The Prey (LGBT+)

Chapter 14: Wolves Never Stop

Parker

The wolves left thirty minutes ago.

I say the wolves, meaning the Ashwood brothers, Jasar, Akira, two enforcers and Nadira. They left to scout out the old logging station a mile or two away. In true Kohl fashion, he left me in the care of Gaius and Elizabeth. Cassie deigned us with her presence as well.

The Scouts have been told to be on guard at the perimeters. The remaining Enforcers have been stationed around the area in defense of the main houses. The pack has been told to stay in their homes even though the force field has been raised, it can be dangerous to be out.

The words Gaius spoke are prevalent in my mind. The idea that there could be such displeasure in the pack that someone could try to challenge Kohl. I can't do a thing to stop it. If challenged, Kohl would have to fight this fight himself. I have more than enough confidence in him but the feeling of helplessness is frightening.

"They'll be okay." Gaius says from across the room.

Elizabeth and Cassie are sitting on my sofa reading magazines while I stand by the window. Gaius has been lost in thought until now. The two women are surprised but I am not. Gaius has a knack for reading minds, though I'm not quite sure he got it right this time.

I sigh as I continue to stare out onto the lands, "Sure. Tonight but what about after?" I ask.

"What do you mean?" He asks leaning on the window frame beside me.

"If this doesn't work or something goes wrong, Kohl can be challenged, correct?" I ask. Gaius seems to understand my pensive mood now. He nods. I sigh, "And this challenge isn't a family affair. I won't be able to help him."

"Kohl doesn't need help, just like you don't need help. The two of you are fully capable." Gaius frowns, "The sooner you two understand that, the better. Add to that, both of my sons are fully capable. I'm proud of them."

"Thanks, Dad." Cassie says without looking away from the magazine.

"You too, cub." Gaius smiles over his shoulder. He turns back to me, "Sooner or later, everything is going to change. The only thing I know for certain is that Kohl isn't going to be unseated any time soon."

"He's way too stubborn." Cassie yells over her shoulder.

"Sooner or later, things will change. Vampires, Gods, or whatever comes, as long as you fight it together, you'll come out on top." Gaius stands beside me looking out onto the pack lands, "Bad things happen so better things can come. I've learned that."

"I'm never going to cop to something from a greetings card."

Gaius laughs as he puts an arm around my shoulder. He doesn't seem worried in the slightest and his words are calming. I find his optimism refreshing. It feels like lately there is a lot of dark vibes coming from all angles.

I'm looking forward to better days.

Kohl & McKennon

Kohl is aware that anything can go wrong here.

The wolves under him are aware that they need to retreat at any sign of trouble, including a nest of vampires swarming them. The wolves are more than capable of running this task. Still, something seems off. Mickey feels it too as they race towards the old logging station.

The younger Ashwood is aware that things rarely go smoothly in his family. This seems like another risk, though it's entirely needed. The wolves can't, and don't, cower in fear. Living under a dome of protection for the next couple of months or until it gives is a real blow to his brother's ego. Mickey knows they are more than capable of defending Parker. If Parker heard him even think it, he'd swiftly correct them. He, despite being a magnet for trouble, can defend himself.