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Chapter -9- Snare

Friday, August 5, 2049 - 2pm PDT San Francisco, California ...

Rufus Darken opened the bedroom door to find Karla in her bed, propped up by several pillows. He closed the door behind himself and offered her a nod. The Georgia native shoved a lock of long black hair over his shoulder, gathered it in his hands, and then tied it back. "You okay?"

"Mm-hmm, why?"

Rufus stuffed his hands into his pockets. "It's been half the day gone, and nobody seen you. Conner and James Parker are here."

"Mm." She mashed the tip of her finger against a button on her tablet. The screen darkened. She stretched a bit, offered a weary smile, and wrapped her arms around the eReader. "Sorry, I was having a 'bed day.' I saw Reno earlier this morning for a minute. Didn't really talk to him much. Then I came back to bed and have been reading."

"You been in bed all day ... reading?"

"Yes, it happens every now and then," said Karla with a lame grin. "What brings you up here?" She unfolded her arms and set the eReader on her lap.

Rufus approached the bed and sat down on the mattress besides her knees, fixing where some of the blankets were bunched up. "Y'know it's August out there right? You in here under th' covers?"

"The AC is running. And I'm not wearing very much under my blankets. I always sleep like that."

Rufus chuckled with a soft smile. "Fair enough." He reached for the tablet. "What'cha readin'?"

"Hey, you can't peak."

"The hell I cain't," said Rufus. He thumbed the button on the tablet and the screen came to life. He cleared his throat and read aloud, "Sweat glistened over his caramel skin. His cool blue eyes sent a chill down her spine. His long, dark hair dripped against his shoulders, moist with sweat from fighting the creature. He took off the top-half of his leather armor and dropped it on the ground. His deeply ridged abs heaved as his breathing slowed. Mortal men would have stunk with sweat, but he smelled like hot spices carried over the Red Sea." Rufus trailed off, arching his brows at the succubus. "Really, Blondie? Erotica novels about Greek gods?"

"Don't make fun of Ravaged by Hercules, I'll have you know it's a classic." Karla glared at him, jaw set with a semi-pouty expression. "I see you smiling. Cut it out."

"Are you serious, woman? 'Hot spices carried over the Red Sea.' People read tha' shit and get turned on?"

"Obviously not you," she retorted with a tone of mock disgust. She folded his arms and squinted at him then sniffed disdainfully. "You suck."

"You didn't complain last night."

"You'd better be glad this isn't a paperback novel, or I'd throw it at you."

Rufus glanced back down at a random paragraph. "So is that what women feel? A 'flower blossoming' inside their bellies? I'm confused how tha's supposed ta' feel nice, Blondie."

"Not when you do it," Karla scoffed. "That was more like being hammered in the baby-maker. You pretty much bounced a pogo-stick on my ovaries for, like, almost ten straight minutes."

"Uh-huh." He glanced back down at the screen and smirked. "This chick - I assume it's a chick writin' this stuff - make it sound like you girls get electrocuted durin' the big O. Listen 'dis shit right here. 'The surge of energy raced up her spine with an explosion of molten lava in her nether region. Her delicate, forbidden flower's dew drenched petals dripped with gosimer...' Defuq is this crap? I cain't even finish readin' tha'."

"Molten lava," Karla said with a firm nod. "I'm not up to that part yet."

Rue scoffed. "I'd be like, 'Holy shit, is she a'ite?' I mean where's the goddamn realism? Where the squelchin' sound? Where's the balls slappin' against her ass? Where's the draggin' of his teeth against her neck? Tha' shit's real."

Karla snorted with amusement. "Slow your roll, Fabio. Most people don't experience sex like that. Hell, for a lot of broads, sex is a chore, or done blindly without regard for the partner. Most girls don't limp away like they were hit by a freight train."

"Ya, mean like you done did last night?"

She eyed him for a moment then smirked. "Yeah, pretty much."

"Well ain't tha' what a lady wants to read? Somethin' more excitin' than Joe-Shmoe-boyfriend, tryin' for three minutes ta get his rocks off before runnin' off to play a video game or watch sports?"

"That book is what I want to read. Passion and romance."

He glanced back down at the tablet then said, "This shit's absurd, Blondie. Listen 'dis crap right here. 'Family of five digits hugged gingerly about the bed post, then, firmly, she clinched the headboard like the dew drenched petals of her flower around his pulsing member.' Sounds like this dude is bangin' her rose garden while her folks're sitting at one end of her bed, watchin'. Creepy if ya' ask me."

Karla teleported the tablet from his hands and stuffed it down beneath the pillows she was propped against. "Hearing you dictate erotica like a book on tape is the weirdest part of it all. I love your fake 'normal accent,' Rue. Funny. Now go away so I can spoon a pillow and cuddle up to my eReader."

"A'ite, geeze. I'm just teasin'."

"Why did you come up here anyhow, Rue?"

"To make sure you was a'right. You went into hiding."

"Just reading, babe. Anything else?"

"Yeah. Just gonna take a lil weekend trip up towards Seattle 'n see if I cain't run down this lead I got - I wanna see if Ulfey up there."

Karla pursed her lips together.

"What, Blondie?"

"Psht. You didn't need to ask my permission. Go right ahead, then."

He frowned at her terse voice. "What I say?"

"Nothing. Everything is fine."

"Why you got that tone, then, Karla?"

"I'm just tired. Go on, go look for your ex-girlfriend."

"She ain't my ex, Karla. Z'at what this's about? Cause let me nip this inna' butt right now - consider the plus side of another werewolf on the teamt. C'mon, you know it's a good idea. "

"I guess."

Rufus stared at her with a wan smile. "We can use all the help we can get. Besides, I ain't got no illusions of hookin' up with Ulfey. She got, like, kids or somethin'."

"So?" She asked with a shrug.

"I know better than to try 'n get with a woman who wrapped up in her family. Last time tha' happened, I nearly died. Now, I don't hold that against ya, but I ain't dumb enough to ask a girl to choose me over her own flesh 'n blood. So why don't you calm down and let me go get our team another proper warrior."

"Rufus ... have you even _seen_our 'team'?"

"Yeah. Bunch'a kids, a guy recoverin' from a coma, and two women who ain't thinkin' straight 'cause they still mournin' their children and husbands. Kalen's the only damn warrior you got, and he only barely makes the cut. He's a protector, not a battle-hardened warrior, girl."

"What's the difference?"

"He's good defense. We need good offense. We need real help. I'm goin' to get Ulfey."

"Okay, okay. Jesus. You've made your point. God, I think that's the most you've ever said to me at one time ... ever."

Rufus shook his head and slid off the mattress. "Enjoy yer book, Princess."

"I thought we were done with pillow talk nicknames?"

"Yeah, I guess you's right. Kinda' just slipped out."

Rufus crossed the bedroom and opened the door. He paused, glanced back over his shoulder at her and tried to think of something clever to say. Nothing came to mind.

Karla grinned, their eyes met. "The silence is a macho touch, RueBear."

A hint of a smile found his face. Rue pulled the door shut and walked out into the hall.

At the bottom of the steps, Conner and James were talking amongst themselves.

"Howdy, gents."

James grinned somewhat. "So is it true? Conner says you're a werewolf?"

Conner chimed in, "He's also the only other person who understands how complicated my life is, Uncle Jaye. Rufus, here, was the one who told me about my folks. He broke up an argument I was having with Karla."

James frowned. "You had a fight with Karla? Like an argument or an actual fight?"

"Both," said Rufus.

Conner nodded, remembering the incident. "It was, like, three weeks ago." Keeping his eyes on James, he motioned to Rufus, adding, "Bubba the Redneck Werewolf, here, managed to pull me and Karla apart when we were at one another's throats." Conner trailed off then grinned at Jaye. "And yeah, he really is a werewolf, heh."

"Ayup. And with a bit'a luck, I'mma go find a second one for our team. You boys up for a road trip?"

"We have some errands to run," said Conner. "Well, I do anyway. I'm headed to Japan to find Tamamo." He glanced to his uncle, "But feel free to go with Rufus or stay here, or head back to Chicago if you want. I mean, now that we finished up all that stuff, you're free to do whatever you want. And I promise to finish your training as soon as I get back."

James looked back at Rufus, then towards his nephew again. "Japan, huh? You're a minor. Won't you need to be accompanied by an adult?"

Conner gave his uncle a strange look. "Did you read any of the paperwork you signed for me?"

"I was just here to help you out, Conner. I figured all you needed was my signature and a blood test. Well, more like a cheek swab. I didn't know that's how they actually do it. I thought it was going to be a finger-prick." He glanced back at Rufus and shrugged. "I was wrong."

Conner shook his head. "I proved I'm a Parker. I changed my last name, and I signed emancipation papers because my parents are missing, presumed dead. They left me in the care of my grandfather, who is now officially dead. Because they've been gone for several months, the court declared my mother and father legally dead. I signed off on the will, and I'm now my own legal guardian. You were a witness. Where was your head at this afternoon?"

James reached up and rubbed the nape of his neck. "Thinking about Dawn. I was going to video-chat with her today. So you're really going to Japan by yourself?"

"Yup."

James cut his gaze to Rufus then back to Conner. "This seems like something you need to do on your own. Man stuff. Unless you want me to come along, I think this should be..."

"Say no more," Conner replied. "I'll leave today. I'll charter a flight and take Kuda with me. I can handle it. Besides, I speak Japanese. You don't. It would be easier for me. However," he turned towards Rufus and added, "Before I go, we both wanted to see you transform."

"Yeah, could you?" James stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I really want to see this."

Rufus laughed. "Holy hell, you two. You boys ain't never seen a werewolf?"

"No," they said overtop of one another, just a little out of sync.

Conner shrugged. "You're the only one I've known, and I've never seen the change." Conner shrugged a second time, adding, "But you kind of saved my life. You know, that whole thing when my grandfather was killed. I wanted to ask for a while now but I never knew how I guess."

"I'll show ya both as soon as I get back. I promise. I'd do it now but my sweatpants're in the laundry and I booked a flight up north. Cain't be late. Taxi to the airport is already on the way. Just got cleaned up and ready to go, y'know? But when I get back, fer sure."

"Ah well," James said with a slight grin. "I look forward to it."

Rufus grinned in return. "I'll give you boys one hell of a show. Tear up shit, bite open beer cans with m' teeth. All'a that shit. It'll be worth the wait, I promise."

"I've got high expectations," Conner replied. "I want to see snarling, fangs, and badass claws."

"You got it, gents." The doorbell rang. Rufus shrugged. "See? That's my cue." He headed for the foyer, leaving the two Parker boys alone.

James held his fist out towards his nephew. "I'm going to give Dawn a call."

"Alright. Remember, this was your father's house. Your real father. Everything that's here is yours. Well, everything that isn't in my room, of course. You know what I mean."

James grinned. "I follow you. Call me when you get to Japan."

"You worried about me?"

Jaye ruffled his nephew's hair. "You're the only family I got left."

Conner replied with a wan smile and headed for his bedroom to gather what he would need.

X

X

Saturday, August 6, 2049 - 9:30am JST Tokyo, Japan ...

"You know what I find most fascinating about modern Japanese culture?"

"Do tell me, Tamamo-san." Usagi folded his hands in his lap.

"It is a Saturday, and here you are at work instead of with your family. You do not see the problem with this?"

"My work ethic brings honor to..."

"No, Hakase! Like too many things, this culture was cemented by the white man's antics to a point, and then you stopped before the best parts. They have embraced relaxation and family. It would behoove you to do such as well."

Usagi scrunched his brows. "How is important work ethic to blame on the Anglo Saxon?"

Tamamo shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Konoe-tenno's court would have told you that I am knowledgeable in a vast arena of academia and even retain trivial and pop-culture learnings, because I am fascinated by the human world and its complexities."

"So then explain how the white community is responsible for Japanese work ethic. That has been a cornerstone of our culture for, easily, a hundred years if not more."

Tamamo replied with a wan smile. "Does it frustrated you that I know something you do not?" She paused, but received no reply. "Very well. Japan's economy was annihilated with the devastating loss of the Second World War. Japan has always had a sort of, 'If you can't beat'em, join'em' mentality. Master the way of your foe. If your foe spares your life in a spar, they are the master, and you become the student. However you twist the words, they all mean the same thing. You show honor to the man who bested you, and you learn from them."

"Go on, Tamamo-san."

"In the 1950s, with Japan's economy in such distress, the Emperor and the businessmen of Japan knew they had to reset the table, in a manner of speaking."

"I'm listening," said Usagi. "How did the white man influence Japan to become the hard working people we are today?"

"An American statistician named William Edwards Deming. He worked with the leaders of Japanese industry, which began this month ninety-nine years ago. During that decade, the Japanese post-war economy became the second most powerful economic force in the world, founded on the principles of Dr. Deming."

"Interesting theory. You believe white people are more progressive than the Japanese people?"

"Remember the Japanese obsession with whaling? It was started by General Douglas MacArthur. Before that white man's suggestion, whale was never a major part of the Japanese diet. Mm, it seems the white people tell the Japanese what to do and it happens. Yet letting go of these habits proved oddly difficult. It has always been a point of fascination and frustration for me to watch the worshippers of my kind, as you go through changes of habit and hobby."

"May I ask your point in all this, Tamamo-san?"

"What is the new word," she said, snapping her fingers beneath the full-sleeve restraint over her arms. "Ah, yes. Karoshi. Death caused by overwork. A cause of death so common in Japan that it is a recognized reason for a family to receive insurance benefits. The word now sits adjacent to a checkbox on a computer screen beneath a section labeled, 'cause of death.' Do you wish to become a statistic?"

"You suggest I shouldn't work on Saturdays?"

"Spend your free time with family and loved ones. That has brought the human race comfort since the beginning of time. Before money, before prostitution, before farming, and before religion. It is essential to living a longer life. And should fate determine you will die young, you'll have been far more productive, strengthening your family ties and carving your legacy than if you sat in an office making no more money for your family than if you'd taken off on Saturday. What is the English word?" She paused then, in English said, "Salary verses hourly," and then repeated it in Japanese.

"I am familiar with such, Tamamo-san. I am paid the same salary whether I work more hours, or call out sick. The honor is mine to work hard."

"Yet you bring home nothing more; your family does not benefit from your hard work. If anything, they see you less, which is a detriment. Your children receive less of your guidance, because you spend less time with them. You do have children, do you not, Dr. Rabbit?"

"Yes, Tamamo-san. Your views are very interesting." He jotted notes in his tablet then looked back up at her. "Should I go home right now?"

"I would not hold it against you. What if you spent that energy and took your children to do something they enjoy? You'll give them priceless memories."

"Perhaps, since you are my last patient for the day, I will humor you and surprise my children. But you should know that they're teenagers."

Tamamo nodded in understand. "I see, now, why you are fascinated with my relationships involving Konoe-tenno and Conner-kun. You feel that it is inappropriate based on your experience as a father of teenagers. It all makes sense, now."

He abruptly changed their direction of topic. "We still have some time in your session. You've lived for days, now, without contact with the outside world. So I brought you a newspaper." He placed the front page on his desk for her to read.

Tamamo noticed an article beneath the main story at the top of the front page. "What is this bit about a terrorist cult in Egypt?" She trailed off and read the information beneath a photograph. Tamamo finished reading the box of text and looked up. "Interesting how paper newspapers are still printed. And this is not a cult."

"Excuse me?"

"It is only one person. The 'lioness mask' mentioned in the article is quite real. Sekhmet is here on Earth. I told you this before it made news. How could you forget?"

"It's true, you mentioned her to me before Sekhmet's cult was mentioned in the media. And you are clever and quick witted."

"You think I am tying my so-called fantasies to your so-called reality?"

"It's good to hear you acknowledge it, Tamamo-san."

"Hakase, I look forward to seeing your face the day I prove my identity to you. Also, you said if I behaved without needing medication for a chosen number of days, you would consider letting me have a visitor. Do you remember the young woman about whom we spoke several sessions ago?"

"Sinopa? Your four-tail goddaughter? Interesting you chose a title from the Western world, considering you are a deity from ancient Japan and ancient China."

"I am progressive," she replied with a smirk. "You could meet Sinopa."

"What is her number?"

"I do not contact her by a communication device. She visits me. I would give her instructions on how to properly visit me the way you prefer."

"You have seen her recently? Since our sessions began?"

"Quite a number of times. She keeps me company."

The doctor jotted in his notes. "I see. Interesting. Well, then, can she come now? Where is she? Let's meet her together, now."

Tamamo burst into soft laughter. "Hakase! She visits when I am settled out on the balcony. It happens when her schedule permits. Next time I see her, I will give her instructions in order to follow your procedures for a proper visitation."

"I see." Usagi traced his finger over the side of his tablet then said, "I will double your allowances to sit on the balcony this weekend. If you see Sinopa-san, tell her to sign in at the front office at her earliest convenience. I will tell the front desk staff that if she signs in, to call me at home and I will come in to meet her and supervise a visit."

Tamamo smiled brightly. She bowed to show respect. "I look forward to seeing your expression when you see proof that I am who I promised."

"You need to do me a favor first, Tamamo-san."

"Yes, of course, Hakase."

"I want to gauge your temper. I need to ensure you are able to handle company by remaining calm. I would like to put you on the balcony with Gozer for an hour, together. If you do not raise your voice at him, and you show him courtesy, I will grant your visitor."

Tamamo groaned, slumping in her seat melodramatically. "Shit," she muttered beneath her breath.

"This is the first time I've heard you speak modern profanity."

"It is warranted here, Hakase."

"I'll arrange for you both to be put on the balcony in just a few hours. I want you to try and get to know him. I would like to video tape the conversation. Do I have your permission?"

"Yes, of course. I will humiliate myself with his stupidity for your amusement for one hour, Hakase."

"Do not think of it as wasting your time. Get to know him. Learn more about him with conversation. This is vital to your treatment. If you can show progress in having a conversation with another person, it will prove to me you are ready to speak to others besides myself. Consider this an experiment."

"Very well, I will do it," she said in a somewhat sour tone. "But no good can come of conversation with someone so obsessed with an American comedy movie, let alone delusional to think a non-existent deity could be real."

"Just talk to him."

Tamamo frowned. "Do you?"

"I do, yes."

"Have mercy, Hakase ... you think we are one in the same. Because you do not believe in the kitsune, you are as annoyed with me as I am with him."

"I wouldn't use the word 'annoyed,' Tamamo-san. If I can talk to the both of you and retain my composure, then why can't you show the same social courtesy?"

"So you are testing the scope of my patience?"

"I am."

"God help us all," said Tamamo. "I have never been known for my patience. Due to my incessant need to know what is going on at all times, I have often been little more than a voyeur in the Hallway of Reflection, spying on everyone I could at any one given moment. It is because of my lack of patience. I cannot simply wait to find out what will happen next - I have to see for myself. So I spy on my friends, lovers, and everyone with whom they interact."

Usagi wrote more notes in the tablet. "We've made progress. Something new came out, today ... and you, yourself, recognized it. Tamamo-san, I have good news."

"Do you?"

"Yes, Tamamo-san! I believe you are curable. At the very least, we can help resolve your shortcomings and make you a better person."

"Do I still have to spend an hour with Gozer?"

"Yes."

"Shit."

X

X

Saturday, August 6, 2049 - noon, PDT Seattle, Washington ...

Rufus Darken adjusted his duffle bag , shifting its weight on his shoulder. He lifted his right hand. A blue minivan with taxi decals cut in the line, blocking off a yellow colored cab. The driver shouted out the passenger window to Rufus, "Rufus Tucker Darken?? Get in, your fare is already paid for with me!"

Rue blinked and walked from the airport exit doors, across the median, to the pickup lane. He glanced at the Yellow Cab Company sedan, shrugged at the driver, then cut his gaze to the blue minivan.

He approached the blue van and opened the side door then dropped into the seat and pulled the door shut. "Nobody knew I was coming, hoss. Who hired you to pick me up?"

"I'll check with dispatch and see if they got a name. All I know is what you look like, what time to be here, and where to take you." The cab driver closed his passenger door window, put the van into gear and pulled back into the lane without using a turn signal.

Rufus pulled on his seatbelt and unshouldered his bag, resting the duffle across his lap. "Well, let me know so I can thank'em, y'hear?"

"I'll do that. How're you today, Mr. Darken?"

"I'm good, son."

"Oh! And I'm supposed to give you this message. One sec." The driver reached into the glove box, withdrew a sealed envelope, and passed it back to Rue.

Rufus opened it and withdrew an old fashion letter. He scanned the words penned on the page. 'Mr. Darken. We keep tabs on all movements made by our kind. We've been watching you since you returned to the Continental United States. Now that you are within range of the Seattle Chapter, we expect to meet with you personally. This allows us to determine your business here, and to determine a threat level. We watch because our kind have been followed and hunted to near extinction. We cannot presume to know whether or not you're being followed, so we would like to meet on neutral territory. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. Stay safe, keep your nose to the wind, and may the chains of Fenris, that which links us all, guide you to us safely."

Rufus folded the letter and pushed it back into the envelope. He folded the whole thing in half and tucked it into his duffle bag. "Ain't that right nice."

"Sir?"

Rue looked up. "Oh, it's a letter from the people who paid m' fare. Y'all don't need to radio yer dispatch. I know wha's goin' on now."

The cab stopped at a red light at the edge of the airport. The driver turned towards Rufus and grinned. "Do you?" He sniffed a bit then asked, "Were you followed, Mr. Darken? We take werewolf crossings very seriously. You're on protected tribal land, now. Are you here to see Ulfey, or her son?"

"Ulfey, of course. Why would I go'n see her kid?"

The driver eyed Rufus for a moment then frowned. "It's not my business to tell you. All I can do is take you to her."

"The letter says I'm goin' somewhere neutral first."

"A moving car is pretty neutral, Mr. Darken."

Rufus leaned forward and sniffed through the black mesh cage then he eased back in the seat with a grin. "I'll be damned. I ain't been 'round that scent in a long-damn-time. Shit, it's like childhood memories. And here I thought I was the only one left."

"Wait, you didn't know ... you thought you were the last werewolf in existence?"

"Surely did. When I heard Ulfey's still alive, I had to come see her right quick. Now I'm here and you boys're runnin' a right-tight ship. How long y'all been watchin' me? Since I came over from the District Coast?"

"One of our people is a figure of authority in a key position of the American Government, which monitors known living descendants of Fenris that have manifested. However, we can only see and flag names coming or leaving the Continental United States. We also know you've been staying with the surviving relatives of Jonathan Parker."

"Yeah, it's been'a posh doghouse."

The driver sighed and eased into the accelerator just as the traffic light turned green. "I despise dog and pet humor. It borders on racist."

"Uh ... so I shouldn't ask if my tribal name can be Pees On Hydrants, huh? Tha's a shame."

"Take yourself seriously, Mr. Darken."

"Stop takin' yerself _too_seriously, son. Wha's yer name, anyhow?"

"Dakota. Yes, like the states."

Rue's eyes dropped to a nameplate on the cage, which separated the front seat from the back seat. "Dakota Blackpaw? You serious wit' tha' shit, son? Christ, if that ain't the most cliché-ass name for a werewolf I ever heard, lemmie tell you what."

"Hey, don't be rude. I can still charge you a fare, y'know. From what I've heard about you, your tribal name should be Loner Blueballs."

Rufus smirked. "Then yer intel'd be wrong. In fact, I got laid jus' the other night. So that jus' goes to show what you know, D.B."

"Are you always this pleasant?"

Rufus smiled. "Reckon I've always been the neighborly type. Glad'ja noticed."

The joking banter continued until the taxi arrived in the empty parking lot of an old warehouse with a faded logo on the outside. Rufus craned his head a bit, studying at the large structure. "Y'uns call this a '_were_house' spelled the wolfish way? Kind'a like Batman lives in The Batcave?"

"Don't you ever tucker out from the jokes, Tucker?"

Rufus paid the play-on-words no mind. "Nope, not me."

The driver turned off the car and stepped out. He opened the sliding door for Rufus and said, "Right this way."

"Yeah, yeah." Rufus stuffed his hand into his pockets and found a five dollar bill. He passed it to the driver. "Don't spend it all in one place, Blackpaw."

"No need to make fun of my name, Tucker."

Rufus paused. He eyed the man for a moment then sniffed again. He cut his gaze back to the faded logo on the warehouse. "Say, you know the difference 'tween the 4H club, and th' FFA?"

"Excuse me? Never heard of either."

Rufus nodded towards the logo as they headed for the entrance to the warehouse. "This place apparently made feed 'n seed fer farms. Speakin' of farms, you smell like an animal."

"Uhm. Thanks, I think?"

Rufus smirked. He reached for the door and opened it. "After you, hoss."

"No, I'm the driver. After you."

"I insist," said Rufus. He used his other hand to give Dakota a gentle nudge. "You first." He flinched at a pinch on his abdomen and looked down at where Dakota pushed a tranquillizer dart into Rue, just above his right hip.

Rue narrowed his gaze. "You went heavy on the werewolf sweat. Should'a smelled the difference earlier, but you's using tha' backseat climate control AC to keep me from getting' a good whiff. Clever sumbitch."

"We hunt your kind for a living. We're pretty good at it now, Tucker. Someone over on the District Coast, who really wants information, decided to outsource - so they hired us. But I'll tell you what. I'll come up with a less cliché werewolf name next time I hunt one of you bastards. Hell, I might just use _your_name."

Rue fought the overpowering sedative for as long as he could manage before easing down onto his hands and knees. "You overdid it with the drugs. Feel like I'mma throw up. Ain't no use to ya, if I drown on vomit, jackass." Rufus' words slurred together. He added another sentence or two, but it came out as unintelligible mumbling laced with colorful vocabulary.

"Oh, what's that? Didn't catch that, pardner. I'm not Doctor Doolittle, and I don't speak animal."

Rufus rolled onto his side. He fumbled about and pushed the dart down until it slipped out of his skin. He drunkenly managed to shove it into his pocket while lying on his right side. Everything grew fuzzy. "I dun' say pardner, you dumb f..." His eyes rolled up into his head.

Dakota used his foot to push the werewolf onto his back. "Hey, by the way, my name really is Dakota. I changed it legally just to catch more of you abominations." He leaned down and reached into Rufus' pocket, careful not to stick himself on the needle, and pulled the tranq dart free. "Nice try, though. Trying to be clever even when you're in the middle of passing out."

Dakota threw the dart across the floor, out of the way, and rolled Rufus over onto his stomach. "And you're right, we wouldn't want you to throw up if you have a bad reaction to that stuff. We need information from you, after all."

Another person came up from the left. In a feminine voice, she asked, "What if he doesn't know the exact location of the other wolves?"

Dakota shrugged. "We only need to find out how many more of his friends have infiltrated Falcon's operation. Isn't that what you asked me to find out?"

"Yes. It's assumed he's the one who told the Parker twins how to find it again."

Dakota shrugged. "So we're going to interrogate him to find out how many more are down there? Fine. I'm not against torturing the man for information. Once we have what we need to know, we're going to tag him with an RFID, and get the sharpshooters into position."

The woman nodded. "My employer is impressed by your record of werewolf kills."

Dakota turned to face her. "Ms. Parker..."

"Please, simply Nichole will suffice."

"Nichole, then. When we saw how your people were trying to take them down, we had ourselves a nice laugh. What was that guy's name? The one who's now wanted by the FBI for his blunder?"

"Wilhelm Snipes."

"Yeah, him ... well he's a good soldier, but he's an idiot when it comes to hunting werewolves. Most of the survivors are raised alongside Native Americans. Those people are protected by the Federal Government. What was that guy thinking? He attacked those two kids in a diner in broad daylight."

Nichole nodded in agreement. "I'm glad you approached us for the job. We've been looking for this one," she said, nodding down at Rufus, "for a while, now. He's slippery."

"The fact he lived amongst your people for several years tells me one of two things." Dakota folded his arms and turned back to Nichole. "Your people are either idiots, or you don't know what you're doing when it comes to werewolves. They're not your average supernatural. They're animals. They have better instincts, but with all the intelligence of a human."

"That's why we needed your help, Dakota. Again, well done. I'll transfer another third of the payment to you. You get the final third when we find out what he knows."

"What if there are no other infiltrators in your little hippy society out in the Atlantic?"

"Let's lean hard on him. If there's no one else, then there's no one else. We want peace of mind."

"How do you plan on getting him to talk?" asked Dakota. "Sodium Pentothal?"

"This isn't a movie," said Nichole, "and that isn't a viable guarantee to obtain the truth. No, we make him a trade."

Dakota tilted his head. "How so?"

"I know the location of the boy whose girlfriend is under protection from the FBI. The one who got away from Snipes."

Dakota shrugged. "So? My sources say this wolf is looking for a woman that lived as the protector of the Greek Oracle for a number of years until she passed away. What does the boy have to do with anything?"

"That boy is her son," Nichole replied with a wan smile. "So we did some detective work of our own."

Dakota rubbed his chin. "The boy belongs to Rufus Darken?"

She walked to a nearby office, opened the door and withdrew a sheet of paper from a briefcase within the office. She brought it back out and handed it to Dakota. "DNA test from the boy's saliva."

"How the hell did you manage to get that?"

Nichole smiled, proud of her team. "One of Snipes' people also works for the FBI. The day Wilhelm's team attacked the diner, our agent walked out to his personal car, got his federal credentials, and covered his unit's retreat. He went back into the diner with the FBI responders, and stayed nearby when the boy and girl were given a checkup by the FBI field office. We told him we needed a cheek swab to make sure he had a profile with the FBI, so that they could better protect him. He agreed."

"You had a hunch?"

Nichole grinned. "No. It was an accident. We wanted to confirm he was the son of the Icelandic woman who acted as the Oracle's protector. Then our laboratory computer flagged his DNA as a genetic relative of a specimen we placed into cryogenic stasis back in 1999."

"Who?"

"Rufus' sister. Once we realized we were dealing with the nephew of Peri Darken, we realized we could use the boy to glean information from Rufus. At that point, all we needed to do was catch Rufus."

Dakota nodded in understanding. "And then you called us. Why do you have a frozen werewolf in your collection?"

"Study purposes. Dr. Falcon made her the test subject for a new 'death revival' program, using technology no one else can understand. He put her into suspended animation. It took twenty-five years of trials to perfect the treatment."

"He found a cure for death?"

"You might say that."

"Who is patient zero? If that's not too much to ask..."

Nichole smiled. "A boy named Vincent. He has a rare ability no one else seems to possess. I can't steal it. I can only borrow it. So, for now, the boy gets to live."

"What about the woman wolf?" He nodded towards Rufus, adding, "This one's sister? Did she live?"

"She was placed into suspended animation, dead. But if thawed, I suppose it's possible, knowing what Aris knows now, to use the treatment and revive her. But Falcon has little need to do so." Nichole handed Dakota the sheet with the DNA test results. "This proves that the boy is related to Rufus' sister. Now, I want you to swab his cheek so we can prove to him that he's related to the two subjects on this page. Make sure you print those results as well."

"Why put it on paper? That's fairly uncommon anymore."

She folded her arms beneath her modest bust. "So you can put the results in his hand. It's psychological. Let him hold the results in his hands. It is part of the sales pitch to make him trade information. He doesn't know his sister wasn't cremated. We don't know whether or not he's aware he has a son. However, trading him information will make him emotional."

"He could still lie to you," Dakota said. "How will you know for sure?"

"Because I will be part of his breakout plan."

Dakota furrowed his brows. "Excuse me?"

Nichole sighed in irritation. "Did you miss the part where I told you that I can borrow the abilities of nearby supernatural humans?"

"You're going to transform into a werewolf and break him out?"

With a smirk, she said, "Well he certainly won't fall for another human pretending to be a werewolf. You played that card already. You present the information. I'll present the opportunity to escape. We have to be very careful with our theatrics. It's how Dr. Falcon has kept Vincent under our thumb this long. I'm a quick study, having watched how Falcon manipulates the boy."

"I hope you're a good actress."

She scoffed. "This is my plan, it will work. He likely won't tell you anything. You promise to tell him where to find the kid in exchange for the truth. Whatever his answer is, you take it and you leave. You go off and prepare for another werewolf hunt, and you leave."

Dakota nodded in understanding. "I see. Then you come in, break him out, and say you were listening to the whole conversation. You get him out of here. Then you ask, 'Incidentally, do you really have more teammates in position, under Falcon's nose?' and he either confirms or boasts the truth to you."

Nichole nodded. "I have a better idea."

He offered a shrug in reply. "Go on."

Nichole glanced down at Rufus' slumbering body. "Let's get him in a cell. Put me into the cell adjacent to his, and give me some time to figure out how to transform. I'll need sweat pants and a stretchable shirt. I'll stay with him until we reach his destination."

"The tribe?"

"Exactly. I will help him to find it. Then I'll send you the all-clear once I've counted how many are in the tribe."

Dakota nodded towards the nearby office. "First, though, I should give you a lesson on how their hierarchy works. You need to understand their nation, their people, and how the subgroups break down. If you simply refer to them as a tribe, they'll know you're ignorant." Dakota withdrew his cellphone from his pocket and dialed a number. After a moment, he spoke into the phone. "Get down here and put the creature in a cage. Then, I want you to prepare another cage adjacent to his. They have to be side by side. I want you to design the second cage so it's easy to escape. Create a failsafe leaver, like with trick handcuffs. I'll explain why later." Dakota thumbed the screen then put the phone in his pocket. "Anything else?"

"No. Let's just stick to the plan. I get my information, Rufus gets to meet his son, and then your people get to kill the whole group. Everyone is happy."

"You're cold hearted," said Dakota with a wan smile. "I like it."

X

X

Unknown Warehouse in Washington State ...

Rufus tightened his hand, gripping at the floor. He clenched his eyes tightly then opened them, gingerly, with a groan. "...Headache." He blinked a few times, sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Water," he added in a muffled tone. "Fuckin' dehydrated." He looked around the makeshift cell and immediately spied a sealed case of bottled spring water in the corner.

Rue crawled over to the case and ripped the shrink wrap. He freed a bottle, opened the top and guzzled the water until the bottle was empty. He crushed the bottle, vertically, put the cap back on and replaced it into the case. Rufus took a second bottle, opened it, and drank it slower than the last one. Drinking only half of the second bottle, he put the cap back on and looked around. "What the hell was in that tranq? Dayum."

A feminine voice came from off to the left. "An animal tranquilizer. They gave you a shot of a drug called Diphenhydramine. It's the ingredient in Benadryl. It causes drowsiness and can dehydrate you, but they had to give it to you just in case you had an allergic reaction."

Rufus glanced over, through iron bars, to an adjacent cell. A female werewolf sat in the corner, hugging her knees to her chest. She wore sweat pants and a plain white t-shirt that appeared tight in the shoulders, but loose at the hem.

"You're just groggy, but you'll metabolize it," she explained.

He studied her for a moment. Her voice sounded familiar but he couldn't place it. "Well, ain't you just a walkin' encyclopedia 'bout drugs."

"It used to be my job, a long time ago."

He noticed she didn't have a case of water. "You been here a while?"

"Yes, but I'm not really adjusting."

Rufus took a few bottles from his case and passed them through the bars. "Here. Whoever they are, fuck'em for not restocking you. Take some of mine. I won't need'em."

"You won't?"

"N'aw, girl. Because I ain't stickin' around very long." Rufus gave her ten bottles then settled back against the bars and sighed. "You a'ight?"

"As well as can be expected. What about you?"

"I'll be fine." He noticed parts of her fur clumped together, with a dried layer of white beneath her ears. "You transformed quick. You got dried crap in yer fur, darlin'."

"When they caught me, I transitioned fast to try and protect myself. No use changing back. I like making them feel uneasy when they come to check on me. I assume you're like me since you're not freaking out at the sight of me."

He sniffed at the air and frowned. "Y'know, you don't smell like a werewolf."

She furrowed her bushy brows, causing her facial fur to scrunch up above her eyes. "Is that a compliment or an insult?"

"I'm jus' sayin'. A dog can tell another dog from other animals by scent. You ain't got the musk. Ya smell like a human in wolf's clothin'. Just an observation, darlin'. Don't get bent outta shape."

She gave a tug at her pelt. "It doesn't come off. It's not a costume. This isn't Hollywood makeup."

"Well, yeah, I _see_it's real. Werewolves have a hormone tha' humans dun' have. I jus' cain't smell it on 'ya. But there ain't no denyin' yer fur, fangs 'n figure, lady. I'm Rufus Darken."

"Nikki Wilson. Nikki with two 'k's' and an 'i'. My parents were fans of Mötley Crüe."

"Tha's fine. Nuffin wrong with tha'. Could'a been fans of Frank Zappa."

She eyed him. "Pardon?"

"Zappa named his daughters, 'Moon Unit,' and 'Diva Muffin.' Jus' sayin', y'know? You could'a been named after them instead of a glam bassist." He settled back down against the bars, facing away from her. He closed his eyes and listened to the sound of her replies to try and place where he'd heard the voice before.

Nichole opened her mouth but words failed. After a brief pause, she said, "I guess I'm lucky, then." She shifted about and sat down, back against the bars, directly opposite of him, so that their backs were together. She could feel his warmth in the spaces between the bars. "To be honest, I was hoping no one else would be caught. I'm embarrassed it happened."

"Shucks, now that'cha mention it ... I feel stupid about that shit, too. So these slobs're professional werewolf hunters? Should'a figured. Ain't nobody gonna call themselves 'Dakota Blackpaw,' if they's the real McCoy. They mus' be usin' werewolf sweat to mask themselves wit' musk. Kinda' pissed I fell fer tha' shit. My heart 'n my head ain't been right - had a fallin' out, y'know?"

"How so? You got two girls on your mind or something?"

"Actually, yeah. That there's exactly the problem."

Nichole dropped her head back against the bars and looked up at the ceiling. "Are you one of those guys whose dick is directly connected to your heart?"

"Naw, it ain't like that. I ain't clingy."

"I've met more than my fair share of clingy men."

"I've had my fair share of one-night stands. I'mma bit nomadic. The girl I fought with ... she betrayed me outside th' bedroom. Sex never factored in."

"You gonna try and make me understand?"

"She had two choices. She could either help me, or help herself."

"How so?"

"Someone had a figurative gun to my head. He told her he'd give her a happy pill if she looked the other way instead. Guess which she chose?"

"She put drugs before a friend?"

Rufus glanced over his shoulder with a weak smile. "So you do understand, huh?"

"That's shallow. Is she an addict?"

"No, tha's just it. It was outta character for her to make a choice involin' pills. I get her puttin' kids first, or family first, or whatever else. But fuckin' pills? It's complicated, though. Part of me understands, but yeah ... my dick ain't connected to m' heart."

"You have to trust someone if you're having sex with them."

Rufus shrugged. "I suppose you're right, Nikki. It's chemical - you press yer body up against someone else long enough, you produce this stuff that helps yer brain trust that person."

"Mm, yes. Oxytocin."

"Right, tha's the shit. You gotta be a sociopath t' ignore tha' kinda shit. Makes me wonder if I'll ever trust her."

Nichole shrugged. "Yeah."

Rufus could feel her fur against his back and shoulders. It was warm and soft. "How long was I out?"

"I don't have a watch," she said. "A while. A few hours for sure. Why are you staying in that vulnerable form? You need to be ready for anything."

"Eh. When the time is right," he said. "So, what do they want with us? I mean, what's the deal?"

"They're hunters."

Rufus looked up at the ceiling. "Why not just kill us?"

"I don't know, Mr. Darken."

"Jus' Rufus or Rue, Ms. Wilson."

"Touché. Anyhow, these guys wiped out a village of my people in north Oregon. Three clans, all gone. Four of us escaped. I headed into Washington, not knowing they were based out of this state. I wanted to try and find another place to live. Somewhere I belong. I guess I'm a bit of a pack-girl."

"You're sure these guys are the same ones tha' attacked yer home?"

"Yes. You never forget the face, the smell, and the sound of your attackers. I've seen some of those people walking around here. Not sure why they wiped out the lot of us, but they're keeping me alive. But they're feeding me. I'm biding my time to escape."

"Oh yeah? Tha' right? What'cha waitin' for, girlie?"

"I'm watching them. I'm learning their patterns. I'm working on a weakness in my cell. When the time is right, and they're out on some sort of hunting party, I'm going to escape. The way I see it, they're making a mistake by keeping me alive."

Rufus smiled somewhat. "You want some help?"

"When they brought you in, I noticed they shouted down to a man in an office on the first floor. Your cell opened. I'm assuming it's a remote button that controls the door. If I can find it, I'll get you out. I promise. Our chances of survival go up if we escape together."

"Ayup. There's strength in numbers, darlin'."

Footsteps at the end of the hall caused both Rufus and Nichole to grow quiet. A moment later, Dakota stopped in front of Rue's cell. He pushed a sheet of old fashion printed paper through the bars. "I'll make this very easy for you to understand. I'm looking for a village of you freaks. We were searching for a werewolf who lived with the last Oracle - the one from Greece. She is living in that village, now. We crossed paths with her son. The boy's girlfriend has a connection with the FBI; the feds chased off our hunting party."

"Aw, look, a happy ending," said Rufus with a smirk. "Naw, seriously, what's the point of yer story, hoss?"

"One of our people works for the FBI. Yet we still don't know the location of the werewolf village. But he managed to convince the boy to a cheek swab by saying it was standard protocol for making a file on people they have to protect. The boy bought it..."

Rufus sighed long and loud. "Get on with it, dayum!"

Dakota lowered to one knee, coming eye-to-eye level with Rue. "The boy's DNA flagged something in Falcon's system. Apparently he's related to someone who has a profile on record in the doctor's computer. A woman he has in cryogenic stasis."

Rufus folded his arms.

A smile found Dakota's lips. "Don't you want to know her name?" Silence. "Peri Lynn Darken." His smile broadened, seeing an emotional reaction on Rue's face. He gauged the expression for a moment then continued. "According to the DNA test on that piece of paper, this boy is Peri Lynn's nephew. So. I'm here to make a trade."

Rufus picked up the piece of paper and narrowed his gaze at Dakota. "What kind of trade?"

"Information. I have nothing to lose, here. You tell me what I want to know and I'll tell you where to find the boy. Unless Peri has other siblings, I'm willing to wager this kid is your son. I will tell you where to find the boy if you tell me what I want to know. Now, this information is useless to you, because you're stuck in this cage. But I have a feeling you still want to know, because that's how emotions work. Especially if he really is your son. Now, to prove to you I know where he's at, and that my information is legit, I have a picture of him, taken by our agent at the FBI. I even have GPS coordinates."

"You have a picture of him?"

Dakota withdrew a cellphone and held the screen up to the bars. "That's him." He used his other hand to pinch-zoom, so that Rufus could see the boy's face up close.

Rue cut his eyes from the digital photograph, to the man's face, and back to the phone screen. "What's his name?"

Dakota slid the phone back into his pocket. "Look at the piece of paper in your hand."

Rufus lifted the sheet and scanned the words. The top-half of the sheet appeared to be a partial photocopy from an FBI file on the boy. The name read, 'Rama Darken,' and 'known biological parent: Ulfey Sigvorddottir,' spelled out in plain English alphabet characters. Rufus swallowed.

The second part of the page was a partial-profile photocopy from what appeared to be Aris Falcon's files. The information read, 'Name: Peri Lynn Darken (Darkhean).' And displayed information about her height, weight, and general features. The bottom of the page showed Peri's genetic signature with a thin line on a chart, and adjacent matching markers in bold text, labeled as Rama. At the very bottom, the page read, 'Analysis conclusion: blood relation. Likelihood of relation: nephew / aunt - please forward to Dr. Falcon's immediate attention.'

Rufus glanced over the top of the page. "If you's fakin' this shit..."

"Flip the page over."

Rufus turned the paper over. On the top half, it was Rufus' DNA test results, compared to Peri and Rama's markers. "

"See? We swabbed your cheek while you were asleep. We ran the test. Wanted to be sure, you know? It's real."

"Yeah, but if I find out you's fakin' this shit..."

Dakota shrugged. "What's the point? We were hired by a woman working for Falcon to capture you. She didn't want you dead, she wanted you to answer questions. She gave us this information as trade."

"What's she wanna know, and why?"

Nikki glanced back over her shoulder and, in a low tone, said to Rufus, "Don't tell them shit. It'll lead to more dead werewolves."

Dakota stood up and folded his arms. He began pacing in front of the cell. "My employer wants to know a few things. First, she wants to know if there are spies amongst her people."

Rufus arched his brows. "Say what?" He scrunched his brows downwards. "What's that even mean?"

"Apparently two people from your circle of friends infiltrated Dr. Falcon's community. Topaz and Fox Parker. It's assumed that since you also infiltrated their community, you must have been the one to tell Fox and Topaz how to find the place. They were recently captured. But now my employer wants to know - who else is there? Who else did you tell? How many people? You see, her concern is for security. She's his head enforcer."

Rufus sighed, remembering the head of security from his time living in the domed city, going by the name Tucker. "Her name is Nichole Parker, son. She's good at'er job. But Fox 'n Topaz bein' down there wasn't my doin', pal. I knew they was down there - I found that out recently. I didn't know they was captured or nuffin like tha'. We ain't had contact with'em. Conner's been livin' under the assumption his parents were captured a long time ago, 'cause he felt they shouldn't have been gone very long. So he been angry for a while."

Dakota paused, recalling all the questions he was tasked to ask. "Alright, did you or your friends hear from Vincent Nevada?"

"Yeah. Karla talked to'em in Maryland not too long ago. Nichole was there, too, I'm told. He tol' Sinopa that her kids're alive and well. Was he lyin'?"

Dakota shrugged. "I don't know. I assume Topaz and Fox Parker are that person's kids? The person you just mentioned?"

"Ayup. Sinopa's their maw."

"I see. Well, my employer made it sound as though the two spies were caught very, very recently. She assumed you gave them instructions how to find and infiltrate their community."

"They call their lil' city, 'New Atlantis.' And it ain't in the same place as it was when I left it, hoss. The twins must'a found it on their own."

"Are any of your other friends down there?"

Rufus eyed the man for a moment. "I'll cooperate if'n ya let this'ere girl, Ms. Wilson, go free."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, jackass. Let the girl go, and I'll talk. I gave you information. Tha's in trade for tellin' me about m' sister, and Rama. You want more? You let her go."

"I'll tell you where to find the boy as trade," said Dakota.

"One thing at a time. I know tons'a shit. We'll work up t' that point. But tha's later. Right now, my next demand is ... you let'er go. I ain't negotiating wit'cha. Let'er go, it's tha' simple."

"Rue, that wasn't the plan," she whispered to him.

Rufus glanced over his shoulder at the female werewolf. "Darlin', yers was a gamble. A hope. A possibility. My demand is fer you to be out in the wild. Free'n all tha'."

Dakota rubbed his chin for a moment. "No deal."

"Fuck ya' then." Rufus folded his arms and smiled.

"However, I'll consider letting you both go if you cooperate."

Rufus blinked. "Wha' the hell? Why would'ja do that?"

Dakota rolled his eyes and leaned back against a wall, directly across from Rue's cell. "I caught you once. I'm not a one trick pony. I caught her. I can do it again. I'd even let you two have a head-start. It's all about the hunt, the chase and the capture. But right now, Nichole Parker is paying me to get information. The money is good. So I'll gamble letting you go in exchange for the truth. It's that simple. But here's the catch."

Rufus cocked his head. "Yeah?"

"You choose your reward. Either you both go free, or I tell you exactly where the boy is located."

Rue shoved a lock of black hair back from his face. "How'a 'bout a shower to think it over? Feelin' kinda' smarmy. Besides, you's gonna kill both of us either way. Say, why don't ya tell me what'cha do with all the bodies of these werewolves ya kill?"

"We grind them into kibble using the farming equipment in this warehouse. Then we dump the remains."

"Where?"

Dakota shrugged. "It all washes out to Puget Sound. Your people make for great fish food. Washington State has enjoyed a fantastic fishing season so far this year. You know what? I love fish. I'm like a fat, happy cat, after I have a good fish steak."

"Is that so? So since you're gonna kill me no matter what, then why not tell me where Rama is, and let me 'n the girl go free?"

Dakota shook his head with a stern expression. "No. Absolutely not. Freedom or information; not both. The way I see it, finding out you have a son is huge. Being able to confirm you have a legacy ... it's big. But so is freedom from prison. So you get to choose one or the other. But I won't do both. So, you tell me what reward you want, and then you buy that reward with your cooperation. Deal?"

Nikki whispered into Rue's ear. "I'll help you get into town. We can find an FBI field office in Seattle, and you can prove your identity, and they can have the kid contact you. Tell Dakota to let us go."

Rufus thought about it then said, "A'ite, you let us both free, and I answer all yer questions. Once we've been on the loose for an hour, yer happy-ass come huntin' us."

"An hour headstart?" Dakota eyed Rufus for a moment.

"Wha'sa'matter? You ain't a high enough supervisor to make tha' call?"

Dakota shifted his weight against the wall. "Of course I am. Fine. One hour headstart. First question, who's down there from your circle of friends? Everyone you can think of, even from extended circles."

Rufus thought about the names of everyone he knew, for sure, that was down in Falcon's domed city. "Evan Balmoral 'n Patience Ubysh. Vincent 'n Topaz Nevada. Fox Parker. Elvena 'n Donovan Loupe. The other Donovan Loupe. Johann Foster. Mm, let's see who else still down there ... Nichole Parker. My sister, apparently. Mm, who else ... Carmen Parker, but she's actually Vince's kid, so ... Carmen Nevada."

"Anyone else?"

Rufus rubbed his face in thought. "There's two girls tha' Reno knew. Both a bit young. One was a gypsy girl, the other was'a federal agent of some sort. Also, y'all got Collobulous Gungaroo Bullakulla. Possibly Justus Loupe, since ain't nobody seen'em topside in a long while." Rufus paused then shrugged. "I cain't think of no one else. I tried to get back there once, but New Atlantis done moved."

"Maybe you just forgot where it used to be."

Rufus shook his head. "I memorize number patterns. They ain't in the same coordinates they was at when I left. I can't figure out how th' twins got down there. Possibly the same way Karla's kid, Elvena, managed to figure it out. Someone, somewhere, knows somethin'. But it ain't me."

Dakota eyed Rufus. He nodded. "Alright. Next question, do you know where the village is? The one where Ulfey moved after the death of the Greek Oracle. Were you headed there when I found you?"

"I was lookin' for her, yeah. But naw, I dunno where the village is. I gotta knack fer findin' trouble." Rufus gestured to Dakota then back to himself. "Obviously I'm good at it. But the plan was t' nose around 'till I found'em m'self. I din' expect it to be easy 'er nuffin. If I find Rama, I'll ask'em. If I find Ulfey first, I'll ask'er where to find Rama. But thanks fer givin' me a clue."

"A clue?" asked Dakota. "What clue?"

"I din' know Ulfey was with a group of werewolves 'till you told me. Now I got a clue I din' have 'afore. So thanks fer tha' freebie."

Dakota grimaced. "You're welcome. Alright. I have to admit, I'm surprised."

"How so?"

"I thought I was going to have to resort to torture. If that didn't work, I was going to hack up your cellmate until you talked. I was looking forward to that, actually. But my employer feels that we can get more out of you with honey than we can with vinegar. So. She says you're free to go."

Rufus got to his feet. He folded the paper down into a small square. "You're in contact with her, huh? What's a matter, hoss? Can't conduct yer own investigation? You need Nichole Parker's voice in yer ear?"

"Don't get cocky, asshole. All bets are off an hour from now. We hunt you, we find you, and then I kill you. Do me a favor, transform into your wolf form for me. I want to hang your hide on my wall or make a nice carpet. It makes the hunt more interesting if you transform. It gives you certain pros and cons. You have better senses, but you can't easily hide in a shopping mall, either."

"You's a trip, son."

"We're thirty minutes, by car, from the nearest town. We'll canvas local highway motels, so that won't be an option for you. Your only viable option to survive in the wilderness is to transform."

Rufus folded his arms and stood in front of the gate. "I will, you got my word. I like to change nice 'n slow. Keeps th' coat nice, and cuts down on th' musk, incase yer usin' hounds."

"You're telling me this why?"

"You's the expert hunter. I figured you knew tha' already. Look, I expect you t' shoot us in the back as soon as we walk out tha' door."

"That's not much of a hunt," said the man. "I like to stalk my wolves."

Rufus narrowed his eyes. "What th' fuck is yer goddamn obsession with werewolves, huh? What, did one of us kill yer pappy'n yer maw? What makes you think it's okay to murder families; whole villages?"

"We're the apex predator, Rufus."

"Yeah, you'n what army, jackass?"

"We're not an army, we're a streak."

Nichole stood up and folded her furred arms across her chest. "What's a streak?"

Dakota smirked. "You know, a streak. Or, I suppose you could call us an ambush. Ironically, that's how we like to take down werewolves. We ambush them." He met Rue's confused gaze and sighed. "Do I really have to spell it out for you?"

"Well, uh ... 'fraid so, hoss."

Dakota kicked off his shoes and nudged them aside with his foot. He removed his shirt, wearing a tank-top beneath, and hung the shirt on the corner of a light fixture. He unbuttoned and unzipped his trousers. Dakota held his hands outwards then tensed his body.

His top lip curled into a snarl and the pupils of his eyes began to narrow into vertical slits. He groaned softly, but the sound became a throaty, guttural sounding growl. Dakota eased up onto his tip-toes. His ankle shifted a bit, his foot became longer and narrower. His right pant leg became strained as though something else filled that side of his pants.

Rue glanced down. An orange and black furred tail crept out of Dakota's right pants cuff. Rufus' eyes lifted then widened in surprise.

Dakota's flesh rippled with goosebumps. Orange and black fur pushed through the pores. His nose tilted up in the front and flat padding pushed from the bottom section. Dakota opened his mouth. His fangs pushed downwards. His jaw rearranged itself.

Rufus watched in surprise as Dakota shifted away from the body of a human, becoming something far different. And by the end of the transformation, the man now resembled an upstanding anthropomorphic tiger.

Dakota wedged a clawed thumb into his pants and pushed them down. His tail freed itself from his right pant leg and swayed about. "We," he growled with a toothy Cheshire smile, "are the apex predator, werewolf. So my streak enjoys taking down the all-powerful mythical werewolves. It's a matter of boasting. There are only five of us, but we are known for our hunts. We've been hired to take down humans many times. Werewolves have always been a sort of ... personal pastime. A hobby of sorts. This is the first time someone offered us money to catch one of you creatures alive. Your new friend, here, didn't know what we needed. So we kept her around as a viable option ... to torture her in order to get information from you. Lucky for her, you've been cooperative."

Rufus glanced back at Nichole. "Y'all see tha' commin', Nikki?"

Her eyes were wide. She shook her head, slowly, never tearing her gaze from Dakota. "I ... not at all."

Rufus glanced back at the man on the other side of the bars. "You get points fer unexpected plot twists, hoss. So. Dogs verses cats - tha's what this boils down to? You saw some werewolf's big ole doggy dong, got jealous, and wanted ta kill us all, huh? Maybe yer' sister dated one of my kind? Make me understand why you'd kill whole damn families just fer fun."

Dakota's voice transitioned along with the rest of his body, to match his large chest, and feline throat. It was a mix of throaty baritone with a deep rumbling sound each time he exhaled while speaking. "Why do some people climb a mountain? Because it's there, Rufus. Why do dogs chase cats? Why do cats swat at anything that moves? Because it's fun. It's enjoyable. It's what makes us animals. And, you know what, you chicken-shit hick? I'm going to thoroughly enjoy tearing out your throat and mounting your head on my wall."

"A'ite, I heard a myth 'bout lion people. But ain't nobody mentioned tiger dudes. So, now what? We fight?"

"No, Rufus." Dakota picked up his pants and shoes. His socks were loose on his newly shaped foot-paws. He gathered them with his pants and shoes, then took the shirt from the above light fixture and balled everything together, tucked under his left arm. "I told you what happens next. You make a run for it. When it suits me, I'll hunt you. I don't use bloodhounds. We don't need dogs to find wolves. We hunt in our natural form, proud of our heritage."

"You dun' hide in yer skin, huh?" Rufus smirked. "Well if'n tha' were true, I'd have heard of yer kind."

"We don't leave anyone alive long enough for word to spread. I'll give you one full day of a head start. Get some rest."

Rufus quirked his brows. "What?"

Dakota sighed, creating a deep reverberation in his chest. "Fighting you tired would be a waste of my time."

"I swear I didn't know," said Nikki in a soft tone. "I didn't know," she repeated, still staring at Dakota with a look of disbelief. "How many of you are there in the world?"

Dakota shrugged. "Who cares? Most of us lived in Africa. There are only six of us in Washington. We're not pack animals. I look forward to the next hunt. Remember, get plenty of rest. I wouldn't want you to be an easy kill. That would be disappointing - boring, even."

Dakota walked out of the hallway, down corrugated stairs to the first floor of the warehouse and, moments later, all the cells in the hall opened at the same time. Rufus stuffed the folded piece of paper into his pants pocket. He grabbed four water bottles, two in each hand. "Snag a few bottles, 'n let's get the hell outta here, Nikki."

Nichole grabbed four water bottles of her own, hurried out of her cell and said, "Let's get moving. If that man changes his mind and attacks us ... there would be six of them and two of us. I don't like those odds."

"We'll be a'ite." He led her in the direction Dakota walked. They made it to a metal staircase.

"Incidentally, were you seriously honest to him?"

"Hmm?"

She sighed through her elongated snout. "I'd feel better knowing you had a team standing by in that doctor-guy's city, or whatever. What I gathered is that he isn't a friend to supernatural people like us. The kids that man mentioned? The ones being protected by the FBI? I heard through the grapevine that those two kids were attacked by men in black paramilitary gear. Just like twenty-five years ago. Supernatural people from all walks of life were attacked by people in black gear. If those people do belong to Dakota's employer, I'd feel much better knowing your friends were in a position to..."

"Naw," Rufus interjected. "None of my people know where the damn thing's at. My people're disorganized. We're tryin' to build our numbers, train, and prepare. Tha's why I'm lookin' fer Ulfey. We need the help. Invitation's extended t' you, too, Nikki. Three werewolves'd put a world'a hurt on the bad guys, babe."

"Is that how you look at them? They're the bad guys, and you're the good guys?"

Rufus looked around the first floor of the warehouse, leery of possible attackers. "Babe, those people caused the quake of 2025. Millions died. Tha' makes those bastards responsible for the most deaths of any attack, ever. You got tha'? They's the baddest bad guys y'ever done seen. And if'n that weren't enough? They did it after killin' every supernatural they could find across the globe. Cain't figure out how they did it so efficiently, but they had help from a small inner circle of old supernatural one percenters."

"One percent of what?"

"The mos' pure or oldest or whatever. I ain't gotta clue all the details. C'mon. Let's move. Stay close."

Rufus made it to the main entrance and glanced over his shoulder. "Ready? Just in case they take pot shots at us from the roof, we gotta move with purpose. You got that, darlin'?"

"I'm right behind you, Rufus," she told him.

Nichole followed him through the door. They hurried out to the parking lot. Rufus swung the taxi's front door open and ushered her in, then shut the front door. He hurried around to the driver's side and opened the sun visor. The keys dropped into his palm. He put them into the ignition, turned the engine over, put it into gear and floored the accelerator. The blue minivan's front tires churned up dust from the overgrown parking lot and sped off down the dusty road.

"How did you know the keys would be in here?" she asked.

"Cause, darlin'! Nobody knows where this dump is, 'n those dummies don't wanna lose the keys, so they keep'em in the car."

"Are you serious?" she said, brows scrunched a bit.

"Heh, nah. I saw'em put them up there, earlier. This taxi'll have GPS. But it's the only thing in the lot, so I wanna use it to get one helluva headstart."

"What's the plan?" she asked.

"We drive hard 'n fast, south, into Oregon."

"What? What about finding your son?"

Rufus laughed. "Stop worryin'. We're goin' to Seattle. But we're takin' them on a wild goose chase, first. Head south, ditch the taxi, snag a snooze, then rent'a car, or take a bus north to Seattle. It'll be harder to track us if'n we zig-zag all evasive-like. He didn't think fer shit that we'd do anything but make'a beeline fer Seattle."

"I'm not trying to be cat food, Rufus. Don't get us caught."

Rue reached over and gave her knee a reassuring pat. "Jus' do me a favor 'n lose th' fur, sweetheart."

"No, absolutely not," she said in a resolute voice. "I ... don't know how."

"Say what?"

She tried to bit her lower lip but couldn't really manage it in her werewolf form. "I was a late bloomer. I transitioned for my first time when they attacked me. It happened by instinct and I defended myself but it wasn't enough. I've been trying for days, but I can't figure out how to do it. I'm sure it will come naturally but, like I said ... late bloomer. I hope I'm not stuck this way for the rest of my life." She frowned and glared at the dashboard. "But until I figure it out..."

"Dayum, babe."

"Why don't you leave me somewhere in Washington, take the taxi to Oregon like you said, and when you come back through, pick me up?"

Rufus rolled his eyes. "You need me at this point. So you're stuck with me." He gave her knee another reassuring pat. "We'll figure it out, I promise."

She reached for his hand and held it against her knee. "I know it would be difficult for you to drive if you became a werewolf too, but it would make me more ... comfortable. Less awkward for me."

"Babe, ya don't become a werewolf. I'm born a werewolf, no matter if I got fur or not. If you shave a poodle, it's still a poodle. It's just... y'know, a naked-ass poodle. Fur or not, I'm a werewolf 'n I'm proud of my birthright."

"It's like a heritage thing?"

"For some, but not me. I'm a loner. Doesn't make me any less proud." Rufus offered her a sidelong glance, right hand on her knee. He turned on the high-beams. "When we settle in for th' night, and I ain't drivin' no more, I promise I'll join ya inna' fur. It's right natural, anyhow."

She gently guided his hand further up her furred thigh, just a little. "I just hate feeling like the odd one out."

Rue nodded. "I understand."

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I owe you for getting me out of there."

Rufus grinned at the connotation of her statement. "Is that so?"

"Yeah. We'll work out a proper way to show my appreciation later."

"Reckon I'd like tha'."

"I figured as much," she said with a grin tugging at her wolfish maw. "So ... tell me about your friends. If I'm going to meet them eventually, it's best to know what they're like."

"Well ... right now most of'em are down in San Francisco, layin' low. Let's see. First off, there's the kid who owns the mansion..."

"Mansion? Seriously?"

"Ayup. House owner's name is Conner. Kind of young, but if he's anything like his mom, he's pretty handy in a fight. Well, all of'em are handy in a fight. I guess I should start at th' beginning. Lord knows I'll be glad to get all this shit off my chest..."

"You going to start with the girl you argued with?"

"Yeah. Tha's Karla. Perdy girl, but she ain't without her flaws. She's a succubus."

"What the hell is a succubus?"

"A sex demon."

"Seriously?"

"Ayup. It all started back in 2023, after that-there first attack on supernatural types. Me'n Bull got roped into workin' for the wrong side, under the employ of this douchebag named Sire..."

The taxi van continued down the dirt road, leading away from the warehouse ... away from the streak of tigers. The werewolf called herself Nikki Wilson interlaced her fingers with Rue's hand, creating the first bonds of trust between them. The van headed out to a main highway and turned southbound. They headed in the general direction of the Oregon border...

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Next chapter: https://www.sofurry.com/view/740694