Page 48 of Fight
I shook my head."Bill would never send me to do something he believed would be dangerous, not if he could find a way around it.But I've developed what appears to be a unique set of talents, and they're valuable to the pack.So, any time I need to travel on pack business, and likely if I were to travel at all, I get someone going along to ensure I'm safe."Mom looked relieved.
"No offense, but are you sure your up to the job, Devon?"Dad asked."You've got that bad knee."He wasn't trying to insult Devon, just be sure that I would be well protected.
"None taken.Honestly, I'm glad you're comfortable enough to ask.Nothing means more to me than Nickie's safety."He covered my hand with his, and squeezed."My knee hasn't been bothering me as much, I'm not sure if it's because I've been working it, and strengthening it, or if it might actually be healing.Either way, I went to Bill a couple of weeks ago and I requested to be her security when she travels.He had me qualify as an enforcer."
"Enforcer?"Dad asked.
"Basically, they're pack security."I told them."They serve as bodyguards for Bill and Karen and others in the pack.They enforce the rules and mete out punishments, as they're ordered to."
"Punishments?"Mom asked.
I explained the complications of letting the human police imprison Kitsune, and how the Anikitos and the enforcers generally police the behavior of the pack, ensure their behavior with punishment, as needed.
"That's just so, brutal."Mom said, finally.
"It is, but it's effective."Devon assured her.
"I can't see Bill dispensing punishment like that."Dad said.
"I don't know that he does it himself, rather than orders it.But from what I've heard, it's not common in this pack.Some Anikitos rule their packs with fear, and Bill seems to do it with loyalty.He generally gets people to do what he wants, simply because they like him, because he's a good leader."Devon said.
"Do you know of any punishments?"Mom wanted to know.
I looked down at my plate, not sure if I wanted to share."Actually, yes.I do."I couldn't lie to them, if I didn't have to.
"Oh?"she asked.
"Brandon's been punished, more than once, because he won't stop harassing me."
Dad started to get angry."Is he still bothering you?"
"It's taken care of, Dad."I said calmly."I'm sure I won't be seeing him again anytime soon."
"I've kept an eye out, he hasn't come here."Mom said.
"That's a relief."I said."I was worried he would try to get to me, through you."
Dad turned back to Devon, and went back to the original conversation.
"So, when do you need that time?"
"I'm don't know yet," Devon admitted."we know it's coming, but not when, or where he'll send us.I just wanted you to know so that it wouldn't come as a surprise when it happens."
"All right, I guess I can handle someone filling in for you while you're ensuring my daughter's safety."Dad said grudgingly.I knew he was putting on a show of being more unhappy than he really was.
We finished dinner, chatting and laughing.Devon and I helped Mom clean up the kitchen and do the dishes before we called it a night.
We showed up at Raine's, ready for a workout Saturday evening, as arranged.I was wearing loose shorts, and a soft cotton tank top, while Devon had on an old pair of shorts and tee shirt, both had ARMY in block letters printed on them.I rang the doorbell, as I tried one last time to convince Devon we didn't need to do this.
"So, how many times to I have to knock you on your ass, before you decide I don't need this?"I asked.
"At least five, if you can."He seemed confident I wouldn't be able to do it, which only served to fuel my determination.
The door opened, revealing Raine, still in his uniform.
"Come on in," He stepped back, letting us in the door."head on into the garage.I just got home and need to change.I'll be out in just a minute."He turned and headed down the hallway to his bedroom.
"Don't be too long.Dev's decided I only have to knock him down five times before we can give this up and do something fun."I called.He waived one hand over his head, before I turned and led Devon into the garage."Come on, let's get this over with."
