Chapter 20: Part 1

Marcus escorted Amy downstairs so she could eat. He promised to stay with her until she was finished but then he had to leave and join Ivan.

"It's very important we find the person that killed Sinner, but it's more important that we figure out why. The attack was unprovoked and we need answers. I'm sorry to leave but I must investigate so I can keep us safe."

"I don't like being left behind, but I understand. I'll stay here with Alba and catch up on some sleep until you return. I feel as if all I've done is sleep today, but I'm tired and lethargic." Her husky voice betrayed the sleepiness she felt.

He took her hand and squeezed gently. "That's my fault. Giving blood is different for humans than for wolves. I got carried away and for that you have my apology."

"Accepted. Will you come to my room and get me when you return?"

"No, I want you sleeping in my bed while I'm away and I will happily kick Alba out when I return."

"Alba is pregnant and you are incredibly rude to her."

Marcus laughed, "Alba can take it."

Alba could hear their soft laughter as she waited in the kitchen. It sounded wonderful. She knew Marcus needed Amy in his life. They all needed Amy but her need was the most selfish. She tried to shake off the sadness of her feelings. Now was not the time.

Amy finished every last bite and understood how Ivan must feel. She ate twice her normal amount of food but wasn't ready to explode as she would have expected. "If I gain weight from this, we might need to find another solution. I hate diets."

"Your body needs the calories and it won't show one inch on your waistline although an inch or two would go completely unnoticed on you."

"You probably practiced that line on women before and you know it always works."

He laughed. It felt so good to sit here with her, making her laugh and having her scent surround him. He knew he had to leave, but it was incredibly hard when he wanted nothing more than to take her back to his room and spend the next few weeks locked away in her arms.

"I must leave. I cannot delay any longer."

He kissed her gently on the lips and he was gone.

Amy was expecting it, but his instantaneous disappearance was still startling. She didn't think she would ever get used to it. She went in search of Alba.

Alba, in wolf form, was sitting on a bench and eating out of a bowl at the wooden table in the kitchen. Part of Amy's sadness went away with the sight. She couldn't help the laugh that escaped.

Alba's indignation was evident in the words she sent through Amy's head, "Just because I'm a wolf, does not mean I must eat my food from the floor like a common animal."

"You're right and I'm sorry I laughed. Nothing should surprise me any longer. Don't let me stop you. It looks as if you are eating the same dinner I had."

"Yes, but it's easier in a bowl. I'll be happy when the pups are born and I can be in human form again. I'm getting too old to be pregnant and I'm very impatient."

"I guess I can understand that, but you don't appear old. I know nothing about pregnant wolves but you don't show. I don't see an extra ounce of weight on you. Who got you your dinner?"

"Philip, he does most of our cooking and he's very good at it. When we piss him off, he threatens to go to another pack, but he loves us, and we're sure he never would. He's just testy if his food is not eaten or the house gets messy. I need to find Philip a good woman."

"How many wolves are here now?"

"About twenty, they are taking turns on guard duty and if not guarding the grounds they are sleeping. They're on twelve hour shifts and will remain on high alert until we find out what's happening."

Alba finished her dinner and Amy told her she was sleeping in Marcus' room. "I will sleep outside the door so Marcus doesn't have to get rid of me when he returns. I like my comfort and I hope you will make me a softer bed than the carpet. I'll show you where the extra blankets are kept."

"No Alba, I can't make you sleep on the floor even with a blanket. Join me in Marcus' bed, he won't mind."

Alba laughed. "I don't want to offend you but I could not sleep on his bed if I wanted to. It will smell like you and Marcus and what you've been doing in the sheets. I can smell the love making essence on you also and I prefer to sleep in the hall."

"Well that's just great. If you can smell it so can the other wolves. What will they think?"

"They'll think Marcus got very lucky."

"Thanks that sure helped." But Amy laughed.

They left the kitchen and went through the dining room to the stairs. As they began their descent, they heard gunshots near the front door.

In an urgent voice Alba said, "We need to get back to the kitchen, there's a cellar and if we can get inside, you'll be safe."

Amy followed Alba as the wolf raced back. Just as they entered the room, a rifle stock was knocked through the glass on the back door and the door was thrown open.

Two men entered, both with large guns. The lead man raised his rifle and Alba growled as she got between the men and Amy.

"If you want to die wolf, keep coming." The man said as he pointed the rifle at Alba.

"Don't hurt her. What do you want?" Amy said in a panicked voice.

"Be very careful Amy, they are cats and our enemies." This was said in Amy's mind and she sent back a message.

"If they wanted us dead, they would have killed us as soon as they entered. They're talking and threatening for a reason."

Alba turned human and faced the men.

"Well hello Alba, I see you've decided to add to your pack. I guess I'll have more children of yours to choose from when I start killing them again."

Alba flew through the air as she changed back to wolf. She hit the man square in the chest, but he was ready and hit her in the side of the head with his rifle. She went down and the stock of the rifle connected once more with her head.

Amy tried to run to her, but the second man grabbed her and pulled her to a stop.

"We heard they had a human in the house. You're coming with us. I think you'll make a great bargaining chip with the wolf king.

His grip was punishing and she cried out. Alba didn't move. Amy was so afraid. She was worried for Alba and the babies. She could see blood pooling on the floor as it came from the side of Alba's head.

Alba's voice sounded faintly in her head, "I'm okay. You need to see if you can connect with Marcus. If you can achieve the link, he can save us. It's the only chance we have. It will help that you shared blood."