Page 38 of Shifted Existence

When they arrived, no one was there. “I think it’s best if you stay out of sight,” she told Keegan. He shook his head and whined. “You can pick a spot where you can see me, but you can’t be seen.”

He did as she asked and Bailey found a spot where she too could keep watch, but where a feral might see her.

“Bailey? Is it really you? The whole side of the cliff blew up and then some said you blew up the portal…”

“I did, Libby. I’ve been to the Eclipse Province.”

“And they let you—oh my god, Bailey, one of them bit you. Are you like them?”

“Yes. I am now a she-wolf, fated mate to the alpha of the Storm Rift Pack. It is he who sent me back for all of you.”

“All of who?”

“The ferals. Those in the capitol mean to round you up and disburse you to packs in the Eclipse Province too lazy and stupid to hunt on their own. They are not good men. Talon is allied with five other packs. They have pledged to divide us…”

Another feral ventured out. “Bailey. Some said you were dead.”

Bailey grinned. “I’m sure there are many who wanted it to be true, but here I am. Safe and sound.”

“That mark on your neck says one of the bastards marked you. You are no longer one of us,” said Crystal, indicating the mark on Bailey’s throat.

Crystal had lost as much as anyone, maybe even more than most. “Your choice is no longer to remain free. There are those in this world and the Eclipse Province that want you out of this dimension or dead, and they don’t much care which. I need you to help me spread the word to as many as you can. Tomorrow night, we will meet by the Fallen Man. I will tell you what I know, and you can decide for yourselves.”

“Why should we trust this wolf, the one that marked you?” asked Libby.

“Because I know him, and his word is his bond. The deal isn’t perfect, but it’s a damn sight better than the alternative. Please… will you at least help me spread the word? If we divide the wilderness into quarters, I think we can reach most everyone.”

“I’ll spread the word, but I won’t go with you. I’d rather die free than live as some mutant’s plaything,” said Crystal.

“That will be your choice, but I believe it’s the wrong one. Tomorrow night at dusk?”

They all nodded and divided up the wilderness into quadrants. After they left, Keegan rejoined her, and she began making her way to the hiding spots and other places ferals might gather. She was met with a mixture of joy at her return, and then suspicion and anger when they saw the mark on her neck.

They worked all through the day, finding a small, safe cavern for the night where they could build a small fire.

“You were most impressive, Mistress. The alpha will be pleased.”

“I hope so. Do you have a mate, Keegan?”

“I have not yet been so blessed. I had never thought to take a human to mate, but after getting to know those in our pack that come from this place, I have begun to rethink my choices.”

“Good man. They don’t understand and until they experience it, they never will.”

“Should we be prepared to force them?” he asked.

“No. Talon gave me his word they would have the choice to come and embrace a new life or most likely die if they stay. Some would prefer to die on their own terms, rather than give over to a new way, and we must honor that.”

“You seem to understand them.”

Bailey nodded. “I do. Not so long ago I was just like them.”

“But our alpha claimed you and brought you to heel.”

“No. The bastard ran me to ground, tore a chunk out of my neck, spanked my ass, and then fucked me senseless. But your alpha is really good in the sack and Melea is an excellent cook.”

Keegan threw back his head and laughed. “Our alpha is going to have his hands full with you.”

“He usually does,” she quipped.

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