Chapter 43: Do We Stay, or Do We Go?

Once the shocks were over. Ian and his men gathered. They whispered together in a corner.

The others discussed different matters. “We’ve not talked to each other. They’ve done a pretty good job of keeping us apart. Any issues I need to know about? What’re your feelings?” Ian wasn’t comfortable talking, but he needed to know if they’re in danger.

“It’s been good for me. Aria has been catching me up to speed on everything going on. How can I believe they think we’re fairies? I don’t know about you, Jax, but I don’t feel evil.”

“I don’t think they are all evil to the core. So, I’m to gather, certain types of fairies raise their young like that and they become twisted as they age. Either way. If we have an ancestor, that’s a fairy.

They didn’t have the same mindset. If they just need a blood sample. They’ll need blood from one of us only. We are twins, after all.”

“I don’t have any abilities as they described. I mean influencing other’s emotions for my benefit. It sounds creepy. How do I go about controlling it? If I have this ability.”

“Maybe you don’t like I don’t. You’ll need to be careful of your intentions towards those around you. Maybe?”

“Hey, hey. We can work this out. When and if we need to.” Ian didn’t need them to go off track now. They must’ve made some decisions. They could carry on with the others. Once they’re aware of the other’s interests. “If they ask for a blood sample. Will either of you give them the sample they want?”

“They’ve already taken blood once, and they didn’t bewitch up or curse us. I don’t see why another sample would matter. They want records destroyed before they fall into the hands of the fairies.

I believe they would do the same with blood samples. If there’s time. I guess, and they don’t need to take much. I’ll let them. It’s something I’m curious about. Aren’t you, Jax? I mean, we don’t know who or where we come from.”

“Good point. I agree. If they need blood. They can have some. If it doesn’t, but either of us in a weakened state.” Jaxon shrugged his shoulders to show his indifference to the whole subject. He wanted to know, but for him, it could wait until later. If it changed the playing field in their favour, then he was all for it. It’d be nice being wanted for being different.

“Fine, I’m writing my report and send it in today. I’m not sure. How many more we’ll need to write until it’s over. If you want anything included in it. Get it to me within the hour. Jaxon, how are you finding your time staying with Devine?”

“Other than she lives in a house full of people. It reminds me very much of living in a group home. The bathroom’s always full, someone’s drunk all the milk, and there’s something sticky on the floor. The additional part is learning the new lessons in manners. Did you know it’s rude to walk inside a building in wolf form? They value their hardwood floors. Sticky or not.”

“Yeah, the old Alpha did that. Right before the cook within the lobby entrance. And I was there. She yelled at him. The whole dominant Alpha thing, I believe it’s a myth. They are strong, but they aren’t stupid. They respect other’s authority. So no suspicions that there are ulterior motives beyond keeping their secret by making us feel like we fit in?”

“You noticed that? Yeah, but I feel as we move out into the rest of the pack it won’t be so welcoming until we clarify that we’re here to stay.”

“That’s the next thing. Are we here to stay?”

“If we keep our jobs and get help monster hunting. What else are we leaving behind? It’s not like we have plants left behind that need watering.”

Ian could give him that. They were tight between the three of them. But beyond that. Ian, himself wouldn’t miss anyone and he doubted there was anyone that would miss him or his teammates.

“Then we try it here? See if we like it here?” The twins nodded to him in unison.

“Then I’ll get a report off today stating that we have vague information and are still pursuing the investigation.”

“Ian, don’t forget to see Edith she’s bound to have worked her magic and have something to help your smooth things out with the report. Then you can find me upstairs in Conference room three.”

“Threes switched to a bunk room. I’d try Conference room four.” Jeff corrected Yolanda. She nodded to him. “Fine, four it is. Jeff sends the shifts up there. I’ll stop in the armoury. Just make sure we have enough things. When I’m done there, I’ll drop off the requests for things I’ll need restocking.

Please make sure Lue gets it sent in. I don’t have time to babysit him. Please make sure he doesn’t forget to send it in. Must I deal with Fianna in the armoury? Again?”

“Soon, I’d recommend you make sure Aricka has enough security with three of the Hell Hounds working in other areas. Don’t want to mess it up with the pup’s security either. He’s very shifty these days since he’s realized he’s got his own mini pack.”

Yolanda rolled her eyes. “You’d have to remind me. I’ll get a schedule together while I’m working on the patrols. It’s never as simple as you think it will be. Fine guys, I will see you upstairs as soon as I can. Then we’ll introduce you to the others.” Yolanda ducked out of the office.

“Allan, will show the twins upstairs? I’d do it myself. But it would take me forever.” Jeff pointed to his crutches. Allan grumbled and waved the men on to follow him.

“Ian, come with us so you know where you’re going. I can walk back with you when I’m done.” Ian nodded and followed. He wanted to get his hands on several pieces from the armoury. Then he thought about it. No other armoury would ever match the Black Rivers. Not after what they had down there. This put a smile on his face. As he followed the others up the stairs in the main entrance.

The packhouse was far larger than he first thought. It looked like a simple layout. But there were corridors behind doors. The corridors extended back further into the packhouse. Allan explained they put the doors in place to make it difficult if they're attacked. The enemy would have a hard time following everyone. The doors were metal encased in the wood. He pointed out that not only had they wired the entire building for Wi-Fi, but they had taken extra precautions against natural accidents and magical attacks.

The conference rooms appeared to take up most of the second floor. There were guest rooms and the Alpha’s apartments on this floor. They were in the opposite wing. Jaxon asked where they stayed and Allan joked, they were in storage up in the attic on the third floor.

The conference room wasn’t large. Ian had seen larger. But it appeared kitted out for business. “Just make yourselves comfortable. It’ll be awhile before the people Jeff’s summoned to get here. Remember, you are the invaders in this pack. Even though none are the girl’s mates, they are protective of them. They’ll need to see you in action. They need to know you can toe the line. Whether you can stand side by side with them in times of trouble. It’s a pack thing and I can’t help with it. It would weaken your position. Now you must find your place here. They will accept those that prove they can help and work within the pack structure. Don’t let them push you around. But don’t push back too hard. Got it?”

The men nodded. They wondered how the hazing would work for this group. Ian’s mind wondered if it was worth it. Then he thought about Yolanda, and he’d try it.

“We understand. Thanks for the heads up. We’ll work it out somehow.” Hal put his laptop down on the table and gave Allan a lopsided grin. “See you later, Ian. Don’t take too long.”

Ian followed Allan out the door. Then back the way they’d come. “So what can we expect?

Some type of hazing ritual?”

“Oh, hells no. Learn to work with them. Earn their trust. You won’t be knee-deep. Nope, you’re going in neck-deep. You learn to doggie paddle with the wolves. Or die trying.”

“What a delightful image. I’m thinking that’s a lot of wet furs and there’s nothing strong enough to get that smell out of the carpet.” That hit Allan’s funny bone and had him laughing as they went in search of Edith and the mysterious excuse of a report.