New In The Territories (Book 1) COMPLETED

Chapter 18 Jack

 The clearing was neutral territory; it was where the boundary lines meet. One side belonged to the wolves and the other to the lions. The lines were set many years ago and like today as well as the past, it was used as our meeting place for more sensitive topics.

For safety and precaution, we abandoned the ATV's two kilometres from the clearing and would run the rest of the way. Myself, Nate, Dmitri, and Katie stood in silence while waiting for Quinn and Braydon to change into their wolf form. Even with our extraordinary senses in human form, it could not compete with our wolf form.

Quinn was one of the larger wolves in the pack; head reaching my hip. Braydon only a few inches shorter, made up for in his bulk, around 30 lbs. heavier, with the traditional grey coat with white muzzle that travels down his chest. In human form, Quinn was 6' 2", built of a swimmer with short brown hair and hazel eyes, but in his wolf form, he was a gorgeous chocolate brown. Braydon, more on the body builder side, stood 6' tall with shaggy blonde hair and blue eyes. In animal form they didn't carry on their human colours of hair or eye colour, all my wolves eyes ranged from grey to a golden brown. It didn't matter how many times I saw my wolves, the sight was always remarkable. Welcoming them both with a pat on the head and a scratch under the chin before we started for the clearing. Leading the way with Nate and Dmitri flanking, Braydon and Quinn at the rear in a V formation with Katie tucked safely in the middle.

The Lions were neither our enemies nor our allies. We made a comfortable living next to each other but that was about it. Missing one of their own would be highly stressful, and the situation with Katie just put this on a whole other level. I didn't feel threatened and didn't believe anything would come of this meeting, but it was always best to be on guard.

Just feet from the clearing; this usually tranquil place that held the essence of home, the smell of freedom and familiar sounds. Now felt more empty than all the other times when meetings were held between Pack and Pride. Tension was high, the once homey way this place felt, was now cold and empty. The way the air stilled and wildlife scattered away from our presence was surreal. Before breaking through the tree line, we scoped out the area, scenting the air, while keeping quiet so we could hear anything out of place. Giving a hand signal to move forward, we took the last few steps.

Waiting for the Lions to arrive, staying in silence, in full alert mode. Not even a heartbeat later, the lions broke through the clearing. As if on some cue, both parties moved in unison meeting in the middle of the empty field, leaving a good twenty feet between them.

Everyone looked to be calm and in control, but you could feel the edge of tension that rolled from both sides as we met. The Lions, too felt the need to have two of their own in cat form. In size, they were not as evenly matched; wolf shifters are known to be much larger than the natural wolf, where most other shifters including the lions, did increase in size but not to the magnitude as the wolf.

"Jack," Lawrence said, in greeting.

"Lawrence."

Showing respect, Lawrence did not talk to my wolf without permission. Taking a half step to the side, gesturing to Katie to step forward. Never stepping in front of their Alpha, except to protect, she stood to my side and a step back, giving me room in case there is a need to defend myself or any of my wolves.

Never taking my eyes off the lions we faced, but also able to see Katie. The pride I felt seeing her stand tall, squaring off her shoulders, chin up and keep her eyes evaded down in a respectful gesture not a submissive one. Still able to smell her fear and unease, which there was no doubt that the rest could as well, even if her body language showed none. Not speaking until the Pride leader did, she waited.

"Katie, we know about you and Cassie. We know you had some kind of disagreement. Where is she?" Lawrence's voice was calm, but held a no nonsense tone.