Page 101 of Fight
Reese met us at the hotel and followed us out to the site.We arrived about fifteen minutes early and found the place empty.We parked in the same corner we'd used a couple of days earlier.Reese pulled his pick-up in beside our vehicle, leaving several feet of empty space.If we'd been expecting a large group a gap that size would have been rude, but since there should only be a few it wouldn't matter.
We climbed out of our vehicles, and stretched to get rid of the stiffness from the ride.I turned to go talk to Reese when I heard the pop of tires moving over uneven ground.I looked back toward the road to see who it was.
"It's probably Ridges."Alexis said, drawing my attention.
"Is he bringing anyone else?"I wondered for the first time.
"Enforcers for sure and he said he may bring local healers.Alekto, Lysandros and Harmonia are all possible too."
I mentally cringed.I wasn't looking forward to performing in front of a crowd, especially if this didn't work.
A newer model, compact, SUV pulled in to the clearing a moment later.I didn't recognize it but then I'd never seen Ridges vehicle.They pulled up on the other side of Reese's truck.I was watching the new vehicle, waiting to see who climbed out, when another car pulled into the clearing.This one was older and much smaller, not really ideal for the rough road leading into the clearing, it was obviously a car designed for city driving.
I turned back to the SUV and saw that Ridges and his enforcer Bennett were climbing out.But they weren't alone, Detective Bolser was with them.I frowned slightly wondering why he was here ,but Morgan getting out of the smaller car distracted me.
We gathered in front of the vehicles, near the tree line.As Alexis suggested, I took charge.She'd said it would do me good, especially since I would be doing most of the arrangements on these things from now on.
"Is everyone here?"I asked cheerfully.
Ridges glanced around."I think so."
"Good."I turned so I could address both Ridges and Reese."Mr.Ridges, this is Reese Donovan.Reese, Mr.Ridges, he's the local Anikitos.To the right is Bennett, his enforcer and Detective Bolser.Don't worry, he's pack too.On the left is Morgan, he's one of the pack healers."
They shook hands and exchanged greetings.I waited until everyone had quieted again before continuing.
"Does everyone understand what we're doing today?"I looked around, making sure there were no questions.
"Do you mind if I watch?It's not really why I'm here, but I'd like to watch if you don't mind."Morgan asked.
I glanced at Alexis and Reese, they both shook their heads, they had no problems with it.
"It's fine."I replied and turned back to Reese."If we're successful, we'll shred any clothing you have on.So strip down as far as you're comfortable.After the shift, I'll let you run for a while," I looked at Ridges for approval, he nodded silently."Before we make sure you can shift back.You should be able to do that on your own.From what I've been told, it's generally the first shift that's the hardest.Any questions?"I looked around again.
"Are you planning to run too?"Detective Bolser asked.
"I don't need to, if you want to talk."I gave a slight shake of my head.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to have a few minutes with you then."He said.
"I don't see any reason why not."I glanced around the group for more questions before looking back to Reese."Why don't you go get ready?I'll wait for you here."Reese quietly went to his truck and took off most of his clothes, moments later he came back wearing nothing but a pair of boxers.
"I think you'll find it's easier if you bend down, as if you were going to shift on your own.And after all the anticipation, you'll be glad to know it will be over with rather quickly."
Reese nodded."All right."He bent down on one knee, in front of me but instead of bowing his back so he could put his hands on the ground like I do when I'm shifting, he sat with his back straight.The position reminded me of someone about to be knighted, without the bowed head.
I glanced at Alexis making sure she was ready.She nodded and I held my hand in Reese's direction but I was standing too far away to touch him, even if I wanted to.I closed my eyes and unfolded the part of me that could sense Reese's wolf.I pushed the power into him, reaching for his wolf.I had to reach deep to find where Reese's wolf had retreated to, where he had hidden, for years.I visualized myself reaching out to the wolf, coaxing him toward the surface.After so many years in hiding, he was reluctant and it took me several tries to get him to move closer to the surface.
I opened my eyes and met Alexis gaze.I raised both eyebrows and mentally askedIs itdone?She nodded once.Quickly, before Reese or his wolf could guess what I was doing, I used the power filling me to grab hold of Reese's wolf.Once I had a firm grip, I pulled sharply, dragging him to the surface.Reese's body blurred with the shift, and he screamed at the shocking pain of the shift I was forcing onto him.
In seconds, Reese stood in front of us in his wolf form.He was a nearly snow white wolf a little longer than Reese's six foot height.He panted as he glared at me accusingly.
"I'm sorry.You're wolf was so reluctant to follow me that I wasn't sure I could get him to surface if I gave him the choice.I knew it would hurt, and I'm sorry for that, but look at yourself, it worked."I said meeting his amber eyes."Go run.I'll be here when you're ready to change back."
He gave me a long look before turning and taking off through the forest, stumbling a little at first, but soon racing through the forest as if he'd been doing it for years.
I turned back to the rest of the group."Impressed?"I asked flippantly.
"Very nice."Ridges said.
