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TANNER

My mate licked my face once more and stepped back.

I stood from the ground and slowly reached my hand out. “Den…Denver?” I said breathlessly. “Is that—”

“What the hell!?” Joel shouted, jumping up and down. “Dude, look! She was hunter right, and now she’s a friggin—”

“I was there, Joel.” Denver’s wolf licked my hand. “But how? How is this—” Her wolf whined and huffed as she nudged my torso.

“Oh, right, the rogues. Joel hurry up and shift. We need to get there quickly.”

I stripped out of my jacket and jeans, and she collected her clothing into her mouth. Joel dropped down and shifted; I looked back at Denver before I gave control to my wolf.

“Lance, please control yourself. Let’s not scare her off, or worse, give her a reason to deny us.” I pleaded as we shifted into my light grey wolf.

Denver’s wolf nudged Lance’s body. And licked his face.“She wouldn’t do that. But I’ll try Tanner.” Lance replied, nuzzling into her neck. “She’s perfect for us. Let’s hurry and get this shit over with.”

We formed a triangle, with Denver taking the lead. Joel was on her left, I was on her right. We took off to the north to help fight with our people.

It took only a few minutes to reach the others. The forest was dense, and the smell of blood began to fill the air. The hunters and our men were gathered together outside of a sizeable prison-style fence lined with barb wire. A few yards away is a large warehouse, with bright floodlights shining down

Denver’s wolf howled, and the hunters who ran ahead turned around to face us. But, Gail jogged toward us alone. Our trackers who stopped talking amongst themselves. Scanned over Denver’s wolf with wide eyes, and open mouths.

“Well, I guess the cats out the bag, right Kia.” He said as he scratched her nose. Kia that's the name if this beauty..

Kia nipped at Gail’s hand and licked his face. “Everything is under control. We were able to capture three rogues. Go ahead and shift back, and then we’ll question them.”

All three of us changed and dressed. Joel left me behind, to catch up with our trackers. Denver was strapping a pistol given to her by Gail to her side. I slowly approached her with my hands raised.

“I know a lot is happening right now. And we have a lot to talk about.” I said shyly. “But please give me a chance before you deny me. I’m a decent guy, and I promise—”

“Tanner.” Denver interrupted. She stepped in front of me and grabbed my upper arm. “Why would I not want my handsome mate?”

Denver stood on her tiptoes and pecked my cheek. “But let’s focus on the mission. We’ll discuss us at a later time.” I blushed for the millionth time and nodded.

After we joined the group, they caught us up on what happened. They were able to fight off the rogues our trackers stumbled onto. It was an easy fight, and there were no casualties or serious injuries. In the end, we managed to capture three prisoners.

Our people used their bane shot to subdue the enemy wolves, and now they’re tied to a tree awaiting our questions. There were two older men, and sitting in between them is a younger boy, no older than Joel.

Dallas, my lead tracker, stepped to my side. “Do you smell that Beta Tanner? The scent of a few of the missing women is coming from that building. I’m sure we can pick up on the others if we get a little closer.”

Joel clapped his hands, “Great we’re all together and on the same page. Now on to the fun.” He squatted down, “Why are you here? What are you hiding? TAKE US TO YOUR LEADER!” Joel shouted into the face of the oldest hostage.

I pulled him back. “You’re an idiot.” I slapped the back of his head and took his place.

“Do any of you know what that building is being used for?” I asked. One of the older men sat up and spat in my face.

“FUCK OFF!” The rogue sneered. “Go knock on the front door and find out!” I wiped my face off with my hand and stood.

Dallas shook his head and crossed his arms. “Those women are in there, Beta Tanner. They must be guarding them for pay. But someone else is involved in this. The rogues are not smart enough to plan this.”

“We’re smarter than you think, you domesticated puppy.” The same angry man snarled. A big boot landed on his chest, and his back slammed into the tree.

“But not smart enough to keep your mouth shut.” Gail fired off a round from his pistol and shot the wolf in between the eyes. My eyes widened at the blunt hunter.

“And then there were two. No more games; we only need one of you to talk.” He waved his gun at the remaining rogues. “So, which one gets spared?” Gail taunted.

“ME!” The second older rogue shouted. “Kill the kid. Please kill him. I can pay you, I’ll work for you. This one will only—”

POW!

A single shot to the head and the blubbering rogue fell limp against the tree. “To damn eager to kill a comrade.” Gail shrugged. He pointed his gun back at the cowering young rogue. “DING DING DING. You win, now tell us how to get into that building.”

“Please…Please don’t kill me. Here, I…I have a key that can get you in. It’s in my back pocket. You can have it, just spare me, please.” He pleaded.

Dallas cut the rope and pulled the rogue forward by his collar. Gail held his pistol to the young wolf’s head and reached back into the boy’s jean pocket. He grinned as he pulled out a small white card. Dallas released his shirt and the kid stood on shaky legs.

Gail holstered his pistol and switched back to his rifle. “See, I’m a man of my word. Co-operate with me, and I won’t blow your head off. Now, get us on the other side of that fence. And don’t piss me off on the way there.”

“Yes, sir. The entry is this way, but it’s guarded.” The rouge slowly turned on his right foot. “But I know where there’s a hole in the fence. Follow me and stay low.”

We continued to follow behind the kid walking along the outside of the fence. It’s been a while, and I'm realizing that this lot is bigger than I thought.

“Are you sure there’s a hole in the fence?” Joel asked, annoyed. “I’m hungry, and my damn back hurts from—”

“Found it!” The young rogue whisper shouted. He crouched down and lifted a cut panel of the fence. “Just crawl through here, and use the key on any side entrance door. That’s going to be your best way in.”

“What’s your name?” Denver asked.

“Rain.” He replied blushing. See she just has a way of making people do that.

“Thank you, Rain.” Denver winked and walked toward Gail.

“This life will get you killed, Rain. If you need a place, head over to Blood Moon pack, and tell them Tanner sent you.” I smiled and looked away.

Gail saluted Rain and lifted the fence. He whistled for his men to crawl under. Denver went after them, and I after her. Joel was literally sniffing my ass as he made his way through. And Following after him were our men and finally Gail.

“The scent is stronger,” Dallas whispered.

“Well then, let’s continue. This field is vast, but we can easily blend into the shadows. Just Stay low and head straight for the building.” Gail whispered.

Our small rescue team crawled across the marshy land. We are passing by two empty guard towers and getting closer to the side of the building. A few more minutes, and we’ll be at the side door and one step closer to finishing this mission.

“Ugh, Ewww.” Joel spat. “Fuck, that’s goss—”

“SHHHH!” everyone shushed at him.

Joel spat again and wiped his face, “There is mud in my mouth. Very questionable mud—”

“STOP!” a voice shouted through an intercom. Two bright lights shined overhead in our direction. Blaring alarms sounded, and red flashing lights blinked around us.

We all looked at Joel as he palmed his face. I rolled my eyes and groaned. I am starting to think that I’m the one being punished by Nix now.

“Well, there goes sneaking in.” Gail stood up, along with his men and mine. The sound of multiple footsteps splashing on the ground was coming from near the building.

“I want a formation around Denver. Protect her at all times.” He looked at Joel and I. “If my men fail, get her to safety.”

Denver stepped forward and unfastened her pistol. “Gail, I can protect myself.”

“Of course you can. You were trained by me, little lady.” Gail placed his hand on her shoulder. “But bullets run out, and Kia isn’t that strong. Denver, remember you are a leader, and our job is to protect you. So when I give the signal, I want you to run. Don’t fight with me on this, please.”

The footsteps were getting closer, and a few dozen figures were approaching our front. I sniffed the air and looked at my pack members.

“These are not humans, so don’t hold back. Joel, I want you with Denver.” I swallowed hard and looked back at my mate. “Protect her with your life.”

Denver shook her head. “Tanner don’t—”

I turned away from her and wiped a tear from my eye. I fell on my hands and knees and shifted, along with the trackers. Joel placed his head on my mine and left to stand by my mate.

The enemy group stopped a few feet away, and a short figure pushed his way past them. A Small medium-built man, with tan skin and black hair, stood firm as looked toward us.

“Good evening, and sorry for all the noise. But, you all are trespassing. Kindly turn around and leave. And take the dogs with you.” The man spoke clearly.

The wolves growled and snapped their jaws. “Who the hell are you.” Gail basically translated, but leaving out our insults.

The man rubbed his chin. “Now that doesn’t sound right. Shouldn’t I be the one asking that? I mean you are—”

“Just cut the bullshit, little man.” Gail loaded a chamber and pointed it forward. “You know why we’re here. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have come out to greet us. So be a good little host and introduce yourself.”

“ You're right. Where are my manners? I’m Kaan. You can say I’m the security for this private lot. And yeah, I may be little, but I keep some pretty big friends, with tremendous attitudes.” Kaan said through clenched teeth.

“As If. Those men don’t scare us.” Gail scoffed. “Listen, we know who your hiding in there. Just give us the women, and we’ll be on our way.”

Kaan turned toward the building and shrugged “ I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. I can arrange to give you something, for your troubles. But it won’t be what you’re asking for. So, before I unleash hell. I’ll give you one last chance to leave….” Kaan tilted his head to the side. “…..or you will all die.”

Gail gripped his gun tighter, and the other hunters copied his action. My wolves snapped and snarled, waiting for the signal.

“Joel, go now, take Denver and run. Get back to Nixon and tell him what happened.”

Joel whimpered, “ Tanner, we can take them. I’m not leaving—”

“You will do what I say. I’m Beta. I pull rank. Now, we will buy you both some time. If she fights you, give her a dose your bane dose and we’ll deal with the consequence later.”

“Ha, I guess it’s time to walk in your shoes then Tanner.” Joel chuckled. “Listen, man, come home, ok.”

Joel sniffed, and Lance and I looked back to see him wiping his eyes. “You...you know because sniff, I don’t want to do you sniff job.”

“Get going, Joel, and contact Nixon as soon as you can.” I looked at Gail and nodded. He narrowed his eyes and looked back at Joel and Denver. They turned and ran hand in hand through the marshy land heading back to the fence.

Gail held a pistol in one hand and a small red gun in another. He raised the red one into the air and kept the pistol on Kaan.

“WE HUNT IN THE DAY, AND FIGHT AT NIGHT.” Gail shouted his war cry.

“WE KILL ALL ENEMIES THAT CHALLENGE OUR MIGHT!” His men shouted in unison.

Gail looked back at Denver, clenched his jaw, and focused on the incoming fight. “WE PROMISE TO PROTECT, FOR ALL THAT WE STAND.”

“EVEN IF IT COST ME MY LIFE IN THE END!” Each man pounded their chest and raised their guns in the air.

A red flare soared through the sky and exploded above us. They all fired off a shot and shouted a warrior's cry.

I howled at the sky, and my pack members sang along. We all re-took our fighting stance and formed a defense line.

Kaan sighed, “Aww, what beautiful last words. If you choose to die, then I’m honored to grant it for you.” He snapped his fingers, and his men charged forward.

“TANNER!” I looked back to see a weeping Denver. Joel grabbed her waist and threw her over his shoulder. Lance whimpered and leapt into the battle.

“We’ll see her again, Lance,” I said, unsure of my own words.

We’ve been waiting for our soulmate for so long. I prayed each morning and every night. And finally, I get Denver in my life. It was brief, but she was right there. And then fate screams SIKE, leaving me with a glimpse of what I could’ve had.

Damn, the Moon Goddess must really hate me.

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