Hammers in the Shadows

Part One: Shadows And Ice - Chapter Three

I moved towards Zane and grinned, "Zane I am going to miss our conversations, though sometimes you're so reticent you make me want to yank my own hair out. If this keeps up I'll be as bald as my father before I reach my first century,"

Zane gave me a good hug. Over the last two years we had formed a friendship. It was still somewhat standoffish for Zane though I could tell that he was working hard on dealing with it, "We are going to miss you and your family Mark. My junior wolves made some food for the drive and it is in a cooler in the back. I wish I could say see you soon but..." He gave me a wry smile as he shrugged.

Izzy came forward and gave Anna a good hug before giving their three kids a hug as well, "I enjoyed getting to know all of you and keep in touch. Our pups are going to miss you." The two were being little scamps and getting into everything. They were busy little pups and I could tell that occasionally they made her wonder if she was going to turn grey early. The old wolf and one of Shelly's pups from him were standing next to her. Her new wolf was a female who also refused to be named.

Tessa snickered at Izzy before she gave Anna and the kids a good hug. The others came forward as well and gave everyone hugs. Once they were done they moved back for the Alpha's to say goodbye.

"Hope you have a safe trip." Adam replied, giving each of those leaving a hug. As had become a common sight, Apollo was riding on Charlie's back. "You are all welcome to come back."

"Thank you, Adam, though I dare say that for the next few years Anna and I will probably have too much to do to be able to take you up on your offer." I replied as I returned his hug smiling at my friend. "I really did enjoy my time here, though I am looking forwards to getting home among my own kind again."

Brook smiled, as she had Tala in her arms. Even though she was only two, she was a troublemaker, and was always wanting to do things her way. Both Alphas were working hard at getting her to be more responsible, and while challenging some things was allowed, others would have to wait till she was older.

Anna chuckled from beside me, "Looks like you have your hands full Brook, enjoy the next few years." She stated with a smile, "Though I shouldn't laugh too much or the same thing will happen to me when I have my first cub." Her expression changed slightly before she stepped towards Brook, "I will miss you Brook, I will always remember your advice."

"Call us if you need advice, us young leaders need to work together to pull our groups to look forward to the future, not back at the past." Brook replied.

Zane snorted at Adam, "At least you haven't had to drag several 'old' Seconds to the circle to prove you are worth the rank. They look at me and even if it doesn't show some of the old guard mentally sneer." After the second or third time, other Seconds started taking him somewhat more seriously.

Adam grinned, "I had to do a few Alphas, but once I took out Alpha Night, they stood down, for the most part. That one had a reputation for taking out the challengers in nasty ways, and being a very hard fight, even for old-timers. The fights with the wolves in the Academy worked wonders to put the reputation out globally."

I nodded, "That Adam, and taking out that Vesanus... that would make any Alpha or Pride Leader sit up and take notice. My own Rogue kill was only a Class One... not anything like what you had to deal with." I said softly for a moment, trying to keep the memory at bay, "Anyways we're burning daylight, if we want to get to our next destination before noon we really should be going."

I looked over at Zane and could see a slight tightening around his eyes, even though he didn't show it much I knew that the mention of that damn rogue that had Turned him made his skin crawl. He had once told me that he and Beth were still working to deal with certain aspects. It was so much better than it had been even two years ago, but it was taking time.

Adam wrapped an arm around Zane, giving him a bit of a hug in comfort, as he nodded at me, "Yes, and let us know when you have anything finalized on the agreements."

I smiled at Adam from where I was standing in front of the driver's side door of the SUV, before I reached into my pocket and pulled a small box out, "Adam, you've always been a good friend to me, even before we were turned. In recognition of that fact I'd like to give this to you, I already asked and it has been approved. If you are ever in our neighbourhood you can come by and expect to be welcomed as one of our own." I held out the box that contained a small necklace and a single silver earing.

Adam nodded and held it up. "Thank you." He said, with much feeling, "If I have a chance, I will come see you, once you're settled."

I nodded before climbing into the vehicle and starting the engine before giving my friends a wave as I put it into gear, at the same time I knew that everyone else in the truck was waving to their friends and I knew that there were more than a few misted eyes as I pulled away and headed for the gate.

All right they're headed home now, I'd like to thank both maxd01 and Wolphin5 for the collaboration on this chapter.  I had some fun with this one but now it's time for my cats to go home and start the next stage of their life.

*****************************************************

I hope this version makes more sense, I got rid of a lot of the more confusing elements and cleaned things up a bit, and teased a couple things that happen later on while leaving out other things that don't need to be said.