, happy even.

Anna came over to give him a hug. I hadn't thought about Michael being her other grandfather.

"Be safe little wren," he told her in our language. He was probably the only one who still called her by her childhood name. Then in English, "We're heading out, everything should be ready by the time you're back. Little Wolf..." he held out his arm and I grasped it. "Glad to see you safe. Keep yourself that way."

"Thank you for coming, and for fixing my bike again. We'll settle up later."

"Come share another pipe with me, that will be enough. Black Wolf, make sure you come with him. You're always welcome around the fire."

Dad nodded. He was as careful not to look at Grandfather as I was.

"Wren," Michael whispered to Anna before he walked off, "give him hell!" From the wink and glance he made, I could tell the "him" was Mac and she planned to do just that!

A sudden odor had me forgetting about Grandfather. I would know that perfume anywhere. I growled and shifted as I glided over. I tried to think about how I just shifted since I was still on two legs. I forgot about thinking as her long legs slid into view.

My hand was out to help her out of the vehicle, and she slid into my arms naturally. I took a deep breath, feeling myself relax as I held her tight. She held me just as tightly.

Pulling back a little, I was oddly aware of the wolves behind me. I felt the push I sent out with my little rumbling growl and I understood then just how I had shifted.

Human glands had shifted to wolf glands. Every wolf present knew this was my female. I could smell the reek of my musk. I could smell their response and could picture them as if they were truly wolves, staying back with their heads down. It was so strong Sheep stayed behind the door of the SUV with his head bowed deep and kept his two pack members in the vehicle.