Page 114 of Not Your Ordinary Shifter

Johnathan tucked that piece of information away as he stopped at the front door of the Sheriff’s Department. Could it be he’d accidentally come across the shifter making the eerie noise out in the desert at night and occasionally during the day? “This is where Kalkin works along with most of his family. He’s in now.”

“This doesn’t look like the building I saw once,” Luka said, taking a step back. If he bolted, Johnathan would follow. Then wait the guy out. Being in a new place took time to get acquainted with the surroundings. He couldn’t imagine trust came easy either. If Luka’s family claimed asylum, he couldn’t fathom what the guy’s family had gone through to make the conscious decision to make a six-month trip to America, let alone to Window Rock.

“Right. The firebombing. The county had to rebuild the station because of the damage. You can sniff me for a lie.” He wanted to make sure the man knew he’d told the truth. Couldn’t build trust without it. Also, with as skittish as Luka probably was, Johnathan didn’t want to give him another reason to run.

Whatever Luka saw in his eyes or smelled on him must have appeased him because he pulled open the door and stepped into the building first. Behind the plexiglass partition and desk sat Aurora, six months pregnant with her and Mackenzie’s second child. She glanced up and grinned, waving them forward. “Guess you couldn’t stay away long, could you?” She teased Johnathan with ease as he leaned against the counter. Aurora’s eyes narrowed as She, stared at Luka. She too, had been in Window Rock for a short amount of time. “New friend?”

“Luka Novikov,” he said. “I’d like to see the Alpha.” Then tacked on, “please.”

Aurora slid her gaze back to Johnathan in silent question. He nodded. “He’s new to Window Rock. We just met in town. I think Kalkin should meet him, too.”

“My ears are ringing.” Kalkin’s booming voice echoed as he stepped through the side door, into the waiting area of the Sheriff’s Department. “Figured someone was talking about me.” When his gaze narrowed on Luka, he crossed his arms. “You’re new around here.”

Luka swallowed hard. He took a step back, but Johnathan was there to keep him from running. It was okay, though. He’d had the same reaction to the Alpha as a child. Kalkin, he learned over the years, was more bark than bite, as long as no one messed with his family. Then he was all sharp teeth and claws and would kill anyone he considered was a threat.

“Alpha,” Johnathan said, drawing the enormous wolf’s attention. “This is Luka Novikov. He and his family are new to Window Rock.”

Kalkin canted his head, taking in Luka’s appearance. Some of the gruffness faded as he nodded. “Welcome to Window Rock. Let’s go to my office so we can talk.”

Luka grunted as he followed Kalkin. Johnathan stayed right at his shoulder, should Luka try to escape before they got to the Alpha’s office. As they stepped inside, the scent of peaches and sweet blooming flower permeated the air. Keeley had been there recently. Probably had lunch with her mate, considering the smell of fresh bread, deli meats, and fries drifted through her aroma.

“Have a seat,” Kalkin said. The wood groaned under the Alpha’s imposing form as leaned back in his chair.

Once Luka was situated, Johnathan sat beside him. The thought struck him again that the person they were looking for sat directly beside him, but once more, he didn’t want to be that presumptive. Assuming always had a way of making an ass out of the person speaking. What he noticed, however, was the fact the longer he was next to Luka, the more the hare within him sat up, observing the man. Etching his features to memory. The smell of mist and mountains wrapped a fist around Johnathan’s heart and caused his groin to tighten.Mate...The word floated through his mind for the second time, and Johnathan pushed the notion aside. Luka didn’t need the complication of a mating screwing with him while he settled into a new country and a new pack/pride.

“Thank you,” Luka said. His hands flexed and unflexed as he sat there. The odor of anxiety and fear swirled around him, confusing and irritating Johnathan at the same time. There was nothing to fear from Kalkin. He wouldn’t hurt anyone, besides those who deserved it.

Did Luka believe he deserved Kalkin’s wrath?

Kalkin waited him out a few moments before he asked, “When did you arrive? I usually hear about all the new arrivalsthrough local gossip.” Had Johnathan not known Kalkin for so long, he wouldn’t have tasted the lie for what it was, however the smoothness of delivery along with the gentle push, covered the acrid taste. The truth was, Kalkin knew everyone in and around Window Rock. Even if they never stepped foot in town, Kalkin sensed them.

Just one of the many gifts a strong Alpha possessed.

“A few weeks,” Luka answered. “We’re here as political refugees.”

Kalkin grunted, surprise filling his features. “You are?”

“Da. We came here because of you,” Luka said adjusting his position. “You have free pack/pride lands. We are hunted for our furs.”

Kalkin frowned, tapping his finger against his desk. “Can I make a quick call? I just have to check on something.”

Luka inclined his chin.

“I got this, Kalkin,” Johnathan said as his Alpha stood.

“Thanks. This will only take a few minutes.” Kalkin stepped out of the office, leaving Johnathan with Luka. Something about the timing, his last statement, and the fact his family sought Asylum, stirred up questions in Johnathan’s mind. He turned toward Luka, bracing himself for the fallout if he was wrong with his assessment.

“Can I ask you a question, Luka?” He quirked a brow, tilting his head.

“Sure. Whatever you’d like.” Luka nodded. “You did bring me to the Alpha after all.”

He grinned. “Since you’ve been here a little while, have you heard odd whistling at night or during the day?” Johnathan asked.

“Odd whistling...” Luka frowned then his eyes widened. A soft pink tinged the parts of his cheeks Johnathan could see and across the bridge of his nose. “Da. It was us.”

Johnathan sat back. “You? What...”

Luka’s head bowed. “My brother, Ilariy. He’s young. He doesn’t understand the rules or why he has to hide until we are sure we’ll be safe here, in Window Rock. I came to town for help. My brother is missing.”

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